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Tag: Psychology

  • Role of Anger from a Soul Mechanics Perspective by Tim Shieff

    Role of Anger from a Soul Mechanics Perspective by Tim Shieff

    In the YouTube video titled “ANGER: Root of Depression, Fatigue, Back Pain, Obesity“, Tim Shieff discusses the role of anger from a soul mechanics perspective. He suggests that anger provides direction, acting as a compass towards finding where we can access our pain and unravel our emotional wounds.

    Tim Shieff emphasizes the importance of accessing and resolving childhood emotions to regain our authentic selves. He discusses how our emotions are stored in our souls and can lead to physical and emotional issues. The speaker advises understanding and compassion for our emotional wounds and deconstructing our facade self as our job. He also discusses the concept of spiritual addictions and addiction itself.

    Tim argues that the root cause of addiction lies in emotional pain or the desire to suppress reality, regardless of the form of addiction. He advises viewers to acknowledge and address their beliefs about anger and connect with their emotions to process them, resulting in positive changes for themselves and the world. He notes that the internet has created more facade personas and the Law of Attraction is a constant physical law that triggers our anger.

    Tim also discusses different approaches to anger and the benefits of owning and expressing anger as a means of addressing underlying issues. He recommends identifying triggers, practicing anger regularly, and connecting with one’s desire for what they want. They emphasize the importance of self-reflection and awareness. The main themes discussed are emotions, self-awareness, and personal growth.

    Detailed Description

    Tim Shieff begins by discussing the role of anger in our lives from a soul mechanics perspective. He suggests that anger provides us with direction, acting as a compass towards finding where we can access our pain and unravel our emotional wounds. The combination of core emotions and the hurt shell represent our inner child, the yolk in the egg is our nutritious substance that gives life force, and the white in between is the hurt self that protects the inner child. To regain our true and authentic selves, Timothy emphasizes the importance of accessing and resolving our childhood emotions.

    Tim then discusses how our emotions are stored in our souls and can lead to a variety of physical and emotional issues. He explains that this can be due to beliefs learned from childhood or negative experiences caused by those around us. He suggests that the fixing the facade self is important for growth and healing, desensitizing us to pain and emotional fears, and that it’s a way for us to suppress reality. He advises understanding and compassion for the facade self and deconstructing it as our job.

    Tim further discusses the importance of recognizing emotions and understanding how to heal from them. He also discusses various types of addictions, including physical and emotional addictions, as well as beliefs and judgments that can lead to these addictions. Addictions, in their view, have a precise link to emotions and often cover up emotions with positive feelings. He encourages listeners to reflect on their own emotional addictions, judgments, and beliefs, which he suggests will reveal similar themes in their lives.

    He goes on to discuss the concept of spiritual addictions and how they can lead to negative emotions such as anger, depression, and addiction itself. Tim argues that spiritual addictions are not necessarily a bad thing but rather a symptom of emotional pain or a desire for comfort and satisfaction. He explains that the root cause of addiction lies in emotional pain or the desire to suppress fear, regardless of the form of addiction. He also discusses the main reasons for anger, which include entitlement, and how it can be used to take back power and control a situation.

    Later Tim Shieff addresses the concept of anger and its relationship to depression, fatigue, back pain, and obesity. He argues that anger is often a response to feelings of unloved, untrusted, or disrespected, and that it can lead to a cycle of pain and sadness if not addressed. He suggests that softening to these feelings and recognizing the pain below can lead to positive changes, both for oneself and the world. He also cautions against reacting to anger with aggression or manipulation, as this can lead to physical issues and damage relationships.

    After that, Tim discusses how organs are connected to other things and how skin issues, chronic fatigue, weight gain, and depression can be linked to suppressed anger. Suppressed anger can lead to addiction and can be a major cause of depression. The speaker notes that the internet has created more facade personas and suggests that the Law of Attraction is a constant physical law that triggers our anger. He discusses the need to acknowledge and address our beliefs about anger and suggests that taking action and engaging with others can help us process our emotions.

    When discussing different approaches to anger, the first approach suggested is to wear a mask and put on a smile to appear happy and not angry to others. The second approach is to own one’s anger and express it, but not project it on others. Tim emphasizes the importance of finding a private place to express one’s anger and not attacking or hurting themselves. He also mentions different techniques to get anger out, such as punching a bag or a baseball mat or screaming and punching a pillow.

