VOICU MIHNEA SIMANDAN

Positive Psychology Counsellor

Crossroads Psychology

1,100+ Articles, Essays, Guides, Interviews


Embracing Masculinity

In today’s world, it’s more important than ever for men to actively embrace their roles in society, whether that’s as fathers, sons, partners, colleagues, or friends. The protective role does not just imply physical safety but extends to emotional support, financial stability, and fostering a nurturing environment where each family member can thrive. This means practicing qualities like respect, kindness, empathy, and emotional intelligence, all of which form the bedrock of a strong and supportive family unit.

The concept of masculinity has evolved and expanded to include these attributes, moving away from outdated stereotypes that equate strength with aggression and emotional suppression. Demonstrating good traits such as honesty, integrity, courage, and resilience can make a substantial difference in their homes and communities. By doing so, men can contribute positively to societal growth, inspire future generations, and help young men embrace their masculinity. It’s a call for men to be not just providers and protectors, but also partners and pillars of support, embodying the best of what masculinity can represent. Explore my extensive archive of articles about masculinity.


Miyamoto Musashi

Miyamoto Musashi

Miyamoto Musashi’s life offers a wealth of wisdom for men in the present day, despite the fact that his era is far removed from our own. Studying his life and philosophies, chronicled in “The Book of Five Rings,” can be a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal growth. His indomitable spirit, relentless pursuit of mastery, and philosophical insights provide a blueprint for modern men striving to navigate their paths with discipline, wisdom, and resilience.

Musashi’s adherence to the principles of stoicism, strategic thinking, and lifelong learning serves as an example of the ideals that men today can strive to emulate. Despite being a warrior, his teachings extend beyond martial arts, offering lessons on the importance of balance in life, the pursuit of personal development, and the cultivation of an unwavering mindset – elements that remain critically relevant for men in today’s fast-paced and constantly changing world. Explore my extensive archive of articles about Miyamoto Musashi.


Sports & Fitness

Voicu Mihnea Simandan

The dedication to sports and fitness activities is essential for modern men in multiple aspects. It not only promotes physical health but also contributes to mental well-being. The discipline, commitment, and resilience gained from consistently engaging in a sport or fitness activity can translate into other areas of life, enhancing overall performance and personal satisfaction. Regular physical activity can mitigate the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, which are increasingly prevalent in today’s sedentary lifestyles.

On the mental side, the natural release of endorphins during exercise can combat stress and foster a more positive mindset. The pursuit of progress in sport can instill a sense of purpose, helping to develop a growth mindset that values perseverance and resilience. Sports often entail teamwork and camaraderie, nurturing essential social skills and connections. Hence, a dedication to sports and fitness activities not only strengthens the body but also fortifies the mind, fostering a holistic approach to men’s health in the contemporary world. Explore my extensive archive of articles about sports and fitness.


The Atomic Age

The Atomic Age, marked by the development and use of nuclear power and weapons, offers profound lessons for today’s men. This era, defined by the destructive power unleashed at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, exemplifies the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement and power without equivalent growth in moral and ethical understanding. It serves as a stark reminder that technological prowess should be tempered with responsibility, compassion, and foresight.

Understanding history, including the Atomic Age, is crucial to avoid repeating the same mistakes. We need to learn from this epoch that our actions can have far-reaching impacts, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that advancements in science and technology are used for the betterment of humanity, not its destruction. This calls for nurturing a global mindset, fostering empathy, and diligently working towards peaceful and sustainable solutions. It’s a crucial lesson that reaffirms the old adage: those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it. Explore my extensive archive of articles about the Atomic Age.


The Word of Cinema

Feature films and documentaries can serve as significant sources of inspiration and education for men in today’s world. They provide a unique medium through which to explore diverse perspectives, experiences, and wisdom from various eras, corners of the globe, and walks of life. Engaging narratives, grounded in real-life events or born from imaginative storytelling, can inspire men to aspire for greatness, challenge the status quo, and persevere amidst adversity.

A well-crafted documentary can shed light on important social issues, historical events, or unique human stories, broadening one’s understanding and empathy for others. These films also often highlight the values of courage, resilience, integrity, and the power of collaboration – crucial lessons applicable in any man’s life journey. They can offer role models, catalyze introspection, and encourage personal growth and learning. Thus, the power of cinema, as seen in both feature films and documentaries, can play a vital role in shaping, motivating, and informing men in the contemporary era. Explore my extensive archive of articles about films, documentaries and actors.


Who Am I?

Voicu Mihnea Simandan

I’m Voicu Mihnea Simandan, a Romanian-born Positive Psychology Counsellor and Mindfulness Meditation Facilitator, Psychology Teacher, and Archery Coach. I live in Beijing, China. Find out more about me.


My Mission

Voicu Mihnea Simandan

My mission is to show you how you can apply Positive Psychology to Life, Business & Sports in order to Empower Personal Growth. Find out more about my Positive Psychology Journey 


My Goal

Voicu Mihnea Simandan

My goal is to help you achieve an Upgraded Lifestyle, or the UpLife, a combination of 4 crucial factors:
– continuous self-education
– embracing technological change
– maximizing the power of new media
– a down-to-earth understanding of lifestyle.
Find out more about the Upgraded Lifestyle.


The Four Arts 四藝

Chinese Calligraphy

I am pursuing an auto-ethnographic project through the exploration of the Four Arts of the Chinese scholar or siyi (四藝) in Chinese. The long-term goal is the mastery of the qín (琴, the guqin, a stringed instrument),  (棋, the strategy game of go), shū (書, Chinese calligraphy) and huà (畫, Chinese ink-wash painting). Together, these Four Arts are also referred to as qínqíshūhuà (琴棋書畫). Read more about my experience in China.


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