by Fizza Shah | November, 2020 | Fizza Shah, Poetry
Positive Psychology and Poetry Positive Psychology advocates the cultivation of positive emotions this is possible through the process of association of absorbing rich literature. Positive psychology refers to this as a form of flourishing behaviour. The novel aim of poetic therapeutic methods is to experience flourishing behaviours through the following ways: flow experiences, building upon positive social relationships, cultivating a sense of meaning or purpose in life and broadening ones personal accomplishments with a positive growth mindset approach. Bearing that in mind I shall convey my favourite poetry idols. Firstly, Rumi has a very higher functioning level of spirituality with the main purpose of conveying such meaningful words that opens your door to your soul “observe the wonders that occur around you” Rumi. This poetic simplistic phrase cultivates the need for you to embrace the beauty of the world through your eyes. Then you have the magnificent Alama Iqbal with “reach for the sky in such heights that even destiny asks what do you require oh human” my favourite words of wisdom as they embed an inner motivation to succeed in life. Then you have the magnificent William Shakespeare “The eyes are the window to your soul”. Such immense formidable words conveying many layers of meaning that unravel the authenticity of your being. My sustenance of my soul Imam Ali AS “ I will be patient, until even patience tires of my patience.” The soulful words of wisdom that acquires a PURE mindset to really delve into the inner Positive Spiritual quest called the human quest for meaning Poetic therapy within Positive Psychology The most profound model is the...
by Fizza Shah | October, 2020 | Fizza Shah, hope
In Greek methodology, hope was the only remaining element in Pandora’s jar when she unleashed all the evils in the world. Bearing in mind our current climate I feel hope is the only way forward and we must cultivate it in abundance. Hope is defined as “to want something to happen and think it is possible” Oxford Dictionary. Leading psychologist within the field of hope convey that it’s a three-part process visualise your goal, find Positive pathways to accomplish them and keep going (Lopez et al., 2004). The effective attitude towards a more progressive emergence of hope in a cognitive nature of hope advocates the cultivation of positive emotions for the successful pursuit of goals (Snyder and his colleagues, 2002). The novel theology of hope is well defined by the layers of emotional/mental ability that triggers the key elements of ability with energy to accomplish one’s goals (Snyder, 2002). The process of building and broadening the notion of hope has been eloquently devised by a leading Positive Psychologist Barbara Frederickson into a Hope portfolio. The hope portfolio is a four-tier process initiating the first process being hopeful/optimistic, believing a change for good, physically changing for humane betterment and to access your creative ability for a better future (Fredrickson, 2009). The formation of hope in terms of character strength is a vital asset in self-development as it looks upon positive relationships, physical well-being, active problem-solving and diligence (Niemiec, R.M. (2014a). Finally, the great Dr Paul T P Wong defines hope as “Hope has no shape, no colour, and no words. It is just an illusion, a flicker of light that...
by Fizza Shah | April, 2020 | Fizza Shah, Positive Psychology
Positive Psychology advocates Positive behaviours with the current climate an amalgamation of Positive emotions with actions is a much needed attribute to avoid the cultivation of negative emotions. I feel at this point of everyone’s mind we question ourselves about what is a meaningful life. I feel the PURE approach will overcome all suffering and difficult times. What is PURE in Plato’s words “Blessed are the pure of heart (hoi katharoi te karda), for they shall see God” (Boyle, M, O, 2002). Then you have the PURE model advocating the four processes whereby a meaningful existence can be acquired through Purpose, Understanding, Responsible actionn and enjoyment/evaluation (Wong, 2010,2011). Thereafter the PERMA model advocates cultivation of Positive emotions, engagement in one’s environment, building Positive relationships, implementing meaningful tasks and identifying one’s accomplishments (Seligman, 2011). The purpose of the models is to provide a framework in which people can cultivate a holistic Positive Wellbeing allowinhuman beings to purposefully acquire a more meaningful vision of optimal psychological well being. You have a key three-dimensional outlook on Positive well being with the PURE, PERMA and philosophical religious elements act as key driving forces for a more wholesome Positive well being for all attribute. What Positive Psychology Practitioners can do elevate Psychological Wellbeing The purpose of Positive Psychology practitioners is to apply their expertise to build positive organisations and societies for the betterment of humanity for a more flourishing Global world. Some positive practices are volunteering your time to support the community through email/telephone support, building Positive Communication hubs whereby like-minded people can share their feelings, offering help to local community groups and political...
