Tag Archives: psychology

by | May 4, 2025 · 11:31 am

When Life Hurts, Purpose Heals

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” Victor Frankl

In just nine days after being liberated from a Nazi death camp, Viktor Frankl poured his unimaginable ordeal into one of the most profound testaments to human resilience and the indomitable spirit ever written.

Upon his return to Vienna he found that his wife and almost entire family had died in concentration camps.

Most people would have been broken by such devastating pain, but Frankl managed to turn his suffering into a powerful pschological and spiritual mission.

His book: Man‘s Search for Meaning serves as a powerful guideline for all people currently experiencing almost insurmountable difficulties.

Frankl firmly believed that meaning can be found even in the most harsh conditions.

Purpose

Essential for Frankl was a firm belief in the Why.

Knowing your „why” helped people survive even the most brutal conditions, Frankl found. For him, it was the hope of seeing his wife again and the desire to rewrite his lost manuscript on his logotherapy psychological theory.

Detachment

He learned to detach from his suffering by focusing on memories, nature, and moments of beauty or spiritual reflection. He found that even in the camps, one could choose a different mindset—what he called the “last of human freedom.

Helping Others

As a psychiatrist, Frankl often counseled fellow prisoners, helping them find meaning and hope. This act of service gave him a sense of dignity and reinforced his own resilience.

Focusing on the Present

Frankl adapted to the harsh camp routines by focusing on small daily tasks and not letting himself be overwhelmed by fear of the future.

Belief

Recent groundbreaking studies reveal that individuals who anchor their lives in the belief in a higher power demonstrate significantly greater resilience in navigating and transforming adversity.

Evil has a persistent way of manifesting itself, sometimes infecting entire nations and societies—as seen in Nazi Germany. It can appear all-powerful, overwhelming any hope for goodness to prevail.

Yet, history shows that in the darkest hours, seeds of light and righteousness are quietly sown, preparing the way for a new dawn. Evil, by its nature, violates the deeper laws of creation. It tends to overreach—and in doing so, ultimately sows the seeds of its own destruction.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor –Speaker

If you enjoyed this article you might be interested in my very latest book: Sages, Saints and Sinners Get it today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and where all good books are sold.

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by | March 17, 2025 · 7:10 pm

Words matter

„False words are not only evil in themselves, but they infect the soul with evil „ – Socrates

Socrates’ timeless warning about the power of words feels more urgent than ever in a world flooded with information overload much of it crafted to mislead and deceive.

When those in power use language to distort reality, the ability to discern truth from illusion becomes not just a skill, but a necessity.

Choosing your words wisely

The way we speak and the choice of words matter, revealing our true character with language a key tool in preparing the soul for truth.

Multiple studies confirm what the Ancient Greek sages knew all along: The words we speak and internalize can significantly impact our emotions, stress levels and body metabolism.

Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Newberg and communications expert Mark Robert Waldman found that even a single negative word can stimulate the brain‘s fear center, or amygdala.

Conversely, positive words stimulate the prefrontal cortex associated with logic and emotional balance.

Words that heal

Hearing or uttering positive words such as love, gratitude, support, strong, capable, resilient, brave, happy, vibrant, cheerful or warmth activates reward centers in the brain, leading to increased dopamine and serotonin levels.

Using positive affirmations or mantras have an even more powerful impact. Some examples:

– I am surrounded by kindness, compassion and love.

– My life is filled with gratitude, radiance and happiness.

– I am a magnet of abundance and prosperity.

– I am resilient, strong and full of courage

Mantras and prayers have been used for centuries to cultivate inner peace and spiritual strength.

Om Mani Padme Hung, with its emphasis on resonant vowels, carries a unique vibrational quality that makes its repetitive intonation especially powerful for cultivating inner peace and facilitating emotional healing. Its rhythmic chanting not only calms the mind but also helps release stress, fostering a deep sense of balance and spiritual well-being.

