All articles from Psyche

Existential crisis? Try reading Wordsworth

For many generations of readers, the poetry of William Wordsworth has been an irreplaceable balm for the soul - by Sam Dresser Read on Psyche

Why the search for proof can’t be separated from faith

Rather than being an enemy of empiricism, belief in what can’t be known is part of how we gain knowledge, even now - by Adam Kucharski Read on Psyche

The hard art of comfort

Sick in a London hospital, I understood the Book of Job and his rage at all the miserable comforters - by Lisa Simone Kingstone Read on Psyche

Nestor

Inspired by his own experiences, an animator evokes the stormy tides of order and obsession in a striking portrayal of OCD - Directed by João Gonzalez Watch on Psyche

Why we should embrace ‘nepantla’ – the in-betweenness of life

In an age of strong political commitments, a Nahuatl word encapsulates the freedom to let go of what has become oppressive - by Carlos Alberto Sánchez Read on Psyche

The cage

In a heterosexual breakup, the script is clean: loss, anger, distance. Ours refused that narrative - by Margie Sarsfield Read on Psyche

Linda

We trust our therapists with our deepest thoughts, yet we know almost nothing about them – Josephine needs to know more - Directed by Josephine Sittenfeld Watch on Psyche

Spirituality can’t be reduced to what’s happening in the brain

Seeing the ‘mind’ as extending beyond the head can help us better understand the nature of transcendent experiences - by Mohammadamin Saraei Read on Psyche

Painting myself back to life

I’d dealt with many illnesses. But when lupus left scars on my face, my suffering was suddenly visible - by Krystal Sital Read on Psyche

Want things to go well? Plan like a defensive pessimist

So often we underestimate the time and effort required to reach our goals. You can avoid that trap with realistic planning - by Julie K Norem Read on Psyche

Snorkelling taught me stillness

Snorkelling at an unassuming beach sharpened my attention to detail, revealing the tiny spectacles unfolding beneath me - by Natalie Bühler Read on Psyche

Prima

Behind a ballerina’s beautiful performance lie hours of discipline, tenderness and an abiding attention to detail - Directed by Veronika Pokoptceva Watch on Psyche

A haunting in Brooklyn

At 25, I saw my grandfather’s ghost. At 52, I think of what it may mean to be a ghost - by Kathleen Donohoe Read on Psyche

For some with mental illness, it’s not always good to talk

Well-meaning campaigns urge openness and conversation about mental health struggles. But there are those who cherish silence - by Dan Degerman Read on Psyche