Dystopian fiction, with its bleak landscapes and oppressive regimes, might seem an unlikely place to find inspiration and hope. Yet, within these dark tales, we often encounter characters who exhibit remarkable resilience and positive psychology. By analyzing the elements of positive psychology present in dystopian stories, we can gain a deeper understanding of how these narratives offer hope and inspiration, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Positive Psychology in Dystopian Fiction

At first glance, dystopian fiction may appear to be the antithesis of positive psychology. However, many dystopian stories explore the human capacity for hope, resilience, and the pursuit of meaning, even in the face of adversity. You just have to look at it from a positive perspective, as everything has it’s positive side. Here are some examples of how elements of positive psychology can be found in dystopian fiction:

Character Strengths

• Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games): Katniss displays immense courage as she volunteers to take her sister’s place in the deadly Hunger Games. Her resilience is evident in her ability to survive harsh conditions, overcome challenges, and protect those she loves.
• Winston Smith (1984): Despite the constant surveillance and threat of punishment, Winston maintains a rebellious spirit and a desire for truth and freedom. His unwavering belief in the importance of individual thought and expression demonstrates his courage and moral fortitude. Aren’t we a bit like him sometimes?
• Tris Prior (Divergent): Tris exhibits exceptional courage and resilience as she navigates a dangerous world and defies societal expectations. Her ability to adapt to challenging situations and overcome her fears showcases her strength of character.

Positive Emotions

• Hope in The Handmaid’s Tale: Despite the oppressive regime and the dehumanizing treatment of women, characters like Offred cling to hope. They find solace in small acts of defiance, such as reading forbidden books or forming clandestine relationships.
• Gratitude in The Book Thief: Liesel, the protagonist, finds joy in simple pleasures, such as reading books, spending time with her foster family, and helping others. Her gratitude for these small moments of happiness helps her endure the hardships of war and loss.
• Love in The Giver: Jonas and Fiona’s deep bond of love and friendship provides a sense of comfort and meaning in a colorless and emotionless world. Their love for each other gives them strength and hope, even as they face the challenges of their society.

Positive Relationships

• Community in The Hunger Games: The districts in Panem form a sense of community, supporting each other and sharing resources. This collective strength helps them to resist the oppressive regime and fight for their survival.
• Mentorship in Divergent: Mr. Holmes serves as a mentor to Tris, guiding her through the challenges of her Divergent identity and teaching her valuable life lessons. His support and wisdom help Tris to develop her strengths and become a resilient individual.
• Friendship in 1984: Winston and Julia’s forbidden love affair provides them with a sense of connection and purpose. Their friendship and mutual support help them to endure the harsh realities of their dystopian world.

Meaning and Purpose

• Rebellion in 1984: Winston’s rebellion against the totalitarian regime gives his life meaning and purpose. His desire to challenge the Party’s control and to expose the truth fuels his actions and drives him to risk his life.
• Preservation of Knowledge in The Giver: Jonas’s role as the Receiver of Memory gives him a sense of purpose and responsibility. He strives to preserve the memories of the past and to understand the true nature of human experience.
• Human Connection in The Handmaid’s Tale: Offred finds meaning in her relationships with other women, such as Ofglen and Janine. These connections provide her with a sense of belonging and hope, even as she is stripped of her identity and autonomy.

The Power of Positive Psychology in Dystopian Fiction

By exploring the elements of positive psychology present in dystopian fiction, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the human spirit’s capacity to endure and overcome adversity. These stories remind us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, resilience, and the potential for positive change. By identifying and cultivating our own character strengths, practicing gratitude, nurturing positive relationships, and seeking meaning and purpose, we can enhance our own well-being and contribute to a more positive future.

The Power of Positivity in Real Life Experiences

The rate at which information is fed to us far exceeds our ability to process the experience. But this doesn’t create crisis, I think it creates indifference rather. It paralyses one’s ability to react. Normal person is horrified by things that causes horrifying things, rejoices at things that causes happiness, laughs at funny things, or gets sad at sad things. There is no time to live in the moment, therefore there’s no time to process the experience which will lead to indifference. But there is a way out of this. And it’s called Positive Thinking. Or rather Positive Reframing.

Positive thinking allows you to perceive challenges as opportunities for growth and development. Instead of viewing rapid changes as disruptive and negative, you can see them as a catalyst for positive transformation. This reframing of perspective can significantly impact your emotional response and your approach to problem-solving.

Let me give you a couple of examples of how I usually think when challenges arise:

1. Shifting Perspective:
   • Negative Perspective: “This change is causing so much stress and uncertainty. I don’t know how to cope.”
   • Positive Perspective: “This change is a chance to learn new skills, adapt to new circumstances, and emerge stronger.”

1. Embracing Growth:
   • Negative Mindset: “I’m not good at handling change. This is going to be difficult.”
   • Positive Mindset: “This change is an opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and develop new strengths.”

1. Focusing on Solutions:
   • Negative Focus: “This is a problem. I don’t know how to fix it.”
   • Positive Focus: “This is a challenge, and challenges can be overcome. Let’s brainstorm potential solutions.”

Mind you, I confess that most of the times negative thinking patterns are the ones that pops up to my mind when challenges arise, and they are not nice. The feeling that comes with it is sometimes dragging me down. However, I metaphorically ‘kick myself in the but’ and reverse my thinking pattern and then just go with the flow of positivity.

Next time you are watching a dystopian film, you can try it for yourself and see if you are able to shift your perspective. If you can do it with films, then you can do it with your life as well. Consider your life as a movie.

The post Positive Psychology In Dystopian Fiction appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

The convergence of positive psychology and artificial intelligence (AI) presents a compelling and potentially transformative field. AI’s capacity to process vast amounts of data, learn from patterns, and provide personalized recommendations offers exciting possibilities for enhancing positive psychology interventions. This blog post will delve into the ethical implications and potential benefits of using AI in this context, drawing on real-world examples and academic research.

Ethical Implications

• Privacy and Data Security: One of the primary ethical concerns is the protection of personal data. AI-powered interventions often necessitate the collection and analysis of sensitive information, such as health records, financial data, and personal beliefs. Ensuring the confidentiality and security of this data is paramount.
• Bias and Discrimination: AI algorithms can inadvertently perpetuate biases present in the data they are trained on. If training data contains biases related to race, gender, or socioeconomic status, the AI may make discriminatory recommendations.
• Autonomy and Agency: Overreliance on AI-driven interventions could undermine individuals’ autonomy and agency. It is essential to ensure that AI is used as a tool to support human well-being, rather than replacing human judgment and decision-making.
• Accessibility and Equity: AI-powered interventions should be accessible to a diverse range of individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, geographic location, or technological literacy. Ensuring equity in access is crucial to avoid exacerbating existing inequalities.

