When we’re not busy thinking about our problems, what should we do with our mental energy? Is it a good idea to just let our minds wander to the next topic, or is there something more beneficial we could be doing?  We will briefly overview research on how mental focus affects our moods, and offer a simple suggestion that connects us with Eastern spiritual philosophies.

Doc Heide is best known locally as co-founder, performer, artistic advisor, board member, and writer for Northern Sky Theater. He has appeared on the Peninsula State Park stage since 1973 and co-authored 20 musicals including Belgians in Heaven, Packer Fans from Outer Space, and Guys & Does. A summa cum laude graduate of UWGB, he holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from The Pennsylvania State University. Doc serves as Professor on the graduate faculty of the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Francisco, where he’s taught for 34 years. He has published in professional journals on meditation, charisma, paradoxical reactions to practicing relaxation, the power of musicals to affect attitudes, and other topics.