Category Archives: happiness

How Nearly a Century of Happiness Research Led to One Big Finding

By Susan Dominus in the NYT Magazine (thanks to my Buddhist friend Howard P.) Growing up in Maryland, Sonja Lyubomirsky could see that her mother was unhappy. When Sonja was 9, her parents moved the family from Moscow, where her mother … Continue reading

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What makes a good life?

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Are we on the cusp of a new religious revival? 

By David Brooks Opinion Columnist in the NYT – article titled “How to Survive the Trump Years With Your Spirit Intact” I had forgotten how exhausting it is to live in Donald Trump’s world. He’s not only a political figure. He … Continue reading

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Autistic artist works with city to implement ‘happy to talk’ benches, combatting loneliness

From goodgoodgood.co (thanks to Pam P.) In the hubbub of London’s Camden Town, Oliver Chan thinks a lot about loneliness. “Loneliness is an important topic for me because my autism can make it harder for me to form connections with … Continue reading

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A Useful List Of What Is Still Happening 

NADIA BOLZ-WEBER MAR 22 (thanks to Mary M.) Yesterday morning I started a thread on our subscriber chat and I was so heartened by the responses, I wanted to share some of them here. What I posted: “Yesterday on my walk I … Continue reading

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How a Bit of Awe Can Improve Your Health

By Hope Reese In the NYT (thanks to Marilyn W.) Awe can mean many things. It can be witnessing a total solar eclipse. Or seeing your child take her first steps. Or hearing Lizzo perform live. But, while many of us … Continue reading

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Best Christmas Ever with Matt Damon and Cecily Strong

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Loving polar bears

Thanks to Ed M. who assures us that this video will brighten your day! https://bit.ly/41JZfBB – Just click on this link which is bound to make you smile!

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Santa comes to Skyline

Ed note: Best party of the year! A celebration for our wonderful and dedicated staff.

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Get up and go

Thanks to Jim S.

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To Be In Awe

Thanks to Diane S. What gives you a sense of awe? You might imagine standing on a wide-open plain with a storm approaching, or holding the tiny finger of a newborn baby. That word, awe – the feeling of being … Continue reading

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The Story Bench

Ed note: An affable friend of mine had this terrific idea – a Story Bench. Here’s Dr. Bill explaining his socialization project. Something similar is discussed in a wonderful podcast on Hidden Brain–talking to strangers on a train.

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The Science of Love

John Gottman is a Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Washington where he founded ”The Love Lab” at which much of his research on couples interactions was conducted. World-renowned relationship expert John Gottman set forth to understand why … Continue reading

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When the World Feels Dark, Seek Out Delight

Ed note: Can we look at the delights in our lives? Our friends at Skyline? A smile from the staff? A greeting in the dining room? Some help with your computer? Coffee with a friend? A ride to an event? … Continue reading

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An Invitation to Gratitude: November 12-19

From Your Fitness and Wellness Subcommittee When: November 12th — November 19th Where: Note from our chaplain: Mayo Clinic psychologist Matthew Schumann reminds us that expressing gratitude is brings a host of mental and physical benefits: feeling thankful can– improve … Continue reading

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We Know the Cure for Loneliness. So Why Do We Suffer?

Ed note: Put B. sent me the article below and wrote the following. It raises important questions, particularly about the ease and convenience of dining together and meeting new friends over a shared meal. But is there even more we … Continue reading

Posted in Advocacy, Caregiving, Essays, happiness, Health | 2 Comments

If Loneliness Is an Epidemic, How Do We Treat It?

Ed Note: This article raises the question about our dealing with loneliness at Skyline–either our own or of others. If you have thoughts about this, please reply. Better yet speak to a member of the Caring Committee. By Eleanor Cummins and Andrew Zaleski … Continue reading

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Singing is good for you. Singing with others may be even better.

By By Alexandra Moe in the Washington Post (thanks to Joan C.) The choir met on Wednesdays in a London church, and if the Tube was on strike, it took Hazel Hardy two buses across the city to get there — … Continue reading

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Swingin’ on Friday night

Hope we have more gatherings like this at Skyline. Great to see so many there — both staff and residents and guests!

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Meditation and resilience – The Hidden Brain

Hidden Brain Media is an independent production company that aims to help curious people understand the world, and themselves. Our host and Executive Editor Shankar Vedantam has been reporting on human behavior and social science research for more than 25 … Continue reading

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How the Arts Can Benefit Your Mental Health (No Talent Required)

Drawing, music and writing can elevate your mood. Here are some easy ways to welcome them into your life. by Christina Caron in the NYT. Thanks to Marilyn W. When Dr. Frank Clark was in medical school studying to be a … Continue reading

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Seattle’s first affordable housing high-rise tower in 50 years welcomes its first residents (and it’s on First Hill)

Thanks to Mary Jane F. This week, people who used to live outside began moving into a new building on First Hill. It’s the first new affordable housing high-rise tower Seattle has seen in 50 years. It represents a different … Continue reading

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They May Be Just Acquaintances. They’re Important to You Anyway.

by Paula Span in the NYT Thanks to Marilyn W. The people at the dog park, the bank teller, the regular waiter — these casual relationships may be “weak ties,” but they’re also a key to well-being. Victoria Tirondola and … Continue reading

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Tracking King County seniors (and their brains) for clues to dementia and Alzheimer’s

You may have seen the article in the Seattle Times’ Pacific NW on Sunday, but if you missed it you can read it by clicking here! The ACT study reminds us to exercise, control diabetes and hypertension and to keep … Continue reading

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London Lonely Girls Club gains thousands of new members

Thanks to Pam P. By Jess Warren – BBC News Almost 20,000 women living in London have joined a club tackling loneliness since pandemic restrictions ended. Holly Cooke founded The London Lonely Girls Club on Facebook in 2018 after moving … Continue reading

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