28 Jan Can you measure happiness?

Sustainable Seattle thinks so.  In association with Take Back Your Time and the Compassionate Action Network, it is releasing the first comprehensive survey of happiness in this region, as part of the Seattle Area Happiness Initiative (SAHI).   The survey is now online at:  www.sustainableseattle.org for anyone to take.

“You get what you measure,” says Seattle City Councilmember Mike O’Brien.  “For too long we’ve measured the wrong things—Gross Domestic Product doesn’t tell us whether we have a good quality of life or a sustainable society.  This survey, which includes nine domains of well-being, not just income, is a good way to start measuring the important things we care about, so we can actually achieve them.”

Anyone who takes the survey will receive an immediate evaluation of personal well-being for each of the nine domains of happiness identified by international researchers:

1. psychological well-being
2. physical health
3. time balance
4. education
5. cultural vitality and access
6. social connection
7. good government
8. environmental quality and access to nature
9. and material well-being.
10. [Editor’s sarcastic add-in: parking rates and availability, perhaps?]

The survey takes a holistic approach to well-being and asks poignant questions that allow reflection and insight.   “It takes a while to complete (20-30 minutes) because it’s comprehensive,” says John de Graaf, Executive Director of Take Back Your Time (www.timeday.org).  “But you’ll find it’s worth the time because it really makes you think about your life and how to improve it. ”

More information on the entire project, which will provide a model for other cities around the country and the world, can be found at www.sustainableseattle.org/sahi.

Email: happy@sustainableseattle.org
Twitter: twitter.com/sustainseattle
Newsletter at www.sustainableseattle.org