The ways symbolism and narrative truth changed my way of thinking — Nowadays, it’s quite common for people to condemn religious practices, as they consider them weapons of mass brainwash and corruption. For instance, Christianity has been accused of bloodshed, wars, witch hunting, unfair inquisitions, and obstruction of scientific truth. …

What matters in the end, really? — It’s become a cliche by now but I’m going to say it anyway: Covid-19 was harsh, and still is. In one way or another, all of us were forced to change our lives, isolate ourselves, and maybe even fight for our lives. …

Words about what we can and cannot change — As a future clinician, I become really intrigued by movies that depict the journey of addicted individuals towards redemption, like The Way Back, starring the infamous Ben Affleck. The movie left me exhilarated enough to make my own research regarding AA meetings and twelve-step programs. While I consider myself anything…

Axioms that laid the foundation of my upbringing — I was recently allured once more by the astounding work of the Canadian clinical psychologist, Jordan B. Peterson, in his book 12 Rules For Life: An Antidote to Chaos. This piece manages to illuminate, articulate and inspire in a constant manner. It always leaves me curious and intrigued about the…

How I made the most out of a short-term enclosure — In November 2020, at age 21, I got infected with the coronavirus. The announcement was followed by a few minutes of silence. I was almost ready to jump into my clothes, pack up my luggage and take the first bus back to my hometown. I got entrenched by fear for…

And how to reconcile them — “You have everything but one thing: madness. A man needs a little madness or else — he never dares cut the rope and be free.” -Nikos Kazantzakis, Zorba the Greek These were the words that Zorba uttered to his boss, Kazantzakis, in the infamous Greek novel, Zorba the Greek. In…

You may be unaware of these heuristics and cognitive biases — ‘I think, therefore I am’ — Rene Descartes That was the philosophical statement I used in the past to obliterate radical doubt. I thought that our brain was an organ created to seek the truth, rather than stories, emotions, and comfort. This attitude changed when I encountered the mesmerizing work…

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil — “Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.’’ No, this isn’t the outcry of a new totalitarian leader. It was written thousands of years ago by St. Paul, to Colossians. This notion has stood the test of time as an unbreakable truth, especially among…

Rejuvenating your mind and body for what’s next. — It’s 6 AM. I open my eyes to the sounds of the morning breeze, which touches the surface of my tent like a loving mother. The birds are proudly chirping outside, calling me for a brand-new adventure. I’m only one hour away from the city, yet it feels like I’ve…