tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65077199067803402402024-02-20T10:53:17.203-06:00DOING LIFE WELLCharles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-81532334573051734522014-02-06T13:06:00.002-06:002014-02-06T13:06:16.287-06:00On Meaning and Well BeingI'm back. For the past three years (has it been that long?) I have been distracted by my long distance commuting job, writing book chapters and finishing up a new edition of the textbook I have been working on with my good buds Carolyn and Julie.<br />
<br />
In the realm of this blog, I have been working on (and have given several presentations in the US, Europe and Australia) on a model of meaning and well-being. One of my goals this year is to finally see the model in print.<br />
<br />
The model is based on an idea that is both simple and complex at the same time. The simple part is that it presumes that our overall well being at any one point in time is influenced by our personal life story and how well it seems to be "hanging together." By this I mean, that people in distress sometimes describe their situation with an observation that their lives seem to be coming "unraveled." Metaphors in everyday language are interesting, because they give us insights about the images we use internally to make sense of our situations.<br />
<br />
Of course, if we use"coming unraveled" to describe distress, it also implies that our view of a state of well being means can be represented as strands of our lives that are fashioned together in an acceptable way. By this, I don't mean they represent a perfectly knitted afghan, because every life will have knot or stray thread every once in awhile. But overall, the implication is that we like to think that if things are going to be okay, we need to be able to say that we have a satisfactory pattern or coherence to the various strands of our lives.<br />
<br />
So, my concept, based on the work of some outstanding social scientists, mostly from psychology, but also some sociologists and anthropologists (and social psychologists), theorizes that there are some predictable situations that put us at risk for feeling that our lives are missing a strand. These notions are largely based on some outstanding work done by Dan Adams and Roy Baumeister, scientists who have pursued some very disparate research during their careers.<br />
<br />
Adams is all about describing the properties of unified, coherent life stories, and his work has been groundbreaking in helping to understand the profiles of lives that are viewed as troublesome (or satisfactory) by their owners. Research has shown that these life story archetypes can predict psychological distress and even health issues. Baumeister, on the other hand, has done work in many areas, but has made some seminal contributions to understanding the notion of meaning. He has identified core needs for meaning that can be construed as necessary strands or threads in our lives.<br />
<br />
So, since this is starting to get long, I'll pause it here and take it up again in my next blog. In that post, I will identify four key areas that have been shown to be important anchors or characteristics for having a life that we can view as coherent or integrated—and therefore, one that creates a personal context for well-being.<br />
<br />
Meantime, as always, I welcome your comments and observations.<br />
<br />
Ciao.<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-9205934823640502812011-12-04T19:53:00.001-06:002012-07-01T13:11:12.993-05:00Your friends and their friends may influence your healthI recently came across an excellent TED (Technology, Education and Design) Lecture given by Harvard Social Epidemiologist Nicholas Christakis. His work over the past 15 years has shown very interesting relationships between who we know and the state of our health. His work is not about understanding how influenza or other contagious diseases get transmitted, but rather how social<i> </i>connections in general seem to influence the state of our health. For example, Christakis has found that if your friend's friend is obese (even someone you have never met), it increases <i>your</i> <i>risk </i>of also being obese by a rather surprising percentage. That percentage decreases as the social connections become more distant, but the findings are rather surprising and worthy of significant additional scrutiny. Christakis continues to unravel the explanations behind his interesting findings, but suggests that one clear implication is that we can all benefit each other by recognizing that attending to our own health and well-being can have an impact well beyond our lives and the lives of those closest to us. Be intrigued, see Christakis' lecture <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/nicholas_christakis_the_hidden_influence_of_social_networks.html">here</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-59310529487425805492011-06-02T21:25:00.007-05:002011-06-02T22:09:40.620-05:00Tips for Living a Full and Healthy LifeWow. I like the recommendations in this <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.highexistence.com/life-secrets-and-tips/">link</a> to highexistence.com. There is great advice about taking control of your life and beign focused on achieving the sense of self worth, self efficacy and purpose you need to create a life full of beneficial meaning. Sometimes, this requires the centering procedures of a life detox. Some great suggestions for detox are <a href="http://www.highexistence.com/your-personal-detox-day/">here</a>:<div>Many of these suggestions fall neatly within the model of life balance that Kathleen Matuska and I published, and which was recently supported in a study titled: Occupational Patterns of Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Revisiting Matuska and Christiansen’s Model of Lifestyle Balance authored by Stein, Foran & Cermak and published in the <i>Journal of Occupational Science, Vol 18 2011. </i>My colleague Sandra Rodgers of Pacific University and I will be presentng some preliminary findings of our study of activity patterns and resiliency at the fall, 2011 meeting of the Society for the Study of Occupation: USA. We hope to see you there.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-76943318798192445092011-03-10T09:43:00.004-06:002011-03-10T10:04:39.014-06:00Care for the CaregiversAlrighty then. Time to roll up the sleeves and get crackin'. It has been far too long since the last post, but I have not disappeared nor intentionally abandoned my duties. As so often happens, by attention has been devoted to some other things —a book, some speaking engagements and a new marriage for starters.<div><br /></div><div>In my last, sad post, I commented that my next one might be about my reactions to what I have been reading in Krista Tippet's book: <i>Einstein's God</i>. (I've added that to my favorites list). That book was inspired by interviews she gave on her syndicated PBS radio talk show, <i>Speaking of Faith</i>. I find it interesting that the name of the show has now been changed to "<i>On being</i>." Anyway, more posts will follow on that journey, but for the moment, I have other fish to fry.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Lately, I've been thinking about a couple of things that come together at interesting touchpoints. My wife's mother has been diagnosed with dementia, and the threads of memory that serve to bind together experiences into sensible wholes are coming undone. It is terrifying to know one is losing one's abilities, but literally losing the ability to make sense of the world and engage it actively is beyond comprehension, yet it happens every day. </div><div><br /></div><div>The task of caring compassionately for caregivers is something that often fails to appear on our lists of concerns. But their work is unbelievably important for so many reasons, not the least of which is helping to preserve the coherence in the world for their loved ones; while retaining some semblance of a life of their own. I'm looking for that just right project that will provide some assistance for this effort. If you have an idea, please share it with us here.