What Makes for The Good Life?

The media and common knowledge suggestions that money
and consumption makes for happiness.

Today new research in positive psychology has shown
that without community and a deeper sense of purpose,
a focus on wealth alone may lead to emptiness and
depression.

New visions of the good life have also become the topic of
interest, in magazines such as "Time" and "Yes." 
Research cited in these magazines suggest the following
contribute to the good life.

Four Keys to the Good Life

*Close supportive relationships: We all have a need to
belong. Those supported by intimate friendships or
committed relationships are much more likely to report
themselves as being very happy.

*Faith Communities:  Connection, meaning, and hope are
often nourished in faith communities. Those who actively
participate report they are happier than those who do not.

*Positive Outlook:  Optimism, gratitude, and perceived
control over one’s life is associated with happiness.
Happy people feel empowered.  They experience more
control, higher morale and better health. 

*Flow:  When we feel so completely absorbed in a task or
activity that we lose consciousness of self or time, we are
in flow. Flow brings with it a deep sense of gratitude and
well being.

I hope these ideas spark your interest in your relationships
and community.

Warm Regards,

Dr. Alice

@Copyright 2008 Alice Vlietstra