    Tim then discusses the benefits of owning and expressing anger as a means of addressing underlying issues. He recommends identifying triggers, practicing anger regularly, and connecting with one’s desire for what they want. He also emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and awareness. Tim acknowledges that others may judge their actions, but encourages viewers to explain their practice to those around them and to not care about their judgement.

    At the end, Tim Shieff discusses the concept of emotions and how working through anger can lead to understanding and coping with sadness, grief, and other difficult emotions. He also mentions the importance of being aware of emotions and how connecting with them can lead to personal growth and healing. Tim also shares personal experiences with his own emotions and recommends resources for further learning and growth.

    YouTube Video

  • Evolutionary Basis of Anxiety and Depression

    Evolutionary Basis of Anxiety and Depression

    Evolutionary psychologist Ed Hagen talks about the evolutionary basis of anxiety and depression, explaining that depression is a response to adversity that can signal to others that help is needed, while anxiety is a response to uncertainty that helps individuals anticipate threat and take precautionary measures. Hagen discusses the sex differences in depression rates, suggesting that depression may be more prevalent in physically weaker individuals, as upper body strength is associated with resolving social conflicts in one’s favor and thus reducing the likelihood of depression.

    Additionally, Hagen explains how postpartum depression is a cue that a mother lacks social support, and how symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation are signals that something is wrong and help is needed. Finally, Hagen emphasizes the importance of empirical testing in evolutionary psychology, citing the example of music and dance as possible adaptations that evolved to allow for social bonding and tribal cohesion.

    Ed Hagen further explains that music might have originated as a way to signal to potential allies that one’s group is a high-quality coalition. This hypothesis suggests that engaging in activities that increase biological fitness, like mastering music and sending such signals, creates a psychological state change that makes us feel good and encourages us to continue engaging in these activities that benefit us and our group. Therefore, Hagen proposes that music may have evolved to serve a social function, explaining why it has persisted in human societies throughout history.

    You can learn more about Ed Hagen HERE.

    00:00:00

    In this section, the guest speaker explains that their hypothesis was that the sex difference in depression is really a strength difference, not a sex difference. When they controlled for upper body strength, the sex difference in depression diminished and actually went away in some of their analyzes, suggesting that once you control for the differences in strength between the sexes, there is no longer a sex difference in depression. They found that stronger people are less likely to become depressed, and physically weaker people are more likely to be depressed. Additionally, the guest speaker explains the evidence that suggests depression is caused by adversity, and that depression should be understood through an evolutionarily adaptive lens, as it is a reaction to adversity and is an extreme form of sadness or psychic pain. In the same way, physical pain is a signal that something that could harm your biological fitness is happening, and depression is a signal that something wrong is happening in your social context, causing harm to one’s biological fitness.

    00:05:00

    spotted something that would have prevented his death. In this section, Ed Hagen discusses the evolutionary explanation for why depression may cause individuals to act the way they do, including symptoms such as low energy, lack of motivation, and even anti-social behavior. He suggests that depression may be a coping mechanism for psychological pain caused by adversity that is not easily fixed, requiring individuals to shift their cognitive resources to think through problems. Hagen argues that rumination is a major component of depression and that individuals may need to take time to themselves to figure out how to address the situation that caused the adversity.

    00:10:00

    In this section of the video, evolutionary psychologist Ed Hagen discusses how depression and anxiety may serve a functional purpose in signaling to others that help is needed. He uses the example of his mother’s depression after his father’s death, which led her to become hyper-aware of potential health issues in her family members. Although her depression did not bring her husband back, it potentially helped her notice health problems and save her son’s life by pushing him to get a colonoscopy. Hagen also notes that depression and physical pain both require help from others, and that the physical manifestations of depression, such as facial expressions, may serve as signals to others that help is needed.

    00:15:00

    In this section, the speaker discusses the sex differences in depression rates, stating that women are about twice as likely to experience depression as men. While there have been many theories about why this is, one factor that he highlights is that depression is intertwined with social conflict and anger, both of which are common triggers for depression. Additionally, the speaker’s research group found that the sex difference in depression rates is, in fact, a strength difference, rather than a sex difference, and that once the difference in upper body strength is controlled for, there is no longer a sex difference in depression rates. Lastly, while physical exercise has been shown to help with depression, the direction of causation is still not fully understood.