</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-41079756645809866752010-10-09T23:44:00.003-05:002010-10-09T23:52:50.659-05:00Back at itI'm back and motivated. Why? Because a friend and colleague died suddenly last month and his death motivated me to think some more about the relationship between doing and meaning. His name was Gary Kielhofner, and he was a creative and intelligent thinker in occupational therapy. During his relatively short life, he wrote 20 books, published over 140 research papers, and mentored hundreds of students. He also developed a worldwide model of practice, and published many assessments to support the work of the practice model.<div><br /></div><div>He was a strong advocate for more holistic approaches to understanding health and disease. He had an unusual background that included a classical education, theology, psychology, public health and occupational therapy. That grounded him in his appreciation for how people experience the world and create meaning from it. We are, after all, spiritual beings in a spiritual world.</div><div><br /></div><div>In my next post, I will describe my current journey provoked by the wonderful book, Einstein's God. Stay tuned!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-9349892829178488732010-10-09T23:43:00.000-05:002010-10-09T23:43:35.424-05:00OT on OT: Hello!<a href="http://otonot.blogspot.com/2010/10/welcome.html#links">OT on OT: Hello!</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-27858964155452652382010-04-15T07:56:00.003-05:002010-04-15T08:28:15.995-05:00The Power of Being EngagedThe last thing a fish notices (if fish do indeed notice, and we presume they do!) is water. They are immersed in it, it sustains their lives, and provides the means for them to get food and swim away when they want to escape being dinner for larger fish. In that sense, water is essential for their well being.<div><br /></div><div>In a similar way, people hardly notice the activities in their lives, and they most certainly underestimate the importance of doing to their well-being and survival. Being engaged is important to us for many reasons, some of which have been articulated in earlier posts on this blog. It's always nice to remind ourselves, however, of things we take for granted.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a recovering academic (actually, academics are never fully recovered), I have sometimes used examples of life changing events that disrupt people's everyday activities, sometimes temporarily, sometimes progressively, and less often, permanently. Many people fear death, and worry about the complete cessation of their engaging daily occupations, but few people even think about how injuries and disease, or changes in their aging bodies, can limit the things they like to do. </div><div><br /></div><div>These "things" are activities, sometimes called interests, projects, hobbies, work, tasks or simply "doings." A disease or injury that interferes with movement, or any of our senses, will make doing these things, or engaging in life, more difficult. But, features of the environment, policies, attitudes and other dimensions of life also create barriers to doing. People get passionate about policies that restrict their behaviors. Hopefully, they get equally passionate about finding ways to do the activities they love when adversity starts to create limitations.</div><div><br /></div><div>If we live long enough, we all begin to experience the normal effects of aging. These diminish our vision, our hearing, our taste, and our ability to move around. People react to these circumstances in different ways. Some compensate and don't miss a beat, and others seem to withdraw, which we now know hastens the process of bodily decline.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, at long last, the point of all this. Make each activity count. Enjoy the moment and appreciate the power of engagement. It is the very substance that makes life what it is.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-71561268700684906412009-11-18T21:26:00.014-06:002009-11-30T23:40:30.287-06:00Reflections on Not so Mysterious Medical FindingsThis post is about subjective health. By that, I mean how people rate their own health when asked. Medical researchers have found that self-rated health is among the best predictors of mortality, even when compared against so-called "objective" measures of physiological function. Of course, when this was first reported, there was great skepticism among medical researchers. They surmised that the finding was in some way explainable through faulty data or perhaps represented a random statistical aberration. In medical research, it seems, subjective feelings about anything are considered "soft" or unreliable data, just a notch above qualitative research, where individual themes rather than grouped numbers represent the data to be interpreted.<div><br /><div>Overall, skepticism about what people <i>think</i> represents the Cartesian <i>incubus</i> of medicine, an expression that blames René Descartes (the 17th century French scientist and philosopher) for the mind-body dualism that has characterized Western medicine for centuries. Descarte's emphasis on studying observable phenenomena is responsible for the bias against studying phenomena that occur in the mind, primarily because such phenomena cannot be reliably measured or verified. While the body and its tissues can be touched, invaded, observed, and otherwise measured and manipulated; the mind represents a special challenge. What goes on there (beyond visual representations of structures and electrical activity), can't be directly seen, so functions must be inferred. The mind remains a vast frontier of scientific challenge. The "medical mechanics" of the body like to focus on the things that can be observed and manipulated. When it comes to the mind, things like feelings create dilemmas. How can science explain and measure what it cannot see and take apart?</div><div><br /></div><div>In recent years, faced with data that could not be dismissed so readily, medical science has given a grudging nod to the reality of the mind-body connection. Now, the finding that self-rated health has such powerful predictive power when compared to other time honored measures is an inconvenient truth, sort of a scientific fly in the ointment. Moreover, since many studies have confirmed this finding, the dilemma of how to explain it grows more troublesome and begs for closer scrutiny. This finding may be troubling and inexplicable for some, but not for those who, like me, understand the incredible health giving power of human activity.</div><div><br /></div><div>One very interesting finding related to self-rated health is that when it comes to the factors that seem to explain this phenomenon, it appears that neither pain, nor fatigue nor other such factors commonly described as subjective "symptoms" seem to explain the predictive power of self-rated health. Instead, actual <i>engagement i</i>n <i>activity</i> seems to be a major influence on how people rate their own health. Put in other terms, researchers have found that people tend to rate their own health based on the things they can or cannot do rather than on other factors. This makes sense, because what people experience is what they know best.