October 2007 - Listening
to Your Life
William F. Evans, PhD
INPM President
As another anniversary of
9-11 arrived, I found myself contemplating how fragile the
world seems sometimes. It is difficult to understand the meaning
of life in times of tragedy and suffering.
(Full
Article)
March 2007 - What makes a great
worker?
Paul T. P. Wong, Ph.D.
C.Psych
Toronto, ON, Canada
"If your future employer
were to ask you: “Are you a great worker?” What
would your answer be? Chances are, you would say something
like: “Well, I think I am, because I am very good in
what I do and I am passionate about my work.”
(Full
Article)
March 2007 - Take This Job and
Love It!
Bill Evans, Ph.D.
"There it was, projecting
up at me from the top of an advertisement page in a weekly
news magazine: “take this job and love it!” Why
did this phrase capture my attention? Besides the fact that
it was an obvious take off on an old country music hit, “take
this job and shove it, I ain’t working here no more,”
I also think it was the audacity of someone thinking that
work could be fun!"
(Full
Article)
January 2007 - What has Christmas
to do with authentic happiness?
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Toronto, ON, Canada
"It was a gloomy day
with darkish sky. A chilly wind drove shoppers into the stores
and coffee shops. The holiday-weary faces and the retro song
“Christmas time is here, happiness and cheer”
reminded me of poor Charlie Brown and his sad gang. Good grief,
this can be a season of depression and misery for many people!..."
(Full
Article)
June 2006 - The best kept secret
for survival and success
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
Often intuition is the deciding
factor between failure and success. Even though we don’t
know precisely what intuition is, at the gut level we all
know that it is there and that it can be summoned to our aid
whenever we feel overwhelmed.
(Full
Article)
April 2006 - Does reverence
matter in today's secular society?
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
We are in the grip of a crisis
of international proportions. Is it terrorism? Is it ethnopolitical
conflict? I suggest that the underlying problem may be the
loss of reverence for life.
In a diverse multicultural society, respect for others is
touted as the highest virtue while reverence for life is relegated
to the dustbin of history. There is something incongruent
and self-contradictory in these two social trends.
(Full
Article)
February 2006 - The Positive
Psychology of Persistence and Flexibility
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
What are the most valuable
life strategies essential for survival and resilience? What
are the most common traits shared by successful athletes and
CEOs? More importantly, what are the virtues most important
in living the good life?
(Full
Article)(.pdf File)
January 2006 - How to humanize
higher education and reduce human suffering
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
Across the land, away from
the spotlight, a different kind of suffering goes on unnoticed
- in homes, workplaces, schools, and universities. I am talking
about intentional cruelty against other human beings, such
as physical and emotional abuse, bullying, oppression and
exploitation.
(Full
Article)
December 2005 - The Positive
Psychology of Self-Sacrifice
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
There is a tragic
ring to the term self-sacrifice. It conjures up images of
Christ crucified, soldiers killed on battle fields or suicide-bombers
blown to pieces along with their innocent victims. How can
self-sacrifice be positive? Is self-sacrifice the highest
expression of virtue or the worst form of human folly? Who
benefits from self-obliteration? How can one reconcile self-sacrifice
with self-actualization? During my recent trip to Hong Kong
and China, I began to gain some insight to these puzzling
questions.
(Full
Article)(.pdf
File)
October 2005 -
Touchstones of Character Strengths
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
Human achievements
cannot be measured simply in terms of wealth, power or fame.
Such accomplishments belong to a small group of elites who
are blessed with special talents and good fortunes. Basking
in the glory of success and wielding immense influence, they
are idolized, envied or feared, but not trusted.
(Full
Article)
September 2005
- In the Eye of the Hurricane:
Finding Peace amidst Terror, Violence and War
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"...But
the New Orleans I knew isn't there any more. It is hard to
cling to good memories, when harsh reality pummels you like
angry waves. Now, the motto of New Orleans "Let the good times
roll" seems so distant and so incongruent with the horrors
that are still unfolding before our eyes..."
