5 Happiness Traditions Of The World On Happiness Day

Yesterday was International Day of Happiness! We all search for happiness – nobody wants to suffer, yet we struggle with finding inner happiness. Travelling will always make you happy. And immersing yourself in new cultures will definitely make you happy! The above photo was taken on a visit to a township on the outskirts of Cape Town. Here are some happiness traditions from around the world that bring a lightness to life. What life lessons can you take from these?

1. Look death in the face

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Mexico

Death gives life meaning – it’s a celebration of life (watch the Disney movie Coco – I saw it on a flight to Ecuador). Children are taught not to fear death. What legacy do you want to leave behind? Are you living your purpose doing the things you love, that bring you joy and happiness? If not, now is a good time to re-evaluate. You can re-invent yourself in any moment.

2. Karma vs Cash

Gross National Happiness – Bhutan

That’s not Gross Domestic Product! Don’t measure your life by the things you acquire, they won’t matter on your deathbed. In 1972 King Wangchuck of Bhutan coined the phrase “Gross National Happiness” – your spiritual well-being should be prioritised over your possessions. Don’t become attached to your possessions – become attached to your mental wellness.

3. Building sandcastles

Buddhist sand mandalas – Tibet

We could all take a leaf out of Buddhist teachings about the transience of life. These intricate sand mandalas can take days to complete and when finished the creation is swept into an urn. Half of the sand is distributed among devotees, the rest washed away in the river. Accepting life is a constant change will bring you freedom of mind.

4. Let’s play!

Holi – Hindu Festival of Colours – India

Release your inner child and let rip with colour! We are so grown up doing grown up things, sometimes that 5 year old needs to come out! The festival is sometimes called the “festival of love” – letting go of past resentments. A bonfire is lit the night before to symbolise the triumph of good over the bad. On the day of Holi people pelt each other with water and colour powder. The vibrancy of colour signifying positivity and the onset of spring. Happy colourful times, what’s not to love!

5. And the award to the Happiest Country in the World 2019 goes to… drum roll… Finland!

Well they do have the Northern Lights, it’s home to Santa Claus and reindeers! And not forgetting the mixed naked saunas. Not a factor in the U.N’s World Happiness Report – but still, gotta mean something! Be comfortable in your body, love and accept all your wobbly bits.

If you don’t fancy moving to Finland – try and find a little bit of happiness every day. Introduce your own happiness traditions.

Travel Beyond The Ordinary!

Koser ♡