There are moments in life when we find ourselves drawn back to the practices that first helped us heal. For me, that practice is Reiki. Decades ago, while living in France, I had the privilege of training with a remarkable Reiki Master whose lineage was very close to the original source of this profound Japanese healing… Read More 🌿 Reconnecting with Reiki — Returning to My Roots in Healing
On this day, my heart is full of thoughts of you. It’s hard to believe how many years have passed — decades without seeing your face, hearing your laugh, or sharing the simple moments that make life rich. But not a single birthday has gone by without you in my thoughts. I hope life has… Read More Happy Birthday, Dean ❤️
Why someone’s anxiety or irritability can “infect” a room without a word being spoken. 3. Reading Behavior vs. Overthinking Body Language: Posture, gestures, microexpressions — often more reliable than words. For example, a fake smile involves the mouth but not the eyes. Tone of Voice & Timing: Hesitation, pitch, or rhythm changes reveal emotional states. Consistency: People reveal… Read More Infection
It can really feel like they’re rare these days, especially when most interactions seem filtered, performative, or transactional. Neuroscience and psychology can actually shed light on why “real” people feel so scarce: 1. Social Conditioning and Cultural Pressures From early on, humans are trained to conform, please, or manage impressions. This is reinforced by schools, workplaces, and… Read More Real People
There’s solid neuroscience and psychology behind why being around “fake” or insincere people feels draining, and why solitude can feel restorative. Here’s a breakdown: 1. Brain Mechanisms: Detecting Insincerity Amygdala Activation: The amygdala, which processes threats and emotional salience, is activated when we sense deceit or incongruence in others’ behavior. Even subtle cues—forced smiles, contradictory body… Read More Fake
“Why can’t people just be honest?” Neuroscience and psychology actually give a lot of insight — and it’s rarely about “being bad,” but more about brain function, social dynamics, and self-protection. Let’s break it down. 1. The Neuroscience of Honesty and Dishonesty Prefrontal Cortex (PFC): The PFC is the brain’s “decision-making and self-control center.” Honest behavior… Read More “Why can’t people just be honest?”
IntroductionIn a world obsessed with planning, scheduling, and optimization, the idea of letting go and embracing spontaneity may feel counterintuitive. Yet, neuroscience and psychology show that “living in the moment” has profound effects on emotional well-being, cognitive flexibility, and brain health. 1. Flow States and the Brain Flow Defined: Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi coined the term… Read More The Neuroscience and Psychology of Going With the Flow
IntroductionSpending decades in a relationship filled with control, negativity, or financial micromanagement can shape not only your emotions but also your neural pathways. After leaving such a dynamic, the experience of solitude can transform from a source of fear or loneliness to one of freedom, comfort, and self-expression. 1. Solitude as a Neurochemical Reset Cortisol… Read More The Neuroscience and Psychology of Enjoying Solitude After Long-Term Relationship Stress
A very healthy and resilient pattern of post-relationship recovery, and neuroscience and psychology can explain why it’s so beneficial. Let’s break it down: 1. Emotional Regulation & the Brain Prefrontal Cortex (PFC): This part of your brain governs planning, self-control, and decision-making. Strengthening your emotional regulation — like recognizing triggers, sitting with feelings, or redirecting… Read More Emotional Regulation & the Brain
After a long marriage, the brain is neurologically wired for connection.Years of partnership mean: Dopamine and oxytocin circuits have become deeply conditioned around that person. Daily routines, touch, and shared memories activate reward and attachment pathways. When that bond breaks, the brain experiences a kind of withdrawal — similar to addiction withdrawal.Loneliness and loss activate the anterior cingulate cortex and insula, regions also involved in physical pain.So… Read More 🧠 1. The Brain Hates Emotional Uncertainty
