Dear Reader,
Why is it that more critical or negative observations can so often travel further and faster than those grounded in positivity or encouragement?
This is a question posed by John O'Brien, MBE, "Thoughtful Leader" and "Anthropist", and I think it's a really important one.
Here was my answer:
"I think a lot of the imbalance is cultural. I'm ever the optimist, but some great minds would agree. And yes the Americans used to be better at it than us - "Have a nice day!" - and we poo poo'ed this for a few decades. But positive psychology works and is now, in my view, undeniable.
For me the cultural imbalance is impermanent. It is demonstrated in how we often talk of “the Amygdala” in the singular, and refer to it as the centre of the fight-flight response, forgetting that there are in fact two amygdalae, and the other is seeing things in a wider context and allowing for, and adding positive emotion to what might possibly go right! But this side is more contextual, interconnected, subtle, and needs nurturing.
My hope, and belief, is that culture, like the brain, can demonstrate neuroplasticity. But we'll need more diffuse awareness and contextual thinking, cross-entity conversations, and crucially, a non-triggered, calm collective nervous system to be able to do this."
I also added one of my favourite stories, which many of you will have heard me repeat:
The Dalai Lama and Archbiship Tutu were asked, how come they laugh so freely, and so often. In response, they first of all ... laughed. And then added: Make no mistake. We also weep. Every day.
Positivity is not just joy. It is allowing all possibilities, contexts, ambitions, and emotions to have voice, freely and as appropriate.
You can see the full conversation here.
And there are still tickets for The Calm Advantage, at which we will explore, experience and grow all of this, building a better Britain in our own small but significant way.
Wishing you all a very Happy Easter,
Adam