(Full
Article)
August 2005 -
Life Isn't Fair: What can we
do about it?
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"Disturbing
and grotesque images of children dying of starvation on the
evening news seem surreal in our comfortable living rooms.
These tiny children look more like skeletons wrapped in black
skins. Too weak to move and too tired to protest, they let
the black flies feed on their listless faces..."
(Full
Article)
July 2005 -
Rediscover the Wonder and Awe
in Everyday Living
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"Life could
change for the better, when it is lived on a higher plane.
Visualize yourself at the bottom of a grimy pit. If you look
down, all you can see is muddy ground. But the moment you
lift up your eyes towards the sky, your world suddenly opens
up and brightens with new possibilities. A perspective shift
can dramatically transform your view of life..."
(Full
Artilce)
June 2005 - Practical
Wisdoms for Flourishing in Difficult Situations
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
" We all
have experienced complex and difficult situations, which baffle
the mind and defy rational solutions. All the scientific knowledge
and technology in the world are of little help in the face
of an urgent but ill-defined problem. Even the well-established
principles in psychology and ethics fail to show us the right
path..."
(Full
Article)
May 2005 -
The Promises and Perils of Family
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"As a social
institution, family matters for the individual as well as
the nation. It is frightening to realize that as the family
goes, so goes the civilization. We really need to take stock
and find out where our families are heading..."
(Full
Article)
April 2005 -
Rules for Positive Spontaneous
Living
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"Play is
essential to a child's learning and well-being; it is also
a child's full-time occupation. Life is a continuous flow,
interrupted only by sleep and parental intrusions. What an
exuberant display of energy and joy. There is no agenda, no
ulterior motive, just the sheer pleasure of fun and games..."
(Full
Article)
March 2005 -
The power of determination and
commitment
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"No other
human power can match that of determination. It has the potential
to create heaven or hell not just for oneself, but also for
the world. It is the ultimate terminator, unstoppable and
invincible; nothing can stand in its way - not obstacles,
not dangers, not even death..."
(Full
Article)
January 2005 -
Coping with the tsunami and its
aftermath: A challenge to religious faith and the quest for
meaning and hope
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"Faith is
the divine spark planted in the human soul, igniting our deepest
longings and highest aspirations. It is an eternal flame,
which cannot be extinguished. No matter how dimly it glimmers,
it will survive the worst storm..."
(Full
Article)
December 2004 -
The healing power of forgiveness
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"The sentiment
of hurt and anger flows forever through the veins of planet
earth, seething like hot lava, ready to erupt with a vengeance,
spitting fire and deadly ashes. Revenge knows no boundary,
no time limits. Not even death can cancel the blood debt,
which often passes on from one generation to another..."
(Full
Article)
November 2004 -
Respect and moral values
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"You feel
the sting, the hurt, whenever others insult or trivialize
you. How should you react when people are rude or disrespectful?
Should you get angry and react in kind, or should you try
to rationalize and rise above the insult? Are you being too
sensitive or expecting too much from people?..."
(Full
Article)
October 2004 -
The Loyalty Factor: Key to the Good Life
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"It is inconceivable
to attain the good life in the absence of good relationships.
Our joy is multiplied and sorrow divided a thousand times,
when we share our feelings with family and friends. In the
final analysis, all of one's strengths and achievements would
not mean very much, when one has to grow old and die alone,
without a single friend or loved one..."
(Full
Article)
September 2004
- Restoration of Integrity in the Cheating Culture
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"Devastated
and traumatized, Tim buries his head in his hands. The harsh
words of the Vice-President still ring in his ears: "We are
going to fire you for insubordination!" Replaying the scenes
leading up to this dramatic encounter, Tim knows that he would
not have done it differently..."