Examples of Potential Abuses:

• Personalized Advertising: AI could be used to target individuals with tailored advertisements based on their emotional state, potentially exploiting vulnerabilities.
• Government Surveillance: Governments might use positive psychology tools to monitor citizens’ mental health and identify potential threats, raising concerns about civil liberties.
• Workplace Discrimination: AI-powered performance evaluations could perpetuate biases, leading to unfair treatment of employees.
• Healthcare Discrimination: AI-driven health interventions might discriminate against individuals based on factors such as race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Potential Benefits

• Personalized Interventions: AI can analyze individual data to tailor interventions to specific needs and preferences. This personalization can improve the effectiveness of positive psychology interventions and increase engagement.
• Scalability and Accessibility: AI-powered interventions can be delivered at scale, making them more accessible to a wider population. This can help address mental health disparities and improve overall well-being.
• Enhanced Data Analysis: AI can analyze large datasets to identify patterns and trends that may not be apparent to human researchers. This can lead to new insights into positive psychology and inform the development of more effective interventions.
• Automated Feedback and Support: AI can provide automated feedback and support, such as reminders, encouragement, and goal-setting tools. This can help individuals stay motivated and on track with their positive psychology goals.

Real-World Examples

• AI-Powered Mental Health Apps: Numerous AI-powered mental health apps are available, offering features such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) modules, mood tracking, and stress management techniques. These apps can provide accessible and affordable mental health support.
• Personalized Positive Psychology Coaching: AI-powered coaching platforms can analyze individual data to provide personalized guidance and support. These platforms can offer tailored recommendations for mindfulness practices, gratitude exercises, and goal-setting.
• AI-Driven Research: AI is being used to analyze large-scale datasets related to positive psychology, such as surveys, social media data, and electronic health records. This research can help identify factors that contribute to well-being and inform the development of evidence-based interventions.

Addressing Ethical Concerns

To mitigate the ethical risks associated with AI in positive psychology, several measures can be taken:

• Ethical Guidelines: Develop clear ethical guidelines for the use of AI in positive psychology, addressing issues such as data privacy, bias, and autonomy.
• Transparency and Accountability: Ensure transparency in the development and use of AI-powered interventions, including clear communication about the algorithms and data involved.
• Human Oversight: Maintain human oversight to ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Promote diversity and inclusion in the development and evaluation of AI-powered interventions to avoid biases and ensure that they are accessible to a wide range of individuals.

Beyond the Surface: Deeper Considerations

While the potential benefits of AI in positive psychology are significant, it is crucial to delve deeper into the ethical and practical implications. For instance:

• Cultural Sensitivity: AI-powered interventions should be culturally sensitive and respectful of diverse beliefs and values.
• Long-Term Impact: The long-term impact of AI-powered interventions on mental health and well-being needs to be carefully studied.
• Collaboration: Effective collaboration between positive psychologists, AI experts, and other stakeholders is essential to address the challenges and maximize the benefits of this emerging field.

Conclusion

The intersection of positive psychology and AI presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. By carefully considering the ethical implications and taking proactive steps to address them, we can harness the power of AI to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of positive psychology interventions. By doing so, we can contribute to the promotion of well-being and a more positive future for all.

Listen to the podcast

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

The post Positive Psychology and Artificial Intelligence : Ethical Implications and Potential Benefits appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

At first glance, positive psychology and existentialism might seem like an odd couple, like a bubbly cheerleader dating a brooding poet. One’s all about sunshine and rainbows, focusing on happiness and what makes life good, while the other ponders the heavier stuff, like meaning and mortality. But hey, opposites attract, right? Turns out, these two have more in common than you’d think. Existentialism isn’t all doom and gloom; it’s about embracing life’s challenges and finding your own meaning. And positive psychology isn’t just about plastering on a smile; it’s about building resilience and cultivating genuine well-being.

So, buckle up for a wild ride as we explore how these seemingly different fields can actually team up to help us live more fulfilling lives. We’ll delve into how existentialism’s focus on meaning can supercharge positive psychology’s pursuit of happiness, and how accepting life’s curveballs (hello, existentialism!) can make us stronger and more resilient. Who knows, we might even uncover some surprising truths about what it means to be human.

Positive Psychology: A Brief Overview

Forget those dreary therapy sessions where you endlessly dissect your childhood traumas. Positive psychology is like a breath of fresh air, focusing on what makes you awesome and how to make life even better.

Think of Martin Seligman as the captain of this feel-good ship. He’s the one who kicked off this whole movement, and thanks to him, scientists are now busy studying all the things that make us happy and fulfilled. We’re talking happiness, optimism, gratitude – all that good stuff. They’re even figuring out how to get “in the zone” with this cool concept called “flow.”

But wait, there’s more! Positive psychology isn’t just about studying happiness; it’s about actually boosting it. Want to feel more grateful? Start a gratitude journal! Need to chill out? Try mindfulness! And if you’re looking to level up your personal strengths, well, there are interventions for that too. So, ditch the doom and gloom and jump on the positive psychology bandwagon. It’s a fun and fascinating journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life. Who wouldn’t want that?

Existentialism: A Philosophical Framework

Forget those stuffy philosophers pondering the meaning of life in dusty libraries. Existentialism is way more exciting than that!

Think of it as a philosophy for rebels and free thinkers. It’s about ditching the rulebook and figuring out what life means to you, even when things get weird or downright depressing. We’re talking big names here, folks: Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Sartre, Camus – these guys weren’t afraid to ask the tough questions. Existentialism isn’t about following the crowd or blindly accepting what you’re told. It’s about being true to yourself, knowing your own mind, and embracing the fact that life is full of surprises (and not always the good kind).

So, if you’re tired of the same old answers and ready to forge your own path, existentialism might be your jam. It’s a philosophy that challenges you to think for yourself and create your own meaning in this crazy, unpredictable world. And who knows, you might just discover something amazing about yourself along the way.

