Natasha's Words

In the wake of the pandemic, it seems apparent that the strain on society has contributed to an increase in antisocial, antagonistic and even aggressive behavior. We see this in the increasing anger we express toward one another in verbal or even physical outbursts. Sometimes these encounters are relatively mild arguments in grocery stores, but MORE >

A recent issue of Psychology Today (April 2022) featured an article entitled: “Your Hidden Super Powers: Ten Ways You Are Stronger Than You Think.” As I read the piece, I was intrigued by how counter-intuitive these super powers seemed. The following eight stood out as particularly compelling: imperfection, generativity, routine, satisfaction, daydreaming, nostalgia, hope, and MORE >

I am sure that many of you are reading this via your smartphone or computer. Like me, perhaps you are still adjusting to a world where the news is not just something a paperboy leaves on your doorstep, but a whole ecosystem of digital devices, notifications, websites and cable channels. And for some of you, MORE >

There is so much acrimony and animosity in the world today. We are living under circumstances in which even typically rational people are pushed over the edge and act out. While it’s easy to see the cultural forces that are eroding civility, this generation is facing rising income inequality, political stagnation, anxiety about climate change. MORE >

“They don’t allow it,” you’re told. “They wouldn’t like it….” “They have decided…” “It’s up to them.” We hear such common pronouncements often, but who are they? They are “the powers that be,” the nameless, faceless others who control our lives. They are the systems, institutions, organizations, boards of directors, trustees, governing bodies or other MORE >

A few days ago a friend came to visit me with her new puppy, a nine-month old mini-Australian shepherd. After the puppy finished exploring my apartment and drank some water, he jumped in my lap and licked my face; I was smitten. All my nurturing instincts reawakened. I wanted, needed a dog. Of course, at MORE >

What is it in our human genes that makes us forever dissatisfied with what we have and with what is? Why do we look for a way of obtaining more? More of what? I see three areas of possible strivings, conflict and reasons for war: power, territory and different belief systems. Power exhibits itself in MORE >

Louis XIV of France was the last king where exaggerated wasteful opulence was the norm. He aptly predicted “après moi le deluge” (after me the deluge)—indeed that flood was the French Revolution which ended the monarchy as it was known. Why am I writing this? Because this is what today feels like. We are on MORE >

I assume that most of my readers live in places where they have access to foo clean water, a roof over their heads, and medical help 24/7, as I do. We have no fears that someone might come in the middle of the night to arrest us with trumped up charges. I believe that most MORE >

We live in a hyperculture: the internet, email, cell phones, and texting are all speeding up our interactions. It’s not only faster, it’s also more complex, leaving behind people like my mother, who, when asked to push a number on her phone in order to continue the interaction, used to simply hang up. I admit MORE >