(Full
Article)
August 2004 - The
Meaning of Responsibility and the Statue of Liberty
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"On a picturesque
Hawaiian island, at long last I am able to shed all my burdens
and responsibilities as easily as I shed my clothes. Lying
on the sandy beach, looking into the wide open sky, listening
to the rhythms of the surf, and feeling the gentle caress
of the ocean breeze, I have a surreal sense of being in a
different world - the pristine world of aboriginals..."
(Full
Article)
July 2004 - Good
Grief: The Gift of Healing
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"The river
of sorrow runs deep and it never ends. How many painful memories
does it contain? How many tears has it collected since the
beginning of time?..."
(Full
Article)
June 2004 - The
positive psychology of self-control
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"It is a
picture-perfect summer evening. The setting sun bathes the
parkland in a gentle glow. The towering pine trees, in their
dark green uniform, stand on guard, watching over the children
playing. Some young couples walk leisurely along the glistening
lake, pushing a stroller or holding the leash of a dog..."
(Full
Article)
May 2004 - The
power of endurance
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"Darkness
fills your soul and pain pierces through your heart. Betrayed,
bruised and battered, you can feel the suffering of Christ
crucified. Your weary body shivers in the wind like an autumn
leave. Life, in its tragic brevity and absurdity, is more
than you can bear..."
(Full
Article)
April 2004 - Generosity:
The Positive Psychology of Giving
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"This brief
article represents my humble attempt to explore the blessings
of generosity. My effort would be worth it, even if it opens
the eyes of one single person to the enduring, fulfilling
abundance that comes from giving..."
(Full
Article)
March 2004 - Creating
a kinder and gentler world: The positive psychology of empathy
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"Just imagine
that we live in a kinder and gentler world, where people seek
to understand rather than to be understood, show sensitivity
to other people's feelings, routinely engage in acts of kindness
, and strive to make this world a better place for everyone..."
(Full
Article)
February 2004 -
The Wisdom of Positive Acceptance
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"We are
constantly torn between the pull of reality and the push towards
ever rising expectations. The art of living often revolves
around how to manage this eternal conflict. Our well-being
depends on our capacity to achieve a proper balance between
these two opposing forces..."
(Full
Article)
January 2004 -
Simple abundance and rich poverty: The positive psychology
of contentment
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"Positive
psychology researchers have made great strides in recent years,
especially in happiness studies, yet "contentment" remains
a misunderstood phenomenon and an under-valued virtue. All
the available scientific tools seem to come short, when we
try to understand its true nature..."
(Full
Article)
December 2003 -
Do's and Don'ts in Peace Making
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"How wonderful
and pleasant life would be, if people could live together
in peace! When peace reigns, everything seems possible. With
all the resources and creative energies channeled into peacetime
projects, we could turn weapons of mass destruction into machines
for food production..."
(Full
Article)
November 2003 -
I'm glad that I'm a nobody: A positive psychology of humility
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"Everyone
aspires to be somebody, and no one wants to be a nobody. From
the depth of our souls, there is a persistent cry for personal
significance. This universal search for meaning manifests
itself in a variety of ways, from self-seeking to self-sacrifice..."
(Full
Article)
October 2003 -
Building positive communities
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"Community
is a good thing. Who does not yearn for love and belonging?
Who is immune to the existential anxiety of separation and
alienation? Who can survive long as an island onto oneself?..."
(Full
Article)
September 2003
- Spirituality and Meaning at Work
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"A healthy
dosage of spirituality and meaning at the workplace is good
for business, because it improves morale and productivity.
This view is gaining currency among management consultants,
human resources professionals and mainstream business schools..."
(Full
Article)
August 2003 - Finding
happiness through suffering
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"Happiness,
how sweet the sound! It's an inalienable right, a worthy life
goal, and the yearning of every soul, yet oftentimes it leads
to pain and ruin. Like moths flinging themselves into a flaming
fire, many have ruined their lives in hot pursuit of happiness..."
(Full
Article)
July 2003 - The
transcendental life: An impossible dream?
