~by David N. Shearon, JD, MAPP
A new study by the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California reinforces the need to help students learn to reflect and practice reflection so they can 
figure out the kind of persons they want to be and focus on becoming those persons.
Researchers used brain imaging to watch the activation of different areas of the brain as subjects read compelling, real-life stories designed to induce either admiration for virtue or skill or compassion for physical or social pain. The brain images revealed that it took longer for the subjects to react to stories of virtue or of social pain than to stories of physical pain. However, once awakened, the emotions of admiration for virtue or compassion for social pain lasted much longer. No wonder the folk saying for comapssion is “walk a mile in their shoes” not walk two steps!
The researchers speculate on the impact of quick-changing media such as television news, but there’s no speculation about the impact of the positive emotions of admiration and compassion. Consistent with other research, this study found that these emotions launched the subjects on upward spirals. One of the researchers noted that many expressed a desire to lead better lives and some even refused the customary payment for participation.
Part of positive education is helping adults, teenagers, and children learn to be mindful, including awareness and acceptance of their emotional reactions as information about the world around them. Resilience training, for example, includes learning when and how to listen to our “inner commentator.” This learned habit of keeping a light touch on thoughts and feelings can bloom into a habit of reflection that allows us to fully experience our emotions, including the positive ones. Further, positive education provides tools for choosing our pathways forward from our current thoughts and feelings, thus promoting hope, autonomy, and competence — key components of the good life!
Image: “Eye the compassion” by carf