Reconciling Positive Psychology and Existentialism

At first glance, positive psychology’s focus on happiness and well-being may appear incompatible with existentialism’s emphasis on accepting life’s difficulties and the inevitability of suffering. However, a deeper exploration reveals a surprising synergy.

1. Meaning and Well-being: Both positive psychology and existentialism recognize the fundamental importance of meaning in human life. While positive psychology explores how meaning contributes to well-being, existentialism delves into the nature of meaning itself and how individuals create it in their lives. Positive psychology interventions, such as identifying personal values and engaging in meaningful activities, can be seen as tools for fostering existential meaning.
2. Acceptance and Resilience: Existentialism emphasizes the acceptance of life’s inherent difficulties, including suffering, loss, and death. This acceptance, rather than leading to despair, can foster resilience and growth. Positive psychology research has demonstrated that individuals who accept negative emotions and challenges are more likely to cope effectively and experience post-traumatic growth.
3. Authenticity and Self-Actualization: Both positive psychology and existentialism value authenticity, the act of living in accordance with one’s true self. Positive psychology research on character strengths, such as courage, integrity, and creativity, aligns with existentialism’s emphasis on self-awareness and living a life that is true to one’s values.
4. Freedom and Responsibility: Existentialism underscores the importance of individual freedom and responsibility. While positive psychology acknowledges the influence of external factors on well-being, it also emphasizes the role of personal choices and actions in shaping one’s life. Positive psychology interventions, such as goal-setting and self-regulation strategies, can empower individuals to exercise their freedom and take responsibility for their well-being.

Examples of Integration

• Logotherapy: Developed by Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, logotherapy is a form of existential therapy that focuses on helping individuals find meaning in their lives, even in the face of suffering. It has been integrated with positive psychology interventions to enhance well-being and resilience.
• Mindfulness-Based Existential Therapy: This integrative approach combines mindfulness practices with existential exploration to help individuals cultivate self-awareness, acceptance, and meaning in their lives.
• Positive Existential Psychotherapy: This therapeutic approach integrates positive psychology interventions, such as gratitude practices and strengths-based approaches, with existential exploration to foster well-being, resilience, and meaning.

I often think of those people who believe in the fear of life spoilage. What do they mean by spoilage? How can you spoil life? How can you spoil a relationship? Well, it’s not a clock, it’s not a structure that you can just destroy. Didn’t it last forever? Maybe the concept of qualities has changed. And for us it is more important to know how many seconds it takes to accelerate a car to 1OO/km than the fact that you don’t want to use it for 10 years, you want to replace it in 3 years if you can. The question is, hasn’t this also been transmitted to human relations? Is the important thing about human relationships to last until the cemetery separates us? Is it really only death that separates us? Marriages used to last much shorter. Women died in childbirth, men fell in battle, in a serf rebellion, but then came the plague, disease, they have died of it… Could it be that it is not the quality of the relationship that lasts 45 years, but 2-3 years full of adventure and life?

Conclusion

So, it turns out that positive psychology and existentialism aren’t just a mismatched duo – they’re more like a dynamic power couple, each bringing their own unique strengths to the table.

By combining the best of both worlds, we can ditch the one-size-fits-all approach to happiness and create a more well-rounded recipe for a fulfilling life. This means not only chasing those feel-good moments but also embracing the challenges and uncertainties that life throws our way. Think of it like this: positive psychology gives us the tools to build a happy and thriving life, while existentialism reminds us to find meaning in the journey, even when the road gets bumpy. Together, they provide a complete toolkit for navigating the complexities of human existence and flourishing in an uncertain world.

So, why settle for a half-baked approach to happiness when you can have the whole enchilada? Embrace the wisdom of both positive psychology and existentialism and unlock the full potential of what it means to live a truly good life.

Bibliography

• Frankl, V. E. (1959). Man’s search for meaning. Beacon Press.
• Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). Authentic happiness: Using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment. Free Press.
• Wong, P. T. P. (2011). Positive psychology 2.0: Towards a balanced interactive model of the good life. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie canadienne, 52(2), 69-81.

References

• Batthyány, A., & Russo-Netzer, P. (Eds.). (2014). Meaning in positive and existential psychology. Springer.
• Schneider, K. J. (2008). Existential-integrative psychotherapy: Guideposts to the core of practice. Routledge.
• Wong, P. T. P. (Ed.). (2012). The human quest for meaning: A handbook of psychological research and clinical applications. Routledge.

Listen to the audio version of this article

Read more about Roland Majla and his other articles HERE

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

The post Positive Psychology and Existentialism: A Reconciliation of Meaning and Acceptance appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

The Illusion of Unending Bliss

The idea of constant happiness is not only unrealistic but also potentially harmful. It sets an unattainable standard that can leave individuals feeling inadequate and disappointed when they inevitably experience negative emotions. For instance, research by Gruber et al. (2011) found that individuals who strive for excessive happiness may experience lower well-being when they fall short of their expectations. This pursuit of perpetual happiness can lead to a suppression of authentic emotions, creating a disconnect from our true selves and hindering our ability to form genuine connections with others. Imagine a person who constantly tries to maintain a facade of happiness, even when feeling sad or anxious. This denial of their true feelings can not only lead to internal conflict but also prevent them from seeking the support they need.

The Functional Role of Negative Emotions

While often perceived as undesirable, negative emotions such as sadness, anger, and fear serve essential functions in our lives. Sadness can signal a need for connection and support, prompting us to reach out to loved ones or seek professional help. Anger can motivate us to address injustice and create change, as seen in social movements throughout history. Fear can protect us from harm, triggering our fight-or-flight response in dangerous situations. These emotions are not flaws but rather integral components of our human experience, providing valuable information about our needs and environment. In fact, research by Bonanno et al. (2004) found that individuals who are able to experience and express a range of emotions, including negative ones, tend to be more resilient in the face of adversity.

To illustrate my negativity on this issue, I’d like to express my fearful questions I had during changing times of teenage years. First, I would like to point out that I think faith is an important thing. I often asked myself many questions that my mind could not prove it on its own: how did I know who my father is when I was a child? Well, I knew because everyone, including my father, said that he was my father! And I believed him. How did I know who my mother was? Because absolutely everyone told me that she was my mother.

How do I know there is an island called Papua New Guinea? Because my geography teacher told me about it, and I believed him. You can go there by taking an aeroplane. And how will I know I’m in Papua New Guinea? Well, because everyone there will tell me I’m there. And I believe it, don’t I?

