How Happiness Thinks

1. HOW TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF WITHOUT BECOMING SELF-ABSORBED

How we think changes the way we feel. What thoughts can you think that will make you feel better about yourself without getting self-absorbed and egomaniacal? How do we strike the perfect balance between maintaining healthy humility while, at the same time, building a positive self-image?

2. HOW TO REMAIN HAPPY THROUGH TIMES OF STRESS

The soul is not a recessive gene. With every movement of the body, its innate perfection finds expression. Discovering this for yourself will not only boost your self-esteem and improve your relationships, but will also lead you to demand more of yourself and push your limits to redefine what is possible.

3. THE ART OF GRATITUDE: WHY AREN'T WE HAPPY WITH WHAT WE HAVE?

We've all been there, seduced by the fantasy that fame, wealth, beauty, genius, or power will bring us happiness. We know that it doesn't work, yet we persist in trying anyway. Why aren't we happy with what we have? How can we master the art of experiencing the goodness of our lives?

4. HOW OUR SHORTCOMINGS CAN BECOME SOURCES OF JOY

We all make mistakes. And we all have flaws and deficiencies in our characters. Feeling bad about our failings might be laudable, but it can also drain us of the motivation to improve ourselves. In this lesson, we discover how life's greatest joys can be found in meeting our internal challenges and growing from our mistakes.

5. HOW TO COPE THROUGH TIMES OF LOSS

Even the happiest life has its times of sadness. Consider a time of loss, when we struggle to accept a new reality that will change our lives forever. What can help us cope through these difficult moments of grief, and bring us back to emotional equilibrium?

6. WHY SPIRITUALITY MAKES US HAPPY

The verdict is in. Meaning and spirituality do make us happier. Research has demonstrated it. But why? Imagine that you discovered a treasure so valuable that no one has seen anything like it before. How would it make you feel? Spirituality can help us discover treasures far more valuable than anything money can buy, and in this lesson, we'll learn how.

Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD
Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside; Author of The How of Happiness and The Myths of Happiness

Finally, we are ready to apply the findings of positive psychology to the wider world! How Happiness Thinks is a thoughtful, impressive effort to accomplish just that. I wish I could take this course myself!

Tal Ben-Shahar, PhD
Professor, Interdisciplinary Center; Lecturer, Psychology Department, Harvard University; Author of five books including Happier and The Question of Happiness

How Happiness Thinks brings together modern research in positive psychology and ancient Jewish wisdom. This marriage between theology and science can bring about significant positive change in individuals and communities.

Ellen Langer, PhD
Professor of Psychology, Harvard University; Author of eleven books including Mindfulness and The Power of Possibility

A proper education should include more courses like this one which takes up basic questions of morality that are important to live a successful mindful life.