    00:20:00

    In this section, Ed Hagen discusses the relationship between upper body strength and depression. He explains that hand grip strength is a good indicator of upper body strength, which is in turn associated with prevailing in physical fights. Social conflicts, which are intertwined with depression, can be resolved in the favor of those with greater upper body strength, and therefore they are less likely to become depressed. However, this association is not necessarily about having to engage in physical fights, but about being more likely to prevail in conflicts, leading to better outcomes. Hagen also talks about the gender differences in suicide rates, with men being more successful in their attempts due to their extra degree of lethality and strength, while women attempt suicide at a higher rate.

    00:25:00

    In this section, Ed Hagen discusses the phenomenon of suicide attempts and argues that the phenomenon of interest is the attempt, not the success. He explains that the suicide deaths are unintended and accidental consequences of making an attempt to signal that you are in need and have suffered adversity. Hagen suggests that suicidal behavior is a credible signal of need that can convince skeptical social partners that a person genuinely needs their help. He explains that the suicide attempt is a behavior that is often private and difficult to prove, and there is a conflict of interest between the signal sender and receiver. Therefore, suicidal behavior can be an honest signal of need. Hagen suggests that the sex difference in suicide may be cultural, as men are more likely to use guns.

    00:30:00

    In this section, Ed Hagen discusses the potential benefits of convincing social partners of the truthfulness of a young woman’s sexual harassment or abuse claim, outweighing the potential risks, such as suicide, associated with coming forward. Hagen notes that due to the physical formidability difference between men and women, a young woman may not have the ability to stop her abuser by herself, needing help from social partners. The discussion of suicidal behaviors in the ethnographic record reveals that cases are predominately female, but it is not clear if men ancestrally took riskier forms of suicidal behavior. However, if this were true, it could be attributed to an evolutionary mismatch between the tools that men have now, making them more successful at suicide attempts.

    00:35:00

    In this section, evolutionary psychologist Ed Hagen discusses the onset of depression and suicidal tendencies and how they occur when individuals transition from the juvenile to adult reproductive phase of life, during intense mating and resource competition. While the suicidal behavior becomes less frequent as people age, the risk of successful suicide completions increases. Hagen notes that there is no clear explanation as to why older individuals engage in riskier behaviors, but suggests that it could be a combination of needing to engage in costlier signals to convince others to provide help, especially as aging individuals become more physically vulnerable to other causes of mortality. Finally, he mentions that there is no clear link between suicide and intelligence.

    00:40:00

    In this section, evolutionary psychologist Ed Hagen discusses the concept of within-species variation in intelligence and highlights the lack of a good proxy to measure it. He then dives into his research on postpartum depression, which he sees as a cue that a new mother is lacking social support, a crucial factor in the cooperative breeding system of humans’ ancestors. The lack of this support triggers psychic pain to help the mother start thinking about ways to get the required support and care for the newborn. The absence of social support could imply a tough environment, where viability of the offspring is uncertain, leading to postpartum depression as an adaptive mechanism to prevent harm to the child.

    00:45:00

    In this section, Hagen discusses postpartum depression and how it is a signal to others that a mother needs extra help in raising a baby. Hagen argues that a lot of the symptoms of postpartum depression arise because mothers do not get the help they need from family or society. Mothers should use costly signals to convince people that they are genuinely in need of help, as not getting help may negatively impact the health and fitness of the child. Moreover, Hagen discusses how suicidal ideation and depression can be seen as signals that something is wrong and that help is needed. Hagen also explains how evolutionary psychology is not racist, as the discipline argues that all humans share unique cognitive abilities due to the brain expansion that occurred when humans were still in Africa- thousands of years before the emergence of race.

    00:50:00

    In this section, the speaker discusses the idea of population differences in intelligence and how it is a controversial topic. He argues that while there are physiological differences between populations, any psychological differences are likely to be very minor. However, he acknowledges that there are some who are interested in exploring the possibility of psychological differences between populations, despite it not being a part of mainstream evolutionary psychology. He cautions against using a National IQ database to draw conclusions, as the data is extremely problematic and unreliable. The speaker also defends the use of Just So Stories in evolutionary psychology, but emphasizes the need to test these stories with empirical research. He cites the example of the hypothesis that mating preferences might vary across menstrual cycles, which failed to pan out in research.

