The Power of Positive Thinking

It is almost a cliche to write about the beneficial effects of positive thinking, but yesterday's Wall Street Journal contains an encouraging and insightful article by Elizabeth Bernstein on a new trend in psychotherapy called "positive psychology." Bernstein writes:

For decades, many therapists have treated mental disorders such as depression with medication and talk therapies that often concentrate on family relationships and how they affect current problems. But some psychology experts worried that this approach addressed only half of the equation--focusing on negative feelings, while ignoring the positives that help people feel happy. Now a small but increasing number of therapists are employing an emerging discipline known as "positive psychology." The treatment focuses primarily on the affirmative aspects of a patient's life with the goal of helping them feel more optimistic and fulfilled.

A central facet of this therapy is helping people to notice and appreciate the positive aspects of their lives, as well as to create more positive experiences in their daily routines. Interestingly, the article points to the wide-ranging utility of this approach, with application beyond those grappling with mental disorders.

This model strikes me as being extremely harmonious with the teachings of the Baha'i Faith on how to approach difficulties and patterns of negative thinking. For example, 'Abdu'l-Baha taught:

When a thought of war comes, oppose it by a stronger thought of peace. A thought of hatred must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love. Thoughts of war bring destruction to all harmony, well-being, restfulness and content. Thoughts of love are constructive of brotherhood, peace, friendship, and happiness.

One way of looking at this quotation is in terms of our relationships with others, but it seems that the principle underlying this teaching--that the best way to rid ourselves of negative thoughts is to replace them with positive ones--has broader applicability. This appears to be the essense of the "positive psychology" model--rather than focusing on negative feelings, the patient is encouraged to think of the positive. Though simple-sounding, the Journal article implies that implementing this approach requires a great deal of diligence and hard work: "Positive therapy 'is not about candy and chocolates and vacations. . . [i]t's about working on your strengths, and there are no short cuts.'"

More information about positive therapy can be found here, including a "strengths questionnaire" that measures 24 character strengths. Your thoughts?