The philosopher Eric Hoffer stated, “The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.” Gratitude is a virtue disposing the mind to an inward sense and an outward acknowledgment of a gift or benefit received. Gratitude is the appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to us and represents a […]
The Many Sides of Forgiveness
We are familiar with poet Alexander Pope’s saying, “To err is human; to forgive, divine,” yet there are differing views on the exact role of forgiveness. Forgiveness is achievable; however, it takes time – months and even years. The process of forgiveness comprises six common elements. First, there is an injury or violation with subsequent […]
Looking at Guilt and Shame
When we feel guilty, we feel bad because we have done something that was wrong (e.g., sped, caused someone injury) or believed that was wrong (e.g., did not return a phone call). Guilt is thinking we ‘should have done’ or ‘should not have done’ something, and about our obligations. Jungian Mario Jacoby distinguishes “leftover guilt” […]
Introverts & Extraverts – Which Way Does Your Energy Flow?
The words introvert and extravert have become part of everyday speech, often confused with ideas like shyness and sociability. However, according to Jung, extraversion and introversion refer to the direction of psychic energy. If a person’s energy usually flows outwards, he or she is an extravert. If the energy normally flows inwards, the person is […]
The Importance of Feeling Our Feelings
Most people have difficulty experiencing the full range of emotions. We may have been raised in a family where certain feelings were not allowed to be expressed or one in which everything had to be “fine.” We may have been overwhelmed, even traumatized by intense emotions. In all cases, discomfort arises when we are exposed […]
The Wisdom of Intuition
Call them hunches, gut reactions, intuition or felt-senses – they all give us unique insights into situations. The word intuition is derived from the Latin word ‘intueri,’ which means “to look within.” According to Mona Lisa Schulz, author of “Awakening Intuition,” intuition “occurs when we directly perceive facts outside the range of the usual five […]
