Introduction

Happiness and well-being are closely related concepts. While happiness is a fleeting emotion often dependent on external circumstances, well-being is a more holistic, long-lasting state encompassing physical, mental, and emotional health. True well-being is achieved through a combination of factors, including a sense of purpose, good relationships, and spirituality or gratitude. We are aware that life is hard sometimes, and that in some regions of the world, people are simply trying to survive, so happiness may sound cynical. The Commission doesn’t expect people to be happy all the time. However, to overcome the bitter days, we must strengthen our resilience. We can learn to be grateful and welcome the smallest things. We can build friendships and listen to each other. We see our role as showing others how to create happiness through community and personal growth.

Objectives

Jim Morrow: “I see the Happiness Commission as a space for listening with our ears, smiling with our eyes, validating with our voices, and embracing with our arms, all those who seek connection, without prejudice.”
Oriwa Morgan Ward: “What I value most in the Happiness Commission is our commitment to creating spaces of genuine connection—where listening, creativity, and cultural expression come together to nurture well-being and community.”
Teng Teng La: “To promote joy, connection, and well-being through the art of puppetry / among puppet lovers. We believe in the transformative power of play, laughter, and shared stories to uplift individuals and communities worldwide. By fostering self-care, empathy, mindful engagement and creativity, we strive to bring a little more happiness to the world.”

Programme and Activities

We would like to invite UNIMA members to participate in a new format of open sessions with the working title “Puppet Pals.” The aim is to build connections through active listening and create a neutral space for inclusive dialogue. There are still many unanswered questions about how to organize it, such as language, the number of participants, and breakout rooms etc. The commission agreed to continue developing this idea and allow it to evolve naturally. The first “Puppet Pals” open session could take place in November.
We will develop relaxing and joyful formats for the next Council and Congress meetings. For example, yoga, meditation, energy work such as sound healing, stretching, tai chi, drum sessions, etc.
The first activity will take place in Charleville-Mézières on September 26th. Together with the Future Commission, we will organize the UNIMA Apéro, a party to build friendships with stop dance and deep talk.
Singing is pure happiness! We want to start a UNIMA choir. First, we will call for composers and lyricists, and then we will invite UNIMA members to join the choir. The song might be performed at the 2029 Congress.
We might also investigate the most common physical problems experienced by puppeteers and compile a list of tips from experts on how to counter these problems. This could take the form of video tutorials. These tutorials could show exercises to relax shoulders, arms and back, exercises for overcoming stage fright and improving sleep before premieres or grounding yourself after long journeys and stressful events. We can share the tutorials on the UNIMA YouTube channel, as well as on social media and through the geographical commissions.

Final Note: The Happiness Commission emphasizes the importance of keeping the process fluid, noting that the commission is still in the early stages of establishing its structure and goals.