Comments on: Redefining Our Past

By: RG

RG — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 01:07:43 +0000

While the term “rumination” was used (contemplation or reflection), the concept of time (dwelling, focus) was not included in your supposition in the 2nd paragraph. Certainly one should not wallow in the event; it should be accepted for what it is (no bow or perfume need be administered), dealt with as a learning event and included with all other experiences. Balance, as alluded to by Seligman, is the key.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:31:10 +0000

Isn’t it dangerous to believe that your negative perceptions are true? It’s possible to find a negative and a positive in any event. Why choose to dwell on the negative? Certainly, we can learn from our mistakes, but if we focus on them, it undermines our self-image and prevents future success. Martin Seligman proved this with his work in positive psychology. The danger in this, as he pointed out, is that too much optimism can lead to errors in judgment in certain situations. But our society is not suffering from too much optimism, our problems lie on the other side of the spectrum.

By: RG

RG — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:12:15 +0000

Choosing realities is a dangerous practice. While I understand the concept of “turning lemons into lemonade”, choosing to alter perceptions in a positive self-serving light, regardless of the reality of the event, can lead to delusional complications in ones life.