Ennui

 

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Haw-ang.

“Ambition and position without service is like a container with holes,” asserted the bishop of Tandag Most Rev. Raul B. Dael, DD. ““No matter how much you fill it—be it wealth, influence, or accolades—you will always feel emptiness.”

Ambition without a sense of service can often feel hollow, as research suggests that personal success devoid of meaningful connection to others leads to a lack of fulfillment. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who prioritize communal goals experience greater life satisfaction compared to those focused solely on personal achievement.

Similarly, a report from the American Psychological Association indicates that self-centered ambition can contribute to feelings of loneliness and emptiness. When people pursue goals solely for their own gain, they may overlook the intrinsic rewards of helping others, resulting in a sense of isolation and disconnection.

This is a key reason why individuals lacking self-awareness often experience dull or monotonous episodes in their lives. In an effort to escape this ennui, they may resort to projection and actively seek out conflict, believing that these dramatic interactions will validate their existence and give their lives a sense of importance. This constant need for external validation reflects a deeper struggle to connect with themselves, ultimately leading to a cycle of dissatisfaction and unrest.

A study by Glick et al. (2005) published in Psychological Science found that projecting negative traits onto others can distort perceptions and lead to increased hostility and defensiveness, further isolating the individual. These dynamics can result in chronic feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction.

Many individuals grappling with loneliness stubbornly project their negative emotions onto others, often challenging people on different platforms. Unbeknownst to them, their true adversaries lie within, as they fail to recognize that their struggles stem from unresolved internal conflicts. This misguided expression not only alienates them further but also obscures the opportunity for genuine connection and healing.

Persons who lack the coping skills necessary to address their internal conflicts, further compounding their mental health challenges. Over time, this can lead to a decline in overall well-being and a greater likelihood of experiencing mental health disorders.

By prioritizing self-care and self-reflection, individuals can cultivate greater self-awareness, enabling them to understand their emotions and motivations.

Integrating service into ambition and position is vital for finding true fulfillment and purpose, turning personal success into a force for collective good. Self-awareness is key, enabling individuals to confront their inner struggles instead of projecting negativity onto others. By fostering genuine connections and addressing emotional challenges, we can enhance our mental health and create a more compassionate and supportive community.

 

 

On the Brink of Insanity

 

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Tagpasa an kalabad.

When one does not understand what is going on inside, chances are, the individual projects the negative feelings to others.

The phenomenon is called projection, a psychological defense mechanism. When individuals experience feelings or thoughts they can't fully understand or accept, they may project those feelings onto others. This can manifest as blaming others for their own negative emotions or misinterpreting others' actions as threatening or negative.

Sigmund Freud first introduced the concept of projection as a defense mechanism in his psychoanalytic theory. He suggested that individuals might project their own undesirable feelings or thoughts onto others as a way to cope with anxiety.

This behavior often arises when someone is grappling with internal conflict, insecurity, or unresolved issues. Instead of confronting these feelings directly, they externalize them, attributing their own discomfort to the people around them. This can lead to misunderstandings, strained relationships, and a cycle of negativity that can be difficult to break.

Otto Kernberg (1975) explored how projection functions in personality disorders, particularly in borderline and narcissistic individuals. His work emphasized how these individuals might project their internal conflicts onto others, leading to unstable relationships.

These situations were ignored before but with the current attention to mental health, people are now looking into the reasons of skewed behaviors.

The destigmatization of mental health issues has encouraged individuals to explore the psychological roots of their behaviors. As awareness grows, more people are recognizing that behaviors like projection can stem from unresolved emotional conflicts (Corrigan et al., 2012).

Increasing emotional intelligence can be beneficial. Learning to identify and label emotions accurately allows individuals to understand their feelings better and reduce the tendency to project them onto others.

Otherwise, worsening conditions can arise, leading to a state of turmoil or insanity.

Teaching Loads

 

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Hilabian na pasensya!

Nick Garcia of the Philippine Star reported on September 26, 2024: The Davao de Oro division of the Department of Education (DepEd) is investigating the case of a teacher who died allegedly due to stress after being scolded by the school principal. In a statement on Sept. 22, DepEd-Davao de Oro extended its deepest condolences to the family of Marjorie Espinosa Llanto-Bonto, who taught at Tibagon Elementary School in Panutukan North District.

The scolding allegedly stemmed from the complain of a disgruntled parent when Mrs. Bonto “failed” to give first aid to a learner who encountered an accident while playing with a classmate.

On October 3, 2024, philstar.com reported: Rescuers reportedly found one of the teachers who died in the Thailand school bus fire embracing her student in their final moments. Local newspaper Khaosod English reported that Kanokwan Sripong was among the casualties of the bus carrying six teachers and 39 students in elementary and junior high school.

