One of the reasons why we may end up acting more destructively and cruelly than we should, is that it can take us a long time to fathom how someone like us could cause trouble for anyone. Another is that humans are frequently beset by feelings that are so intolerable and difficult, an emotional 'pass the parcel' is projected upon the child, partner or companion that represents someone that neglected them long ago. We may not realise that our most difficult emotions often need a destination — and, too often, it is those closest to us who receive the package we haven’t yet dared to unwrap. Understanding why this happens is a first — and vital — step. | | | In Episode 13 of The Workshop, John and Alain play The Confessions Game live and make a range of more personal disclosures: we hear about Alain’s father and John’s mother, about their attitudes to money, success, failure and the envy of their friends. The tone is warm, humane and reflective. The moral is that all of us are strangers, and yet also (in the true sense) more normal, than we suppose. | | | With the right encouragement, all of us are capable of immense kindness. But without it, we can also quickly descend into something far darker. A More Loving World is a book that reminds us of our better natures and mobilises us to fight for the kinder, more loving world we are all seeking beneath the surface. | | | A simple game of cards and dice which opens up daring conversations with friends, as featured in Episode 13. of The Workshop. | | A hopeful, consoling, gentle book about how to fail well and overcome some of the residual resentment than can come from it. | | | A Philosophical Exercise for Envy | | Learning to Forgive Ourselves | | | |
