Experiential Avoidance is the Opposite of Mindfulness
Experiential Avoidance of Thoughts and Feelings
Becoming aware of the ways we avoid unpleasant thoughts and feelings as well as activities that we fear could trigger those thoughts and feelings is an important step toward mindfulness. Conversely,…
Video: Belief Becomes Biology
Dr. Larry Berkelhammer speaks with Dr. Erik Peper about the connection of our beliefs and our health.
Practice Connection and Service to Others, Part 2
Many studies have shown that the healthiest and happiest people are commonly the first people to offer helping hands to coworkers and strangers in particular. In her extensive study of happiness, research psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky found…
What Causes Disease, Part 2
The Physiological Effects of Persistent Emotional Distress
It is normal to experience emotional distress brought on by the events and circumstances of everyday life. When this happens sporadically, it is not a problem—the body is resilient…
Authentic Self-Expression and Health Part 1
In the book, Cancer as a Turning Point, research psychologist Lawrence LeShan describes how he pioneered the application of psychotherapy to working with advanced metastatic cancer patients, with the goal of improving longevity. In his lengthy…
Meditation Reduces Age-related Cognitive Decline
Brain research
Brain researcher Sara Lazar has demonstrated that a serious meditation practice protects against the cortical thinning that normally occurs in old age. This is believed to result in higher cognitive functioning in an age group…
The Slippery Slope of Optimism
Optimism is the single most frequently cited attribute of healthy and happy people. But who is truly optimistic?
Research psychologist Martin Seligman
found that, to be effective, optimism must be embodied. Putting up a false front of optimism…
Who Gets Well?
What science studies the effects of mind on immune function?
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) researchers explore the relationship of cognition and emotion to nervous, endocrine, and immune system functioning. This field was born in the early…