A lot of young people are filled with doubt as to whether or not they’re gay. They focus on the question of their sexual orientation, but often this focus is misplaced. Often they’re entangled in unresolved self-doubt or self-alienation, and the question of their sexual … [Read more...] about When in Doubt about Sexual Orientation
anxiety
The Core of Being
We obviously become happier and more peaceful as we grow in wisdom and moral sensibility. How is the educational system helping people to do this? Some of the smartest educators say that they don’t know how to do it, even as a growing percentage of students show signs of … [Read more...] about The Core of Being
Tormented Mothers, Endangered Babies
Thousands of mothers are plagued on a daily basis by intrusive thoughts in which they imagine or see themselves doing harm to their children. The problem was highlighted this month in two articles (here and here) that appeared in The New York Times. In these thoughts or mental … [Read more...] about Tormented Mothers, Endangered Babies
The Pain We Lock Away
It’s so important to see through our psychological defenses if we want to become emotionally strong and escape from suffering. Through our defenses, we lie to ourselves in much the way that parents lie to children to protect them from life’s harsher realities. Some experts … [Read more...] about The Pain We Lock Away
Easing Tension and Stress at Family Gatherings
Lingering emotional wounds from our family of origin are like riptides in our psyche. At times, most of us in childhood experienced betrayal, rejection, and other painful hurts. As adults, many of us, swept along by emotional undercurrents, are unable to enjoy our time together … [Read more...] about Easing Tension and Stress at Family Gatherings