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...
30
May
Re-Discovery of Being
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By
In this article, I will explore the interconnected existential concepts of being, human freedom, and relationships from the philosophical works of Rollo May, Simone de Beauvoir, and Maurice Merleau-Ponty. I will elucidate how our engagement development structures, particularly through the lens of Merleau-Ponty’s philosophy, can enable the re-discovery of being through a “child-apprenticeship” relations approach. Additionally, I will discuss our collective responsibility in co-creating consciousness.
Understanding Being: Ontology, Epistemology, and Phenomenology
To understand the re-discovery of being, it is essential to distinguish between the ontological and epistemological aspects of being. Ontology concerns the nature of being itself, the existence and reality of entities. It is the study of what it means to be. Epistemology, on the other hand, deals with the nature and scope of knowledge, focusing on how we know what we know.
Phenomenology, a philosophical approach developed by Edmund Husserl and expanded by Merleau-Ponty, is crucial in this context. It emphasizes...
24
May
Whispers in the Digital Forest
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By
In the digital forest, whispers echo,
A nymph’s lament, lost in shadowed glade,
Where screens cast light, yet hearts remain aglow,
In search of solace from the masquerade.
Narcissus by the pool, entranced, alone,
His eyes fixed upon a surface lie,
The reflection of a soul turned to stone,
In the quest for love that passes by.
Echo’s voice, a fragment, yearns to meld
With words unspoken, in the ether caught,
Her essence in the canyon, unquelled,
A chorus of the truths she sought.
In the silence left by social's retreat,
A space for deeper roots begins to swell,
Where pixels fade and heartbeats meet,
A story of reclamation, to tell.
Beneath the veneer of likes and shares,
Lies the craving for a touch, a glance,
The warmth of sun, the cool of evening airs,
The infinite dance of chance.
From Narcissus’ grip, the soul takes flight,
Away from the reflection, into the night,
To where Echo’s voice rings true and bright,
In the realm of connection, beyond the light.
A journey from the...
24
May
The Foundations of Medical Care in Hospitality: An Existential Perspective
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By
Introduction
The history of medical care is deeply rooted in the ancient notion of hospitality. From early civilizations to modern times, the principles of providing shelter, comfort, and aid have shaped the development of healthcare. This tradition of care, grounded in the ethical and moral duty to assist those in need, finds resonance in the existential philosophies of thinkers like Martin Heidegger and Rollo May. These philosophers highlight the intrinsic human capacity for "sorge" or care, which forms the basis for our interconnectedness and responsibilities towards others. Understanding the evolution of medical care through the lens of hospitality and existential thought offers profound insights into the role of caregivers today. Additionally, modern medical ethics emphasizes respect for the dignity and autonomy of patients, which further enriches this discussion. This essay will explore Heidegger's concept of "sorge," Rollo May’s integration of care in psychology, the tradition of hospitality in medical care, and...