Your Psychological & Spiritual Well-Being Chapter 2

“People who achieve emotional and spiritual health are more creative and productive, earn more money, attract more friends, enjoy better marriages, develop fewer illnesses, and live longer.”

Emotionally Healthy People Demonstrate: Determination and effort to be healthy Flexibility and adaptability Sense of meaning and affirmation of life Understanding that self is not the center of universe Compassion for others Ability to be unselfish when relating to others Depth and satisfaction with intimate relationships Sense of control that enables health-enhancing choices and decisions

Culture The set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices of a group that are internalized by an individual within the group. In your small groups, discuss how psychological health is impacted by culture. Be ready to share with the class. Take the “Life Purpose and Satisfaction” quiz at the end of this chapter. Calculate your score.

Positive Psychology The scientific study of ordinary human strengths and virtues. Focuses on the aspects of the human condition that lead to happiness, fulfillment, and flourishing. 3 major areas: Positive Emotions. Ex) Hope, trust Positive Traits. Ex) Wisdom, courage Positive Institutions. Ex) Strong families, democracy In The Happiness Trap, Dr. Russ Harris calls popular conceptions of happiness dangerous, as they set people up for a “struggle against reality.” Real life is full of disappointments, loss, and struggle. “If you’re going to live a rich and meaningful life,” Harris says, “you’re going to feel a full range of emotions.”

Components Of Positive Psychology AUTONOMY SELF-COMPASSION HUMOR EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE MOODS KNOW YOURSELF OPTIMISM YOUR NEEDS HAPPINESS SELF-ESTEEM

Emotional Needs Are Important Too

Where Does Happiness Come From?

Optimism 109 Yr Old Holocaust Survivor, Alice Herz-Sommer: "Look for the Beauty in Life”

Find Wisdom Through Spiritual Intelligence Spiritual Intelligence: Capacity to sense, understand and tap into the highest parts of ourselves, others and the world around us. Does not require a belief in God Focuses on finding wisdom within the person Creates inner peace so you can listen to yourself

Spiritual Health Ability to identify life purpose. Experience fulfillment in achieving full potential Spirituality: Belief in higher power. Creates strong sense of purpose. Acts as guide in life decisions Spirituality Enhances Physical Health Prayer and Meditation Change the brain May slow aging and decrease psychological symptoms May increase feelings of compassion, security and love

Spiritual Health Connect Communicate Inspire Support Satsang: gathering together to share wisdom and guidance (to connect/to be in communion) Simran: Reflecting on who we really are (to share the inspiration) Seva: Being in Service with devotion and compassion (to support)

What is my principal life focus? What have I felt when I have had a peak experience (transcendental moment or epiphany?) What contribution do I want to make in my life to my community and the world? What is the principal quality I look for in a good friend? What are my unique skills and talents? What are the best qualities I possess in my personal relations? How might I best put these skills and qualities into service for a peaceful, just and sustainable world? Take the tombstone test: What would you like to have written on your tombstone? (How would you like to be remembered? Your honest answer should tell you, very succinctly, what you value most).

HOMEWORK Feb 5th: Chapter 8: Communicating & Relating = Chapter 5: Your Social Health Print out assignment #1 off of class website and bring it to class on Wednesday Agreeing with The Four Agreements http://bit.ly/1gjPbUw Review the Four Agreements lecture on class website. Follow the directions on slide #6 and bring to class your answers Wednesday. College Transition: Time Management http://bit.ly/19XpOVJ Healthful Habits Can Help Induce Sleep Without The Pills http://n.pr/18QDSxt Mindfulness Meditation Can Help Relieve Anxiety And Depression http://n.pr/19dGec9 The Seven Habits of Highly Emotionally Healthy People http://bit.ly/1f6Qscb Check out Alex Grey’s artwork/website: http://alexgrey.com/