It feels tired and trite to drop the word "uncertainty" in casual conversation. I now cringe when I send messages to friends punctuated with the well-intended but cliched, "I hope you're doing well in these times of uncertainty." Let's whip out the thesaurus on 'em: "I hope you're finding peace in these volatile times." "I … Continue reading Year 3 Cruises To Uncertain Closure (Part One)
Finding Refuge in Teletherapy
Since starting my personal development journey around 2015, I sought to avoid any need for professional mental health assistance. Standing on my own two feet, sorting through my own mental baggage on the meditation cushion, in my personal journal, and on my blog motivated me away from seeking professional help - as if the former … Continue reading Finding Refuge in Teletherapy
Always Hungry
I've been quite busy this week planning some lessons for the Korean English teacher-trainees lately, so I haven't the time to write a fresh post lately. But here's a post I did on my old self-development blog, 일취월장, almost a year ago. It reminds me of my consistent, ongoing struggles with food. “In the early … Continue reading Always Hungry
The Proper Way to Protest? (The Dictator’s Handbook)
(Some ideas here come from this informative YouTube video by CGP Grey) Whenever people stand up and speak truth to power, demonstrating against injustices perpetrated by the powers that be, a similar refrain often amplifies through social echo chambers. “I don’t mind people protesting. I just wish they would protest the right way.” Others express … Continue reading The Proper Way to Protest? (The Dictator’s Handbook)
Interlanguage, Classroom Management, and New Teacher Tips – Interview With Bryan Hale
Today I transcribed an interview with Bryan Hale. Bryan has taught in Korea for many years, and currently works at Yeongam High School. He is also heavily involved in KOTESOL, a professional development group for English instructors in Korea, serving as president of the Gwangju-Jeonnam chapter. Along with some older photos from my college years … Continue reading Interlanguage, Classroom Management, and New Teacher Tips – Interview With Bryan Hale
Chewing Over Adler – Trauma Does Exist
Several weeks ago, I shared my summary and thoughts about the controversial title of Part One of Ichiro Kishimi's best-seller The Courage to Be Disliked. For the first time, I received very mixed feedback on a blog post. While some told me they appreciated the writing and even-handed summary, others vehemently disagreed (and fairly so) … Continue reading Chewing Over Adler – Trauma Does Exist
Round 2 of Teacher Training
After weathering some lazy bouts of writer's block, my best course of action is to write my mind - and lately my second round of six-month teacher-training has dominated that head space. Today, just as most native teachers regain the pleasure (or curse) of teaching students in-person once again, our in-person classes with Korean teacher-trainees … Continue reading Round 2 of Teacher Training
Self-Protective Self-Criticism
Source: Self-Compassion - Kristin Neff Bold italicized sentences indicate book quotes. Why are so many of us so hard on ourselves? It feels counter-intuitive. We want to succeed and become the best versions of ourselves. It makes no sense to self-sabotage with self-destructive thinking. Kristen Neff, psychologist and self-compassion specialist, suggests a straightforward explanation for … Continue reading Self-Protective Self-Criticism
Chewing Over Adler – Trauma Does Not Exist
CLICK HERE for an opposite, measured interpretation. Back in January, a co-worker of mine lent me a book - The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. I crushed it in a weekend, basking in insight while pickling in uncomfortable ideas. But I enjoyed it so much, I cracked open their second … Continue reading Chewing Over Adler – Trauma Does Not Exist
The Perils of Optimal
In the self-help community, the word “optimal” surfaces as a staple buzzword - especially in the introduction to the Tim Ferriss Show. YouTube videos all contain titles that suggest optimal performance tips. “The optimal way to lose weight.” “The optimal way to grow huge muscles.” “The optimal way to study.” “The optimal way to teach.” … Continue reading The Perils of Optimal