The Ave Maria whether sung or recited in prayer enhances comfort and protection, particularly during challenging times. It deepens feelings to the divine, reinforcing trust and surrender.

A 2001 study published in the British Medical Journal found that recitation of the Rosary including the Ave Maria synchronized breathing to about six breaths per minute, a rhythm particularly effective in reducing anxiety and enhancing emotional well-being.

Words and language fulfill their highest purpose when they uplift the soul and foster spiritual growth—when they seek truth through song, poetry, or storytelling, resonating with the deeper essence of human experience.

Powerfully chosen words illuminate the path to truth and freedom. Writers select them with care and intention. Storytellers and poets devote a lifetime to refining their craft. But when language is twisted for ulterior motives, it does more than deceive—it corrupts the soul, as Socrates warned.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor –Speaker

If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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by | January 14, 2025 · 9:21 am

Sages, Saints, and Sinners: When things fall apart

History is often said to follow a cyclical pattern, where humanity repeatedly faces cathartic trials to achieve breakthroughs in collective consciousness.

Over the past four years, I have delved deeply into comparing the COVID-19 crisis with another pivotal catastrophe in human history—the Black Death of the 14th century.

Reflecting on the pandemic’s impact, it feels almost surreal how profoundly it has reshaped our lives. The lingering effects of collective fear, anxiety, and uncertainty continue to ripple through societies, fueling political extremism and even the collapse of governments in several countries. And this, it seems, is only the beginning.

This journey of reflection and exploration has culminated in an exciting milestone: my upcoming book, Sages, Saints, and Sinners is set to release on April 8th. The novel delves into the historical echoes, human resilience, and moral questions that crises like these bring to the forefront. It will be available on all major platforms where great books are sold.

This project has been a labor of love, spanning four years of research and writing. During the lockdown, I felt compelled to explore irrational and sometimes inexplicable human behavior.

Scapegoating during times of crisis

In the 14th-century, those deemed responsible for the Black Death were quickly identified. The clergy framed the pandemic as divine punishment for “sinful living,” while a pernicious rumor accused Jewish communities of poisoning water wells. This led to horrific acts of violence, with thousands of Jews killed in baseless retribution. So-called witches, often midwives and healers, were burned at the stake.

When it became clear that even devout clergy were not spared by the plague, the church lost much of its credibility. In the same way the often haphazard way governments implemented the lockdowns during Covid has led to extreme distrust in all institutions.

If this seems primitive, consider how misinformation flourished during the COVID-19 pandemic, spreading even faster than reliable facts. One widely circulated claim was that the virus had been engineered in a lab as a bioweapon. Another conspiracy theory blamed 5G mobile networks for the pandemic. Despite overwhelming evidence of their effectiveness, some argued masks were either useless or harmful. Others falsely believed that exposure to sunlight or high temperatures could prevent infection.

Misinformation and rumor hampering efforts to address a crisis

Similarly, medieval misconceptions about disease transmission fueled dangerous behaviors. Many believed the plague spread through foul air, leading to bizarre practices such as drinking urine or wallowing in filth to ward off illness. The correct assumption that the pandemic was spread by rodents was widely ignored. Observant authorities were finding that in clean areas infections were relatively low while they were highest in suburbs with a high rat population.

Across both eras, misinformation magnified fear and hampered efforts to address the crisis effectively.

Spiritual conflict and the weight of fate

In the novel, I have weaved the story around the two main characters Geronimo and Isabel whose bond is tested by spiritual conflict, the weight of fate, and the unforgiving realities of a world in turmoil.

When Geronimo is enslaved and Isabel, heartbroken, seeks refuge in a convent, their tragic journey unfolds, echoing the timeless struggles of myth and history.

I dare to say that the next few years are likely to be marked by an external world marked by geopolitical shifts, fake realities, and disruptive chaos.

