A long time ago, I almost lost my life at work. My dad sold aluminium to aircraft manufacturers in San Diego, and I was working in the factory to put myself through college. Among other things, they produced aluminium foil, which required house-sized machines to squeeze thick aluminium sheets on gigantic multi-ton spools as they …
What I Learned About Pain From Almost Being Killed Read More »
Imagine you had a friend who is there for you whenever you need them. Someone who cares about you, who listens patiently, and who is kind, forgiving, and compassionate. It’s probably fair to say that we all would want a friend like this. And even more: We likely all want to be this kind of …
Why do we lash out at our partner, when we want to be kind and caring? Why do we isolate ourselves, when we already feel lonely, and crave connection? Why do we drink alcohol, smoke tobacco, and give in to other vices, when it harms our health? And why do we know all these things, …
How staying at home can affect your mental health, as well as what you can do about it.
Just because you’re not sick, doesn’t mean you’re healthy. We are used to that idea in physical health. Being cancer free is not the same as being fit—you have to take the steps needed to develop your physical strength, endurance, and flexibility. Not having the flu is great, but vigor depends on eating well, exercising, …
Thriving: What Kind of Psychotherapy Naturally Produces It? Read More »
Is it important to love yourself? It seems that depends on how you do it. Few concepts in popular psychology have gotten more attention over the last few decades than self-esteem and its importance in life success and long-term mental health. Of course, much of this discussion has focused on young people, and how families, …
Is Self-Compassion More Important Than Self-Esteem? Read More »
The West African Ebola crisis is holding up a mirror to the world, and what it is reflecting back is worrisome. I was listening to the news reporting yesterday with a mixture of interest and horror. The horror was not just about what is going on in these West African countries. It was the horror …
Behavioral Science and Local Empowerment Are Needed to Help Solve the Ebola Crisis Read More »
Will You Commit and Act in the Fight Against Ebola? Among the problems countries like Sierra Leone face in the battle against Ebola, two strike the American mind as all but incomprehensible: 1.) the widespread skepticism that the disease actually exists and 2.) burial practices that to our eyes are not only clear disease vectors …
The human mind did not evolve for the world we live in. Over the last twenty-four hours I’ve gazed at the image of a reporter about to be beheaded. Moments later in the same newscast I watched a mother and father express their rage, sadness, and dismay when their teenage boy was shot to death …
Ferguson, Beheadings, and the Psychological Challenge of Living in the Modern World Read More »
