Women in a Patriarchal Society: Dr. Shefali on Female Identity

A woman who lacks confidence listening to her male supervisor at work illustrates women in a patriarchal society

What happens when women try to meet society’s impossible standards? How does living in a male-dominated world affect women’s authentic identity and mental health? Women in a patriarchal society face unique pressures that shape their behavior, appearance, and life choices from childhood. From an early age, girls learn that their worth depends on meeting strict social expectations—expectations that only grow more demanding as they age. Keep reading to discover how these societal pressures impact women’s wellbeing

Who Is Tarana Burke? The Activist’s Childhood, Explained

Activist Tarana Burke giving a speech in front of a black background

Who is Tarana Burke? What was Burke’s childhood like? Burke’s involvement in anti-sexual violence activism is rooted in her own experience of childhood sexual abuse. In her book Unbound, she briefly describes how her victimization and other experiences inspired a deep-seated sense of shame. Let’s look at the experiences that encouraged her to start the “me too” movement.

Dr. Shefali: Motherhood Myths Based on Tradition Harm Women

A mother holding her baby, who is looking at her, illustrates motherhood myths

What myths about motherhood might be shaping your perspective as a woman? How can these societal expectations affect your relationship with yourself and others? According to Dr. Shefali, motherhood myths that arise from traditional beliefs are only hurting women. Her insights reveal how patriarchal expectations can impact women’s identities, relationships, and overall well-being—whether they have children or not. Read more to explore Dr. Shefali’s ideas that could transform your understanding of motherhood and womanhood.

How Beauty Standards for Women Harm Them (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)

A sad woman looking at herself in a full-length mirror illustrates harmful beauty standards for women

Why do women feel pressured to change their appearance? What can they do to resist harmful beauty standards? Beauty standards for women evolve over time, yet they consistently create unrealistic expectations that can damage self-worth. From Victorian-era preferences for plumpness to modern obsessions with thinness, these ideals force many women to pursue dangerous alterations to their bodies. Read on to discover how to break free from these restrictive standards and embrace your natural self.

Feel Like You’re Always Busy? Here’s How to Escape the Chaos

A stressed man who is always busy sits in traffic in his car and looks frustrated

Why does it feel like we’re always busy? How can you slow down in a fast-paced world? In Zen Buddhist teacher Haemin Sunim’s book, The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, he explains why people today feel overwhelmed by busyness. If you want to feel less busy, you need to change your perspective and stop blaming society. Here’s Sunim’s advice for slowing down in a fast-paced society.

Raise Your Violence Awareness by Unmasking These 3 Myths

A bearded man looking alert in a public setting illustrates violence awareness

Is violence truly unpredictable? How certain should you be that you’ll never be a victim of violence? Violence awareness is crucial for personal safety. Understanding common misconceptions about violence can help you better prepare for and avoid dangerous situations. In The Gift of Fear, security specialist Gavin de Becker seeks to help you learn to spot warning signs and take proactive measures. Read on to discover how you can enhance your safety by understanding the nature of violence.

A Radical Awakening: Book Overview (Shefali Tsabary)

A woman with long brown hair and glasses reading a red book with a large bookshelf in the background

What drives women to constantly strive for perfection in every aspect of their lives? Why do so many feel unfulfilled despite their endless efforts to meet society’s expectations? In A Radical Awakening, Dr. Shefali Tsabary explores how patriarchal standards shape women’s identities from childhood. She reveals how these unrealistic expectations lead to burnout and disconnection from our authentic selves. Her approach combines Western psychology with Eastern philosophy. Keep reading for our A Radical Awakening book overview.

How to Prevent Violence & Respond When It Can’t Be Avoided

A woman calming down an angry woman by putting her hand on her shoulder illustrates how to prevent violence

Is violence preventable? What can we do to protect ourselves and others? In The Gift of Fear, Gavin de Becker shares advice on how to prevent violence in various settings. He covers workplace safety, domestic abuse, stalking, youth violence, and attacks on public figures—offering tips for individuals and organizations to recognize warning signs and take proactive measures. Read on to discover strategies that could help keep you and your loved ones safe.

How Tarana Burke Became an Activist for Black Rights

Activists for black rights at a protest in a city, holding a sign that says "BLACK RIGHTS"

How did Tarana Burke become an activist for Black rights? How did Burke protest against Donald Trump in the Central Park Five case? Burke explains that she gradually divested from the Catholic church she’d grown up in and chose to attend a public high school. This transition took place because her grandfather, a fiercely pro-Black radical follower of activists like Malcolm X, encouraged her to read books about Black history and to question the church’s complicity in the slave trade. Keep reading to learn more about Burke’s activism beginnings in high school.

The Disadvantages of Monogamy & the Case for Non-Monogamy

One woman standing in front of two men illustrates the disadvantages of monogamy

What’s the real impact of choosing one partner for life? How does our biology align with society’s expectations about relationships? Psychologist Dr. Shefali Tsabary challenges traditional views on marriage and partnership, offering fresh perspectives on human connection and commitment. She believes that science and history reveal important insights about our natural capacity for lasting partnerships. Continue reading to learn about the disadvantages of monogamy and why non-monogamy resonates with some people.