I'm on a podcast episode!
In my personal life I don't think anyone would think I was nervous about sharing my experiences with others, but putting myself in the online "environment" (that is - the internet) always made me a bit anxious. There is something outside of yourself that feels different on the internet than it does in other forms. But - if I am honest with myself it is likely just the global social anxiety I have always felt sharing bits of myself with others.
Being Lebanese (a part of AMENA, which stands for Arab, Middle Eastern, and North African), has always meant that it is important for me to consider the way I am viewed by others. Even our superstitions, such as the "3ain" or "eye," are focused on the observations of others and the potential power of their envy. I think living in a realm of the internet should only work to reinforce the idea of the power of the eye, not just in envy or jealousy, but also in the power of attention. I think many mental health professionals might relate to being more comfortable as the observer, than the observed. However, there is an importance in practicing vulnerability, especially as a person who works with and for people. Thus, I am excited to share my very first guest appearance podcast episode!
It was a fun experience and I think I would like to do more in the future. Unsurprisingly, particularly for people who know me, I love to talk and it was cool to get to know the host Jack Tsan and why he started this podcast. It also got me thinking a lot more about the concept of collectivism and the ways in which it seems to apply like a netting across so many psychological constructs (not just contextualizing, but also actively interacting with). I recently just finished a student research project that had us talking about "collective autonomy," which was fascinating and wonderful to consider. I hope to get to do more in this line soon!
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