Reconnecting

Monday, October 12, 2020

These days I’m partly, and rather unwillingly, finding myself adapting to a modern concept known as positive psychology. Wikipedia defines positive psychology as “the scientific study of the “good life”, or the positive aspects of the human experience that make life worth living.” It adds that this concept applies in like manner to individuals and social groups.

I’m a traditionalist who subscribes more to old-style psychology. That’s the practice of studying problems in depth, determining their root(s), and thus, reducing their occurrences. My appreciation is from years of discussing my fears with a therapist. Afterwards, I felt happier. This gain hasn’t all been lost through these pandemic months. But it’s flattened by gloomy days and hours of isolation and bad news.

There’s a constant hammering from what I call The Big Lots. Those current elements in our social order make many unhappy. Examples are, our no-middle-class economy, diversively destructive social issues, disgustingly offsetting political maneuverings, and unimpressively lying leaders. There’s little that seems to decrease helplessness during isolation and social unrest. People are seeking lifts, I’m rethinking some past attitudes.

“Positive psychology,” I muse while clicking on Amazon and studying what’s available. Toward feeling happier, I’ve ordered several books. They differ from my usual reads and might tap into my better (i.e., happier) imagination. Similarly, on rediscovering the iTunes Store, I ordered some new remasters of old recordings. Maybe they’ll renew some positivity. After all, it can’t be nuttin’ but happiness to rehear, and in their prime, Ella Fitzgerald, Leontyne Price, and George Zell’s Cleveland Orchestra.

Dear Friends: Maybe the “good life” we once experienced is outdated. Let’s hope not. Diana