It need however, not fill you with fear or anxiety. One principle of creation that we learn from Daoist philosophy is that a state of equilibrium and new beginnings is often preceded by a whirlwind of destruction and chaos.

With the universe forming the ultimate equilibrium, surface events often appear chaotic, but are inherently connected to a universal order. In Daoism, nature is often used as an analogy. A fire might raze a landscape, or a storm uproot trees. An entire landscape can be reshaped but space is also cleared for new growth and fresh beginnings.

In times of profound change, the wisest approach is not to resist but to adapt. The key lies in releasing rigid expectations and surrendering to the process of transformation with resilience and grace. By embracing simplicity and practicing non-attachment to specific outcomes, we can navigate transitions with greater ease and clarity.

While external forces such as geopolitical upheavals, natural disasters, and pandemics are beyond your control, the response to them is entirely within your power.

By focusing on what you can influence in your mindset and actions, you can empower yourself by transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and discovering strength in the midst of uncertainty.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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by | December 16, 2024 · 5:53 pm

Minds captured by Fanaticism

A right-wing media ecosystem fueled by resentment and anger is capturing millions of minds with a steady stream of alternate realities, stoking division, and delivering a daily narrative designed to reinforce grievance and distrust.

Social media is becoming an even more integral part of daily life, particularly for younger generations, as highlighted by Pew Research. While extremist platforms like Rumble remain smaller than giants like YouTube, they still attract millions of followers, spreading a wide array of conspiracy theories and disinformation.

Driven by a core message of fear and anxiety, these “hate entrepreneurs” pin blame for personal and collective challenges on a shifting cast of internal and external enemies, further exacerbating divisions.

Doom prophecies have long been a typical playbook of cults and populist political leaders.

It appears that once a person has invested huge time and energy resources in a particular belief, it becomes part of their identity. Even the best argument or scientific study will not dissuade the person from adopting a different perspective. They become locked in a particular mindset. Different perspectives or beliefs are radically rejected and some even turn to violent behavior to defend their mindset.

During medieval times when the black plague decimated much of the European population, rumor and superstition spread just as fast. A rumor that the Jews were responsible for the plague by poisoning water wells led to a mass pogrom in the French city of Strasbourg. About 2,000 Jews were burned alive on a platform constructed in a Jewish cemetery on Valentine’s Day in 1349.

Leon Festinger, a social psychologist, made groundbreaking contributions in the 1950s to understanding belief systems. He based much of his findings on studying a cult led by Dorothy Martin (alias Marian Keech), who claimed to receive messages from extraterrestrial beings about a catastrophic flood that would destroy the Earth on a specific date.

In some of his key findings he found that members of the cult were so committed to their belief that they abandoned jobs, loved ones and possessions in preparation for the flood. When the prophecy failed, instead of abandoning their belief, the cult members rationalized the failure by claiming that their prayers had “saved the world.”


Festinger found that cognitive dissonance was highest among those who had made the most significant personal sacrifices for the cult, doubling down on their belief and reinforcing their fanaticism.

In a digital world it becomes far easier for cults and extremist groups to maintain cohesion by withdrawing into information silos that cement beliefs such as:

  • Climate change denial
  • Vaccines are a conspiracy by the pharmaceutical industry
  • The “chemtrails” conspiracy theory posits that the condensation trails left by aircraft—are chemicals intentionally sprayed into the atmosphere for nefarious purposes. The rumor has persisted since the early 1990s despite the lack of clear scientific evidence.

Fixed belief and fanaticism ultimately creates a toxic emotional state, blending fear, anxiety, and anger. It fosters dehumanization, deepens political polarization, and fractures social cohesion.

On a personal level, it becomes a significant barrier to self-growth and spiritual evolution. In a rapidly changing world, adapting is essential for survival. Clinging to rigid beliefs not only limits personal transformation but also blinds you to the new opportunities and possibilities the universe continually offers.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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by | October 14, 2024 · 5:08 pm

Disinformation: The Threat to Democracy

I had to read the headline twice to fully grasp what was happening: meteorologists in the U.S. have been inundated with abuse, including death threats, from conspiracy theorists accusing them and the government of manufacturing and controlling hurricanes.

