Panel Debate: Is Positivity Always Beneficial? Know the Dangers of Toxic Positivity.
In a world that constantly promotes positivity and happiness, it may seem counterintuitive to consider the dark side of these seemingly uplifting ideals. However, the truth is that the pursuit of positivity can sometimes become toxic.
While it may appear as a harmless approach to life, toxic positivity can actually be detrimental to our mental health, relationships and society. The good news is that you and I can learn how to navigate the complexities of emotions in a more compassionate and realistic way.
To help me uncover the dark side of positivity and how we can nurture a healthier mindset to tackle everyday challenges, I invited back my fellow podcaster Sahar Milani from the Mindful Makers Podcast, and Laura Roche, a presenter and actress.
Join us for this stimulating and uplifting discussion that will hopefully give you lots to think about.
Panel members bio:
Sahar Milani is the founder and Experiential Director of Sorshaa, a global brand strategist with a passion for human connection, storytelling, and wellbeing. With over 20 years of experience in mindfulness and a career spanning Europe, MENA, and Southeast Asia, she helps brands communicate with clarity and purpose to create meaningful impact. Sahar is also the host of Mindful Makers, a podcast spotlighting individuals and brands making a positive difference, recognized as one of the top 8 female-led MENA podcasts by SheerLuxe Middle East. Her work sits at the intersection of curiosity, creativity, and conscious communication.
Laura Roche was born and raised in Spain and holds a bachelor's degree in Social Pedagogy and a Master's in Mindfulness for Conscious Organizations from the University of Barcelona. She's also a mindfulness and self-compassion teacher from the University of San Diego, California. She spent hundreds of hours on retreats and even lived for short periods at a Buddhist temple. Having lived and worked on four continents, she has garnered valuable knowledge and experience in dealing with a multitude of people and cultures, always learning and opening herself up to new experiences.
Seline Shenoy is an author, blogger, and podcaster whose work focuses on personal development, self-esteem, productivity, and culture. Her online community—The Dream Catcher—connects and encourages thousands of readers and listeners every month from all over the world to live their dream lives and make a difference. She is a regular contributor to online publications such as Forbes, MindBodyGreen, Elite Daily, Life Hack, Medium, and others.
Follow panel members ON INSTAGRAM:
Sahar Milani @sorshaa.edits
Laura Roche @heylauraroche
Seline Shenoy @selineshenoy
Interview timestamps
04:05 ︳Defining toxic positivity
04:53 ︳Differentiating between toxic positivity experienced internally and externally.
06:36 ︳Understanding fear as a driving force behind toxic positivity.
08:06 ︳Importance of self-compassion and vulnerability in processing emotions
14:04 ︳How social media has contributed to the prevalence of toxic positivity
30:03 ︳Exploring the contrast between toxic positivity and authentic positivity.
36:03 ︳Understanding the impact of body physiology on emotional perception and well-being.
46:27 ︳How culture shapes emotional expression and authenticity
51:27 ︳Reflecting on personal growth through self-exploration and finding authenticity.
53:10 ︳Tools and mindsets to deal with toxic positivity