The Pacific Heart

Psychiatry, Spirituality and Culture

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

Bong Joon Ho at the Oscars: Gratitude and Common Humanity

Bong Joon Ho gave a remarkable speech of generosity, gratitude, and common humanity at the Oscars this year. Here's a recap of the important lessons for all of us.

The Drama of the Abused Family

As a psychologist, I see the parallels between our national predicament and the drama of the abused family. How might we break free?

A self-reinforcing pyramid of cult power - the base keeps the party in line, and Trump and media keep them all on message

The Cult of Trump

A new book by cult and mind control expert Steven Hassan.

Narcissism: A Central Danger for the American Psyche

Narcissism poses dangers to all relationships, and when it is advanced in authority leads to the abuse of power. The country's founders were aware of the darker dangers posed.

Homelessness in the American Psyche

A recent panel on homelessness for the Brown Club of San Francisco featured local alumni experts and offers insight into this significant predicament of society.

Bay Area Art Showcases Healing Journeys of the Feminine

Two Bay Area visual art exhibits highlight women's stories, and stories of survival.

Compassion for America in a Time of Violence

Mass shootings occur with alarming regularity. White Nationalist terrorism has motivated several. What underlies this violence? And how can self-compassion and compassion help?

"Luce": Racism, Projection, and Conditioned Existence

"Luce" is a movie that will make you uncomfortable in all the right ways about race in America.

El Paso Massacre: Nihilism, Narcissism and White Nationalism

Can we make some sense of the latest senseless tragedy? As I see it, narcissism/tribalism and nihilism underpin the ideology of White Nationalism.

Narcissism, Needs for Certainty and Closure, and Relatedness

Narcissism exists, but we are not as polarized as the media and leaders proclaim. Here are antidotes to narcissistic relational problems and our needs for closure and certainty.

Cyberbullying and Breaking Out of Hate Spirals

A Buddhist psychiatrist's view of cyberbullying, social media toxicity, and rejecting hate spirals.

6 Problems of “Instagram Therapy”

A recent article showcased "Instagram therapy." What are the problems and potential dangers of this new medium?

Steph Curry and the Warriors Show Humanity and Leadership

Kevin Durant went down, but the Dubs won. What Steph Curry said can set the tone for leadership in sports and in the world.

Hao Wu on "All in My Family" and Gay Rights in China

"All In My Family" is a documentary by Hao Wu that deals with family dynamics, fatherhood, and gay rights in China.

Lulu Wang’s “The Farewell” Delights Audiences

"The Farewell" by Lulu Wang, starring Awkwafina, is based on the true story of an Asian American family dealing with a matriarch's terminal diagnosis.

Touch Isn't the Problem, Social Media Is the Problem

The controversy over Joe Biden and inappropriate touch misses a more dangerous culprit: the quick-to-anger synapses of social media. Also: the science of touch.

Loneliness: Social Media, the Internet, and Smartphones

Loneliness is an epidemic, and part of our human condition. How do smartphones, dating apps and social media contribute? What can help, this Valentine's Day especially?

A Psychological State of Our Union: We Are All Migrants

What is the psychological state of our union? Reflections on immigration and the Asian American identity, in particular.

Northam and the Mentalization and Empathic Deficits of Power

Social psychologist Dacher Keltner's work shows that indeed, power corrupts. To what extent is racism a relational deficit resulting in empathic and mentalization deficits?

2019: Year of the Pig, Year of Compassion

Let's make the Year of the Pig the Year of Compassion: A pig encounter made a friend swear off pork, and a climate conference had me (mostly) swear off meat.

New Year’s Resolution: Make San Francisco Nice Again!

San Francisco seems to have taken a dive in the everyday kindness of the street. Here's a six-point plan to "Make San Francisco Nice Again"!

The Psychological Case for Banning Trump from Twitter

President Trump has violated the Twitter TOS. Moreover, his outsize, intrusive impact on the collective psyche needs to be reined in.

Psychological Violence and Propaganda, from the White House

President Trump's rhetoric can be seen as psychological violence against survivors, and has the hallmarks of authoritarian propaganda.

“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.

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