The bus was traveling from Uthai Thani province, about 300 kilometers (186 miles) north of the capital Bangkok, for a school trip in Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi provinces on Oct. 1 of this year.

These are just some narrative we hear about the lives of the teachers.

Teachers often make profound sacrifices to ensure their students' success, both academically and personally. They frequently invest their own time and resources, often working beyond regular hours to provide additional support and enrichment opportunities (Ingersoll, 2001).

According to a report by the National Education Association (NEA, 2019), many educators spend their own money on classroom supplies, highlighting their commitment to creating a conducive learning environment despite limited funding.

Furthermore, the emotional toll can be significant, as teachers navigate the challenges of diverse classrooms, often prioritizing their students' needs over their own well-being (Blase & Blase, 2006). These sacrifices underscore the dedication and resilience inherent in the teaching profession, which plays a crucial role in shaping the future.

Research by Skaalvik and Skaalvik (2017) emphasizes the importance of reducing workload stressors, suggesting that providing teachers with adequate resources and support can significantly improve their emotional well-being.

Also, professional development opportunities that focus on social-emotional learning can help educators manage stress and connect better with their students, ultimately leading to a more compassionate school culture (Zins & Elias, 2006).

Self-care practices are vital. Studies show that teachers who engage in mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques report lower levels of stress and increased job satisfaction (Roeser et al., 2013). Professional development programs that focus on emotional intelligence and stress management can equip teachers with tools to better handle challenges (Brunetti, 2006).

As we celebrate World Teachers' Day today, it's essential to recognize the need for a collaborative effort among the government, educational administrators, stakeholders, and the teachers themselves. Together, they can create a more enriching and supportive work environment that truly reflects and honors the dedication and hard work teachers invest every day. By fostering open communication, providing necessary resources, and valuing teachers' contributions, we can cultivate a culture of respect and appreciation that empowers educators to thrive in their vital roles.

Otherwise, we risk seeing more troubling narratives emerge in print and across various media platforms.

When Darkness Come

 

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Arang kadugyom pirme an kalibutan.

Affirmation plays a crucial role in childhood development. Young children need to feel valued and appreciated to cultivate a future where their confidence remains intact. Without consistent affirmation, developmental gaps in self-esteem may persist and even intensify as they age.

While some argue that adulthood offers the ability to overcome childhood insecurities, evidence and research suggest otherwise. These unresolved deficits often continue to affect individuals well into adulthood, persisting through old age.

When the desire for affirmation and other unmet needs overwhelm an individual, The Shadow begins to consume their persona, distorting how they present themselves to the world.

Carl Jung's concept of The Shadow(1921)  refers to the unconscious and often repressed aspects of an individual's personality—traits, desires, or behaviors that the person refuses to acknowledge because they are considered undesirable, socially unacceptable, or contrary to one’s self-image.

These aspects remain hidden in the unconscious but can strongly influence thoughts, emotions, and behavior, often manifesting in ways the person may not recognize or control.

This writer is deeply fascinated by Carl Jung’s concept of The Shadow, believing it holds profound significance in shaping an individual's psyche. It is as though this hidden aspect of the self, if left unchecked and nurtured, has the potential to haunt or even overpower the individual, exerting a powerful influence over their thoughts and actions.

While The Shadow cannot be entirely eliminated, it can be integrated and managed through conscious awareness and self-reflection. This process is central to Jung’s concept of individuation, where a person strives to become a more whole and balanced version of themselves by confronting and accepting their Shadow.

Jung emphasized that the goal is not to control or suppress the Shadow, but to integrate it. Suppressing the Shadow can lead to it manifesting in unintended ways, such as through projection or irrational behavior. By acknowledging the darker, hidden parts of oneself, individuals can gain insight into their unconscious motivations and desires, ultimately reducing the Shadow’s unconscious influence.

The Shadow cannot be "controlled" in the traditional sense, but it can be integrated through self-awareness, acceptance, and introspection. By doing so, individuals can harness its potential and prevent it from unconsciously sabotaging their life.

If not, darkness consumes their world.

Avoiding the Straitjacket

 

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Delikado.

Loneliness is dangerous. There are those who are trying to project an image of NOT being lonely yet their actions obviously manifest some sort of disorder.

Many individuals attempt to mask their isolation by projecting an image of confidence, busyness, or even happiness, but beneath the surface, their actions betray a deeper turmoil. These attempts to conceal loneliness often manifest in subtle yet telling ways—whether through erratic behavior, compulsive tendencies, or an overcompensation for emotional disconnection.

The UCLA Loneliness Scale, developed by Russell, Peplau, and Ferguson (1978), is often used to assess the subjective experience of loneliness. It reveals that loneliness, even when individuals have social contact, can lead to feelings of emptiness and disconnection, which are strong predictors of poor mental health outcomes such as anxiety and suicidal ideation.

