A Unified Theory of Happiness: An East-Meets-West Approach to Fully Loving Your Life

by Andrea F. Polard, Teresa Wright (Foreword by)

Overview

The Western world teaches us that happiness comes from achievement—from setting goals and actively pursuing them. Eastern wisdom teaches us that surrender is the key, that we must let go in order to experience the great flow of being that is only available in the present moment. How do we take the best wisdom from both of these approaches, and honor what Dr. Andrea Polard calls “the two wings of happiness” that allow us to truly soar?

Discover Dr. Polard's groundbreaking synthesis of Western thinking and Eastern philosophy with A Unified Theory of Happiness, a warm and personalized guide for the transformation of consciousness that allows personal well-being and fulfillment to flourish. While our lives are full of ups and downs, Dr. Polard teaches us that we don't have to let these ups and downs control our experience of life. A Unified Theory of Happiness teaches you the skills to choose and accept happiness by illuminating:

• How to navigate the active “Basic Mode” and the non-active “Supreme Mode” of consciousness to respond to life's complexities with flexibility
• Tools to build ambition, competence, confidence, and connection—essential aspects of reconciling with life's fragility and building an engaging, authentic self
• Paths to receptivity, tranquility, reliance, and lightheartedness—keys to accessing your natural connection with the whole of being, and realizing your non-dual self
• The Theory of Elastic Consciousness—a balanced place in perfect accord with an authentically lived life

“Happiness,” says Dr. Polard, “is a complex path that becomes easy only as we walk it.” At last, here is a work that provides a comprehensive understanding of happiness that honors the full spectrum of life's offerings while broadening your experience of its inherent joy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781604077889
Publisher:	Sounds True, Incorporated
Publication date:	04/28/2012
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	6.26(w) x 9.04(h) x 1.28(d)

About the Author

Andrea F. Polard

Andrea F. Polard, PsyD, is a German-born author and clinical psychologist with an extensive background in psychodynamic therapies, meditation, and Ericksonian mind-body work. Now practicing at the Los Angeles Center for Zen Psychology, she continues her mission to reduce suffering and promote happiness for individuals wherever they may be.

Table of Contents

Foreword Teresa Wright xi

Acknowledgments xiii

Introduction 1

Part 1 Happiness and The Two Modes of Consciousness

Chapter 1 The Two Wings of Happiness 7

Chapter 2 The HappinessQuestionnaire 31

Part 2 The Basic Mode

Chapter 3 The Fragility of Life 49

Chapter 4 Ambition 53

Exercises 67

Chapter 5 Competence 71

Exercises 87

Chapter 6 Connection 91

Exercises 121

Chapter 7 Confidence 125

Exercises 150

Part 3 The Supreme Mode

Chapter 8 The Strength of Life 155

Chapter 9 Receptivity 161

Exercises 184

Chapter 10 Tranquility 187

Exercises 225

Chapter 11 Reliance 229

Exercises 260

Chapter 12 Lightheartedness 263

Exercises 293

Conclusion a Synthesis of Western and Eastern Thought: The Theory of Elastic Consciousness 295

Notes 305

Happiness Resources 349

Additional Reading List 355

Index 357

About the Author 365

Editorial Reviews

In this comprehensive and well-written guide to a life of happiness, Polard, a clinical psychologist, proposes a blending of Western and Eastern philosophies by focusing on balancing "the two modes of consciousness:" Basic Mode, wherein one "actively relate to the so-called objective world;" and Supreme Mode, wherein one "focus on Being." After explaining the two modes, Polard provides a useful questionnaire to help readers determine which chapters would be most relevant to their unique circumstances. The rest of the book is divided into distinct discussions of the two modes, with chapters dedicated to aspects of each. Under the auspices of the Basic Mode, Polard discusses ambition, competence, connection, and confidence, and provides practical exercises, such as drafting a "personal competency chart" and even watching movies like Billy Elliot or Dead Poets Society. For the Supreme Mode, Polard discourses on receptivity, tranquility, reliance, and lightheartedness; for the latter she suggests being a little silly, even if it feels uncomfortable—sing in a karaoke contest, or play on the floor with the dogs. Though she introduces the modes separately, she maintains that a synthesis of the two is ideal, and negative experiences will always be a part of the equation. By balancing new-age spirituality with relevant research and useful tips, Polard's approach will appeal to a wide range of readers. (May)

Publishers Weekly

In this comprehensive and well-written guide to a life of happiness, Polard, a clinical psychologist, proposes a blending of Western and Eastern philosophies by focusing on balancing "the two modes of consciousness:" Basic Mode, wherein one "actively relate[s] to the so-called objective world;" and Supreme Mode, wherein one "focus[es] on Being." After explaining the two modes, Polard provides a useful questionnaire to help readers determine which chapters would be most relevant to their unique circumstances. The rest of the book is divided into distinct discussions of the two modes, with chapters dedicated to aspects of each. Under the auspices of the Basic Mode, Polard discusses ambition, competence, connection, and confidence, and provides practical exercises, such as drafting a "personal competency chart" and even watching movies like Billy Elliot or Dead Poets Society. For the Supreme Mode, Polard discourses on receptivity, tranquility, reliance, and lightheartedness; for the latter she suggests being a little silly, even if it feels uncomfortable--sing in a karaoke contest, or play on the floor with the dogs. Though she introduces the modes separately, she maintains that a synthesis of the two is ideal, and negative experiences will always be a part of the equation. By balancing new-age spirituality with relevant research and useful tips, Polard's approach will appeal to a wide range of readers.
—Publishers Weekly (May 2012)

Andrea Polard is a German-born author and clinical psychologist with an extensive background in psychodynamic therapies, meditation, and Erickson mind-body work. Now practicing what she calls "Zen Psychology" in the Los Angeles area, she continues her mission to reduce suffering and promote happiness for individuals wherever they may be. A Unified Theory of Happiness charts Polard's 20-year study of the vibrancy and meaning that comes to those who combine the active Western "Basic Mode" of consciousness with the non-active Eastern "Supreme Mode" of consciousness. Or as the author puts it in more simplistic terms:
"The active way makes us get our hands dirty, plant the seeds, harvest the fruit, and share it with friends and family. The nonactive way is seeing the interplay of hands and dirt, plants and seeds, sun and fruit, friends and family. Neither way is enough by itself."
Happiness stems from blending of the active and non-active modes of consciousness. Polard discusses the four tools of the Basic Mode: ambition, competence, connection, and confidence. There are helpful exercises following each of these tools which contain something to think about, exploring your feelings, and things you can do (movies, books, and practices).
This section of the book leads naturally to a consideration of the qualities which enhance and sustain "The Supreme Mode" of consciousness: receptivity, tranquility, reliance, and lightheartedness. All of these combine to a realization of "no self" and our natural immersion in the flow of life.
Psychologist Polard has fashioned a compelling map of the good things which can grow out of a synthesis of Western science and Eastern wisdom.
—Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality & Practice, July 2012

From the Publisher