“Emotional diversity believes in embracing the negative along with the positive. Try to allow yourself to experience the full range of emotional experiences,” said Swamiji. “This will allow you to enjoy the benefits of your positive emotions while having less stress around your negative ones. This is our best bet for a healthier emotional ecosystem–and maybe a healthier body as well as a stress-free and happier life.”

Swamiji encouraged the youth to embrace all of their emotions, stressing, “all emotions, good and bad, are tools or skills that can be used to elevate ourselves. They are like rungs of a ladder. Use them intelligently and step-by-step you can increase your level of happiness.”

He continued, “Many people have difficulty accepting their weaknesses and limitations. Only by accepting them will we be able to move forward and free ourselves from that emotion. It is like darkness. You can’t scoop darkness out. The only way is to realize the existence of darkness and then bring it into the light.”

Other speakers and attendees included Dr. Jens Zimmermann, Member of the German Parliament and Niklas Nienaß, Member of the European Parliament, as well as former UN officials and other high-profile personalities from the civic and private sector.

AYUDH’s 15th European Youth Summit was co-funded by the European Union and the German State of Hessen. It was carried out in partnership with Embracing the World, UNESCO MGIEP and the No Hate Speech Movement of the Council of Europe.
Photo 1: Unity in diversity.

Photo 1: Unity in diversity.

Photo 2: Swami Amritaswarupananda spoke of how being open to the entire range of emotions is what ultimately leads to the experience of true happiness.

Photo 3: Swamiji presenting awards to AYUDH Europe members.