How to Transform Stress Into Courage and Connection
"Stress doesn't always lead to fight-or-flight, says Kelly McGonigal. It can also activate brain systems that help us connect with other people." In this article, McGonigal summarizes the social science research that explains how a certain response to stress changes the brain's biochemistry in surprising ways.... posted on Jun 29 2015, 21,923 reads

Gorgeous Portraits of the World's Vanishing People
Many photos are able to capture what we see, but it's a rare photo that shows us who we are. Jimmy Nelson has traveled the globe seeking out opportunities to share a glimpse into some of the world's vanishing people. In this TED talk, he shares not just the photos he's taken, but the stories behind each astonishing portrait.... posted on Jun 28 2015, 23,698 reads

Nancy Mellon: Storytelling as a Healing Art
I opened the classroom door to hear a robust Irish voice shouting to the children: What are you doing in here? I never heard such a hullabaloo in me life! The children all sat down immediately and put their toes together under their desks. I heard the voice continuing, "I come from the country called Ireland, and I am visiting your country to find out whether American children learn anything at al... posted on Jun 27 2015, 17,290 reads

Moving Beyond the Blame Game
Why do we waste so much energy looking for someone to blame when something doesn't go our way? Dr. Brene Brown provides us with valuable insight into how the constant search for blame limits the meaningfulness of our relationships. Brene Brown is a highly respected researcher on the subject of vulnerability. She has mastered using the art of storytelling and self-disclosure to bring life and pract... posted on Jun 26 2015, 5,358 reads

Start Before You Feel Ready
"Start now, just get on and do it." That's the sort of advice given by billionaire, Richard Branson -- and, his life is a testimony to this simple principle. In fact, Branson has started so many new adventures in his life -- businesses, charities, and expeditions - that it's unlikely he ever felt "ready" to start any of them. But, isn't that sometimes what makes the difference? Forging ahead in l... posted on Jun 25 2015, 24,381 reads

How To Resist Social Distractions
"One can never be alone enough to write"... And yet despite the vast creative and psychological benefits of boredom, we have grown so afraid of it that we have unlearned -- or refused to learn altogether -- the essential art of being alone, so very necessary for contemplation and creative work." In discussing the life and work of 19th century French artist and diarist Eugene Delacroix, Maria Popov... posted on Jun 24 2015, 13,632 reads

15 People Who Saved the Lives of Millions
Whether it be due to a lifetime of work or research, or perhaps just because of an incredible 'in the moment' decision, the following 15 people have been credited with saving the lives of millions of people worldwide. Find out more about these extraordinary -- and sometimes seemingly just ordinary -- people who have helped shape the course of history. ... posted on Jun 23 2015, 51,640 reads

What to Focus on Instead of Goals
"We all have things that we want to achieve in our lives -- getting into better shape, building a successful business, raising a wonderful family, writing a best-selling book, winning a championship, and so on. And for most of us, the path to those things starts by setting a specific and actionable goal." Here, James Clear, wonders whether there might be a better way, than focusing on goals, to ... posted on Jun 22 2015, 37,481 reads

Desmond Tutu & His Daughter: On Ubuntu and More
Can we recover from the legacy of slavery, lynching, land theft, disenfranchisement, redlining, job discrimination, and mass imprisonment? Listen to what Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter, Rev. Mpho Tutu, have to say about Ubuntu, the spirit of forgiveness, which helped South Africa transition from apartheid to a multiracial democracy.... posted on Jun 21 2015, 13,164 reads

I Like Being 98
Evelyn (no last name given) was 97 when her driver's license was taken away from her for no other reason than her age. So, at age 98, she decided to get it back in order to fulfill a promise to a neighbor to get her to the grocery store once a week after their retirement community's bus service was discontinued. "When you make a promise, it's important for me to keep that promise if it's possible.... posted on Jun 20 2015, 6,942 reads