MAPPing Away

I'm back at Penn for the 3rd on-site session in the MAPP program.  From here on out, the sessions are three days, like this one, or just two.  And, for me (and I think for many of my classmate), that has a downside in that the class is made up of such accomplished, interesting, and bright people that we enjoy the time together as a opportunity to get to know each other.

Today was 11 hours in the classroom and dinner with my cohort.  I'm going to work a bit before bed, but gotta change gears a little.

Laura King was a guest lecturer today.  If you know any students at Missouri, tell 'em to take her class.  She's quite a presenter!  Substantively, the thing that got through to me the clearest was on research that shows that a person who is happy can generally see  meaning in their lives; a person who is unhappy cannot.  So, for folks in a religious context who feel down, depressed, or sad and go looking for meaning, it usually isn't going to work.  On the other hand, if they build up happiness (and there are ways to do that), they will likely perceive the meaning already in their lives and the opportunity for more meaning.  If on the other hand, they go searching for "the meaning of it all," they are unlikely to find either meaning or happiness.

Obviously, my posting here is way down.  I'm just too engaged elsewhere.  I'm writing (tons), but it is all either in the MAPP program or at work.  Just  no time to post much.  Should anyone happen by this site who is interested in the MAPP program or Positive Psychology, drop me an e-mail and I'll be glad to correspond -- I just cannot spend much time writing posts that may or may not interest anyone.

Hope all is well for anyone who stops by!