28
Dec
The Fantasies We Create: Identity, Connection, and the Cost of Authenticity
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By
Sevastra
Humanity has always been drawn to archetypes—myths, symbols, and stories that reflect the struggles and complexities of existence. From the tricksters and lovers of ancient myth to the rebels and outcasts of modern narratives, these figures reveal deep truths about who we are, how we connect, and the illusions we often create about ourselves and others.
This article explores the universal dynamics of identity, relationships, and societal rejection, focusing on the tension between fantasy and authenticity. Using archetypal lessons reflected in characters like the Joker and Harley Quinn, we delve into the human tendency to idealize, the allure of chaos, and the cost of rejecting or embracing societal expectations.
The Allure of Fantasy: Why We Idealize Others
Since the earliest myths, humanity has been drawn to the idea of heroes, villains, and lovers who represent something greater than themselves. We project our desires, fears, and unmet needs onto others, crafting fantasies that fill...
28
Dec
The Quiet Complexity of Motherhood
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By
Motherhood is often romanticised as a universal, selfless experience, but beneath this idealised image lies a rich and complex reality. Naomi Stadlen’s How Mothers Love: And How Relationships Are Born provides a deeply empathetic exploration of this reality, offering insight into the unseen emotional labour of mothers and the quiet strength they exhibit in building relationships with their children.
Stadlen’s work is unique in its approach—it is neither a parenting guide nor a theoretical textbook. Instead, it serves as a reflective companion, combining real-life anecdotes with psychological insight and existential philosophy. Her focus is on the relational and emotional aspects of motherhood, emphasising the subtle ways mothers express love, often without recognition.
As someone with a professional background in attachment, I find this book particularly illuminating. Each time I revisit it, I discover new themes and reflections that resonate differently, depending on where I am in my personal and professional life. In...
28
Dec
Therapy as Transformation: Confronting the Absurd and Embracing Growth
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By
Therapy is often misconstrued as a process aimed solely at symptom reduction—quieting the anxiety, softening the sadness, or calming the restless mind. While these outcomes are undeniably important, therapy, when viewed through an existential lens, offers so much more. It is a profound journey into the core of one’s existence, fostering transformation rather than merely treating discomfort.
Drawing from the existential philosophy of thinkers like Albert Camus, therapy can be seen as a method of confronting the “uncontrollability of existence”—those fears, desires, and uncertainties that underlie human suffering. As people feel safe enough to explore their depths, they begin to unveil aspects of themselves that both torment and potentially liberate them (K. Schneider, 2016). These primordial undercurrents—related to freedom, isolation, and the search for meaning—are at the heart of the transformative power of therapy.
Therapy as a Confrontation with the Absurd
Albert Camus famously described the absurd as the tension between humanity’s relentless...