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"Any discourse
on the transcendental life is likely to conjure up the image
of a Zen Master on a misty mountain top or a Trappist Monk
in a remote desert retreat. A widely held notion is that only
the esoteric mystics, who have given up earthly affairs in
their single-minded spiritual pursuit, can ever realize self-transcendence..."
(Full
Article)
June 2003 - The
Positive Psychology of Love
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"There is
no ill that love cannot heal, no problem love cannot solve,
and no evil love cannot overcome. If hope is the oxygen that
sustains life, then love is the sunshine that nurtures it.
Love is the fountain of well-being, the cardinal principle
of spirituality, and the touchstone of true religion..."
(Full
Article)
May 2003 - Pathways
to posttraumatic growth
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"On the
fateful night of April 19, 1989, a young woman known as the
Central Park Jogger was raped, beaten, and left to die. After
a 14-year silence, she finally revealed her identity as Trisha
Meili. She has appeared at Larry King Live and other talk
shows. She also tells her story in her book entitled 'I Am
the Central Park Jogger: A Story of Hope and Possibilities'..."
(Full
Article)
April 2003 - Humor
and laughter in wartime
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"War is
no laughing matter. In the midst of the "shock and awe" campaign,
with images of historical explosions and destructions in front
of us everyday, it is hard for me to write about humor and
laughter. It feels sacrilegious to make fun of the Iraqi war,
because war is always deadly serious..."
(Full
Article)
March 2003 - The
Magic of Gratitude
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"What is
the worth of saying "Thank you?" My answer is that it is priceless,
when it is said in sincerity. The magic power of a simple
expression of gratitude has almost limitless potentials..."
(Full
Article)
February 2003 -
The Power of Courage
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"The courageous
voice of a true champion is contagious. It can turn despair
to hope, and defeat to victory. For instance, the reassuring,
roaring voice of Winston Churchill in the darkest days of
England during World War II is widely credited as playing
a major role in changing the fortunes of the war in Europe..."
(Full
Article)
January 2003 -
Promises of Renewal
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"Despite
tight security and threats of terror, the world became a gigantic
party to ring in 2003. As the clock struck mid-night, the
skies around the globe came alive with spectacular fireworks,
and throngs of revellers burst into cheers. At that magic
moment, euphoria and optimism filled the air - anything seemed
possible and hope once again sprang from the depth of our
souls..."
(Full
Article)
December 2002 -
You can hope again
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"Most people
take oxygen for granted, until they have problem breathing.
Similarly, we don't realize the importance of hope, until
it is shattered or taken away from us. Without the magic of
hope, all life withers away..."
(Full
Article)
November 2002 -
The Power of Purpose
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
" What makes
one life rich in poverty and another unfulfilling in abundance?
Why do some organizations thrive in difficult times, while
others languish in prosperity? One may also ask: What turns
an average student into an outstanding success and a gifted
student into a failure?..."
(Full
Article)
October 2002 -
Existential Psychology and Therapy
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"Now that
the 2nd Biannual Meaning Conference is behind us, it is time
to look ahead: What will be the direction for INPM in the
next few years? Is there a blueprint for the future? I will
use this Column to share with you some of the new developments
and projects..."
(Full
Article)
September 2002
- Transformative narrative therapy
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"All psychotherapy
is concerned with change. However, each school of therapy
differs in terms of the kind of change it prescribes. Some
focus on cognitive-behavioral modification; others emphasize
changes in family dynamics; still others stress the importance
of re-authoring one's life story..."
(Full
Article)
August 2002 - A
Corridor of Life
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
" 'It is
a festival, a celebration,' exclaimed Teresa, Coordinator
of Volunteers, at the end of the Meaning Conference. Indeed,
the Conference was a festival of meaning, a celebration of
life, very much as the late Dr. Joe Fabry and I had envisioned
during my last visit to Joe at his Berkeley home..."
