In this book, Bronnie Ware shares her experiences from working in palliative care, where she identified the five most common regrets of the dying. These regrets include: 'I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me,' 'I wish I hadn’t worked so hard,' 'I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings,' 'I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends,' and 'I wish that I had let myself be happier.' The book provides a heartfelt and inspiring account of how these regrets can be addressed while there is still time, promoting a life of greater compassion, honesty, and happiness.
In this collection of essays, Dr. James Hollis explores life's challenges and celebrates the evolving questions of life's journey. The book emphasizes the importance of engaging in a deeper dialogue with one's soul, navigating through symptoms, dreams, and restless nights to gain insight into inner challenges. Hollis guides readers to reflect on questions about happiness, dreams, the divided soul of America, fear and fascination with death, and the conflict between good and evil. Using analytic psychology, he aims to help readers reconnect with deep wisdom, bringing renewed purpose and dignity to their lives. The book focuses on personal accountability, decisive growth, and the recovery of a spiritual life in a secular age[1][3][4].
James Hollis's "Living an Examined Life" delves into the complexities of self-discovery and the challenges of living a meaningful life. Hollis draws upon Jungian psychology to explore the unconscious forces that shape our choices and experiences. The book emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and confronting our shadow selves to achieve wholeness. It offers practical guidance on navigating life's transitions and embracing the unknown. Ultimately, Hollis encourages readers to embark on a journey of self-understanding and to live authentically.
The Death of Ivan Ilych, published in 1886, is a novella by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the existential crisis of its protagonist. Ivan Ilych, a judge who has lived a life conforming to societal norms and expectations, is diagnosed with a terminal illness. As his health deteriorates, he is forced to confront the emptiness and superficiality of his life. The novella explores themes of mortality, the search for meaning, and the nature of authentic living. Through Ivan's journey, Tolstoy poses critical questions about the purpose of life and the inevitability of death, prompting readers to reflect on their own existence and the values they uphold. Despite the pain and fear associated with his illness, Ivan ultimately finds a sense of peace and understanding in his final moments[2][3][5].
James Hollis's "Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life" is a seminal work exploring the psychological and spiritual transitions of midlife. Hollis delves into the challenges and opportunities of this transformative period, emphasizing the importance of confronting one's shadow self and embracing personal growth. The book offers a framework for navigating the complexities of aging, loss, and the search for purpose. It encourages readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life. Hollis's insights are both insightful and practical, providing guidance for those seeking meaning and purpose in their later years.
In this book, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma reshapes both the body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores various treatments, including neurofeedback, meditation, sports, drama, and yoga, which activate the brain’s natural neuroplasticity to aid in recovery. The book emphasizes the power of relationships in both causing and healing trauma and offers hope through descriptions of novel approaches to treatment. It is based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists in the field[1][2][5].
Did you know that we spend six entire years of our lives dreaming? According to this week's guest, these dreams carry vital messages from our deepest selves that most of us never hear.
James Hollis, PhD was originally a Professor of Literature and Philosophy at various universities until mid-life when he retrained as a Psycho-Analyst at the Jung Institute in Zurich. He currently lives and teaches in Washington, D.C. and is the author of twenty books, including his latest: Living with Borrowed Dust: Reflections on Life, Love and Other Grievances.
In this conversation, James explains the important difference between purpose and meaning, and shares how his own midlife depression at the age of 35 was a pivotal moment that caused him to confront the harsh reality that despite "doing all the right things," he wasn't living true to himself.
We explore the purpose of dreams and what vital messages are contained within them, why so many of us end up living our lives by other people's rules - trying to please family, fit cultural
norms, or climb career ladders - and James explains that, whilst this approach might help us get by at first, it often leads to burnout, depression, and, ill health.
James also introduces us to his thought provoking “second half of life” concept - not a chronological age but a psychological shift, when we start questioning who it is that we really
are.
At nearly 85 years old and still seeing clients three days a week, James is full of clarity, perspective and wisdom. And I’m sure this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and motivated to live a more authentic life.
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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.
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