In this video, we unpack what narcissism really is, how it traps people emotionally and psychologically, and why so many capable, compassionate people stay stuck longer than they should. You’ll learn how narcissistic dynamics affect the brain and nervous system, the hidden patterns that keep you doubting yourself, and the first practical steps toward freedom, clarity, and self-trust. This isn’t about blame or labels — it’s about understanding, healing, and regaining your power. If you’ve felt confused, drained, or disconnected from who you used to be, this video is for you. Healing is possible, and freedom starts with insight. Continue reading
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Tag: self-compassion
OCD remains one of the least understood mental health challenges in our societies today. We're still very quick to judge individuals with OCD as if will-power is all that is required to transform OCD. OCD is much more than what you think. In this short video, I review the neurobiology of OCD and provide helpful insights towards transformation. For more info about our recovery course, here is the link: https://mindbodybreakthrough.net/workshops/ Continue reading
Fragmented traumatic memories are the common causes of amnesia, somatisation and pseudo hospitalisation. If the mind represses it, the body will recycle it and subsequently somatise it through psychosomatic illnesses such as chronic pain, IBS, autoimmune conditions, etc. Here are some thoughts about working with fragmented traumatic memories. Continue reading
Self-compassion is a bridge to wellness. It's a regulator of the nervous system and builder of healthy neural pathways. Here is how self-compassion can work for you. Continue reading
There are two regions of the brain critical to memory formation and retrieval; the pre-frontal cortex (PFC) and the hippocampus. The PFC, the boss of the psyche, encodes memory via the excitations of its numerous synaptic networks, while the hippocamus, often refered to as the major memory centre, consolidates memories through its short-term and long-term memory compatments. Unfortunately, chronic stress exposure, including repeated trauma, affects these two regions of the brain. Under intense stressors, the PFC loses its neuronal access to integrative memories that could have prevented a cascade of fight-or-flight responses, while the hippocampus' nervous projections shrivel and retract Continue reading
The part of the brain that is heavily involved in survival activities is also involved in mediating appetite. This means that trauma or stress can dysregulate the neuro-physiological networks involved in the regulation of appetite, leading to maladaptation. For example, acutely stress out a lab rat and it becomes hypophagic (its appetite is surpressed). Chronically stress out the same rat (please don't try this at home?) and it becomes hyperphagic(its appetite is stimulated). Although this process is also applicable to humans, it is far from straightforward as humans are extremely complex. There are several factors that can mediate whether Continue reading
Like many modern cars that are equipped with an adaptive cruise-control with the capability to know when to cruise, accelerate, slow down or shutdown, the human nervous system contains an inbuilt adaptive mechanism that constantly evaluates risks and safety in your environment to determine whether or not it should cruise, mobilise or immobilise survival energy. In humans, the immobilisation defence system (such as, dissociation, numbness, passing out, frozenness, vasovagal syncope etc.) is as crucial for survival as the mobilisation defence system (such as, hyperarousal, hyper-vigilance, insomnia, panic attacks and anxiety, etc.). These two systems are designed to enhance your chances Continue reading
If you missed my Q&A session on mental health, you can catch up here. Continue reading
The hallmark of wellness is knowing how and when to turn off your stress response. Humans are wired for survival. Whenever you feel threatened, the survival network in your brain and body mobilises its adaptive energy to increase your chances of survival. This adaptive energy, originally designed for short-term stress responses, becomes toxic if left turned on for too long or if faced with a prolonged stressor. When you find yourself overwhelmed with negative thoughts, memories or feelings, you can manually turn off your own stress responses and gradually override the survival brain, using all your senses - sight, touch, Continue reading
Stress is a natural bodily response to a perceived threat. There are three types of stress; beneficial, tolerable and toxic. A reasonable amount of acute stress (mild and brief) can be beneficial and promote greater cognitive and immune system functions. However, toxic stress (traumatic and prolonged) are the biggest risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Depending on the severity of your negative life experiences, it is possible to leave your stress response in the 'ON' position for too long. When the nervous system starts to have trouble turning off your stress hormones, cardiovascular disease, among others, may become inevitable. Elevated levels Continue reading