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How language causes fear, anxiety and depression.

Michael Todd

As far as I know I’ve just coined this term “fear-meme”, and so it warrants clarification. A fear-meme is simply a free-floating (non physical) entity that persists within an individuals abstract consciousness – persecuting and horrifying them at seemingly random intervals. Continue reading How language causes fear, anxiety and depression.

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A Sample of my Narrative Interview with Heather M.; Abridged

Michael Todd

A short insight into a future publication … The following represents a 1st or 2nd draft with elements removed of a paper that will be presented for publication in due time. It’s of particular interest to those of you interested … Continue reading A Sample of my Narrative Interview with Heather M.; Abridged

buddhism, capitalism, personality, psychology, self help, society, zenLeave a comment
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“Self Help Gibberish” and “It’s natural to be insane.”

Michael Todd

Both my mom and dad love self help books. As I grew up, they both had libraries inundated with them – for different sorts of reasons, though. My mom was a psychology student; her SH (self-help) books were strewn sparingly … Continue reading “Self Help Gibberish” and “It’s natural to be insane.”

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The “Diamond Sutra” – further abridged, for people with limited time. (Chapters 1-14)

Michael Todd

The Diamond Sutra could stand alone as an entry into the most profound spiritual practice; those who read it – even disregarding other Sutra’s, are destined for enlightenment according to the Buddha. Buddhism and the spiritual descendants of it (most … Continue reading The “Diamond Sutra” – further abridged, for people with limited time. (Chapters 1-14)

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Don’t Assume “God is Love” – the limitations of constructing God.

Michael Todd

People seem to be quite open when you ask them to identify themselves, or their religion, by a name or an affiliation (Christian, Jewish, Protestant, Snake Handler, etc …) … Some people are self avowed “spiritual” people. My analysis of … Continue reading Don’t Assume “God is Love” – the limitations of constructing God.

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Part 1: The simple, 3 step process by which we willingly abandon bliss.

Michael Todd

The simple, 3 step process by which we willingly abandon bliss. Our first impulse, in dealings with others, is to think “they.”  Initially, I was alone. My beliefs guided my actions – my construct of beliefs guided my overall view … Continue reading Part 1: The simple, 3 step process by which we willingly abandon bliss.

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5 well known quotes and why they exemplify Zen philosophy

Michael Todd

5 well known quotes and why they exemplify Zen philosophy   Zen isn’t a religion; by it’s nature it’s empty. The goal is emptiness; emptiness of mind, emptiness of burden, emptiness of the elements of attachment and suffering. For this reason, I’m often flabbergasted at how long winded writers who portend to be writing “about Zen” are, on a subject that was always meant to be “transmitted”. That is, handed over through non-explicit means, non-verbal means. This makes Zen essentially untouchable in the traditional sense; you don’t “talk about Zen”. You don’t “discuss Zen philosophy” or “discuss what Meditation is.” … Continue reading 5 well known quotes and why they exemplify Zen philosophy

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Diagnosing Personality Disorders (Psychopathy), Depression and Anxiety in Youth (Some Discussion of Suicide).

Michael Todd

Diagnosing Personality Disorders (Psychopathy), Depression and Anxiety in Youth As a psychotherapist and a crisis counsellor, it seems that there’s a constant, unceasing background argument that mental health disorders (particularly autistic and conduct disorders) is on the rise. Evidence that … Continue reading Diagnosing Personality Disorders (Psychopathy), Depression and Anxiety in Youth (Some Discussion of Suicide).

buddhism, disability, existentalism, mindfulness, psychology, psychotherapy2 Comments
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Working with young people in Therapy … or “playing the game”. (Sometime’s Poker, Sometime’s Chess).

Michael Todd

If the ultimate (and initial) goal, in therapy, is to initiate a discussion with the client that enables them to better understand and empower themselves … how to accomplish said goal with a young person with “nothing” to say? Psychotherapist’s … Continue reading Working with young people in Therapy … or “playing the game”. (Sometime’s Poker, Sometime’s Chess).

