Yes, David. I really appreciate that connection. What strikes me in Woodruff’s idea of epimeleisthai is that reflection is not meant to become endless self-analysis, but an ongoing way of caring for how we are actually living. Perhaps that is the distinction that matters clinically too: reflection that keeps us engaged with life, rather than reflection that becomes another way of retreating from it.
Thank you, David. Aristotle is a wonderful connection here. Insight can illuminate the pattern, but illumination alone does not necessarily change what has become practiced and embodied. And yes, Yalom has influenced my thinking deeply, particularly his willingness to treat what arises in the therapist as meaningful clinical information rather than noise to be eliminated. I appreciate you bringing both threads into the conversation.
Paul Woodruff in LIVING Toward VIRTUE emphasizes the importance of epimeleistai, Care of our Souls, by lifelong non-obsessive Reflection
Yes, David. I really appreciate that connection. What strikes me in Woodruff’s idea of epimeleisthai is that reflection is not meant to become endless self-analysis, but an ongoing way of caring for how we are actually living. Perhaps that is the distinction that matters clinically too: reflection that keeps us engaged with life, rather than reflection that becomes another way of retreating from it.
I've always had a healthy disrespect for self-affirmations, first, non-efficacious. Secondly, one more lie we tell ourselves.
More recentky, in my non-therapy mens group, i see the agony of the hopelessness of those for whom the practice is not sufficient.
Aristotle come to mind. Habituation begets character. (Neuroscience confirms tue inefficacy of insight alone.)
I've followed Irvin Yalom for > 35 years. He emphasizes the counter-transference yiu speak of.
Thank you for your clarity
Thank you, David. Aristotle is a wonderful connection here. Insight can illuminate the pattern, but illumination alone does not necessarily change what has become practiced and embodied. And yes, Yalom has influenced my thinking deeply, particularly his willingness to treat what arises in the therapist as meaningful clinical information rather than noise to be eliminated. I appreciate you bringing both threads into the conversation.