Kim Tsai

The Ecology of Affect What grows in our presence and the worlds we create together I defended my PhD “Affect Matters” in 2015. It was delayed by 9 months after a misplaced intervention by the Head of the Dutch Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA). I had raised a complaint about one of their partners and instead of investigating the partner, they got very angry with me, the whistleblower. The university President unfortunately showed neither stamina nor backbone and...

The Weight of Words Some forms of communication don’t feel wrong, exactly. They feel too full. A simple image, a drawing, a photograph, or even a small life update receives not just appreciation, but something expanded: emotional affirmation, personal connection, encouragement, memory, and meaning. The response feels larger than the moment itself. Over time, this creates a particular impression. Not of clarity, but of amplification. In observing this, three patterns often stand out. 1. Lack...

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, finding balance can seem like an elusive goal. Many people are searching for ways to cultivate peace and mindfulness in their daily lives. Contemplative practices offer a pathway to this balance, allowing individuals to connect with themselves and their surroundings in a meaningful way. This blog post explores various contemplative practices that can help you find balance at the threshold of your daily life. Understanding Contemplative...