10/23/2025 “Mudita: ‘Finding Joy in the Happiness and Well-being of Others’. Why Can it Often be so Difficult?” with Diane Wilde

The first talk is on Mudita, also known as Sympathetic Joy. Mudita can be defined as enjoying the good fortune or happiness experienced by others as well as ourselves. In today’s fast-paced, phone-obsessed, competitive society, we bypass much of the joy in our lives as well as in the lives of others.

Additionally due to societal polarization, as well as the emphasis on winning—no matter what it takes—we often find ourselves engaging in mind states that are the direct opposite of mudita.  Due to jealousy, anger, and toxic competitiveness, we find ourselves taking delight in the misfortune of others.  This “dark glee” is called schadenfreud and continually engaging in this mind state has severe repercussions including the exacerbation of depression and anxiety.

Tonight we will learn practical methods for decreasing schadenfreud and for elevating mudita in our lives, thus increasing our own contentment, ease and a sense of true connection with others.