An Interactive Television (ITV) presentation at St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center has been rescheduled. The late February blizzard postponed the event, which is now set for 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 10.
“The Art of Happiness: Do We Really Have a Happiness Set Point?” is free and open to the public in the basement-level St. Dominic Room.
In the past, the consensus was everyone was born with a happiness set point, or it was created during adolescence, said Moira Mulhern, Ph.D. and co-founder of Turning Point. Research indicated that people go back to their set point after events such as winning the lottery or experiencing a death – any event that causes them to feel better or worse.
“But now there is proof that we can change our happiness set point,” continued Mulhern, who will be the ITV presenter. “People have believed this for many years but now we can prove it.”
There are specific brain states that correlate with happiness, Mulhern said, noting these can change as a result of cognitive behavioral therapy and focus.
“Most Westerners have no clue you can sculpt the brain’s emotional circuitry as powerfully as you can sculpt your bicep muscle,” Mulhern commented.
Mulhern’s organization, Turning Point, cosponsors local ITV sessions in collaboration with the Midwest Cancer Alliance; St. Rose is an MCA member.
The ITV presentation is not only for cancer patients; it is designed for anyone facing a chronic physical illness, as well as their loved ones.