Movies can be an instrument of positive psychology. In a manner different from other art forms, they teach, guide, and inspire the awareness of and expression of character strengths and virtues. Walt Disney said that movies find a way to touch the “unspoiled spot” within us. Ingmar Bergman noted that movies can reach the dark inner recesses of our souls. Movies help us, the viewers, to connect with “the sacred” that is within us.

“Who doesn’t need a coach?” is the question I am left pondering after attending this weekend’s sold-out conference presented by Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital, its largest psychiatric affiliate (September 26-27, 2008). The conference, …

What if research were to show that people can effect enormous positive changes in their lives and in the lives of others using a tool they have with them at all times – their …

I recall from our MAPP lecture no 5 on emotions that Diener and colleagues believe it’s the frequency rather than the intensity of emotion which is important to well-being.

[BTW If you want to bypass …

Have you ever noticed that individuals are more innovative, energetic, stimulating, and engaging than most corporations? Let’s take a closer look at one such system: companies spend considerable amounts of money surveying their employees to find out about job satisfaction. Yet, this may not be the best measurement to use.

Do strengths translate well to workplaces in China? I recently came across an experience in which the strengths-approach was challenged. “This assessment doesn’t tell me my weaknesses, it only contains strengths. I don’t get it! How can I improve if I don’t know my weaknesses?” Chen shouted from the back of the room.

Dr. Richard J. Davidson said, “I am committed to putting compassion on the scientific map.”

This heightened interest in compassion is also occurring in organizations, where people are paying more attention to how compassion can build thriving workplaces [...]

Your brain has a mind of its own – a cartographer. Every action, thought, memory, habit, talent, and trouble is recorded in the firing pattern of neural networks in your brain. Why is a bad habit so hard to break? Why is the electric slide effortless for some and befuddling to others, no matter how hot the disco? Dr. Norman Doidge’s book “The Brain that Changes Itself” chronicles the history of neuroplasticity (the brain changing itself).

A few weeks ago, my wife, Teresa, my younger son, Patrick, and I had the opportunity to go salmon fishing with Captain Wayne Michie on the Mickey Finn out of Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver, Canada. It was an overcast day, sprinkling rain now and then, and we didn’t get so much as a nibble. It was great fun, and I got a lesson in happiness from Wayne.

AFGO – Another Freaking Growth Opportunity (polite version) – is a term used by my friends who are 12-step group members (like Alcoholics Anonymous). It is said with a wry smile, usually after hearing about a challenge someone is going through, such as divorce. The unstated message is, “Yep. We’ve all been there. It sucks, but you’ll be better off when you do the work required to get through it.”