Author: sushamak@verizon.net

The Virtue of Transcendence III

Transcendence ‘describes strengths that help you connect to the larger universe and provide meaning’.  Let us look at the last strength grouped under the category of spiritual well-being: Spirituality. 

5. Spirituality

“It involves the belief that there is a dimension to life that is beyond human understanding.”  Indeed, there is a commonality the world over: a sincere effort to open one’s mind, heart and soul to the concept, to understand it within the context of one’s culture, and finally to embrace its magnitude and its mysticism.   Divinity or Nature or the Universe are all concepts grander than us and beyond our full grasp. They mystify, enchant and call us.   

Continue reading “That which Elevates Us”

The Virtue of Transcendence II

Imagine you have the power to go over and beyond your present state, past your current limits.  How intriguing is that?!  Transcendence does just that.

Transcendence ‘describes strengths that help you connect to the larger universe and provide meaning’.  The next two strengths grouped under the category of spiritual well-being are: Hope and Humor. 

Continue reading “It Draws Us Out”

Being transported into a state of other worldliness, or finding the Divine in everyday situations is an ultimate state of grace that draws us out of our mundane existence and for a moment in time we are lifted to another realm.  The Virtue of Transcendence is rare and magnificent to behold.  Yet it is not out of our reach. 
 
Transcendence ‘describes strengths that help you connect to the larger universe and provide meaning’,  VIA Institute on Character.  The five strengths grouped under this category of spiritual well-being are: Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence, Gratitude, Hope, Humor, and Spirituality.  These are earthly, attainable strengths we can readily cultivate. 
 

Continue reading “Beyond You or Me”

“Temperance describes strengths that help you manage habits and protect against excess.”  
 
It puts the brakes on the urge to act on unhealthy behaviors based on hurt, anger, conceit, impatience, lethargy. It then introduces a modifying approach.  It is a great potion for balance. 
 
The four strengths grouped under this category of protective wellbeing are: Forgiveness, Humility, Prudence, and Self-Regulation.

Continue reading “Softening & Moderating”

Is Justice to be relegated to courtrooms, those who don robes and wield a gavel with flourish? Obviously not.  Even a toddler can come screeching into a room, “It’s not fair! She is not sharing the ball with me”.  Children learn early about justice.  It is a desired virtue of each of us as individuals and of societies in all parts of the world. 
 
Whether you are committed to equitable distribution of food to all corners of the world, or join a community group to create a neighborhood watch, or call ‘foul’ on a sports field, justice comes in various shapes and colors.

Continue reading ““…..and Justice for All””

Humanity sounds massive, bigger than life, and almost impossible to comprehend.  I recently watched a 60 Minutes segment aired on CBS, ‘Who betrayed Anne Frank and her family?’  The investigation revealed a deeply disturbing finding.  However Rabbi Sebbag talks about the findings serving the greater good.  “I hope that people will understand that one of the things that the Nazi ideology did during the Holocaust was to dehumanize Jewish people ….. And going back into history and ……. attaining the truth is actually giving the Jewish people back their own humanity”.  Even if that truth alarms and hurts, it is humanizing the situation, making the way we view it more considerate, compassionate, and empathetic even in the worst of conditions.
 
Humanity ‘describes strengths that manifest in caring relationships with others’. The three character strengths grouped under this category of social wellbeing are Kindness, Love, and Social Intelligence. 

Continue reading “Unraveling Humanity”

When you think of Courage what comes to mind?  A resolute soldier in the battlefield, a scrubbed surgeon entering the operating theater, a window washer stepping on to an aerial platform, or perhaps a wide eyed toddler staring at the cold swimming pool.  Courage has many faces and many facets.

Courage “describes strengths that help you exercise your will and face adversity.” The four strengths grouped under this category of emotional wellbeing are:  Bravery, Honesty, Perseverance, and Zest.  Surprised?  Step back and widen your perspective to see that courage extends beyond bravery.

Continue reading “Virtue of Courage”

In keeping with the spirit of the season and the jingle that is stuck in our heads, we might be asking, “……Who’s naughty or nice”?  But wait, today, let’s focus on how you have been ‘nice’. Let us shine the spotlight on goodness and let it become the focus of your riveted attention.
 
Chris Peterson and Martin Seligman studied the science and practice of character (considered the backbone of Positive Psychology) in their book ‘Character Strengths and Virtues’.  After 3 years of extensive research they identified 6 Virtues that are recognized the world over across regions, cultures, religions, languages and time as being desirable and highly coveted.

Continue reading “Developing your Virtues”

The core concepts or the three pillars of Positive Psychology are:
Positive Experiences | Positive Individual Traits | Positive Institutions

• study and understanding of positive emotions
• study and understanding of personal character strengths  
• study and understanding of strengths that foster better communities

The middle pillar of Positive Individual Traits  is an emerging science of the nature of character strengths.

Continue reading “Build your Character Muscle”

The ‘Father of Flow’, founder and co-director of the Quality of Life Research Center (QLRC) at Claremont Graduate University, and one of the founders of Positive Psychology passed away October 20, 2021.   He was truly a giant in the field of psychology.  His research on happiness has its roots in very adverse conditions as a survivor of WW II.  He witnessed pain and suffering and emerged studying happiness!

Continue reading “Revisiting Flow”