Why mental illness contexualised by nondual approaches to liberation is something to take seriously. — I’m fascinated by how self-realization relates to mental illness. Common ailments, such as depression, can’t be exempt from liberation traditions because they’re psychological constructs. Pathways that contextualize these ailments in structures ripe with potential for enlightenment, or nirvana, are exciting. …

True freedom is not the absence of difficulty, but freedom despite difficulty. — Freedom is a spiritual quality. Like love, or peace, or stillness, it is essential, and only truly cultivated within. Equally, freedom, like love, or peace, or stillness, is experienced in the world, or more accurately, through the world. While worldly freedom can be attained, spiritual freedom is unconditional. …

High levels of awareness can catalyze growth, or contribute to mental disorders. How do you find the balance? — Self-awareness is mostly considered a positive trait. More awareness equals more emotional intelligence, more clarity on life’s goals and values, more insight into behaviors or traits that limit potential, more understanding of how words and actions affect others. But can you have too much self-awareness? …

How the lighthouse guided my inner voyage into the conflict between self-discovery and meaningful relationships. — Erik Erikson’s life’s work occurred during the golden age of depth psychology. The Danish psychologist built upon Sigmund Freud’s theories of ego development as a student of Freud’s daughter, Anna. …

Your environment can remind you to apply the appropriate self-care tools when you need them the most — During my 15 years as a self-help junkie, I’ve frequently found myself in the tricky territory between learning a new concept and actually being able to apply that concept to my own life. With much trial and error, however, I’ve made huge strides in transforming behaviors and breaking free of…

A non-linear spiritual awakening through future, past, and present. — The fluorescent light of my mind’s eye flickers as foresight fades. A buzzing oscillation, an electric pang, a plunge into darkness. My future disappears. I am alone, suspended in time, reaching out for something concrete to hold, to escape temporal isolation. All I find is empty space. Is the future…

Inspired by Viktor Frankl’s reflection on deeds done, loves loved, and sufferings faced with courage. — Last weekend I set up an at-home retreat. I set the intention of perspective, clarity, and reflection on the past few months. The idea was to journal and meditate, but first I was overcome by a spontaneous and suddenly very important need to tidy my apartment. At first I resisted…

How grief can teach us to give the green light to processing emotions. — This time last year my aunt died. Two years ago my nan died. It feels strange to write, but these were the first deaths I grieved in a way that feels… healthy. My uncle died after an unexpected and brutal fight with cancer when I was 13. My girlfriend’s mum…

Is dream-chasing a practice of faith in life’s great mystery? — What does it mean to chase a dream? A chase hints at desperation: I think of X-Factor contestants who feel they have a God-given talent, only to open their mouths and insult Simon Cowell. …