Our purpose is to encourage you to use your gifts and abilities effectively in your pursuit of happiness. The trouble is, happiness is illusive. It seems the harder we chase it, the quicker it slips through our fingers.
We learn through Positive Psychology that the path to happiness is paved by virtue. Virtue is strength of character like integrity, creativity, passion, and determination. When we recognize and use our character strengths, our confidence and willingness to grow are empowered. [See Virtues and Character Strengths by Martin Seligman and Chris Peterson; their website is www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu].
To teach how to pursue happiness, we developed what Dr. Peterson says is the first character training curriculum based on Positive Psychology. That’s why he directs our research.
It’s called C2. C2 is designed for teens but can be applied by any adult. Each session has 25 minutes of clips from contemporary movies to illustrate that strength. Imagine “Lord of the Rings” illustrating discernment, “Pirates of the Caribbean” for integrity, and Forgiveness being taught by “Spiderman 3.” That’s what this material is about: Timeless truths taught with timely images.
Most adolescents are pretty smart but aren’t aware of what they don’t know [Who is?] What tells us whether or not we are really smart is this: Will we work hard to find answers to our questions about life? Will we do the hard work to be happy?
Right now, this site is pretty much for
…Anyone who works with teens. C2 is easy to teach for anyone who can lead a group. It’s all there for you: Presentation notes, discussion questions, etc. We offer both a Group Version and an Independent Study Version. We hope to have adult-only C2s out soon.
Please click on a category on the Navigation Bar above for more information on C2. You can’t view the movie clips due to copyright laws, but it will give you an idea of how the group works and the content of the presentations. Blessings on you in your Pursuit of Happiness!