Purple flowers close to a lake with a mountain in the back, image of new podcast episode about suffering and meaning with Lisa Cypers Kamen, Paul Bloom Ph.D. & Whitney Goodman LMFT

Suffering and Searching for the Sweet Spot of Meaning

Original Air Date Wednesday, February 9, 2022 

The best things in life may be free, but they are not necessarily easy. The value a thing has for us increases, to some degree, based on how difficult it was for us to pursue and acquire. The more we suffer, willingly or unwillingly, sets us apart from other animals and can even enhance our social status. Why? Because being ‘happy’ all the time is boring.

Voicing our grievances and in more extreme cases, self-harm solicits acknowledgment from our fellow human beings. If we are always content with what we have, what role would innovation and imagination have in our lives?

To discover the ‘sweet spot’ between distress and eustress, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with two experts of human behavior about the suffering that gives life purpose and meaning.

Paul Bloom discusses key elements of his book, The Sweet Spot: The Pleasures of Suffering and the Search for Meaning, and Sit with Whit creator, Whitney Goodman details the sobering information from her book, Toxic Positivity: Keeping it Real in a World Obsessed with Being Happy.

Tune in:

Meet Our Guests:

Suffering and Searching for the Sweet Spot of Meaning with Paul Bloom Ph.D. & Whitney Goodman LMFT

Paul Bloom is the Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Professor of Psychology at Yale University. His research explores the psychology of morality, identity, and pleasure. Bloom is the recipient of multiple awards and honors, including, most recently, the million-dollar Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize, and he is the author or editor of eight books

Book: The Sweet Spot: The Pleasures of Suffering and the Search for Meaning

Paul Bloom — The Sweet Spot of Suffering:

  • Life without suffering would be boring because with struggle comes meaning. {2:00}
  • The difference between unchosen distress and chosen eustress. {5:50}
  • Paul explains why behavioral science may be a better measure of suffering and brain science. {9:44}
  • Purposeful deprivation sets humans apart from other animals. {13:15}
  • In his book, The Sweet Spot Paul contends suffering can enhance social status. {17:08}
  • Experiencing flow, and the absence of suffering. {21:15}

Follow Paul Bloom:

Suffering and Searching for the Sweet Spot of Meaning with Paul Bloom Ph.D. & Whitney Goodman LMFT

Whitney Goodman is the radically honest psychotherapist behind the popular Instagram account @sitwithwhit and owner of the Collaborative Counseling Center, a private therapy practice in Miami. She helps individuals and couples heal past wounds and create the life they’ve always wanted. Her work has been featured in dozens of publications and programs, including The New York Times, Teen Vogue, New York magazine, InStyle, and Good Morning America

Book: Toxic Positivity: Keeping it Real in a World Obsessed with Being Happy

Whitney Goodman — Toxic Positivity:

  • Toxically positive people can be minimizers and lean into gaslighting. {26:00}
  • We can learn to process and feel emotions. {30:16}
  • Achieving constant happiness wouldn’t be appreciated and would be boring. {33:40}
  • Whitney shares how to complain effectively. {38:03}
  • How toxic positivity culture is discrimination with a smile. {42:03}
  • How to find fulfillment in the modern world. {46:25}

Follow Whitney Goodman:

Shareables:

“What people value most are pursuits that involve struggle and difficulty.” @paulbloomatyale on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “I don't think joy is fully found in a life of pure bliss.” @paulbloomatyale on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “We engage in toxic positivity because it is hard for us to accept what is going on.” @sitwithwhit on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “It is easier to find the feeling of joy and happiness when we are living with our truth and our values.” @sitwithwhit on @HHTalkRadio Share on X

Grab More Joy Below:

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now?

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day.

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