Thanksgiving 2023: How to Navigate for a Favorable Time with Family

A group of people sitting around a table with turkey.

Summary: Did you know that Thanksgiving Day is a high-stress time for most people? Think of it this way. Family dynamics can be as diverse as the food on the table. Navigating family interactions during this holiday requires a delicate balance of understanding, communication, and patience. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I need help with the right…

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The Psychology of Hope

A person with their hands up in the air.

Summary: In a world rife with conflict and discord, the quest for peace and hope can seem impossible. Yet, history has shown that profound transformation is possible, and it often begins with the power of collective action and systems thinking. We explore this here. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Shocked and saddened last week. My 19-year-old daughter…

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Game Theory and Conflict: Unraveling the Prisoner’s Dilemma

Two men sitting on a bench in front of bars.

Summary: Game theory is a field in mathematics and economics. It has proven to be a valuable tool for understanding complex conflicts and strategic interactions. We apply “The Prisoner’s Dilemma” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It sheds light on the challenges and potential solutions in this ongoing struggle for peace. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I know the…

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Vengeance Is Not a Strategy; Here’s What Makes a Difference

Finger people with faces drawn on them

Summary: In the annals of history, countless tales of vengeance and retribution have captured our imagination. From ancient feuds to epic battles and cinematic showdowns, the desire for payback has always been a compelling human narrative. Here is what makes the real difference. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I was thinking about you today. I was thinking…

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What We Can Learn From The Dark Psychology of War

A person 's hands with the world on them and birds flying around.

Dear All, Today, I, once again, enter the darkness of what is happening in Israel and Palestine. In addition, it brings back memories of a time that seems a million years ago (actually twenty-one). That was when a group of my colleagues and I created The Center for Intercultural Dialogue. We were doing deep work…

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When the Winds of War Are Strong

A large fire is burning in the sky.

Summary: Today is meant to be different. It is about today’s world’s pain, hurt, and fear. And one way to make a difference, no matter how small. Dear All, Today is a tough day. Above all, we continue to get more information from the Middle East. It’s mainly about the vast number of humans, from…

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Culture Killers in the Workplace: Unmasking the Culprits

A man with a beard and a gas mask on his head is sitting at the computer.

Summary: A healthy workplace culture fosters employee engagement, innovation, and productivity. However, culture killers can be equally potent in dragging an organization down. These toxic elements can erode trust, hinder collaboration, and stifle creativity. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I know there will be missteps and upsets in every work arena. After all, humans are not perfect…

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