This disturbing trend mirrors the threats scientists faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when fake news spread claims that the virus was a hoax. Recently, I made the mistake of commenting on an article about the U.S. presidential elections, only to be bombarded with vile remarks and personal insults.

Violent threats are becoming alarmingly common, especially on platforms like Twitter, where safeguards against disinformation have largely collapsed since Elon Musk’s acquisition. Now, anyone with an internet connection can propagate wild conspiracies, with little to no oversight.

A key tactic of right-wing extremists is to vilify both independent and mainstream media, constructing a dystopian reality where truth is distorted into lies and falsehoods are presented as truth. By manipulating reality and eroding public trust in factual information, they create fertile ground for the rise of totalitarianism.

Hannah Arendt, the German-American political theorist and philosopher, best known for her works on totalitarianism, warned as long ago as six years after World War II:

“The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the convinced communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction (ie the reality of experience) and the distinction between true and false (ie standards of thought) no longer exist.”

Arendt’s concern with the fragility of truth in the public realm echoes today’s concerns about the impact of fake news on public trust in media, government, and institutions. When people no longer trust facts, they withdraw from democratic engagement and become vulnerable to authoritarian manipulation.

The reason why MAGA Trumpists and their acolytes such as Musk are targeting “mainstream media” is that Independent media is often at the forefront of exposing corruption, abuses of power, and misinformation, which might otherwise go unchecked.

Investigative journalism plays a pivotal role by digging into stories that powerful entities want to keep hidden. Independent media, free of government control, regularly fact-check falsehoods. Some examples include the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), The Guardian, and ProPublica.

PolitiFact is one of the most well-known fact-checking organizations in the United States. It is widely recognized for its Truth-O-Meter, which rates the accuracy of statements made by politicians, public figures, and media outlets. The ratings range from “True” to “Pants on Fire” for particularly egregious falsehoods.

Basic democratic freedom and liberty are being threatened in multiple countries. Authoritarian messaging is based on negativity and falsehoods to spread fear, anxiety, and division. The existing reality is exaggerated to much worse than it is. It promises the struggling working class a Utopian future. This future will, of course, never materialize.

Here are just a few examples of what you face if you allow authoritarianism to take control of your life:

  • Power is mostly concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small ruling elite. Checks and balances are eroded allowing leaders to act without accountability or transparency.
  • Authoritarian leaders use their positions to enrich themselves and their acolytes. Public resources are diverted for personal gain, leading to a lack of investment in essential services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
  • Political competition is eliminated or severely restricted by changes in laws benefiting the ruling party. Opposition leaders may be imprisoned, exiled, or assassinated as we are currently seeing in Putin’s Russia.
  • Authoritarian regimes stoke hatred of “the other,” including ethnic and religious minorities, leading to social fragmentation violence and unrest.
  • Authoritarianism prioritizes control over economic liberalization, creativity and innovation. In the long term economies stagnate, and entrepreneurship is stifled.

Happiness is created by mindset and perspective. Foundational is a society with basic freedoms of democracy and expression. Authoritarianism ultimately has a devastating effect on every citizen. You end up being poorer, more desperate and living a life of quiet misery.

As Winston Churchill once summized: “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others that have been tried.”

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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by | September 2, 2024 · 8:06 pm

Victimhood and Embracing Responsibility

In a relentless storm of external distractions, it’s easy to lose yourself in a maze of illusions, false hopes, and misleading perceptions that steer you away from your true destiny and purpose.

The messaging from the world out there is primarily that happiness is created by „having“ rather than „being“.