</div><div><br /></div><div>These findings make one medical philosopher, H.Tristram Engelhardt, Jr., MD, PhD, seem like a very wise man. He is. Years ago, Dr. Engelhardt observed that <i>people are healthy or diseased in terms of the activities open to them or denied them</i>. Stated in other terms, he was saying that participation in life is the manner in which people normally experience health or illness. If their participation is restricted, it follows logically that they are going to perceive that their health is compromised. People know what they are doing in comparison with what they have done in the past and what they would like to be able to do in the present. </div><div><br /></div><div>And so, the findings about the predictive power of self-rated health end up being not so improbable after all, but rather logical. Given that a strong connection exists between activity engagement and health outcomes, it suggests to me that when health screenings are done, questions about activity participation should be a central part of the data gathering by primary care providers. Perhaps a question that would be more valuable than "<i>Ho</i><i>w are you feeling today, Mrs Jones</i>?"" might be "<i>What have you been doing lately, Mrs. Jones</i>?" followed by "<i>Are you doing more, less, or as much as you'd like to be doing right now</i>?" Funny, that in everyday social conversation, people often ask each other "<i>How are you doin</i>g?" So, if you think about it, (and I do), this common phrase uses "<i>doing</i>" as a synonym for "<i>feeling</i>". Oops, there is that troubling mind-body connection again! It just may be that life activity itself is a tremendous barometer for health and wellness. For years, activity levels have been used to gauge mental health. Now it seems, those same data might be useful measures of overall physical health as well. On that topic, a future post awaits. </div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, as much as I'd like to have the last word, that is reserved for you. If you are aware of other findings that relate to this topic, by all means share your comments (subjective and objective) below.<br /><div><br /></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-90897885132849300452009-10-21T19:44:00.005-05:002009-10-21T22:42:00.690-05:00October Road?Yo. Here it is, the 21st of October, and it has once again been weeks since my last post. What gives? Part of it had to do with my commuting lifestyle, but the other had to do with enjoying a splendid Summer and early fall in Southern Minnesota, mostly on the bike trails.<div><br /></div><div>I did a little biking, and canoeing, hiking, and even a little (can you believe it?) segwaying. Yep. Segwaying—using that novel two wheeled motor stick that propels you along as though you are riding a push lawnmower! My son Erik and I learned at the same time, and we deigned to take those segways along a few mile stretch of a bike trail outside of Lanesboro. Personally, I think they qualify as motorized vehicles and ought to be forbidden on bike trails, but there are so few of them that I don't think the trail authorities have time to worry about them.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a glorious summer, with so many great outdoor experiences that it just went by in a wonderful blur of enjoyment. I hope yours was equally satisfying.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, the winterization process begins. Storm doors are being installed tomorrow, and the guy with the compressor blew the water out of the irrigation system this morning. No more mowing— most likely, until next April. A few leaves to rake, perhaps, and a whole lot of memories to reflect are in store as we sip wine in front of the fireplace during the long nights of wintertime in the Northland.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Life is good. We did it well this summer. Next year we'll do it even better.</div><div><br /></div><div>PS. I titled this blogpost "October Road" from the album (and song) by James Taylor. One of my favorites. Maybe my next post will be about the lyrics to that song, or JT's lyrics in general. Who knows? Share your own stories, I'd love to hear about them. Remember, we live in the shelter of each other.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-38287346958325623232009-07-09T11:40:00.004-05:002009-07-09T11:54:54.009-05:00Interrupting the HiatusIt's been awhile since my last post, so one can say that this post is an interruption of an interruption. If you Google the word "hiatus" you will find many definitions, ranging from those anatomical to use of the term in the context of breaks in television production or programming. The word comes from the Latin word for "yawning" (interesting), and also is used to signify an opening.<br /><br />Lately, I have been considering the notion of hiatus from the standpoint of transitions. Most people have transitions in their lives, and often, but not universally, these transitions are marked by a hiatus that serves as a bridge from the old to the new state (whether this refers to jobs, life stages, parenthood, or other aspects of the life course). A hiatus, of course, can also be defined by a vacation period, or time away from a usual routine.<br /><br />Transitions are often difficult and stressful. I have frequently found that returning to work from an extended break can be challenging, as though one has to move through the gears to get sufficient torque to overcome inertia and resume customary speed. A well-oiled life, it seems, chugging along with a predictable routine, maintains momentum and indeed, even benefits from that momentum (just as a sleigh moves downhill without the need for additional propulsion).<br /><br />So, I'm hoping that firing up the cylinders for this post will get me back in the groove so that posts will be more regular for the coming weeks and months. Commentary, of course, helps. So if you stop by, please leave a note and share your thoughts about the events and facets of everydy life that contribute to balance, happiness and of course, success in the projects that engage us.<div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-81662095161277473222009-05-29T09:17:00.005-05:002009-05-29T09:37:12.385-05:00More on the world's happiest countriesPrevious posts have discussed the comparative data among countries using measures of happiness or subjective well being. Sometimes, the fact that two different measures are used causes confusion. One measure, used by Martin Seligman to measure "authentic happiness" as described in his book, is the simpler of the two. It measures happiness by asking people how happy they are. A second measure also asks people how happy they are but adds a second dimension called satisfaction. That measure is called a subjective well being score and is used in the World Values Surveys done at the University of Michigan.<br /><br />Using the second (subjective well being) measure, the following countries rank in the top five across the globe: 1. Nigeria 2. Mexico 3. Venezuela 4. El Salvador and 5. Puerto Rico. At first blush, it is obvious that these countries have something in common: they each have large numbers of relatively poor people, suggesting that money does not equate with happiness. The list brings to mind another truth, which is this: Happiness is a state of mind, and as such, people have complete control over it. If people make the best of their circumstances, they can create the conditions necessary for happiness. One wonders if there is a cultural characteristic about poverty that enables people to see the best in their circumstances, which in turn influences their sense of well being?<br /><br />I have two friends, both professionals, who respectively are from Nigeria and Puerto Rico. They are both positive energy emoting people. That is, they bring good feelings to situations, in comparison with others who seem to work hard in the opposite direction. Each of these persons also share the trait of valuing things that make a difference in the longer term, while also taking care to make each moment a particular pleasure for themselves and others. <br /><br />In future blogposts I will explore this notion further. As always, if you have observations about anything on this topic or others that pertains to doing life well, please share it with us!