Positive psychology is a relatively new branch of psychology that shifts the focus from what is clinically wrong, to the promotion of wellbeing and the creation of a satisfying life filled with meaning, pleasure, engagement, positive relationships and accomplishment.
– The BlackDog Institute –
We aim to list wellbeing experiences & offerings that help you achieve the intended outcome – “…the promotion of wellbeing and the creation of a satisfying life filled with meaning, pleasure, engagement, positive relationships and accomplishment.”
To do this, each listing is categorised using the PERMA™ Theory of Wellbeing model, which defines five important building blocks of wellbeing and happiness:
- Positive emotions – feeling good.
Including hope, interest, joy, love, compassion, pride, amusement, and gratitude.
Activities: exercise, meeting friends, being out in nature, seeing sights, sounds, smells, tastes…
- Engagement – being completely absorbed in activities.
Living in the present moment and focusing entirely on the task at hand.
Activities : brain games, yoga, meditation, playing an instrument, writing/drawing/painting…
- Relationships – being authentically connected to others
Feeling supported, loved, and/or valued by others.
Activities : catching up with friends/family/colleges, chatting over the good ‘ol times, showing empathy, …
- Meaning – purposeful existence.
Belonging and/or serving something greater than ourselves.
Activities : spiritual engagement, volunteering, donating your time, teaching others, …
- Achievement – a sense of accomplishment and success.
Achievement, mastery, competence, attaining goals
Activities : organising and making task lists, setting SMART goals, learn a new skill, challenge yourself, …
Additionally, each listing is categorised with Experience Type:
Entertainment, Aesthetic, Sensory, Learning, Participation, Volunteer, Embodiment, Transformation
In the Explore pages you will see two categories (Wellbeing PERMA and Experience Type) used as filters to help you find the wellbeing experience you want and need.
.oOo.
For more on Positive Psychology and it’s origins, here are a few good reads:-
- Wikipedia : Positive Psychology
- The theory of ‘Authentic Happiness, by Martin Seligman
- Blackdog Institute : Positive Psychology fact sheet (a PDF doc)
- PERMA™ Theory of Wellbeing and PERMA™ Workshops
- What Is Positive Psychology & Why Is It Important?
- Flourishing in stressful times: Ideas for self-care using PERMA