(Full
Article)
July 2002 - My
vision for a positive revolution
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"At our
first International Conference on Personal Meaning in July
2000, my vision was that the Conference would serve as a springboard
for a positive revolution in the new millennium..."
(Full
Article)
June 2002 - The
Positive Psychology of Weaknesses
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"To the
Western mind, weaknesses are seldom associated with positive
outcomes. Just ask any positive psychologists in North America
and they would likely consider positive weaknesses as a contradiction
in terms..."
(Full
Article)
May 2002 - The
positive psychology of synergy
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"Anything
could happen when synergism occurs. In bedrooms and boardrooms,
from sport's arenas to battlefields, on factory floors as
well as on capital hills, synergy is the key to optimal performance..."
(Full
Article)
April 2002 - The
Meaning of Easter: A message for positive psychology
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"Easter
never fails us. Even in the worst of times, amidst destruction,
death and despair, Easter arrives as surely as daybreak, boldly
proclaiming the message of renewal and hope..."
(Full
Article)
March 2002 - The
mustard seed principle: The story of INPM
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"A tiny
seed was planted a few years ago and it has been growing steadily
ever since. That is the story of the International Network
on Personal Meaning (INPM)..."
(Full
Article)
February 2002 -
Triumph over Terror: Lessons from Logotherapy and Positive
Psychology
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"September
11 has changed everything: the unthinkable has happened; the
unimaginable has become a reality. We have been suddenly awakened
to a new sense of vulnerability..."
(Full
Article)
January 2002 -
Discovering Meaning and Personal Significance
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"What is
your aspiration for the New Year? Will this be a break-through
year for you? Do you still dream of wealth, fame and power?
Do you plan to achieve greater success? Or do you yearn for
meaning and personal significance in a chaotic and uncertain
world?..."
(Full
Article)
December 2001 -
A New Algebra for Positive Psychology
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
All through the
Positive Psychology Summit in Washington, DC, October 5-8,
2001, there was a constant undercurrent, tugging at the participants
for an effective response to September 11. Indeed, many speakers
did acknowledge the challenge posted by this national tragedy
to positive psychology, but their responses tended to focus
on "happiness" and "the good life" and
minimize the negative..."
(Full
Article)
November 2001 -
Another milestone: Erecting the Twin Towers of Courage and
Faith
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"Good things
are happening. Many have written us, saying that they have
found help and inspiration from our website. Many more have
complimented us for the rich and relevant information. Comments
found in our Guest Book provide just a glimpse of the positive
impact of our website..."
(Full
Article)
September 2001
- When terror hits home: A case for tragic optimism
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
What is un-imaginable
has happened. The evil of mass destruction has descended on
American soil. The terrorists have just stuck, with such deadly
force and accuracy, the center of commerce and the nerves-center
of the military – symbols of American wealth and might. The
world’s only superpower is under attack, and she seems so
vulnerable.
(Full
Article)
August 2001 - The
Positive Psychology of “Climate Management”
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"Every organization
wants to see its members perform at an optimal level and enjoy
a high level of personal satisfaction and well-being. But
how can they achieve this ideal?..."
(Full
Article)
July 2001 - Freedom,
Responsibility and Justice: The Cornerstones of the Good Life
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"The theme
chosen for the second bi-annual Meaning Conference is: Freedom,
Responsibility, and Justice. To the extent that these
are the cornerstones of the good life and a civil society,
they are pivotal issues of positive psychology..."
(Full
Article)
June 2001 - A Very
Unique Vision
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"From its
inception, INPM has always aspired to promote the positive
psychology of meaning research, meaning applications, and
meaningful living. It is intended to be multidisciplinary
and international..."
(Full
Article)
January 2001 -
The Las Vegas Challenge
Paul T. P. Wong,
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
"A number
of people have asked me: 'Why go to Las Vegas for a Planning
Retreat for the International Network on Personal Meaning
(INPM)? Don’t you think that Las Vegas is the wrong place
to look for meaning?'..."
(Full
Article)
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