What do binging, hypochondria, and hoarding have in common? On the surface they appear to be unrelated. Yet all three of these behaviors have the same source in our psyche. That source—inner passivity—is an unconscious sense of identity situated in our psyche that determines, … [Read more...] about The Common Ingredient in Human Misery
psyche
Being Seen in a Negative Light
Many of us have had experiences of walking into a social situation and feeling shy, awkward, hesitant, and even fearful. Other times we can feel that people are scoffing at us because we apparently said something silly or foolish. We can also believe that our physical appearance … [Read more...] about Being Seen in a Negative Light
Avoidable Miseries of the Workplace
Work, paradoxically, is a blessing and a curse. It can torture us when we have it and depress us when we don’t. What’s worse, loading “Sixteen Tons” of manure from “9 to 5” on “Maggie’s Farm” after “A Hard Day’s Night,” or having to beg, “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime” in … [Read more...] about Avoidable Miseries of the Workplace
Why We’re Quick to “Go Negative”
Comedian Bill Maher wrote an amusing article in The New York Times recently, asking, “When did we get it in our heads that we have the right to never hear anything we don’t like?” In the article, Maher makes the point that we’ve become too easily offended and too quick to … [Read more...] about Why We’re Quick to “Go Negative”
Occupy the Psyche
The Occupy Wall Street movement (OWS) is searching for insight, wisdom, and a sense of direction. These resources are available to us when we turn inward to occupy our psyche. In the absence of psychological insight, each of us to some degree is divided from within. Also … [Read more...] about Occupy the Psyche