Happy Nation is based on two basic ideas

  1. Focussing on what makes us happy can bring us to greater heights of joy and fulfilment than focussing solely on the problems we wish to solve. This is the philosophy inherent in Positive Psychology.
  2. Happiness, like any other emotional state, is not an isolated phenomenon – it affects, and is affected by, the people around us. To reach fulfilment we must work towards enhancing the happiness of all, using love, compassion and gratitude. This social happiness philosophy is consistent with the principles of Deep Ecology.

Stephanie Hills has thirty years’ experience working with people in distress, both as a social worker and a counsellor.

A large part of her work has comprised using narrative and art therapy to help people move on from depression. While still helping people facing difficulties, Stephanie’s work has broadened to include the promotion and enhancement of individual and social happiness.

Using the principles of Positive Psychology and Deep Ecology, she assists individuals and groups to improve their functioning in various life spheres, taking into account the social, cultural, economic and environmental context of people’s lives.

  • It takes all sorts

    It’s Māori Language Week, so let’s consider the wisdom of a traditional Māori saying, or whakataukī: E koekoe te tūī, e ketekete te kākā, e kūkū te kererū. The tūī squawks, the kākā chatters, the kererū coos. This whakataukī refers to the wide diversity of forest birds.  It calls on us to understand that, just […]

  • The Spirit of Manaaki

    The Spirit of Manaaki. Maata, a Living Library of Māori Wisdom & Medicine Practices                                                                                  by Stephanie Mines This newly published book is both a tribute to Maata Wharehoka, respected kuia and leader based at Parihaka, and a compendium of Māori cultural knowledge and tikanga. At first, I found the format unsettling; it’s circular rather than […]

  • The joys of getting older…

    It’s the start of a brand-new day, and I’m off like a herd of turtles. * * * When I say, “The other day,” I could be referring to any time between yesterday and 15 years ago. * * * Age 60 might be the new 40, but 9:00 pm is the new midnight.

  • The Joy of Giving

    With Random Acts of Kindness Day coming up, it’s a good time to consider how satisfying it feels when we willingly use our own strengths or resources to brighten someone’s day. Ideas on the RAK web page include things like paying for a coffee for the person behind you, donating good clothes to charity, or […]

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  • Ara. A Māori Guidebook of the Mind

    Ara. A Māori Guidebook of the Mind       By Dr Hinemoa Elder This evocative book describes a metaphorical underground journey through a series of 23 caves, each of which represents an aspect of the mind. The author’s poetic portrayal takes us on a circular downward spiral, visiting various mental chambers, each offering supportive resources as we […]

Stephanie Hills

Promoting Individual and Social Happiness

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