explorer of things

The Many Layers of Journaling Journaling has many practical uses, especially if you are struggling with challenging cycles. Most folks see keeping a journal as something kids do or as an activity often recommended by therapists. Although journaling is popular with kids and therapists, there are many alternative ways to use it, which we will explore. Before we can explore the different journaling techniques, we need to acknowledge that one key element in journaling — often overlooked— is the physical use of a notebook and pen or pencil. 

The Many Layers of Journaling

Journaling has many practical uses, especially if you are struggling with challenging cycles. Most folks see keeping a journal as something kids do or as an activity often recommended by therapists. Although journaling is popular with kids and therapists, there are…

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Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection There is no mystery that the gut, or technically known as the gastrointestinal tract, is linked to the brain.  The gut-brain connection is known as the "Second brain", also known as a region where vital neurotransmitters are produced in the gastrointestinal tract. The body has a built-in alarm system that gets activated whenever we experience intense emotional reactions triggered by events or emotional recall.

Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection

There is no mystery that the gut, or technically known as the gastrointestinal tract, is linked to the brain.  The gut-brain connection is known as the "Second brain", also known as a region where vital neurotransmitters are produced in the gastrointestinal…

Demystifying Resistance in Mental Health Treatment When it comes to mental illness, many folks assume that the label itself means a person is crazy and completely broken to the point of no repair. The misconceptions of what the term mental illness implies often create a stigma that keeps many individuals from seeking help when struggling with mental disorders. The truth is that mental illness is far from being untreatable.

Demystifying Resistance in Mental Health Treatment

When it comes to mental illness, many folks assume that the label itself means a person is crazy and completely broken to the point of no repair. The misconceptions of what the term mental illness implies often create a stigma that keeps many…

Understanding Relationship Disharmony Relationships can be super tricky. As social beings, we yearn for love, attention, and meaningful partnerships. However, many people avoid relationships due to negative experiences or poor relationship models. It's essential to understand that poor relationship models are not limited to dysfunctional home life but also based on fairy-tale-oriented concepts depicted in the books or romance comedy movies we binge-watch. Yes, our imagination plays a significant role in shaping what we desire from a relationship, often creating blueprints for an unrealistic love life.

Understanding Relationship Disharmony

Relationships can be super tricky. As social beings, we yearn for love, attention, and meaningful partnerships. However, many people avoid relationships due to negative experiences or poor relationship models. It's essential to understand that poor…

Managing Social Fatique Too many of us burn the candle at both ends, meaning we often over-commit to activities and projects that deplete us both mentally and physically. In general, some of us have no idea of how to balance our personal and working lives. In short, we don’t know how to relax. On top of being unable to relax, many of us spend way too much time scrolling online or going out often, to the detriment of our mental well-being.

Managing Social Fatique

Too many of us burn the candle at both ends, meaning we often over-commit to activities and projects that deplete us both mentally and physically. In general, some of us have no idea of how to balance our personal and working lives. In short, we don’t know how to relax. On…

Food and Our Well-being We have become so disconnected from our bodies because we are constantly in a survival and stress mode of operation. We learned to function in dysfunction and typically only take care of ourselves when things fall apart. We tend to focus on our body when it starts yelling at us with pain and discomfort. We feed our bodies food because, without it, we basically crash and burn.

Food and Our Well-being

We have become so disconnected from our bodies because we are constantly in a survival and stress mode of operation. We learned to function in dysfunction and typically only take care of ourselves when things fall apart. We tend to focus on our body when it starts yelling…

Exploring Emotional Connections In pursuing romance, we often go through a rollercoaster ride of emotional reactions such as excitement, shock, and sometimes even disgust when meeting new people. Although we may barely know most people we meet, we often express a variety of internal reactions and thoughts. The emotional reactions we experience upon meeting someone new can lay out the foundation for what may happen in the future.

Exploring Emotional Connections

In pursuing romance, we often go through a rollercoaster ride of emotional reactions such as excitement, shock, and sometimes even disgust when meeting new people. Although we may barely know most people we meet, we often express a variety of internal reactions and…

What is NLP? Throughout the history of Psychology, there has always been an effort to create systems that provide the best clinical results. However, as much as psychology has tried to make one foolproof system, there have always been some aspects of therapeutic techniques that did not help specific individuals manage critical issues. Due to the natural limitations of many methods, someone is always attempting to create a new system that promises to deliver significant results.