    00:55:00

    In this section, Ed Hagen discusses the importance of empirical testing in science, and how many theories fail to get support in the long run. He then moves on to discuss his research regarding the evolutionary nature of music and dance, which he believes can be explained by the concept of precise synchronization as a signal of coalition quality. By practicing and performing music together, individuals can demonstrate their willingness to cooperate and work together effectively, making it a possible adaptation that evolved to allow for tribal cohesion and social bonding.

    01:00:00

    In this section, Ed Hagen argues that music might have originated as a way to signal to potential allies that one’s group is a high-quality coalition worth allying with. Engaging in activities that increase biological fitness, like mastering music and sending such signals, creates a psychological state change that makes us feel good. This encourages us to continue engaging in these activities that benefit us and our group. Hagen suggests that music may have evolved to serve a social function, which explains why it has persisted in human societies throughout history.

    YouTube Video

  • Ed Hagen: Exploring the Depths of Evolutionary Psychology

    Ed Hagen: Exploring the Depths of Evolutionary Psychology

    Evolutionary psychology is a fascinating field that seeks to understand the human mind and behavior through the lens of evolutionary biology. One prominent figure in this domain is Ed Hagen, a distinguished evolutionary psychologist whose insightful research has shed light on various aspects of human cognition, emotions, and social behavior. Hagen’s innovative work has made significant contributions to the field, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the evolutionary roots of human psychology.

    Biography:

    Edward Hagen, commonly known as Ed Hagen, was born in 1967. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and later earned his Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of New Mexico. Currently, he is a professor of evolutionary anthropology at Washington State University. Hagen’s passion for understanding human behavior through an evolutionary lens has driven his career, and he has emerged as a leading voice in the field of evolutionary psychology.

    Achievements:

    Throughout his career, Ed Hagen has achieved numerous accolades for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of evolutionary psychology. His work has garnered recognition and praise from peers, making him a highly respected figure in the academic community.

    Research Contributions:

    1. Evolution of Human Social Behavior: Hagen’s research focuses on understanding the evolutionary origins of human social behavior. He has explored various aspects, including cooperation, competition, and mate choice, shedding light on the underlying adaptive mechanisms that have shaped these behaviors over time. Hagen’s research emphasizes the importance of understanding human behavior in the context of evolutionary history and adaptive functions.
    2. Evolutionary Medicine: Another area of expertise for Ed Hagen lies in the intersection of evolutionary biology and medicine. He has conducted extensive research on topics such as the evolutionary roots of mental health disorders, the impact of infectious diseases on human behavior, and the evolutionary basis of reproductive strategies. Hagen’s work in this field has significant implications for understanding the origins of various health conditions and developing effective intervention strategies.
    3. Cultural Evolution: Hagen has also made noteworthy contributions to the study of cultural evolution, examining how cultural practices and beliefs evolve over time. By integrating evolutionary theory with anthropology and psychology, he has explored the complex interactions between genes, culture, and human behavior. Hagen’s research in this area provides valuable insights into the adaptive nature of cultural practices and their influence on individual and group behavior.

    Conclusion:

    Ed Hagen’s remarkable career as an evolutionary psychologist has made a profound impact on our understanding of human behavior and psychology. Through his research, he has deepened our knowledge of the evolutionary origins of social behavior, shed light on the connection between biology and mental health, and provided insights into the adaptive nature of culture. Hagen’s contributions have not only expanded our theoretical understanding but also have practical implications for fields such as medicine, anthropology, and psychology.

    As evolutionary psychology continues to evolve, researchers like Ed Hagen serve as guiding lights, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and uncovering the hidden intricacies of human behavior. With his innovative research and dedication to the field, Hagen’s contributions will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of evolutionary psychology and inspire new generations of researchers to explore the depths of the human mind.

  • Science, Pseudoscience, and Skepticism with Carl Sagan

    Science, Pseudoscience, and Skepticism with Carl Sagan

    The video is an interview with Carl Sagan, a renowned astronomer and science educator, about the importance of science and the dangers of pseudoscience and superstition. He discusses his latest book, “The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark“, which explores the growing fascination in the United States with pseudoscientific and supernatural beliefs that threaten to undermine true science.

    Carl Sagan argues that scientific literacy is crucial in a society based on science and technology, and that without it, we risk a combustible mixture of ignorance and power that could have disastrous consequences. He also criticizes the lack of scientific education in politics and the government, as well as the influence of religion on scientific issues.

