Articles by Elaine O'Brien
Elaine O’Brien, MAPP, is a PhD student, graduate teaching fellow and faculty member at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, where she is studying Kinesiology: Psychology of Human Movement. Her teaching at Temple combines group dance/aerobics/exercise and positive psychology interventions to promote greater individual and community well being through life. Elaine presents workshops on health, fitness and lifestyle medicine including, "WillPower, Won't Power and Empower," and "HeartMind Activities Promoting Positive Years (Happy): Get Happy." She will be a guest presenter for IDEA: the international association for health, fitness and well-being professionals, and for WICT: Women in Cable Telecommunications. Elaine is a Positive Health and Fitness presenter internationally. She is a former international judge trainer and coach for the Reebok and Crystal Light National Aerobics. She recently participated in the United Nations Meeting on Physical Activity and Non-communicable Disease and she is writing a book on "dualism and medical wellness in action." At University of Pennsylvania, Elaine developed her thesis, Breathing Positive Psychology: Movement Interventions for the Greater Good, combining Positive Psychology and Physical Activity for Flourishing: Positive Exercise Practices (PEP). Elaine presented “Physical Activity, Leadership, and Thriving” at the First International Positive Psychology Conference in China and at Tsinghua University, Beijing. She is dedicated to spreading positive energy, promoting group dance/fitness, and fostering health and peace through Positive Exercise Practices (PEP). Elaine studied at the University of Oslo Summer School 2010 with Dr. Antonella Delle Fave, M.D. for PhD course, "Positive Psychology and Concepts of Well-being across Cultures and Societies: Promoting the Good Life of Individuals and Communities." Elaine’s goal is that her clients leave her feeling great: elevated, successful and positively energized.
This week marks the third annual Sustainable Cleveland 2019, an Appreciative Inquiry (AI) summit led by David Cooperrider for the city of Cleveland. I had the opportunity to interview one of the participants, Louis Alloro, who is also involved in SOMO Leadership, a business that emerged from the first Sustainable Cleveland conference held in 2009.
We can merge Positive Psychology and Positive Physical Activity to establish Positive Exercise Prescriptions (PEP) for flourishing individuals and communities. People can reach for healthier, happier, and richer lives by moving well, reducing the grave risks of inactivity. Let’s seek harmonious passion in moving well.
This year, Asbury Park has been chosen as a site for the Smithsonian roots music exhibition. Tapping into our souls, music transcends economics and unifies us as human beings. Music historian Robert Santelli believes that through music, “We can accept one another for our differences, and this is embedded into our overall heritage.” Music is experienced by everyone and helps define who we are, both individually and in communities.
Primitive man’s reaction to death was one of fear. Today, man still reacts to death with fear. Without exchanges about end-of-life issues, there is confusion, which adds a psychological, spiritual, and financial burden for those dying, and their families. Our failure to address these concerns can lead to greater suffering.
China’s rise in the global community generates widespread uncertainty at home and abroad. Chinese fiscal expansion has already fundamentally changed the nature of the world’s economy. All of our futures are intimately linked to what happens there. The recent contributions of Yukun Zhao and Timothy So to Positive Psychology are important to the improvement of living conditions and quality of life in China.
Historically and culturally, Positive Psychology took a giant leap forward this summer with two complementary international conferences held in China on Positive Behavioral Science and Positive Education. These events aimed at promoting mental health, …
Delegates from more than 50 countries joined forces at the inaugural Exercise is Medicine™ World Congress with two goals: Unite with others across borders to build a healthier world and globalize Exercise is Medicine™ as a positive movement. The goal is to make exercise the most widely prescribed drug in the world!
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin gave a keynote speech at the Exercise is Medicine™ conference. In charge of 6500 uniformed health officers, Dr. Benjamin is an advocate for prevention in health care, and told the audience “People need our help!”
How can we help people experience more gratitude and build cross-generational ties that enrich their lives? The Joyful Blessing Day design has emerged from monthly events at the Neptune Senior Center, where the “Feeling Great” dance-fitness class members are joined by high school students in an intergenerational workout followed by lunch. The Joyful Blessing Day approach combines music, savoring, and positive conversations across generations.
The Positive Psychology and Leadership Conference was held March 19, 2010 at George Mason University. Meaningful change needs leadership, and each of us can make a positive difference, no matter what our position. That’s called leadership with a small “l”.
