ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a foundation of basic concepts of positive psychology as a context for understanding the science, research, and practice of character strengths. Based on having completed the free VIA Survey, the aware-explore-apply model will be taught as the scaffolding for learning about how to use strengths to optimum advantage. Main character strength concepts and applications such as strength spotting, strength blindness, and how to use strengths with balance (the golden mean) will be described. The pilot study is described in detail and how it impacted our participants' experiences then and into the future. The chapter ends with an overview of some pertinent neuroscience facts and a tour of the amazing brain.
