CHS300 Discussion 2 Wellbeing Take-Aways

Unwrapping the Gift of Presence

1. One of the initial takeaways from this week is how profoundly complex our brains are when it comes to processing imagery around us (Mendelsohn, 2008). I was fascinated by the study conducted by Dr. Richard Davidson, and it made me think about how the stimuli around us can impact our wellbeing. For instance, we hear a lot of talk about toxic work environments and their effect on mental health. When I consider some of the possible causes of this effect, I could certainly deduce that experiences within a toxic or negative work environment could be likened to the images referenced in Dr. Davidson’s study (Mendelsohn, 2008). If you have a boss that’s constantly critical or micromanages your work, it could erode your trust and undermine your confidence. Similarly, if you work around individuals who are constantly complaining about their jobs on a daily basis, it can lower morale for both you and others around you. I can definitely see a strong connection here. Another takeaway that intrigued me was that according to Mendelsohn (2008), happy brains can be linked back to children being raised in a very happy, loving, and supportive household. In my opinion, this points to how experiences are images that contribute to wellbeing. It says to me that our environments affect us in so many ways.

2. Another takeaway that I had was about the hedonic treadmill which essentially claims that we often return to baseline happiness regardless of what good or bad things happen to us (Pennock, 2021). Something I found particularly interesting is how prevalent this notion is in our society. We typically hear it said this way “money can’t buy happiness or the grass isn’t greener on the other side.” Yet, the underlying concept is the same that these things provide a temporary measure of happiness or well-being. I agree somewhat with this, but what I find resonates deeply are the tips from Tal Ben-Shahar; I think there are plenty of practical things we can do like meditation, gratitude, mindfulness, and leaning into being present to help us move toward more consistent happiness (Pennock, 2021).

3. Well, I would say my takeaways have made me consider my environment and its effect on my wellbeing a lot more. I have found it so easy to function in auto-pilot mode yet wonder why I feel depleted and defeated some days. As I examine what I am doing and who I am spending my time with specifically at work, I realize these images or experiences are hindering my wellbeing. I believe that I need to make a change. My second takeaway has made me realize that in order for me to increase my wellbeing, I need to learn how to master being more present. I think that I need to move away from thinking that more things or opportunities are a permanent solution. I do believe there are things I can do to increase my wellbeing but I believe it’s about synergy and enjoying life rather than the rat race of constant achievement.

Curiosity Question: Could the awareness and intention I bring to my own wellbeing give my environment permission to flourish and grow?

References

Mendelsohn, Michael (2008, January 14). Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=4115033 .

Pennock, S. F. (2021, April 7). The hedonic treadmill - are we forever chasing rainbows? PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/hedonic-treadmill/