Positive psychology in poetry

Positive Psychology in Poetry

in time of daffodils (who know

the goal of living is to grow)

forgetting why, remember how

in time of lilacs who proclaim

the aim of waking is to dream,

remember so (forgetting seem)

in time of roses (who amaze

our now and here with paradise)

forgetting if, remember yes

in time of all sweet things beyond

whatever mind may comprehend,

remember seek (forgetting find)

and in a mystery to be

(when time from time shall set us free)

forgetting me, remember me

E E Cummings

Positive Psychology in prose

#1    Don’t worry about why you are here.  Do what stirs your heart and expands your life.

Rule-of-thumb: Live your life without regrets.  When you are on your deathbed and you think back on this decision, what will you wish you had done.

#2    Don’t worry about who is letting you down.  Call for the “angels of your better nature”.

Rule-of-thumb:  Think again.  What would happen if you ‘invite and apologize”.

#3     Don’t worry about what may fail.  The future doesn’t exist.  Be mindful.  There is only now.

Rule-of-thumb:  Count ten things that you love and can reach out and touch. Even the coarse texture of the dungeon walls.

#4    Don’t judge your life by what you will “achieve” or “get”.  Become adventurous.

Rule-of-thumb: When your goals worry you, ask which part of the project you will do.

#5    Remember that nothing in life endures except our relationship with others.

Rule-of-thumb: Ask what would happen if you put people first and put other concerns second?

Would you phrase the prose differently?