Models of Grief: Beyond the 5 Stages (Mary-Frances O’Connor)

A sad woman mostly in silhouette in front of a bright window illustrates different models of grief

Are there truly five stages of grief? How can understanding different models of grief help us heal? In her book The Grieving Brain, psychologist Mary-Frances O’Connor explores the science behind loss and healing. From the well-known five stages of grief to the more recent dual process model, various frameworks help explain how people navigate through grief in their own unique ways. Read more to explore how these models of grief can validate your experience and show why there’s no “right” way to grieve.

Jim Camp’s Negotiation Techniques: 7 Ways to Get a Great Deal

Six people in a business negotiation in a conference room with a city view in the window illustrates perspective getting

What makes the difference between a successful negotiation and a failed one? How can you gain the upper hand while making your counterpart feel in control? Jim Camp’s negotiation techniques, outlined in his book Start With No, offer a fresh perspective on deal-making. His approach includes preparation, emotional control, and understanding your counterpart’s needs rather than pushing for quick agreements. Keep reading to discover seven powerful techniques that will transform your negotiation skills and help you secure better deals.

Why Are Humans Never Satisfied? How Feelings Drive Us

A bored woman showing why humans are never satisfied

Why are humans never satisfied with anything? How did we as a species evolve to have cravings? According to Robert Wright, evolutionary science supports the idea that dissatisfaction is a core part of the human condition. He says that early on, simple organisms evolved to use feelings to distinguish between what was good or bad for their survival and reproduction. Continue reading to learn how our positive and negative feelings drive us.

The Grieving Brain: Book Overview (Mary-Frances O’Connor)

A drawing of a sad woman reading a book

What happens in your brain when someone you love dies? How can understanding the science of grief help you cope with loss? The Grieving Brain, a book by Mary-Frances O’Connor, explores the neuroscience behind loss and healing. Drawing from her research at the University of Arizona’s GLASS Lab, O’Connor reveals how our brains create maps of loved ones and must literally rewire themselves after a death. Continue reading to discover why grief feels the way it does and find practical insights for navigating this universal human experience.

The Science of Grief: How Death Affects the Brain’s Maps

A sad man whose brain is highlighted illustrates the science of grief

What happens in your brain when someone you love dies? How does your brain process and adapt to loss? In The Grieving Brain, psychologist Mary-Frances O’Connor explores how our brains create maps to track loved ones and what happens when death disrupts these mental maps. Her research reveals why grief takes time and how our brains gradually adjust to the permanent absence of someone we love. Read on to explore the fascinating—and insightful—science of grief.

Anatta in Buddhism: Why There Is No Permanent Self

A meditating buddhist representing anatta

What does “anatta” mean in Buddhism? Does the idea of your “self” even exist? In Why Buddhism Is True, Robert Wright explains how we view ourselves with the idea of “no-self.” In Buddhism, “anatta” is the claim that what you conventionally think of as your “self” doesn’t have inherent existence. Let’s dive deeper into this concept to better understand how we perceive ourselves.

What Is Complicated Grief? When Mourning Lingers

A sad man sitting on a park bench while other people walk by illustrates the question, "What is complicated grief?"

What is complicated grief? What happens when grief becomes more than just a natural response to loss? Why do some people experience grief that seems to have no end? In The Grieving Brain, psychologist Mary-Frances O’Connor explores what complicated grief is and how it differs from typical grieving patterns. Her research reveals the intricate relationship between our brains and the grieving process, offering insights into why some people develop this prolonged form of grief. Keep reading to discover the science behind complicated grief and learn about proven therapeutic approaches that can help those who are stuck in an endless cycle

How to Strengthen Your Negotiating Power: Start With “No”

A close-up image of a confident and serious man in a business suit and eyeglasses illustrates negotiating power

What makes some people consistently get better deals than others? Why do skilled negotiators seem comfortable walking away from opportunities that most people would jump at? In his book Start With No, Jim Camp reveals a counterintuitive approach to gaining negotiating power: being willing to say “no.” Rather than rushing to secure agreements, Camp shows how embracing “no” can lead to stronger deals and better outcomes. Keep reading to discover practical strategies that will transform your ability to negotiate from a position of strength.

Buddhist Mindfulness Meditation: The Many Benefits

A statue of a buddhist practicing mindfulness meditation in front of a lake

Why do Buddhists encourage the practice of mindfulness? How can mindfulness change society? Buddhism and modern science agree that we’re caught in a cycle of dissatisfaction, and it’s largely because we don’t see reality. Robert Wright says that although science validates this belief, Buddhism offers a solution: mindfulness meditation.  Let’s look at the benefits of Buddhist mindfulness meditation below.

The Psychology of Grief: 4 Ways That Loss Affects Our Thoughts

A sad man with gray hair and beard sitting in a booth in a cabin-style restaurant

What happens in your brain when you lose someone you love? Why do you keep expecting them to come back even though you know they’re gone? The psychology of grief involves complex changes in how our brains process loss. In The Grieving Brain, Mary-Frances O’Connor reveals the science behind common grief experiences. Her research shows why the mind’s responses are natural parts of how it adapts to loss. Keep reading to discover why your brain responds to grief the way it does.