Sustaining happiness

11 July 2008

Why are some people happier than others? Can we take actions to improve our state of mind? Dr Peter Malinowski's forthcoming symposium entitled "Sustaining Happiness" will answer these and many more questions.

Part of the BA Festival of Science, which takes place in September and this year explores the topical subject of "sustainability", Dr Malinowksi's symposium approaches the theme from an unusual but relevant perspective.

Dr Malinowski, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at LJMU, teaches cognitive neuropsychology and the neuroscience of consciousness, studying how the structure and function of the brain relate to specific psychological processes and overt behaviours. It is this scientific background, combined with his way of life, which will form the basis of his talk.

A practicing Buddhist, Dr Malinowski meditates several times a day, and believes everyone can benefit from meditation, saying: "Happiness doesn't come from the experience but from the ability to experience. This ability to recognise this is developed through meditation. Through meditation you learn to observe the mind without responding on autopilot. We should all take time to observe our own thoughts."

In his symposium, his belief in the power of meditating will be supported by a range of scientific research, including brain scans of "meditators" and "non-meditators". As humans age, the brain shrinks but scans show that this shrinkage is less apparent in people who practice long-term meditation.

Dr Malinowski commented: "More and more scientific investigations suggest Buddhist meditators are happier and have improved cognitive abilities. The symposium will explore the basis and relevance of these claims and will discuss how mental balance can achieve sustained states of well-being that depend less on outer, material sources."

Other contributors to the symposium will include David McIlroy, LJMU Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Edita Berger, an independent psychotherapist, Artur Przybyslawski, Lecturer at the University of Lodz, Poland, and Dr John Downes, Reader of Psychology at the University of Liverpool.

The event, which is open to all, will be taking place on Thursday 11 September, 1pm to 5pm, at the University of Liverpool, Hearnshaw Lecture Theatre, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Bedford Street South. For more information, see http://liverpool.dwbuk.org/bafestival08/index.html

Dr Malinowski's tips for a happy working life:

Put time aside for yourself

Create small breaks during the day to do some brief meditation and get some space in the mind.

Sit upright

If you want to do something very simple, try to sit straight, it makes it easier to concentrate, and for a short while observe your breath as it comes and goes naturally.

It's not personal!

If someone is having a bad day and appears to be taking it out on you, remember that no matter how they behave, ultimately, like you, they just want to be happy. If someone is acting strangely, it may be just because they are having a bad time, it isn't personal. We are not usually the target although we often think we are.