The Luck(?) of The Irish

Lucky? Really? Droll expression. Especially when you consider that the Irish have been one of the unluckiest peoples in history. On their beautiful but wind- and rain-swept isle, they’ve endured foreign domination, political oppression, religious tyranny, cultural repression, natural disasters, ghastly food, economic woes, the terror of The Troubles, the curse of the drink, you name it.

Nonetheless, when I think of the Irish, rolling green sheep meadows, dramatic coastlines, Joycean verse, Celtic music and dance most often come to mind. Smiling eyes, gathering at the pub over pints of Guinness, laughter, telling tales, artfully turning phrases. Erin go bragh and all that. A sentimental stereotype? Perhaps. But based in fact. As my friend Richard O’Brien observes, “it’s the Irish paradox,” this indomitable yet inexplicable joie de vivre.

I am of Italian descent. I come from a land of extraordinary natural beauty and gifts, with a sunny, mild and pleasant climate. People travel from near and far to marvel at its art and architecture. The people, the clothing – gorgeous. From its kitchens comes one of the world’s favorite cuisines. And the gelati! Mamma mia! Though known for la dolce vita, upon closer inspection you’ll find my people to be a tad depressive, prone to complaining and pessimism. Even over a perfect plate of al dente pasta, drinking glass after glass of chiani, watching the spectacular light show of the setting sun any night of the week, my paesans will find something to worry about. Not to mention argue, perhaps yell, over. Maybe even out-and-out fight about.

(I lived for several years in France, and worked for decades with the French. They, too, seem to come from the land of Oz – natural beauty, temperate climate, rich cultural heritage, fascinating history, outstanding food and wine, haute fashion and style, not to mention eponymous lovemaking techniques – yet have a natural penchant for bitching, moaning and annoying cynicism -)

I dated an Irish-American man for four years. At his family celebrations, I remember far less bickering, comparing, complaining, and resentment than at my own family's. Sure, there was "stuff," but they seemed to really get along and enjoy each other, forever telling and retelling stories, laughing, and yes, drinking.

So how do the Irish do it? How do they manage to smile through the rain and the pain? Turn funerals into celebrations of life? No, it’s not just in the ale; their spirit goes way beyond spirits, boozing and brawling. Perhaps it’s in the math …

... If, that is, you subscribe to the theories of Martin Seligman, the so-called father of “positive psychology,” a movement he and his associates pioneered around the turn of the millennium. Unlike earlier schools which focus on dissecting and treating dysfunction and mental illness developed in the past from childhood events or trauma, the practice of positive psychology places emphasis on an individual’s strengths, talent and genius. On nurturing, growing, expanding what’s right rather than uncovering and understanding what’s wrong. On fostering a more fulfilling experience of life in the present, thereby creating a brighter future.

(The modern coaching paradigm borrows many of its principles and tools from this philosophy.)

According to the Positive Psychologists (PP's), there exists an actual equation that helps us understand a person’s (or people’s) tendency towards happiness or melancholy:

Set Point + Conditions of Living + Voluntary Actions = Personal Happiness!*

An individual’s Set Point reflects his/her tendencies towards optimism vs. pessimism, action vs. lethargy/depression, problems vs. opportunity, hope vs. despair, etc., as determined by the cumulative influences our forebearers, ancient and current culture, unbringing (family life, community, schooling, religious instruction, etc.) - whole shebang. The PP’s claim this has become part of our mental wiring, passed down through the generations and polished during our early childhood years. As such, it is very difficult (perhaps impossible, depending upon who you ask) to alter; despite the vicissitudes of life - graduating or retiring, marrying or divorcing, winning an Oscar or losing a loved one, etc. - we naturally start here, then tend to return, to this state.

However, in the moment these Conditions of Living – what’s happening to us and around us – do also impact our level of happiness. When we (or those important to us) meet a new love interest, succeed at a challenge, land a new job, have a child, win the lottery, etc., we get happy; we experience pain and suffering when we (or those important to us) lose a job, fall ill, have an accident, don’t win the prize.

Next, Voluntary Actions – the decisions and choices we make throughout the day, and the level of control we believe we have over them – impact our sense of happiness, security and fulfillment. Do you take a drink or take a walk? Do you finish the entire pint of Ben & Jerry’s or put the spoon down and step away from the freezer? Do you hold the door open for a stranger? Do you sleep in or go to the gym? Do you marry Jane or Jan, or stay single?

Now this may surprise you: According to the PP’s, while 40+% of our happiness is determined by our Set Point, a mere 10% is influenced by our Conditions of Living, and a full 40% comes directly from our Voluntary Actions, our decisions and choices and actions.* (As a culture, we Americans tend to overemphasize the importance of our Conditions of Living. Which may just be our way of shunning accountability and responsibility for our life and our fulfillment. According to these learned minds, we have a much greater influence over our destinies than we may care to admit.)

Do the Irish have a naturally elevated Happiness Set Point; do they as a race tend to “accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative”? (If so, one can only wonder, “But, uh, like, how???”) Perhaps they have lower expectations, demand less of life, and as a result experience fewer disappointments when things don’t work out according to plan? Or perhaps they have a greater sense of mastery over the things they feel they can control? Or are they better at accepting the world as it is, warts and all, laughing about it, and making the best of it? Now, that’s lucky.

Here’s wishing you the “luck” of the Irish, Zen Masters of the Western World.

*Note: I’ve simplified for your reading pleasure ...

© 2010 Theresa Quadrozzi - A Muse In Manhattan