In Praise of Repression

I once attended a Jungian workshop and found myself uncharacteristically emoting in front of a roomful of strangers. In retrospect I was probably just acting out what was expected of me as I usually have a rather British ‘stiff upper lip’ attitude to expressing feelings. I recognize, however, that this attitude has long since been […]

The Mindlessness of Mind

In the wilderness one quickly learns that the mind often plays tricks and is not to be relied upon, especially if other, ‘harder’ indicators are available. How often have I been convinced that the destination was one way when the compass pointed another. Along the same lines, it’s only too easy to underestimate the time […]

Imagine Your Children Are Dead

Imagining the loss of your children was one of the recommendations of the Stoic school of philosophy which included among its members Epictetus (55 AD – 135 AD), Marcus Aurelius (121 AD -180 AD), Seneca (4 BC – 65 AD) and Musonius Rufus (1st century AD). Stoicism is the western equivalent of Zen Buddhism minus the […]

The Limits Of Passionate Parenting

Philip Larkin’s poem below sums up the prevailing view that parents are the most important influence on children, and that they have it in their power to produce either intelligent, well-adjusted young adults or below average social misfits. Because most parents believe that their actions can significantly affect their children’s beliefs, morals, actions, health, IQ, future […]

There Are More Important Things In Life Than Happiness

My teenage daughter wants to have fun all the time. I hear the word “fun” everywhere. It seems everyone wants to have fun. This has always seemed a little strange to me but maybe that’s because I was brought up in England where, compared to California, not much emphasis was placed on the importance of fun. […]

Emotions, Schmotions

Have you ever been struck dumb by the ineffable? Have you ever seen a close friend or relative swept along by an emotion so strong that they no longer seem the same person? Better still, have you ever experienced such an emotional tidal wave yourself? If you have done any of these things you will […]