Conquering Self-Criticism: 7 Practical Strategies for a Kinder Mind

illustration of a woman critically looking at herself

The vast expanse of the stage was bathed in a soft, inviting glow. The plush red seats in the auditorium whispered tales of legends who’d performed here and awestruck audiences that had once sat there. Alone in the quiet, a young dancer named Elara rehearsed her moves, every graceful leap and intricate twirl etched into … Read more

The Battle Within: Ego vs Authentic Self

illustration depicting two woman, each being one aspect of the same person: the ego and the authentic self

Imagine you’re standing at a fork in the road. One path is well-trodden, lined with mirrors reflecting an image of who you should be—successful, popular, and ever-composed. This is the path of the ego. The other path is less defined, shrouded in mist, but it promises a journey of self-discovery, inner peace, and genuine connection. … Read more

Journey to Your Authentic Self: A Guide to Self-Discovery

illustration of a man hiding his authentic self behind a mask

Picture this: You find yourself in a grand ballroom adorned with crystal chandeliers and golden drapes. The air is thick with the scent of roses and the murmur of masked guests engaged in polite conversation. You, too, are wearing a mask, intricately designed to conceal your true identity. As you mingle and exchange pleasantries, you … Read more

250 Shadow Work Journal Prompts that Delve Deep into Your Inner Mysteries

illustration of a woman with a pen doing writing shadow work journaling prompts

Enter the realm of shadow work journaling. Grounded in the vast landscape of psychological research and centuries-old practices, shadow work is not just about introspection. It’s about acknowledging those parts of ourselves we’d rather not see but need to embrace. Studies, such as those from Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, … Read more

Self-Attribution: A Comprehensive Guide to Self-Mastery

illustration of a woman holding an award

Imagine you’re sitting in a dimly lit room, a single spotlight illuminating a stage where different versions of yourself are performing. Each version is acting out a scene from your life—a triumphant job promotion, a failed relationship, a challenging project. As you watch, you realize that you’re not just a spectator; you’re also the director, … Read more

Practices for Greater Self-Awareness: Uncovering Your Inner Landscape

illustration of a woman's face with deep expressive eyes

In a recent conversation between neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman and psychiatrist Dr. Paul Conti, the two experts dove deep into the question of how we can understand ourselves at a deeper level. They touched on many other aspects of mental health during their discussion, but the part we want to focus on here is the … Read more

Esther Perel on Fitting In vs. Belonging: A Cross-Cultural Dilemma

painting of two women having a conversation

The pursuit of self-love and fulfillment often requires navigating different cultural values and expectations. This dilemma is poignantly explored in a counseling session on the popular podcast “Where Should We Begin?” between renowned therapist Esther Perel and a caller of Pakistani descent. On the show, Perel engages in one-time intervention calls to help couples and … Read more