Human Psyche and More

  Embarking on Happiness: Exploring Psychology and Islamic Wisdom Seeking happiness is a shared human quest. While everyone's journey to contentment is unique, both psychology and Islamic teachings offer valuable guidance on how to foster inner joy and fulfilment. What is happiness? Happiness is a nuanced and varied idea, covering a spectrum of positive feelings like joy, satisfaction, and contentment. It's not just about not feeling sad; rather, it's a positive state of emotion marked by a sense of well-being, fulfilment, and purpose in life. While happiness may come and go, having moments of joy and nurturing a general sense of contentment are crucial for a well-rounded and satisfying life. Discovering Happiness in Islamic Teachings Faith and Connection with Allah : Islam emphasises the significance of faith and a strong bond with Allah (SWT) as the ultimate source of happiness and tranquillity. Gratitude and Contentment : Muslims are encouraged to be grateful for...

  The Hidden Pain Behind the Mask of Stability: Understanding Psychological Struggles in Well-Adjusted Individuals In a world where outward appearances often mask inner realities, it's common to mistake stability for psychological health . We often come across individuals who seem to effortlessly navigate life's challenges , excelling in their careers, maintaining stable relationships, and blending seamlessly into social circles . Yet, beneath this facade of productivity and sociability lies a concealed truth - the silent battles of those who bear the weight of inner turmoil. Picture a person who, by all outward measures, seems to have their life together . They thrive in their professional endeavours, their relationships flourish, and they project an air of composure in social situations. However, despite their apparent success, they grapple with relentless inner pain that threatens to engulf them . This internal struggle manifests in various ways . They may find themsel...

  Traversing Trauma: A Simplified Overview Dr Bessel van der Kolk's influential book, "The Body Keeps the Score," explores how trauma impacts our mental well-being, physical health, and interpersonal connections. Let’s delve into some of the key concepts more deeply. Understanding Trauma We often associate trauma with war veterans or survivors of abuse, but its grasp extends far wider. The unseen wounds of trauma can stem from a wider range of experiences , like the quiet neglect of childhood, the sudden shock of an accident, the raw terror of a natural disaster, or the chilling presence of violence. These events overwhelm the brain's natural ability to process and integrate them, leaving deep imprints on both our minds and bodies. It's as if the experience gets stuck, like a record player with a scratched track, replaying itself in the form of emotional distress or physical symptoms . The Body's Response Trauma doesn't just leave its mark on...

  The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: How Negative Beliefs Can Hold You Back Have you ever felt hesitant to try something new because you thought you wouldn't succeed? This happens more often than you might think. When we have negative beliefs about ourselves, they can become like a self-fulfilling prophecy, making it harder for us to achieve success. Understanding Self-Fulfilling Prophecies Self-fulfilling prophecies are like insidious weeds that choke success. They begin with a negative belief, like the fear of failure. This belief then warps our perception, making us expect bad things to happen.  Consequently, our motivation plummets. We see little point in putting in effort if we're convinced it won't pay off. This lack of effort becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy - we under-perform, reinforcing our initial belief that we were destined to fail all along. Examples of Negative Beliefs Feeling like you're not good enough, even when you have skills and accomplishmen...

Tapping into Transformation: How Creative Pursuits Channel Anxiety Writing, drawing, and painting serve as powerful tools of self-expression, tapping into the realm of sublimation—a psychological defence mechanism. Amidst the turmoil of psychological stress and anxiety, these creative outlets offer solace, providing individuals with a socially acceptable means to convey their innermost thoughts and emotions. Through sublimation, individuals are able to channel their pent-up energy, releasing it from their minds and systems, thus alleviating the burden of emotional distress. Unlike verbal communication, which can sometimes exacerbate anxiety, creative activities like drawing or writing offer a unique avenue for expression without the fear of judgement or misinterpretation. The act of putting pen to paper or brush to canvas allows individuals to externalise their feelings in a tangible and cathartic manner, fostering a sense of release and emotional equilibrium. By engaging in these ac...

  Navigating the Storm: Understanding Loss and the Journey of Grief Loss is a part of life that brings many different feelings and experiences. It's not just about losing someone to death; it can also be about the end of a relationship, losing a job, or moving away from loved ones. Understanding the feelings that come with loss and how people deal with them can help us cope better. Feeling Sad After Loss When we lose something or someone important to us, we might feel: Shocked and Confused : At first, it's hard to believe what's happened. We might feel like we're in a daze. Sad and Lonely : We might feel really down and like there's a hole in our life where that person or thing used to be. Angry or Guilty : Sometimes we get mad at ourselves or others, or we feel bad about things we wish we'd done differently. Worried and Scared : We might feel anxious about what will happen next or afraid of losing more things we care about. Going Through the Griev...

The Magic of Mindfulness: Finding Peace and Clarity in a Busy World In our fast-paced world, where we're always busy and bombarded with things to do, mindfulness can be a real lifesaver. But what exactly is mindfulness, and how can it help us feel better? From Ancient Wisdom to Modern Science Mindfulness is all about paying attention to the present moment without judging it. It's like taking a mental break to notice our thoughts, feelings, and body sensations. Even though mindfulness has been around for a long time, science is just starting to show how amazing it can be for our minds. The Mental Boost Studies have found that mindfulness can: Make us feel less stressed and anxious by helping us focus on what's happening right now instead of worrying about the past or the future. Help us deal with our emotions better by letting us notice them without getting too caught up in them. This can be really useful when we're feeling upset or frustrated. Improve our ab...