Today is World Happy Day . . . a day where many hundreds of people learned a little more about the science of happiness and wellbeing from viewing a film called "Happy"! As the day started, I was pulled between a road trip of seeing the showing. I decided, what the heck, it is World Happy Day - I can do both of the above.
World Happy Day is something I have been curious about since I first heard it announced in one of my positive psychology networks a few months ago. I was intrigued . . . but not sure if this was really about the research-based science of wellbeing. If you were around in the 70's, then you know that only Coke was the real thing . . . and now (when it comes to wellbeing) only evidence-based positive psychology are the real thing for me. Was this just another Shasta?
So, then I hear (about 2 weeks ago) that there is a showing scheduled in Montrose at Guru's Restaurant, just 6 blocks from my home and about 20 paces from my Uncle Homer's memorial bench. I am thinking . . . well, even if it is Shasta, it might be interesting to see what it is all about . . . and it is so close.
Of course, this being a rural, conservative community - I was curious about who would be curious enough to show-up. The Nepal connection made some sense, because Nepal has been written about (favorable) in much of the literature on geographic happiness. I guessed (correctly) that two of my favorite former nursing students (now both RNs) would be there . . . so that was also a draw. And, yes, much to my delight, they were there in traditional dress with young son and "grandma."
The movie was awesome - because many of the faces in the movie were familiar . . . these were the people who had taught me about positive psychology; my professors! COKE. The real thing! The message was a familiar one to me . . . it is flow, community and connection that bring happiness and wellbeing . . . worldwide.
What was odd for me about the experience was the seeming overlap of several decades in one place and time. My family helped settle this community a long time ago . . . and so my uncle's bench is about 20 paces from where I am seated to watch the movie. When I first arrived here, twenty-some years ago, the restaurant was Chinese. My daughters and I ate there often on Christmas, because I on-call to my nurse-midwifery clients. Now, I sit in the same room and watch my positive psychology mentors on a screen - with two of my favorite students from my more recent "life" in Montrose (teaching for Colorado Mesa University). Like a time warp where all my careers and roots merged - on World Happy Day - 6 blocks from my house.
I left feeling pretty upbeat. The science of wellbeing seems a good deal closer to home. It is a happy day for me. My only thoughts about improvement would have been a little larger and more diverse attendance . . . still, there were avenues left open to reach more people in the future. More showings to be announced.
I jumped in my car and took another road trip . . . this time to Hotchkiss . . . just to walk and take photos. It just seemed too good a day to waste doing the ordinary. So, I walked and I processed the day, the movie, the community experience. It is good to feel like there is a tipping point so close to home.
If your group of organization would like more information on positive psychology or the science/geography of happiness and wellbeing - I would love to come share my knowledge. I do a free initial 30ish minute presentation (can be via skype) - including introduction to some of the best happiness exercises! Please contact me if you are interested! I teach positive psychology for Colorado Mesa's Health Sciences Department (for the past 5 years). Happiness . . . yes, it is the real thing!
Cathy Hartt, RN, MS, CNM
Midwife of Changes Wellbeing Coaching Services
www.midwifeofchanges.com
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Hi Danielle - That sounds great! I have been studying positive psychology for years . . . and it really is a pretty well accepted part of psychology. I am middle-road in a very conservative place . . . and my only concern about the movie is that it was mostly seen as a liberal agenda. However . . . there are several BIG players in healthcare who are looking at Seligman's model of wellness for a major project in our region . . . and this has to do with research on wellbeing . . . not who anyone votes for in the elections.
February 13, 2012 - 7:43pmI am glad you liked the post! I was unsure if I should place it here, but I thought there may be others among us!
This Comment
Cathy,
What a wonderful piece to start my day with today! In school at San Francisco State University (many liberal-minded individuals) the head of the Holistic Health Health department, my professor of many years, and my friend, taught and promoted these ideas so often! It's sad that these ideas are generally seen as "hippy ideas," just to be brushed off! It truly is Coca Cola!
However, with more and more research coming out about the subjects, I think one day everyone will be convinced! Looking back on hundreds--thousands--of years, we see how important community, and connection are! The need is innate, and I know for a fact, it lies within all of us. I'm happy to hear about your experience, and thankful for the reminder.
Happy week to you!
Best,
Danielle,
February 13, 2012 - 6:21amThis Comment