Abundance and prosperity, if used mindfully, are useful tools to make an impact, but if they are the primary motive of all your efforts you will never have enough, falling into the trap of postponing the good life to some distant future.

Here is the hard truth: That moment will never come if you fail to live fully in the present moment, and practice gratitude for all the blessings that you already have.

Accepting Responsibility

Victimhood is one of the biggest obstacles to growth and personal fulfillment. By blaming your partner, your parents, your boss and the government for all that has gone wrong in your life you stay at a low vibrational energy where you will miss all the opportunities offered by the universe.

When the language you speak to yourself and others is mainly one of anger, retribution and hate you will attract much of the same dark energy around you. What you emanate to the world you will receive. You will remain trapped in an endless cycle of unhappiness.

We are all victims to some degree. The storms of life can unsettle in countless unpredictable ways. External events, accidents, personal loss and natural catastrophes are not under your control. But how you deal with these unexpected events make all the difference.

Photo by Julia Avamotive on Pexels.com

Accepting Impermanence

Like the seasons in nature nothing is permanent. The natural cycle dictates a time of spring and summer for birth, growth, and harvesting before we enter again a season of autumn and winter. The dark cold seasons of life are a time for introspection, recalibration and renewal. It means letting go of people that keep you at a low frequency, changing a job, a location or even a country. Fear of the unknown often leads to procrastination in the comfort zone but moving ahead also presents the greatest opportunity for growth and personal fulfillment.

Follow your aspirations and dreams

Never give up on your values, purpose and your why. You will intuitively sense that you are on the right path if everything falls into place. You meet the right people at the right time at the place at the right time. You feel a surge of energy and passion when you are doing the things that are in sync with your values and dreams.

Societal norms and expectations

There will always be other people who are seemingly happier, healthier and wealthier than you are. What you see on social media is not the reality. Sometimes those people who seemingly have everything in terms of fame and fortune are deeply unhappy because happiness is a state of mind.

Taking time for solitude

In a noisy and hurried world it has become more essential than ever to take time out for solitude and contemplation. When you take time for a quiet walk in nature the noise of the world recedes into the background. You will sense an innate harmony beyond the seemingly chaotic. In the natural world everything is interconnected and has its place and purpose within the totality of wholeness.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

Check out also the recent episode on the Living to BE podcast and Youtube with our special guest Matt O’Neill. The topic: Happiness is a Choice.

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by | January 29, 2024 · 1:14 pm

Crazy politics and rational thought

Crazy politics is infiltrating the minds of millions of people in key European countries and the United States, with the views of extremist fringe groups becoming mainstream as they cleverly manipulate powerful communication instruments.

Politics is a reflection of massive changes in social norms and values as a growing number of people feel they are being left behind by a technological revolution that benefits a tech-savvy elite to the detriment of industries that have formed the lifeblood of regions and communities for centuries.

Rational thought and logic are being undermined by manipulators

The ancient Greeks and Romans were well aware of how rational thought and logic could be undermined by manipulators feeding on fear, anger and desire. The Stoics therefore advocated logic and reason as an antidote in understanding and navigating the world.

The Stoics categorized emotions into two types: “eupatheiai” or good feelings and “apatheia” – a state of tranquility or freedom from disturbing emotions. They accepted emotions as being part of the human condition and they could not be suppressed. Rather a healthy emotional state should be aligned with reason.

External events are beyond our control but Stoicism teaches us that we should focus on what we can control such as our own thoughts and actions. The concept is encapsulated in the Stoic maxim: “Epictetus’ Dichotomy of Control,” which encourages individuals to distinguish between what is within their control such as their own thoughts and actions, and what is not such as external events.

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Standing guard at the doorway of the mind

During these times it is more important than ever to stand guard at the guardrails of the mind. We are seriously lacking in leaders of wisdom who are aware that their actions, words, norms, and values have a huge impact on society. Words and slogans that stir division, and belittle and disparage people with opposing views rip apart the very fabric of what holds a society together.

