It is most fitting to say something about the transition of INPM staff in this first issue of the Positive Living Newsletter for 2020. It is also an opportunity for INPM members to get a glimpse of some important background work done by our staff members. Caption: Evelyn Tam. Evelyn came to us at a […]
“So if you want to know the truth about the universe, about the meaning of life, and about your own identity, the best place to start is by observing suffering and exploring what it is.” Yuval Noha Harari, 21 Lessons for the 21st Century Today, we often see suffering as unnecessary or unfair. Pharmaceutical advertisements […]
10 Thoughts on the Suffering and Meaning In suffering we find our truest selves. Jessie Burton, The Miniaturist When a person screams in pain, the actual pain is only half the noise they make. The other half is the terror at being forced to accept that they exist. Noah Cicero, The Condemned As long as […]
In the previous newsletter, fellow INPM board member and friend Mega Leung wrote an article about tragic optimism from the context of trauma. Viktor Frankl not only defined the term but exemplified it as a Nazi concentration camp survivor. As Paul Wong (2001) stated, “tragic optimism is predicated on the defiant human spirit, the belief […]
Addiction psychologists generally believe that shame is a bad thing for someone suffering from addiction. Philosophers disagree.
In a democratic society, people are free to choose, but are not free from the consequences of their choices. A sense of responsibility towards the self, others, and a higher authority serves the important function of guiding people to make the right choices. Therefore, the survival and wellbeing of individuals and society depends on the responsible use of freedom.
Are negative emotions to be managed and controlled? Daniel Jordan’s research suggests that both positive and negative emotions may be important for therapeutic change.
The play, Equus, has stirred the imagination of many psychologists—mainly because it raises doubts about what we do in the therapeutic hour.
Piers worked until his recent retirement as Associate Professor (the local title is “Reader”) in Psychology at Bucks New University. He wrote, validated, and co-led the university’s M.Sc. Applied Positive Psychology for seven years, which established an international reputation for student care. His continuing research and writing interests include Second Wave Positive Psychology and Existential […]
I emigrated from South Korea when I was five and have much to thank my parents for in giving me the opportunity to create a good life in Hawaii and later in New York City. I graduated from SUNY at Buffalo with a double major in psychology and philosophy. Thereafter, I completed my doctorate in […]