Speaking of Spirit

A wise old bear once said, " We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun. ”  (A. A. Milne) Fifty years ago, in a small community hall overseen by the Sister's of Charity, a group of teenagers were simply having fun making music, dancing and creating bonds that would last a lifetime. Recently, at their 50th reunion, the realization of Pooh's wisdom hit home. Dr. Barbara Fredrickson’s definition of how friendship forms " includes the following criteria: 'Love is a momentary upwelling of three tightly interwoven events:  First, a sharing of one or more positive emotions between you and another;  second, a synchrony between your and the other person’s biochemistry and behaviors; and  third, a reflected motive to invest in each other’s well-being that brings mutual care.'  What is then created, when this criteria is met, is a moment of love. And when one finds another that they are able to share several such moments, bo...

Dr. Barbara Fredrickson is a noted researcher into the science of positive thinking and well-being. Internationally recognized and respected, she offers people an opportunity to re-train our minds to see and create positivity, thereby, increasing our overall well-being. Needless to say, I was drawn to her work. I, also, believe that by keeping a positive attitude, we can cope with life better. As Dr. Fredrickson says, this doesn't mean that bad things don't happen. What it means is that we are better able to maneuver through difficult times without getting lost in pain, grief or despair.   For the next two weeks, I will be hosting a Facebook event to help us all learn techniques for increasing the "meta-moments of positivity" in our lives. The accumulation of these moments is what changes our body chemistry and our minds. (Join us here:   https://www.facebook.com/events/269054740231593/  ) May we all learn to see the small gifts of kindness given us througho...