    Sagan discusses the work of Dr. John Mack, a psychiatrist who believed in the reality of UFO abductions, and expresses his skepticism towards Mack and other belief systems that lack adequate evidence.

    Lastly, Sagan briefly touches on the possibility of unknown species or animals, such as the Loch Ness Monster, but emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific evidence before accepting such claims.

    This is the full interview of Carl Sagan’s last appearance on the Charlie Rose show. Sagan’s expertise as an astronomer shines through as he stresses the importance of scientific thinking and an open-minded approach to the unknown. This interview provides a valuable insight into Sagan’s views on science and society, making it a must-watch for those interested in these topics.

    Bullet Points

    • Carl Sagan is a prominent astronomer known for his PBS series “Cosmos” and his book “The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark.”
    • The document discusses the United States’ and the world’s growing fascination with pseudoscience and superstition, which Sagan argues threatens to undermine true science.
    • Sagan is critical of religious fundamentalists who deny scientific facts in favor of faith-based beliefs.
    • Sagan believes that a lack of scientific education and understanding among the general population, as well as among lawmakers, is a dangerous trend.
    • The document also touches on Sagan’s personal experiences with hearing his deceased parents’ voices, but he believes they were the result of auditory hallucinations.

    Carl Sagan Quotes

    “One of the saddest lessons of history is this: If we’ve been bamboozled long enough we tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle. We’re no longer interested in finding out the truth. The bamboozle has captured us. It is simply to painful to acknowledge, even to ourselves, that we’ve been taken. Once you give a charlatan power over you, you almost never get it back.”

    ~ Carl Sagan

    In the given context information, Carl Sagan is discussing his concerns about the growing fascination with pseudoscience, superstitions, and fundamentalist zealotry, which he believes threatens to undermine true science. He argues that in a society based on science and technology, it is crucial for the general public to understand it and ask skeptical questions to avoid being taken advantage of by charlatans who use emotional force and belief in the absence of evidence to manipulate people.

    The quote highlights one of the saddest lessons of history, which is that once people have been bamboozled or deceived for a long enough time, they tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle and become captured by it. They are no longer interested in finding out the truth and acknowledging that they have been taken. This gives charlatans or those who use emotional force and manipulation power over people, which is difficult to regain once lost.

    Sagan’s point seems to be that people must be vigilant about critical thinking and questioning in all aspects of life, especially with scientific claims, to avoid being gullible and susceptible to manipulation. It is essential to acknowledge the limitations of human knowledge and to seek evidence to support claims, rather than relying solely on belief or emotion. Failure to do so can lead to misguided decisions, both personal and societal, with long-term consequences.

    “Better by far, to embrace a hard truth than a reassuring fable.”

    ~ Carl Sagan

    In this quote, Carl Sagan is emphasizing the importance of accepting scientific evidence and knowledge that may be difficult to acknowledge rather than believing in comforting but baseless beliefs. He argues that rejecting evidence in favor of belief can be harmful, especially when it comes to decision making about societal issues that are based on science and technology.

    Sagan sees science not just as a collection of established facts, but also as a way of thinking skeptically, asking questions, and accommodating to the universe’s reality rather than clinging to false beliefs.

    He also warns against the danger of religious literalism, which can lead to ignoring scientific evidence in favor of dogmatic adherence to faith-based beliefs.

    In this context, Sagan urges people to prioritize evidence-based hard truths over comforting but unsupported fables in order to make informed decisions and better understand the universe.

    Let’s Sing Along

    (Verse 1)

    Carl Sagan was a star astronomer,
    Bringing the cosmos to our living rooms,
    His latest work was about pseudoscience,
    Threatening to undermine true science.

    (Hook)

    Americans flunk science,
    We need to understand,
    Science and technology,
    Propelling us forward.

    (Verse 2)

    He’s a professor of astronomy,
    And director of planetary studies,
    He’s a co-founder of Planetary Society,
    A space interest group that’s the largest of its kind.

    (Hook)

    Americans flunk science,
    We need to understand,
    Science and technology,
    Propelling us forward.

    (Bridge)

    Science is a way of thinking,
    Skeptically interrogating the universe,
    We need to ask skeptical questions,
    To prevent being duped by charlatans.

    (Hook)

    Americans flunk science,
    We need to understand,
    Science and technology,
    Propelling us forward.

    YouTube Video