How do I know there are viruses? I’m the layman who doesn’t work with a microscope. Well, they showed me photographs with these little sticks. And they said that’s what can give me viral pneumonia. So, I believed it. It’s not knowledge, it’s all-belief, interweaving our lives. Religion puts it all into a system. We don’t know things, but rather we believe in things.

However, as a teenager and a youngster you are loaded with frightening questions, as you mature you start to question many things, because many things do not make sense anymore. This is the stage when we realise that not everything is gold that glitters. Faith dethroned as you enter into the world of why/ how/ when/ what, but I can just advise you don’t be afraid and believe in yourself and in the goodness of the world!

The Power of Emotional Fluidity

Embracing the full spectrum of emotions allows us to navigate life’s complexities with greater adaptability and resilience. It enables us to develop healthy coping mechanisms, foster deeper connections with others, and ultimately live more authentic and fulfilling lives. Emotional fluidity allows us to be present with our emotions, acknowledge their validity, and learn from them without judgment. Consider a person who has recently experienced a loss. By allowing themselves to grieve and feel the pain of their sadness, they can begin to heal and eventually find meaning in their experience. This emotional flexibility is essential for personal growth and well-being.

Cultivating Emotional Awareness

To fully embrace the richness of human emotion, it is essential to cultivate emotional awareness. This involves developing the ability to identify and label our emotions, understand their underlying causes, and express them in healthy ways. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, can help us become more attuned to our emotions and observe them without judgment. Journaling can provide a safe space to explore our feelings and identify patterns in our emotional responses. Therapy can offer guidance and support in understanding and managing our emotions, particularly those that are overwhelming or difficult to cope with.

Reframing the Pursuit of Happiness

Rather than focusing solely on achieving happiness, we can shift our perspective towards cultivating emotional well-being. This involves accepting and honoring all emotions as valid and valuable, fostering healthy coping mechanisms, and practicing gratitude for the positive aspects of life. By embracing a holistic approach to emotional well-being, we can create a more balanced and fulfilling life experience. For example, instead of striving for constant happiness, we can focus on building resilience by learning to manage stress, cultivate healthy relationships, and find meaning in our work and personal lives.

Conclusion: The Beauty of Emotional Diversity

In a world that often glorifies happiness, it is important to remember that a life well-lived is not one devoid of sadness, anger, or fear. It is a life lived fully, embracing the full spectrum of human emotion with courage, compassion, and curiosity. By acknowledging and honoring the diverse tapestry of our emotional landscape, we can unlock greater resilience, authenticity, and fulfillment in our lives. The pursuit of happiness, while important, should not overshadow the richness and depth that other emotions bring to our human experience. As the poet Kahlil Gibran wisely stated, “The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.” By embracing all of our emotions, we can live richer, more meaningful lives.

Works Cited

* Bonanno, G. A., Papa, A., Lalande, K., Westphal, M., & Coifman, K. (2004). The importance of being flexible: The ability to both enhance and suppress emotional expression predicts long-term adjustment. *Psychological Science, 15*(7), 482-487.

* Gruber, J., Mauss, I. B., & Tamir, M. (2011). A dark side of happiness? How, when, and why happiness is not always good. *Perspectives on Psychological Science, 6*(3), 222-233.

Listen to the audio version of this article

The post The Paradox of Perpetual Happiness: Embracing the Full Spectrum of Human Emotion appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

Listen to the audio version of this article

“Happiness is not merely a fleeting feeling,” Dr. Brooks emphasized, debunking the common misconception that happiness is synonymous with momentary joy or elation. Rather, he proposed a deeper understanding of happiness as a state of being, one that encompasses three essential elements: enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning. According to Dr. Brooks, these macronutrients of happiness must be in harmonious balance for true fulfillment to be realized.

Drawing on neuroscience, Dr. Brooks delved into the intricate workings of the human brain, highlighting the three distinct parts: the reptilian brain, the limbic system, and the prefrontal cortex. He elucidated how these components interact to process external stimuli, translate them into emotions, and guide our actions accordingly. Through this lens, Dr. Brooks underscored the inherent dangers of prioritizing pleasure as the sole objective in life, warning against the pitfalls of addiction and misery that inevitably follow such pursuits.

“Satisfaction in life cannot be achieved by avoiding suffering,” Dr. Brooks asserted, urging listeners to confront adversity head-on rather than seeking to evade or suppress it. In a world that often seeks instant gratification and comfort, his words served as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges.

Central to Dr. Brooks’ philosophy is the importance of introspection and purposeful living. He encouraged attendees to ponder the profound “why question” of existence, transcending mere biological explanations to contemplate the deeper meaning and purpose of life. Moreover, he challenged individuals to reflect on what they would be willing to sacrifice their lives for—an introspective exercise aimed at uncovering core values and priorities.

At the heart of Dr. Brooks’ message lies the notion of intentional living and mindful habits. He emphasized the need to cultivate and nurture essential aspects of life, including faith, family, friendships, and work. According to Dr. Brooks, happiness stems from fostering genuine connections and finding fulfillment in meaningful pursuits, rather than the pursuit of fleeting pleasures or material possessions.

In essence, Dr. Arthur Brooks’ speech at the World Happiness Summit served as a rallying cry for a paradigm shift in our approach to happiness and fulfillment. By reframing happiness as a multifaceted construct rooted in love, purpose, and meaningful connections, Dr. Brooks challenged us to transcend the superficial pursuit of pleasure and embrace a more holistic and sustainable path to true happiness.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let us heed Dr. Brooks’ timeless wisdom and strive to cultivate a life rich in love, purpose, and genuine connections. For in the currency of love and happiness lies the true richness of the human experience.

The post The Currency of Love and Happiness appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

WOHASU  is The World Happiness Summit, and it was created to bring awareness about the benefits of happiness and wellbeing. Or as Karen Guggenheim the founder & CEO has said:  “instead of letting life happen to you, show up to your life”.

Listen to the audio version of this article

At WOHASU 2024 in London, Karen had a brilliant conversation with Dr. Vivek Murthy, American Surgeon General who has a keen eye on loneliness and human connection. Dr. Vivek statistically explained the dire situation in North America and in general around the Western world, where 1 in 2 adults suffer a measurable level of loneliness, which leads to an increase of –

• 25% levels of anxiety and depression
• 29% levels of cardiovascular disease
• 31% levels of stroke
• 50% levels of dementia

Ageing alone can lead to a higher level of all these morbidities, now, some of us are making things worse with our actions or inaction.

