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
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
A Response to the “Tiger Mother” and a Thanks to Disney
Oct 2, 2011
First, before I jump into this topic, I want to apologize for the long delay since my last blog. I recently had a third child, so it’s difficult to keep up! My aim is to post weekly, so I promise to get back on track. I listened the audiobook version of Amy Chua’s Battle Hymn of …Read More
“The Geography of Bliss” by Eric Weiner (Book Recommendation)
Jul 18, 2011
Eric Weiner’s The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World is an absolute treat. Weiner is a journalist and a veteran foreign correspondent for National Public Radio and a self-professed curmudgeon. As the book implies, Weiner chronicles his quest to discover why people in some countries (e.g., Iceland, Switzerland, Thailand) …Read More
“Count Your Blessings, Not Your Faults”
Jun 3, 2011
I was driving home a couple of days ago, listening to the Flatlanders on the radio, and one of their songs had the line: “I count my blessings, not my faults.” Wow! What great advice to live by! All too often we get bogged down by what we think is “wrong” with us and our …Read More
Being Positive in Relationships
May 30, 2011
Researchers have found that most of our happiness comes from our relationships – around 70%. Thus, it is in our best interest, as well as the interest of others around us, to develop and maintain positive relationships. It is truly a win-win scenario. Researchers in psychology and related fields have found that in order to …Read More
The Science of Positive Emotions
Apr 2, 2011
Scientists used to think that all human beings have an inborn “happiness set point” that doesn’t really change. For some people, the more pessimistic gloomy people, that set point is lower, for some people, the eternal optimists, that set point is higher. Of course everybody will react to a tragedy like the loss of a …Read More
The Power of Gratitude
Nov 25, 2010
As we approach Thanksgiving, perhaps some of you are reflecting on things in your life you are grateful for. But did you know that this kind of reflection can lead to increased happiness? Research suggests that one simple technique can significantly increase your level of happiness: keeping a gratitude journal. The technique is very simple. …Read More
“Ruling Your World” – Book Recommendation
Oct 16, 2010
In the book “Ruling Your World” Sakyong Mipham describes ancient strategies to help the reader achieve mastery over their mind and over their life. Although the strategies and metaphors he describes are very old, they are surprisingly relevant and useful in today’s society. The author of the book is Buddhist, and many of the metaphors …Read More
Can Having More Money Lead to Greater Unhappiness?
Sep 12, 2010
We’ve all heard the adage that “money can’t buy happiness,” and yet, within our culture, it seems that we are constantly being told that it can. Whether we receive these messages from advertisers, movie stars, pop divas, it is undeniable that these messages abound. Indeed, we are swimming in them. The messages that we receive …Read More