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Positive Psychology Articles
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- What's fundamental? - by Submitted on Mar 22, 2016 from Rick HansonIn middle school, I thought it would be cool to play a musical instrument, and picked the clarinet. My wise parents rented one rather than buying it, and I started practicing. (In the garage because it sounded pretty screechy.) After a week or two of doing scales, I got bored and picked my way ...
Views: 985 - Dr. Michael Mantell Joins With The United Nations in Promoting Happiness - by Submitted on Mar 19, 2016 from Michael MantellYes, I'm the same Michael Mantell who promotes “the link is what you think” and who believes, OK, thinks, that every emotion we ever have, ever, is first conceived and then anchored in the way we think. It's ALL in your head. Simply put, you not only won’t - but actually can’t- ever have an ...
Views: 1377(2 votes) - Longing For Love? - by Submitted on Mar 14, 2016 from Rick HansonYour brain evolved in three stages (to simplify a complex process): Reptile - Brainstem, focused on avoiding harm Mammal - Limbic system, focused on approaching rewards Primate - Cortex, focused on attaching to "us" The first JOT in this series - pet the lizard - was about how to ...
Views: 974 - SPRING 2016 ECLIPSE ALERT: “Instant Karma’s Gonna Get You!” - by Submitted on Mar 07, 2016 from joan pancoeEach person gets their karmuppance. We get everything we want—sooner or later, if not in this incarnation, then in another. And often when we finally get it, we don't want it. As the process of karmic fruition speeds up, our lives get freer and freer from attachment and we create less and ...
Views: 1492(1 vote) - Which Wolf Do You Feed? - by Submitted on Mar 07, 2016 from Rick HansonI once heard a Native American teaching story in which an elder, a grandmother, was asked what she had done to become so happy, so wise, so loved and respected. She replied: "It's because I know that there are two wolves in my heart, a wolf of love and a wolf of hate. And I know that everything ...
Views: 952 - Feeling A Little Sour? - by Submitted on Feb 29, 2016 from Rick HansonTone matters. I remember times I felt frazzled or aggravated and then said something with an edge to it that just wasn't necessary or useful. Sometimes it was the words themselves: such as absolutes like "never" or always," or over-the-top phrases like "you're such a flake" or "that was ...
Views: 1072 - Is It Truly Urgent? - by Submitted on Feb 23, 2016 from Rick HansonThings come at us with so much urgency and demand these days. Phones ring, texts buzz, emails pile up, new balls have to be juggled, work days lengthen and move into evenings and weekends, traffic gets denser, financial demands feel like a knife at the neck, ads and news clamor for attention, ...
Views: 981 - Got Cheese? - by Submitted on Feb 15, 2016 from Rick HansonAs the nervous system evolved, your brain developed in three stages: Reptile - Brainstem, focused on avoiding harm Mammal - Limbic system, focused on approaching rewards Primate - Cortex, focused on attaching to "us" Since the brain is integrated, avoiding, approaching, and attaching ...
Views: 1063 - Down Deep, Do You Feel At Ease? - by Submitted on Feb 08, 2016 from Rick HansonI've always liked lizards. Growing up in the outskirts of Los Angeles, I played in the foothills near our home. Sometimes I'd catch a lizard and stroke its belly, so it would relax in my hands, seeming to feel at ease. In my early 20's, I found a lizard one chilly morning in the mountains. ...
Views: 1172 - Juggling Bricks? - by Submitted on Feb 01, 2016 from Rick HansonI had a lightbulb moment recently: I was feeling stressed about all the stuff I had to do (you probably know the feeling). After this went on for a while, I stepped back and kind of watched my mind, and could see that I was thinking of these various tasks as things, like big rocks that were ...
Views: 1042 - Stress Management - by Submitted on Jan 29, 2016 from Jackie Wiliams BrockertWe all lead encounter some form of stress. Many times we clients go to psychics they are hoping for ways to cultivate decompressing from stress. For most people, a certain level of everyday stress is inevitable in these modern times. The structure of our lives seems to ...
Views: 1047 - Are You Living or Just Existing? - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2016 from William FetterEver just go through the day and feel as if you can’t change your life for the better? Everything has been decided for you and you have no choices in what you do, wear or say? Some days can feel like that, but have too many in a row and you just might be drifting aimlessly through life. Then ...
Views: 1371 - What Matters Most To You? - by Submitted on Jan 25, 2016 from Rick HansonIn every life, reminders arrive about what's really important. I've recently received one myself, in a form that's already come to countless people and will come to countless more: news of a potentially serious health problem. My semi-annual dermatology mole check turned up a localized ...
