The Pacific Heart

Psychiatry, Spirituality and Culture

Ravi Chandra M.D., D.F.A.P.A.

“A Whale of a Tale” Questions Cultural Narcissism

"A Whale of a Tale" is a new feature length documentary that highlights the tensions that arose after the Academy Award winning documentary "The Cove" was made.

"Crazy Rich Asians" and the Asian American Psyche, Part II

The hot new breakout movie is fun, and also informative about the Asian American psyche, both within itself and in the controversy it generated.

Crazy Rich Asians and the Asian American Psyche, Part I

The hot new breakout movie is fun, and also informative about the Asian American psyche, both within itself and in the controversy it generated.

"For Izzy" Explores Autism, Addiction and APIA Families

The new indie feature For Izzy showcases individuals and families dealing with autism and addiction, and finding healing in relationship. Here's an interview with the principals.

On Han, Soul, the Collective Psyche and Microaggressions

David Sedaris admits on PBS NewsHour that, basically, he doesn’t understand what women want. Understanding han, soul and psyche in the Trump era.

Can Mindfulness and Compassion Save the World?

How mindfulness helped save the boys and their coach trapped in the Thai cave. Mindfulness and compassion might just save the world!

Junot Díaz and the Not-So-Brief, Wondrous Life of #MeToo

Junot Díaz is accused of inappropriate behavior with women, and is also a victim of sexual abuse. Examining the links of abuse, perpetration, and healing.

Social Media and IRL: Narcissistic Attachment to Opinion

A narcissistic attachment to opinion, coupled with our very real divides and changes, are problematic, for real life and the internet.

Suicide, Mental Health Stigma, Shame and Social Media

The tragic deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain are reminders of the importance of mental health, and the continuing prevalence of stigma. We can do better.

Roseanne, Race and “They’re Just Like Us”

A joke made on "Roseanne" set the media buzzing recently. "They're just like us," she said. Well - we're not all the same. But we are, too.

Social Media Mindfulness Detox Challenge!

Curious about how social media is affecting you? Dr. Chandra, author of Facebuddha: Transcendence in the Age of Social Networks, invites you to the Social Media Detox Challenge!

Atsuko Hirayanagi and "Oh Lucy!"

"Oh Lucy!" is a wonderful movie, nominated for a Spirit Award for best debut feature. Here's an interview with Bay Area filmmaker and director Atsuko Hirayanagi.

Public Health Arguments for Gun Control

There is a clear public health rationale for gun control. Here is the research. An excerpt from a new book on gun psychology, "Guns Are Not Our God! The NRA Is Not Our Church!"

2018: The Year of the Dog, The Year of Living Doggedly

Some psychology and biology of the dog-human bond, and thoughts on the Year of the Dog.

Is Facebook Making Us Narcissistic?

Is social media making us more narcissistic? Studies suggest we are exposed more to narcissists online - and the medium itself may promote narcissistic relating.

Is Facebook Destroying Society and Your Mental Health?

Former Facebook insiders as well as researchers are raising red flags about social media. Here's what you need to know to make your decision about using social media.

Vietnamese American Refugee Stories Win Acclaim

Thi Bui and Bao Phi are winning acclaim for their individual and collaborative works. "A Different Pond" and "The Best We Could Do" are vital in this era of immigrant-bashing.

Enthusiastic Consent vs Compassionate Relating: Aziz & Grace

More on the Aziz Ansari-Grace incident.

Cat Person, Aziz Ansari and Power in the Age of Trump

The New Yorker's "Cat Person" short story seemed to be a prelude to the current Aziz Ansari story. What can we learn about power and vulnerability in the Trump era?

Mr. Zuckerberg, Tear Down This Wall!

Mark Zuckerberg is changing the Facebook Newsfeed, again. He claims it's to help users' mental health and make Facebook a force for moral good. Don't believe the hype.

WWJD? Why I Say “Happy Holidays”

There is no war on Christmas. Happy Holidays is just more inclusive and respectful. Hannity and President Trump are using religion in service of their political goals.

Navigating Difficult People and Opinions During the Holidays

We are living in highly polarized, traumatized, and mistrustful times. Here's how you can avoid turning Thanksgiving into Thanksblaming.

Docs Gone Wild: Losing Professional Boundaries Online

Mark Zuckerberg's vision is total transparency. But this has serious consequences for health professionals and the doctor-patient relationship, and even the ability to form a self.

"Me Too" and the Limits of Internet Empathy

The "Me Too" campaign on social media highlights the prevalence of misogyny, sexual harassment and assault. But our online engagement may take us farther from resolution.

Don’t Just Blame Facebook for Fake News: It’s Us, Too

Is social media use a race to the bottom of our brainstems?

After Charlottesville: Is Racism a Mental Illness?

In what ways might racism be considered a mental illness? How might this understanding help us treat those who suffer from pathological bias?

Highlights of the 37th San Francisco Jewish Film Festival

The 37th San Francisco Jewish Film Festival offered insight and history. An Inconvenient Sequel, The Young Karl Marx, Citizen Schein, 1945 and Paradise were highlights.

Option B and Option Buddha—Sheryl Sandberg and Kisa Gotami

A review of Sandberg's Option B, and some lessons from Buddhism about grief and mortality.

Evergreen College, the Rejection Complex, and Bullying

Evergreen State College was recently in turmoil. There were accusations of racism and bullying along with threats and a show of riot police. What's underneath the hysteria?

#MarchForScience, Social Media, Diversity and Identity

UCSF showcased a panel of scientific leaders at their Stand Up For Science day. What does this tell us about diversity in science, and about social media?

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