Men and Positive Psychology
The past ten years has generated a great deal of psychological research and information looking at what makes people thrive rather then what makes us suffer. The findings have stirred a great deal of interest and applied knowledge painting a clear picture of what is present when people are at their best and report living satisfying lives.
Some of the findings are hardly new. Indeed, some of the research confirms what can be learned through life experience and good old common sense. The body of knowledge being amassed, however, allows us to use the information with purpose and intention. And you must admit that common sense is sometimes uncommon.
Positivity is a prime example. It makes sense that the more positive your life view, the happier you are. It turns out that positivity is far more powerful then we imagined. It can transform you life.
Studies (see Barbara L. Fredrickson, Ph.D.) have demonstrated that positive emotions changes thinking, improve problem-solving skills, and increase your emotional resources to deal with life when circumstances go bad.
Positive emotions increase our view of life options, strongly influence our relationships with others, and have potent influences on our body chemistry including our immune functions. Positivity has been linked to longer life and shorter healing time when we are injured or recovering from surgery. The list goes on and on with results that are consistent and persistent over time and across cultures. In short, a happier man is a more positive man.
Men Mentoring Men strives to be a place where men receive a shot of positivity. The men recognize that it’s the strength of personality and character that must be tapped when emerging from life problems. Applying our strengths promotes creative solutions and helps us stay focused on living a large life. Armed with this knowledge, the best of us (positivity) is at the heart of our mutual support.
M3 works at being a safe, shame-free place for a man to think. It is a place to develop meaningful connections with others, and it’s a place to laugh, create, contribute, and care. The environment of M3 promotes positivity and finds men who take happiness seriously. Men who find M3 useful have found it a means to practice the principles of Positive Psychology and live inside the question of what is needed to thrive.