A New Take on PERMA-Culture
In
one of my Coursera courses (www.coursera.org), there was mention of a book by Martin E. P.
Seligman, titled Flourish, A Visionary
New Understanding of Happiness and Well-Being.
In
the book Professor Seligman introduces the concept of PERMA.
E
= Engagement
R = Relationships
M = Meaning
A
= Achievement
Seligman, a psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania
and the guru of the "positive psychology" movement, abandons his
previous emphasis on happiness, which he now views as simplistic, to examine
how individuals might achieve a richer, multilayered goal: a life of
well-being. He identifies four factors that can help individuals thrive:
positive emotion, engagement with what one is doing, a sense of accomplishment,
and good relationships. Those expecting a guide on how to achieve these goals
will be disappointed; Seligman's approach is largely conceptual and empirical,
although he has some useful things to say, such as how even soldiers with PTSD
can be taught resilience to recover and even grow from their traumas, and how
students of all ages can be taught focus, delayed gratification, and GRIT, a
combination of drive and perseverance. But Seligman includes too much on the
mechanics of conducting his studies. Also, he can be self-congratulatory
regarding his own theory, and harsh and reductionist on traditional treatments
("psychology-as-usual—the psychology of victims and negative emotions and
alienation and pathology and tragedy"). This is a potentially important
book whose impact may be limited by its flaws. (Apr.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Placing
this within the existing framework of conventional Permaculture, this would be Zone 0, the garden within. As with any garden, the inner being must be
tended and nurtured. I personally believe that if this garden is neglected, all others will suffer.
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