If emotions overpower logical thought, entire economies and the nation state are at risk. An example is the current political narrative in Germany. A fringe rightwing party called the Afd (Alternative for Germany) was largely ridiculed by the mainstream because of its extremist ideas. But steadily over the past few years it has gathered more support with simplistic xenophobic messaging to the point where it has become the second-most popular party in current opinion polls. 

The silent majority was finally stirred into action with hundreds of thousands of moderate Germans taking to the streets during the past few days horrified at the news that Afd party leaders met secretly drafting a master plan on how to deport millions of people both citizens and non-citizens with an immigrant background. The Afd’s economic policies would in reality devastate the German economy as most factories, hospitals, and service industries are totally dependent on foreign labor because of an ever growing older population.

In the same vein the Brexit campaign in the United Kingdom was fixated on the idea that leaving the European Union would save the country billions of pounds that would then be spent on the country’s National Health Service (NHS). In reality economists have calculated that the UK’s GDP is currently about five per cent lower than it would have been had it not voted to leave.  

Emotions unfortunately are more powerful than rational tnought and logic. It explains why those politicians arguing on the benefits of remaining in the European Union lost the argument. They provided statistics and economic data whilst the Brexiteers emotionalized the debate with the vision of reborn “Great Britain” freed from the constraints of Brussels bureaucrats.

Most people outside the United States are horrified at the prospect of the world’s most powerful nation being led by a president with obvious mental health issues. Psychologists and sociologists will for many decades be analyzing the “Trump phenomenon.” Part of the explanation could be that he has become the voice for grievance culture – for the large numbers of people suffering from frustration, dissatisfaction, stress, anxiety, anger and compulsive behavior.

Our core values, norms and beliefs are shaped by those people we idolize as leaders. We should choose wisely using the Stoic method of logic and rationality: What is external and beyond my control and what is intrinsically part of my thought process and perspective that I can change?

Are my values of an empathic nature in service of universal rights, liberty, kindness, tolerance, protective of other people and the natural world or are my values motivated by dominance, exploitation, aggressiveness, and retribution that ultimately lead to a world the worse for everyone.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. I’m excited to announce the release of my latest book, “The Turning of the Circle: Embracing Nature’s Wisdom for Purposeful Living.” If you enjoy it, you might also be interested in my previous works, “Deep Walking for Body, Mind and Soul” and “Walking on Edge: A Pilgrimage to Santiago.” You can find all of these titles at reputable bookstores near you.

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by | January 8, 2024 · 9:41 pm

Why are so many people angry and unhappy?

“A comfort zone is a really beautiful place, but nothing grows there”~ Anonymous

We are living in the most prosperous and exciting era of mankind, yet if we look and hear around us many people seem stuck in the grievance culture of anger and unhappiness.

During the past centuries, mankind has made groundbreaking discoveries in discoveries in physics, astronomy, and biology. In the latter half of the 20th century computers and the invention of the Internet have led to an unprecedented acceleration of knowledge and information on a global level.

In 1982, futurist and inventor R. Buckminster Fuller estimated that up until 1900, human knowledge doubled approximately every century, but by 1945 it was doubling every 25 years. And by 1982, it was doubling every 12-13 months. Current estimates predict that with the revolution of AI technology human knowledge will double every 12 hours.

At the same time, the cultural gap between technological progress and the ability of human consciousness to process these changes has increased. Rapid change produces uncertainty with the unknown perceived as a threat.

A natural aversion to change

Evolutionary psychology suggests that humans have developed a natural aversion to risk as a survival mechanism. Change is inherently associated with uncertainty and risk, triggering a “walling off” from potential harm. Changing habits and routines requires effort and the ability to adapt.

While, some people thrive in a new environment of innovation, and see every new challenge as an opportunity for growth and evolution, others are gripped by fear and retreat into the cave of their comfort zone, not realizing that if they don’t adapt, their lives will be changed for them anyway.

