We have feelings for a reason. They provide valuable information that can help to steer us in the right direction in life…if we learn to listen to them. Imagine if we didn’t have the emotion of fear and we ran across a grizzly bear. Without such emotions I think the human race would have been …Read More
Gross Domestic Happiness
Apr 24, 2012
As Dr. Brooks mentioned in his last post, it would be a great idea if countries around the world would start measuring their “Gross Domestic Happiness” instead of the Gross Domestic Product. It so happens that one small Asian country, Bhutan, has already started doing this and inspired the United Nations to adopt a new …Read More
“Flourish” by Martin E. P. Seligman (Book Recommendation)
Apr 23, 2012
I recently completed the unabridged audiobook version of Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-Being by Dr. Martin Seligman. Dr. Seligman, a professor at The University of Pennsylvania, is widely considered to be the primary founder of positive psychology (the study of human happiness & well-being). I’ve read a number of Dr. Seligman’s books …Read More
Remembering What Is Important
Apr 3, 2012
Often we can become very wrapped up in our obligations, such as making money to pay the bills, meeting deadlines, or making a good impression on our managers and colleagues. These things can take up so much of our time and energy that we forget what is really important in life: the meaningful relationships we …Read More
Do Our Emotions Fit the Situation?
Apr 2, 2012
This quote from Aristotle is a mouthful…so I honestly have to look it up when I need it. It doesn’t make the cut as a “pithy” maxim, yet Aristotle points to a very profound and sublime Truth. The Truth that he points to is something that I always keep with me and try to heed. …Read More
Say Om…and Improve your Attention
Mar 30, 2012
In a previous blog, I discussed executive functioning deficits with ADHD, specifically how these affect impulsivity, working memory, attention, and organization. It is also known that stress interferes with executive function and emotional regulation. It turns out that there are many exploratory studies on the benefits of meditation and relaxation. It is a common means of …Read More
The Power to Accept What Is
Mar 9, 2012
Last week, I had one of those “series of unfortunate events” days. I won’t bore you with the details, but I was trying to run a few quick errands before going into work and one minor frustration after another added up until I was running 10 minutes late for a client. I really don’t like …Read More
Stubborn Is As Stubborn Does
Feb 1, 2012
A few weeks ago, I was in a minor argument with a friend of mine. I, of course, was trying to get her to “see the light” by logically and systematically presenting evidence as to why she should take my advice. Despite what I thought were very convincing arguments, she remained unswayed and unconvinced. I …Read More
Putting Your Own Oxygen Mask on First
Jan 18, 2012
It is sometimes hard to remember when you are a parent that it is also important to take care of yourself and your own needs. Dr. Brooks recently discussed research that suggests that parents’ ability to manage their own stress is one of the top three predictors of positive outcomes for children. So when you …Read More
Mindfulness Book Recs – East Meets West
Jan 15, 2012
Mindfulness is an approach to living that involves an open, active attention to the present moment in a non-judgemental fashion. In this way, we can observe our thoughts and feelings without becoming swept away by them. We can experience various thoughts and emotions, but they are not who we are. By being able to observe our thoughts …Read More