The Positive Psychology People

The author explores the concept of feeling alive during mid-life transitions. It emphasises the importance of embracing change and experiencing the "rapture of being alive" as described by Joseph Campbell. The author suggests creating a sacred place, a dedicated time and space for self-reflection and tuning into one's inner voice. They also encourage engaging in activities that brin...

The text discusses the influence of dopamine and storytelling on human behavior, particularly in relation to digital platforms and technology. It explores how the pursuit of new experiences and the release of dopamine can be manipulated by companies like Amazon and Netflix to capture attention and drive consumer behavior. The text also touches on the concept of storytelling throughout history, hig...

The text discusses loneliness and its various aspects. It mentions different perspectives on loneliness, including its potential for personal growth and its negative impact on health. The author explores the idea of self-worth and how some individuals punish themselves by allowing negative influences into their lives. They touch on the historical and cultural roots of guilt and the concept of sin....

Difficult conversations are emotionally charged and require empathy. Mind reading should be avoided as it leads to misunderstandings. Allowing time for venting helps release emotional tension and gain clarity. Practicing mindfulness and active listening helps stay centered and understand the other person's perspective. Avoid giving solutions and instead focus on speaking to emotions to empowe...

The Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAP) course appeals to a diverse range of individuals and professionals in coaching, education, healthcare, and therapy. Unlike traditional degrees, MAP encourages students to apply positive psychology theories to their daily lives, gaining practical insights. The course covers topics such as hope, resilience, happiness, and offers applied research skills...

In this episode, I reflect on some of the themes from episode 3 Steve Bartlett Diary of a CEO. These include the benefits of expressing thoughts and emotions in words to reduce stress and improve well-being. Concerns about sleep habits and the existence of "short sleepers" who function well on minimal sleep. Why your choice of what you wear each day might help you be more successful and...

This article highlights the practice of kindness and its benefits in promoting happiness and wellbeing, as explored in Buckinghamshire New University's Applied Positive Psychology course. While students engaging in acts of kindness found positive experiences, the article also discusses potential downsides of kindness including undermining the recipient's autonomy or feeling of indebtedne...

During midlife, individuals often experience a phase of reflection and evaluation, questioning their accomplishments and considering changes. This can be accompanied by feelings of uncertainty and a desire for a sense of meaning and purpose. Developmental psychology explains this as a need to connect to something greater and nurture future generations. Regret of inaction is often more significant...

I’d like to introduce you to Jo Sunshine, a very aptly named artist. In my opinion, she is a role model for what the theory of positive psychology looks like when applied to the everyday life of a person. Her spirit shines through her artwork and in her attitude to life, despite the challenges she has had to face and overcome. She demonstrates optimism, resilience, creativity, kindness and gratitu...

The world moves so quickly. It’s not surprising that our minds and bodies can sometimes struggle to keep up. Evolution takes a long time. A really long time. We often forget because our brains are wonderfully plastic and constantly adapting but some parts still remember the stone ages like it was yesterday!

So here is my second episode of Inspired by Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett and this time I'm giving Steven's podcast the full and correct title. Steven starts his second episode by announcing that his first episode went to number one in the podcast chart. He was very surprised I wasn't. It was informative and entertaining, an equal measure and a very well-deserved accolade in m...

The author contemplates the concept of work and its significance in our lives. They reflect on the historical transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to the advent of work in ancient civilizations and the industrial revolution. They question why we dedicate a significant portion of our lives to work and propose that true fulfillment lies in meaningful pursuits and relationships. The concept of...

The author discusses their house working strategy of listening to podcasts or music while doing chores to make the tasks more enjoyable and manageable. They stumbled upon Steven Bartlett's podcast and decided to start from the first episode, intrigued by his journey from a university dropout to a successful CEO. They reflect on the principles of positive psychology, emphasizing the importance...

A happiness group is a gathering where individuals discuss topics related to their day-to-day happiness, such as definitions of happiness, goal accomplishment, habits, mindfulness, and personal values. It provides a space to reflect on what one truly values and how it can serve as motivation for positive change. The VIA Character Strengths survey, developed by Positive Psychology experts, helps id...

This podcast emphasises the importance of embracing darkness and facing our fears instead of turning away from them. It suggests that darkness can be a natural gateway to light and that they are inseparable.  By befriending our fears and holding both light and dark equally, we can achieve a deeper understanding and resolution. The text encourages reflection and exploration, highlighting that true...

This podcast introduces "A Guiding Hand," a set of cards and a book inspired by the author's 10-year pilgrimage to the Arctic Circle, where they observed and marvelled at the Northern Lights. The cards feature words and phrases that emerged from deep contemplation during those moments. The author's motivation for writing this blog is to reflect on and translate these words into...

Positive psychology is a field that explores how people can live their best lives, going beyond simple notions of always being positive. It encompasses various schools of thought and has helped the author gain a new perspective on their past and future. The author shares valuable lessons they've learned, such as the transformative power of learning, the importance of listening and offering di...