Positivity – Barbara Fredrickson

Perfect for a sciency mind like mine this book on positivity was an illuminating read which gave me a much better understanding of happiness. OK that sounds odd, and yes, one key point is not to analyse too much, however some reflection on this topic was useful as I was stuck in a binary black or white situation – I like being happy and don’t like being sad.

I feel this read gave me a much better vocabulary about my own states of happiness so I can connect with them better. I was also pleased that it disproved a concern I’d had that being overly positive meant having your head buried in the sand (or in the clouds – either way elsewhere!). However the book aptly displays that:
a) appropriate negativity keeps us grounded, real and honest and
b) positivity can lead to an upward spiral. 
The downward spiral of negativity is well documented and known in the western world – something the positive psychology movement it trying to counter and a good job too as I think the materialism of chasing surface pleasures makes the downward spiral more accessible and hides the ladder of the upward spiral.

So what’s with the upward spiral? It’s defiantly not grin and bear it; or only looking on the bright side. It’s more about keeping perspective by rejoicing in the simple pleasures and knowing that often negativity is inappropriately blown up in our minds. These help give the ability to bounce back from the enviable knocks of life.

But that’s staying level – where’s the going up? Well I liked the convincing evolutionary argument:
‘The anthropologist Lionel Tiger casts hope as the evolved antidote to our gig human forebrains. Unlike any other earthly creature, we humans can envision our own futures and, in so doing, all possible calamities. Without hope, our unique human ability to forecast our inevitable death and demise would leave us in motionless despair. With hope, we become energised to do as much as we can to make a good life for ourselves and for others.’

And it’s being filled with hope and other positive emotions that make us more confident and resilient so we are more likely to try new things, take risks, and be more creative rather than clinging to tried and tested methods. It’s refreshing that evolution, so often portrayed as harsh survival of the fittest, can be seen in this light. I also found the idea that positivity can lead to flourishing logical and backed up with experiments showing subjects in positive states are more receptive, creative and happier has given me hope to tap into some of that. It’s great to know what the brain is capable of, especially when it’s positive!