Appreciative Inquiry

Appreciative Inquiry is the study of what gives life to human systems when they are at their best. This path of inquiry moves us in the direction of the things we want more of. Every question we ask ripples outward, so we want to ask questions that are positive, powerful, and bring out the best in ourselves and others.

This practice could benefit our health. Of course, if we are suffering from acute pain or a serious illness, we should contact a healthcare provider. But what about when we feel just slightly "off," and we want to improve our overall sense of well-being?

Consider this example: when we feel fatigued, rather than focus on the problem, we might ask ourselves, "When do I feel my best?" Remember that the goal here is long-term health, so the rush we feel from a cup of coffee or cigarette is not the feeling of well-being we seek. When do we feel our best for extended periods of time?

We might notice that we feel more energetic when we are eating more green vegetables or getting more sunshine. Because we are naturally drawn to the parts of life that make us feel good, this realization will lead to a healthier diet and a more active lifestyle.

Watch Diana Whitney, President of the Corporation for Positive Change, explain how to ask the questions that bring out the best in yourself and those around you.