Sangha of Auspicious Companions

Why Some Countries Are Happier Than Their Wealth Suggests

The World Happiness Report that ranks countries by “happiness” is published each year, and often sparks “national pride, disappointment, debate, or even competition.” Some question the report’s data collection and economic focus. Another study, wealth-adjusted life satisfaction (WALS) finds different results that suggest too much emphasis on a country’s wealth. “Certain low-income countries are remarkably efficient at generating happiness, while certain wealthy countries underperform relative to their resources.” The study identified other important drivers such as “job quality, a sense of personal freedom, strong social connections, and positive emotional experiences” as ways to transform prosperity into well-being. “Ultimately, building societies that prioritize the wise use of resources for human well-being may be the clearest path toward a more hopeful and humane future.”

Be The Change

Pause to appreciate the different aspects of life with which you feel happy and experience a sense of well-being.

Moonlit Poetry Behind Bars

Ekiwah Adler Beléndez shares the poignant experience of delivering poetry in a high-security prison in Mexico. Invited by a dedicated social worker named Berenice, whose heroism lies in humanizing prison life, Ekiwah ventures into a world where inmates with disabilities assemble to hear his words. In the process, he discovers an unexpected camaraderie and a shared humanity. The real magic unfolds as vivid words of hope and humor transcend the confinement, with poetry becoming a luminous key unlocking moments of joy amidst hardship. “The moon can… make you rich without anybody knowing,” he recites, realizing the moon’s keys unlock doors to their imagination. What began as an act of service evolves into a profound personal transformation, as the power of poetry bridges gaps and ignites hope.

Be The Change

Organize a poetry reading in a local community center or nursing home to share the light of hope and joy that words can bring. For more inspiration, join a live conversation with the author this weekend!

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This Week’s DailyGood Digest

This week, stories of unexpected hope and resilience wove a tapestry of transformation, leaving a gentle mark on the heart.

In an inspiring farewell, Jane Goodall’s legacy leaves behind hope, urging us to engage with the world courageously and transform despair into action. In Iran, three Afghan sisters find sanctuary in karate, empowering young girls to discover strength and identity beyond borders. Meanwhile, in Assam, Prabhat Saikia crafts dreams from bamboo, elevating local craft to global heights, each creation a testament to innovation and cultural pride. Across ancient Arabian lands, camel carvings emerge as timeless guides, whispering stories of survival and cultural identity etched in stone. In Jaipur, Dol Ka Badh stands as a forest of resistance, where children and adults fight to preserve a living sanctuary, echoing their commitment to the natural world. In South Africa, Blind Cricket redefines inclusion, as visually impaired athletes challenge perceptions by transforming the game into a symphony of sound and teamwork. Finally, Sarah Ezekiel’s voice returns from a VHS tape, where technology and love converge to reclaim her identity, proving that innovation can echo resilience and renew the essence of self.

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James Webb Space Telescope’s First Look at an Atmosphere on Habitable Zone Exoplanet

Astronomers are excited about new findings that may indicate habitable conditions beyond Earth. “We currently search for life not by looking for it, but looking for what it does: compounds linked with metabolism, for instance. In that sense, an atmosphere is a vital signal to hone in on when looking for evidence for metabolism.” New readings from the James Webb Space Telescope transmit data that tell astronomers what chemicals are found on a planet’s atmosphere. TRAPPIST-1e is the name of an area that “has long been considered one of the best habitable zone planets to search for an atmosphere.” Researchers look forward to the possibility of many more transmissions and data. One said, “In the coming years we will go from four JWST observations of TRAPPIST-1e to nearly twenty, we finally have the telescope and tools to search for habitable conditions in other star systems, which makes today one of the most exciting times for astronomy.”

Be The Change

Pause to gaze at the night sky, and check out some of the amazing photography from the James Webb telescope.

This Mumbai Couple Is Crafting Furniture From Mushrooms

At a time when most furniture is made from fiberboard, laminates, and plastics that end up in landfills, Bhakti Loonawat and Suyash Sawant, founders of Anomalia, are growing furniture from mycelium that is totally biodegradable. They incorporate agricultural waste with the mycelium to create stools, tables, shelves, or partitions. “Farmers often burn agricultural residues, worsening air pollution. Instead, we repurpose that waste into something valuable. It’s a win-win.” Other uses now include vegan alternatives to leather in fashion, seating, and upholstery. They even dream of growing entire houses from fungi. “They hold a simple yet radical belief: materials should live their purpose and then return to the soil. As they put it, sustainability begins at home — in what we choose to use and what we choose to grow.”

Be The Change

Make it a conscious habit to choose biodegradable or compostable products.

Scotland’s Tiny Forest Revolution

Picture this: a ‘wee forest’ that transforms urban Scotland, sprouting hope and greenery in tennis court-sized plots. Schoolchildren get their hands dirty, learning why “a hedge matters,” and how tiny forests, inspired by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, become biodiversity havens for butterflies and bees. These mini forests, cramped with 600 trees, thrive on speed to make a difference — maturing in 10 years instead of 100. The movement is gaining traction. Beyond carbon absorption, they offer cooler microclimates, flood protection, and a playground for curious minds. Could your city be next on the list?

Be The Change

Plant a small native tree or a handful of native plants in your community and watch it become a mini oasis for local wildlife.

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Unlocking Connection: Asking Right Questions

Could 14 carefully crafted questions change the way your children feel loved? In a heartwarming experiment, psychologists discovered that when parents engaged their 8 to 13-year-olds with deep and meaningful questions, rather than the usual chit-chat, the children felt more loved and supported. This “fast-friends procedure”, originally a method for budding closeness between adults, found new life in nurturing familial bonds. It’s not just about asking questions, but adopting “a position of equality and trust,” encouraging genuine self-disclosure. The ripple effect of these connections, as shown in numerous studies, could bridge gaps between diverse groups, reduce prejudices, and strengthen existing relationships.

Be The Change

Initiate a deep conversation with someone close to you by asking a meaningful question and encourage them to ask you one in return.