In the reality show, Hoarders, the accumulation of material possessions, especially with items deemed worthless, such as yogurt containers, may evoke our wonder as to possible underlying psychologically reasons for such behaviour. When we accumulate or have difficulty in giving, we are working from a scarcity mindset. This worldview believes that there is not enough […]
We are Complex in Many Ways
In many myths, a dark destructive force, whether Zeus or the Devil, often appears in an ambush-like manner, thwarting the hero’s best intentions. This negating, often judging and disdainful force causes chaos, often stunning the hero into a disheartened place. Psychologically, this destructive force is called a complex. Complexes are deeply rooted in us and […]
The Healing Function of Psyche
As we watch television, we are bombarded with advertisements that claim to cure such ailments as anxiety, sleeplessness and depression. At times, we may opt for pain-relief medication to aid a headache. What are we really trying to cure? From a medical perspective, to cure means that a patient no longer has the ailment. On […]
How Do You Handle Adversity?
Have you heard the story about the carrot, egg and coffee bean? A mother placed a carrot, an egg and a coffee bean each in a pot of water. After twenty minutes of boiling she showed her young daughter the results. She explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity, boiling water, […]
Letting Go of Perfection
In the film, Black Swan, the ballet director challenged Nina, the featured dancer played by Natalie Portman, by stating, “I never see you lose your self.” He further explained, “Perfection is not just about control. It’s also about letting go. Surprise yourself so you can surprise the audience.” One explanation for the need for perfection […]
Why making change is so hard
We are familiar with the Greek philosopher Heraclitus’ statement, “Change is the only constant” in life. However, as much as this is true we often find change difficult. We balk or flat-out resist change in a number of ways. We avoid by leaving the room or the relationship when the topic of change comes up. […]
