Although I can’t claim that I’m Buddhist, I’m really drawn to Buddhist psychology, and I’ve read a number of books by the Dalai Lama. I count him among a short list of very influential people in my life. In one of his books, perhaps it was The Art of Happiness, he presents a simple (but not necessarily …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
Ways To Combat Stress When Looking For A Job
Jul 2, 2010
With the slowed economy, looking for a job is often a full time job. Furthermore, a recent article in Psychology Today (entitled Conducting a Rational Job Search) highlighted that finding a job is a very stressful process. The stress involved in this process often leads to task-avoidance. Oftentimes, the stress involved in the job search …Read More
Looking for Something? Get “Lost”!
Jun 1, 2010
Perhaps this seems odd to give a plug to my favorite TV show, ABC’s Lost, on this website . What on earth does this have to do with psychology & well-being, you ask? Well, let me explain myself. First, I have to say that I’m pretty bummed that Lost has concluded. I loved the finale. I’m …Read More
You Matter…Here’s Proof
Apr 13, 2010
I recently finished the audiobook Connected: The Surprising Power of Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives by Nicholas A. Christakis and James H. Fowler. As the name implies, the professors (Christakis a professor of medicine, sociology, and health care policy at Harvard and Fowler a professor of political science at UC San Diego) …Read More
The Bucket List, Surfing, and Zen
Mar 27, 2010
I recently returned from my first trip to Hawaii…Aloha! I went with my family and had a wonderful time. It is truly magical there…I can see why everyone I’ve ever talked to who has visited there touts her beauty. We stayed in Waikiki on Ohau for about a week…it was too difficult to make an adventure vacation …Read More
“The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World” by The Dalai Lama (Book Recommendation)
Mar 5, 2010
I have read the original The Art of Happiness by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and psychiatrist Howard Cutler, M.D. three times and count it among my short list of favorite and influential books. They have worked on a series of books that include The Art of Happiness at Work (I got about 1/2 through …Read More
Internet Addiction & Depression
Feb 13, 2010
As cited in a recent Reuters news article on MSNBC, a study by British scientists published in the journal Psychopathology found that people who spend a lot of time on the Internet are more depressed than those who don’t. In this study, the researches analyzed the Internet use of 1,319 Britons between the ages of …Read More
An Insider’s Perspective
Feb 2, 2010
There are numerous books, websites, and other media outlets that are devoted to educating people about various types of mental disorders. Recently, I found a very unique website that provides a new take on mental illness issues in teen populations (www.copecaredeal.org). Cope, Care, Deal organization provides numerous resources on various aspects of mental health. One …Read More
Tech Workouts to Build Brain "Muscle"?
Jan 20, 2010
I recently read an article in the January 18, 2010 issue of Time magazine concerning “Workouts for Your Brain” by Bonnie Rochman. She reviewed some of the recent software and tech devices designed to enhance cognitive functioning. She also briefly examined some of the research findings as to whether such software really does enhance cognitive …Read More