II. Blog Articles and Podcast Recordings |
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IV. Virtual Seminars on Saturday, September 19, 2020* |
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The Men's Group Seminar: Equanimity
Defined in numerous and, at times, conflicting ways, equanimity, one of the most important concepts in Buddhism, refers to the ability to experience any event with an open, non-reactive perspective, no matter if the experience is subjectively perceived as pleasurable or painful. The term is often associated with mindfulness, but the two concepts represent distinct mental states with unique goals. At its core, equanimity is the capacity to disengage from the power of the "conditioned mind," i.e., the human tendency to cling to desirable conditions and over-react to the loss or absence of these conditions. The implications of equanimity for mental health are considerable. One group of scholars even argued that "equanimity captures potentially the most important psychological element in the improvement of well-being." In the next virtual meeting of the Men's Group Seminar on Saturday, September 19, 2020 (10:15 to 11:30 AM), we will explore equanimity, its meaning, how it may be cultivated, and its utility in coping with the problems of everyday life.
To register for this upcoming seminar, please see the directions below.
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The Relationship Group Seminar: Radical Acceptance
Is radical acceptance really the key to long-lasting love or is it a cop-out? Often linked with unconditional love, radical acceptance provides a directive on how to tolerate, co-exist with, and even love our partner's limitations, weaknesses and annoying habits. Evoking an attitude of human fallibility, radical acceptance offers a lens through which our own, and our partner's, quirks and foibles may be viewed with compassion and benign neutrality. Sounds good, right? Well, where is the line between radical acceptance and settling? And, more broadly, does unconditional love actually create an air of complacency in long-term relationships -- resulting in expectations of effortful, positive change being subdued or forfeited? Perhaps these questions all funnel into a central issue at the foundation of who we choose to love and who chooses to love us, i.e., do we seek a soul mate who confronts and challenges us or accepts us, flaws and all? In the next virtual meeting of the Relationship Group Seminar on Saturday, September 19, 2020 (11:45 AM to 1:00 PM), we will pursue these and other questions as we evaluate the notion of radical acceptance.
To register for this upcoming seminar, please see the directions below.
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The Dynamic Psychotherapy Process Group
This therapy group utilizes the emerging dynamics among group members, and between the group members and facilitator, as a basis from which to examine one's characteristic ways of thinking, feeling, and relating to others. Our next virtual group session will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2020 (1:15 to 2:30 PM). The Dynamic Psychotherapy Process Group is a therapeutic experience and entry occurs only after a pre-group screening interview.
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* Registration Directions: If you would like to attend the virtual meeting of the Men's Group Seminar and/or the Relationship Group Seminar on September 19, 2020, please RSVP to me at 949-338-4388 or jt@jamestobinphd.com at your earliest convenience. The fee is $25.00 (payable before entering the virtual meeting) and informed consent for participation in this telehealth event must be completed prior to the seminars. Please note that the Men's Group Seminar and the Relationship Group Seminar are psychoeducational in nature, not therapeutic, and do not constitute psychotherapy or counseling.
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