Happiness,Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth

A recommended reading is “Happiness, Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth” by Dr. Ed Diener and his son Robert Biswas-Diener.

 

Scientific evidence of the value of genuine happiness is cited, emphasizing that happiness is a process that when filled with positive emotions for right purposes, creates life satisfaction.

 

“Psychological wealth is your true total net worth, and includes your attitudes toward life, social support, spiritual development, material resources, health and the activities in which you engage.”

 

The book offers many words of wisdom to live by, such as “Be happy for the right reasons” and pay attention to the good in others, and the beautiful things that are going right. Thinking that most people are doing their best and people with serious problems deserve compassion is a healthy attitude.

 

The model for a happy approach to life is AIM, Attention, Interpretation and Memory. This means: paying attention to the beauty and goodness around you, while aware of negatives, interpreting events as inspirational and preserving their self-esteem, and active appreciation of the past such as savoring memories.

 

The authors include some tests to measure your own satisfaction with life, emotional well-being and psychological flourishing.

 

This book helps the reader use the practical and scientific studies of psychological value for leading a life of genuine happiness.

Thoughts on “Curious”

Some Thoughts on Dr. Todd Kashdon’s “Curious” Book

 

     The strength of curiosity/love of learning is one of the routes to Wisdom and Knowledge, according to Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman and Dr. Chris Peterson, leading Positive Psychologists.

 

     Dr. Kashdon’s book details scientific research he has found that supports his theme, that curiosity is the central ingredient to leading a fulfilling life. To him, “Curiosity is about how we pay attention to what is happening in the present.”  Seligman and Peterson’s definition is “Curiosity involves the active recognition, pursuit, and regulation of one’s experience in response to challenging opportunities.”

 

     Dr. Kashdon writes that with curiosity you can build knowledge, skills, strengths and meaning. Intentionally focusing your most valuable assets of time and energy can change and enhance life’s moments.

 

     Hands on strategies and the science about how they work can help you gain insight. Using the results in daily life can deepen passion and excitement helping to create long-lasting satisfying relationships. Research even shows that becoming a curious explorer can provide relief to problematic anxiety.

 

     The dark side of curiosity is not overlooked.  Those too intense interests some people have in sex, death, etc. run counter to healthy useful contributions to society.

 

     Guidelines are presented for increasing opportunities to create meaning and purpose. He gives scientific support for curiosity as one of the paths to a healthy, satisfying and long-lasting life. Exercises and tools are in the appendix to use to increase curiosity in your life.

 

     I only write on this blog about books I can recommend. My interest in the 24 strengths as routes to the six culturally recognized virtues loves this one for the approach taken toward increasing the use of curiosity in daily life.

 

Rita M. Thompson

www.ritathompsoncoaching.com

“Healing Spaces, The Science of Place and Well-Being” by Esther Sternberg, M.D.

 

I learned of Dr Sternberg’s writing in Supervision Class taught by Anne Durand, Director of Training at my favorite coach training school, Mentor Coach LLC. I read the assigned book “The Balance Within” by the same author and have since reread it. Good books make me want to do that.

 

This one is another thought provoking good read. As a Life and Business Coach with educational and positive psychological interests,  places and spaces intrigue me for their benefits toward a flourishing life. This is filled with the latest neuroscience, medical, and psychological studies and activities that increase balance and healing spaces and places in the mind and body.

 

Beautiful scenes, colors of various wavelengths, different sounds and silence, touch and smell- all have an effect on our moods, emotions and responses to our environment.

 

Place cells are nerve cells that register location in space and pull together the sensory inputs we receive. This is a process necessary for the creation of an integral sense of place, an internal map with harmony integrating landmark images from experiences that form our internal compass.

 

There are also healing thoughts, healing prayers and visions that inspire others, such as the well-known healing place Lourdes, giving hope that a place will heal.

 

The author cites the new field of “evidence-based design” that evaluates the health benefits of architectural features in hospitals. A study found that patients healed faster when their room had a vista window.  Less noise, vista windows, access to nature, green spaces and visiting space decreased stress and increased healing.

 

Building urban spaces like bike trails, parks, and wide sidewalks can have an effect on activity and exercise, both beneficial to healing and staying healthy.

 

I particularly liked the term “walkability” in building design for its value for exercise, social needs, beauty in nature and thus health and healing.

 

It is important to each of us to find our own place of peace and healing for our own physical and mental health. It may be in a garden, hearing music in church, the calming movement in a labyrinth, a breathtaking vista, a favorite viewing place, flowing river water, sounds of a fountain or birds chirping, a familiar prayer and pleasant memory for examples.

 

The inner peace then helps us create beneficial environments for others. That is why I

recommend this book for a good understanding of Healing Spaces and the Science of Well-Being.

 Rita M. Thompson

www.ritathompsoncoaching.com.

INSPIRATION IN NEED

INSPIRATION IN NEED

 

Here are three outstanding examples of the positive emotion of INSPIRATION, and how valuable it is to help overcome negativity and flourish.

 

The first is the Susan Boyle rendition of “Les Miserables’s I Dreamed a Dream”.

