Some of you may be wondering why I use that funny word for the title of my blog… Eunoia. Here’s my very first blog post from May 2, 2014, with the answer.
Eunoia: Thoughts on Healthy Thinking
EUNOIA [yoo-noy-uh]. This little known word comes from the Greek εὔνοια, meaning “well mind” or “beautiful thinking.” It is also a rarely used medical term referring to a state of normal mental health. Think of it as the opposite of paranoia, with which it rhymes.
In its original sense, the Greek philosopher Aristotle used the term eunoia to describe the feeling of friendship and good will a public speaker evokes in an audience.
In this blog, I hope to establish eunoia with you, my readers. But my larger purpose is to bring you news about best practices, research and innovative treatments that are examples of “beautiful thinking” in the field of mental health. For example… A program that helps people with schizophrenia to improve their memory, attention and problem-solving skills. Or an evidence-based employment model from Dartmouth University that helps people find and keep jobs of their own choosing. In other words, eunoia.
As a regular feature on rtor.org, I will post a book reviews, reports, or commentary on a mental health-related topics that demonstrate the best and latest thinking in the prevention, treatment or care of mental illness, particularly as it relates to families. I would also like to engage in conversation with you on these topics, through a moderated comments section.
Please join me in Eunoia.
By the way, eunoia is the shortest word in the English language to contain all five vowels of the alphabet. There is even an entire book of poetry devoted to this single word (“Eunoia” by Christian Bök)
Jay Boll, Editor in Chief
Eunoia [yoo-noy-uh] derived from the Greek word εὔνοια, a combination of “eu” (well) + “nous” (mind)
1. Well mind or “beautiful thinking”.
2. A state of normal mental health.
3. The feeling of friendship and good will a public speaker evokes in an audience.
Throughout the month of May, RtoR.org will release a daily Post
of the Day in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month
- Silver Hill Hospital: My Family’s 35-Year History with a National Leader in Quality Mental Health Care - February 7, 2023
- Connecticut Mother Who Lost a Son to Overdose Shares Her Story and Hosts Wilton Fundraiser to Benefit Laurel House - November 9, 2022
- Laurel House Offers $10,000 Racial Equity Scholarship for a Black or Hispanic Student Pursuing a Master’s of Social Work Degree - June 8, 2022