The Happiness Project
Science speaks, happiness is no longer something to place on the back burner. Prioritizing happiness makes us healthier, more productive individuals. In the "Happiness Project" I explore what truly makes one happy. Summer 2017, I found myself in a unique situation where I was immersed in a community of individuals from around the globe. Some of these individuals I have known for years, but the majority of the people had just entered my life. I am curious as to the situations and settings that make one happy, so I asked members of my community to describe a time when they felt blissfully happy. Since that summer I have continued asking new people I meet from traveling the simple question, "When are you most happy?"
Chen// Chen Schffer
*photographed above
born and raised: Netanya, Israel
So I love to explore some places in nature, isolate, peaceful, water, sitting on the grass drinking green tea and hula hoop next to feet because we just hooped. some of my grandmas’s snacks . I was with my friend, my “nature buddy”. I think I am happy when I am comfortable with my friends and dancing.
Jenna// Jenna Reis
Rooted in Cincinnati, OH
In the crispy cold waterfalls in Ashevile Connor and I were together.
Roman
From Cleveland, Ohio
I recently got back from a canoeing trip in Arkansas to be trained to be a trip leader. This trip was full with nature’s humbling scenery, obstacles, and, most importantly, kinship.
After crushing our 90 mike trek down the Buffalo River, we had to portage our canoes up a hill to our bus. Once all of the canoes were up, my buddy Frank looked at me with devious eyes. He started taking his shirt and shoes off and said let’s go for a swim. We proceeded to race back down the hill laughing the whole time finally being swallowed up in the beautiful river’s current. In that moment, pure joy and laughter came over us. We looked at each other, smiled and shared a hug during this moment underneath the Arkansas sun.
Reflecting on this I discovered the world is full with bountiful experiences to be had, but no experience is more fulfilling than one that you complete with your friends, one with a genuine sense of comradery. The sharing of an experience with others is something that can never be taken from that group of people. In this moment, I reached the core of who I am as a person and let loose; laughing and running as hard as I could without any worries or second thoughts crossing my mind. Simply being myself and sharing a beautiful moment with my friend.
This is my bliss, this is my happiness.
Aristotle
Originally from Planet Earth. Born: Benin, Africa. Currently: Paris, France.
When I feel happiest is when I don't ask myself if I feel.
It is like breathing. I just sense it.
To feel lucky enough to experience whatever happens.
I also feel happy when learning from others, doing stupid things that make me laugh, having ideas that make me wonder how I can make them happen, and tasting nice foods.
Lauren// Lauren Millington
Born and raised: New Zealand
Happiest when eating chocolate with people
Hadas// Hadas Silver
born and raised: Netanya, Israel
I feel happy when I am surrounded with people I love and people who make me feel loved. I am even happier when that happens when I am home. I felt blissfully happy on my birthday when I went out with my family and extended family and I felt so lucky to have them in my life, and I just felt so happy.
Carmel// Carmel David
born and raised: Netanya, Israel
I feel happy after I workout. I have been away from home for a long time and I when I listened to my childhood songs dance and sing with my friends I feel happy.