#BlackLivesMatter: The Courage to Speak Out
Bear Psychology Podcast
In this episode we pay attention to the deep and traumatic roots of Black Lives Matter and unpack the layers of how to respond effectively as individuals and within communities. I dialogue with mental health professional, Ornge trauma team lead and anti-racism trainer, Tom Walker. After the murder of George Floyd the public outcry continues to be a powerful voice that is awakening the world to the injustice of systemic racism that so many have turned their backs on for too long. At this critical moment while witnessing continued acts of social...
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Our Shadow and the Unconscious Mind
Bear Psychology Podcast
"The most terrifying thing is to accept yourself fully" – Carl Jung We'll start by recognizing that we are much more than the surface image we present to others while at the same time exploring why for many, we guard our interior world so very carefully, in fear that others will see us for who we really are. It begs the question – Who and what are we really guarding from others, and why? We will discuss what happens when these facades break down, and what we can see more clearly. By breaking down barriers within ourselves we...
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Pain, Power & the Purpose of Lies
Bear Psychology Podcast
We have all lied at some point, and have likely been hurt by others lying to us. Wonder why do we all do it? Why do some people lie compulsively? Have you ever felt a need to lie to pretend things are better than they are or even to gain power or protection? Have you ever felt ashamed of believing a liar or have been badly injured as a result? We have all been there! Let's talk about this complex issue and explore the Pain, Power and Purposes of Lies. We will discuss the motivation and consequences of lying; how to...
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Frontline Heroes in the COVID Pandemic
Bear Psychology Podcast
We addressed the impact on first responders/front line workers everywhere with two experts Dr. Brad Lindell of NC-CM and AAETS ( ) and Daniel McGuire of CISM Perspectives (). These include emergency room staff, doctors, nurses, clinicians, mental health practitioners, pharmacy staff, grocery staff, those still serving food/drinks, maintenance people, construction workers, and all the people out there showing up to help us continue to function, live, and deal with the demands of this world right now. This is an incredibly demanding time, those on the front line are...
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Your Life in this new COVID World
Bear Psychology Podcast
How are you managing in this new COVID World? "the hope that something good can come out of this collective state of "together, apart."– , Mar 19, 2020 Things have changed so rapidly that everyday life seems like "a surreal life". I walk to work and the streets are empty, I enter my building and no one is in the elevator. I arrive at my floor, open my file cabinet and begin to see clients – although now, every interaction I have is online or by phone. I cancelled all my social plans and now I have Video Zoom dinner parties, visit with friends and family by phone and email, text and...
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What is loneliness: Why is it so bad now?
Bear Psychology Podcast
What is loneliness: Why is it so bad now? In the age of technology, we are more connected than ever, so why do many people still struggle with loneliness? First, let’s define loneliness. Loneliness is need of human connection but not being able to have it. It is a subjective experience and is not the consequence of being physically alone. If you feel lonely, you are lonely. Loneliness occurs when someone perceives their relationships as not fulfilling their social needs. Dr. Andrew Wister from Simon Fraser University believes social media may be partly fueling...
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Setting Yourself Up for Success
Bear Psychology Podcast
Setting Yourself Up for Success “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit” – Will Durant The year 2020 is upon us and it marks the end of the decade. Millions of New Year’s resolutions will be made; however, the success rate shows we just don’t know how to stick with them. We want to share with you the psychology behind starting new habits, changing old habits, and staying motivated. Think of this as your toolkit for setting yourself up for success – not just in January, but every day! Making behavioral changes: Habits are...
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Holiday Stress and Overspending
Bear Psychology Podcast
Holidays can be a stressful time of year. There is pressure to make the perfect dinner, give a great gift, spend time with family members you don’t see frequently, and plan fun family festivities. All of this can leave you feeling stressed, depressed, lonely, fatigued, and underappreciated. The holiday blues is a term that accurately describes the mixture of unpleasant emotions one feels over the course of a seemingly joyous time. Not only can the holidays leave you feeling depleted, you may also be left with an depleted bank account. All too often families feel the need to impress one...
