Unmasking Biases: Understanding How They Influence Our Perception of Reality

‘Buddhism teaches that our suffering does not result from reality but from the judgement we make about reality. There’s really no such thing as success or failure, strength or weakness. These are just labels we use to judge our experiences, and these labels can be misleading and hurtful.’ - Dr. David Burns

In the module 'You Feel What You Think' of the Synpase Programme, we start with some questions: What is a good life? What really defines happiness? Is it a stack of cash, a fancy car, or a giant mansion? Or maybe it's finding that perfect soulmate? We will take a mind-bending journey and uncover the sneaky biases and errors that can trip us up when we're chasing our dreams and making sound decisions.

Life is not just about pursuing the good things; it's also about navigating through its unexpected twists and turns. When we encounter unforeseeable challenges in life, how do we respond? How do we make sense of them? Do we shoulder all the blame and give up? Or do we shift our focus to what we can change, to make things better? Delving into the research findings from the founder of Positive Psychology, Dr. Martin Seligman, we explore different ways of explaining adverse events, from how we talk to ourselves and others, to our thought patterns. If you tend to hold yourself accountable for everything, fear not! There is a scientific approach to transform negative perspectives into more encouraging and constructive ones.

It's essential to differentiate between this approach and the popular concept of "positive thinking." We aren't burying our heads in the sand and chanting affirmations like "Everything will be okay" or "I will be fine." Instead, we're taking a stand against the negative thoughts (which are often inaccurate) that creep in after tough times. By challenging those thoughts, we can bring clarity to our minds and get closer to the truth. And when we're closer to the truth, we can make moves that lead to better outcomes. In the group session for this module, we'll practice this approach and explore how to apply optimism in various life scenarios, from parenting to the work world.

Upon finishing this module, be prepared to shake up your priorities, focusing on what truly matters. You'll be equipped with a set of skills to organize your thoughts, perceiving your surroundings through a fresh set of lenses.