How do we overcome the negative emotions, avoid the contagion and move forward?

In January's Oprah Magazine "Advice, etc." feature, Martha Beck writes about steering your ship into your "Rat Park". In 1981, psychologist Bruce Alexander and colleagues recognized a commonality in addiction studies - lab rats were locked in uncomfortable, isolating cages. Testing a hunch, Alexander then built a 200 square foot rodent utopia accommodating all their favorite activities, and called it "Rat Park". He then compared the choices made by rats in Rat Park to those of rats in traditional cages. He offered both groups plain water or sugar water laced with morphine. Like rats in other studies, the traditionally caged animals became instant addicts but the Rat Park residents avoided the sugar-coated narcotics. Even rats already addicted to morphine avoided the tainted water while in Rat Park. When Rat Park residents were returned to traditional cages they went back to their morphine drip.

Beck concludes that like rat addicts, humans are trapped in "mind cages" forcing us to make destructive choices. She adds that "When the alternatives are staying in the familiar cage or facing the unknown, most people [sadly,] choose the cage over and over again." She also observes that "All animals are shaped by their environment, but we, more than any other species, can shape our environment right back."

What is your Rat Park? How do we mapquest our ideal life? Beck suggests the childrens' "warmer/colder" game used to locate a hidden item. You don't even need to know what you are looking for, just whether you're getting warmer or colder. Your Rat Park can be identified by a series of warmer/colder decisions based on what makes you feel freer or happier.

Beck continues by describing trim tabs. These are tiny rudders attached to large rudders that turn huge ships. The big rudder would snap if turned directly, yet adjusting the little trim tabs creates a low pressure that pulls the rudder into position.

Life is a series of trim tab decisions - warmer/colder choices. Mistakes will feel chilly and should be corrected without self-condemnation. Preconception of your ideal life is not necessary. Find the warmth (or comfort) of your Rat Park by choosing to avoid cynical despair. Instead, be clear-sighted and authentic in following our powerful instinct to be happy and fulfilled.