Author Archives: Russell V. Richard

The Psychology of Forgiveness

Posted on August 21, 2013 by Russell V. Richard

To forgive or not to forgive: that is NOT the question. Whether to forgive or not is akin to asking whether we should get a good night’s sleep or eat a balanced diet. We simply do not function optimally if … Continue reading →

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Discerning Compassion

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Russell V. Richard

Compassion: “An emotion that is a sense of shared suffering, most often combined with a desire to alleviate or reduce the suffering of another; to show special kindness to those who suffer. Compassion essentially arises through empathy, and is often … Continue reading →

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When Life Hands You Lemonade…

Posted on August 6, 2013 by Russell V. Richard

Most have heard the saying, “when life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” Coming off of a week of incredible good fortune, I began to wonder, “What happens when life hands you lemonade; a tall, ice-cold glass of the sweetest lemonade … Continue reading →

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Why Choose Hate When Love Feels So Much Better?

Posted on July 24, 2013 by Russell V. Richard

Following my last blog post, I had a really good conversation with my cousin Rachel about race, hatred, illness, the soul, light and love. Rhetorically, she asked why is it that people choose hate when love feels so much better. … Continue reading →

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The Shadow of Race

Posted on July 16, 2013 by Russell V. Richard

The shooting of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman thrust America, yet again, into its discomfort and dis-ease about matters of race. The trial of Zimmerman was a convergence of several key issues – race, inequities in the criminal justice system … Continue reading →

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Through the Eyes of the Person You Seek to Become

Posted on July 9, 2013 by Russell V. Richard

“Begin with the end in mind” reads a friends email signature. On most occasions the journey is the destination but having a clearly defined ending point is wise in most endeavors. Beginning with the end in mind allows us to … Continue reading →

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Through the Eyes of the Person You Have Become

Posted on July 3, 2013 by Russell V. Richard

In 2004 I saw a movie titled, “What the Bleep Do We Know?” Movies are generally mindless activity for me; distractions to give my overactive mind reprieve from questioning and thinking and exploring and processing and figuring out and analyzing … Continue reading →

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Depression and Spirituality

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Russell V. Richard

Several weeks ago I was asked to present a workshop on depression from a Biblical perspective. I would hardly classify myself as a Bible scholar so I found the request quite interesting but also an opportunity to grow in my … Continue reading →

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The Myth of Independence?

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Russell V. Richard

Who or what causes your heart to beat? Who or what brings sight to your eyes? Who or what allows the cut on your arm to heal? We need only look as near as our own bodies to come to … Continue reading →

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Belief

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Russell V. Richard

I often wonder what deeply held beliefs of modern times will be looked upon with laughter at some point in the future. Given the lessons of history, the passion in which certain beliefs are held is an interesting phenomenon. It … Continue reading →

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