Wednesday November 12, 6:30 p.m. in room 100 Willamette Hall
What makes you HAPPY? Come see the film!
Roko Belic, Academy Award nominated director, sets up to answer this question in his film HAPPY. Taking us from the bayous of Louisiana to the deserts of Namibia, from the beaches of Brazil to the villages of Okinawa, HAPPY explores what makes people happy. The film also presents fascinating results about happiness from brain science, emotion, and physiological research, with the message that greater happiness is perhaps surprisingly within our reach.
Join UO Psychology Professor Sara Hodges for film screening, snacks, and discussion.
HAPPY is part of the 2014—15 Common Reading Program. Our book this year: Richard J. Davidson’s The Emotional Life of Your Brain. Copies are available for first-year students at the EMU information desk.
Make Friends With Your Mind!
Alright, here’s the truth: starting college can be a total challenge, and not just because of a heavy course load. As you stride into fall term as a Duck, so many unknowns and changes might quickly arise, and it’s not easy to predict how you would handle a state of flux! Through the ups and downs, paying close attention to your mind and mood is important to finding a balance and just being ‘you’.
For students living on campus, take a look at the book that was on your desk, waiting to be cracked open. It’s called The Emotional Life of Your Brain by Richard Davidson, Ph.D. The book is also availble at the Duck Store.
Think about the way you think!
Were you quick to forgive your friend when they spilled coffee on your favorite shirt, or did you fume over it for hours? Do you wonder how some people seem perpetually sunny, while others are always worried? How might you describe your typical state of mind?
Turns out the answer lies in neuroscience—your emotions are indeed visibly activated by brain functions. In his book, follow how Davidson set out to shake the main pillar of psychological theory, which exalts logic and defines reason and emotion as opposing elements. Through traveling the world, performing fascinating experiments, and even studying Tibetan monks in meditative states, Davidson shows that the “emotional style” we each have occupies the same real estate in the brain as logical operations, and it deserves our equal attention!
You might wonder, then, what your emotional characteristics are, and why?
React, and then interact.
You don’t have to be a psych student or know much about the field at all to get into this book—it’s all about understanding the character of your emotions. So, your opinions and challenges to this book are valid. Chances are you’ll recognize some “emotional style” traits in your friends, too. Talk to them about it!
Whatever you’re studying, remember to study yourself, and check back soon for discussion opportunities and mindfulness-related events!
Mark your calendar with Richard Davidson’s visit to campus on February 9, 2015!
Meredith Darnell, University Housing Copy Writer