Inner Life

There’s a distinct line between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge comes by learning facts and skills, but wisdom? That’s the tough one. Wisdom often comes from hard lessons and it’s usually learned too late in life. I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a long-time student of Buddhism and mindfulness. I’ve spent years studying life’s […]

It’s widely recognized that childhood experiences follow us well into adulthood. This is true for both positive and negative experiences.  But when we think about negative childhood experiences, many people jump straight to things that happened and overlook things that didn’t. What do I mean by this?  Well, I am talking about emotional validation –

Navigating the nuances of communication can be a tricky business. We often use polite phrases to mask our true feelings or intentions, but sometimes, these seemingly courteous words carry a subtly aggressive undertone. This is the world of passive-aggressive interactions, where niceties can often cloak a sharper intent. It’s a form of communication that allows

Editor’s note: This article was reviewed and updated in May 2026 to meet The Vessel’s latest editorial standards. It discusses themes of trauma, grief, and difficult life experiences. If you’re experiencing something similar, speaking with a mental health professional can be a valuable source of support. You don’t have to be a country music fan

Aging is a journey, not a destination. And as I’ve navigated my own aging process, I’ve come to realize that the key to a joyful later life is gratitude. As a Life Transition coach and the creator of Reset Your Life Compass, I’ve discovered that being grateful is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s

Editor’s note: This article was reviewed and updated in May 2026 to meet The Vessel’s latest editorial standards. How approachable are you? It’s a question that can come up from time to time when reflecting on how we come across to others.  There are certain behaviors that can make you come across as standoffish even

Empathy is a word that gets bandied about a lot these days. We hear about the importance of being empathetic in leadership roles, with our children, and when considering the plight of others.  But what exactly constitutes an empathetic person?  Having empathy means being deeply attuned to the emotions and energies of other people.   The

Manipulators love doing malicious things to others. They’re not above getting you fired, controlling your behavior, or scamming you out of your money. What they don’t love is getting caught and facing consequences. But by putting the blame on someone else, they can sidestep guilt or accountability.  It’s an effective way for them to stay