Positive psychology is defined as “a branch of psychology focused on the character strengths and behaviors that allow individuals to build a life of meaning and purpose—to move beyond surviving to flourishing.”
On Wednesday, November 19th, the Crestwood Library’s Positive Psychology Book Club met for a luncheon to celebrate finishing The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle. While eating, they discussed their thoughts on the material, how they incorporated its teachings into their lives, and asked psychologist and leader of the book club, Helena Svedin, questions about their next book. The book club also met on Wednesday January 14th to celebrate their completion of Joseph Nguyen’s Don't Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is The Beginning & End Of Suffering and their return to biweekly meetings.
A few members of the book club answered some interview questions for Crestwood staff member Hanora Woodruff. Their correspondence went as follows:
H: Why did you join this club? How did you hear about it?
Ed W: I joined because Z personally invited me. The club was just beginning to read The Yamas and Niyamas, and it sounded interesting and something I wouldn’t have picked up on my own.
Lynn S: I joined and heard about the club because my friend, Helena, invited me. I was glad she did.
H: How would you say this club has affected you? What have you gotten out of it?
Ed W: I’ve gotten to meet a number of terrific people I wouldn’t have met otherwise and got to hear different perspectives. This has changed my viewpoint at times. It has also led me to books I probably would not have read on my own.
Lynn S: The club has affected me by meeting new people, and I have gotten wisdom out of it. It was nice to read a book and learn new positive psychology. In addition, while people are sharing what they got out of the reading, I hear new and different lessons from the same reading. Fellow readers may have learned something similar or something very different than me. I think that is great!
H: What would you say about this club to encourage others to join?
Ed W: I feel much more at home in the library now than earlier. Knowing so many friendly people so well now makes a public institution much more like a home away from home.
Lynn S: My relationship with the library has grown as I appreciate all the activities it has to offer! In my career, I have met many people; however, this book club offered through the library allows me to meet people with diverse careers, upbringings, and values! Who could ask for more?!
H: How has your relationship with the Crestwood Library evolved or grown since joining this club? How has your relationship with other people changed?
Ed W: What stands out for me are the lunches we hold as we complete a book. It is great to share a meal with our reading and conversing compadres. The comradeship is something that really distinguishes this reading club.
H: What would you say is YOUR standout/favorite moment during your time in this club? Any moment that is particularly striking or meaningful to you that was only possible because of this club?
Ed W: The books are interesting, the discussions are thoughtful and thought-provoking, and the companionship is warmhearted. What’s not to like? Also, Helena is a terrific facilitator!
Lynn S: If you are looking for the good in people and the ability to grow as a person, this is the book club for you!
We hope this inspires you to stop by the library and check out a copy of The Overthinker’s Guide to Making Decisions by Joseph Nguyen and to join the Positive Psychology Book Club on Zoom on February 11th and 25th via ZOOM for an hour from 10:30-11:30am!
Hanora Woodruff is a Part-Time Clerk and patron of Yonkers Crestwood Library since childhood. She recently graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in Biology and Creative Writing. Her favorite reads at the moment are Sylvia Plath’s poems.
Alison Robles, a Yonkers native, received an MS in Information and Library Science from the University at Buffalo. She works at the Crestwood Library and is an avid reader with a passion for YA lit, historical fiction, and fantasy.