Some individuals already exhibit these symptoms, displaying sudden erratic behavior, becoming combative without warning, and lashing out at others simply to gain attention.

Studies have shown that erratic behavior and aggression are commonly associated with conditions like borderline personality disorder (BPD), bipolar disorder, or attention-seeking behaviors in personality disorders (Krause-Utz et al., 2018; O’Connell & Myers, 2016).

These conditions often result in impulsivity and mood instability, which can aggravate interpersonal conflicts and worsen an individual's mental health over time.

Health has often been emphasized as a personal responsibility, requiring individuals to engage in regular self-assessment and reflection to gain deeper self-awareness. However, when self-awareness falls short or blind spots emerge, external feedback becomes crucial in identifying areas for improvement and guiding appropriate interventions.

If unattended and denial persists, the cuckoo’s nests await.

Enslaved

 

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Uman pirme man nija tag-isip an ija mga tagbati?

When an individual lacks the ability to manage emotions, they may either become highly reactive when feelings are triggered or fail to grasp the importance of engaging the Thinking Brain in decision-making.

Being emotionally dependent isn't inherently negative, but it can become limiting if it leads to impulsive decisions or a lack of objectivity in critical situations.

Those who haven’t developed strong emotional regulation skills may find it challenging to balance emotions with rational thought. Without the ability to manage or compartmentalize feelings, emotions take control.

The distinction between the Thinking Brain and the Feeling Brain highlights two essential aspects of human cognition: rationality and emotion. The Thinking Brain, often associated with the prefrontal cortex, is responsible for logical reasoning, problem-solving, and long-term planning. It processes information analytically, enabling individuals to make decisions based on facts and evidence rather than immediate emotional responses (Damasio, 1994).

On the other hand, the Feeling Brain, linked to the limbic system, especially the amygdala, governs emotional responses and instincts. It often reacts quickly, driven by desires and fears, without considering long-term consequences (LeDoux, 2000).

While both systems have their unique roles, a balance between the two is crucial for sound decision-making, as over-reliance on either can lead to undesirable outcomes. Excessive rationality might result in emotional detachment, while emotional dominance can lead to impulsive actions (Kahneman, 2011).

Both parts of the brain play essential roles, but many of our life's struggles arise from the Feeling Brain's dominance. We are inherently emotional creatures, and the Feeling Brain is the driver behind most of our decisions, while the Thinking Brain often tries to rationalize or justify those emotions afterward.

While we can't eliminate the influence of the Feeling Brain, we can learn to guide it by developing greater self-awareness and setting values that align with our goals.

People need to acknowledge the power of emotions but not be enslaved by them.

There will always be conflicts among our daily interactions when everything is governed by what we feel. Most of the time, we have to be objective in dealing with the things we are facing.

Otherwise, we will find ourselves perpetually burdened with feelings of discouragement and exhaustion.

Avoiding Dementia

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Hawoy mag-isip!

FullyBooked once displayed a sign that read: "The presence of bookstores proves that people are still thinking." The sign is gone now, perhaps removed for the subtle critique it posed to those who seldom visit.

What was intended to celebrate intellectual engagement might have highlighted an uncomfortable truth: it shows the fine line between inspiring people and making those who prefer other activities feel left out.

Currently, there is a significant challenge with reading among learners. Many struggle to progress to comprehension, hindering cognitive development. Also, parental encouragement of a love for reading is lacking, resulting in a diminished capacity for deeper intellectual engagement in children.

Adults are often captivated by the immediate entertainment offered by social media, frequently bypassing posts that promote deep thinking.

Social media provides immediate rewards such as likes, comments, and shares. This instant feedback is highly stimulating and reinforces continued use. A study by Alter (2017) discusses how digital platforms are designed to exploit our desire for instant gratification and dopamine-driven rewards, making them more appealing than the delayed gratification of reading a book.

The preference for social media over traditional reading among adults is driven by factors such as instant gratification, decreased attention spans, convenience, social connectivity, visual stimulation, perceived relevance, and lower cognitive effort.

Preferring low-effort activities often means engaging in tasks that do not challenge the brain or stimulate critical thinking. This can lead to decreased cognitive engagement and lower mental stimulation.

Over time, this can result in diminished cognitive skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and memory retention. A study by K. A. Erickson and colleagues (2010) found that mental stimulation and challenging cognitive activities are essential for maintaining cognitive health.

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine (2019) by Stern et al. found that individuals who engage in activities that stimulate the brain, such as reading, problem-solving, and learning, have a lower risk of developing dementia.

The study emphasizes that cognitive reserve, built through mental stimulation, can protect against the onset of dementia.

If unattended and not given focus, the degeneration of the brain can be terrifying since you will even forget who you are.