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I recently learned of a study about gratitude called the "Count Your Blessings" study conducted by the psychologist Bob Emmons. Some of you will remember, like me, the old gospel hymn "Count Your Blessings''. The main theme of the song was very simplistic, yet memorable: When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done. Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God has done! Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your many blessings, see what God has done. Turns out those lyrics are cutting-edge science. In his "Count Your Blessings" study Emmons had participants do the simplest thing: At the end of each day take a moment to count your blessings by writing them down in a journal. And you know what happened? At the end of the study the participants who engaged in this simple practice of thanksgiving where healthier—emotionally and physically—than the control group. Simply counting your blessings made people healthier and happier. That's the cheapest therapy you're ever going to find. Not only does a routine of gratitude improve our health and make us happier, according to Jesus it helps grow our faith (Luke 17:11-19). So the benefits of giving thanks are clear, yet for many, it's the discipline of gratitude that is lacking. For example prayer, as a practice, is a constant posture of thankfulness. Prayer is the mindful discipline to act out of an experience of blessing rather than scarcity. So count your blessings. Name them, one by one. Give a listen to part one of Thanks & Giving and learn how to develop a basic routine of giving thanks that we can utilize everyday and in so doing improve our mental health and more importantly, deepen our relationship with Jesus!
The power of "Thank You" is limitless. Matthew 15:32-38; John 11:41-44; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Thank you" helps us savor life and find beauty and truth. "Thank you" helps us discover our true nature, abilities and talents. Dr. Bob Emmons from U.C. Davis, has made a career of studying the scientific impact of gratitude. He studies have discovered: · Gratitude improves physical and mental health · Gratitude improves self-esteem · Gratitude enhances empathy & reduces negative emotions · Gratitude improves our quality of sleep · Gratitude makes people like us more · Gratitude strengthens our emotions · Gratitude leads to a positive attitude · Gratitude enables us to be much happier in life Rewire our go-to responses: •Gratitude Journal •Thank you notes •Thank you notes on social media •Gratitude walks •Gratitude gift box •Gratitude through giving •Gratitude jar – 30 days of gratitude Gratitude gives us the power to heal, to be energized, and to change lives. It is the spirit of Jesus.
Maria and Robert Diaz were 8-year-old twins. They loved detective stories. Maria and Robert wanted to be detectives when they grew up. They daydreamed about solving big cases and becoming famous. But when they went searching for a mystery, they couldn't find one at first. But a visit to the local library led them right to a real puzzler. Story by Skidompha friend Bob Emmons, and read by Mal Gormley, with apologies.
Skidompha friend Bob Emmons and his granddaughter Natalie exchange The World's Best knock-knock jokes. Think you can do better? Let us know!
Bob's neighbor Norman Saucier describes some of the many cultural surprises, adventures, misadventures, and narrow escapes he experienced while traveling around the world as a corporate accountant.