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Venus delights, then forgets; Charon awaits – the river Acheron flows forever … (amor para las amores)

Michael Todd

This was just a fun little sonnet I wrote using classical rules (a true Italian Sonnet); it’s a response to a nice little love poem written by a blogger I follow. You can find her love poem here: Souldier Girl … … Continue reading Venus delights, then forgets; Charon awaits – the river Acheron flows forever … (amor para las amores)

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The “Which Philosopher are You” Personality Test – (Written by M. Todd, Clinical Psychotherapist)

Michael Todd

The “Which Philosopher are You?” Test – Written by Michael Todd (circa 2008) Preface: This is the second of the several personality tests I’ve written. The concept behind it was to choose several of the most prominent philosophers of all time, then, to “tag” them with words and labels that best identified their core beliefs about reality, the universe … and everything. The way I operationalized this was to use actual quotes from them… every question in this test is an actual quote from one of the greatest minds earth has ever known. Having said that, funny anecdote: After I … Continue reading The “Which Philosopher are You” Personality Test – (Written by M. Todd, Clinical Psychotherapist)

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Take my tri-variable personality test … find out of you’re a: Scientist, Philosopher … or an Artist.

Michael Todd

Before I offer you the link to my (first) personality test, you must gave upon my interpretation of … my (tied for #1) favorite philosopher; Ludwig Wittgenstein: Thanks to the software over at okquizzie.com, I’ve been able to begin to … Continue reading Take my tri-variable personality test … find out of you’re a: Scientist, Philosopher … or an Artist.

buddhism, conflict, mindfulness, psychology, relationships2 Comments
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5 Ways to control damage after a conflict in a marriage or other relationship.

Michael Todd

1. Offer the offended party space. For many people, and particularly if the offended party is a loved one, the natural inclination will be to pull in closer … to become even more intimate in an attempt to ameliorate the … Continue reading 5 Ways to control damage after a conflict in a marriage or other relationship.

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Chappie/Blomkamp pander to quantum nerds who seek immortality … summon Robocop, AI, Kubrick and other sci-fi canon.

Michael Todd

Chappie’s moral lesson to us all: It’s not ok to die. Find a titanium suitcase and upload your consciousness – and do it without really explaining how you did it. Continue reading Chappie/Blomkamp pander to quantum nerds who seek immortality … summon Robocop, AI, Kubrick and other sci-fi canon.

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Using the middle ground, chess, and rational problem solving to resolve disputes, and be happy together.

Michael Todd

Even when we do find the solution in one situation, others will arise forever … in waves. They will challenge our will to be rational, and they will antagonize us into using a shortcut solution. Continue reading Using the middle ground, chess, and rational problem solving to resolve disputes, and be happy together.

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“So and So” should love me (the process of inquiring into and discarding useless beliefs).

Michael Todd

If only I had eternal validation and unceasing, unblemished love from THAT person, I would be alright. Examining this, and other bizarre thought we all have (or have had), and the process of self inquiry. Continue reading “So and So” should love me (the process of inquiring into and discarding useless beliefs).

buddhism, disability, mental health, mindfulness, psychology, relationships, social2 Comments
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Making gradual progress in discarding beliefs that control us. The fish and the hook.

Michael Todd

Thoughts, themselves, are very difficult for people to “pass up”. In the CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) sense, long term beliefs. Thoughts that we have that pertain to these beliefs, even for a person who is “enlightened” in many ways, it’s … Continue reading Making gradual progress in discarding beliefs that control us. The fish and the hook.

buddhism, mental health, mindfulness, psychology, relationships, social1 Comment
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How to apologize to an intelligent woman (not including your wife, version).

Michael Todd

It’s possible for a man to have a deep, abiding love for a female that he’s never going to marry or fornicate with, even in site of the woman he has done both of those things with. And, it’s possible … Continue reading How to apologize to an intelligent woman (not including your wife, version).