We are pleased to present Finding Happya book like no other, written with Harvard University psychologist Professor Ellen Langer and published by the Albatross Foundation as part of theUN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (health & well-being) and 4 (quality education).
In less than a year, with no initial budget or staff, but thanks to the kindness and time offered by over 40 volunteers from all backgrounds and all over the world, this project was born.
A book to learn how to be happy
Finding Happy is a 35-page illustrated book, and will soon be available to everyone:
- available in 8 languages, Braille and sign language,
- accompanied by a QR code at the back of the book giving access to the author’s digital twin: a benevolent artificial intelligence voice, called GaiaVoice, which extends the reading experience with activities and reflections on mindfulness.
This pilot project unites science, art and technology to teach children and adults to cultivate mindfulness, gratitude and simple joy.
A project launched at UNESCO
On October 21, 2025, Finding Happy was launched at an exceptional event atUNESCO in Paris.
The event brought together researchers, artists and educators to discuss a new model:
“the Respect & Goodwill Model .”
This model proposes a new way of collaborating based on trust, mutual recognition and shared impact, and could one day become the 18 ODD: “Respect & Goodwill for humanity and Beyond.”
A word from Professor Ellen Langer
“Happiness is not a goal, it’s a way of being mindful.
Every moment can become a discovery, if we learn to see it with fresh eyes.”
For over 40 years, Dr. Langer has studied Mindlessness/ Mindfulness in everyday situations where mindlessness is pervasive and very costly. Mindfulness (without meditation), on the other hand, has been shown to be literally and figuratively enlivening, and results in health, well-being, improved relationships, and Dr. Ellen Langer has been studying the mindlessness of ostensibly thoughtful action for over forty years, from everyday situations, to nursing homes, schools, and business, and has found that mindlessness is both pervasive and unnoticed. She has also proposed and tested an alternative cognitive process that she has shown to be relevant across multiple domains. She has termed this process “mindfulness,” but it should not be confused with meditation.
Together, let’s make joy grow
We believe that a simple book can open the way to a more conscious and benevolent world.
Thank you to everyone involved in this adventure – authors, volunteers, translators, teachers and readers – you are the ambassadors of shared joy.
Watch the Finding Happy speakers at the UNESCO launch 👉🏼 Youtube playlist
How to take part :
- Order the book on https://create2donate.org/
- Support the Albatross Foundation to donate books to schools, libraries and children with disabilities at https://www.helloasso.com/associations/albatross-fundation/collectes/finding-happy
- Discover “Mindful Heroes” games and related educational activities
Every purchase or donation contributes directly or indirectly to helping young people gain access to sustainable education in the arts, sciences and letters in disadvantaged areas. “Finding Happy” is more than a book – it’s a bridge between science, heart and imagination.
The Albatross Foundation would like to thank all the volunteers for their remarkable commitment, availability and energy. An e-certificate of recognition has been sent to thank you for your involvement.