Long-time Skidompha Library friend and Owl Radio contributor Bob Emmons sent us this eight-and-a-half minute recording of wintertime recollections and hard-earned wisdom that will give anyone--except maybe Minnesotans--a chill. (Note: can be used for summertime heat relief)
The process of being happy has become painfully comically neurotic" - Ruth Whippman This week I am delighted to welcome Ruth Whippman to The Psychology Podcast. Ruth is the author of America the Anxious: How Our Pursuit of Happiness is Creating a Nation of Nervous Wrecks. The book has been covered by New York Magazine, The New York Times, The New York Post, The Washington Post, and VICE, among others. Today we bring to you spirited discussion topics such as: The cultural differences between America and Britain regarding attitudes about happiness (Ruth moved from London to California 6 years ago with her husband and 2 young sons). Dosage effects of positive interventions—Is it useful to try to feel good all the time? The standards to which we hold motivational speakers, popular science writers, and scientists themselves—Is it okay for standards to differ? The rampant promotion of "pseudo-growth" among corporate flourishing initiatives. The parenting "happiness rat race". Enjoy, and if you have thoughts on the episode be sure to leave a comment below! Links: You can find Ruth's book America the Anxious: How Our Pursuit of Happiness is Creating a Nation of Nervous Wrecks on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/America-Anxious-Pursuit-Happiness-Creating/dp/1250071526 [Book] Follow Ruth on Twitter @ruthwhippman http://twitter.com/ruthwhippman Bob Emmons on the Power of Gratitude: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/video/item/the_power_of_gratitude [Video] http://scottbarrykaufman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Emmons-paper-for-Gratitude-Complaint-consultation-September-2017.pdf [Paper]
Sketches co-producer Bob Emmons interviewed Schooner Cove resident Bob Hills about his experiences as an American who wound up as a pilot of a P-47 fighter-bomber over Europe. It's how he got there--via the Royal Canadian Air Force and combat action defending the UK in a Hurricane fighter plane, before switching over to the US Army Air Corps--that makes this worth listening to. Skidompha Sketches is a series of recordings of (mostly) local Maine residents or summer visitors with anecdotes, insights, recollections they wanted to share with us, similar to to StoryCorps recordings archived at the US Library of Congress. Like StoryCorps, our mission is to remind one another of our shared humanity, to strengthen and build the connections between people, to teach the value of listening, and to weave into the fabric of our culture the understanding that everyone’s story matters. Let us know if you'd like to participate!
Bob Emmons sat down with his South Bristol friend Bob Buric, who recounted a truly remarkable event that took place when he was in Haiti, reluctantly, with a team there to rebuild a missionary school after a hurricane. Things didn't go as planned. Skidompha Sketches is a series of recordings of (mostly) local Maine residents or summer visitors with anecdotes, insights, recollections they wanted to share with us, similar to to StoryCorps recordings archived at the US Library of Congress. Like StoryCorps, our mission is to remind one another of our shared humanity, to strengthen and build the connections between people, to teach the value of listening, and to weave into the fabric of our culture the understanding that everyone’s story matters. Let us know if you'd like to participate!
This is the story of Fred, a female cat, why she was named Fred, and what she had to do to earn back the friendship of Susie, her best friend. It's an amazing story. Cats can be very talented, and Fred was no exception. This story was written by one of Skidompha's dearest friends, Bob Emmons, and read by Mal Gormley.
Here's a fun short story about Petey Wagner's dog named Wigglywoo, written by Skidompha Library's good friend Bob Emmons. Wigglywoo was a VERY smart dog who learned how to ring doorbells and everyone in the neighborhood liked him (except Mr. Sweeney, of course). This story was recorded by Mal Gormley.
Skidompha's expert on insects and gardening provides essential information on the deer tick, which is responsible for Lyme disease. This is Part 2 of this two-part podcast. This session covers how to avoid and prevent deer ticks, including an in-depth discussion on chemical components of Deet and other repellants, where to obtain them, their hazards to pets/wildlife, as well as many other useful resources. Part 1 is an introduction to the deer tick's life history, habits, and behavior. A YouTube video of a similar, more expansive presentation by Dr. Emmons is available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmrrP62ItYM
Skidompha's expert on insects and gardening provides essential information on the deer tick, which is responsible for Lyme disease. This is Part 1, which is an introduction to the deer tick's life history, habits, and behavior. (Part 2 provides information on how to avoid deer ticks in the first place.) A YouTube video of a similar, more expansive presentation by Dr. Emmons is available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmrrP62ItYM
Sharks and Stripers and Bluefish Oh My!!!! Our intrepid Gardener- Scientist- Entymologist- & Raconteur Extraordinaire from South Bristol, Bob Emmons shares some of his misadventures, preposterous lies, and bad jokes as...wait for it: a Fisherman! Just don't cut his fishing line or it'll cost you!
