Finding Happy Ground: A practical guide to hope and happiness

Finding Happy Ground comes from someone who had hit rock bottom and lost all hope, but eventually discovered a path to a much happier life. It combines the lessons learnt from a lived experience of mental illness and recovery, with years of research, meditation practice, and happiness teaching. Through five steps and over 40 practical exercises, Finding Happy Ground will show you that happiness is not only about the condition of our mind, but also our heart.

This book can help you to:

- Better manage challenging emotions such as fear, anger and sadness
- Think in ways that support you
- Improve your relationships
- Make smart lifestyle choices
- Feel more peace, love and joy

Dr Ivan Zwart works as a consultant with his business Happy Ground Wellbeing in New Norfolk, Tasmania, Australia. He has a doctorate in political science from the University of Tasmania and has worked in a range of professional roles including researcher, community engagement officer and consultant. He is also a trained meditation guide and facilitator, and runs wellbeing programs on a regular basis. He is also a consumer representative with Flourish, a community sector mental health organisation based in Tasmania. While Ivan continues to have a successful professional career, since his early twenties he has struggled with his mental health, suffering from anxiety, chronic fatigue and depression. However, his biggest mental health challenge occurred when he became manic in 2010 after the death of his father, and he was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Ivan has learnt to manage this condition and now has a very enjoyable and full life with his wife Dani, dog Frank, and family and friends. His hope is that people from all walks of life can learn to feel a little happier, whether they have a diagnosed mental health condition or they just want to flourish. Ivan has a large range of hobbies outside of his work. He is a total sports nut and has played hockey for Tasmania and the Northern Territory; represented Tasmania in sailing; and was once a half decent golfer. He currently plays hockey for his club OHA, cricket for the Lotus Eleven, and is a member of the New Norfolk Golf Club. Ivan's other outdoor loves include bushwalking, swimming, and windsurfing. He loves watching Richmond Football Club and can't understand why there isn't a bronze statue of Richo outside Punt Road. He hasn't got a clue about fishing but would like to learn one day. Ditto home renovation and gardening. Ivan also enjoys music, with his favourite band being Mental as Anything (actually, it's Nick Kershaw) J. He is a dreadful bass guitarist but nevertheless plays in a rock band called Dog Act, which at the time of writing has met once. Ivan and Cass are still discussing with Trent the important question of whether a rock band needs a drummer, and if the most suitable candidate for the highly sought-after role is Ivan's mate, Steve Snooker Davis. Ivan is unsure whether Steve will take up the coveted position should it be offered to him. Only time will tell...