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All Psychology

First World Problems

Uncovering the Sneaky Ways We Use Humor to Repress Emotions  It’s a common occurrence for humans to feel like our individual problems are absolutely the worst thing in the world, yet it’s just as common to feel like our problems aren’t as bad as someone else’s and therefore don’t merit the emotions we feel. In […]

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All Psychology

THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN SPYING ON US!

PRISM—Can it bring us happiness? I was surprised by the news, and I felt a bit outraged and betrayed. A lot of people I talked to responded with a hint of boredom. “That’s been going on for decades.” Some felt the need to defend the government’s actions, some felt paranoia, and some made fun of […]

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All Psychology

Ego Honesty

Ego Honesty How Are You Lying to Yourself? (originally published on DailyHap.com on 5/21/13)  Ego honesty is when we think we’re being fully honest for a higher good, but we are really being “honest” just to inflate our sense of self. The Lie of Full Disclosure John shares a rude opinion, despite the fact that no one asked for it. […]

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All Psychology

How to Become Your Favorite Superhero

Whether it’s Thor or Tina Fey, these simple exercises will help you get in touch with your best self Last night I watched Iron Man 3. I love Tony Stark (the character who is Iron Man); he’s brilliant, brave, delightfully arrogant in self-aware kind of way, and he consistently saves the world. He’s quick witted and […]

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All Happiness Psychology

The Secret Health Pill: Journaling

What if I told you that there was a free, secret pill that was scientifically proven to lower doctor visits, improve your immune system, reduce your blood pressure, improve your mood, increase your feeling of well-being, and reduce depression? (1) That it has no negative side effects, and has been proven to reduce absenteeism from work, lead to quicker re-employment […]

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All Psychology

Reflections on the Boston Marathon Bombing

What does it mean to explore your shadow when it comes to people getting killed? “…Fortunately, I have a mirror. We all do. Everything that happens “out there” can act as a mirror—if we consciously choose to see it that way. And lucky for us, the events that we react the most emotionally against (or […]

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All Psychology

Humility and Greatness

“There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.” Today I sat in my car in a Texas thunderstorm talking with a friend about greatness. She wanted to make sure her greatness was tempered with humility. I believe that distinction isn’t necessary; humility is inherent in true greatness. It’s […]

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All Psychology Spirituality

Spirituality isn’t for Cowards

A lot of people think spirituality is for softies, but nothing could be further from the truth. To truly live a spiritual life—which might be defined universally as seeking to embody love (God, Enlightenment, Truth) in every action of every day—takes more courage than anything else in the world. What it Takes A person living […]

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All Psychology

Celebrate Life: At My Funeral, I’d Like …

Also on DailyHap.com Since July, I had three out of four grandparents die. I’m sorry. How you doing? People ask me. I’m very lucky to have known them for twenty-five years. I’m grateful that they lived long, full, successful, and happy lives. I’m fortunate to work a flexible job, living only a few hours away from […]

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All Psychology

Embrace Your Dark Side

This article is Crossposted at DailyHap.com At this point in history almost all educated westerners are aware of the fact that human beings have subconscious motivations affecting our decisions. We recognize that humans often repress negative emotions, thereby splitting off a piece of ourselves and creating a “dark side.” Yet the public knowledge of what this […]

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All Happiness Psychology

The Secret Pill

(crossposted on Daily Hap.com) “Suppose you read about a pill that you could take once a day to reduce anxiety and increase your contentment. Would you take it? Suppose further that the pill has a great variety of side effects, all of them good: increased self-esteem, empathy, and trust; it even improves memory. Suppose, finally, […]

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All Psychology

Please Stop Time Traveling!

This article cross-posted on DailyHap.com What do these have in common? “I’m so dumb, I can’t believe I stayed with him so long.” “I could have gotten that promotion, I don’t know why I didn’t do what was necessary to get it.” “We shouldn’t have played that song, the crowd didn’t like it.” “We could […]