March 20 is International Day of Happiness. The number one thing that makes the most people happy is feeling connected to other people. So, small groups all over the world are getting together for casual Happiness dinners. Join the celebration by calling a few friends and following these simple guidelines:
Happiness Dinner Guidelines 2017
These guidelines are meant to help stimulate good conversation.
ABOVE ALL, practice good listening, compassion and curiosity.
There are no wrong answers. Use your judgment. Be flexible. Enjoy!
- Declare a start to the happiness conversation. Take a few moments of silence to reflect on a time when you were content, happy, at peace.
- Identify a facilitator, note-taker and a volunteer to email your discussion summary and photos with ‘Serious about Happiness’ signs (make ahead of time) to info@gnhusa.org
- Share a few words each in a round about factors that contribute to one’s happiness or contentment. Remember: just listen; avoid comments or discussion.
- Pose one question at a time and invite reflections in a round or “popcorn” style. Once everyone who wants to speak has spoken, move on to the next question.
1) What matters most in life? (It’s okay if there are different interpretations to the question.)
2) What could you do in your personal life or in your community to increase that?
Group Discussion:
3) What ‘values’ have been expressed during your conversation?
4) GNHUSA (Gross National Happiness USA) has conducted interviews across the country and found we mostly have common values. What is a compassionate response with people who express views different from yours?
Have fun!