Henry David Thoreau: Solitude—but Not Isolation—at Walden Pond

A silhouette of a man alone in the woods.

Was Henry David Thoreau a recluse? How remote was his cabin on Walden Pond? Why did he value solitude? For Henry David Thoreau, solitude served as a major motivation for living in the woods at Walden Pond. He defined solitude as spending time by himself without feeling alone. But, he was no hermit. He left the woods at times and welcomed guests to his cabin. Read more to learn about Thoreau’s time alone—and with others—during his Walden years.

8 Bias Exercises: Clear Away the Clouds Between You & Reality

8 Bias Exercises: Clear Away the Clouds Between You & Reality

Do you know when you’re objectifying people? Are you susceptible to believing lies? Are you a hedgehog or a fox? Everyone has biases, but you can come out on top by recognizing what biases you have and taking steps to minimize their negative impact on the way you perceive reality. We put together eight bias exercises based on works by Malcolm Gladwell, Philip Tetlock, Lao Tzu, and others. Let’s dive into these exercises, which you can complete individually or with a group.

The Mindbody Prescription: Overview and Key Takeaways

The Mindbody Prescription: Overview and Key Takeaways

What are the key takeaways from The Mindbody Prescription? How does author Dr. John Sarno explain the connection between mind and body? In The Mindbody Prescription, Dr. Sarno explains how repressed emotions can lead to physical feelings of pain, a disorder he calls tension myositis syndrome (TMS). Learning these concepts supports the healing process. Keep reading to discover how the mind and the body are connected, and how to diagnose and treat TMS.

How to Be Skeptical: 3 Ways to Identify Bullshit

How to Be Skeptical: 3 Ways to Identify Bullshit

Do you tend to believe everything you hear? Would you like to foster healthy skepticism without falling into the trap of cynicism? Let’s be frank: The modern world is replete with bullshit—a phenomenon that professors Carl T. Bergstrom and Jevin D. West define as the use of misleading evidence to persuade an audience. But, we aren’t defenseless against this bullshit, they argue. Read more to learn how to be skeptical and identify bullshit in its many forms.

Dr. Sarno’s Method for Treating Psychosomatic Pain

Dr. Sarno’s Method for Treating Psychosomatic Pain

What is the Dr. Sarno method? How does Dr. Sarno explain the connection between the mind and the body, and how does that influence treatment? Dr. Sarno’s method involves breaking down the repressed emotions behind physical manifestations of pain. If you understand how this method works, you can start your healing journey. Read on to learn how the Dr. Sarno method works and how you can apply it to pain treatments.

Tension Myositis Syndrome: John Sarno’s Mindbody Theory

Tension Myositis Syndrome: John Sarno’s Mindbody Theory

What are the key elements of tension myositis syndrome? How and why does this condition develop? Tension myositis syndrome, John Sarno’s theory, explains mindbody (or psychosomatic) pain as physical pain caused by repressed emotions. By understanding how this works, you can develop a better perspective on the potential causes of chronic pain. Understand the core features of tension myositis syndrome and how a diagnosis can help you heal.

Definition of Psychosomatic Illness ( + Who Is Predisposed)

Definition of Psychosomatic Illness ( + Who Is Predisposed)

What’s the definition of psychosomatic illness? How can the mind influence the body? The definition of psychosomatic illness is a physical condition, often chronic pain, that arises due to psychological factors and repressed emotions. To understand how to treat these illnesses, you need to understand where they come from. Continue reading to learn more about psychosomatic illnesses and why they happen.

The 3 Components of the Mind: Parent, Adult, and Child

The 3 Components of the Mind: Parent, Adult, and Child

What are the three components of the mind? How do the three components explain the psyche? The three components of the mind, according to Freud, are the parent, the adult, and the child. Once you know what each of these components is like, you can understand your own psyche better. Continue reading to learn about these components of the mind and how the concept has evolved over time through research.

Emotional Repression Symptoms: Chronic Tension and Pain

The Chemical Imbalance Theory Debunked

What do emotional repression symptoms look like? How can you tell if your emotions are repressed? Emotional repression symptoms often include physical signs like pain and tension in the body. By knowing what this looks like, you can learn to recognize and address your unconscious emotions. Read on to learn how repressed emotions affect the body and how to recognize when this is happening.