Finding Stability in Uncertainty

The annual Positive Psychology Day took place at Muzeon Arts Park (Moscow), organised by the University Open to the City project and the HSE Faculty of Social Sciences. More than 500 participants gathered to discuss a question that concerns everyone: how to maintain inner balance when the world around us is changing faster than we can adapt.

The theme of the 2026 event was ‘The Point of Balance’ —the search for equilibrium between resilience and flexibility in conditions of uncertainty. Participants explored ways to support psychological well-being, develop emotional intelligence, overcome the fear of self-presentation, build healthy relationships with the digital environment, and apply positive psychology practices in everyday life.

Mini-lectures formed the intellectual core of Positive Psychology Day. Through these sessions, the idea behind the ‘point of balance’ was examined from multiple perspectives—from the fundamental principles of positive psychology and contemporary understandings of well-being to specific life situations in which people especially need a sense of stability. Participants discussed uncertainty not only as a source of anxiety but also as a space of opportunity. They explored emotional intelligence as a resource for leadership and team resilience, and considered prosocial behaviour, trust and helping others as the foundation of strong social connections. Separate lectures focused on the fear of self-expression, authentic self-presentation, and experiences of loneliness—not as a dead end, but as opportunities for inner dialogue, self-support, and personal growth.

The speakers, workshop facilitators, and programme developers were students from the HSE Master’s Programme in Positive Psychology. The aim of the event was to raise public awareness of well-being, self-development, and quality of life, while helping participants develop a more conscious approach to themselves, other people, and their everyday environment.

Vasily Kostenko, Academic Supervisor of the Master’s Programme in Positive Psychology

— Since the launch of the Master’s programme in Positive Psychology, we have deliberately designed these courses around project-based and product-oriented learning. It is important to us that students not only master theories and methods but also learn to translate scientific knowledge into clear, useful, and high-quality products for real audiences. Positive Psychology Day is a perfect example of this format: first-year students draw on the findings of contemporary psychological research and transform them into a public city event open to anyone interested. This allows future specialists to see that the psychology of well-being is not an abstract field of knowledge but a living expertise capable of changing people’s everyday experiences.

Maria Chumakova, Head of the HSE School of Psychology

— Positive Psychology Day is not only an open public event but also an opportunity to introduce a wider audience to the scientific expertise of HSE University’s School of Psychology in the areas of well-being, self-development, and improving quality of life.

Victoria, Counselling Psychologist, Art Therapist, Artist, and Event Participant

— The Seed and Gardener workshop was an excellent example of eco-art therapy, where working with living plants became a gentle exploration of one’s own personality. Before the creative process began, participants were introduced to a theoretical framework and discussion that helped them prepare to create their own bouquet. Afterwards, everyone shared the meanings and emotions they had carefully invested in each chosen flower. The metaphor of cultivating and revealing one’s inner potential perfectly reflected the creative process through floristry, the philosophy of self-care, and mindful personal development. The workshop resonated strongly with last year’s theme, The Art of Living. I am convinced that experiences like this are both effective and inspiring tools for improving psycho-emotional well-being, fostering a sense of connection with others, and exploring one’s personality.

Anastasia, Event Participant

— This HSE event made me re-examine everything I had recently thought and said about positive psychology. Positive psychology is not simply a fashionable topic for bloggers. Through the quest activities and a series of short, engaging talks, many stereotypes were challenged: positive psychology is far deeper and more substantial than it may seem. Even simple questions and exercises can initiate internal reflection at the precise depth a person needs. Positive psychology is engaging, useful, and accessible to both children and adults. Events like this demonstrate how psychology can address issues of well-being, resilience, and quality of life.

More pictures from the fifth HSE Positive Psychology Day are available via the event gallery link.