<div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-11739755834587206612009-05-17T17:47:00.007-05:002009-05-17T18:04:50.330-05:00What to do during SpringSpring for many is the most glorious of the seasons, and it holds true for me as well. It is especially wonderful in portions of the globe where the winters are long and bitterly cold and people are forced from the warmth of their habitats for only the most essential of tasks (such as going to work, worshiping, seeing friends, dining out, attending school or shopping at the grocery or department store). What's left, you might ask? <div><br /></div><div>Well, what's left is enjoying nature, sitting on the deck, walking by the river or pond, and staring at the sunset or the birds in the trees. In the winter there are no squirrels scurrying about in the grass, and birds are not nesting in the trees. There is little bicycling either, nor canoeing, nor kayaking, nor in-line skating, or running. The winter worshipers will be quick to point out that there is ice fishing and cross country skiing and ice skating during their season. But even these sports, fun as they are, find their adherents happy to get inside to relinquish the activity to warm drinks and cozy fireside chats.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes. Spring is wonderful not only because of the weather, but because of the blossoming of nature and the general spring fever that overtakes the land. People are happy to be out and about, and so are other animals. Everyone frolics. The seasons ahead bode more of the same enjoyment, as spring gives way to the fullness of summer, and summer recedes to the beauty of autumn.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, what's to do during spring? Enjoy life through outdoor activity...or inactivity. Just be and bask in its beauty.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-46844189560642520332009-05-01T22:25:00.003-05:002009-05-01T22:39:47.862-05:00Home againIt's hard to believe I have not posted a blog entry for three weeks, and I'm amazed at how fast time has passed. Of course, I've been busy; but then again, so have you. Which prompts a reflection in this post about the perception of time. That is, how it seems to pass so quickly on some occasions and so slowly on others.<div><br /></div><div>As a person well into middle age, I have the distinct impression that time accelerates as we get older. I can recall endless and interminable afternoons in my desk during the fifth grade (and perhaps on more recent occasions as I endured disengaging lectures). In the sixth grade I was fortunate to have a master teacher and felt constantly engaged; the time passed quickly and I excelled. I now wonder if there was a relationship between the two experiences (my performance and my perception of time).</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, there have been scientists interested in this phenomenon, both from a psychological perception perspective and a time use/accuracy of reporting standpoint. Not surprisingly, time use scientists report that perceived versus actual time spent working is inflated, while perceived versus actual time spent in leisure and social activity is underestimated. Go figure.</div><div><br /></div><div>The whole complex matter of perceived time passage, performance, and happiness is immensely interesting, and invites the possibility that loneliness is associated with depression because of disengagement and the perception that time crawls mercilessly through uninviting terrain—rather than springing, as it should, through more pleasant surroundings. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'll have a look at the literature to see if any enterprising (engaged) scientist has cleverly considered these questions and report them if I find anything. Meantime, if you discover something, or have a thought to share, please feel free to post it here. Meantime, I wish you engaging moments.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-82627465720325433652009-04-09T19:08:00.002-05:002009-04-09T19:29:29.994-05:00Happiness is about meeting needs...Over sixty years ago, a psychologist named Abraham Maslow began working on a theory of motivation. His questions had to do with what makes people do different "things" at different times? His work, of course, led to the much studied, and widely known "hierarchy of needs". An idea behind this early work was that some needs are more compelling than others, and thus serve to influence behavior more strongly. Another idea was that once "lower level" needs were met, higher level needs would take over as influences of behavior.<br /><br />Maslow's hierarchy was often depicted as a pyramid, with survival needs at the base and higher order needs at the top. The survival needs were physiological and safety related, in that we need to eat, sleep, breathe and be protected from harm. Above the survival needs were the need to be accepted and loved by others, and to be approved and recognized as competent. These needs seem associated with our group-living characteristics—indeed, we are social animals. Together, these needs (survival and social) were referred to by Maslow as deficiency needs, suggesting that actions taken to meet them were inspired by their deficiency. That's why Maslow called them "D-Needs".<br /><br />At the top of the pyramid, were needs Maslow described as "being needs". Being needs include our quest for aesthetics and cognition, the realization that we have that beauty and art and music enrich our lives, and our need to understand the world as coherent—to organize the universe and understand it as having order and symmetry. At the very top, a motive that Maslow called "self-actualization", people are compelled to realize their potentials.<br /><br />These ideas of Maslow have now been supported by many studies, and have been debated and refined over the years. Yet, they have fundamental value in steering us toward understanding the kinds of things we can do to meet our universal needs through the things we do.<br /><br />In coming posts, some examples of need meeting activities will be discussed, and readers will be invited to provide their experiences and ideas about meeting essential needs.<div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-4722732585239471532009-04-01T19:01:00.006-05:002009-04-01T19:31:52.166-05:00Forgiveness —Something we can do to keep ourselves healthyMany years ago, I read a piece of advice that truly caused me to reflect. The statement was about letting go of petty grievances and of not harboring resentment. It proclaimed that forgiveness is something we do for <span style="font-style: italic;">ourselves</span>, not others. Each of us, in our lifetime, has experienced an assault on our identity or sense of self (pride), or on our body. We feel we must defend our bruised egos, reclaim who we are, and create a sense of fairness and justice by getting even. We expect that to make ourselves whole, the person who perpetrated the injustice must apologize, or in some other way give of themselves in order to "make things even."<br /><br />To the extent that we must endure such injustices, we feel abused and hurt, and we feel we cannot go on until that wrong is somehow "righted". All the while, however, this resentment is creating a knot within us, something that represents "unfinished business". We carry this extra baggage along with us, perhaps adding additional baggage over time, and then realizing one day that we have a lot of this baggage weighing us down, and it truly does weigh us down.<br /><br />There is abundant evidence now about how the endocrine system, the regulator of hormones that flow from our emotions, can yield unhealthy consequences over time if we continue to carry this additional emotional weight. It can and does create conditions that lead to increased risk for physical and mental illness. Yet, summoning the strength to be larger than any particular issue is to truly proclaim one's independence and create the emotional conditions that empower the body and the mind. This is often easier said than done because we are so habituated to acting like a victim when we are assaulted. We often forget that there is sometimes more power in "not doing" as in "<span style="font-style: italic;">doing</span>"— in yielding rather than forcing. That is a principle of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism">Taoism</a>.<br /><br />So, it turns out that one of the most beneficial "fitness exercises" a person can do is learning how to forgive. Think of forgiving as "giving for health and happiness"—our own!