Happy tweets
March 20 is the UN International Day of Happiness. As I wrote last year, it’s all about spreading the message of happiness and kindness (and I had some inspiration from a kind friend to do so!) The day is designated by the United Nations to recognize “progress should be about increasing human happiness and wellbeing, not just growing the economy.”
I continue to enjoy the daily little nudges from the Action for Happiness app to remind me of ways to be happy everyday. Today’s message is “Celebrate the International Day of Happiness“. So happy International Day of Happiness!
One topic that comes up frequently in the daily nudges relates to the uplifting effects of nature. For example, this month there are reminders to “Pause to just watch the sky or clouds for a few minutes today” and “Appreciate nature around you, wherever you are”. So it did not surprise me when I heard about a German study on the radio this week. The European study (Biological diversity evokes happiness) found that being around birds, many different species of birds, can make us happy. It even puts a monetary value on this increased happiness – it’s equivalent to an extra 124 Euros a month.
You don’t have to go too far to hear the birds chirping these days. I’ve heard the shrill call of cardinals from the trees and the musical tweets of red winged blackbirds in the marshes nearby. My avian knowledge is sparse, so after those two birds I will simply say I hear a whole bunch of tweets, whoops and shrieks … from other types of birds.
These high pitched tweets are in contrast to the deep honking of larger feathered friends. Last week, I visited LaSalle Park with my Mom and we had front row seats to the Trumpeter Swan show. Like an orchestra tuning up, the low and lumpy notes of the brass section fluttered across the bay. It may only be a one-piece orchestra (unless you count the few quacks sprinkled in from the ducks) but hey, it’s the best live music I’ve seen all year. Listen for a few moments and it’s clear how Trumpeter Swans got their name. There is a large cluster of these majestic swans at LaSalle Park thanks to the Swan Restoration Project that has saved the species from the brink of extinction. A quarter of all Trumpeter Swans in Ontario winter at LaSalle Park, an ideal shelter from the cold winds tucked into Hamilton Harbour.
A couple days after my visit to LaSalle Park, I was out walking Caramel when I heard a nattering of birds. There was no movement in the trees so I looked up to the bright blue sky. The boisterous chatter was coming from a V-formation of large white birds. I counted about 2 dozen. It took me a moment to realize I was looking at swans. I’m used to hoards of geese flying overhead in unison, but not swans. This was a first for me. I watched the swans gracefully fly in sync. As the sun reflected off their white feathers they lite up in the sky like a string of fairy lights. I kid you not.
An orchestra and a light show. A double happiness boost.
Whether it’s listening to the birds, classic 80s tunes, or a favourite podcast (The Happiness Lab by Yale professor Dr Laurie Santos is one of mine), I hope you take some time today to do whatever it is that makes you happy on this International Day of Happiness.
Happier • Kinder • Together
https://www.dayofhappiness.net/
