COMPLETE LIBERTY

Rather than just follow the textbook "study of cognition, emotion, and behavior," this group aspires to make psychology really interesting and personal—in short, really real. Exploring the principles of positive psychology, emotional intelligence, self-esteem, and happiness is certainly crucial. Marshall Rosenberg's nonviolent communication, a language of life, proves invaluable for this exploration process.

Context matters. We live in a culture that promotes (and, ironically, largely ignores) the main causes of self-conflict and conflict with others—namely, mythological/irrational belief systems and authoritarian/obedience memes, all of which demand that we sacrifice autonomy and bend our wills to "authorities" of all sorts. The common warning "Don't discuss politics and religion" only exposes this major ethical contradiction.

So, this group is about exploring these facets in order to further self- (and other) evolution, while interacting with curious persons and sharing our experiences. It's all about developing more self-awareness, more fulfilling relationships, and greater life-satisfaction, through practicing the virtues of honesty, integrity, responsibility, and courage and communicating compassionately, connecting with feelings and needs.