<div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-24759237164590632432009-03-28T11:38:00.005-05:002009-03-28T12:15:34.890-05:00Zigs, Zags and DoingToday's post is a bittersweet testimonial to the power of doing. Cartoonist Tom Wilson, who continues his father's work in evolving the character Ziggy, has written a poignant book called <a href="http://anniegirl1138.wordpress.com/2009/03/05/tlc-book-tour-zig-zagging-by-tom-wilson/">Zig Zagging</a>, in which he describes the bittersweet experiences of his life so far and how his work has helped him transcend life's difficulties. Mr. Wilson has experienced more than the usual burden of challenges, and his book gives us a glimpse into how he coped. One of the take away messages I could not escape was how important his work was to this process.<br /><br />In the 1981 movie called "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083326/">Whose Life Is It, Anyway?</a>", Richard Dreyfuss, who plays a paralyzed sculptor (Ken Harrison) who is deprived of his work after a tragic car crash. In a dramatic scene that portrays a dialogue between Harrison and another character trying to offer hope by telling him he can learn to do other things, Harrison's response is that it is the <span style="font-weight: bold;">work</span> that matters. His reply reflects the meaning he attached to doing his art and his realization that this could not be simply replaced simply by substituting other work in its place.<br /><br />There is immense power in what we do, and that power results not from the outcome, but from the process. Perhaps this is a more focussed corollary to the admonition that life is a journey and not a destination.<br /><br />What do you get from your work?<div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-2049165720041246392009-03-15T15:55:00.008-05:002009-03-15T22:36:39.967-05:00More Thoughts on Attention, Gratitude, and HappinessRecent posts have concerned the importance of truly attending to what we are doing, appreciating its beauty and benefit, and recognizing how fortunate we are to be experiencing each moment. We acknowledged that doing this is not easy for many people, because our minds are constantly bombarded with stimuli, we have too much to do, and the preoccupation of what has or will happen creates a detour for what is happening right now.<br /><br />How many of us have done a routine, such as dressing, or even driving to work, and finding that we are unable to recall any of the actual <span style="font-style: italic;">details</span> of going through that routine? It's as though our minds were on automatic pilot. We were concerned about the budget, the important upcoming meeting, or the argument we had with our boss. How many people, during those lulls of inattention, forget to notice the dog crossing the street, or the stop sign? Sadly, this occurs on occasion with life altering and tragic consequences.<br /><br />Yet, those outcomes, as rare,dramatic, and often tragic as they are; are arguably no more problematic than a life gone by and missed through inattention. It is sometimes said that we never fully appreciate what we have, until we lose it. Part of the reason for this, it seems, is that we are not fully experiencing and appreciating what we have. We too soon accommodate to comfort, and in doing so we focus on what we imagine might be missing to make the moment more complete.<br /><br />A friend shared a humorous clip recorded from the Conan late night show. Although the humorist shown in the clip pokes fun at how blasé we have become in the face of 21st Century hyperchange, he makes an important point about appreciation and gratitude. You can see the clip <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoGYx35ypus">here</a>.<br /><br />If we define each moment as the perfect experience that it is, concerns seem to evaporate. This is a principle of Taoism; namely, if we accept what comes to us and experience it without comparing it to another condition or state, we are not evaluative, we simply are, in our all too short, wonderful state of being. By doing so, we create the conditions for happiness at all times.<div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-15974472706902108722009-03-14T10:00:00.007-05:002009-03-15T22:38:19.104-05:00Importance of Being Where You AreIn several previous posts I have discussed how settings or places influence what we do and how we feel. In one post, I invited readers to share some of their own habits and routines that help them enhance their comfort, well-being or happiness. People create living environments that please them, they decorate with art, with colors and fabrics and even views that are interesting, satisfying or pleasant. So it was not surprising to me that many of the comments related to creating quiet places or adding pleasant scents or music. Some people describe how they surround themselves with sounds and objects, while others preferred quiet, simplicity and solitude. Some people described how they change their locations or conditions to suit their moods and what they are trying to do at the moment.<br /><br />Thinking about this brought to mind several thoughts. James Taylor, one of my favorite musicians, once wrote a song called "<span style="font-style: italic;">Secret O' Life."</span> The <a href="http://www.lyricsfreak.com/j/james+taylor/secret+o+life_20069179.html">lyrics</a> began with the lines: "<span style="font-style: italic;">The Secret of Life is Enjoying the Passage of Time</span>.<span style="font-style: italic;">..any fool can do it, there ain't nothing to it", </span>with the implication being that each person has the power to create their own happiness through what they choose to do, where they are, and who they are with. Of course, how we think about our experiences is also important.<br /><br />The wonderful book written in 1993 by Jon Kabat-Zinn titled "<span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wherever-You-There-Are-ROUGH/dp/1401307787">Wherever You Go, There You Are</a>"</span> emphasizes the important message of mindfulness meditation, or being attentive in the moment as a way of reducing stress, improving enjoyment and contributing to everyday well-being. When we pay attention to creating the world we want by making our surroundings comfortable, it makes sense that we can more fully enjoy them if we are "in the moment" and enjoying every second. We can define each moment as a present and experience it as the term is also defined, as a gift. Life is amazingly short, so dwelling on what is not is squandering opportunity that is lost forever. Another writer, Eckhart Tolle, writes on the same theme in his "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577311523"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Power of Now</span>.</a>" Tolle discusses the habits of mindless thought that get in the way of attention and mindfulness. His message was that being in the moment takes practice to rid ourselves of habits of thought developed over years. Tolle, too, talked about how environment can support such practice. So, we come full circle to James Taylor. When it comes to being where we are fully, any fool can do it, but it takes practice and will to make it happen.<div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-72317242351946424822009-03-12T20:56:00.005-05:002009-03-14T09:49:03.830-05:00Looking Out for Our Neighbors- Ayn Rand RevisitedThe blogosphere has been buzzing lately with commentary about <span style="font-style: italic;">Atlas Shrugged</span>, the novel written by author Ayn Rand in 1957. Considered one of the most popular US novels during the second half of the twentieth century, <span style="font-style: italic;">Atlas Shrugged</span> tells the tale of a revolt by innovators and others in society whose ideas and work efforts create wealth and opportunity. The books lays out a philosophy that has come to be known as Objectivism, and advocates free market capitalism, objective reality, and enlightened self-interest.