I decided I'm still undecided about
The Happiness Project. Although the author makes valid points, she strikes me as a bit shallow and just a tad stuck up. I will admit, this chapter on mindfulness resonated with me because I felt like I could truly relate to the author's feelings of being on auto-pilot. What's even more strange, is the reading ties in with material I'm learning in literally
all my other classes. In my intercultural communications class this week, we discussed the disadvantages of colorblindness in modern American society. Although some people think that "not seeing color" is beneficial in interracial/intercultural relations, it can actually exacerbate racial biases because we ignore what's real. On the other hand, being mindful helps us to realize how we feel about certain things, and can lead to the correction of one's behavior. Just like people with addiction problems, we can only fix what we admit is wrong in our lives. In regards to mindfulness, I appreciated when the author noted "Scientists point out that it calms the mind and elevates brain function, it gives clarity and vividness to present experience, it may help people break unhealthy habits, and it can soothe troubled spirits and lift people's moods." I only wished she discussed more about mindfulness that could benefit her community, rather than just a self-mindfulness approach.
Before I bash Gretchen a little more, I just wanted to note that I enjoyed her thoughts on heuristics - or mental rules of thumb. I agree with her thoughts on personal experiences - or vivid memories of them - can sometimes skew our perception of what's really valuable to us. When she used the example of her friend who wouldn't eat raw cookie dough, but never wore a seatbelt, I was overwhelmed by thoughts of all the silly things I do and don't do, that I think will make me feel comfortable. I feel like this ties in with people who have problems with OCD. I HATE when my food touches on my plate, but I live by the 5-second-rule. Kina dumb isn't it?
In summary, I thought the author made some really good points about mindfulness, the only things that really annoyed me was her crappy way of writing about it. I pretty much just thought "Wow it's really nice you have all this fucking money and time to go on a ridiculous shenanigan rampage - but some of us can't buy mindfulness and self-actualiation."
I'm interested in hearing other people's thoughts on this.
Have a good one, fellow classmates.
Marissa,
ReplyDeleteI like the numerous changes that your blog aesthetic has undergone. It’s keeping me on my toes. I’ve got to say—and I mean this—I think you’re current one is super cool. It’s jazzy, pretty, and energetic—but not in-your-face energetic.
I couldn’t agree with you more that: “Who gives a shit if we forgot to offer a black napkin to the gentleman wearing black pants on table 34? “ You said it. I could give a flying fuck about that kind of crap. I get into some light arguments with my g/f from time to time because she works in the LA “post-production” industry, and it’s a very client-driven service… they’re constantly walking over backwards for people’s most insignificant wants (not needs) and it sucks the life/energy/time away from people like her. We’re (you and me—Marissa and Zack) on the same page with that. However, all this said, I would like to caution you that someone from your work (ie, a supervisor or employee) could, theoretically, see what you’ve written on this blog and it could turn into a lame “thing.” I’m not saying, at all, that you should delete anything, but I do want to call that your attention.
You hit on a massive note with bringing up “colorblindness in modern American society.” That’s heavy stuff, and I appreciate your ability to see the benefits/drawbacks of seeing it vs. (consciously) not seeing it. That’s wisdom, I think, and I think the ability to take a step back and see something from the “self” and “other” is key. There’s very rarely a “right” answer/approach in matters of social science; what’s kept me sane over the years is coming to a realization that there are many ways/answers/approaches to doing things, but the key is having REASONS for doing whatever it is you’re doing/thinking.
Also, a quick side-note: it seems like you’re in a much better place than you were in ~March, and I’m glad—I can tell you’re much happier these days.
Z