So says Canadian social psychologist Jamie Gruman. He is proposing a new way of achieving nirvana: Do nothing. Instead, live in the moment and embrace the "serene and contented acceptance of life as it is, with no ambitions of acquisition, accomplishment or progress towards goals." (does he have kids?) Gruman is co-founder of the newly created Canadian Positive Pyschology Association, a network of scholars and academics studying human well-being and happiness. Positive psychology emphasizes strengths more than illness. The alternative way of thinking emphasizes "disorders", "deficits" and "neuroses". Positive psychology focuses on happiness, well-being, resilience, empathy, gratitude and forgiveness (check out my rules of the road).
Still...easier said than done. The "no ambitions of acquisition, accomplishment or progress towards goals" would be terrific if you lived in the jungles of Borneo, minus the gadgets, gizmos and kids, right? Imagine when you start nagging your kids to do their homework, and they respond with "Don't worry, be happy!". Aaagh...!! Or when the dog has peed on your best rug, and the Handyman forgets to turn up, 'Don't worry, be happy! Like everything, it takes a while to get the hang of it.
The 'Don't Worry Be Happy' philosophy conflicts with the lessons taught to us at school and work, which is that you have to 'Focus to win'. Like it or not, we live in a goal-orientated society. In order to survive in our dog-eat-cat society, which win is correct? His 'win' or the other 'win'. I'm confused. This is a concept which would probably be easier to embrace when the kids are done for, and one could completely bask and luxuriate in the pleasure of doing nothin'.
Homework for the day: 'Don't worry, be happy' - Try it, I dare you!!
Choo Choo and keep on truckin'
Polly Hugs,
Patricia xxx
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