What is NLP?

Throughout the history of Psychology, there has always been an effort to create systems that provide the best clinical results. However, as much as psychology has tried to make one foolproof system, there have always been some aspects of therapeutic techniques that did not help…

Grief and Abusive Relationships There are times when we think of someone who is no longer in our lives, even though they caused us loads of hardship and, in some cases, emotional turmoil on many levels. We miss them to the point of feeling an emptiness and sense of grief induced by their absence.  We may even minimize the memories of the hardships and tears they brought into our lives, focusing only on the vacant space they left behind.

Grief and Abusive Relationships

There are times when we think of someone who is no longer in our lives, even though they caused us loads of hardship and, in some cases, emotional turmoil on many levels. We miss them to the point of feeling an emptiness and sense of grief induced by their absence.…

Why Movement is Necessary for All Ages There is a tendency to think that working out serves primarily two purposes: 1. To look good, and 2. to prepare the body for sports. Since some individuals struggle with self-esteem issues, they often view working out for the sake of looking good as an unattainable and hopeless goal. At the same time, many folks do not care to engage in physical sports, and logically, for those folks, working out is unimportant.

Why Movement is Necessary for All Ages

There is a tendency to think that working out serves primarily two purposes: 1. To look good, and 2. to prepare the body for sports. Since some individuals struggle with self-esteem issues, they often view working out for the sake of looking good as an…

What is Dark Psychology All About? When most people hear the word "psychology," they often think of famous figures like Freud or Jung, or their therapists. In general, psychology is frequently viewed as a safe and benign Soft Science that primarily focuses on understanding human emotions and behavioral patterns. Since psychology has become proficient in understanding human patterns, it has assumed a vital role in the development of systems designed to enhance and influence social change.

What is Dark Psychology All About?

When most people hear the word "psychology," they often think of famous figures like Freud or Jung, or their therapists. In general, psychology is frequently viewed as a safe and benign Soft Science that primarily focuses on understanding human emotions and…

Closing Old Chapters When is it time to let go and move forward?  How much must one endure before taking the leap into a new chapter and letting go of stagnant situations or connections?  Some conditions are clearly damaging to our well-being, and justifying letting them go is only a matter of time.  However, not all situations are clearly defined as detrimental, yet they do not bring much joy.   

Closing Old Chapters

When is it time to let go and move forward?  How much must one endure before taking the leap into a new chapter and letting go of stagnant situations or connections?  Some conditions are clearly damaging to our well-being, and justifying letting them go is only a matter of…

Finding Balance in A Polarized Reality Never in all my years in the US as a natural-born citizen have I ever encountered so much anxiety and disharmony being expressed by so many Americans, regardless of nationality, religion, or citizenship status. I will admit, being a brown-skinned Hispanic, I did encounter loads of racially oriented challenges and concerns, but nothing like this current period. For the most part, folks were able to express their dissatisfaction and frustrations without being overly concerned about political backlash.

Finding Balance in A Polarized Reality

Never in all my years in the US as a natural-born citizen have I ever encountered so much anxiety and disharmony being expressed by so many Americans, regardless of nationality, religion, or citizenship status. I will admit, being a brown-skinned Hispanic, I…

Diseases that Mimic Mental Disorders Many physical illnesses are often misdiagnosed as mental disorders because they share many similar symptoms. Unfortunately, misdiagnosis is more common than we realize, since obtaining a precise diagnosis generally requires blood work and diagnostic exams that can be costly and are not always covered by insurance. In addition, medical consultations are often shorter than 20 minutes due to the limited billable hours paid by insurance, which does not allow a doctor the time needed for a thorough assessment.

Diseases that Mimic Mental Disorders

Many physical illnesses are often misdiagnosed as mental disorders because they share many similar symptoms. Unfortunately, misdiagnosis is more common than we realize, since obtaining a precise diagnosis generally requires blood work and diagnostic exams that…

Dating in Changing Times There has never been one consistent blueprint for dating for every culture. Let me explain. Cultural and family values heavily influence dating styles. In cultures that are heavily influenced by religion, dating has been viewed as a pathway to marriage, which is considered a sacred union in which God joins a couple. Of course, the sacred union is established in accordance with the religious traditions of the different communities, which may involve preselected partnerships or individuals of similar faith.