<br /><br />Opponents of the economic stimulus plan, particularly far right conservatives such as Rush Limbaugh, and others, frequently cite <span style="font-style: italic;">Atlas Shrugged</span> as a type of manifesto that justifies their position that people who have lost jobs or are losing their homes should not be helped by the government because this is contrary to free market individualism. Typically, their argument holds that people (which is usually code for themselves) should not be asked to contribute tax dollars toward efforts that are seen as contrary to free market philosophy. Objectivism's emphasis on an individual's right to pursue happiness and self interest without feeling an obligation toward others is central to the current misguided argument used by anti-stimulus adversaries who cite Rand.<br /><br />So what does this have to do with <span style="font-style: italic;">doing life well</span>? An oft-cited viewpoint expressed in previous posts on this blogsite is that because we are group-living animals, we are interdependent creatures. We each depend on others, and our species requires altruism and cooperation for its survival. Objectivism rejects unbridled altruism, and its principles have been misrepresented by Limbaugh and others as justifying the kind of selfish "look out for yourself only" type of attitude that led to the unprecedented transfer of wealth over the past decade to the wealthiest one percent of the population. Social Darwinism, which is the kind of winner-take-all mentality that characterizes some viewpoints, misses two points. First, it presumes that by accumulating enough wealth, people don't really have to worry about the greater environment because they can enjoy their riches in protected isolation.<br /><br />They are so wrong about this. Everything that we know about happiness and the enjoyment of life involves sharing experiences with others. Studies consistently show that we need others for our happiness. But more importantly, advocates who use Rand's book as a justification for their selfish philosophy didn't read the book closely enough. Rand does not advocate the kind of selfishness that some use to as justification to deny unemployment checks to people who are out of work for reasons unrelated to their performance. Rather, she advocates reasoned, rational and enlightened self-interest, which is different than the hedonistic, pleasure seeking, "I refuse to share my rice bowl with others" self-interest that typifies so much of the superficial Rand-citing that is moving across the conservative blogosphere these days. In the interest of creating the kind of world we can all share, whether rich or not rich, it is important to set the record straight. Ayn Rand <span style="font-style: italic;">never</span> justified selfishness in the hedonistic sense that anti-stimulus adversaries are now contending. The Irish proverb is worth citing again: "<span style="font-style: italic;">the people live in the shelter of each other</span>."<div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-16809026684701559872009-03-10T20:13:00.007-05:002009-03-10T20:57:00.565-05:00The incredible subway violinist storyOn January 12, 2007, Joshua Bell, one of the world's top violinists, strolled into the L' Enfant plaza metro station in Washington, DC, pulled out his $3.5 million Stradivarius violin and began playing. Joshua had, evenings before, played before a sold out crowd in Boston where people gladly paid $100 per ticket to hear him perform. But, on this morning, during rush hour, Bell was playing in this metro station for free.<br /><br />During his 45 minute concert, nearly 1100 people passed by, and 27 paused to put money into his violin case ($32 and change was collected in all). Only seven actually stopped to listen, despite his world class performance of six extremely well performed classical violin solos.<br /><br />This event was an experiment sponsored by the <span style="font-style: italic;">Washington Post.</span> The <span style="font-style: italic;">Post</span> was confirming what psychologists (particularly those interested in ecological or environmental influences on behavior) already knew. People's perceptions are greatly influenced by situational or contextual variables. We are apt to <span style="font-style: italic;">expect</span> to hear a great concert in a concert hall, but <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> in a subway station.<br /><br />You can see (and hear) a filmclip of Joshua playing his free performance <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html">here</a>.<br /><br />What lessons should we take away from this event, now over two years passed? Well, for one thing, there is the lesson that if we are attentive and in the moment, we are more likely to recognize what is taking place in our lives and to thus benefit from the beauty when it is there. Beyond this, it seems likely that another lesson is that good wine can be sipped and enjoyed from a paper cup, just as poor wine can be found masquerading in elegant crystal wineglasses.<br /><br />Deception preys on assumption, but truth exists independent of its surroundings. Life is all around us to enjoy. Next time you pass by a performing musician working to supply the air with beauty, take a moment to enjoy them, feed their empty case, and thank them for making the world a more beautiful experience. Everyone will feel better as a result.<div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-25001950815185106812009-03-01T20:49:00.007-06:002009-03-01T21:56:30.089-06:00Longevity and Quality of LifeMost of us are interested in living a long life. I recently came across a book called <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/product/932/4264/932.html">B</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/product/932/4264/932.html">lue Zones</a>,</span> which described studies, partially sponsored by the National Geographic Society, involving various locations on earth where the inhabitants seem to have unusually high longevity. In examining the lifestyle factors in these regions, Dan Buettner and his associates came up with some factors that they believe contribute to longevity. These include strong social networks, diets with fruits and vegetables, active lifestyles, and a positive view of aging. The implication is that the people in these regions have a high quality of life. Little is said directly, however, about their levels of happiness. Can we assume that the scientists posit that happiness and longevity are related? That is, do happy people live longer?<div><br /></div><div><div>The answer, it seems, is yes, but only if you are healthy. This finding is based on a review in the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.springerlink.com/content/0474658172222350/">Journal of Happiness Studies</a></span> by Ruut Veenhoven. Veenhoven, a scientist at Erasmus University in the Netherlands, found in his review that happiness in healthy populations added to longevity in a manner similar to being a non-smoker. In populations that have chronic diseases, being happy does not seem to add measurably to life expectancy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Studies of healthy aging in the United States have focused less on longevity and more on factors that seem to ward off chronic illness. Carol Ryff, PhD, a leading researcher in this area, has shown that various personal factors, including <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">autonomy (</span>our degree of choice and control over our lives)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life </span>and<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> self acceptance</span> are important for successful aging and resilience. Dr. Ryff is among a growing number of researchers who are making the case for n<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">europsychoimmunology</span>, the science that demonstrates that how we feel influences our immune system (as previous blog posts have outlined). Clearly, it is not difficult to imagine that what we do, and how we feel about what we do, relates to the factors that Dr. Ryff has identified in her research.