31. January 2009 by John Schinnerer.

John L. Schinnerer, Ph.D.

Positive psychology is the science behind the pursuit of a happy, meaningful, thriving life.

Positive psychology has emerged at the beginning of a new millennium as a movement within psychology and other social sciences targeted at augmenting human strengths and optimizing human functioning. In other words, how we move from simply surviving to truly thriving. It is influencing how we live, how we work, and how we teach our children.  Research is taking off at top universities throughout the world - University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (Barbara Fredrickson), Claremont Graduate School (Jeanne Nakamura, Mike Csikszentmihalyi), University of Michigan (Chris Peterson, Kim Cameron, Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship), Case Western University (Richard Boyatzis, David Cooperrider), University of Illinois (Ed Diener), University of Pennsylvania (Marty Seligman), and UCLA (Shelley Taylor).

One area that has been scarcely looked at is the point of intersection between positive psychology and music. What music can we listen to that enables us to thrive, to be more resilient, to be relaxed, to learn best, to be most productive at work?

As music affects each individual slightly differently, there may be no hard and fast answers. Or perhaps there are some generalizations that can be made. In either case, it’s worth pursuing.

Posted in Emotional mind, Guide To Self Beginners Guide To Managing Emotion, Emotional management, Organizational psychology, Music psychology, Resiliency, Positive mood music, Happiness, Dr. John Schinnerer, Realistic optimism, Creativity, Life coach, Guide to Self, Positive Psychology | Print | 1 Comment »

31. January 2009 by John Schinnerer.

John L. Schinnerer, Ph.D.

Positive psychologist

Amateur musicologist

Music heavily influences how we feel.

The mood of a song can influence emotion in a constructive or a destructive direction.Joyful, energetic songs elicit happiness.

Sad, slow tempo songs elicit sadness.

Emotion influences how we perceive people and things.

Destructive emotions, such as sadness, anger and fear, greatly narrow attention to a sharp point.

Constructive emotions, such as happiness, surprise and curiosity, broaden attention.

When attention is broadened, we take in new information more effectively.

Positive, uplifting music helps to create constructive emotions which aid the learning of new information.

Here are a few positive psychology songs to keep your spirits elevated throughout the day…

Feel free to add your own suggestions!

Sun Is Shining                                                 Bob Marley

Peace Love and Happiness                            Bob Marley

Don’t Worry, Be Happy                                  Bobby McFerrin

Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing)                Brenton Brown

Darlin` Do Not Fear                                        Brett Dennen

Jump Jive An’ Wail                                         Brian Setzer Orchestra

Rock This Town                                              Brian Setzer Orchestra

Child Of Mine                                                 Carole King

Peace Train                                                     Cat Stevens

Love Can Move Mountains                           Celine Dion

I’m Every Woman                                           Chaka Kahn or Whitney Houston

Zoot Suit Riot                                                 Cherry Poppin’ Daddies

Dreamer                                                          Chris Brown

Remember, happiness is contagious! Smile!

About the Author

Dr. John Schinnerer is in private practice helping individuals learn happiness by mitigating destructive emotions and fostering constructive emotions. His practice is located in the Danville San Ramon Medical Center at 913 San Ramon Valley Blvd., #280, Danville, California 94526. He graduated summa cum laude from U.C. Berkeley with a Ph.D. in psychology. Dr. Schinnerer has been an executive and psychologist for over 12 years. Dr. John Schinnerer is President and Founder of Guide To Self, a company that coaches clients to their potential using the latest in positive psychology, mindfulness and attentional control. Dr. John Schinnerer hosted over 200 episodes of Guide To Self Radio, a prime time radio show, in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Dr. Schinnerer’s areas of expertise range from positive psychology, to emotional awareness, to ethical development, to marketing and psychology. Dr. Schinnerer wrote the award-winning, “Guide To Self: The Beginner’s Guide To Managing Emotion and Thought,” which is available at Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com and AuthorHouse.com.  

Posted in Men's emotions, Subconscious mind, Emotional management, The human brain, Resiliency, Music psychology, Energy psychology, Mindfulness, Emotional mind, Positive mood music, Life coach, Creativity, Dr. John Schinnerer, Guide to Self, Emotional IQ, Happiness, Customer Engagement, Staying calm, Positive Psychology | Print | No Comments »