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Compton Paper
Submitted by Lynn on Mon, 01/28/2008 - 2:32pm.
In his book Compton explores the pursuit of happiness or well being, integrating his ideas with the theories of Positive Psychology. Compton further develops these theories in relationship to historical theories in psychology. He points out positive psychology studies the behaviors and traits that have been historically used to define character or virtue. The book goes further into life satisfaction by focusing on our ability to develop aesthetic sensibility and tap into our creative potential which drives some of us to pursue excellence. The Declaration of Independence declares that we are entitled to the “pursuit of happiness”. During the mid 1900’s this statement was twisted to fit the needs of modern man, creating an atmosphere similar to a feeding frenzy in a shark tank. The result has created immeasurable unhappiness in humans. This state of mind forces us to look for that feel good emotion. The lack of these emotions cause us to overeat, self medicate, gamble, and spend money we don’t have; all in an effort to get that immediate high produced by that new and shiny object. The book states that happiness should not be a goal in life, but rather a by-product. (pg. 242) This can only be done by living a fully engaged life, not as a bystander but as a participant. When we are fully involved in our community, through altruism and focusing on the welfare of others, we are on the road to well-being. “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” Einstein. (pg. 242) Somewhere in our search for happiness we took a turn toward the meaning of life. Meaning of life is extremely important but it should not be tied to happiness or other emotions. If the search for meaning is only to achieve the goal of happiness or another emotion, we will become extremely frustrated. Serving others is the only avenue we need to travel on our journey towards life satisfaction. We must recognize that life is full of positive as well as negative emotions. Although positive experiences are most desirable, growth happens when we resolve the negative emotions we encounter. These hard times allow us opportunities to develop and provide us tools useful in helping others. In the process of experiencing life through full engagement we are then capable of giving back what we have learned and this is what gives us life satisfaction. Emmons state, “we want experiences, fitting ones, of profound connection with others, of deep understanding of natural phenomena…what we want…a self that happiness is a fitting response to –and then give it that response.” (pg. 243) Compton addresses the idea of coping. He gives us several models to examine but reminds us that coping is personal and not all techniques work for every person. (pg 126) The key to what works individually is dependent on unique combinations of personality and situational variables. The types of coping are; emotion focused, problem focused, strategy focused (change situation/self) and avoidance. Again, the most effective way of coping comes from life experience. The more life you experience the more tools you acquire to deal with the stressors. Other by-products of life experiences are resiliency, or the ability to bounce back in spite of life’s difficulties and generativity which is our ability to process events and make them meaningful. The research that spoke to me was concerning creativity. Creativity allows individuals the opportunity to expand on their passion. Whenever we follow our passion and function on this level we move into what the book refers to as flow. Performing a task that we feel passionate about moves us through the doorway towards personal growth. Creative work is not necessarily artful; it can be anything that we see beauty or importance that adds to the betterment of society. I believe that working in a beautiful surrounding, forcing myself to see the beauty in all things, creates the most positive atmosphere to function in. I agree with the book when it states “creative people have a higher tolerance for frustration”. Personally any task I perform with a passion makes for easier work, time passing quickly and with a sense of well being. This all adds to a feeling of gratitude when I assist an individual in overcoming life’s barriers. Gratitude is the reason I love my job and can ideal with obstacles that present themselves.