Dear Readers:
In broadcasting, this is called 'breaking the third wall' -- that is, talking to your audience directly.
Those of you who have been following this blog will have likely realized by now that, given a good topic, I can talk the paint off a wall. That said, I have plenty to say, but am interested in making this a forum that you, the reader, would find most useful.
So, while my list of potential topics is long, I'd like to hear from you, the reader, about topics in which you are interested. Whether it be spirituality, psychology, parenting, education, social skills, addictions or whatever, drop me a note...
Greetings, First of all, i'd
Greetings,
First of all, i'd like to say that i'm a great fan of your blog! Excellent work; keep it up!
As for the topics:
What about happiness? What exactly is happiness, how does one achieve it, and how does it differ from the fleeting moments of everyday joy?
Can one be wrong about one's happiness? As in, can one think oneself happy whilst, in actuality, be unhappy? (or vice versa)
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Is Buddhism ultimately nihilistic? Are ascetic practices not just forms of life-denial?
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Is suffering necessarily always a bad thing, or can it be an essential factor and stimulant for self-growth and refinement? Do we voluntarily walk through the fire in a mindful fashion, so as to draw from its benefits, or should we rather avoid unnecessary hardship and focus on becoming content?
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Are there any directly neurological benefits of prolonged meditation? Has there been any research on this?
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How does one determine the actual difference between being in love and just mere intoxication?
Well, although i do have a couple of other questions, i really need to leave for now. As you can surely tell, i'm pretty much content with whatever you are going to share with us!
Take Care!
Managing emotions
I read your blog as much as I can and, to agree with the above post, keep up the excellent work!
Overall, I welcome any topic you choose to discuss but I am particularly interested in your blog concerning the “myth of managing emotions” from May 5th.
A few questions I had on the topic are:
-Do you believe many individuals tendency to anticipate others emotions and act accordingly is an innate tendency or is it learned from others?
-Is managing emotions (from the point of view of the one trying to manage emotions) an attempt to help oneself or help another? Would you say most who attempt to manage emotions believe they are helping a situation by doing so?
-What benefits to the individual are derived by understanding one is not responsible for the feelings of others?
-How has your research on the topic of managing emotions affected your day to day interactions with people?
Many thanks
Well, both of you are too kind. As for your suggestions...I will do my best. Great suggestions...and lots of work for me!
Blessings,
Michael
Bipolar Disorder and existential issues
Thanks for providing this wonderful forum and for your blogs.I find that they resonate within me.
My questions are as follows:
1.How do we accept an illness and seek the appropriate treatment, without becoming too closely identified with it, or using it as an excuse for self-sabotaging behavior?
I ask this because I have Bipolar Disorder( not otherwise specified), and I struggle daily with perfectionism, avoidance,depression, apathy,and procrastination. I am aware of my self-defeating behavior, however, I am often unable to pull myself out of my inertia, to the detriment of my academic and social lives. And this awareness of my actions or inactions makes me feel even worse,because I am keenly aware of the devastating effects of the illness, but I do not want to relinquish all sense of personal responsibility in my life.
2.How can I feel more like an agentive force in my life, especially when I can not tease out whether my behavior stems from the illness, or from my own shortcomings?
I would sincerely appreciate your thoughts on this.
Thanks.
To the Guru
Michael,
As I expected, your articles are genious and fluent. Many of them are more about coaching than discussion, so that is why I have not commented on them.. though I've read them all.
I would love to see you put into words your theory on 'holding space' as I believe any and every person can benefit from this mindset. If it is a form of medition or being 'mindful' then it doesn't feel like it. It's a relatively easy concept to grasp, it just needs to be presented to people. I have found myself regurgitating the concept to the people in my life and because of it, we are more forgiving and open to each other's habits and quirks.
However, it's clear that any topic you choose to discuss will be well versed and beneficial to your readers.
Well done
Carolyn
The Misconception of Karma
Michael,
Most people believe Karma is the magical stuff of reward and punishment.
In Buddhism the word Karma means: "action."
Are you up for More Work? ^I^
Namaste,
Jalus
Being There While Getting There.
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