In a world seemingly more connected than ever before, it’s paradoxical to acknowledge the epidemic of loneliness gripping societies worldwide. Dr. Vivek Murthy,  Surgeon General of the United States, illuminated this sobering truth at the World Happiness Summit, shedding light on the staggering statistics that reveal the pervasive nature of loneliness and its detrimental effects on individuals and communities.

According to Dr. Murthy’s insights, it’s alarming to learn that in the United States, one in two adults suffers from measurable levels of loneliness. This loneliness epidemic is not merely a matter of emotional discomfort; it has tangible health consequences. Moreover, this pervasive sense of isolation contributes to societal polarisation, exacerbating divisions and fostering an environment of disconnection.

Dr. Murthy’s message serves as a wake-up call, urging us to prioritise the rebuilding of social connections as a fundamental aspect of fostering happier, healthier communities. He challenges the prevailing misconceptions about friendship, emphasising that genuine connections should transcend mere utility or transactional benefits. Rather than viewing relationships through the lens of “What can this person do for me?” or “How can they advance my career?”, Dr. Murthy advocates for a shift towards authentic human connection based on empathy, compassion, and mutual support.

In a world increasingly dominated by technology, Dr. Murthy underscores the importance of preserving human interaction and intimacy. While advancements in technology have undoubtedly improved efficiency and convenience, they should not come at the cost of replacing meaningful human connections. As Dr. Murthy poignantly reminds us, machines cannot offer the comfort of holding a hand during times of vulnerability, nor can they provide the emotional support needed in moments of crisis.

Drawing upon his experiences as a medical professional, Dr. Murthy highlights the intrinsic link between social connection and overall well-being. He emphasises that the pursuit of success should be grounded in service to others and alignment with one’s values. True fulfilment, he suggests, is not found in the accumulation of wealth or status but in meaningful contributions to the world and a deep understanding of oneself.

Dr. Murthy’s message extends beyond individual actions to encompass broader societal change. He empowers individuals to take proactive steps in their communities, families, and social circles to foster a culture of connection and support. By prioritizing initiatives that promote social and emotional learning in schools and workplaces, we can equip future generations with the necessary skills to navigate relationships and cultivate resilience.

Furthermore, Dr. Murthy advocates for greater regulation of technology, particularly social media and smartphones, to mitigate their negative impact on social connections. Just as safety measures were implemented for automobiles to protect public health, he argues for similar measures to safeguard mental and emotional well-being in the digital age.

At the core of Dr. Murthy’s message lies a fundamental goal: to ensure people are happy, healthy, and fulfilled. This necessitates a collective effort to prioritize sleep, nurture relationships, and foster lifelong learning. It requires a re-evaluation of societal values and a commitment to building communities where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.

As we reflect on Dr. Murthy’s insights, let us heed his call to action and work towards creating a world where loneliness is replaced by connection, and where the pursuit of happiness is not merely an individual endeavour but a shared responsibility. By embracing empathy, fostering meaningful relationships, and prioritizing human connection, we can cultivate a society that is truly happier, healthier, and more fulfilled for generations to come.

@wohasu #wohasu2024 @karenguggenheim

The post Rebuilding Social Connection: Dr. Vivek Murthy’s Call to Action for a Happier, Healthier Society appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

How do we see pain? Physical, mental, spiritual… there are all sorts of pain. While we may go through seasons of suffering, most of the time if pain is not fatal, we will survive and go through it.

A little depersonalization does no harm when one has failures and disappointments. A friend of mine went through a lot of surgery and pain, and I once asked him: how can you endure so much physical pain?

And he said to that: You know, I depersonalized myself. In other words, I didn’t let myself to sink in trouble. I didn’t think, I didn’t take the disease to the extremes, I didn’t consider it fatal.

As a result, he did not sink into his personal doubts, but he was able to look at himself from the outside with the help of depersonalization.

This technique is often not easy, especially when and where our media often bombard us with subtle messages of personification and identification. One may require superpower to get out of the charms of identity and ego, or a dose of ketamine!

Listen to the audio version of this article

But you can manage it and thrive

Fortunately, there is a way out of pain with the help of Positive Psychology. Positive psychology can play a significant role in pain management by focusing on enhancing well-being, resilience, and overall quality of life. While it may not directly eliminate physical pain, it can contribute to a more positive mindset and improve the individual’s ability to cope with pain. Here are some ways in which positive psychology can be beneficial for pain management:

• Mindfulness and Acceptance:

Positive psychology encourages mindfulness and acceptance, helping individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions without judgment. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can be effective in reducing the perception of pain and improving overall well-being.[1]

• Gratitude Practices:

Cultivating a sense of gratitude has been shown to improve mental well-being. Engaging in gratitude exercises, such as keeping a gratitude journal, can shift the focus from pain to positive aspects of life, promoting a more optimistic outlook.[2]

• Resilience Building:

Positive psychology emphasizes resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity. Developing resilience can help individuals adapt to the challenges of chronic pain, maintain a positive outlook, and continue pursuing meaningful activities.[3]

Defeat is part of your life

One neglected area of development is that the school and the family do not prepare people and children for negative things in life. They don’t teach people how to get up after being knocked down.

Resilience and mindset reframing are very important techniques to be used under failing circumstances. I had a conversation about this with a teacher friend of mine and he told me that if students are loud and laughing in class, he is happy that the children are having a good time. I thought to myself, but they miss out on precious minutes of the curriculum….

The teacher: So, what? If they have the flu, won’t they miss it too?

Me: Well, how do we know they’re not laughing at the teacher?

The teacher: Well, please, why do you have to take things so seriously? You know paranoia is being treated in a mental institution.

And he was so right. He reframed the situation and turned something silly into something positive.

But you can manage it and grow

• Mindset Transformation:

Positive psychology promotes a growth mindset, wherein individuals believe that their abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. This perspective is crucial when facing setbacks, as it fosters a belief in personal agency and the potential for improvement.[4]

Example: Someone facing a health challenge may adopt a positive psychology approach by focusing on what they can control, such as adopting healthy habits and seeking medical advice. This mindset shift can contribute to a more optimistic outlook and improved overall well-being.

