Psychology Archives

Why Is It So Difficult to Be in the Present Moment?

Apotheosis—The Hero's Journey Leads to Nirvana

Why is it so hard to simply be in the present moment? Why do we always seek to drown the present in thinking and activity? If you’ve ever tried to meditate, you should know how hard it is to simply be in the present moment. When you have nothing to do, the mind begins to invent all kinds of scenarios, which rarely lead anywhere good. According to spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle, we resist the present because we are caught up in the endless cycle of wanting—no matter what we have, we will always want more. Here’s why the mind wants

Leil Lowndes: How to Get People to Talk to You

Do you find it easy to strike up a conversation with a new person? What is the key to getting people to talk to you? According to Leil Lowndes, the author of How to Talk to Anyone, people need to know you like them to want to talk to you. However, many people struggle to show others they like them because they focus on making others like them. The solution is simple—stop trying so hard to get liked, and instead, show others how much you like them. Here’s how to get people to talk to you, according to communications expert

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.

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.

List of Cognitive Biases (With Descriptions + Examples)

Why do we feel compelled to eat the entire serving of lasagna? Why do we like the paint brand that has our favorite baseball player in its commercials? Why do we remember our first kiss better than what happened last week? We’re all prone to cognitive biases—quirks of the mind that distort reality in one way or another. These biases don’t adhere to logic or rational thinking. Our faulty perception gets in the way. We don’t see things as they truly are, and we often act on these misperceptions. We all can benefit from recognizing and understanding these biases. Here’s

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 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.

Eckhart Tolle: How the Pain-Body Sucks Your Life Force

What exactly is the “pain-body”? How does identifying with your emotional pain-body prevent you from being present? According to Eckhart Tolle, the pain-body is basically an accumulation of the painful experiences you’ve had throughout your life. When you identify with the pain-body by letting it consume your mind, you’re perpetuating its negativity even further, which traps you in the endless cycle of rumination and prevents you from being present. Keep reading to learn about the concept of the pain-body, how and why it forms, and how it affects your perception and behavior.