Maria Sirois: Could Beauty Save the World?

How might we elevate our days, strengthen health and optimism, and somehow build a better world for others and the planet? Research in the fields of positive and environmental psychology demonstrates that activation of a character strength, known as Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence, accomplishes all that. Maria Sirois, Psy.D. has spent more than three decades in the boardrooms of business, bedsides of the dying and everywhere in between to do one thing: offer the data, stories, tools and perspectives that enable us to cultivate resilience, health, wisdom and a greater capacity to lead ourselves and others well, no matter the strain or suffering of the moment. As a resilience expert, positive psychologist and international consultant, she is known for her authenticity, wisdom and compassion. She is the author of three books: the newly released, The Generous Exchange: How Attention to Beauty, Goodness and Excellence Restores Us and Our World, A Short Course in Happiness After Loss (And Other Dark, Difficult Times) and Every Day Counts. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.