Searching for Happiness -- a New Movement in America

MILWAUKEE, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- What makes us happy? Is there a specific formula for happiness? Do kids, marriage and money equate to a greater level of contentment? Are there scientifically proven principles regarding happiness that we can study, learn and practice? Do we live in a world that values and promotes happiness and well-being? Are we in the midst of a happiness revolution?

These are some of the questions researchers are studying in a relatively new field called Positive Psychology. Positive Psychology is the study of human thriving, an examination of how ordinary people can become happier and more fulfilled. This new scientific field attempts to understand those aspects of the human experience that make life worth living. The field's recent findings suggest an individual's actions can have a significant effect on happiness and satisfaction with one's life, which is good news for all of us.

A new film, HAPPY, directed by Academy Award® nominated director Roko Belic, sets out to answer these questions and more by exploring the secrets behind our most valued emotion ... happiness. HAPPY, scheduled to be featured at this year's Milwaukee Film Festival (Sept. 22-Oct. 2), combines cutting-edge science from the field of Positive Psychology with real-life stories of people from around the world whose lives illustrate these findings.  

The HAPPY movie is part of the 2011 Milwaukee Film Festival. Movie times and locations:

• September 24, 2011; 2:30 p.m.; Downer Theatre
• September 26, 2011; 9:45 p.m.; North Shore Theatre
• September 29, 2011; 7:30 p.m.; Oriental Theatre
• October 2, 2011; 5:15 p.m.; Ridge Cinema

For more information about the 2011 Milwaukee Film Festival and tickets, please visit: http://www.milwaukee-film.org/festival.

A free Positive Psychology panel discussion is being held at Boswell Books on September, 24, 2011; 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. The panelists will include Dr. Ed de St. Aubin, psychology professor at Marquette University, and Dr. Judy Krings, practitioner of Positive Psychology as well as a clinical psychologist and Milwaukee public policy official. The discussion will touch on the background of Positive Psychology and explain further this new movement of happiness.

The movie is sponsored by Hapacus™, a grassroots educational program based in Milwaukee that teaches the true principles of happiness.  

"We developed the Hapacus program to provide an organized method of learning happiness principles based on the findings of Positive Psychology," says Bob Pothier, entrepreneur and Hapacus founder. Pothier, along with Positive Psychologists around the world, believe that happiness can be taught and learned. "Studies have shown that happy people live longer, are healthier, and have better relationships," according to Pothier.  

Hapacus has a world-renowned Advisory Board including some of the leading Positive Psychology and mental health experts such as Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, author of The How of Happiness and featured in the movie HAPPY.  

Classes are scheduled to begin in 2012; however, the movement is gaining momentum now. Pothier emphasizes, "The current financial crisis and high unemployment have left people feeling more disconnected than ever before. As a result it is even more important to learn these important principles and re-focus your energy on being positive and happy. If you invite your friends, family and community to join the movement - then everyone wins!"

About Hapacus™

Hapacus is the only grassroots educational program dedicated to teaching and training people the true principles of happiness. Based on the research and findings of Positive Psychology, the Hapacus program is a life-changing opportunity that provides individuals a new way of thinking, a clear and direct path to greater happiness, and the opportunity of living a more fulfilled life. The program includes a series of 4 weekly courses taught in an interactive and supportive environment made up of family and friends. The coursework adapts to any belief and/or value system and brings meaning and purpose to people's lives. Hapacus is part of a larger movement focused on giving back to local communities and bringing greater happiness and positive energy into the world.  

For more information about Hapacus, please visit http://www.hapacus.com

For more information about the movie, HAPPY, please visit http://www.thehappymovie.com

Press Contact:

Robert Pothier
PR/Marketing
Phone: 414.975.1711
[email protected]

SOURCE Hapacus