Facing the Question of Non/Conformity A Letter from the Editor—and Eleanor Roosevelt—for Issue Four

Many pay lip service to nonconformity, but if you’re really unusual, you’ve probably struggled with the implications of deviating from the norm. How should we balance the costs and benefits of our divergence? In this issue’s introductory letter, Third Factor editor in chief Jessie Mannisto links our authors’ takes on this challenge to Eleanor Roosevelt’s writings on how to be an individual.

Political Iridescence: Courage and Complexity in a Tribal World

We’ve divided the political world into a red team and a blue team. Where does a person belong when she sees not only shimmers of red in the blue and the blue in the red, but oranges, yellows, greens, and purples besides? One thing’s for sure: it will take courage for such a person to find—or keep—a political home.

Excitable Reads: This Star Shall Abide by Sylvia Engdahl

For our issue on non/conformity, we have the perfect book to feature: the story of a heretic.

Therapy for the Highly Gifted and Highly Excitable An Interview with P. Susan Jackson

You’ve got noteworthy abilities. Complex emotions. Acute perception. A tremendous capacity for nuance. And yet, you’re pulling yourself apart at the seams.

Sound like someone you know? Then you’ll want to read this interview with P. Susan Jackson of the Daimon Institute.

“Gifted” in Humble Language: A Japanese Lesson

No one really likes the word “gifted.” Maybe it’s because we understand that we’re using honorific language to describe ourselves, and even in English, that’s gauche. Could there be neutral, or even humble, words for this thing we call giftedness?

Learning to Pilot Your Spaceship Autopsychotherapy in the Overexcitable Life

If you want to make it as a metaphorical overexcitable astronaut, you’ve got to learn to read your instrument panel. That’s what autopsychotherapy is for.

The Overexcitable Experience A Letter from the Editors for Issues 2 and 3

What does it mean to be “overexcitable?” Where are we most likely to find these people? And why is it an important part of the experience of positive disintegration? Third Factor’s editors offer a basic introduction to Dabrowski’s overexcitabilities.

The Long Journey of the Overexcitable Meditator An Interview with Kate Arms

If you’ve ever said “Oh, I wish I could meditate, but my mind’s just too active,” then this article’s for you. We sat down with Kate Arms, an experienced meditator and life coach, to discuss how meditation can be helpful to those with overexcitability.

The Positive Disintegration of Robert F. Kennedy, Part II: The Courage to Reintegrate

After his brother’s assassination, Robert Kennedy faced a disintegration. Though it was brutal, it was also a positive one, demonstrating the power of overexcitability when fueled by high-level courage. Bobby’s ill-fated campaign ultimately showed glimmers of level V, the highest level of personal development.

Excitable Reads: The Mind Illuminated by Culadasa

The Mind Illuminated is a great meditation manual that will guide you, step by step, from establishing your practice to achieving tranquility and equanimity. If all you’re looking to do is learn to sustain your focus, it’ll help you with that, too.