Our Emotional Footprint

Celebrating the human experience.

Saul Levine M.D.

Hope: A Human Need and a Powerful Force

In times of uncertainty, our base levels of anxiety and reactivity are high, but our human propensity to hope can save us.

Are You Religious or Spiritual? Both or Neither?

Archeological evidence has shown that humans have always been on a quest to understand our origins and the meanings attached to our complicated lives, just as we are now..

Is it Loneliness or "Only-ness"?

As a little girl, our daughter said she felt "only," as she felt this word better described her feelings than the word "lonely," to convey its isolation, sadness and solitude.

The Delights and Disturbances of Dreams

We often try to interpret the meanings of our dreams. Dreams can be vivid and memorable, delightful or disturbing—and can enrich our lives.

Stories of Our Lives and 'The Human Condition'

Is "the human condition" a curse that bedevils us or a blessing bestowed upon us? Humans have considerable say in how their life stories unfold, but we need each other.

How to Live With Uncertainty

We live with uncertainties about our health and futures personally and with severe global crises. We have the need and intelligence to overcome, we need the impetus and motivation.

Cognitive Dissonance: True Lies and False Truths

In addition to pandemic and global warming, people are psychologically pressured by intense conflicts about what is true or factual versus what is based on disinformation and lies.

It Is The Best of Times, It Is The Worst of Times

In spite of psychological stressors and social challenges, we have capacities to achieve senses of Being, Belonging, Believing and Benevolence, and a Positive Emotional Footprint.

A Domestic Corps: Inspiring Our Youth, Enhancing Our Country

A year-long Domestic Corps experience could be a "win-win" for post-high school adolescents and young adults while contributing to the social and infrastructure of the country.

A Sense of Awe, and "Peak Experiences"

Most people can recall at least one extremely intense event in their lives that involved transitory but profound emotional, perceptual, and cognitive alterations.

The Arc of Humanity Bends to Benevolence, or Belligerence?

Our social species has advanced communally and benevolently, but we have not controlled our propensities to anger, hate, and violence: benevolence or belligerence, our yin and yang.

Pandemic Woes and Worries, Yet Wonderment

Despite the imposed hardships of the pandemic inflicted on all of us and our troubled political times, there are glimmers of optimism evinced by human creativity and resilience.

Resilience Revisited: Help Often Plays a Key Role

I've known people who overcame severe adversities and thrived in their lives. Their stories are of pain and setbacks, courage and perseverance, but help from others was crucial.

The Pleasures and Pains of Writing

Writers of opinion columns and articles have long received respectful praise or criticism, but the internet has brought forth vile personal attacks.

Gratitude for Grandparents

Grandparents are adored by grandchildren whom they can love and spoil, but they also often play crucial roles in raising children.

Canada and the United States: Different Peas in a Pod

Canada and the U.S. share the longest peaceful border in the world, but there are differences and tensions between the two nations in the way they see society and the world.

The Appeal of Authoritarians to Malcontents and Militants

During times of social unrest, intense pressures, and uncertainties, many are drawn to authoritarian leaders who promise stability, security, and exclusion of unwanted others.

The 'Positive Emotional Footprint' of Mike

My father Mike's life as a child was marked by poverty and dangerous anti-Semitism. As an adult, however, he was benevolent, warm, and resilient.

The Coronavirus Pandemic: A Needed "Course Correction?"

When the pandemic is over, will we return to the past? Will we be unprepared for other disasters, revert to human selfishness and aggression, or will we strive to live in harmony?

The Enigma and Metaphor of Face Masks

In the midst of a pandemic, evidence that face masks are effective, and the urging of scientists, many still refuse to utilize them. Wearing them is a metaphor for civility,

True Believers and Conspiracy Theories

Invalid Conspiracy Theories abound now, as they have throughout history, attracting fervent True Believers. They can be transient and harmless, or deeply entrenched and dangerous.

'You Don't Know What You've Got 'Til It's Gone'

We often felt stressed by life's pressures, even before COVID-19 inflicted dramatic losses. When we finally vanquish that viral menace, will we better appreciate our lives?

The Paradox of Quarantine: Humans Are Coming Together

An opportunity for our species? The virus has wreaked havoc, destruction, and pain, but humans are coming together to communicate, care, and commune.

Is Truth Trustworthy, Fact or Fake, Accurate or False?

In our roiling world people are increasingly confused, not knowing what or whom to believe, what or who is trustworthy. Those with simplistic answers often attract true believers.

The Complexities of Our Lives: The Past Is Prologue

One might think that after years of diverse experiences, personal introspection, and even therapies, we would be free of old insecurities, but under duress, they can return unbidden.

Have You Ever "Fallen in Love?" Why Isn't It Simple?

Just about everyone has craved the experience of "falling in love," most of us have reveled in the thrill of "being in love," and many of us have endured the loss of love.

America's Gun Culture: Infatuation, Fetish, or Curse?

Gun ownership and related deaths and injuries are stratospheric here compared to any other developed country.

Thanksgiving: For What? To Whom?

Even in times of turmoil, the symbolism of Thanksgiving—gratitude for our lives, families and friends, achievements and freedoms—is particularly meaningful.

Young True Believers: Cults or Constructive Contributions?

Years ago youth captivated by promises of fulfillment left their families to join religious cults. Can society channel their idealism for personal growth and social betterment?

If We Humans Are So Good, Why Are We So Bad?

We humans have achieved greatly in the arts, sciences, medicine, and architecture, and in acts of communality and benevolence. We have also, however, been hateful and brutal.

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