Much suffering is produced through our relationship with our inner critic. This part of our psyche is also called the superego or self-aggression. It’s an authoritarian aspect or agency in our psyche that holds us accountable for any real or imagined shortcomings or failures. The … [Read more...] about The Tyrant that Rules Our Inner Life
The Negative Emotions Behind Addictions
I read this definition of an addiction on the internet: "An addiction is an unconscious way of coping with emotions." Yes, that's true, but a more precise definition is called for: An addiction is a self-defeating reaction to, or consequence of, unresolved negative … [Read more...] about The Negative Emotions Behind Addictions
Beware the Limitations of Superficial Psychology
Some cognitive psychologists say our difficulty achieving happiness is due to "logic-processing errors." But this remedy is too superficial. Logic or common sense can't separate out the ingredients of unhappiness because those ingredients reside deep in our psyche, beyond the … [Read more...] about Beware the Limitations of Superficial Psychology
Get Rid of Guilt with Deeper Insight
Guilt is no fun. We can feel guilt for our slightest slip-ups or misdemeanors. We sense that we deserve our guilt because we have allegedly done something wrong. But often the guilt is produced when, deep in our psyche, we absorb negative accusations from our inner … [Read more...] about Get Rid of Guilt with Deeper Insight
Riding the Emotional Wave of Turbulent Times
I offer my sympathies to those among you who are in distress—emotionally and financially—over the economic and political crises plaguing America and the world. The problems may last for many more years, and people can help themselves considerably by staying emotionally … [Read more...] about Riding the Emotional Wave of Turbulent Times