The Oracle: What is your background?

Fred Luskin: I’m a licensed psychologist and marriage and family counselor. I teach classes on happiness and stress management at Stanford and Clinical Psychology at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. In addition, I’ve researched and taught forgiveness as the Director of the Stanford Forgiveness Projects and written two best-selling books on forgiveness as well as a popular book on stress management.

TO: You are going to be a guest speaker at Gunn for an event in October. Can you explain this event?

FL: This is an annual talk given to the senior class on preparing for graduation and life beyond Gunn. I’ll be speaking on how to set goals that have a good chance of leading to a happy life. The event includes a discussion of the need to learn stress management and to be be wary of one dimensional approaches to success, as well as a discussion of what research says makes people truly happy.

TO: What are some of your plans to deal with student issues such as stress?

FL: I believe that students should be taught as part of their normal education how to manage stress when it comes up and how to live intelligently so less stress comes up. In addition, I think that the community could do a better job of modeling a more mellow approach to daily life. Broader discussions of success should be included that allow for diversity and provide a sense of accomplishment to a wide array of life choices. I’ve suggested that all teachers in the school system be given a basic education in stress management practices as well as learn about the research and practices that lead to authentic happiness and apply their knowledge to the curriculum.

TO: How would you describe the current mental health state of most Gunn students?

FL: Most Gunn students have a positive outlook and good self esteem which is the most important foundation for a good life. That said, they live in a community with exaggerated concern for material success and lifestyles. Students pick this up and learn to overvalue grades, personal success and material attainment while under-appreciating relationships, purpose and spiritual satisfactions.

TO: How should students go about facing this issue of overwork and under-appreciation?

FL: Students should be encouraged to think and talk among themselves to examine how well the local community values fit their own ones. They should look around and examine who is truly happy and successful and what allows those people to feel that way. Students should take time out to slow down and enjoy their adolescence. The simplest answer is to remember that the universe didn’t make a mistake in creating you and that happiness often requires nothing more than to appreciate what you have.

TO: Where can students go for help if they feel overwhelmed?

FL: In high school, the most available support comes from peers. Students also have sources available on the web and through books. Students who are suffering would get support from their parents if they were able to articulate their concerns in a non-hostile straightforward manner. At school, counselors are ready to talk to students. Everyone can be encouraged to know that there’s no shame in feeling pain and confusion and that working those feelings out is a surer way to a successful life than never having those uncomfortable feelings.

TO: Do you have any last words of advice for students to lead a happy and successful life?

FL: First, students should truly recognize how lucky they are to have grown up in such a beautiful and caring place as Palo Alto. Second, they should remember that they have a long life ahead to figure everything out. Third, students should value people more than things and understand that relationships are the most important ingredient to a happy life.