- @skydance
if you care to know more about fake (processed) food and false labeling, it's worth a read. Personally I eat very little processed food, and am an avid label reader. It would be good if there were more awareness and accountability for the false claims and false impressions used to sell "edible food-like substances" (term from Micheal Pollan).
Reflections on the diversity of ways that "freedom" is defined. A worthy topic, very relevant even in the USA where we may take it for granted.
While it is good that people are looking more deeply at the values of meditation beyond simply stress relief, the notion of leap frogging into "advanced states" sounds questionable.
Perhaps better if basic introductory meditation instruction were available in schools so that the methods for working with mind are, like seeds, planted early, and people would have their entire lives to cultivate a meditation practice, if they choose to.
That seems better than people trying to dive into the deep end of the pool through techno/medical means. Trying to leap into some concept of "advanced levels" could be counterproductive if not dangerous.There is a saying "In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, in the expert's mind there are few."
Sounds like some good results, little forest oases providing a home to flora and fauna.
We do need to find better ways to preserve democracy. I particularly liked "We might wind up with leaders who understand the Constitution."
More on bees, and different approaches to supporting them.
A useful clarification regarding which pollinators need more help. Efforts to help bees may need to be more nuanced.
Viewing life with the perspective and values of Holocaust survivors. Pragmatic and compassionate. A good perspective.
Good to know and to avoid unintended sharing
On the illusion of multitasking
hope these protections are sustained, these gardens are so valuable to preserve in the city.
Why protecting old growth forests matters.
a reflection on our concepts of time, keeping up, and what really matters.
Good examples of alternative methods for water management, a critical issue for our time.
Finding common ground on a challenging issue for many cities.
Undermining democracy...
good assessment of issues, benefits, downsides and questions.
ancient wisdom for the warming world. this is just a part of a longer conversation, you can find it in the original article. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/03/climate/trees-climate-diana-beresford-kroeger.html?
A nice way to promote sustainability awareness and community.
Longer term thinking to benefit future generations
Thank goodness for the dedicated and savvy people who are making things happen on the critical environmental issues, not settling for status quo and halfway measures.
It's a lot, but important issues on how people -- especially children -- are caught in the pervasive pull of the online/social media world.
A few of the lines that resonated:
...you don’t need to have actual human conversations, anymore - you can just let ChatGPT talk for you, farming out the most basic and essential of human endeavors to a batch of code that has no consciousness, morals, or accountability. ... I’m mad about something that’s being done to [children]. For profit. For profit. For profit. For profit. … And that’s by design; corporations spend billions of dollars developing these apps to be as addictive as possible. That’s the core of their business plan! Giant teams of engineers educated at Stanford and CalTech while away the hours to make the urge to keep on scrolling that much harder to fight. ... All they’re meant to do is help you pass the seconds that make up your life, a finite and precious resource.
A poignant suggestion to open and re-connect with the world around us, turning our senses and lenses outward.
Thank you, good suggestions
I found this helpful.. The casual use of terms like ADD and others has often made me uncomfortable. This provides a useful context for viewing the broad spectrum of experience, which includes what is typically viewed as normal and the range of variation, with less stigma.
an overview of unhealthy habits that may come with lots of computer use.
bottom line - don't hold your breath! ;)