• Enhanced Coping Strategies:

Positive psychology encourages the development of effective coping strategies, such as mindfulness, gratitude, and positive reframing. These techniques can help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions associated with life’s challenges.[5]

Example: When dealing with a relationship breakdown, positive psychology interventions may involve practicing gratitude for the lessons learned, maintaining mindfulness to stay present, and reframing the situation as an opportunity for personal growth. These strategies can contribute to emotional well-being and a smoother recovery process.

• Social Support and Connection:

Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of social connections and support networks. Building strong relationships and a sense of community can provide a crucial foundation during challenging times.[6]

Example: Imagine an individual going through a period of grief. Positive psychology encourages them to lean on their social support network, share their feelings, and seek comfort from loved ones. The emotional support and connectedness fostered through positive relationships can significantly aid in the grieving process.

Life is not an escape room

You don’t have to escape from reality, because you must see that reality is constantly changing, the world is changing. And people struggle terribly against this. Throughout their lives, they conjure up stories of the past, “how good it was back then, and we want more of that” and flaunt the unreality of the future as they imagine and fantasize about the future. Instead of living the only reality: The now, the present!

Suffering and setbacks are part of life, choosing to run away from it will not work. It only postpones it, until it hits back in a fastidious way. Complaining will not change the situation, just like running back and forth between past and future will not change anything. Facing the “wild beast” and working with him for the common good is the way forward and upward.

If one accepts death and dying, he will satisfy the condition for coming into harmony with the world and oneself. This eternal struggle against time, aging and death, from plastic surgery to cosmetics, from clothing to fashion, through forms of behaviour creates terrible distortions in one’s life and creates terrible failures because NO ONE WILL SUCCEED. You must accept the normal cycle of life. And must realize that it is natural for a person to weaken over time, to lose many things over time, work, health, money, sexual potential, etc. because it is just the way it is.

Life is not an escape room. Here you don’t have to find clues to get out from somewhere, because as long as you are alive, words cannot harm you, since they are just that… words. Physical pain, if does not kill you, it can just make you stronger!

Bibliography

[1]       K. Cavanagh, C. Strauss, L. Forder, and F. Jones, “Can mindfulness and acceptance be learnt by self-help?: A systematic review and meta-analysis of mindfulness and acceptance-based self-help interventions,” Clinical Psychology Review, vol. 34, no. 2. 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2014.01.001.

[2]       M. J. Kreitzer, S. Telke, L. Hanson, B. Leininger, and R. Evans, “Outcomes of a Gratitude Practice in an Online Community of Caring,” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, vol. 25, no. 4, 2019, doi: 10.1089/acm.2018.0460.

[3]       B. Smale, J. Fowlie, and L. Becker, Building Your Resilience. 2022. doi: 10.4135/9781071892688.

[4]       K. Muff, “From ESG management to positive impact creation: The dual mindset transformation,” in The Handbook of Climate Change Leadership in Organisations: Developing Leadership for the Age of Sustainability, 2023. doi: 10.4324/9781003343011-3.

[5]       Diana Devis, “Coping Strategy: Definition & Overview -,” 2nd  edition .

[6]       A. R. Hosterman, N. R. Johnson, R. Stouffer, and S. Herring, “Twitter, Social Support Messages and the #MeToo Movement,” 2018.

The post Life is a problem, and that’s good: Embracing, Managing, and Growing Through Pain appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, a paradigm shift has occurred, moving beyond the traditional focus on treating illness to a more holistic approach that emphasizes overall well-being. Positive Psychology, a field that emerged in the late 20th century, has played a pivotal role in reshaping the healthcare landscape. By concentrating on the positive aspects of human experience, Positive Psychology has introduced a refreshing perspective that not only complements traditional medical approaches but also enhances the overall quality of healthcare.

Listen to the audio version of this article

Understanding Positive Psychology in Healthcare:

Positive Psychology in healthcare is founded on the belief that health is not merely the absence of disease but also the presence of positive emotions, resilience, and a sense of purpose [Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000]. This field explores the factors that contribute to a fulfilling life and aims to integrate them into healthcare practices to promote better patient outcomes.

Role of Positive Psychology in Healthcare:

1. Enhancing Patient-Cantered Care:

Positive Psychology places a strong emphasis on understanding the individual patient’s needs, preferences, and values. By incorporating patient-centred care principles, healthcare providers can foster a more collaborative and empathetic relationship with their patients. This approach not only improves patient satisfaction but also contributes to better treatment adherence and outcomes.

2. Preventive Healthcare:

Positive Psychology promotes a proactive approach to healthcare by focusing on preventive measures. Encouraging individuals to adopt positive lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management, helps prevent the onset of various health issues. This approach aligns with the adage “prevention is better than cure” and has been proven effective in reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

3. Promoting Resilience and Coping Strategies:

Illnesses and medical treatments can take a toll on an individual’s mental well-being. Positive Psychology interventions help patients develop resilience and coping strategies to navigate through challenging times. Techniques such as mindfulness, gratitude exercises, and positive affirmations have been integrated into healthcare settings to alleviate stress and anxiety [Seligman et al., 2005].

Positive Psychological Interventions in Healthcare:

1. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR):

Mindfulness, a key component of Positive Psychology, has gained widespread recognition for its effectiveness in healthcare. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programs, pioneered by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, have been implemented in various healthcare settings to help patients manage chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. Research indicates that MBSR can lead to improvements in both mental and physical health [Kabat-Zinn, 1990].

2. Positive Psychotherapy:

Positive Psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on enhancing positive emotions, strengths, and overall psychological well-being. It has been successfully used in the treatment of various mental health conditions, including depression. By emphasizing clients’ strengths and encouraging positive emotions, this intervention contributes to a more comprehensive and sustainable recovery [Seligman et al., 2005].

3. Gratitude Practices:

Gratitude interventions involve cultivating a sense of appreciation for the positive aspects of life. In healthcare, expressing gratitude has been associated with improved mental health and increased resilience. Simple practices, such as keeping a gratitude journal or expressing thanks to healthcare providers, can contribute to a positive mindset during challenging health situations [Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009].

Real-Life Examples:

1. Cleveland Clinic’s Centre for Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine:

The Cleveland Clinic has embraced Positive Psychology by establishing a Centre for Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine. This centre incorporates various positive interventions, such as mindfulness and stress reduction programs, into patient care. By integrating these practices, the clinic aims to enhance overall well-being and improve patient outcomes.

