One of my favourite insights from the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer relates to the human negativity bias, that is, our tendency to focus on what bothers us. As he writes: Just as a brook forms no eddy so long as it meets with no obstructions, so human nature, as well as animal, is such that…
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Negative visualisation might sound like an oxymoron at first. How could something negative be helpful? Well, in short, negative visualisation is a philosophical mindset and a coping mechanism developed by ancient Roman philosophers like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. It’s a Stoic principle, and it can help you cultivate gratitude in your life. (The method actually…
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Living through periods of lockdown here in the UK has been a completely novel experience for everyone and it has presented many psychological and interpersonal challenges for many. This was especially the case during the first lockdown following the surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations – this lockdown, like in many other countries, lasted for months,…
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