Finding Meaning in Life’s Struggles

Resilience

Still Irish, After All These Years

Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu Ed.D. on March 20, 2024

Diversity, belonging and inclusion are highly personal matters that can separate or connect us with the suffering of others and guide our actions for peace and justice.

Diversity, belonging and inclusion are highly personal matters that can separate or connect us with the suffering of others and guide our actions for peace and justice.

Artificial Intelligence

Keeping the Focus on Humans in Medicine

Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu Ed.D. on September 17, 2023

The mad rush to AI and high-tech must not overwhelm focus on gentle caring for the health needs and well-being of diverse people throughout their lifespan.

The mad rush to AI and high-tech must not overwhelm focus on gentle caring for the health needs and well-being of diverse people throughout their lifespan.

Relationships

Mother's Day for Those Who Didn't Get the Love They Needed

Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu Ed.D. on May 16, 2023

When Mother's Day brings up feelings of anger or resentment, reflecting on the relationship in a new way may be in order.

When Mother's Day brings up feelings of anger or resentment, reflecting on the relationship in a new way may be in order.

Neuroscience

Living in Every Breath, Every Cup of Tea

Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu Ed.D. on May 2, 2023

The samurai believed that awareness—of our mortality, of connections with ancestors and the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms—is a way to live fully in each and every moment.

The samurai believed that awareness—of our mortality, of connections with ancestors and the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms—is a way to live fully in each and every moment.

Health

Art and Well-Being

Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu Ed.D. on November 23, 2022

Experiencing beauty in nature, in viewing a painting, listening to music, or in seeing another's smile may increase feelings of connectedness, compassion, and critical thinking.

Experiencing beauty in nature, in viewing a painting, listening to music, or in seeing another's smile may increase feelings of connectedness, compassion, and critical thinking.

Beauty

Star Trek's Captain on Life and Death as Viewed from Space

Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu Ed.D. on October 21, 2022

"Perhaps we have a chance to rededicate ourselves to our planet, to each other, to life and love all around us. If we seize that chance."

"Perhaps we have a chance to rededicate ourselves to our planet, to each other, to life and love all around us. If we seize that chance."

Education

"I Like You Just the Way You Are": Learning Compassion from Mr. Rogers

Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu Ed.D. on October 10, 2022

To say and to be told, "I like you just the way you are," can be a seed of transformation.

To say and to be told, "I like you just the way you are," can be a seed of transformation.

Friends

Living and Dying Without Regrets

Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu Ed.D. on October 3, 2022

Now is the time for all of us to live in ways that will bring us to our deathbed in peace and satisfaction without regrets.

Now is the time for all of us to live in ways that will bring us to our deathbed in peace and satisfaction without regrets.

Gratitude

Beginning with Thanks: The Power of Being Grateful

Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu Ed.D. on September 20, 2022

By beginning with gratitude we move away from victimization and toward empowerment. We overcome blame and take responsibility for our own lives and do what we can for others.

By beginning with gratitude we move away from victimization and toward empowerment. We overcome blame and take responsibility for our own lives and do what we can for others.

Gratitude

Kansha: The Japanese Art of Gratitude

Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu Ed.D. on May 10, 2021

In the end, the most amazing revelation may be that no matter what has happened since then, the mere gift of life is reason enough to feel gratitude to one’s biological mother.

In the end, the most amazing revelation may be that no matter what has happened since then, the mere gift of life is reason enough to feel gratitude to one’s biological mother.

Forgiveness

Self-Forgiveness Guide

Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu Ed.D. on March 26, 2021

This process might give you an opportunity to find a new meaning in your life, discover wholeness, or feel reconnected to yourself.

This process might give you an opportunity to find a new meaning in your life, discover wholeness, or feel reconnected to yourself.

Identity

“I’m Irish!”— Liberating a Surrendered Multiethnic Identity

Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu Ed.D. on March 18, 2021

How we can empower ourselves and our children by exploring and knowing our family roots, language, and history. 

How we can empower ourselves and our children by exploring and knowing our family roots, language, and history. 

Writing poetry is healing, and when someone dies a burst of creativity may be born.

Grief

Finding Meaning in Loss, Grief, and Saying Goodbye 

Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu Ed.D. on March 4, 2021

"If you are not planning on losing any loved ones, these lessons don't apply to you."

"If you are not planning on losing any loved ones, these lessons don't apply to you."

Growth Mindset

Shrink Mindset: A Child Therapist’s Warning About 'Growth'

Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu Ed.D. on March 2, 2021

Instead of relying on unproven doctrines to make children more like we want them to be, let's use research-based strategies to teach them that they're already just right.

Instead of relying on unproven doctrines to make children more like we want them to be, let's use research-based strategies to teach them that they're already just right.

Gratitude

A Japanese Grandmother’s Heartful Final Message at 111 Years

Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu Ed.D. on February 25, 2021

She had taught me to always be grateful for what I was given. And at the end of her life, it was still the most important lesson.

She had taught me to always be grateful for what I was given. And at the end of her life, it was still the most important lesson.

Bias

Vulnerability, Acceptance, and Courage in Japanese Culture

Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu Ed.D. on February 19, 2021

By recognizing and acknowledging where we are, we discover new possibilities and freedoms within the limits of the immediate context in which we find ourselves.

By recognizing and acknowledging where we are, we discover new possibilities and freedoms within the limits of the immediate context in which we find ourselves.

Stress

Taking a Resiliency Pause

Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu Ed.D. on December 23, 2020

How do you find calm when there is so much stress and struggle with no clear end in sight? I want to share what has been helpful to me and thousands of people.

How do you find calm when there is so much stress and struggle with no clear end in sight? I want to share what has been helpful to me and thousands of people.

Identity

KAMALA! Black and Asian Biracial Identities

Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu Ed.D. on September 17, 2020

“Blasians” like Kamala Harris and Naomi Osaka are showing how identity consciousness is overcome by a sense of identity won in action.

“Blasians” like Kamala Harris and Naomi Osaka are showing how identity consciousness is overcome by a sense of identity won in action.

Loneliness

The Japanese Art of Loneliness

Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu Ed.D. on September 10, 2020

Is it possible to cherish loneliness as a reminder of how much we love?

Is it possible to cherish loneliness as a reminder of how much we love?