2. Penn Medicine Positive Psychology Program:

The Positive Psychology Program at Penn Medicine focuses on incorporating positive psychology principles into patient care. Through workshops and interventions, patients are equipped with skills to enhance their psychological resilience and improve their ability to cope with medical challenges. The program has shown promising results in improving patient satisfaction and engagement.

Conclusion:

Positive Psychology has emerged as a transformative force in healthcare, offering a holistic approach that extends beyond the traditional medical model. By emphasizing positive emotions, strengths, and individual well-being, Positive Psychology interventions contribute to a more patient-centred, preventive, and resilient healthcare system. Real-life examples from institutions like the Cleveland Clinic and Penn Medicine demonstrate the tangible benefits of incorporating Positive Psychology into healthcare practices. As the field continues to evolve, the integration of Positive Psychology holds the promise of creating a healthcare landscape that not only treats illnesses but also nurtures the flourishing of individuals, paving the way for a healthier and more fulfilling tomorrow.

Read more about Roland Majla and his other articles HERE

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

The post The Transformative Power of Positive Psychology in Healthcare: Nurturing Well-being for a Healthier Tomorrow appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

You may wish to listen to the audio version of this article

My story begins in the small town where everyone knew everyone else’s business. Childhood days were marked by raised eyebrows and hushed whispers as I explored the world with a different lens. While my peers strived to conform, I revelled in my uniqueness. Perhaps it was the twinkle in my eye or the way I saw beauty in the unconventional, but I was always drawn to the edges of the picture where things seemed a bit blurry, a bit imperfect. I saw the world in all colours, but people around me often saw in one or two colour. I mean that’s ok, as long as you are aware that you have chosen deliberately to see the world bi-coloured (and not trying to prove you wrong). I too sometimes see the world in a black and white way, but most of the times life comes to me in different colours and feelings.

One vivid memory encapsulates the essence of my journey. It was a school talent show, an annual event where conformity reigned supreme. The stage was reserved for singers, dancers, and those with “acceptable” talents. Amidst the polished performances, I decided to take the stage with a guitar and play a mixture of music styles all jammed together… there was jazz, classical, heavy metal, pop, folk, you name it. I poured my heart into those strings that exposed my soul, celebrating the beauty of imperfections.

The response was not what I expected. A sea of puzzled faces met my gaze, and the applause, if you could call it that, was polite at best. But in that moment, I felt something profound—a connection with my true self, a realization that fitting in wasn’t my path, and that was perfectly fine. – But hey, there were so many melodies coming out from that guitar, just not the mainstream ones. I genuinely wanted to connect the hearts and heads around me… in my own way.

Lesson One: Embracing imperfections often means standing alone, and that’s where the magic happens.

As I ventured into adulthood, the pressure to conform intensified. The corporate world, with its neatly tailored suits and rehearsed handshakes, felt like a foreign land. Yet, I navigated through it, never compromising the essence of who I was. My desk became a canvas for quirky doodles and inspiring quotes, a sanctuary where creativity thrived in the midst of conformity.

One fateful day, a colleague noticed my unconventional workspace and chuckled, “You’re not like the others, are you?” Little did they know; it was the highest compliment I could receive. Like really, why would I be like others, I’m not a copy-paste person, where is the excitement here?

Lesson Two: Authenticity is your greatest strength; it’s the beacon that attracts kindred spirits.

Love came knocking, as it often does when you least expect it. In the realm of relationships, societal expectations whispered words of conformity. The pressure to fit into predefined roles and timelines weighed heavily. But, love, when genuine, is a force that transcends societal norms.

I found a partner who cherished my quirks and celebrated in the imperfections we brought to the table. Together, we danced to the rhythm of our own song, creating a melody that echoed the beauty of an unconventional love story. Of course, the world of red hearts and pink bubbles didn’t last forever, it came to an end, like everything in this world. Imperfection offered me the life above clouds, with roses and red wine, in the end the same imperfection took it away.

Lesson Three: True connections thrive when you allow yourself to be seen in all your imperfect glory.

Life has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect it. A significant turning point occurred when a career setback forced me to re-evaluate my path. The whispers of societal expectations grew louder, urging me to conform, to play it safe. Yet, in the face of adversity, I chose a different path—one paved with uncertainty, but also with the promise of authenticity.

I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, embracing imperfections not as flaws but as brush strokes on the canvas of my life. It led me to unexpected places, connecting me with a tribe of like-minded individuals who celebrated the beauty of being perfectly imperfect. But you know, at the end of the day difference is not particular. It’s just simple difference, that is finding a different way to the same place where others are going.

Lesson Four: The road less travelled may be uncertain, but it’s where you find your true self.

As the pages of my story continue to unfold, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of embracing imperfections. Society’s expectations may still cast a long shadow, but I’ve learned to dance in the sunlight of my own authenticity.

In the end, it’s not about fitting into a mold but about breaking free from them. It’s about celebrating the uniqueness that sets us apart and finding solace in the knowledge that being different is not a flaw but a masterpiece in the making. So, here’s to embracing imperfections, to standing proudly in the echo of our true selves, and to the beauty that unfolds when we dare to be gloriously, authentically, and unapologetically imperfect.

Afraid to embrace who you really are? Well as an epilogue let me tell you the story Maria Theresa’s treasure chest (Queen of Kingdom of Hungary):

Mária Terézia donates her treasure chest to a retiring bodyguard, on the condition that he only should open it when he is in an unsalvageable situation and does not exchange it for unnecessary things. The bodyguard kept his word and won’t let anyone in his family open it. Since it was not done, he dies without anyone opening the chest. The chest, on the other hand, was passed on to the next generation as a family tradition, but it was never opened there either. And it goes from generation to generation. Until a family member got into a situation of necessity and opened it. And guess what? The chest was empty! And this symbolized that even in the worst situation one could count on the help found in the chest, this strengthened their self-confidence, and they went through many, many bitter things with this knowledge that there would be help. Here, in fact, faith and awareness are the winning and empowering powers.

So, my advice is that if people are telling you that you aren’t perfect, that’s fine. Believe in your imperfection, embrace it and smile!

