Darya Sinusoid, Author at Shortform Books

The 3 Elements of Self: Who Are You Really?

What exactly is the self? Where does our sense of self come from? According to Eckhart Tolle, the self arises as a result of the ego’s attempt to eliminate its fear of being nothing by collecting and identifying with material, thought, and emotional elements. Gaining elements alleviates the fear of being nothing because it gives the ego an identity—something to call “me,” “mine,” and “my story.” These elements and our social standing form the mental image most people conjure up when they think of the “self.” In this article, we’ll explore the elements of self and how they relate

How to Strike Up a Conversation & Keep It Going

Do you find it difficult to talk to strangers? How do you move the conversation beyond superficial details and get more personal? When people first meet each other, the conversation typically revolves around their background and what they do for a living. After that, the conversation often stalls or dies out. To keep the conversation going, prepare stimulating responses to common questions. Here’s how to strike up a conversation with a stranger, according to communications expert Leil Lowndes.

The Importance of Empathy in the Workplace

Why is it important to foster empathy in the workplace? What are the consequences of a lack of empathy in an organization? According to management theorist Simon Sinek, empathy in the workplace fosters a supportive environment by combating abstraction through the release of oxytocin. When empathy is absent, people see each other as abstract concepts rather than people. As a result, they focus on their own benefits, rather than the common goal. Read about the importance of empathy in the workplace, according to Sinek.

The Top 5 Nutrition Myths: Debunked by Science

What are the top nutrition myths that most people believe? And how did we come to believe them, especially when information is so freely available? With so much nutrition information floating around on the web, it can be hard to sift out the truth. Nutrition myths are everywhere—your social media feed, your favorite fitness blog, even your doctor’s office. Here, we bust the top five nutrition myths to help you make better food choices starting today.

Eckhart Tolle: Connecting With Your Inner Self

What exactly is the inner self? How do you connect to your inner self? According to Eckhart Tolle, your inner self is pure conscious energy. Connecting with your inner self, rather than the false self-image created by the ego, is the key to achieving a state of perpetual mindfulness. When we’re connected with our inner self, we’re always in a state of mindfulness. Here’s how spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle explains the elusive concept of the inner self and why realizing it is the ultimate purpose of human life.

How to Make a Good First Impression Every Time

How do you make a good first impression? What role does body language play in people’s first impressions of you? To make a positive first impression, you must pay attention to your body language and the nonverbal signals you’re emitting. Even before you had the chance to open your mouth, people have already formed an impression of you based on your facial expressions and the way you move. Keep reading to learn how to make a good first impression, according to communications expert Leil Lowndes.

Why You Should Prioritize Long-Term Business Goals

Why is it important to set long-term goals for your organization? How does focusing on short-term goals stifle your progress? Many leaders don’t even think about their long-term business goals, focusing on short-term profits instead. According to management theorist Simon Sinek, short-term focus impedes progress because it stifles oxytocin and empathy. Instead of focusing on your company’s profits for this year, plan how you’ll impact the market for the next five. This puts your decisions in the context of causing lasting positive change, rather than immediate, temporary success. Here’s how short-term focus stifles progress and why you should prioritize long-term

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

Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek: Book Overview

What is Simon Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last about? What is the key message to take away from the book? In Leaders Eat Last, author and inspirational speaker Simon Sinek argues that a leader’s primary responsibility is to prioritize her subordinates’ needs above her own. In business, this usually manifests as a manager prioritizing her employees’ personal needs above immediate profit. Ultimately, this helps the company—and its leader—to be more successful. Below is a brief overview of Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek.