When considering our psychological well-being, it may seem peculiar to consider the positive aspects of being unwell. One might argue that there are only downsides to such a condition. However, instead of assuming, as we often do, that our mental illnesses are solely problematic, we can embark on a journey of open-minded exploration. We can dare to ask ourselves: What purpose do my…
In the realm of unconditional love, attachment, hidden agendas, and tallying up who gives what to whom have no place. It is a love that transcends conditions, accepting us as we are and others as they are. We release all conscious and unconscious expectations of others, allowing love to illuminate their true essence and inherent lovability. Love opens our hearts, allowing us to…
The ego is a concept used in psychology to describe an individual's sense of self or identity. It serves as the conscious perception of oneself and their interactions with the surrounding environment. Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory outlines the ego as one of three components that comprise the human personality, alongside the id, which represents primal and instinctual drives, and the superego, which reflects…
Meditation does not have to involve sitting in lotus position as the schema might dictate, but can also be done sitting comfortably, lying down, or walking. Eyes open or closed. Interestingly, the better you get at dropping into a meditative state the less time you have to spend doing it to achieve the same results. Meditation is a practice that has been around…
One reason we seek out therapy in order to gain perspective and in turn recover from our neuroses. Neurosis is a pattern of negative thinking that can get in the way of appreciating our full potential. Every human is in part neurotic, at work, in relationships, in our attitudes around creativity or politics. How you are neurotic should be carefully explored without judgment…
Stress can manifest from traumatic events, or from lower intensity but frequent daily hassles. Too much stress is a contributor to mental and physical health problems, even as far as to interfere with our immune system. An immediate solution to coping with stress is to seek social support—emotional resources provided by people who care about us, that genuinely have our best interests at…
Depressed again for no apparent reason? Do you or someone you know consistently feel depressed as we head into fall and winter? Seasonal Depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a type of depression that recurs for some individuals during the same time each year. SAD usually starts during adulthood and is rare for individuals under the age of twenty-one. The probability…
What is validation? It feels good to be seen and understood right? Validation is the method of learning about, understanding, and expressing acceptance of another person’s emotional experience unconditionally, without judgement. Why do we validate? Painful feelings that are expressed, acknowledged, and validated by a trusted listener will diminish. Painful feelings that are ignored will gain strength To properly validate someone’s feelings is…
Our breath is a something we always have with us (hopefully), and it can be accessed and utilized in diverse ways to achieve different mental and physiological states. There is a myriad of different breathing techniques available out there to try. Box-breathing, Alternate-Nostril breathing, Sama Vritti and even the “Tummo” method recently popularized by “The Iceman” Wim Hof to increase alertness by making…
An Attitude of Gratitude It is commonly integrated into therapeutic practices - the concept that employing and exercising routine gratitude can facilitate many benefits. Continually working with feelings of gratitude can alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety while simultaneously provide a sense of well-being. Showing gratitude and appreciation for one another is “pro-social” behaviour and an effective way to balance against avoidance…