Dr. Howell’s Reflections
Everyday, Dr. Howell writes a reflection, inquiry prompt, and a prayer.
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Make peace with your ego and discover your true path today. The path to wholeness starts now!
Self-Understanding Part 7
September 28, 2025
We all have wounds from childhood. This is normal and, for some, the wounds are deep. As innocent young children, we did not arrive here knowing the rules of our family, the neighborhood, school, or community. As very small and defenseless children, we did not know what to do when the voices told us that we were not “OK" the way we were and that we had to conform to expectations that ran counter to our natural self. We were not born knowing how to handle rejection and conflict with parents, siblings, or friends. We simply did what came naturally to us. Our unashamed soul had to learn to negotiate the world that inflicted shame. The overpowering pain of shame and rejection is why our soul child allowed our ego to cover it, protect it, and to strategize a way forward. The ego gave of the semblance feeling OK once again.
Self-Understanding Part 6
September 27, 2025
Mythologist and writer Joseph Campbell (1904-1987) wrote the now famous words, “Follow your bliss,” published in the classic volume, The Power of Myth. Campbell goes on to say, “Our life has become so economic and practical in its orientation that, as you get older, the claims of the moment on you are so great you hardly know where the hell you are or what it is you intended. You are always doing something that is required of you. Where is our bliss station? You have to try to find it.”
Self-Understanding Part 5
September 26, 2025
We understand ourselves when we know that we have two different levels of moving in the world. We live from the level of our ego mind or from the level of our soul. At their most intense state, our egos protect our interests above those of others and essentially set ourselves apart from the common good. The unhealthy ego obstructs our having true empathy for others outside our clan. Our egos cope with a tricky and demanding world by presenting an outward face that fits the situation and by strategizing ways to protect ourselves from harm even if we have to strike preemptively.
Self-Understanding Part 4
September 25, 2025
Enneagram-ers can do a simple thing that gives them a reading on how they are doing and, at the same time, receive a glimpse into self-understanding.
Self-Understanding Part 3
September 24, 2025
Human beings need to be held. We were held in our mother’s womb and then in our parents’ arms. In the years to follow, we are held in the arms of friends, loved ones, and of our beloved. Yet there is another type of holding that humans need. It is the sense of being secure in our home, our community, our nation, and our world. The arms of this holding provide assurance that all is well.
Self-Understanding Part 2
September 23, 2025
When remorse and guilt threaten to get the best of us, we can move through that rough spot more healthily if we are compassionate toward ourselves. Knowing our soul enables us to forgive ourselves, have mercy on ourselves, and care for our wounds.
Self-Understanding Part 1
September 22, 2025
We are complex creatures, so to understand ourselves in depth may be daunting. Not only are we continually changing, but we also have multiple aspects and layers within ourselves. Many of us know our outer self, yet do not explore our depths. But amazingly, in our depths are wondrous aspects we hardly know and therefore never enjoy or express.