Dating in Changing Times

There has never been one consistent blueprint for dating for every culture. Let me explain. Cultural and family values heavily influence dating styles. In cultures that are heavily influenced by religion, dating has been viewed as a pathway to marriage, which is considered…

The Amygdala and Its Role in Social Engineering Imagine waking up feeling fantastic because you had a great night’s sleep and feel well-rested. Now, before you get up, you decide to check the news or even your social media account, suddenly, a few minutes later, your great mood vanishes before you can even process what took place.  Now, how did that happen? We need to start with an understanding of the brain’s function to get to the bottom of that phenomenon.

The Amygdala and Its Role in Social Engineering

Imagine waking up feeling fantastic because you had a great night’s sleep and feel well-rested. Now, before you get up, you decide to check the news or even your social media account, suddenly, a few minutes later, your great mood vanishes before you…

How the Political Climate Impacts the Psyche The political system is currently operated for the highest bidder rather than the voting individual citizen. As a result, you are seeing divided groups trying to reason with politicians through massive letter-writing campaigns, phone calls, protests, and public outrage. But is anyone paying attention or taking action to consider the psychological aspects of the policy changes that impact thousands of individuals and their families and friends?

How the Political Climate Impacts the Psyche

The political system is currently operated for the highest bidder rather than the voting individual citizen. As a result, you are seeing divided groups trying to reason with politicians through massive letter-writing campaigns, phone calls, protests,…

Medications That Trigger Mood Disorders Diagnosing any type of mental or medical condition can be tricky due to several factors: limited information, medical staff not asking the right questions, and patients’ failure to disclose relevant details. Patients, when they seek treatment, are often scared and often forget to reveal details like the frequency of specific symptoms or health indicators they assume are minor because they have learned to adjust.   

Medications That Trigger Mood Disorders

Diagnosing any type of mental or medical condition can be tricky due to several factors: limited information, medical staff not asking the right questions, and patients’ failure to disclose relevant details. Patients, when they seek treatment, are often…

Relationship Expectations Many of us have unrealistic expectations when it comes to relationships with others. Our idea of happy and healthy relationships typically reflects what we witness as children and what gets reinforced through our social connections. If we are fortunate, we learn how to create healthy bonds that we maintain throughout our lives. Though connecting with others may seem like a happy accident rather than something we can manage, it is possible to create decent connections.

Relationship Expectations

Many of us have unrealistic expectations when it comes to relationships with others. Our idea of happy and healthy relationships typically reflects what we witness as children and what gets reinforced through our social connections. If we are fortunate, we learn how to…

Being Assertive While Remaining Compassionate When folks hear the term assertiveness, they naturally assume there will be some negative consequences, maybe even some angry words exchanged.  The truth is, being assertive does not have to be laced with angry tones or curse words. Being assertive means that you are definitely firm and concrete with your communication, but choose not to express yourself with sarcasm or harshness when conveying your message.

Being Assertive While Remaining Compassionate

When folks hear the term assertiveness, they naturally assume there will be some negative consequences, maybe even some angry words exchanged.  The truth is, being assertive does not have to be laced with angry tones or curse words. Being assertive…

Historical Trauma and Our Ability to Function Before we move further into this blog, let’s get on the same page with the term trauma. According to SAMSHA, trauma is defined as follows ” an emotional or physical response to one or more physically harmful or life-threatening events or circumstances with lasting adverse effects on your mental and physical well-being, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA).27 May 2022”

Historical Trauma and Our Ability to Function

Before we move further into this blog, let’s get on the same page with the term trauma. According to SAMSHA, trauma is defined as follows ” an emotional or physical response to one or more physically harmful or life-threatening events or circumstances…

The Weaponization of the Brain We often react to news reports or social media posts with a range of emotional responses.  In addition, keywords, images, and information will ignite a range of emotions, even in a typically calm individual. Our moods can change instantly due to events we encounter, information we read, or things we hear.  Our reactions are based on a key component of our brain’s computer-like function.

