Humour and Positive Psychology

Humour and Positive Psychology course was interesting. Here follows my notes on what I'd like to take away from the session:

Thoughts

• Be present, not perfect
• You are able to feel a range of emotions, and you choose which one will linger the longest
• Find virtuous cards, and use them as reminders of your values
• Art means not needing anyone to provide an environment of acceptance
• For every challenge there is a support, just listen
• We grieve when we have no where to put our love
• Humour is inappropriate by design, but humour connects us
• "What you resists, persists"
• "If this is not possible, what is?"
• You give each situation meaning
• Be your word beyond the default
• Rather than disappointed, take the opportunity to be reappointed
• Believe nothing, test everything
• Commit to something above and beyond your own expectation
• Reliability means you don't take on too much so that you can keep your promises
• Tempering, be appropriately responsive
• Happiness is... to know your purpose
• Present moment is made up of thoughts, feelings, judgements, truths
• Find your humour style and start sourcing
• Use your vulnerable moments to get to the true issue, don't wait before you share
• If this is your second nature, what is your first nature?
• Get a fairy wand to indicate the turning of a page
• Send 3 pieces of glad mail every day (commitment, active listening, attendance, outcomes)
• It is not that we fear death, we fear dying

Concepts

• Equanimity (flow, mental calmness)
• Synchronicity (2 or more unrelated events seeming to be connected)
• Yogic Laughter
• u-stress - good stress

Additional Resources

• Ben Zanders, Davos 2008.2009
• Linchpin by Seth Godin
• Bob Hall story Norman Cousins
• John Demartini: Breakthrough program
• A new earth by Eckhart Tolle (the power of now)
• Relax and grow rich by Mike Hutcheson
• Guido Hatches (radio program)
• Torn: "Karaoke for the deaf"
• Mrs Hughes
• www.joyology.co.nz

Improv Rules

• 1st thought is correct
• All players are equal
• Ego disconnect the team
• be ready to give
• be open to receive

Communication

• When you do....
• I feel....
• What I would like is....

Don Miguel Ruiz 4 agreements

• Be impeccable with your word
• Don't take anything personally
• Don't make assumptions
• Always do your best

Wellbeing Components (Rate yourself 0-10 for each)

• Family Shared Time
• Partner
• Financial
• Work
• Recreation or time to self
• Spiritual
• Physical
• Growth Learning

My 10 Values in order of priority

• Love not fear
• Create your own universe
• Integrity (say what you do)
• Reliability (be your word beyond default)
• Trust
• Faith that you belong
• Family, care for others
• Inclusive
• Safe, create environment of non judgement
• Honesty

My 5 Character Strengths

as identified by www.authentichappiness.org: VIA Character Strength test

• Love of learning
• Bravery and valor
• Open mindedness & Critical thinking
• Curiosity
• Perspective (Wisdom)

What is your love strategy? (in 2500 words)

Getting the love you want