Views: 991 - Law of Attraction and Inner Child - by Submitted on Jan 22, 2016 from Theresia ValoczyVibrations define and form out lives. Everything, whatever happens, whatever we think and feel affects us and forms our future and our health. It helps or prevents in achieving our goals. Our greatest donation is that we are able to affect these vibrations and the frequency of our thoughts. ...
Views: 1507 - Staying Positive: How To Overcome Personal Injuries Quickly - by Submitted on Jan 20, 2016 from Anita GinsburgWhile it may be easier said than done, staying positive after an injury may help you heal faster both mentally and physically. By maintaining a positive outlook, you will be more likely to engage with those around you and work harder to take the next steps in your rehab. A positive attitude will ...
Views: 945 - Are We Really So Separate? - by Submitted on Jan 18, 2016 from Rick HansonYour brain evolved in three stages (to simplify a complex process): Reptile - Brainstem, focused on AVOIDING harm Mammal - Limbic system, focused on APPROACHING rewards Primate - Cortex, focused on ATTACHING to "us" With a fun use (to me, at least) of animal themes, the first JOT in ...
Views: 1252 - Are You Full to the Rim? - by Submitted on Jan 11, 2016 from Rick HansonOnce upon a time, a scholar came to visit a saint. After the scholar had been orating and propounding for a while, the saint proposed some tea. She slowly filled the scholar's cup: gradually the tea rose to the very brim and began spilling over onto the table, yet she kept pouring and pouring. ...
Views: 1165 - Busy, Busy? - by Submitted on Jan 06, 2016 from Rick HansonThis practice is definitely a case of teaching what you need to learn: I've been working through a big bucket of tasks lately with little chance to rest. (I console myself with knowing that the bucket is emptying a lot faster than it's filling with new tasks.) Sometimes you can really feel ...
Views: 1228 - TOP TEN REASONS to CELEBRATE 2016 (Even If You’re Still Hungover from Last Year) - by Submitted on Jan 01, 2016 from joan pancoeTOP TEN REASONS to CELEBRATE 2016 (Even If You’re Still Hungover from Last Year) TO VIEW IN YOUR BROWSER: http://joanpancoe.com/page-newsletter-details.php?nl=101 “If everything seems under control, you’re probably not moving fast enough.” MARIO ANDRETTI Dear One, ...
Views: 1444(1 vote) - Are We There Yet? - by Submitted on Dec 28, 2015 from Rick HansonWe spend so much of our time trying to get somewhere. Part of this comes from our biological nature. To survive, animals - including us - have to be goal-directed, leaning into the future. It's certainly healthy to pursue wholesome aims, like paying the rent on time, raising children well, ...
Views: 1235 - Increasing Employee Productivity by Decreasing Hunger - by Submitted on Dec 22, 2015 from Evan BornemanGlucose levels in the body affect the productivity of your employees more than you might believe. A steady glucose level throughout the workday, ensures that workers will be able to achieve a more astute focus while completing their work and have higher levels of attention to detail. Accuracy in ...
Views: 1681 - What is Living You? - by Submitted on Dec 21, 2015 from Rick HansonIn every moment, you and I and everyone and everything else - from quantum foam to fleeting thoughts, intimate relationships, rainforest ecosystems, and the stars themselves - are each a kind of standing wave, like the ever-changing though persistent pattern of water rising above a boulder in a ...
Views: 917 - What Is It About Henry or Mary? - by Submitted on Dec 16, 2015 from William CottringerWhat Is It About Henry or Mary? By Bill Cottringer “Defensiveness is usually someone silently screaming that they need you to value and respect them in disguise. When you look for deeper meanings behind someone’s pain you can then begin to heal not only yourself, but others.” ~Shannon L. ...
Views: 1419 - Live Your Spirituality Your Way - by Submitted on Dec 11, 2015 from Sandra MiniereReligion defines God based on a specific set of doctrines and rituals. Spirituality refers to a sacred energetic flow and way of being in the world. It cuts across all religious beliefs and traditions and influences your attitudes, feelings and behaviors toward yourself, others, nature and ...
Views: 1090 - 5 Tips for Your Daily Mindfulness Practice - by Submitted on Dec 10, 2015 from Tim OngMindfulness requires constant practice. The more you do it, the better you are at being mindful. However, it is almost impossible to be mindful from the moment you wake up in the morning to the time you fall asleep at night. So, instead of trying to be mindful 24/7, it is easier to focus on ...
Views: 959 - Who are you prosecuting? - by Submitted on Dec 07, 2015 from Rick HansonLately I've been thinking about a kind of "case" that's been running in my mind about someone in my extended family. The case is a combination of feeling hurt and mistreated, critique of the other person, irritation with others who haven't supported me, views about what should happen that ...
Views: 974 - 7 Steps to Prevent an Emotional Meltdown - by Submitted on Nov 30, 2015 from Laura CallisenWhen people see the word “meltdown”, they often think of a young child who is overtired, overstimulating, and who has finally hit a point of emotional overload. The resulting meltdown usually coming in the form of inconsolable crying or flailing tantrum. We tend to forget that, as adults, we ...
Views: 1680 - “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”… Really?? - by Submitted on Nov 27, 2015 from Suzanne St. John SmithWe’re about to head into what is likely your busiest time of the year, and yet songs joyfully remind us that it’s THE most ‘wonderful’ time of the year. Most people wouldn’t agree. Expectations for the holiday season seem to grow exponentially each year, but in reality, all you need to do ...
Views: 1214 - What Do Others Give You? - by Submitted on Nov 24, 2015 from Rick HansonEach Thanksgiving holiday, we are reminded to be thankful. When times are tough, finding reasons to be thankful may be challenging or even seem inappropriate or impossible. This year, before we sit around the dinner table, let's think about the myriad benefits to saying thanks, and how to truly ...
Views: 970 - What Do Their Faces Say To You? - by Submitted on Nov 16, 2015 from Rick HansonAs our ancestors evolved over millions of years in small bands, continually interacting and working with each other, it was vitally important to communicate in hundreds of ways each day. They shared information about external "carrots" and "sticks," and about their internal experience (e.g., ...
Views: 956 - Where Complaints Come From - by Submitted on Nov 10, 2015 from Pat LaDouceurLet's start with what counts as a complaint. If you tell your doctor about your headache, for example, that's not a complaint. That's because there's a good chance your doctor can help. So here's the definition: a complaint is talking about something you don't like to someone who can't ...
Views: 1145 - Reconstructing the Winning Mindset of Serena Williams - by Submitted on Nov 09, 2015 from Srini PillayTruth be told, I am mildly obsessed with Serena Williams. Her talent and intelligence on and off the court, the longevity of her career, her comebacks, the authenticity of her ambition, her grit and determination, and her overall appeal are hard to ignore. Other than Serena herself, no one ...
Views: 3846 - What Do You Want? - by Submitted on Nov 09, 2015 from Rick HansonGetting caught up in wanting - wanting both to get what's pleasant and to avoid what's unpleasant - is a major source of suffering and harm for oneself and others. First, a lot of what we want to get comes with a big price tag - such as that second cupcake, constant stimulation via TV and ...
Views: 940 - Overcoming Negative Thoughts - by Submitted on Nov 05, 2015 from lennox cadoreNegative thoughts “We live who we believe we are” Tony Robbins I have recently enrolled in the part-time Psychotherapy program at Transformational Arts College here in Toronto (Thanks for the recommendation GY!). Part of the reason I enrolled was the realization that throughout my ...
Views: 1444 - Should You Ever Criticize Your Spouse? - by Submitted on Nov 03, 2015 from Marcia Naomi Berger"A love without reproof is no love." ---Rabbi Yosi ben Chanina Reproof is defined as rebuke or criticism. You may feel safer by seething silently when irked by a potential or actual marriage partner's behavior. But sometimes speaking up, with kindness and respect, at a time when both ...
Views: 1194 - Could it crack? - by Submitted on Nov 02, 2015 from Rick HansonThe truth of anything is like a mosaic with many tiles, many parts. One part of the truth of things is that they are robust and enduring, whether it's El Capitan in Yosemite or the love of a child for her mother and father. Another part of the truth is that things bruise, tear, erode, ...
Views: 1127 - Being Exposed - by Submitted on Nov 01, 2015 from David HarmWe come into this world exposed. Our whole selves open for display. Our minds to fragile, with no experience to be ashamed or be shy with our exposure. As we age, we begin to build little walls around us, not letting everyone see the "real" person. We begin to gain friends and our parents send ...
Views: 1371 - Why We Need Yoga - by Submitted on Nov 01, 2015 from Chandra Yoga International“Yoga is not an ancient myth buried in oblivion. It is the most valuable inheritance of the present. It is the essential need of today and the culture of tomorrow.” Swami Satyanada Saraswati We see it all around us. People are not well. High rates of depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness ...