by Fizza Shah | December, 2019 | Fizza Shah, Spirituality
What does Positive Psychology say about Spirituality What do human’s search for when they search for spirituality? Zinnbauer & Paragament (2005, Pg 611) have suggested that it is “a quest for existential meaning, to the transcendent human dimension” meaning that individual seek meaning in life with freedom and choice. The quest for spirituality has been explored by positive psychologist in context of spirituality processes as being cultural (cf.Shafranske & Malony, 1996) an engagement in prayer, importance of religion to individuals and evidence-based studies that associate spirituality for better well being human functioning. The key constructs of spirituality have the following elements such as the perception of the divine God and the concept that humans being are beyond their normal experiences (Pargament & Mahoney, 2005). Furthermore, spiritual processes such as praying and meditation have been strongly associated with better wellbeing with a more adaptive coping ability too as they view life through the scared perspective (Koenig, McCullough & Mahoney, 2005). The search for scared one is a 5 part spiritual processes divided into the following discovery, conservation, transformation, spiritual integration and disintegration. The process have been identified as the discovery: evolving mindest, conservation: once you have discovered the sacred one then to sustain it is the next process involving social involvements, transformation: the emergence of oneself in spiritual pathways display spiritual resilience. Spiritual Integration: the notion is associated with individuals who pray, meditate and enter holy places of worship experience better wellbeing (Koenig, Mccullough, & Larson, 2001; Pargament, 1997; Pargament & Mahoney, 2005). Disintegration: spiritual process that have a negative effect upon human well being. On reflection the processes are...
by Fizza Shah | September, 2019 | courage, Fizza Shah
What does Positive Psychology say about Courage? Earlier philosophers state how courage is an essential virtue which floats between cowardice and rashness (Aristotle, 350 BCE/1999). The changing face of courage has shifted from support for a diminishing cause viewed as heroic, to a non adaptive method of thinking (Barczewski, 2008; Knight & Saal, 1986). Primary courage research advocates that the process of courage entails overriding one emotion over another for example love, honour, and duty would overcome anger. Researchers have further commented on the topic by implementing that is one is labelled as courageous it steers them towards personal growth (Finfgeld, 1999). With other stating that courageous behaviours lead to self confidence and selfless love leading to repetition of courageous behaviours (Castro, 2006). In addition it is proven by research that courageous behaviours benefits others by kindness (Faigin-Jones & Midlarsky, 2007; Pury & Kowalski, 2007) and altruistic Positive Psychology incorporates courage into the Values in Action category as a bravery virtue meaning that you persevere, finishing ones tasks, integrity and acquiring positive energy for your task at hand (Pury & Kawalski, 2007). Measuring courage within the Positive Psychology is completed within the Values in Action inventory of strengths VIA-IS, (Peterson & Seligman, 2004) How can Positive Psychology Practitioners use Courage? Researchers state that believing in ones courage actually boosts courageous behaviours building upon ones self perception (Boyd and Ross, 1994). Others suggest that identifying ones self as a courageous person cultivates self growth (Finfgeld, 1999). In addition others propose a battlemind model of courage advocating courageous actions that cultivate self confidence and selfless love (Castro, 2006). The battlemind model...
by Fizza Shah | May, 2019 | Education, Fizza Shah, Uncategorized
The science of Positive Education What is positive education? Well it is perceived in Positive Psychology as positive emotions and attitudes derived from subjective wellbeing student’s experiences within their schooling environment. So how would we create a school environment whereby you have the opportunities to experience positive affect (Diener, Emmons, Larsen, & Griffin, 1985) ? . The fundamental goal of positive education is to promote flourishing or positive mental health within the school community.” (Norrish et. al., 2013). Positive Psychology advocates that the younger years of a child are the optimal functioning period of childhood to cultivate healthy Subjective Well being habits. It goes further with the broaden and build model proposed by Barbara Fredrickson (2001) explores this notion by advocating upon the implementation of play/exploration thought and action repertoire behaviours within children thus promoting adaptive positive behaviours. Over a period of time a child learns to develop a range of personal resources as positive social relationships, flexiable coping behaviours and learning opportunities with many positive effect experiences builds an abundance of personal resources. The importance of having certain acquired personal characteristics such as self esteem (Karatzias et al., 2002), academic self efficacy (Vekuyten & Thisjs, 2002) intrinsic motivation (Gilman & Anderman, 2006) hope (Huebner & Gilman, 2006) and external locus control (gilman & Anderman, 2006) have been suggested as contributing factors for students to experience optimal levels of school satisfaction. Other behavioural factors are enganging in extracurriculum activities (Gilman, 2001) building social competent skills (Eamon, 2002) and positive life experiences (Huebner and McCullough, 2000). Teacher-classroom factors that effect student life satisfaction are as followed support/structure provided to students for...
