Finding Sanity in the Post-Truth Era

Dr. Keith WittHow can I feel happy and fulfilled in my life?, Integral Live, Intrapersonal, Perspectives, Politics, Presentations, Psychology, Video, Witt & Wisdom: Live with Dr. Keith 4 Comments

Dr. Keith Witt talks about our shared emotional reactions to the election and ongoing cultural upheavals, and some strategies help us not only cope, but actually grow through these times.

Originally recorded on Integral Live.

Spiral Dynamics maintains that life conditions generate worldviews, and I generally agree. Well researched examples are how authoritarian environments tend to evoke authoritarian family structures, and loving communitarian environments tend to generate healing intersubjectivity.

All communication is complementary. You speak angrily to me, I feel like responding angrily to you. You speak kindly to me, and I feel more kindly to you. We know this is partially due to our extensive mirror neuron systems which cause us to echo another’s states when our eyes meet, our voices engage, or we move in synchrony. I believe we also share other intersubjective and morphic systems—subtle energy fields we contribute to and are influenced by.

All this being said, everyone is to some extent challenged by the life conditions in the current world. So, what is sanity here?

Carrying on and ignoring the tumult? Sometimes.

Taking actions in service of values and core beliefs? Sometimes.

Raging at injustice and bigotry? Sometimes.

Affiliating with like-minded others? Sometimes.

Seeking compassionate understanding of self and others? Always.

Independent of vMEME and life conditions, most of us spend our time in one of two radically different types of states: a) healthy responses to the present moment, and b) defensive states. These show up differently at different altitudes, but defensive states and states of healthy response have characteristic behavioral and neurobiological processes across worldviews.

Becoming more sensitive to defensive states and states of healthy response helps us find meaning. It also helps with three central goals of therapy — to enjoy life, love ourselves and others better, and serve the world.

Watch as Dr. Keith explores all this material, and how to use it to become less clueless and more dialed-in in the post-truth era.

Dr. Keith Witt

About Keith Witt

Dr. Keith Witt is a Licensed Psychologist, teacher, and author who has lived and worked in Santa Barbara, CA. for over forty years. Dr. Witt is also the founder of The School of Love.

Corey deVos

About Corey deVos

Corey W. deVos is editor and producer of Integral Life. He has worked for Integral Institute/Integal Life since Spring of 2003, and has been a student of integral theory and practice since 1996. Corey is also a professional woodworker, and many of his artworks can be found in his VisionLogix art gallery.

Comments

  1. Avatar

    I loved this webinar and am hoping to find out more about an upcoming course of Dr. Keith’s on trauma that was mentioned at one point. Thanks in advance for any info! Michael

  2. Keith Witt Author

    Hi Michael,

    I’m glad you enjoyed the webinar!
    I’m starting a nine month Integral Master Therapist Program in Feb next year. I’m sending out notifications to apply this Oct after I get all the pieces in place. If you want a notification, just email me at keith@drkeithwitt.com.
    Take care,
    Keith

  3. Avatar

    Thanks for your reply, Keith. Not being a therapist, but hoping to find one with an integral perspective to work with personally on trauma issues, do you have any suggestions? My email is michael.pinsonneault@concordia.ca if you prefer to take the conversation off-list. All the best, Michael

  4. Avatar

    Thank you Keith. You have helped me figure out a way to speak with my brother, a would be Trump voter (we live in Canada) to speak from my heart rather than ‘my’ trauma. Like the gentleman above, wish I knew where to find a integrally informed therapist where I live. In the mean time, most grateful for your books.

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