I recently visited the ‘edvard munch: love and angst’ exhibition at the british museum in london. Already a fan of munch, I wanted to learn more about the renowned norwegian painter – his life as well as his art.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the british museum is only a few minute walk from russell square, which is where I got off the tube. Stepping onto the platform, I noticed a larger than life advertisement of emma bunton’s new album ‘my happy place’ (released on the 12 th of april 2019).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom baby spice’s fourth studio album consists of ten tracks; two are original, whilst the rest are cover versions of older songs. My favorite is ‘come away with me’, first performed (and written) by norah jones.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

According to the united nations world happiness report, finland is for a second consecutive year the happiest place on earth, followed by denmark (the happiest 3 years ago), norway (the happiest 2 years ago), iceland, and the netherlands.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom in case you’re wondering sweden came in at 7, the UK at 15, the USA at 19 and my home country, greece, at 82. The report is based on a number of variables, such as real GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption (which probably accounts for the low ranking of greece).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

I’m writing this post sat in a café in london, the city where I have been living for the last couple of years. I have just returned from greece, and I am looking forward to my next trip to norway due next week.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom I realize I am in a happy place both physically and figuratively. How could this not be the case, since I will soon have been to three of my favorite places (london, greece, norway) within the space of three weeks?Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Although I am now very fortunate to be doing this, traveling is not part of my everyday life. Reading, however, is. And I find that reading books (as well as watching films) is an alternative to traveling.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom for books and films can take us on journeys to faraway places; like traveling, they can entertain but also educate us. And, of course, they can help us be happy.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

So, what is ‘happiness’ all about? Set in london, forna’s fourth novel tells the story of two people who meet by chance on waterloo bridge; a friendship quickly develops against a backdrop of central and south london locations.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom using this story as a vehicle, forna skillfully explores several themes; of particular interest to me is when she/attila questions our notion of mental illness, especially in the context of trauma.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom perhaps, however, a different title would’ve been more appropriate, since happiness is not amongst the main themes explored in the book. Nevertheless, for me, ‘happiness’ delivers because it challenges the medical/psychiatric establishment’s assumptions about traumatic events and emphasizes the role of resilience as a protective factor against psychological damage.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom and this is very refreshing especially when it comes by an author who’s not a mental health professional.

Another book that I’ve recently read is aristotle’s way: how ancient wisdom can change your life by edith hall.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom again, it was the title that hooked me. First, aristotle was born in the town of stagira, in halkidiki, greece, an hour’s drive from my home town, thessaloniki.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom second, I studied medicine at the aristotle’s university of thessaloniki. Third, ‘let wisdom guide’ is the motto of the royal college of psychiatrists, which, as a member, I have embraced (and tattooed on my body).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

The ancient greek philosopher wrote on a number of different subjects, including happiness, which is what interest me the most, and also what hall focuses on.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom central to his thinking is the idea that happiness is not a given; we are not passive recipients of happiness (or unhappiness). On the contrary, happiness is not only dynamic but is also subject to our actions.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Indeed, this very much reminds me of the main principles of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): thoughts (cognitions), feelings (emotions), and behaviors (actions) are interconnected; they constantly interact and influence each other.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom if one changes the way they think and/or behave, they can then also change the way they feel. All the while, CBT is a collaborative and active process, as it involves learning new skills.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Back to aristotle, the basic premise of his notion of happiness, hall tells us, is that everyone can decide to be happy. She then introduces another concept, closely connected with eudemonia: ‘αυτάρκεια’ (self-sufficiency or self-reliance).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom aristotle’s view of happiness may be empowering, but at the same time, it puts the responsibility on the individual.

There are, of course, notable exceptions.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom sufferers with clinical depression (or other severe mental illness) are by no means responsible for their suffering and their illnesses (the same way that someone who’s had a heart attack is not responsible for that).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom however, we still have responsibility for our recovery from physical or mental illness (by following the doctor’s advice and adhering to treatment).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

In a nutshell, ‘aristotle’s way’ is far from a self-help book (despite what its title may suggest). To borrow a phrase from the book, ‘aristotle’s way’ may indeed offer a philosophical highway to happiness; at the same time (to borrow another phrase) it is also an intellectual inquiry, a journey, and a walk into the mind of one of the greatest philosophers of all time.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom for this reason, I would recommend it to anyone interested in aristotle’s ideas.

I first visited norway 21 years ago. I was so impressed by the beautiful landscapes, the fjords, and the snow-capped mountains that I promised myself to return there, perhaps rent a cabin somewhere between bergan and oslo.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom however, it took me 20 years to set foot in norway again, and I am yet to rent that cabin. Nonetheless, it seems that I’m now becoming a regular visitor.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom