Being a science in understanding human beings' strength and virtues that enable us to thrive in face of adversity, Positive Psychology has given us an insight into the ways to maintain psychological health. To practise Positive Psychology in our daily life, we need a plan to cultivate a positive attitude, and for a change in behaviour and ways of thinking.
Like planning for a journey, we need to have basic understanding of the places and stations we are heading for in order to know what we expect to see in the journey, and have a good plan for the trip. Psychological Services Group (PSG) has designed a journey to psychological wellness, comprising five major "stations" namely A.P.P.L.E.
(A) Appreciation
Appreciation is acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive. It means being grateful to what you have and to other people.
(P) Positivity
Positivity includes thinking positive, having a positive attitude, creating and savouring positive emotions.
(P) Permission to be human
It is common for us to deny having experienced negative emotions. However, this may eventually lead to emotion overwhelming and untimely coping. Permission to be human means we have to accept painful emotions as part of being alive. The paradox is that when we give ourselves the permission to be human, and the permission to experience the full range of human emotions, we open up ourselves to positive emotions as well.
(L) Love and Care
It refers to our capacity to love and care for others, the world and ourselves. We can express our love and care by developing good relationships, spending quality time with people and helping them. It was found that altruism could benefit not only those we help, but also enhance our own happiness and well-being.
(E) Engagement
It refers to our commitment to live our life fully. A fruitful and fully engaged life can be achieved by becoming immersed in our work, love, friendship and leisure activities.
Through different kinds of psychoeducation programme, PSG will embark on a journey of psychological wellness with Force members. It will have in-depth explorations of the five "major stations" mentioned above and learn to equip ourselves for building up positive and resilient lives. In the coming five consecutive issues of PsyNet, PSG is going to give a preview of the journey of A.P.P.L.E.
