In this turbulent era, marked by crises, wars, and conflicts, happiness seems to be taking a backseat, according to Trier happiness researcher Michaela Brohm-Badry. Instead, people are grappling with the stress these hardships bring, grappling with uncertainty and fear. "We're in the midst of a multiple crisis," she told German Press Agency, "with individuals struggling with their financial future due to rising costs, and global concerns over conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, coupled with the climate crisis."
Fiercely, Michaela insists we must not let the crises consume our minds. Instead, she urges us to focus on building confidence. By shifting our focus to what brings us security and tranquility, we can combat the negative drive that the crises tend to cultivate. Small acts of kindness and help, such as volunteering or supporting our communities, can help us persevere during these difficult times.
Modern life, in its blurred boundaries between digital and analog, work and personal life, has made it difficult to find moments of tranquility. Her role as a professor of Teaching and Learning Research at Trier University, she advises seeking those private retreats for ourselves—finding ways to create a buffer between our work and personal lives.
In Andrew Solomon's 'The Noonday Demon,' he raises the importance of joy as an act of resistance against the overwhelming challenges of the world. In this tumultuous era, finding moments of joy and connection can help build our resilience and foster prosocial behavior—be it volunteering, offering support, or simply lending a listening ear.
Focusing on our well-being extends beyond personal happiness. It involves recognizing that our well-being is linked to the well-being of our communities and the world at large. As Michaela notes, resilience is now a core value that means building a strong foundation by fostering personal growth, promoting physical activity, and focusing on our relationships.
This focus on resilience reflects a broader understanding of well-being that sees happiness as an integral aspect of the human experience—but not the only aspect. By cultivating resilience, we foster hope and adaptability, empowering ourselves to overcome the adversities that life throws our way.
After all, life presumably does not consist of mere routine, labor, and pleasure; but it also consists of waking up and going out into new and unknown regions and facing fresh and exciting challenges. Edward Abbey, in his book 'Desert Solitaire,' encapsulates this sentiment by urging us to not surrender to the tumultuous times but to stand and face the challenges with courage and resilience.
References: 1. Joy as an Act of Resistance: 2. Resilience as a Core Value: 3. Love, Compassion, and Care: 4. Community and Flexibility:
