Van Tongeren, D. R., & Showalter Van Tongeren, S. A. (2020). The courage to suffer: A new clinical framework for life’s greatest crises. West Conshohocken, PA: Templeton Press. This book provides an “existential positive psychology framework” (p. 3) for mental health clinicians whose clients are struggling with issues that have no solution or hope of […]
Two weeks into the pandemic news, I was up in my head—hiding from personal and collective fear and overwhelmed with every logical argument that was available to me: “Those who died from the virus are the elderly and I am young and fairly healthy. There are still no verified cases of virus in the small […]
People around the world have been weighed down by the burden of stress arising from COVID-19. This is normal and to be expected, and many people seem to be struggling well—at least, for now. But some are not. The intensity and duration of the pandemic have inevitably taken a toll on mental health—and, as the […]
We are now living through an unprecedented time. COVID-19, the worst pandemic in modern history, has fundamentally changed life as we know it. Everyone’s life is disrupted. The virus is more contagious and deadly than anyone had expected. There seems no end to how bad things can become. In times of mortal danger, existential anxiety […]
It is most fitting to say something about the transition of INPM staff in this first issue of the Positive Living Newsletter for 2020. It is also an opportunity for INPM members to get a glimpse of some important background work done by our staff members. Caption: Evelyn Tam. Evelyn came to us at a […]
“So if you want to know the truth about the universe, about the meaning of life, and about your own identity, the best place to start is by observing suffering and exploring what it is.” Yuval Noha Harari, 21 Lessons for the 21st Century Today, we often see suffering as unnecessary or unfair. Pharmaceutical advertisements […]
10 Thoughts on the Suffering and Meaning In suffering we find our truest selves. Jessie Burton, The Miniaturist When a person screams in pain, the actual pain is only half the noise they make. The other half is the terror at being forced to accept that they exist. Noah Cicero, The Condemned As long as […]
In the previous newsletter, fellow INPM board member and friend Mega Leung wrote an article about tragic optimism from the context of trauma. Viktor Frankl not only defined the term but exemplified it as a Nazi concentration camp survivor. As Paul Wong (2001) stated, “tragic optimism is predicated on the defiant human spirit, the belief […]
Addiction psychologists generally believe that shame is a bad thing for someone suffering from addiction. Philosophers disagree.
In a democratic society, people are free to choose, but are not free from the consequences of their choices. A sense of responsibility towards the self, others, and a higher authority serves the important function of guiding people to make the right choices. Therefore, the survival and wellbeing of individuals and society depends on the responsible use of freedom.