According to recent data from various health lines, Americans are reporting significant and sustained increases in symptoms of depression and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic. So much of what we are experiencing is unscripted, unknowable and uncertain, and that could be creating a great deal of anxiety, fear and even depression for so many.
It is with this reality in mind that KU Chabad recently launched its “Positivity Bias Initiative.” At this challenging time, Chabad believes that the Jewish community at KU is not just a physical place; rather at our core, we are a community and family wherever one may be. By joining together to give support, love and connectivity, we can be there for each other during these challenging times and embrace a brighter future.
This all-encompassing initiative is aimed at promoting awareness about the inherent gift of positively that is deeply embedded within ourselves. The goal of this program is to inspire our community to recognize that life is essentially good, that positive perception is applicable and accessible to all and that positive living is a matter of choice, not circumstance.
The first program that was offered under this new initiative was the popular “Positivity Bias Course.” This fascinating course was open for all to join and featured five dynamic discussions on reframing our experience of these turbulent times. The course showed participants that being positive derives from objective, rational insight, not just subjective, wishful imagination. The course enabled the students to create a personalized lens that adjusts the default frames we develop for our own lives.
The participants all expressed how much this course impacted their abilities to be more positive and live a happier life. As Carrie Caine of Lawrence, Kansas shared, “I learned so much and I am amazed at how quickly this course and the wisdom of our discussion group is helping me reframe so much in my life, from little moments where my day doesn’t go according to plan to larger ways that I think about my journeys through life.”
Another exciting program that is being offered under this new positivity initiative is the distribution of the bestselling book “Positivity Bias.” This book is all about wisdom for positive living inspired by the life and teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Students, alumni and members of the community are able to sign up to receive this special gift which has contributed so much to the positive feelings of the recipients.
“The writings in this book helped me refocus and see things through a different lens,” said Dr. Helene Lotman, Federation president and CEO. “It doesn’t change the negative things going on but it empowers and inspires me to see my life through a positivity bias. When your eye, your lens on life, is good, what you see will be good no matter what.”
A final program that has also been launched under this new initiative is the “Joyful Times with Joel” program. This is an ongoing virtual session hosted by KU alum Joel Gutovitz, who shares his positivity and cheer with the participants, providing insights and tools on how to live a happier more positive life.
All of these programs have been proven to be of vital support to the entire KU community at a time when it is needed most. As expressed by KU student Emily Brenman, “In this wildly unknown, anxiety-provoking time, these programs that KU Chabad is offering put my mind at ease. Thank you to Zalman and Nechama for bringing such relevant content to everyone that needs it!”
As we move forward onto the next stage of the COVID-19 era, KU Chabad continues to develop the Positivity Bias Initiative to incorporate more programs and activities to promote a message of positivity, hope and courage to march forward to better times ahead. The Positivity Bias Initiative is dedicated by the Salkind Family in loving memory of Dr. Neil Salkind, an individual who embodied positivity and joy throughout his lifetime.
To learn more about the Positivity Bias Initiative and to sign up for upcoming courses or to get the book, visit www.VirtualKUChabad.com and click on Positivity Bias. You can also contact KU Chabad at 785-832-8672 or www.JewishKU.com.