Geography of Bliss: Mapping Out Your Happiest Place

             

In this brief life, we all desire happiness. However, the way each of us defines happiness may vary. Amidst the ups and downs of life, I came across a book by Eric Weiner on the recommendation of my senior. Upon hearing his explanation about the happiness of each country described in the book, I was immediately interested in reading it.

Eric Weiner's book, titled "The Geography of Bliss," tells the journey of Eric, a foreign correspondent for National Public Radio who enjoys grumbling, as he visits several countries in search of the meaning of happiness. The journey includes the countries Netherlands, Switzerland, Bhutan, Qatar, Iceland, Moldova, Thailand, the United Kingdom, India, and America. Each chapter tells the story of the search for happiness in each country. This book can be considered a map of happiness that not only provides geographical information but also contains information related to the happiness of each country.

The journey to find a place of joy is like the search for paradise. It is a place where we can enjoy life to the fullest. Some people need to go far to chase their happy place, while for others, their current places of residence bring them happiness. However, happiness does not mean the absence of suffering, as a life of constant pleasure can also become monotonous and unsatisfying.

From Eric's journey, if I were to choose a country that would suit me, it would be Iceland. A snow-covered country that doesn't receive sunlight all year round, unlike Indonesia, offers a kind of happiness that I had never considered before. Eric writes that the happiness of Icelanders lies in failure. It is a country that finds happiness in failure. But what Icelanders do is indeed different from most of us in dealing with failure.

Often, we think of failure as just seasoning in the journey of life. There are many motivational stories about how one's failures can be overcome and eventually lead to success. Yes! We only perceive failure as a sweetener for success. But for Icelanders, failure is the main course of life. Therefore, it's no wonder that Icelanders do what they believe they can do.

The journey to each country that Eric describes leaves its impression. I enjoyed understanding the happiness in countries that we may consider as suffering. For example, India, a country with a large population, high poverty rates, and, based on what I often read, poor sanitation, made me a bit sceptical about the happiness of that country. But India has its happiness. From India, I learned to be happy amidst suffering, to embrace the coexistence of two contrasting elements, and that it's okay. Like being happy amid misery, believing and not believing in something, and perhaps I can try to be both optimistic and pessimistic.

Moldova, a country that I don't know much about except that it was a former Soviet republic, lives with a significantly lower level of prosperity compared to its time under the Soviet Union. But from Moldova, I learned to appreciate small moments of good fortune. Until now, I thought that something would only bring happiness if it came in large quantities, like the "lottery" victory that turned the desert nation of Qatar into an oil tycoon overnight. But it turns out that happiness often emerges from small strokes of luck. It can be like getting a seat on a train because a passenger got off, finding 20,000 rupiah in a bag where we didn't expect to have any money, or discovering that a professor cancelled an exam due to forgetfulness. Happiness is a collection of small blessings/fortunes.

Now, after finishing the book, I reflect on whether I have been happy during my 22 years of life. However, what comes to mind is that regardless of my circumstances, no matter how happy they may be. I can make myself happy. I can develop my definition of happiness, just like the town of Slough that strives to make it happy. I can start smiling more sincerely, not overthinking, and soothing myself by saying "mai pen lai" (it's okay) like the people of Thailand. I can also try to consider what I have and what I've lost in my grasp, realizing that success or failure is not a monumental issue like in Bhutan. I won't meddle in other people's affairs like the Swiss. I will think like the people of Iceland, believing that I can do whatever I think I can.

The end of the book holds a special meaning for me, reminding me of collective happiness according to Karma Ura in Bhutan. Eric concludes that happiness is not a verb or a noun. It is a conjunction. It connects us with our family, friends, and the people around us who are related to us. Happiness is the network of relationships we have with those around us.

So, on a scale of 1 to 10, what is your level of happiness?