

How to See Yourself Through Darkness with Mariana Alessandri
18 snips Aug 9, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Mariana Alessandri, an Associate Professor of Philosophy and author of "Night Vision," shares her insights on navigating dark moods. She emphasizes the need to embrace difficult emotions without feeling broken and critiques societal pressures to maintain positivity. Listeners learn about the impact of labeling mental health and explore the integration of conflicting feelings. Alessandri encourages self-compassion and presents practical strategies for managing anxiety, promoting a deeper connection between emotions and personal growth.
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Alessandri on the Two Wolves
- Mariana Alessandri discusses her evolving perspective on the "two wolves" parable.
- Her view shifted after having children, focusing on nurturing all aspects of oneself.
Societal Views on Dark Moods
- Society pressures us to be positive, associating light with good qualities, creating a "brokenness story" around dark moods.
- Negative labels like "broken" or "mentally ill" further stigmatize these experiences.
Integrating Dark Moods
- Alessandri emphasizes the validity of hating negative emotions like anxiety or depression, while acknowledging their persistent presence.
- She highlights the importance of integrating these emotions into our self-narrative rather than viewing them as separate entities.