In 'All About Love: New Visions,' bell hooks delves into the complexities of love, arguing that it is an act of will rather than a strong feeling. The book is divided into thirteen chapters, each addressing a different aspect of love, such as childhood, family dynamics, honesty, commitment, spirituality, and community. hooks reflects on her own experiences and societal teachings on love, emphasizing the importance of clarity, justice, and honesty in loving relationships. She also critiques the ways in which capitalism and patriarchy distort our understanding of love and advocates for a return to a more authentic and transformative form of love that is rooted in mutual respect, trust, and communication.
I am honored to connect with Eamon Dolan today. Eamon is a book editor and is currently the Vice President and Executive Editor at Simon and Schuster.
In our conversation, we discuss Eamon's book, The Power of Parting, where he explores the often-overlooked realities of abuse, shedding light on the lack of education and understanding of various types of abuse, including physical, sexual, psychological, and neglect. We explore the effects of shame, the silent conspiracy that surrounds abuse, and ways in which neuroplasticity and intentional parenting can help break generational cycles. We examine the effects of complex PTSD, adverse childhood experiences, and the connection between early trauma and physical ailments like autoimmune disorders, reproductive challenges, and digestive issues. We also reflect on our roles in childhood, how abuse shapes the developing brain, the dangers of gaslighting, and the traits of narcissistic personality disorder.
In this candid and personal conversation, I share my childhood and what I witnessed while growing up with Eamon, hoping to offer clarity, comfort, and a sense of connection to anyone facing similar challenges. The Power of Parting is an essential read, particularly for those of us navigating the lasting effects of childhood abuse.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:
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The culture of silence surrounding abuse has led to many cases going unheard and unreported
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Neurological and psychological effects of abuse
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Humans are wired to form family bonds with strangers.
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How abusive and chaotic environments often become normalized for those living within them
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Why survivors of abuse need to reframe their family relationships
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Statistics on abuse survivors and the likelihood of breaking abuse cycles
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Traumatic stress disorder vs.PTSD?
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Gaslighting is not benign.
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How abused children tend to rationalize mistreatment, believing it comes from love
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Holding family members to the same standards as friends
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Breaking free from toxic relationships
Bio:
Eamon Dolan has worked as an editor at HarperCollins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Penguin Press. He is currently Vice President & Executive Editor at Simon & Schuster. He’s also a professional photographer whose work has been shown at the International Center of Photography and elsewhere. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.
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Connect with Eamon Dolan
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