Fiji is the obvious choice for that all-important first post-pandemic stamp in your passport. One of the few countries in the world to have maintained ‘Covid-contained’ status since May 2020 Fiji is a safe option in every meaning of the word. It’s never too early to start dreaming of Fiji, where the Bula Spirit awaits you.
It’s certainly the time to be dreaming of white sands and blue ocean, and with the past year looming over us, longing for fairer climes has become almost a full-time job. We’ve all struggled with ways to stay positive when the challenges have come thick and fast. Yoga, breathing exercises, positive mantras, smile therapy: the Ensemble team has been willing to try anything to keep our outlook sunny.
It’s no overstatement to say that Professor Lea Waters (PhD) is an expert on this subject – she is a real life doctor of Positive Psychology, with two decades of experience in the field. While it would have been great to have had the expertise of Dr Waters around the time of the second lockdown, we’re still very keen to soak up her wisdom now. Because what the heck kind of grinch doesn’t want to be happier?!
Dr Waters thinks many of the secrets to happiness can be learned from our Fijian neighbours. It’s called the Bula Spirit, that special kind of happiness that radiates out of the Fijian people. According toDr Waters, “Fiji is the perfect place to find happiness. Fijians are always laughing and joking, they are quick to smile and share light-hearted moments with friends and strangers alike and they maintain a positive outlook, with emotions such as joy and contentment, even during traumatic events in life.” We’d certainly class 2020 as a traumatic event!
But how do the Fijians achieve this happiness? We want the secrets! Dr Waters explains that “much of Fijian happiness is because they disconnect from the rest of the world, worrying less about bigger negative issues, thus reducing stress and allowing them to enjoy being in the moment and give their life meaning”.
She explains that stepping away from ‘task mode’ activates our brain in different ways and “we give it time to unclutter itself so that our view on life becomes clearer and simpler”. As well as disconnecting and giving our brains important time-outs, appreciating simple pleasures can also help us feel happier, even little things like a great cup of coffee or your walk to work. “Not worrying about tomorrow and relishing the positives of life are a universal Fijian philosophy. Fijian people are happy and make others feel good because of this infectious ever-present attitude.”
Need more proof why Fiji should be first on your list of places to go? The numbers don’t lie so let’s take a look at them. Only one hour time difference between New Zealand and Fiji means no jetlag, especially as the flight from Auckland only takes three hours – that’s closer than Australia, plus there are zero Wallabies in Fiji! And the best number: 333. That’s how many magical Fijian islands are waiting for you to explore them. Fiji is the place where happiness finds you, with wellness experiences to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul throughout the islands.
Until we can actually set our sandals on the tarmac in Nadi and start soaking up the Bula Spirit, these are all great tips to maximise our happiness. But we want more! While the scientists figure out the kinks in the vaccine production, before the borders open again Pure Fiji can let you have a whiff of what is waiting for you just across the Pacific.
Anyone who has tried Pure Fiji products will know that the olfactory experience of their luscious lotions is nothing short of remarkable. Just uncapping the bottle is like burying your face in freshly picked frangipani. Is that the feel of acrylic office carpet under your feet or is it the soft, warm sand of a remote Fiji island? Could it be the ping of another email hitting your inbox, or is it a coconut falling from a tree that has stirred you from your poolside-nap? Pure Fiji lets you bring the island vibes into your home.
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This content was created in paid partnership with Tourism Fiji.
