When I talk about magic potions–an expression I use to add drama and fire to our cold winter days–I am really talking about individual mental health formulas designed for each person. These are available in various sizes, shapes and compositions. Just like the old fashioned pharmacy where the pharmacist got out his mortar and pestle […]
Tag Archives: positive memory retrieval
Dr. Barbara is Quoted in the December 28, 2009 Edition of First Magazine!
In response to a family who puts together a holiday jigsaw puzzle and brings the old puzzles out of storage yearly, Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein says, “Participating in something supportive rather than competitive helps family members cement bonds. And looking at old pictures conjures positive memories.”
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein shares how The Enchanted Self’s use of Positive Memories relates to even food! Peanut Butter: We All Love It!
Lots of memories, even from the very distant past, are charming and heartwarming. Here is a memory that many of us can resonate to: eating peanut butter sandwiches. I was surprised and delighted to hear on public radio that in New York City there lurks a small restaurant devoted to the nostalgia and experience of […]
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, Positive Psychologist Shares A Play-date With Enchantment: Using Your Past to Your Pleasurable Advantage
Here is an exercise that can help you to retrieve positive images and sensations focusing on one or more of your senses. Begin by closing your eyes and listening to the sounds around you. Listen for a few minutes. When you feel drawn to a particular sound, stay with it. Allow yourself to mentally wonder […]
REMEMBERING THE BEST AND LETTING GO OF THE REST
This is a critical component to general well being and a sense of happiness on a daily basis. Most of us have sustained loss and experienced pain. Yes, we’ve been hurt. We’ve been short-changed by opportunities or other people. Sometimes we’ve been stepped upon, left or forgotten. If we spend our daily life focusing on […]
Worrying about Financial Loss? Seven Pointers to Still Sleep at Night and Be Happy
Lots of people are worried in today’s economy. Some are faced with actual loss of jobs and/or houses, or retirements, while others are trembling about what might happen. None of this makes for restful sleep or an upbeat demeanor, nor feelings of hope and optimism, let alone feeling ‘happy’. So as a positive psychologist who […]
The Pleasures of Making Grandma’s Memories My Own
Each season requires special behaviors and activities on our part to optimize for ourselves living a purposeful and happy life. We actually have to practice our positive emotions, just as the champion tennis player practices her swing. We have to try to use our mental capacities as fully as possible, our cognitive capacities for thought, […]
Memories of Filene’s Basement as they relate to Happiness for Women and The Enchanted Self
Last week my husband, Russell and I atteneded the American Psychological Meetings in Boston, Massachusetts. I had gone to graduate school in Boston, so for me, it was my old haunting ground. Also, my mother’s family lived there and I was back and forth to Boston from earliest childhood. So of course, every time I’m […]