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, what is the take away from this post? Do we know what factors that lead to longer lives also lead to happiness? The answer is an equivocal yes, but is based on comparing findings of different studies rather than looking at the question from a single study. Perhaps the <a href="http://aging.wisc.edu/research/midus.php">MIDUS II</a> (Midlife in the United States) studies now going on under Dr. Ryff's direction will address this issue.</div><div><br /></div><div>In this blogger's opinion, the question of longevity must always be asked in the context of life quality. The issue for us all, it seems, is not just how <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">long</span> we live, but how <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">well</span> we live. <br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-42986895299183755582009-02-24T06:54:00.017-06:002009-02-26T07:26:24.129-06:00Life changing books: "How to Want What You Have".We readers, every once in awhile, stumble upon books that have a profound influence on us, often in subtle ways, as though they planted an idea in our heads that needed marinating or slow cooking before it truly delivered its "full flavored" goodness.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">How To Want What You Have by </span>Timothy Ray Miller is one of those books. My take away from the book included the inescapable thought that we are "conditioned" by culture to be discontent, to constantly want more— to want to be happier, prettier, wealthier, smarter, or more popular. Miller provides an explanation for this, describing that the nervous system is wired for stimulation, and that we adapt so quickly to new circumstances that we are often soon looking for something different to counteract our boredom. We truly believe that more is better—and perhaps because we are optimists— we tend to think that just around the corner there is a better situation, a nicer car, a more beautiful partner (or self), or a bigger house that will make us happier. Of course, because we adapt so quickly to change, that new house soon becomes inadequate in our insatiable quest for happiness based on more, bigger, or better. Believing that more will lead to happiness is akin to thinking that the mirage of the green oasis in the middle of the desert will quench our thirst. Of course, it is an illusion, it has no water at all.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The "bigger house" habit pattern exhibited by millions helped get us in the economic situation we are currently in—but I digress. Dr. Miller makes three fine, life changing recommendations for addressing these insatiable (and we'd now have to say potentially destructive) habit patterns. It turns out that they are interconnected—each tends to reinforce the others.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div><div>First and perhaps most importantly, Miller recommends that we learn to adopt and practice the essential characteristic of <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">attention</span>, or being in the moment. There is so much good and beauty in the world, so much to appreciate about living, that we cannot hope to live it fully, to breathe in all of its goodness and wonder, without paying attention to what is around us to appreciate. Perhaps like many others, during my youth I was always focused on the days ahead, impatient to move into the future with the over confident swagger and naivete of a sophomoric boy scout who knows a little, but does not appreciate how inadequate that "little amount of knowledge" is, or how many more important lessons are waiting to be learned in the world "out there". Attention is at the heart of many eastern philosophies, and described well in "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577311523">The Power of Now"</a> </span>by author<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eckhart_Tolle">Eckhart T</a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eckhart_Tolle">olle</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">To be attentive, Tolle points out, usually means counteracting the tendency of the mind to fill itself with unnecessary concerns and distractions beyond the immediate.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>Second, since we are paying attention to what's around us, we should practice being grateful for what we have, what is around us. We are now learning that things can get worse and it a good principle <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">never</span> to take anything for granted in this life. We have multiple examples every day about the fragility of life. This makes obvious the importance of <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">gratitude</span>, or appreciating what we have now and not squandering the moment worrying about what we do not have.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, Miller recommends that in recognizing that things happen unexpectedly, any one of us can find ourselves in "deep sneakers" before we know it. We all make mistakes, live in proverbial glass houses, and are human (at least for the time being, before the androids depicted in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0212720/">A.I.</a> begin to be manufactured!). Therefore, it is an expression of our humanity for us to recognize that we are one among many others, and that <span style="font-style: italic;">we live in the shelter of each other </span>(love that Irish proverb!). If we display <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">compassion</span> for others, we demonstrate that humanity. Compassion is an essential ingredient in a supportive community. It is at the heart of charity and philanthropy, a key basis for volunteerism. It is a moral foundation for kindness and the cooperation that is necessary for group living humans to survive. Compassion, in my view, has been in short supply in some parts of the United States for many years. Hopefully, it will see a comeback in the coming days and months when we <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> need to be in top form as we support each other.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>So, the essential message here is: <span style="font-weight: bold;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">ttention </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">gratitude</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">and compassion</span> are important characteristics, and they are linked to each other. When we practice these, good things happen— in many ways—and in ways that are good for us as well as for others<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">. </span>The bonus, however, is that these greater rewards cost us nothing and have the power to make us happier while making our communities stronger!!! And in these times, we <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span> can use a bargain that leads us to greater happiness!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.</span>"—Buddhist Proverb<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-45814287662500014092009-02-22T22:23:00.008-06:002009-02-23T08:49:21.834-06:00What makes a good health care experience?With the fast appointment, and equally sudden withdrawal of Tom Daschle as Secretary of Health and Human Services, what had been growing momentum behind long overdue health care reform was derailed, and we hope only temporarily sidetracked. Daschle, a veteran of Congress and one who had experienced many attempts at health care reform, was viewed as a very solid and informed choice for the post. Those who have read his book, know that he is an advocate for practical and doable change, recognizing that what many see as the ultimate destination, a single payer system, may require some interim steps. His plan would amalgamate existing government care programs, require that everyone be covered with affordable insurance for a basic level of health care services, and remove politics from decision making by creating a federal health board with confirmed appointees (like the Federal Reserve Board) to oversee the system.