The Weaponization of the Brain

We often react to news reports or social media posts with a range of emotional responses.  In addition, keywords, images, and information will ignite a range of emotions, even in a typically calm individual. Our moods can change instantly due to events we encounter,…

The Predatorial Aspects of the New Age The realm of New Age is not new. It is a rebranding of a variety of spiritual and occult practices that have existed longer than mankind has had the ability to read or write. The root of New Age comes from a strong desire to find answers through a variety of spiritual and esoteric paths and practices. Mankind has always been curious about their personal journey and how to achieve more meaning.

The Predatorial Aspects of the New Age

The realm of New Age is not new. It is a rebranding of a variety of spiritual and occult practices that have existed longer than mankind has had the ability to read or write. The root of New Age comes from a strong desire to find answers through a variety of…

The Mask Behind Anger Our ability to handle anger can often be tricky since we have been taught that it is a negative emotion, and expressing it makes us look out of control.  The fact is, anger is part of us, just as much as happiness or joy. However, unlike joy or happiness, we've learned to view anger as a scary and unpleasant emotion that should be minimized as much as possible.

The Mask Behind Anger

Our ability to handle anger can often be tricky since we have been taught that it is a negative emotion, and expressing it makes us look out of control.  The fact is, anger is part of us, just as much as happiness or joy. However, unlike joy or happiness, we've learned to…

Reviving the Romance All relationships, including yours, have moments that create doubts and make us wonder if we should stay or leave. Relationships reflect a variety of things in our lives, and our partners are not always the reason things become difficult. Our expectations and ability to adjust to changes contribute more to relationship derailment than we realize. Many of us become fearful when change arrives because we assume the relationship may dwindle and lose its loving foundation.

Reviving the Romance

All relationships, including yours, have moments that create doubts and make us wonder if we should stay or leave. Relationships reflect a variety of things in our lives, and our partners are not always the reason things become difficult. Our expectations and ability to adjust…

How To Tell If Someone Is Interested in You This blog was inspired by a public reaction a person had over being rejected by someone they found attractive. As a result of being rejected, they bitterly stated that the rejecting party would be miserable and live a loveless life. Now, the bitter individual got brutally attacked for their statement on social media, which I understood on behalf of the readers.

How To Tell If Someone Is Interested in You

This blog was inspired by a public reaction a person had over being rejected by someone they found attractive. As a result of being rejected, they bitterly stated that the rejecting party would be miserable and live a loveless life. Now, the bitter…

Why Physical Movement is Essential For All Ages When it comes to fitness, many individuals tend to view working out as serving two purposes: 1. to look good in a bathing suit or 2. to prepare the body for sports. Since some people have self-esteem issues, they often see working out to look good as an unattainable and hopeless goal. At the same time, many people do not care to engage in physical sports; therefore, exercising is not considered an essential component of their lifestyle.

Why Physical Movement is Essential For All Ages

When it comes to fitness, many individuals tend to view working out as serving two purposes: 1. to look good in a bathing suit or 2. to prepare the body for sports. Since some people have self-esteem issues, they often see working out to look good as…

Activating Your Inner Warrior Not every battle is the same; therefore, not every warrior has the same personal goals. The inner warrior reflects our needs and desires; however, when our inner warrior is asleep, we struggle to face challenges, lack confidence in ourselves, and are often taken advantage of. Sometimes, we discount our warrior insights because when our warrior self is awake, we are told we are not cooperative, too angry, and troublesome,  and usually by the individuals or social groups that need us to be quiet and complacent. 

Activating Your Inner Warrior

Not every battle is the same; therefore, not every warrior has the same personal goals. The inner warrior reflects our needs and desires; however, when our inner warrior is asleep, we struggle to face challenges, lack confidence in ourselves, and are often taken…

Fitness For Functionality Vs. Appearance Many individuals begin their workout regimens to become thinner, sexier, and more appealing to others. They often start their workout journey eager to lose weight and inches off their midsection and develop the ultimate bikini body or Adonis physique. They join a gym and buy the latest athletic fashion, gym gear, and tons of supplements, all in hopes of maintaining the lifestyle of a proper gym rat.

Fitness For Functionality Vs. Appearance

Many individuals begin their workout regimens to become thinner, sexier, and more appealing to others. They often start their workout journey eager to lose weight and inches off their midsection and develop the ultimate bikini body or Adonis physique. They…