Happiness 101 with Tal Ben-Shahar

A happiness course at Harvard? Tal Ben-Shahar's contribution to the “positive psychology” movement originally attracted eight students but ultimately grew to 900, becoming the university's largest and most popular course. In this WBGH Boston–Connecticut Public Television joint production, Ben-Shahar brings low-key wit to substantial content as he delivers an engaging lecture on the science of happiness, presenting concepts that combine “the rigor of academic research with the accessibility of the self-help movement.” Topics include giving yourself permission to be human (don't block painful emotions); dealing with stress (there are costs—and remedies); the mind-body connection (exercise and meditation play a role), and focusing on the positive (appreciate the ordinary, be grateful). DVD extras include two featurettes with licensed social worker Rodney Sloat on mindful meditation and anger management, as well as a printable program guide with discussion questions and exercises. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Reed)