Views: 960 - Wanting to find success - by Submitted on Oct 31, 2015 from David HarmI think as long as I live, I will try to be a "success." I have a good idea of what the term means to me, but, the family I grew up in, pictures success as cash in the bank, money in stocks, a fancy home (or two), driving new vechiles, the list can go on forever. You get the picture. But as you ...
Views: 1449 - Take Care of Your Animal - by Submitted on Oct 29, 2015 from Mike RobbinsThis video blog post (http://mike-robbins.com/take-care-of-your-animal/) is inspired by an interview with Elizabeth Gilbert and my friend Jonathan Fields on his podcast, The Good Life Project. Elizabeth talks about the importance of taking care of her “animal” (aka her physical body) so that ...
Views: 1256 - Do you believe in love? - by Submitted on Oct 26, 2015 from Rick HansonTake a breath right now, and notice how abundant the air is, full of life-giving oxygen offered freely by trees and other green growing things. You can't see air, but it's always available for you. Love is a lot like the air. It may be hard to see - but it's in you and all around you. In ...
Views: 1099 - Listening to our needs strengthens us - by Submitted on Oct 24, 2015 from Julie Roberts, Ph.D.If you do for others and neglect your own needs, you are not nurturing yourself and you are not aligned with your true self. Often people are told they are selfish if they think of themselves and and put their needs before others, but really we strengthen ourselves when we listen to our own ...
Views: 1353(1 vote) - Ready for Mastery? - by Submitted on Oct 19, 2015 from Aimee BernsteiinVisualize LeBron James as he leaps for the basket; Alisha Keyes at the piano singing This Girl is On Fire; a Navy Seal as he jumps out of a helicopter and races towards Bin Laden's hide-out. What do they have in common? All of them are masters of performing under pressure. Although we tend to ...
Views: 1514 - Ready for Mastery? - by Submitted on Oct 19, 2015 from Aimee BernsteiinVisualize LeBron James as he leaps for the basket; Alisha Keyes at the piano singing This Girl is On Fire; a Navy Seal as he jumps out of a helicopter and races towards Bin Laden's hide-out. What do they have in common? All of them are masters of performing under pressure. Although we tend to ...
Views: 1310 - Ready for Mastery? - by Submitted on Oct 19, 2015 from Aimee BernsteiinVisualize LeBron James as he leaps for the basket; Alisha Keyes at the piano singing This Girl is On Fire; a Navy Seal as he jumps out of a helicopter and races towards Bin Laden's hide-out. What do they have in common? All of them are masters of performing under pressure. Although we tend to ...
Views: 1249 - Ready for Mastery? - by Submitted on Oct 19, 2015 from Aimee BernsteiinVisualize LeBron James as he leaps for the basket; Alisha Keyes at the piano singing This Girl is On Fire; a Navy Seal as he jumps out of a helicopter and races towards Bin Laden's hide-out. What do they have in common? All of them are masters of performing under pressure. Although we tend to ...
Views: 1350 - Ready for Mastery? - by Submitted on Oct 19, 2015 from Aimee BernsteiinVisualize LeBron James as he leaps for the basket; Alisha Keyes at the piano singing This Girl is On Fire; a Navy Seal as he jumps out of a helicopter and races towards Bin Laden's hide-out. What do they have in common? All of them are masters of performing under pressure. Although we tend to ...
Views: 1225 - Ready for Mastery? - by Submitted on Oct 19, 2015 from Aimee BernsteiinVisualize LeBron James as he leaps for the basket; Alisha Keyes at the piano singing This Girl is On Fire; a Navy Seal as he jumps out of a helicopter and races towards Bin Laden's hide-out. What do they have in common? All of them are masters of performing under pressure. Although we tend to ...
Views: 1442 - Intrapersonal Communication in Healing - by Submitted on Oct 14, 2015 from Marc LernerThe human brain is an incredible creation and we have not yet scratched the surface of its real potential. The purpose of this article is to give you a framework for how to use your brain to perceive a broader view than we usually use. The majority of us have a constant focus on our thinking ...
Views: 2701 - 3 Surprising Ways Being "Selfish" Makes Your Relationship Happier - by Submitted on Oct 14, 2015 from Peggy SealfonSometimes you have to take a stand for your own happiness! I have a client who, on one hand, says she's always considerate and helpful to her husband, making valiant efforts to please him. But then, in the next breath, she complains that he treats her like a doormat. She continues doing ...
Views: 5680(1 vote)