Looking at the "untruth" of "Always trust your feelings" from the book "The Coddling of the American Mind" by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt. In response, I offer an alternative principle to live by, one that is grounded in science and provides a path of resiliency to develop. We look at the difference between "affect" and "feelings" and how the theory of allostasis can help us better understand our emotional lives.  ..read more

As noted by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt in their book "The Coddling of the American Mind," there is an untruth of "what doesn't kill you makes you weaker." To that, we will instead embrace a deeper appreciation for how our brain/body system works within experience to prepare us for an uncertain future. Ultimately we can learn to accept and even desire to build a capacity for seeing errors and mistakes and consequences as spaces for growth.  --------- Site for Humanity's Values, and the website and Facebook page for Life Weavings, LLC for further resources ..read more

An exploration of hatred within an understanding of our very human need to shape reality to suit our vision of what we believe it to be or should be, and seeing then how anything that gets in the way of that vision invokes our passions.  ..read more

Democracy is a Value-based interpersonal construct for guiding human behavior. As such, democracy exists at the intersection of humanity's greatest potential and all our foibles. We can aspire to be the best versions of ourselves that we know to be, but it requires an active engagement, both on the ground through action and also through mindful reflection. Here we explore voting through the Relational-ACT lens of Values, Narratives, and Behavior to see why there's so much emotional weight to this time in history ..read more

Interview with Bryan Nixon, a therapist at and founder of Mindful Counseling GR in Grand Rapids, MI. Here we discuss therapeutic modality and the relationship with the client. Things to consider: 1. Philosophy of the therapist 2. Therapist idea of therapeutic relationship with client 3. Therapist dedication to continued education and self-inquiry ------ Why in the World Podcast   Why in the World IG   Relationally Focused Psychodynamic Therapy (RFPT) - A postgrad continuing ed program for therapists to deepen their work with clients   Mindful Counseling GR   ------ &nb ..read more

We've been exploring habits and steps for building and maintaining healthy relationships. Here we continue that journey by looking at intimacy and its connection to authenticity. We can learn to express different parts of ourselves in different situations and through different relationships, by building the space for honestly reflecting on whether the person you're showing up as is the person you want to explore becoming. The answer might surprise you. _________   For more information, please check out the website for Humanity's Values, and you can check out the website and Facebook page ..read more

Exploring the work of John and Julie Gottman on the "4 Horsemen" of relationship communication errors and working through steps to build healthy connections for personal and relationship growth. We work through four steps beginning with identifying what you Value and finishing with applying grace often. Relationships, in all levels of intimacy, are fruitful spaces for expanding meaning and finding out new ways of being the best version of yourself you know to be. _________   For more information, please check out the website for Humanity's Values, and you can check out the website and Fac ..read more

We all know love when we feel it, yet often it's the emotion most connected to confusion and heartache. The confusion and uncertainty, hurt and life search, is largely because while we think we know what love is, we rarely take a hard-stop to ask ourselves what we really mean by it.   Looking at 3 metaphors about love: "You Complete Me," "Two Become One," and "Being on the Same Journey." Explore the assumptions that come with each, problems that arise, and how each can be supportive of our unmet attachment needs. _________   For more information, please check out the website for Huma ..read more

Exploration of the third untruth in Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt in their book "The Coddling of the American Mind." That untruth, "Life is a battle between good people and evil people" will be explained and an alternative truth given, of "Life is a lived experience through many perspectives."  We can encourage dialogue, explore our differences, and grow together through expanding our awareness beyond the limitations our identity labels give us.  ..read more

The pursuit of change is as varied as New Year's Resolutions and almost always focused on what we consciously are doing. Looking at change as a foundational law of life can help us on our journey's of discovery and see others more clearly ..read more