Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions.
Dalai Lama
Since 2013, International Day of Happiness has been celebrated every March 20. Initiated by the United Nations “to recognise the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world,” it reminds us that we can actively participate in our own—and others’— wellbeing by engaging in practices that cultivate happiness.
While it is important to acknowledge the significance of happiness, it’s understandable to feel like happiness is a far-flung notion or at odds with our current situation. We know that there are also many circumstances beyond our control that can cause suffering. Happiness Day encourages us to consider how we respond to difficult moments in our lives, which can benefit the wellbeing of ourselves and our community. Despite the demands, hardships, and pressure that many of us can feel, happiness and challenging circumstances can co-exist. We can choose to foster happiness intentionally, in meaningful and sustainable ways.
Happiness Reflected: Creative Expressions
In observance of International Day of Happiness, the University of Alberta Days of Action committee invites members of the University of Alberta community to contribute to the second annual Happiness Reflected: Creative Expressions by submitting original creative works that reflect their experience of happiness. (Experience last year’s Happiness Reflected podcast and chapbook.)
Your submission can be in any textual, visual or audio representation, and in any language. It does not need to be new or current work. Up to 20 submissions will be selected and shared back to the U of A Community via several avenues of broadcast and/or publication, as yet to be determined, but possibly including:
- A print or digital publication for general distribution
- Posters displayed across all campuses
- A limited podcast series or exhibit/sound installation
We intend for the collection of creative works to reflect the diversity of thought, voice, and experience of happiness and its tensions. The selection of creative works will shape the project and determine the broadcast/publication outcomes.
Information and Submission form:
- Click here for more information about submitting to this project.
- Questions? Contact us at uaaction@ualberta.ca.
- Si vous voulez soumettre en français, s’il vous plaît cliquer ici.
Deadline for submission is Jan 14, 2024.