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What is Happiness: How to Pursue it
Bear Psychology Podcast
Happiness is something many of us strive for using all the wrong approaches. We distract ourselves looking for the next big excitement, numb ourselves so we won’t feel emotional pain, seek pleasure in purchases, chase status in position or gaining influence or power and treat ourselves with food that we are not hungry for. Anyone who has achieved fame, fortune, status eventually recognizes that more things and more fame do not create any sense of lasting happiness. So what is happiness and does it make any sense to chase it down? I have certainly...
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Addictions: What we can do
Bear Psychology Podcast
What is Addiction? Did you know that in the United States alone, people ages 12 and older abuse or are addicted to nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs? The percentage among the Canadian population is similar. Addiction is a disease that’s usually chronic in nature. It affects how the brain and body function, and it’s characterized by compulsive, or uncontrollable, drug seeking and use even in the face of harmful consequences. Addiction causes changes in the brain, which can be long-lasting and lead to harmful behaviours. Drug addiction is also characterised as a relapsing...
info_outlineThis episode discusses a key facet of recovery: self-compassion. Joining Dr. Baranowksy is guest speaker Frank Pasquil who offers practical self-help videos to aid in healing with trauma. For more information on his work or to access these free resources, go to his website: http://www.emotionaltuning.com/ Dr. Anna and Frank have collaborated before with an entertaining video about shaking to release stress, which you can find on our youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYAVAA10jjs
The best method for building your self-compassion is practice! Whether it is meditation, yoga, inner self-talk or self-inquiry, there is no one method that instantly leads to success. You have to be consistent and open to the changes it could bring to your life.
Understanding Self-Compassion
Did you know the word compassion means to "suffer with?"
When you think about how compassion relates to other people, it can help you to understand how to turn your feelings inward. When you feel compassion for someone, you're understanding and kind to them regardless of if they've failed or made mistakes. You don't judge them harshly.
When you feel compassion for another, it means that you understand how suffering, failure, and imperfection are all part of the shared human experience. Self-compassion works the same way. It means acting with understanding and acceptance towards yourself. Instead of judging yourself harshly or ignoring your pain, practicing self-compassion means recognizing that it's a tough time and asking yourself how you can comfort and care for yourself in this moment.
Here are the three elements of self-compassion according to Dr Kristin Neff, an Associate Professor of Human Development and Culture, who has pioneered research in this field.
- Self-Kindness Not Self-Judgment
When you suffer, fail, or feel inadequate you can practice self-compassion by being warm and understanding toward yourself instead of ignoring your pain or criticising yourself. Self-compassion means you understand that life is about making mistakes and failing and that sometimes life will fall short of your expectations. The key to not getting caught up in self-judgment is in accepting your reality with sympathy and kindness, thereby allowing yourself to experience greater emotional equanimity.
- Shared Human Experience Not Isolation
Have you ever felt frustrated when things don't go exactly as planned? This is often accompanied by an irrational but pervasive feeling of isolation. It feels as if you're the only one suffering or making mistakes. But, of course, the very definition of being "human" means we're all vulnerable and imperfect. So, practicing self-compassion means recognizing that suffering and personal inadequacy are part of the collective human experience.
- Mindfulness Not Over-Identification
Being self-compassionate doesn't mean suppressing your negative feelings or exaggerating them. Self-compassion is a balanced approach that comes from the willingness to observe your negative thoughts and emotions with openness and clarity so that you're mindfully aware. It is important that you're not "over-identifying" with thoughts and feelings; don't get caught up and swept away by negative reactivity.
Follow this link to learn more about Kristin Neff: https://self-compassion.org/
To check out the line of self-healing audiobooks through Sounds True, follow this link: https://www.soundstrue.com/store/
This radio show was aired on Realityradio101.com on Thursday, May 30th, 2019 at 1 pm EDT