Originally published in the Huffington Post – April 1, 2013 What if April 1 was more than a day to do pranks on others; what if it was a reminder to laugh at ourselves? How many people deal with the pressure to be perfect? That can be a big burden that proves unsatisfying even when we get close to the “goal.” When people take themselves so seriously, they shut down a vital part of themselves. April Fools’ Day provides the … Continue reading
A year long journey of milestones for the “Kushi” project (Project Happiness) with adolescents, at Arpana Trust, New Delhi. Continue reading
When Randy Taran’s eldest daughter was a teenager, she approached her mother with a very serious concern: she was stressed out, and while she wanted to be happy, she didn’t know how. Taran, heartbroken and unsure of how to respond to or guide her daughter, first sought the guidance of experts and soon ended up as a visionary leader in the happiness movement. Her pain as a bewildered parent ultimately led her to found the Palo-Alto-based nonprofit Project Happiness which, … Continue reading
Have you ever received gifts that were fun in the moment but lost their allure almost as fast as you unwrapped the package? Material gifts may satisfy short-term desires, but it is the human connection that leaves a lasting impression. Instead of going to the store to buy Mom another bottle of perfume, think about creating a memory instead. Here are three easy ways: 1) The gift of experience A sure-fire happiness amplifier is to create a time when you … Continue reading
I have spent a ton of time lately thinking about how to find happiness in times like these. I think about all the different situations that surround so many people in my life. So how can you find happiness when: you’ve lost your job, you’ve lost your house, your child is dying, your child has an incurable condition, you have cancer, your parent just died of cancer, or you are getting divorced? Those are just some examples. How can you … Continue reading
From the Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/randy-taran/steps-to-happiness_b_957876.html Some people set New Year’s resolutions, but I find this season, as school starts again, to be a perfect time for new beginnings. Right now I am thinking of setting some intentions, and I invite you to do the same. As the autumn leaves fall, consider shedding old habits that no longer serve you. It’s a great time to focus on who you are and what practices will grow your happiness. What are the attitudes … Continue reading
We are thrilled to premiere the Project Happiness film at the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Theater tonight in San Rafael, California! Tonights presentation is sponsored by the California Film Institute and will include a Q&A with Project Happiness creator Randy Taran as well as some very special guests. We hope to see you there! You can still get tickets by visiting the California Film Institute’s web site or you can purchase them at the box office tonight. Here are all … Continue reading
From The Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/randy-taran/mothers-day-gifts-from-th_b_858350.html Have you ever received gifts that were fun in the moment but lost their allure almost as fast as you unwrapped the package? Material gifts may satisfy short-term desires, but it is the human connection that leaves a lasting impression. Instead of going to the store to buy Mom another bottle of perfume, think about creating a memory instead. Here are three easy ways: 1) The gift of experience A sure-fire happiness amplifier is to … Continue reading
Adversity is critical to growth and happiness for so many reasons. First, adversity provides variety in life. See, from a broader perspective, there really is no bad weather. There may be lots of clouds one day or no clouds at all, the sky may be gray or it may be a brilliant blue, the sun may be shining or it may be raining. But there are pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages, good things and bad things about all kinds … Continue reading
From the HuffingtonPost: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/randy-taran/self-compassion_b_832602.html Is it selfish to have compassion for yourself? On an airplane, you are asked to put the oxygen mask on yourself first, so that you can help other people. Self-compassion is like that too. If you don’t take care of yourself first, you won’t be fully equipped to help others. Doing a sport you love, enjoying nature, exploring your creativity or connecting with others are all paths to self-compassion. But let’s look under the surface. The … Continue reading
