Laura Collacott contemplates how career fits into the Happiness philosophy.

The Happy City philosophy can be a slippery fish. It’s not idealistic – there are clear advantages and practical applications – but it can be hard at first glance to understand how ‘happiness economics’ can walk in step with the financial realities of normal life.

By Hannah Stuart-Leach 

When I first tried yoga, about three years ago, I was working long hours in an office and felt perpetually tired and stressed. I didn’t think I had time for socialising or to do hobbies I already had, let alone take up a new activity. A friend recommended I try yoga - “You don’t have time not to do it”, they said. I thought they were talking rubbish, frankly, but keen to get out of a rut I thought I might as well give it a go. 

By Laura Collacott

By Laura Collacott

By Annabel Reddick & Mike Zeidler

Ask anyone what they would like most for their children and most will say they want them to be healthy and happy. Bristol’s first mayoral election gives us a unique platform to ask candidates to build happiness into their plans, and Bristol Manifesto’s Three Wishes campaign is an opportunity to do just that.

If you'd like to bring an activity to the Happy City Zone of the Harbour Festival (21-22 July 2012) and be part of this incredible crowd sourced event, here's what you need to know.

We’re a long way from organised, but we’ve got enough great activities shaping up now to feel pretty confident the Amphitheatre will be good and busy!

Had a great day today with thirteen volunteers in full flight.  The film crew managed to produce the first short film (watch out for release tomorrow).  From a blank sheet at the beginning of the day, we've now confirmed the first six activities which will be there:

Creation Station, EcoJam, A Bristol Manifesto, ResourceSaver, Puppet making and See Bristol Happy.

Of course we made a lot of other calls and connections, but we think it's best not to tempt fate and report anything that's not a done deal...

We reckon the new school year feels almost more new year-ish than new year…and we’re really confident that 2011/12 is going to be extraordinary for all of us!