A researcher and physician recently published a book called, “The Mayo Clinic Guide to Stress-Free Living.” I listened to an interview with this author on the Dallas Radio Show, “Think” with Krys Boyd and you can listen to that same show here: http://www.kera.org/2014/01/08/so-long-to-stress/
I post about this interview because I think it is an excellent example of Positive Psychology in action. I wrote my dissertation on Positive Psychology and ever since then I have served as a reviewer for the peer-reviewed Journal of Positive Psychology in the area of character strengths and psychological well-being. Also, I am constantly looking for fresh ways to communicate ways to help people thrive. It is one of my passions. Well, this radio show and likely this book is a wonderful example. He articulates ways that people can develop more gratitude, compassion, acceptance, mindful attention and forgiveness. Of course, all of these concepts come from the findings of Positive Psychology over the past 25 years and even farther back they come from Aritotle’s Virtue Ethics.
I think he is exactly right on most, if not all, his points. I would add, however, that such practices can increase happiness but they will not necessarily increase self-knowledge, healing from past hurts, and working through powerful negative emotions that often have their origin in early childhood experiences. For those who want to grow in these ways, psychodynamic psychotherapy is the way to go.
Practice the skills in this book and engage in psychodynamic therapy with someone you feel safe enough with to be honest and open, you will be on your way to growth and a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Happy New Year