<br /><br />Personally, while some of Daschle's plan characteristics have merit, I am a proponent of going for the whole enchilada now and proposing a single payer system to get rid of greedy profit motivated health insurance companies now. Why allow profit at the expense of health and life? And why spend even <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">one</span> more penny on marketing, advertising or competition when the money can and should go to delivering care and prevention?<br /><br />Let's do what we have to do now to make the system affordable, accessible, fair, accountable, universal, portable, and responsible. By responsible, I mean a system that devotes resources to health promotion and prevention, a system that aims to promote well-being rather than just ameliorate disease after it has occurred, and a system that recognizes that responsible lifestyle change is more than half the battle in keeping people well. Health is related to happiness and happiness is related, inextricably, to doing what makes life worth living, with those we love, and in supportive communities. Beyond these basic philosophical changes, why not pay providers more for keeping their patients healthy? Rewarding them for <span style="font-style: italic;">listening</span> to and counseling their patients about lifestyle (not just exercise and nutrition) might also be a nice addition.<br /><br />Think about your idea of a good healthcare experience. I have had primary care delivered by angels and by robots. By people who listened and believed I knew my own body, and those who were so focused on arriving at a diagnosis, (or getting to their next appointment) that they cared little about my experience of illness. Incredibly, the <span style="font-style: italic;">Washington Post</span> had an article recently about an Ethiopian-born physician who is also a novelist (Abraham Verghese) who proposes that medical schools teach their students about the importance of the life stories of their patients. This advice is, on the one hand, good news— and on the other, incredible in its acknowledgment that medical curricula are woefully out of touch. I doubt it is coincidental that my favorite primary care practitioners are physicians who were first trained as nurses, pharmacists or therapists. In fairness to medical schools, (not that any is really warranted) it is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">incredibly</span> difficult to change the curriculum in a medical school, even a smidgeon.<br /><br />So, what characteristics do <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">you</span> think make for a good health care encounter? Share them here, and perhaps a medical educator or two who believes in the importance of the humanities will stop by and take note.<div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-16148461521584594312009-02-17T06:52:00.005-06:002009-02-17T17:18:54.712-06:00The Self-Fulfilling Magic of Belief and PerceptionFor years, psychologists have known that each person's own "reality" is created through the lenses of their own experiences, personality, and beliefs. Because experience is such a powerful teacher, including the experiences we observe in others, we can be passive participants and still be influenced. This is particularly true when we observe social approval for some acts and disapproval for others. Social approval is one of the most powerful sources of motivation. This explains why so many people are like sheep in determining what to wear, what to do, and sadly, even what to like, dislike or believe.<br /><br />Additionally, as I have blogged previously, our bodies are known to respond physiologically to the feelings we attach to our perceptions and beliefs. We can signal our bodies to release good hormones or harmful hormones based on our emotions and beliefs. That's "<a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Why-Zebras-Dont-Get-Ulcers/dp/0716732106">Why Zebras don't get ulcers</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Why-Zebras-Dont-Get-Ulcers/dp/0716732106">"</a> as Robert Sapolsky wisely noted. Zebras don't spend time worrying about the consequences of what has happened in the past, or the possibilities of what might happen in the future. They live in the moment. By doing so, Zebras release stress hormones only when it is necessary for their survival.<br /><br />Which brings me closer to the point of this post. Part of the reason the world economy is tanking is because people are spending so much time behaving as though they believe the sky is falling. The economy will only worsen if group think leads to the emotions and behaviors that make it so. A recession is the opposite of the unbridled euphoria of an economic bubble. People bought property because they believed it would lead to greater wealth. As soon as those beliefs changed collectively, and it was perceived that Armageddon was upon us, people began behaving in ways that began to create the outcomes they feared, and that we now have.<br /><br />How does the world turn around a collective perception of doom to one that leads to behaviors of investment and optimism? That, my friends, is the central task confronting political leaders everywhere. Can each of us help? Certainly we can, by taking actions ourselves that signal optimism. Need a new washing machine? Buy it. You'll never get a better deal. But purchase it with money saved, not money borrowed. How about the Rolex? On that one, perhaps don't make the purchase. A Rolex is a high priced functional watch. It doesn't keep time better than a less expensive watch, and it's an unnecessary indulgence. Displaying this new purchase will not be greated with much glee in the current environment. But more to the point, such a purchase will not do much to stimulate the economy.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">So, what is the intended take away message for today</span>? It is simply this: We can do ourselves and our world a favor by shedding the current mindset of doom and gloom and adopting a self-fulfilling belief that brighter days are ahead. In fact, through our beliefs and behaviors, they can be created just around the corner.<div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507719906780340240.post-56593934003973627902009-02-08T19:09:00.003-06:002009-02-08T19:25:40.004-06:00What Happened on the Happiest Day of Your Life?Have you ever stopped to think about the happiest day of your life? At least so far, that is. Or do you imagine the happiest day of your life is ahead of you? Dan McAdams, whose work in studying life stories has been mentioned in this blog before, describes certain archetypal or characteristic patterns to people's versions of their life story. Some describe their lives as rising from adversity, while others mention bad breaks that sent them into an unexpected crash landing from which they have never quite seemed to recover.<br /><br />But here we recall the events that mark the peaks or represent the peaks we hope to achieve. What makes a "happiest day" experience? Is it personal accomplishment after a long, sustained effort? Or is it the promise of a new relationship? Does a happiest moment represent a capstone of previous experiences, or the beginning of a new journey?<br /><br />For most of us, there have been many happy days, and we hope there will be many more. Perhaps what creates happiness at the beginning of our lives is different than the causes of those joyous moments in midlife, or as we mature in later years.<br /><br />What are your thoughts about the events, or doings, that have characterized your memorable moments? Please share them here! The hope is, of course, that by understanding our own happiest moments, we can create the conditions to make them happen again! We can create the lives we want.<div class="blogger-post-footer">From Doing Life Well (C) 2009 Chris Tian Sen</div>Charles Christiansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07737509270108902334noreply@blogger.com0