Blog Post #6
Third Force Psychology reflects the humanistic theory that very familiar with Rogers’ way of thinking. The humanistic way of thinking is that humans are able to overcome their issues and problems by utilizing three things: unconditioned positive response, empathy, and genuine love. Although this doesn’t seem very psychoanalytic, this way works and it works well. I happen to familiarize myself very well with the humanistic way of doing things and thoroughly enjoy providing unconditioned positive response, empathy, and genuine love to others as well as receiving it. Ironically enough, the movie that I chose to do my paper over is What About Bob. In What About Bob, the humanistic theory is applied in a way that Bob is seeking therapy from Dr. Marvin but ultimately it is not Dr. Marvin who helps Bob, it is Dr. Marvin’s family. Dr. Marvin’s family helps Bob in a way that shows kindness, love, and acceptance. Through the acceptance that Bob receives from the family, it allows Bob to take risk that he was once afraid of but now faces boldly. I believe this is the epitome of how we as humans respond. When we feel as though we are accepted and genuinely loved by someone, it allows vulnerability in a way that gives us confidence to do things (with the risk of failure) because we are accepted. The unconditioned positive response that we receive is what allows us to do things we once may not have done. For example, Bob had a phobia of the water but when Anna, Dr. Marvin’s daughter, asked Bob to go sailing, he responded that he had never been but if she wanted him to do then he would do. Bob agrees to go sailing because Anna provided love and acceptance that would still be present regardless of whether Bob wanted to go or not. When we as humans experience this kind of thing, that is when greatness arises from us all. We then are not scared to take risk and become who are on the inside, rather than being who we are that hides behind the fear of failure or letting someone else down.
Lyndi Smith on The Good Life: Lincoln Woods
5:35 pm, 01.20.13
Lincoln, I loved your quote and you thoughts on fulfilling goals and working hard is what makes a “good life.” Having goals and aspirations and working towards them are definitely keys to living a satisfying life. However, I believe that there is more to the good life than the goals. Contrary, I can contradict myself and say that goals are everything because I am very competitive and set my goals very high on a daily basis. So in a way I disagree that goals are everything but I live my life that exact way. Basically you definitely put my own perception of life into perspective and this blog entry definitely made me ponder on my own thoughts.
From the Christian perspective, I definitely agree that people should be bringing others to get to know The Lord and to His kingdom. God’s involvement in your life as well as everyone else’s is the perfect validation for why someone should come to know God. I believe, and also stated in my own blog, that the good life is bringing people to get to know The Lord. That is the ultimate prize.
Lyndi Smith on Blog 1- "The Good Life"
4:02 pm, 01.20.13
Madison, I could not agree more. I find myself daily finding satisfaction in earthly pleasures. Further, I myself also find satisfaction indulging in my own chocolate and relaxing out on a beach. Again, I couldn’t agree more that after you have successfully eaten your chocolate or laid out on a beach somewhere that you still feel discontent. Every day we desire other experiences and once we have reached those experiences, only more arise to the surface. It is a constant and ongoing process that will fill our life every day.
You stated, “True satisfaction comes from living out this purpose and this purpose is to love.” Through this statement I realized how much love affects a person’s life. Love is the root of happiness and can branch out among a number of people. To be more like God is a goal that each individual should live out DAILY because this connects the individual with God. The connection between the individual and God is where the love and happiness comes from. That is truly what the good life is. I couldn’t have even begin to say it better myself. What a wonderful way to put the good life into perspective.