Darya Sinusoid, Author at Shortform Books

Eckhart Tolle: Thought Is at the Root of All Evil

How do thoughts affect behavior? How does overidentifying with thought cause suffering and dysfunction? According to Eckhart Tolle, thought is at the root of human dysfunction. In his book A New Earth, he explains that our thought elements shape how we interact with the world and lead to two forms of dysfunction: 1) inauthentic relationships, and 2) polarization and violence. Here’s why identifying with our thought elements is harmful to both ourselves and others around us.

How to Show Attraction: Eye Contact Is Key

How do you show someone you’re attracted to them? How does eye contact communicate attraction? If you’re attracted to someone, instead of playing coy, hold their gaze for as long as possible. That doesn’t mean staring though. If you want to show attraction, eye contact should be intermittent—let your eyes bounce between your recipient and back. Here’s how prolonged eye contact encourages attraction.

Simon Sinek’s Circle of Safety, Explained

What is a “circle of safety” in Sinek’s conceptualization? How do you develop a circle of safety in your organization? According to Simon Sinek, a “circle of safety” is a company culture where employees’ needs are prioritized above the company’s profits. By putting your employees’ needs first, you create an environment where they feel safe to collaborate and innovate. Here’s how prioritizing your subordinates’ needs drives collaboration and innovation, according to Sinek.

Eckhart Tolle: Why Is Mindfulness So Difficult?

Do you struggle with mindfulness? Why is it so difficult to stop the never-ending stream of consciousness and simply be mindful of what is happening in the present moment? Being present in the moment is the key to relieving dissatisfaction and anxiety, but our thinking mind prevents us from being present. We have this compulsion to always be consumed in thought—worrying, ruminating, and mind-wandering. According to Eckhart Tolle, mindfulness is difficult because we are caught up in the cycle of wanting. It’s hard to stay mindful in the present moment when you want things to be different than they currently

Body Language: Fidgeting and Guarded Movements

What does it mean when someone fidgets a lot during an interaction? How does fidgeting influence people’s impressions of you? When it comes to body language, fidgeting is one of the things you should avoid. Your fidgeting may have nothing to do with your intentions, but people interpret it as insincerity. To make a positive impression, remove physical barriers and maintain an open stance when you are talking to someone. Here’s why you should avoid fidgeting in your body language.

Toxic Workplace Culture: The Killer of Progress

What are the signs of toxic workplace culture? How does toxic work culture affect your employee’s performance and willingness to collaborate? Toxic workplace culture is a breeding ground for the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol stifles the release of oxytocin, the neurochemical which fosters empathy and trust. When employees lack empathy and trust toward one another, they’re much less likely to collaborate, seeing each other as competitors and threats to their own success. Here’s how a lack of empathy creates a toxic workplace culture.

How to Have a Deep Conversation With Someone

Do you want to learn how to have a deep conversation with anyone? How can you move beyond superficial topics and talk about things that are more personal and profound? If you want to move beyond superficial conversations, you’re going to have to build an emotional connection with your conversation partner. To put it simply, emotional connection is when people trust each other enough to reveal more about themselves—who they are and how they really feel about things. It’s at this stage that conversations move from being superficial to being meaningful. She suggests four techniques to help build trust so

Understanding the Psychology of Social Roles

What exactly do psychologists mean by “social roles”? How does adhering to social roles alter behavior? In psychology, social roles refer to behavioral expectations of people of a given social status, relationship, or occupation. One of the most noteworthy findings is that social roles can make people behave very out of character and even override personality dispositions. Keep reading to learn how people’s behavior and relationships are impacted by social roles.

How to Encourage Collaboration in Your Organization

How to Have an Effective Strategic Discussion

Are your employees unwilling to collaborate? What can you, as a leader do, to encourage collaboration in your organization? The key to fostering collaboration in your organization is to nurture a higher purpose. When you and your subordinates are devoted to fulfilling this kind of purpose, the possibility that you’ll fail to do so becomes enough of a threat to encourage collaboration and strengthen the supportive environment. Here’s how having a higher purpose unites teams.

How to Connect With People on a Deeper Level

Do you find it easy to connect with new people? How do you move beyond superficial conversations and get a person to talk with you on a deeper level? The key to connecting with anyone on a deep level is to show the person that you are like them. People interpret their similarities as a form of agreement that convinces them that their approach to life is correct—this increases their self-confidence and makes it easier for them to relax in your presence. Here’s how to connect with people on a deeper level, according to communications expert Leil Lowndes.