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The Secular Shepherd

The human in us

Friends
Montaigne’s 7 Musings on a Life Well-Lived

Erik M. Gregory Ph.D. on May 5, 2018

The more things change the more they stay the same: Reflections, and guidance on a live well-lived by a 16th century philosopher's down-to-earth essays.

The more things change the more they stay the same: Reflections, and guidance on a live well-lived by a 16th century philosopher's down-to-earth essays.

Fear
The Walking Traumatized: Is This Life in the 21st Century?

Erik M. Gregory Ph.D. on July 17, 2016

Is the 21st century the era of the Walking Traumatized. Ongoing acts of terrorism with 24/7 news and social media coverage would indicate that the answer is yes.

Is the 21st century the era of the Walking Traumatized. Ongoing acts of terrorism with 24/7 news and social media coverage would indicate that the answer is yes.

Philosophy
A 500-Year-Old Philosopher's Advice on Life

Erik M. Gregory Ph.D. on May 13, 2016

"All I know is that I know nothing, and I am not even sure about that," wrote Michel de Montaigne more than 500 years ago. What applied then continues to apply today.

"All I know is that I know nothing, and I am not even sure about that," wrote Michel de Montaigne more than 500 years ago. What applied then continues to apply today.

Anxiety
When Life Can Open Up

Erik M. Gregory Ph.D. on March 17, 2016

Existentialism asks one to consider actions towards a well-lived life. And to understand that anxiety and pain will be part of that path.

Existentialism asks one to consider actions towards a well-lived life. And to understand that anxiety and pain will be part of that path.

Depression
When Life Feels Dark

Erik M. Gregory Ph.D. on February 29, 2016

Talking about despair does not have to be avoided. Stepping into the discussion and supporting others offers a shift from no hope to hope.

Talking about despair does not have to be avoided. Stepping into the discussion and supporting others offers a shift from no hope to hope.

Cross-Cultural Psychology
Millennials to the Rescue

Erik M. Gregory Ph.D. on November 17, 2015

How are millennials leading the charge to constructive social change? They are moving away from traditional social approaches to categorization of people (and hence marginalization) to increased inclusion increasing the possible health and well-being of others.

How are millennials leading the charge to constructive social change? They are moving away from traditional social approaches to categorization of people (and hence marginalization) to increased inclusion increasing the possible health and well-being of others.

Gratitude
A Spoon Full of Sugar Makes the Medicine Go Down

Erik M. Gregory Ph.D. on October 20, 2015

One hundred years ago the average American consumed 4 pounds of sugar per year; today that number is 150 to 175 pounds of sugar per year. Can gratitude move us away from extreme ways of living and promote happiness?

One hundred years ago the average American consumed 4 pounds of sugar per year; today that number is 150 to 175 pounds of sugar per year. Can gratitude move us away from extreme ways of living and promote happiness?

Self-Harm
Send Me No Roses

Erik M. Gregory Ph.D. on September 11, 2015

Making sense of death and dying. How death inspired odd traditions like: cloaking mirrors, cutting locks of hair, and making death masks.

Making sense of death and dying. How death inspired odd traditions like: cloaking mirrors, cutting locks of hair, and making death masks.

Health
Humanism: To Think Is to Act

Erik M. Gregory Ph.D. on June 30, 2015

Humanism: Moving towards pre-frontal cortex functioning and moving away from reptilian brain functioning

Humanism: Moving towards pre-frontal cortex functioning and moving away from reptilian brain functioning