Light and Shadow

Memory

We All Lose Our Balance: The Art of Falling Well

Julie J. Exline Ph.D. on October 1, 2013

The path away from regret sometimes involves risks. Because we’re not perfect, we’ll probably take a few spills. But if we can see in advance that slip-ups are likely, we can try to learn the safest ways to fall in that particular situation—and commit ourselves to getting back up again. These themes of “falling well” came up in my recent surfing lesson.

The path away from regret sometimes involves risks. Because we’re not perfect, we’ll probably take a few spills. But if we can see in advance that slip-ups are likely, we can try to learn the safest ways to fall in that particular situation—and commit ourselves to getting back up again. These themes of “falling well” came up in my recent surfing lesson.

Fear

Paddling Away from Regret: Pursuing a Dream Despite Fear

Julie J. Exline Ph.D. on August 31, 2013

I had talked myself out of it. At dinner with friends, I came right out and admitted that I was going to “chicken out.” I was too afraid to take a surfing lesson. But when my friend found an option that caused my main excuse to evaporate, I was faced with a choice: Would I face the risks of pursuing my dream, or would I choose the longer-term risks of inaction and regret?

I had talked myself out of it. At dinner with friends, I came right out and admitted that I was going to “chicken out.” I was too afraid to take a surfing lesson. But when my friend found an option that caused my main excuse to evaporate, I was faced with a choice: Would I face the risks of pursuing my dream, or would I choose the longer-term risks of inaction and regret?

Spirituality

Spiritual Sunglasses: Sometimes We Can’t Take It All in

Julie J. Exline Ph.D. on July 26, 2013

Intense sensations of light are part of many powerful spiritual experiences. But regardless of whether we see them as supernatural, transcendent experiences of awe, love, or connection can sometimes feel overwhelming to us. Why do we sometimes feel the need to "dial down" the intensity of these spiritual or transcendent experiences, even if we see them as good?

Intense sensations of light are part of many powerful spiritual experiences. But regardless of whether we see them as supernatural, transcendent experiences of awe, love, or connection can sometimes feel overwhelming to us. Why do we sometimes feel the need to "dial down" the intensity of these spiritual or transcendent experiences, even if we see them as good?

Jealousy

Envy: What Good Can We Glean from Such a Toxic Emotion?

Julie J. Exline Ph.D. on June 29, 2013

Envy has the scent of death about it. It seems to creep up, unbidden, from some filthy gutter in the depths of the soul. But even if envy is generally a bad thing, could it contain any seeds that could be used for good in our lives? Before tossing it on the trash heap, let’s see if this ugly feeling called envy contains anything that could possibly be redeemed.

Envy has the scent of death about it. It seems to creep up, unbidden, from some filthy gutter in the depths of the soul. But even if envy is generally a bad thing, could it contain any seeds that could be used for good in our lives? Before tossing it on the trash heap, let’s see if this ugly feeling called envy contains anything that could possibly be redeemed.

I was bummed out and burned out. All that I wanted to do was to keep driving, farther off into the desert, putting mile after mile between me and everyone else.

Attention

More Than Words: Five Ways to Unleash the Power of Symbols

Julie J. Exline Ph.D. on May 1, 2013

Sometimes words simply can't capture profound experiences in our lives—moments that feel close to the heart, perhaps even mystical or sacred. Powerful messages and insights can come to us in symbolic forms: images, dreams, and music, to name a few. But often we aren't sure what the symbols mean. This entry gives 5 practical tips to help you make the most of symbols.

Sometimes words simply can't capture profound experiences in our lives—moments that feel close to the heart, perhaps even mystical or sacred. Powerful messages and insights can come to us in symbolic forms: images, dreams, and music, to name a few. But often we aren't sure what the symbols mean. This entry gives 5 practical tips to help you make the most of symbols.

Religion

Beyond the Rules: Faith, Freedom, and the Chance to Soar

Julie J. Exline Ph.D. on April 1, 2013

Religion does have its share of rules and rituals, and these can feel like a burden at times. On the brighter side, religious involvement can foster self-control, helping people to pursue their goals effectively. The more spiritual side of faith can also help to point people toward the transcendent--where, paradoxically, freedom just might become the rule.

Religion does have its share of rules and rituals, and these can feel like a burden at times. On the brighter side, religious involvement can foster self-control, helping people to pursue their goals effectively. The more spiritual side of faith can also help to point people toward the transcendent--where, paradoxically, freedom just might become the rule.

Spirituality

In Pursuit of Warm Fuzzies: Turning to Faith for Comfort

Julie J. Exline Ph.D. on March 1, 2013

At some level, we all need "warm fuzzies"--a sense of comfort and security. Many people turn to religion and spirituality to help fulfill these needs. What are some benefits and downsides of using religion and spirituality as sources of comfort?

At some level, we all need "warm fuzzies"--a sense of comfort and security. Many people turn to religion and spirituality to help fulfill these needs. What are some benefits and downsides of using religion and spirituality as sources of comfort?

Beauty

Gifts of the Shadow

Julie J. Exline Ph.D. on February 1, 2013

It's true that shadows are dark places, at least in relative terms. But a shadow also implies the presence of light. Shadows form when something gets in the way, blocking the light. Our experiences of shadow aren’t limited to the physical world; they can carry into the psychological and spiritual side of life as well.

It's true that shadows are dark places, at least in relative terms. But a shadow also implies the presence of light. Shadows form when something gets in the way, blocking the light. Our experiences of shadow aren’t limited to the physical world; they can carry into the psychological and spiritual side of life as well.

Spirituality

Surprised by the Light: Lessons from a Junkyard

Julie J. Exline Ph.D. on January 1, 2013

Who expects a powerful life lesson to come from a junkyard? Sure, it's easy to sense spiritual light around us on cheerful, easy days. But what happens when life gets ugly? Sometimes, even when all we can see is junk, radiance can catch us off guard. In my case, an unexpected grace came to me on a plane's descent, after I had been watching sunlight dancing on the water.

Who expects a powerful life lesson to come from a junkyard? Sure, it's easy to sense spiritual light around us on cheerful, easy days. But what happens when life gets ugly? Sometimes, even when all we can see is junk, radiance can catch us off guard. In my case, an unexpected grace came to me on a plane's descent, after I had been watching sunlight dancing on the water.