 

At 48 years old this unemployed volunteer charity worker sang this song before a critical and cynical panel and audience, stunning them with an extraordinary performance. She has leaped to stardom and this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXPZh4anwyk) has been watched over 100 million times in less than one month.

 

What a voice and what a choice to capture so many with such a beautiful song!

 

The second is my coach’s response to Susan’s inspiring example-“So needed at this time”.

 

In the current recession for so many people facing savings and job losses, swine flu, home ownership endangerment, and people who would like to be able to help others, it is so apt-an inspiring song about a dream sung from such a surprising source. Watching it gives that warm feeling followed by uplift in positivity, and an elevation to the good in a person that helps us all.

 

The third comes from the example of my family. When the great depression hit in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s, my parents had just started their family. My mother’s parents, three brothers, my parents and their three children moved together and then learned new skills and enjoyed life in a new community.

 

A song, a coach, a family-three moving examples of inspiring use of skills to  draw on inner strength, rise and reach higher satisfaction and beauty of life.

 

INSPIRATION is a positive emotion that helps us thrive, warms our heart, brings out our desire to do good, and urges us to do our best, according to Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, renowned positive psychology researcher of positive emotions and professor at Univ. of North Carolina.  Read more about her work at www.positivityratio.com.

 

What do you need in your life?  Who can help you achieve that satisfaction? When will you be willing to change to get there? Where are you in the possibility of that necessary change?

 

Dr. James Prochaska, Univ. of Rhode Island, is noted for his extensive research on change. Here is a brief recap of his model of five stages of change:

1. Precontemplation – haven’t really thought about it, tried and failed, stopped.

2. Contemplation – cons are stronger than the pros, procrastination

3. Preparation – intent to take action; have a possible plan, most successful time to recruit for action in change programs- e.g.  coaching.

4. Action – observable behavior change in life-style within the past six months. Vigilance against relapse is most critical.

5. Maintenance – Less tempted to relapse and increasingly more confidant that the change will continue.

 

INSPIRATION is a good, healthful, moving positive emotion and change is possible to flourish into life satisfaction. I’ve lived it and recommend it.

 

Rita M. Thompson

Life Coach

www.ritathompsoncoaching.com.

rita@lifeliftcoach.com.

 

 

 

 

Positivity by Barbara Fredrickson

“Positivity” by Barbara Fredrickson

 

With a testimonial: “Barbara Fredrickson is the genius of Positive Psychology” by Dr Martin E.P. Seligman, its founding father, this had better be good, and it is.

 

She defines positivity as a broad term consisting of the whole range of positive emotions, the positive meanings and optimistic attitudes that trigger them, as well as open minds, tender hearts and relaxed faces they usher in. Included also is the long term impact positive emotions have on your character, relationships, communities and environments.

 

Scientifically proven facts about positivity are the basis for the author’s theory of Broaden and Build. Positivity opens hearts and minds making us more receptive and creative and it transforms us for the better. We can then discover and build new skills, ties, knowledge and ways of being. At our best we can live longer.

 

This well respected scientist has done much research on positive emotions. She selects her top ten for us: Joy, Gratitude, Serenity, Interest, Hope, Pride, Amusement, Inspiration, Awe and Love and describes them in easy terms of understanding.

 

She gives some guidelines and specific actions to increase your positivity including a Positivity Self Test you can take at suggested times to note your progress.

 

We can control certain forms of thought and action to increase positivity. Seeing what’s good and right in various situations, going from thinking me to thinking you, accepting challenges, and reframing to a positive attitude are some of them.

 

The book is a good read from an accomplished researcher/positive psychologist. She describes some of her scientific studies on positive emotions and how they affect your life style, even pointing the way from languishing to flourishing.

 

The writing reaches to many, and is a must read for Positive Psychology practitioners and coaches.

 

Review by Rita M. Thompson 2-17-09

Spiritual Evolution by George E, Vaillant

Review of “Spiritual Evolution” by George E. Vaillant, M.D

A Scientific Defense of Faith

By

Rita M. Thompson

 

     This is a book that deepens the understanding of the Positive Emotions, Faith and Spirituality and their evolutionary development.

 

   Faith used here “involves basic trust that the world has meaning and that loving kindness exists. The absence of faith is nihilism, which is love of no one, nor truth, beauty, hope or joy, with no meaning in life.

 

   Faith is what you do and is manifested three different ways; following a faith tradition, expressing a trusting commitment to compassionate behavior and community building, and through positive emotion, personal sense of inner illumination, awe, and a longing for the sacred. It is the foundation of trust in the universe (pages 67-68).

 

   With the Peace Prayer of St. Frances, Dr. Vaillant begins separation of Spirituality into a broad spectrum of positive emotions: compassion, forgiveness, love, hope, joy, faith/trust, awe and gratitude arising from unselfish parental love. They are a common denominator for all major faiths and of all human being.

 

   He presents scientific evidence for the benefits of Positive Emotions (future time, creative) and Negative Emotions (present survival time).

 

    The three kinds of evolution he traces their development through are: selection of genes over millennia, cultural evolution of the value of human life and spirituality.

