Positive psychology is a branch of psychology which focuses on the empirical study of positive emotions, strengths-based character, and healthy institutions. Positive psychology seeks to find and nurture genius and talent and to make normal life more fulfilling. In contrast to psychology’s usual emphasis on mental illness, the focus here is on mental wellness.
Dr. Martin Seligman is considered the founder of Positive Psychology. According to him ‘the overriding goal of Positive Psychology is to increase the tonnage of happiness on the planet.’
In this insightful talk he mentions that Positive Psychology is not ‘Happiology’. He also talks about the three ‘Happy’ lives.
Pleasant life: consists in having as many pleasures as possible and having the skills to amplify the pleasures.
Good life: consists in knowing what your signature strengths are, and then recrafting activities to use those strengths to have more flow in life.
Meaningful life: consists of using signature strengths in the service of something you believe is larger than yourself.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
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3 comments:
The last one idea is worth reflecting over! Thanks for sharing.
Actually I would say that all three ideas are worth reflecting over, even though the third idea is the most appealing. :o)
For me happiness to extent means contributing and assisting a cause bigger than the self. Naturally earning a comfortable living and monetary security are vital for existence but commitment to such a cause for me is vital for living. This might not be the whole truth od happiness but a very significant one which i realised in course of the lecture.
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