author of Sacred Economics, Hazel Henderson, author of Ethical Markets, and Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz, recommends that eco- nomic policies aim to boost societal welfare, rather than GDP. All agree that a new indicator of well-being, such as the U.S. Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI), could be used to more accurately measure economic progress.


The Science of Happiness A respected “science of happiness,” pioneered by University of Illinois positive psychologist Edward Diener, Ph.D., dubbed Dr. Happiness, and other researchers, has existed for more than a decade. The study of what makes people happy and life fulfilling repeatedly demonstrates that the economic route to happiness does not consist of endlessly widening the superhighway of accumu- lation. Rather, it resides in a host of per- sonal values that are closer to our hearts, as illustrated by the Himalayan nation of Bhutan (population: about 700,000). For many years, Bhutan has mea- sured its general well-being—as the people themselves subjectively report


it—using a Gross National Happiness (GNH) index. Its government bases policy decisions on how they might effect the kind of happiness associated with contentment, family, community, spirituality, education, compatibility with nature and good physical health. After years of primary research, the Bhutanese have identified nine domains for assessing happiness: psychological well-being, physical health, time use (work-life balance), community vital- ity and social connection, education, cultural preservation and diversity, environmental sustainability, good governance and material well-being. In 2004, the first annual Internation- al Conference on Gross National Hap- piness was held in Bhutan. Hundreds of government representatives, scholars and other thought leaders from more than 40 nations gathered to explore the possibil- ity of making GNH the true indicator of a country’s health and quality of life. As of 2011, a non-binding resolution by the United Nations General Assembly urges that countries now measure their health and happiness, as well as wealth. Sixty- six countries backed it.


Tools to Navigate


the New Economy New Economics Foundation: The Great Transition NewEconomics.org Browse NewEconomics.org/sites/ neweconomics.org/files/Great_ Transition_0.pdf.


This independent think-and-do-tank inspires and demonstrates real eco- nomic well-being.


The Economics of Happiness: Building Genuine Wealth GenuineWealth.net


Author Mark Anielski maps how to measure genuine wealth and create flourishing economies grounded in people’s well-being.


Transition United States: Transition Towns TransitionUS.org


Participants in this vibrant, grassroots movement seek to build commu- nity resilience in the face of chal- lenges such as high oil prices, climate change and economic crises.


Sustainable Seattle: The Happiness Initiative SustainableSeattle.org


Founders provide tools to comprehen- sively assess well-being, involve citi- zens and inspire people, organizations and policymakers to take action.


World Café:


Real Conversations for a Better World TheWorldCafe.org


This application of powerful social technology helps engage people in conversations that matter, offer- ing an effective antidote to society’s fast-paced fragmentation and lack of connection.


We’ve had enough of the official mantra: Work more, enjoy less, pollute more, eat toxic foods and suffer illnesses, all for the sake of increasing the gross domestic product. Why not learn ways to work less and enjoy it more; spend more time with our friends and families; consume, pollute, destroy and owe less; and live better, longer and more meaningfully?


Living Economies Forum: Agenda for a New Economy: From Phantom Wealth to Real Wealth LivingEconomiesForum.org “The old economy of greed and domi- nation is dying. A new economy of life and partnership is struggling to be born. The outcome is ours to choose.” ~ Author David Korten


natural awakenings November 2011 37


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