Interdisciplinary Psychology:

Yesterday, Monday March 3 was perhaps the most fulfilling day of the year for me thus far. 

I woke up knowing that I had to get this beautiful day project “out of the way”, so in that sense I truthfully had low expectations for the exercise.  But what transpired was one of those very rare “seamless days” where one positive experience led flawlessly to the next, steadily gaining momentum.  Halfway through my day I could help but feel that the whole universe was conspiring for my happiness and wellbeing.  Because of my affinity for detail and superfluous flowery descriptions, I skip the play by play rendition and bullet point the main positive events in chronological order.

• Breakfast- a deliscious bowl of granola and yogurt, spirulina smoothie and some authentic Indian masala chai tea.  For some reason it was particularly enjoyable for me to eat alone in silence and gaze out the window.
• Talked with my close friend Erin on a bus ride downtown- Erin is a very close friend who deeply understands me and inspires me to dream big.  On this particular day she helped me see that my dream of participating in a year-long massage program at the Heartwood Institute ($25,000 tuition) was entirely feasible.
• (Downtown) Picked up my new contact lenses which I have been waiting for-  Contacts normally give me very dry eyes and make me irritable, but these special lenses allow for much more oxygen and breathing- so this was very exciting. 
• (Downtown) Deposited some checks at the bank and found out I had an extra $200 in my account that I hadn’t known about-finding money, always a joyous occasion.
• Housing availability at the Glen- I’ve been dying to move out of my on campus housing but I thought that this late in the quarter all of the vacancies in The Glen (where I wanted to move to) would be taken up.  But since this was supposed to be my lucky day I figured I’d give it a shot.  Talking to the assistant manager, she told me they had one two-bedroom left, at a significantly lower cost than what the school has been scamming me/us for.   I looked at the place, and it’s absolutely perfect for my vision-a definite upgrade!  Not only that, but the place is right next door to my very close friend Rachael.  This news made me absolutely euphoric and high with giddy.
• Rock Climbing and Gym- I knew it would be crucial to my day to exercise, so I went to the CRC.  I spent some time in the climbing wall and conquered some routes I had previously been unable to do.  Then I worked out.  This was a supreme confidence and self-efficacy booster. 
• Sauna Experience- I had a fascinating spiritual experience while meditating in the sauna after the workout.   Very hard to put words on, but I will say that from out of no where currents of powerful kundalini energy shot through my body, and the next thing I knew my whole body was pulsating.  My mind went into a very altered state of consciousness something similar to the way that psychedelics can deconstruct one’s perception of reality.  The body sensations were something similar to that of orgasm.
• Spent time with my sort-of girlfriend Eli- Things have been very up and down in this relationship lately.  She currently has a broken her collar bone which is very painful for her, but also caused some adversity in our relationship dynamics as well.  But anyways, by this time in the day, I was feeling so high from the various positive events that I knew I had to hangout with her while I was in this space.  Sure enough, our connection was easy and lovely.
• Took a nap- so much euphoria had me strangley strung up and tired out, so when I recognized this I gave myself the gift of a nap.  Priceless.
• Cleaned my room- increased my overall sense of satisfaction.
• Did Laundry- Fresh clothes, soft and warm from the dryer… I know I’m going overboard here, but it was all so wonderful, even the minor things.
• Eat Soup and Macaroni dinner with friends- It was wonderful to share dinner.
• Reiki Healing with Eli’s Mom-  Because Eli broke her collar bone, her Mom has been staying and taking care of her.  Her mom Nancy is an energy worker and so am I (amateur status) and so we did a joint healing together on Eli.  This was wonderful experience, which I felt deepened my relationship to both of them.

So there you have it.  It was a truly wonderful day that happened quite spontaneously.  Yet at the same, I know that my optimistic vision and positive intention had a great influence on the events that took place.  Looking back, I think what was particularly important in catalyzing the sequence of events was that I got a jump on the day by going downtown and doing the errands.  Having completed them I felt good, and this sense of self-motivation and intention grew stronger to the point where things just started to unfolding effortlessly and flawlessly. 

            While I know that this quality of smooth is inevitably transient, I do think that it was influenced by my over-arching conviction that no matter what—come hell or high-water I was going to have myself a happy day.  Analyzing this, I think the conscious intention to be happy and enjoy oneself is and important factor in well-being. 

            I feel very grateful for being a part of this Positive Psychology class because while these principles of “the good life” aren’t new to me, thinking about them and practicing does seem to make all of the difference.