The grievance culture feeding on toxic emotions

As we enter 2024 with elections scheduled in several major countries there is a real danger of the public narrative being hijacked by “grievance culture” feeding on innate human fears, anxiety, and anger. Fanatacists promise a return to the “golden era” of the past by building walls, creating the illusion that the comfort zone can be protected from “external threat”.

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You will be comfortably resting in your “comfort zone” if a demagogue is telling you that all your grievances and unhappiness have been caused by the opposing political party, a minority group, a foreign nation, or an institution. He is telling you that you can comfortably sit back while I will sort out these problems. Meanwhile, backstage your basic liberties and freedom of expression are being eroded.

We are at the cusp of embracing a bright new future or falling back into old divisions of intolerance and xenophobia

Much of the unhappiness is caused by cultural indoctrination and addiction to the accumulation of “things”. It has replaced the spiritual void left by institutional religion with ever more people questioning its emphasis on what to believe and how to behave. When you define yourself by the “things” you own, you will never be happy because you are missing out on the BEING of life. And life is constantly in motion and evolution.

With the growth of spiritual awareness comes the recognition that evolution and change are inherently part of the divine plan. Everything in the universe is ultimately interconnected and composed of Divine Oneness.

When born there is separation from the Oneness and a natural tendency to separate from the body only to yearn and strive for the reconnection with the Whole.

The American poet Louise Erdrich describes how life will break and heal you during this process … “Nobody can protect you from that, and being alone won’t either, for solitude will also break you with its yearning. You have to love. You have to feel. It is the reason you are here on earth. You have to risk your heart. You are here to be swallowed up. And when it happens that you are broken, or betrayed, or left, or hurt, or death brushes too near, let yourself sit by an apple tree and listen to the apples falling all around you in heaps, wasting their sweetness. Tell yourself that you tasted as many as you could.“

Forgetting to live the experience

We are constantly chasing after happiness and forgetting to live the experience. At that moment when we have achieved what we have been striving for all along, we feel a sense of loss and emptiness. Grievance culture feeds on what is lacking in life or what is under threat of being taken away from you.

Practicing a gratitude ritual elevates consciousness and creates an abundance mindset. If you are healthy, have food on your table, and a warm home with electricity, you are already better off than most people in the world.

Reconnecting with body and soul

Reconnecting with body and soul is more important than ever when the pull of grievance culture is trying to pull you away from your center. Life is meant to be difficult and challenging. We only grow when we confront those challenges and obstacles. And, you will be better equipped to deal with those challenges if you nurture your mind and body. When you change your perspective with a gratitude mindset the universe will conspire creating more happiness, joy, and energy in your life.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. I’m excited to announce the release of my latest book, “The Turning of the Circle: Embracing Nature’s Wisdom for Purposeful Living.” If you enjoy it, you might also be interested in my previous works, “Deep Walking for Body, Mind and Soul” and “Walking on Edge: A Pilgrimage to Santiago.” You can find all of these titles at reputable bookstores near you.

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by | September 20, 2021 · 4:42 pm

Another hill to climb

Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” – Napoleon Hill –

It is much easier to climb a mountain if you take it one step at a time instead of looking at the steep peak ahead of you.

Several times I had to tell myself this during the last couple of days walking the Camino de Santiago in northwestern Spain.

There is also a saying on the Camino that the last few kilometers are the hardest. You climb one hill and then you find you have to climb another at the next bend.

Obstacles – the blessings in disguise

Just reflect a little on your life so far. It is mostly the obstacles, the setbacks, and those down on the ground moments that have triggered the biggest transformation.

Sadly, we often throw in the towel before we have learned the lesson or just before we are about to achieve the biggest breakthrough.

Life is not meant to be easy. We whither and die spiritually and physically if we procrastinate in a comfort zone.

