Defining happiness in terms of one's own personal values can go a long way in helping to create a more fulfilling life and having more harmonious social interactions. - Dr. Mike Davis
What is meditation? It is the practice of mindfulness, or developing a mental state of “present-focused awareness” and not being distracted by negative thoughts and emotions, said Dr. Mike Davis. Mindfulness relaxation uses breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.
According to Dr. Davis, mindfulness meditation, in particular, has become increasingly popular in recent years. The practice involves sitting comfortably, focusing on your breathing, and then bringing your mind’s attention to the present without drifting into problem concerns about the past or future. Many people have learned to meditate in an effort to reduce stress and stress-related psychosomatic health issues such as hypertension, gastric ulcers, immune suppression, irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS), and depression. Psychosomatic medicine is considered a sub specialty of the fields of psychiatry and neurology. Medical treatments and psychotherapy are used to treat psychosomatic disorders.
Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that has as its purpose to use scientific understanding and effective interventions to aid in developing life satisfaction, as developed by Dr. Martin Seligman. Seligman suggests psychology (particularly its positive branch) can investigate and promote realistic ways of fostering more joy in individuals and communities. The words, "the good life" are derived from speculation about what holds the greatest value in life or those factors that contribute the most to a well-lived and fulfilling life. Seligman referred to the good life as "using your signature strengths every day to produce authentic happiness and abundant gratification."
Defining happiness in terms of one's own personal values can go a long way in helping to create a more fulfilling life and having more harmonious social interactions, states Dr. Mike Davis. It is critically important that as individuals we acknowledge that how we perceive ourselves and cope with our stress has an extraordinary impact on those others around us such as our spouses, our significant others, and most especially our children. It is our personal responsibility to work toward increased self-awareness and improving our positive social interactions with others, says Davis.
It is important that everyone consult with their family physician, mental health provider, or spiritual leader when trying to learn effective strategies to cope with and overcome life stress. For more information about meditation, mindfulness, and positive psychology please review the following links.
Resources:
http://www.ted.com/talks/martin_seligman_on_the_state_of_psychology
