ARTISTIC TRIBE

Intrusive Thoughts – The Unwelcome Disruption of Focus Understanding Intrusive Thoughts in Creatives Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, often disturbing thoughts that can interrupt focus and trigger anxiety. They can make it difficult for creatives to work freely, creating self-doubt, fear, or frustration. While intrusive thoughts are a normal human experience, they can be particularly intense for those who are prone to deep thinking or imagination. For example, a musician might suddenly fear that their work is pointless, or a writer may obsess over the possibility of failure. Intrusive thoughts can be hard to manage alone, as they often trigger cycles of self-doubt or self-criticism. Strategies for Managing Intrusive Thoughts Cognitive Behavioral Techniques: Techniques like thought-stopping and reframing can help manage these thoughts. Recognizing that they’re just thoughts—and not truths—can diminish their power. Meditation: Mindfulness meditation trains the mind to notice ...

Introduction: An Age of Boundless Information In today’s world, knowledge is at our fingertips. With just a few taps, we can explore complex scientific theories, glimpse the lives of distant strangers, or gain insight into virtually any topic imaginable. But while the drive to know more has led to remarkable human progress, there’s a question worth pondering: Has our endless thirst for knowledge created more problems than it’s solved? This isn’t about shunning knowledge but rethinking the costs of knowing “too much.” The Roots of Human Curiosity: A Survival Instinct Since our early ancestors first learned to wield fire or make tools, curiosity has been essential for survival. Neuroscientists suggest that our brains evolved to find pleasure in discovery, releasing dopamine when we learn new things. This “curiosity reward” helped early humans understand their environments, avoid threats, and enhance survival. Yet, today’s curiosity isn’t solely about survival; it’s a pursuit of knowledge...

Karma, a term rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, embodies the principle of cause and effect—where every action has consequences that can ripple through time and space. However, while many accept karma as a moral framework guiding our actions, I argue that karma, as a concept, does not exist. The Essence of Karma At its core, karma suggests that our actions, whether good or bad, return to us in some form. This is often summarized in the phrase, “What goes around, comes around.” While this notion encourages individuals to act with intention and compassion, it presents several problematic assumptions. The belief that people suffer because of their past deeds can lead to victim-blaming, suggesting that those experiencing hardship deserve their fate. This perspective can ignore systemic issues such as poverty and discrimination, which create suffering independent of personal actions. The Law of Cause and Effect Karma operates on a principle akin to the law of cause...

In a world where everyone seems to have their own version of events, where does truth lie? Is it something solid, grounded in an objective reality, or is it something we create and shape individually? The concept of truth has fascinated thinkers, mystics, scientists, and poets alike, and even today, we are no closer to a unanimous understanding of what it really means. The Many Faces of Truth The truth can seem simple: it's what is, right? But take one step deeper, and things get complex. What if two people witness the same event and walk away with two different accounts? For centuries, philosophers have tried to capture truth within theories, yet each one leaves room for wonder, debate, and sometimes doubt. 1. Correspondence Theory holds that truth is a mirror of reality. In this view, a statement is true if it corresponds to the actual state of things. If I say, “The sky is blue,” this is true because it aligns with the observed world. But what if someone says, “The s...

Escapism – When Creativity Becomes a Means to Flee Understanding Escapism in Creatives Escapism allows creatives to retreat from overwhelming thoughts, emotions, or realities. They may lose themselves in their art, fictional worlds, or other distractions. While escapism can be beneficial in moderation—providing rest or inspiration—it can also detach creatives from reality. Over time, constant escapism can make it harder for creatives to face everyday challenges, worsening feelings of isolation or anxiety. Escapism might look like getting lost in endless media consumption, creating fantasy worlds to avoid reality, or spending hours in their creative process just to avoid difficult emotions. While this may offer temporary relief, excessive escapism can limit personal growth and healthy connections with others. Strategies for Managing Escapism Set Boundaries: Schedule creative sessions, media consumption, or other escapes with time limits to create a healthier balance between ...

Introduction Creativity is often seen as a gift, a powerful force that brings inspiration, beauty, and innovation into the world. Yet, beneath the surface, many creatives encounter emotional and mental challenges that can make their journey tumultuous. Depression, escapism, burnout, intrusive thoughts, and zoning out aren’t just occasional struggles—they are persistent realities for many. This article explores each of these hidden battles and offers practical advice for creatives to navigate them with resilience. The Connection Between Creativity and Mental Health Creativity and mental health are intertwined in complex ways. The process of creation often demands vulnerability, as creatives tap into deep emotional reservoirs to bring their ideas to life. This level of emotional investment can sometimes lead to a greater risk of mental health struggles, from self-doubt and perfectionism to intense emotional swings. Creative work also brings unique pressures: the need to innov...

Nigeria’s Struggles: Solutions Amidst Bold Yet Troubled Reforms If there's one thing we’ve learned as a nation, it’s that our consistency of inconsistencies is, quite frankly, fantastic. Despite our problems, those who criticize the present-day administration—whether it's Sowore, Peter Obi, Atiku, or other opposition groups—have yet to provide a reasonable alternative solution. It's not enough to shout “revolution now” or to throw around buzzwords and slogans; Nigeria's challenges demand real, actionable solutions. And as we face the monumental hurdles of today, we must move beyond rhetoric and focus on viable ways forward. Nigeria continues to grapple with major issues, from rising inflation to worsening security. While the government has introduced bold reforms, particularly in economic restructuring, the implementation of these policies has raised serious concerns. Growing dissatisfaction among citizens underscores the need to take a step back and assess the situatio...