West Chester University’s very own Professor Uhlenbrock, along with his class on positive psychology, will be hosting the international day of happiness on both Wednesday March 18, and Friday March 20. Wednesday’s event consists of a special talk on how people can use different tools to obtain and keep a positive mindset. Other student organizations, Psi Chi and the Pyschology club, will also speak at the event. This talk will take place from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in Main Hall room 168, and is open to everyone – faculty, staff, and students and the general public.
Friday’s event will have tables set up in the academic quad. Each table will offer information on increasing personal happiness, or information on happiness in general. Some of the events Uhlenbrock has his students participate in include getting other students to realize things they are grateful for. This, according to Uhlenbrock, is crucial for helping to get and maintain a positive mindset. A large part of what Uhlenbrock teaches, and wants to get people to realize on both Wednesday and Friday, is that our reaction to events greatly influences our level of happiness. Uhlenbrock stated: [pullquote align=”center” speaker=”Professor Steve Uhlenbrock”]If we can train our self-talk to respond positively to events, than we can live a happier, healthier, and more productive life.[/pullquote]
Uhlenbrock stressed that people should make being happy a priority. He believes the biggest barrier to being happy is “between your ears.” He wants to focus on putting people into a positive mindset and teaching them how to stay there.
Adam Farence is a fourth-year student majoring in history and French. He can be reached at AF764146@wcupa.edu