What makes you happy? What is true happiness. Is it a place, a way of life, a person? Can happiness be constant or is it just as fleeing as every other emotion. How do you measure an emotion that is ignited in a million different ways. What better way to understand what makes a person or a culture happy, than to completely immerse ourselves in the very things that create their joy. Chasing Bliss seeks to find a way to reconnect people, religions, and ethnicities.
Together with Paulino, we explore the world in search of compassion, kindness, love, and understanding peoples intimate experiences of bliss. Through conversation, tradition, food, music, and history this show highlights the similarities between distant cultures, while teaching us to value and understand the beauty in each other's differences.
Much like art, happiness can mean a million different things to a million different people. Chasing Bliss is going to experience the daily lives of the happiest people, and embraces the cultures in the happiest places. Chasing Bliss is an adventure to find joy in all its different forms.
Educating people about the importance of happiness is crucial. It touches on personal well-being, societal health, and even economic productivity.
Happiness is not just about making individuals happier, it is about building healthier, more productive, and cohesive societies. Happiness emphasizes the interconnectedness of personal well-being, social relationships, and societal health, highlighting that happiness is not just a personal goal but a collective one.
Happiness is linked to a range of health benefits, including a stronger immune system, lower stress levels, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases. By prioritizing happiness and the importance of gratitude, individuals may adopt healthier lifestyles and attitudes that contribute to longer healthier lives.
Happier individuals are more productive and creative. They can contribute to more effective and innovative workplaces. Happy employees tend to be more engaged and willing to go the extra mile, which benefits both the individuals and the organizations they work for.
On a larger scale, a focus on happiness can lead to societal changes that prioritize well-being over material success. This can influence policy decisions, corporate strategies, and cultural norms, leading to a society that values and cultivates happiness.
Incorporating happiness education into the K-12 learning curriculum can help children recognize and cultivate emotions in various aspects of life. Happier children are more engaged and motivated. A happy mindset transforms challenges into opportunities for growth and foster better focus and academic performance.
Paulino Duran is an avid explorer who has travelled the world looking for experiences that highlight the uniqueness of each culture he has immerses himself in. After working as a host and actor for over 30 years in the industry, including a travel show for PBS, Paulino's love for directing combined with his hunger for travel is what inspired his newest project, Chasing Bliss. Follow along as he searches to find the root of happiness, the source of meaning and the epicenter of love, all while showcasing the infinite beauty this world has to offer.
Ranked high among global quality of life surveys, in this episode Paulino immerses in the unparalleled timeless allure of Vienna, Austria. Here, he delves into the pursuit of contentment in a city celebrated for seamlessly intertwining rich cultural heritage with a unique blend of traditions and contemporary life 'In Perfect Time.' Characterized by a deep appreciation for culture, a commitment to social welfare and quality of life, Viennese society highly values a collective mindset deeply rooted in the city's history and lifestyle. As we meander along manicured streets, explore lavish palaces and indulge in delicious pastries at historic cafes, Paulino unveils how Vienna's rich cultural heritage harmonizes with its vibrant present. From the renowned Vienna Opera to the melodies of street musicians resonating through city squares, Chasing Bliss in Vienna promises a symphony of experiences, leaving you enchanted by this city's impeccable sense of timing.
Chasing Bliss transports viewers to the heart of spirited Italy, capturing the essence of "la dolce vita" - the sweet life, a mindset deeply rooted in Italy's rich cultural heritage, craftsmanship, lifestyle, and traditions. In this episode, the journey unfolds through the captivating cities of Rome, Florence, Venice, and breathtaking landscapes of Sicily. Against a backdrop of ancient ruins, Renaissance art, picturesque canals and Mediterranean shores, viewers will be swept away by the distinctly Italian way of life, where every moment is a ritual, a celebration of passion, pleasure, and the pure joy of living. Paulino delves into the romantic notion that Italians embrace the “present” with a fervor unmatched, savoring each sip of espresso, every bite of fresh pasta and the timeless beauty that surrounds them. From the sensual opera of flavors to the passionate serenades echoing through cobbled streets, Chasing Bliss beckons you to immerse yourself in the soul-stirring embrace of Italy, where life is a magnificent love affair with the moment.
The visual surprise is natural in the Caribbean, it comes with the landscape. With brilliant beaches, warm water, and lush vegetation, these tiny green swaths of land are Paulino Duran’s idea of paradise. Faced with its beauty, the sigh of history dissolves. Saint Martin, like many Caribbean islands, has a history intertwined with the transatlantic slave trade. Both the French and Dutch colonizers established plantations and utilized enslaved Africans for labor. How is it that the Caribbean people remain the happiest on average in the world? Paulino takes viewers on a journey into this painful chapter of Saint Martin's history, across infamous slave trading posts and castles. Diving to see wreckage of sunken slave ships with archaeologists, viewers experience that nowhere else one can experience so many different cultures and such varied landscapes and heritage. Saint Martin has a unique story characterized by its dual nationality, a division dating back to the 17th century. Despite being divided, the island maintains a harmonious coexistence, a shared history, social fabric, and cultural diversity contributed by the descendants of enslaved Africans and their colonial powers.
Chasing Bliss embarks on an unforgettable odyssey through the heart of Nepal, as Paulino uncovers the secrets of the joyful soul that permeates every street corner of this diverse nation. From the chaotic energy of Kathmandu's bustling streets, capturing the pulse of urban life, to getting a glimpse into the serene tranquility of the remote mountain villages nestled in the Himalayas, Paulino discovers the secrets behind Nepal's enduring happiness. At the basecamp of Mount Everest, the team experiences the awe-inspiring majesty of the world's tallest peak, reflecting on the indomitable spirit of human endeavor. Through encounters with locals and explorations of breathtaking landscapes, Chasing Bliss reveals the intrinsic connection between Nepal's natural beauty, spiritual richness, and boundless joy. As the cameras capture the vibrant tapestry of Buddhist and Hindu monasteries, viewers are invited to witness the harmonious coexistence of two ancient faiths. From colorful festivals celebrating legendary events to the tranquil ambiance of sacred sites, Nepal's spiritual landscape serves as a testament to the profound synthesis of beliefs.
Chasing Bliss: Spiritual Enlightenment explores the multifaceted spiritual landscape of Bali, where diverse religions coexist harmoniously. From Hindu temples to Buddhist monasteries, Christian churches, and Islamic mosques, the show delves into the island's spiritual tapestry, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and tolerance.Against the backdrop of Bali's pristine beaches, lush rice terraces and majestic mountains, Paulino captures the essence of paradise on earth. Yet beyond its physical allure, Bali's true magic lies in its warm and welcoming community. Viewers will witness firsthand the genuine kindness of the Balinese people, who embody the spirit of generosity and compassion.Through captivating visuals and heartfelt narratives, Paulino offers a profound exploration of Bali's spiritual richness, inviting audiences on a transformative journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
The oceans cover over 70% of our planet and hold almost 97% of the earth's water. True bliss in constant movement giving life around the globe. This is a story of an eclectic mix of people, who draw energy from this life force and channel it positively into their everyday lives.
Paulino's search brings him to the happiest country in the world, Finland, where he embarks on a journey to test the true happiness of the people of Finland in the most extreme conditions. After conversing with a diverse array of Finns, he finds much more than simply happiness - he finds hope and inspiration as well.