The post Embracing Imperfection appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

In modern society, there is a prevalent emphasis on the left brain hemisphere, characterized by its logical, analytical, and rational thinking processes. This bias can be attributed to the prioritization of subjects and skills that align with academic and professional success, such as mathematics, sciences, and structured problem-solving. While the left-brain functions are undoubtedly essential for cognitive development and decision-making, the overemphasis on these aspects has led to a relative neglect of the right-brain hemisphere’s intuitive, creative, holistic capacities and surrender to total emotional states. This imbalance can result in negative consequences for individuals and society as a whole. I see all these happening right in front of my eyes, as I look back to my childhood, I remember many people around me kept talking about IT-related jobs with awe and respect. In high school, my classmates who were good at math and physics were highly respected both by teachers, parents and the general public. While, I saw and understood the reason why, I felt that there was something that’s missing. As a matter of fact, I saw people literally being hungry for intense emotions and longing to surrender to sensationalism and passion. No wonder why, I guess, no wonder why indeed. In a world of numbers, emotions are useless.

East vs West, or Left vs Right brain hemisphere

In the Western world, particularly in Europe and North America, there has historically been a tendency to emphasize left-brain hemisphere attributes, such as rationality, individualism, and analytical thinking, in the interpretation of the divine. This has led to the development of monotheistic religions like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, which often emphasize structured dogma, logic-based theological arguments, and adherence to written scriptures. The divine is often understood within a framework of ordered governance, law, and moral judgment.
Conversely, in many non-Western cultures, there has been a greater inclination to emphasize right-brain hemisphere attributes, such as intuition, interconnectedness, and holistic understanding, in approaching the divine. Many indigenous and Eastern belief systems, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and various traditional indigenous religions, emphasize a more cyclical and interconnected view of the universe. These perspectives often highlight the divine as immanent, interconnected with all aspects of life, and emphasize practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and spiritual interconnectedness.
I remember being an exchange student in Turkey, and one night while I was out for a walk near the Bosphorus with my American and Japanese colleagues, we were talking about many things. Very varied topics, ranging from robotics to transcendence. And I remember watching their facial reaction carefully while we were discussing these topics, volatility is the right word here. When talking about math related things, both my American and my Japanese colleagues’ facial reactions were identical. They were controlled and rational, and their expression was neutral, reflecting intellectual processing. However, when we changed the topic to God, there was a sudden and sharp difference in terms of facial reaction of the two. While my American colleague still continued to exhibit the same neutral face, proving or disproving the existence of God, my Japanese colleague’s facial reaction has changed. He had a softened gaze, elevated eyebrows with a slight smile. He placed less emphasis on verbal precision, in fact less emphasis on any verbal expression. He happily surrendered to the divine.
So, I felt like this is it. This is how I feel when I talk about the divine, about art, about music. I feel like I can’t talk a lot anyway. Words are not helping. They aren’t really helping, because you cannot really approach the transcendent with the dry noise of logic. A fine example is that we humans may be able to understand some of the sentient beings with less sophisticated central nervous systems, such as your faithful friend, your dog. But can he understand you? It is not possible, the complex device suitable for this purpose is missing. Try it out! Sit down and try to read a poem to your puppy. Do you think he will understand and apprehend what you are reading? Of course not, he will just sit there and wait faithfully for you to start playing with him. This is the case of brain hemispheres as well. Just like the thermometer is unable to tell you the taste of your soup if you happen to put it in your bowl, and it is because it wasn’t designed to describe tastes.

The Right Way

The inherent connection between the right hemisphere of the brain and transcendental experiences lies in the right hemisphere’s unique role in processing abstract and holistic aspects of human consciousness. Transcendental experiences often involve a profound sense of interconnectedness, heightened awareness, and a feeling of unity beyond ordinary perception. These experiences transcend the boundaries of individual self and ego, focusing on a deeper understanding of the world and existence. The right hemisphere, which is associated with holistic thinking, creativity, and the processing of non-verbal and emotional information, appears to be more attuned to these abstract and spiritual dimensions of human experience. It plays a part in facilitating the sense of unity and interconnectedness that individuals often report during transcendental moments, such as deep meditation, religious experiences, or psychedelic journeys. While transcendental experiences are multifaceted and involve various brain regions, the right hemisphere’s capacity for holistic and abstract processing contributes significantly to our understanding of these profound states of consciousness.
Our modern culture receives so much information on a daily basis, that it is not processable. I see pictures of war, demolished buildings, refugee crises and so on, on Google. Wouldn’t I be terrified of it if I were a normal person? But I can’t be terrified of it, because I received new information about a girlfriend of mine on Instagram showing her new cute cat. Well normally this would make me feel good, but I can’t be feeling good because the picture is changing, and I see a horrible car accident on YouTube where everyone dies. Wouldn’t it make me sad if I’m a compassionate person? Well, I wish it would, but I cannot be sad because the scenery changes again and I see a superb goal of my favourite football team on Tik-Tok. Now wouldn’t it make me feel happy about it, but… no time.
We don’t need all this. If we want to embark on a psychedelic journey, we must listen to our right brain hemisphere more often.

Let the Right into your life more often

Since early childhood, I have developed a plan to listen to my right brain hemisphere more often. Maybe the plan is the wrong word here. See this is a good example of how my left-brain hemisphere flows into my right changing my choice of words. I should write, I have developed my listening skills. Listening to my intuition. When I have a hunch of something I just tend to go with it, it’s my right brain trying to tell something. Often, it’s about being creative. I like to compose songs on my guitar, I record the whole session, edit it, and then go back to practice more, get some inspiration from bands and guitar players. In the meantime, compose the drums and bass with drum software, add additional instruments with different software and then record my playing over the background music. The end result usually it’s instrumental guitar rock and/or melodic metal music. The sense of completeness feels awesome! And of course, the activity involves both the left and right brain hemispheres working synchronously, but it’s the right’s intention to start it. I use my left-brain knowledge to finish the project, to do a job well done. And I would never use my left brain hemisphere in this case to come up with plans on how to accuse or put down someone with my music. I feel like I have learned the mistake of churches. Many thousands of years have come to pass in such a way that very religious people (faith is right-brain peculiarity) used the transcendent as a reason to attack other people. Thinking that people of different religions are no good, in fact, they are evil. Hinduism had 4000 years, Judaism had 3500 years, Buddhism had 3000 years, Christianity had 2000 years and Islam had 1500 years to teach their people to get closer to the world of transcendent. And it was a failure. Because people on the top used it systematically against their own and other people to “teach them a lesson”. So sad.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

The post You have the right to know who is right appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.