A lot of people try to get into meditation because they read about some scientific study that demonstrates the benefits of meditating for 20 minutes a day (like this one or this one). Mindfulness meditation will make you healthier, happier, smarter, more focused, and more creative, they say. All you have to do is sit down and meditate for 20 minutes a day. I was one of those people. 20… Read More »How to Meditate for 20 Minutes a Day
I want some chocolate. There’s a thought that pops into my head from time to time. It’s a totally valid thought, based on a very real feeling. Chocolate is delicious, and I occasionally crave it. However, there are other things I want that don’t align with the desire for chocolate: I want to eat healthy, nutritionally dense foods. I don’t want to spike my blood sugar because then I’ll crash… Read More »What Else Do I Want?
When people talk about the science of happiness – a topic I love – they usually talk about the importance of exercise, the benefits of meditation, or the value of gratitude journaling. And clearly I’m as guilty of that as anyone in the self-development field. But positive psychology has more to offer than that. There is another practice that might be both easier to do and more universally helpful: using… Read More »Increase Happiness By Using Your Signature Strengths
“Chris, where are your bowls?” “They must be here somewhere. I’m sure I packed them.” “I can’t find your mugs either.” (thorough searching) Crap. I forgot to unload the dishwasher. My partner and I just moved into a new place, and I, quite brilliantly, forgot to pack up the clean dishes from the dishwasher at my old place. Luckily, it’s only 40 minutes away, and my landlord was kind enough… Read More »The Power of Disruption to Change Habits