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.

  • Social media and wellbeing

    This year the World Happiness Report focussed on social media. They found that when young people gave up social media for a month, their wellbeing improved. Deactivated users were happier, more satisfied with their lives, less anxious and less depressed. In short: giving up social media made them happier. It’s not that simple, though. When […]

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  • The Great Upshift

    The Great Upshift. Humanity’s Coming Advance Toward Peace and Harmony on the Planet by Ervin Laszlo and David Lorimer  This collection of essays by 32 prominent scientists and thinkers holds the promise that the multiple crises we face in today’s world will not end in ruin. Rather, the very problems we face will lead to […]

  • Silly moments

    I want to get rid of my collection of glove-puppets. Any offer accepted. I just want them off my hands. * * * * I’ve just retired from my job as a plasterer. They presented me with a silver trowel engraved with the words; “For surfaces rendered.” * * * * When I first heard Julie […]

  • How can I be happy when the world is in flames?

    Global instability reminds us that we are all connected. Devastating faraway events have local effects, such as rising prices. Naturally, we have feelings about it; perhaps anger or despair. Happiness seems inappropriate. It seems cruel to be happy when others are suffering, and naïve not to focus on our own impending losses. In our relatively […]

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  • The Living Language of Water

    The Living Language of Water by Veda Austin Veda Austin captures the way water responds to the influences around it. Using a simple freezing technique, she photographs its symmetrical patterns, and the pictures it forms that echo photos the water has been exposed to. She shows how water responds to the emotions of people who […]

Stephanie Hills

Promoting Individual and Social Happiness

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