Session One

Session One:

Program Introduction & Feeling Better with Happiness Boosters

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Part 1 Introduction:
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      Part 1 Introduction

Part 2 Feel Better:
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      Part 2 Feel Better

Overview: We begin this session by giving an overview of how the program works, and how it differs from simple talk therapy. Then we discuss simple and powerful ways of quickly getting out of unhelpful negative feelings. Lastly, we talk about how to keep track of the methods that work the best for you so that you’ll be motivated to use them in the future.

Key Points For Session One:

  1. There is a continuum of emotions from depressed and anxious to peaceful and happy. Our aim to move you towards greater peace and happiness—no matter where you’re starting out.
  2. We recommend you listen to one 70 minute session about once per week. At that pace, you’d finish the course in 6 weeks. Yet, ultimately, do what feels right and works for you.
  3. Consult your doctor if you have questions about medications.
  4. By trying out the integrative approach we use, we’re confident you’ll find something(s) that work extremely well for you.
  5. To get out of negative emotional ruts, you need to make use of positive momentum and try a bunch of different things to see what works.
  6. Be willing to experiment with new ideas, methods and behaviors.
  7. Acting AS IF you felt good or confident can actually lead you to feeling better.
  8. The methods we introduce will not prevent you from ever feeling bad, but they’ll help you avoid feeling stuck or help you get out of feeling bad more quickly.

SUGGESTED EXERCISES FOR WEEK ONE:

You need not do all these exercises, but the more you try, the more you will know which one(s) work really well for you.

  1. CAPE WALK: pretend you’re Superman or Wonder Woman or a favorite confident celebrity you know and walk, talk, and act as if you were that person. Power Meditation #9 will help guide you to do this.
  2. SMILE: fake it till you make it. It can really help you feel better.
  3. SING AND MOVE: play favorite fun songs and move your body and/or dance to change how you feel.
  4. EXERCISE: even if only for a minute or two. Walking in nature can especially help.
  5. WARM TO COLD SHOWER: this will definitely change how you feel, and it’s easy to do.
  6. YELLING: get out your anger or frustrations by yelling in your car or singing to loud rock n roll music.
  7. SCHEDULE SOMETHING YOU ENJOY:   Put it in your calendar—you deserve it.

 

Little Known Inspiring Movies and Books List:

 

…Inspiring movies and books are an easy way to feel better and to tap into a feeling of motivation. Here are some you probably haven’t heard about that you might enjoy:

 

Movies: (in no particular order)

 

  1. Brother Sun, Sister Moon
  2. Shirley Valentine
  3. Joe vs. the Volcano
  4. Pow-wow Highway
  5. Peaceful Warrior
  6. City of Joy
  7. Warm Springs
  8. Yes Man
  9. Almost Famous
  10. The Girl in the Café
  11. The 7 Faces of Dr. Lao
  12. Inside Moves
  13. I Love Huckabees
  14. Contact
  15. Inn of the 6th Happiness
  16. August Rush
  17. Razor’s Edge
  18. Resurrection (with Ellen Burstyn)
  19. You Can’t Take It With You
  20. Lost Horizon

 

 

BOOKS:

  1. Another Heart in His Hand                           by J. Jaye Gold
  2. Finding Happiness                              by Jonathan Robinson
  3. The As If Principle                             by Richard Wiseman
  4. Journey to the East                            by Herman Hesse
  5. Handbook to Higher Consciousness   by Ken Keyes
  6. The Translucent Revolution                     by Arjuna Ardagh
  7. Instant Insight                                       by Jonathan Robinson
  8. Authentic Happiness                                 by Martin Seligman
  9. Stumbling on Happiness                      by Daniel Gilbert
  10. The Sedona Method                           by Hale Dwoskin