A crisis, whether in an institution, in the job or in a personal relationship, is a message from the universe telling us that something is out of balance and needs to change.

The journey has to continue

We can for a moment look back on the winding steep road that we have climbed, appreciating the view and the accomplishment. But at some point we will have to continue the journey.

We human beings are hardwired to explore, and discover. As long as we live on this earth we will constantly be challenged to redefine purpose and meaning.

This morning I found a spiral etched into stone by the ancient Celtic inhabitants of Galicia. The rock site was perfectly aligned to the rising morning sun. Obviously the area had been a place of religious significance eons ago.

  • Celtic spiral etched in rock

The ancient people were acutely aware of the laws of the seasons, closely studying nature. Beyond the perceived chaos of natural phenomenon lies a naural order of all things. The spiral is found in miniscule shells and flowers, and our DNA but also in the shape of our expanding galaxy.

Spiritually the spiral motif represents the path of the soul from the outer ego personality to the divine unity. It is the symbol of constant evolution and growth – a divine song of renewal moving from age to age.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

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by | February 2, 2021 · 8:09 am

How healthy are your relationships?

“You don’t develop courage by being happy in your relationships everyday. You develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity.”
— Epicurus

Humanity’s greatest challenge in the 21st century is ultimately about relationships that manifest themselves in the crisis of political, educational and religious institutions as the degradation of life systems on earth hangs like a sword of Damocles.

From the day you are born, you are defined by your relationships. It makes you into the human being you are today. Family, friends, marriage partners and associations influence who you in multiple and subtle ways.

German philosopher Martin Buber in his book “Ich und Du (translated as I and Thou) finds finds that human life essentially finds meaning and purpose in relationships.

Know thyself and thou shalt know the Universe

Ultimately it is also the relationship with the inner self and God. “Man, know thyself: then thou shalt know the Universe and God,” according to Greek philosopher Pythagora.

A traumatic relationship breakdown, the loss of a loved one or boundary issues in a marriage are often reasons why people seek help from a therapist or a counselor. An experienced therapist will then guide the client along the lines of for example:

  • reflecting on the major issues that led to the relationship breakdown;
  • communication patterns in a relationship and or
  • identifying positive relationship traits and conflict resolution.

Falling in love is not enough

Falling in love is simply not enough to make a relationship work. Its one of the things I had to learn the hard way in my own relationship history. There has to be at least some consensus on basic values, interests, life philosophies, and expectations.

While healthy relationships based on mutual respect and trust make out a huge part of personal happiness, it is primarily the walking over the hot coals during times of crisis and transmuting that experience that helps to solidify that relationship.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Yet, far more significant is the relationship to yourself that will ultimately define all your relationships. Some of the issues that have profound importance are the following:

  • What is your self-image? Is it authentic or defined by external factors such as social media?
  • How are you talking to yourself? Is that inner conversation with yourself positive and uplifting or constantly filled with self-doubt, recrimination and negativity.
  • Do you love and accept yourself unconditionally and at the same time take full responsibility on how you respond to circumstances outside of your control? You cannot change the behavior of people. You can however determine how you respond to that behavior.

The misconception of “soul mate”

If you are lonely and seeking the love of your life, you will never find that person and inevitably be disappointed if you expect the other person to fill an inner void. A “soul mate” is a misconception. You will only find that soul mate within. Ask yourself instead:

  • What do I need to change within myself to attract the person or persons that will make me shine and develop?
  • Rephrase, “what I want” to “what I can give and contribute.”

We are being distracted with the preoccupation of the crisis in our institutions while these are only reflections of an inner state of mind. Fundamentalist belief structures appear to provide clear answers and solutions to complex human problems but inevitably disappoint. They initially provide an anchor of hope but cannot replace that inner voice of authenticity, found in that quiet space of introspection and peace.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

One more thing…

If you would like to learn more about these and other topics, check out my books and online video courses in my store or go to linktr.ee/redfishsword

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