The African Mystic

Fear of the unknown is a natural human response that can serve as a protective mechanism. When confronted with a new or uncertain situation, it is common to feel anxious or worried. However, for some people, this fear can become excessive, leading to anxiety disorders that can interfere with daily life. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in the United States, affecting approximately 40 million adults each year.  According to an article published by Wits University, a new study reveals that South Africans suffer higher rates of probable depression and anxiety than other countries. The article further reveals that South Africa’s rates of mental illness are also more than double those in Brazil (7.9%: 2016), which is also classified as a low- and middle-income country with high levels of inequality. These disorders can take many forms, from social anxiety to panic attacks and phobias. While the causes of anxiety disorders are complex and ...

Every day, we make countless decisions - what to eat, what to wear, how to spend our time, and so on. While we may believe that we consciously make these decisions, research suggests that much of our decision-making process is unconscious. In fact, according to some estimates, up to 95% of our decisions are made unconsciously. In this articl8e, we will explore this phenomenon and offer some ways in which people can start making conscious decisions. The unconscious mind is a powerful force that shapes much of our behavior and decision-making. It is responsible for many automatic processes in the body, such as breathing and digestion. It also processes a vast amount of information that we are not consciously aware of, such as our emotions, memories, and beliefs. One way in which the unconscious mind influences our decision-making is through heuristics, which are mental shortcuts that allow us to make quick judgments and decisions based on limited information. For example, whe...

The saying "People don't listen to the smartest person in the room, they listen to whoever acts as if they know what's right" has become somewhat of a cliché in today's society. While it may be tempting to dismiss it as nothing more than a catchy phrase, the truth is that there is a lot of truth to this statement. In fact, this idea is rooted in basic human psychology and social dynamics. In this article, we'll take a closer look at why people tend to listen to those who exude confidence and authority, even if they may not necessarily be the most knowledgeable or competent person in the room. To start, it's important to understand that human beings are social animals who rely heavily on social cues and signals to navigate their environment. From an evolutionary perspective, we are wired to seek out leaders and authority figures who can guide us towards safety, resources, and success. In other words, we are wired to follow those who we perceive ...

Complaining is a common and often reflexive behavior that humans engage in. It can serve as a way to vent frustrations and to seek social support from others. However, research has shown that excessive complaining can be detrimental to our mental and emotional health, as well as the well-being of those around us. In this article, we will explore the prevalence of complaining in group settings, the negative effects of excessive complaining, and some strategies for changing the paradigms around complaining. The prevalence of complaining in group settings It is no secret that people tend to complain a lot when they are in groups. In fact, studies have shown that up to 80% of all human conversations in groups involve some form of complaining or negativity. This can be attributed to a number of factors, such as the desire to bond with others over shared frustrations, the need for attention, and the belief that complaining is an effective way to solve problems. One study conducte...

As a father of three children and with a fourth on the way, I can attest to both the beauty and stresses of being a present father. When my first child, Kwandokuhle, was born, life was tough as I was still developing my career. However, I treasured every moment I had with her and learned a lot about fatherhood. When my second child, Ntandokazi, arrived, things started to come together. I bought my first car on the eve of her birthday, and life has never been the same since. As a present father, I have had the opportunity to bond with my children, witness their growth and milestones, and create a strong emotional connection with them. I have also had the chance to model positive behaviors and values to my children, such as respect, honesty, and kindness, which they have emulated. Being a father is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. The joy that comes with watching your child grow and develop into their own person is indescribable. However, the role of a father co...