Welcome to the latest Simply Solidarity newsletter, after an unplanned hiatus - these days it feels like I blink, and four weeks has disappeared!

Perhaps it's the level of Stuff Happening out there in the big bad world? There certainly seems to be no shortage of that, and it's appropriate to have a strong response.

Hurricane Isaias killed four, left hundreds of thousands without power in Florida. Palestinians are still being murdered by the IDF throughout the so-called 'ceasefire'. Fighting is worsening between the Yemeni government and rebel Houthis. The Pope has condemned the planned US live-streaming of the execution of a Palestinian-American. School attacks are happening in Poland and France. ICE still exists. Black people are being lynched across the US. Increasing numbers of police officers in the UK are being convicted of assault. The Tigray war is escalating. The climate crisis is escalating. The cost of living crisis is escalating.

It's a LOT.

And in the face of crisis, we're often taught to dig into the things that keep us going - to cling to what sparks joy.

Not a bad idea…in principal.

The issue is that the rest of our cultural teaching (i.e. that which is aimed at Pale People of Privilege) instructs that the source of this joy is that which brings us comfort, gives us intense pleasure, and is often something we can purchase (despite the absurd protestation that 'money doesn't buy happiness').

A quick search online for 'how to find happiness' gives a good indication of where the focus is: Eat a better diet; Do some exercise; Get enough sleep; Be more mindful; Be more grateful; Do some journaling; Try a pamper day; Plan a new experience; Spend more time with friends…

Self, self, self, self, self.

Even 'spend time with friends' is suggested in a way that focuses on extraction, rather than reciprocity.

We are almost exclusively advised that our happiness a) occurs when we give our mind and body positive experiences, and b) is probably available via an app.

Hyperindividualism - a term you've probably heard - may be the defining principle of recent decades, and it's easier to point out what's promoted it and why it's bad, than to admit we've been swept up in it.

With the explosion of social media and our increasingly anti-social self-centredness, we've become a people familiar with the process whereby 'fill your own cup' can evolve from empowerment to a movement to widespread criticism, spawning hashtags, thinkpieces and deluges of merchandise that may be sincere, ironic, or anything in between.

What do we even DO with that?

And with all the onus on commodified happiness, what does it mean to be…happy?

Most of us would like to believe we're (on balance) more good than bad. If we reflect on the attributes we believe to be objectively 'good' about ourselves, that might point us in a helpful direction.

Are we generous? Are we kind? Are we approachable? Are we accommodating? Are we considerate? Are we respectful? Do we believe in inalienable human rights? Do we put our principles into actions?

Once we've established ourselves through reflecting on and reconnecting with our core values, we can begin to see ways that more can be achieved if EVERYONE behaved with the same rationale.

And that's community.

That's a spark of joy that can light a fire under the hatred and injustice in this world, and start chasing it out.

To paraphrase John C. Maxwell - our success lies not in how far we can go, but in how many we can bring with us.

This week, my challenge to you is to reflect on your core values, and decide whether you're happy with yourself - because if you're not, no amount of stuff is going to make a difference.

Solidarity Spotlight

There are SO MANY pressing needs this week, that what I'd love for you to do, if you can, is find me on Bluesky and help promote the mutual aid posts I share there. My account is @hoydenspark.bsky.social

Likes, replies, and quote posts help most.

If that's not for you, please send this newsletter onwards to someone you'd like to encourage to come along with you as you seek deeper and more meaningful joy in life.