 

   He ends stating simply “spirituality is love for all people and religions.”

 

   I recommend reading this book. It can answer questions for many to move forward in their lives.

 

 

Happy Works Club New Class

 

 

 Happy Works Club LLC Announcement

 

     To increase success, avoid burn-out and help small business entrepreneurs, Business and Life Coach Rita Thompson is presenting “Eight Weeks to Your Business Success”.  The classes are by teleconference and internet, with the first two scheduled from Oct.1^st to November 19^th at 7:00 a.m. and Oct. 6^th-Nov.24^th at 11:00a.m. Others will be scheduled as needed and by request.

     How to overcome procrastination and get tasks accomplished, wear the three hats of being an entrepreneur, manager and technician, and balance your life and business so both are enjoyable are covered in the sessions along with other important responsibilities to reach important goals.

     Class size will be limited to ten participants for maximum benefit. The cost is $6oo per person with a 20% discount if payment is received at least one week before the first class starts ($480). Long distance costs may apply.

     Rita is a member of the South Orange County Chambers of Commerce, Ca, the International Coach Federation and the International Positive Psychology Association. She was recently selected for Who’s Who in America’s 50^th anniversary publication.

     “This course can help create success, avoid failure and balance life and business toward a flourishing healthy and happy life,” is Rita’s hoped for outcome.

    For an enrollment form and class outline, e-mail Rita at: rita@lifeliftcoach.com.

Sign up by sending your check, specifying class choice and e-mail, to:

Rita M. Thompson at 3185-D Via Buena Vista, Laguna Woods, Ca. 92637.

Telephone: 949-206-1508 Website: www.ritathompsoncoaching.com.

Some Good Memories for Father’s Day

FAMILY =(F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU, author unknown. Mountain Wings.

My father was walking with a friend on the sidewalk in Athens, Pa. when he saw a girl walking with a friend on the other side of the street. He asked his friend who was that girl. “Well, that is Doris Brown. Would you like to meet her?” he replied. “Meet her! I’d like to marry her”, answered Bob Lawrence and he did. Their lives were beautiful together with three girls, friends, family, church and love of Life.

I remember how he taught me to love the water. I learned the healthful benefits of movement in the water, including swimming that saved my little sister from drowning. There was the fun of water sports on the water such as boating, including canoeing, sailing, water-skiing and power boats. He spoke of his enjoyment at hearing the splash as swimming began on vacation. He loved the purity of Skaneatelas Lake water.

One lesson in responsibility I learned when he taught me to shoot the flame out of a candle as it bobbed on the waves of the Lake. When I’d mastered it he said it was time to put the gun away. This came into focus later when I was in charge of a teen-age canoe trip. A storm came up on Lake Winnipesaukee. Sensing it was dangerous, I lead the canoers to shore and shelter in a small building, then called the camp for help.

The lessons he taught nurtured light in me and for others and I thank him for it.

Art to Heart Happiness

“AN ART TO HEART HAPPINESS TALK”

 

Your happiness is important to your health. What’s more, it affects the people in your environment. Happy people live longer, an average of nine years. They succeed in personal relationships, in their work, at play, and have high Life Satisfaction.

NEED MORE FACTS? Come to the free teleconference on:

“ART TO HEART HAPPINESS”

Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.

(only long distance charges may apply).

CAN I BE HAPPIER? Go to the free website: www.authentichappiness.org. You will find many tests on happiness. The Sensitive to Happiness Index can be used to measure your happiness and your progress in using the new happiness exercises. The Values in Action (VIA) results show your top five Signature Strengths that when used more, can increase your happiness. There are other tests that measure Gratitude, Three Routes to Life Satisfaction, Forgiveness and much more. These are happiness boosters and all are free. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? Register now for the free teleconference you can’t afford to miss, to learn how to be happier and healthier.

WHAT’S THE PROOF? The new Sciences of Positive Psychology, Happiness, Gratitude and Coaching are based on researched facts about happy people and exercises that increase enjoyment of Life. WHO IS THE PRESENTER? Rita M. Thompson, President of the Happy Works Club, LLC, will lead the 30 minute “ART TO HEART HAPPINESS TALK” teleconference. She is a Personal, Life, Executive Coach and holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling. She is a graduate of the Authentic Happiness Vanguard Coaching Program and a Mentor Coach LLC trainee.

HOW DO I REGISTER? Choose one of the contacts below. Space is limited, so act now to be included on the call. Please give your name, phone number, e-mail information to receive the teleconference phone number and access pin number.

CONTACT RITA AT:

E-mail: rthompson48@comline.com.Website: www.ritathompsoncoaching.com.Phone: 949-206-1508.

Service of The Happy Works Club LLC

The Happy Works Club LLC is a coaching service of Rita M. Thompson. About Rita is posted on her website at:

www.lifeliftcoach.com.

There also are reviews of some of her favorite books as they are published. These include research on the sciences of Happiness, Gratitude, Coaching and Positive Psychology-all to help make you happier and healthier.

It is free. The Individual and Group Coaching, the classes and special events are on a pay in advance basis.

Contact Rita via her website or e-mail her at:

rthompson48@comline.com.