The Dalai Lama and Value of Positive Emotions

The Dalai Lama is coming to UCSB on April 24. His two talks are sold out and craiglist scalpers are charging $250 – $300 per ticket. Stubhub is even more: some sellers charging over $800.

If you don’t have a ticket already and can’t afford to pay a scalper, read his book “Ethics for the New Millennium.” It is the UCSB/Santa Barbara Reads’ Book (http://ucsbreads.library.ucsb.edu/) for 2009. You can check it out from our local libraries for free.

In it he writes “. . . while we have no hope of finding enough leather to cover the earth so that we never prick our feet on a thorn . . . (having) enough to cover the soles of our feet will suffice.” Or as the Chinese proverb says, “You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair.” In other words, while we can not change our circumstances, we can change our attitude.

A positive attitude does more than help us deal with our circumstances. Dr. Barbara L. Fredrickson, the principal investigator of the Positive Emotions and Psychophysiology Lab at the University of North Carolina recently blogged in Psychology Today (http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/positivity/200903/what-good-is-positivity), “First, when we experience a positive emotion, our vision literally expands, allowing us to make creative connections, see our oneness with others, and face our problems with clear eyes (a.k.a. the broaden effect). Second, as we make a habit of seeking out these pleasing states, we change and grow, becoming better versions of ourselves, developing the tools we need to make the most out of life (the build effect).” The broaden and build effects of positive emotions literally allows us to learn more and learn more effectively.

Dr. Fredrickson gives the example of enjoying basketball. Not only do you get the pleasure “of the moment (of playing ball),” but you also develop your physical, intellectual, psychological and social connections. She writes, “Physical activity leads to long term improvement in health, the game-playing strategies develop problem solving skills, and the camaraderie strengthens social bonds that may provide crucial support at some time in the future (“The Value of Positive Emotions,” American Scientist, Volume 91).”

This all might sound a little too much like Bobby McFerrin’s song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” But neither Dr. Fredrickson or the Dalai Lama are saying just ignore your problems. Rather it is important to build up and make a habit of our positive thoughts and emotions (like love, compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, and humility) in our daily lives. Why? Because by doing so we will develop the skills and the relationships that will help us deal with the problems and suffering we all experience in life.

Welcome back. Have a great spring quarter, ya’ll.

Michael Takahara is a health educator at Student Health. Post comments, suggestions, questions or your wellness tips here or email Michael.takahara@sa.ucsb.edu.

2 Responses to “The Dalai Lama and Value of Positive Emotions”

1. thehealthguy says:

   April 13, 2009 at 4:51 pm

   FYI – KCSB will be broadcasting both of Dalai Lama’s talks live on April 24th. See http://www.kcsb.org for more information.

   Peace, maka
2. Nicole says:

   April 14, 2009 at 6:19 pm

   Yay I’m so happy it will be broadcasted live! I guess I don’t need to buy one of those $250 tickets!!!!!! Great article Maka!