Joy & Enchantment

When was the last time you felt enchanted? Author Jane Bennett describes the effect of enchantment as “a mood of fullness, plenitude, or liveliness, a sense of having one’s nerves or circulation or concentration powers tuned up or recharged”. When creating communities, can we look to Epicurean philosophy where the ethical task is to enjoy life with discipline, to receive it with wonder and to add, by one’s actions, to its stock of joy? Joy is a radical force and within enchantment lies an openness, a potential, that can lead to new thinking.

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RISE Lahore (Food For Thought)
RISE Lahore (Food For Thought)

“The point here is to open the door for all & make space for all & attend those who show up themselves or send someone else in their place as their advocates. I hope you get what I mean. You see how it relates to the flexibility that we just talked about in the 'resilient' Lahore? WE ACCEPT ALL THOSE WHO JOIN IN - THEMSELVES OR SEND OTHERS IN THEIR PLACE. It's about 'us'... about 'we'....“ Peacemakers Pakistani shake up Lahore and envision a future city resting on strong communities. Let the shaking begin!

What Makes a Place Lively And Secure?
What Makes a Place Lively And Secure?

A place appears to be lively and secure due to human presence. If we see people around us projecting good energy and vibes, finding comfort in a place, we, too, reflect that energy and find comfort. That’s basic human nature. But the point to ponder is what brings people out in place? What attracts them to a place? Azbah Ansari and Peacemakers Pakistani answer an essential question.

Places That Are Truly Alive (1)
Places That Are Truly Alive (1)

Which urban places would you consider to be truly alive?

Moment By Moment
Moment By Moment

Imagine an empty square, in early morning light, still wet with rain, deserted, a no-man’s land. Now, a dog passes by, its owner busy with her phone.

Places That Are Truly Alive (2)
Places That Are Truly Alive (2)

Do you belong here? The feeling of belonging to a community is key when it comes to places that are truly alive.

Joy Is A Radical Force
Joy Is A Radical Force

What if when you went to your doctor, she ‘diagnosed’ you with ‘disconnection’? What would happen then?

Copenhagen Versus Cairo - Liveability Versus Life (And Death)
Copenhagen Versus Cairo - Liveability Versus Life (And Death)

“After spending 2-3 hours in my apartment in Copenhagen, I feel like going crazy and wasting my time. In my apartment in Cairo I can stay for 2-3 days, feeling inspired, feeling that I am truly alive.”