In this recording, we learn that Bob, the unassuming plant scientist and South Bristol raconteur once wrote regularly for the New York Times, almost got into a fight with an Hasidim Lothario, terrified the State Department by dirt-bombing a Chinese dignitary, and had nightmares about Ninja paratroopers. Then there was the Pony Express tire delivery service that probably didn't save taxpayers even if it was an ingenious idea at the time... You know--the usual stuff we've come to expect from Bob.
Our Resident storyteller from South Bristol recently informed us that he was a Boy Scout troop leader when he lived in upstate New York a while back. When prompted to tell us about some of his experiences, we had the tape rolling, as it were. The statute of limitations about the exploits of his...challenging troop of boys has passed--we hope.
Spring is here at last! But where to begin one's selection of garden crops? So many choices and considerations can be overwhelming to even "seasoned" gardeners. The latest recording from South Bristol resident and plant expert, Bob Emmons, can help clarify the differences between heirlooms, hybrids, GMO's, and organics, as well as make some specific suggestions to try--or avoid in Maine's challenging growing conditions. This is Part 2 of 2 recordings.
Spring is here at last! But where to begin one's selection of garden crops? So many choices and considerations can be overwhelming to even "seasoned" gardeners. The latest recording from South Bristol resident and genuine plant expert Bob Emmons can help clarify the differences between heirlooms, hybrids, GMO's, and organics, as well as make some specific suggestions to try--or avoid in Maine's challenging growing conditions. This is Part 1 of 2.
The retired former professor of plant science describes in his inimicable wry way some of his amusing experiences and insights about working with the public while serving as South Bristol's Saturday Post Master for seven and a half years. And yes--Bob's heard all the postal jokes, including "What's the difference between a postal worker and a chess player?" (A chess player moves once in a while.). To hear more (and better) bad jokes check out this one-of-a-kind recording.
Skidompha Library's resident plant, tree, and bug expert Bob Emmons talks about two of the most prevalent insect species that want to spend the winter with you, especially if you live here in Maine. Both are harmless, but not without being a problem. Bob tells how to handle them (hint: gently). Approx. 14 minutes.
If you live anywhere there are deciduous trees--especially here in New England--your yard fills up with colorful leaves every Autumn. Our resident plant, tree, and bug expert Bob Emmons was out in his yard recently and thought you might want to know what do do with all those leaves you have, since you can't burn them anymore.
Are you anxious about your lawn's impact on Climate Change? Our resident plant science guy fills us in with info and easy tips that will make your lawn look better while reducing its carbon footprint.
Our soft-spoken raconteur from Walpole reveals some of the close encounters he's had with prominent figures of our times--and how he almost ran over Tiger Woods on a dark night on a golf course. You can't make this stuff up, folks.
Humorist and former entomologist (insect scientist)and South Bristol resident Bob Emmons recounts some of his bug-related adventures with amorous gypsy moths, an angry motorcycle gang member, insect recipes, tick racing, scary Indian spiders and more.
Japanese Beetle season is upon us, so as a public service, Skidompha Library presents Board member Bob Emmons, an eminent former plant scientist and professor at a State of New York agricultural college who specialized in plant protection. Bob's 26-minute presentation is loaded with useful information on the Japanese beetle life cycle and how to prevent these nuisances from destroying your garden--or your neighbor's.
Dr. Robert J. Emmons is managing partner of Emmons Capital, an investment partnership. Previously, Robert was chairman and chief executive officer of Smart & Final Inc. He is an accomplished author with seven books to his credit; his fifth book of poetry, Seafarers, Poems of the Sea, was published in December 2007 by the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Robert has been a university professor and an international marketing consultant as well as a multi-faceted corporate executive. Robert has received the Herbert Hoover Humanitarian Award; the Food For All Humanitarian Award; ID Magazine’s Food Industry Hall of Fame Award; the Los Angeles Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award; the University of Southern California's Executive of the Year Award; and the City of Hope Community Leader Award. Most recently, Robert received the Abercrombie Award for Community Service from the United Way; the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Santa Barbara News-Press; and the Westmont College Medal for Community Service.