Realizing the Upside of Human Potential
A deep and provocative exploration of the human mind, its propensity for negativity and dissatisfaction as well as its potential for contentment and positive social impact. Most of us ...
A deep and provocative exploration of the human mind, its propensity for negativity and dissatisfaction as well as its potential for contentment and positive social impact.
Most of us experience a perpetual dissatisfaction with our lives. Some of us succumb to the overpowering sense of unhappiness, becoming depressed and essentially resigning from life, while some of us dedicate our lives to careers, relationships and everyday choices that fail to bring the fulfillment we long for. Unable to bare the discomfort of this deeply rooted unhappiness, we come-up with creative coping mechanisms that include dissociation, denial and distraction. We seek comfort in relationships, no matter how short-lived and dissatisfying they may be; ambitiously pursue ideals of success through careers, hoping to regain self-worth and a measure of happiness. We push, strive, and distract ourselves in order to avoid feeling the unbearable sense of unhappiness, which over time, becomes coupled with guilt and shame. A vicious cycle is created, affecting our relationships and limiting our ability to experience a moment of clarity, let alone happiness.
In this talk, Anahita takes the audience through a rigorous cause and effect process that begins by taking an honest look at the human condition, fraught with unhappiness and dissatisfaction. From a systems perspective, she explores how inner disconnect, manifesting as a fundamental lack of awareness and a dysfunctional relationship to self and life, can be attributed to our interpersonal and global dysfunctions. As a student of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Anahita guides the audience through contemplative exercises to identify personal obstacles to happiness, along with their negative impact on the quality of life, relationships, work and everyday decision-making, before exploring the upside of human potential by drawing on contemplative wisdom and the power of imagination. The talk ends with a generous set of mind-training practices that aim to gradually reverse negative habits and empower pro-social behavior as the basis for human flourishing.
This talk touches on:
- The role of mind, perception and ethics in exponential change, innovation and technology
- Mindfulness
- Social Impact
- Play and Creativity
- Informed Activism
- Systems Thinking