often fancy themselves quite extraordinary specimens in the animal kingdom. But while most recent research undermines our centuries-long claims of human exceptionalism, there are some ways in which we are quite unique – especially when it comes to childhood and childcare. Indeed, even when compared with our closest primate relatives, humans spend a truly inordinate amount of time – roughly 15 years at the beginning and the end of the lifespan – as vulnerable creatures, not reproducing, and largely dependent on others. In this Aeon Original animation, Alison Gopnik, a writer and a professor of psychology and affiliate professor of philosophy at the University of Calif... posted on Mar 26 2023 (2,786 reads)

of the world that we experience,” shaped largely by the difference between the way the brain’s two hemispheres pay attention — “narrow-beam, highly focussed attention” in the left, “broad, sustained vigilance” in the right. Complement this tiny fragment of it with Mary Oliver on attention and love, then revisit cognitive scientist Alexandra Horowitz’s wonderful field guide to eleven ways of paying attention to the everyday wonderland of life. ... posted on May 23 2023 (3,252 reads)

details about the character, the setting, or thoughtful choice of words that reflect their observational skills or vivid imagination—rather than simply saying, “That’s great!,” which focuses more on the product than the process. Annie Murphy Paul, author of The Extended Mind and The Science of Creativity newsletter, suggests that we should avoid labeling our kids as creative or not. “As a child, you take your cues from the big people in your life, and you assume that however they label you is correct. You might not even explore and find out for yourself whether you’re creative or not. But I think it can also be a detriment to be lab... posted on May 29 2023 (3,084 reads)

ever name—it is nothing new. We have been walking on this Earth for a very long time—it is nothing new. We used to know and understand the significance of simple acts of being. Yes, one had ceremonies and harvest festivals and special prayers—and those were important, those are important. But between those days of celebration, between those special prayers, was always the constant remembrance of the sacred nature of creation. It was woven into the fabric of everyday life. It was woven into the fabric of every culture’s values. It was so basic. It did not need to be explained in the way that we have to have everything explained now. Now, we have terms lik... posted on Jun 1 2023 (3,123 reads)

to see by. Every single spiritual tradition says the same three things: 1) Live in the now, as often as you can, a breath here, a moment there. 2) You reap exactly what you sow. 3) You must take care of the poor, or you are so doomed that we can't help you. You don't have to go overseas. There are people right here who are poor in spirit; worried, depressed, dancing as fast as they can, whose kids are sick, or whose retirement savings are gone. There is great loneliness among us, life-threatening loneliness. People have given up on peace, on equality. You do what you can, what good people have always done: You bring thirsty people water; you share your food, you try to help th... posted on Jun 5 2023 (3,689 reads)

Amy's soundy words have done their own share of sweeping, carrying away the Nautilus Book Award, a Whiting Writer's Award, and a Rona Jaffe Foundation Award. Her much-awaited second book -- published nine years, two children and a move from Chicago to Montana, after her first -- is titled The Everybody Ensemble: Donkeys, Essays and Other Pandemoniums. It is at once a book of praise, a sharply intelligent critique, and a musically attuned, scientifically informed philosophy of life and living. Inasmuch as it does anything else, this "effervescent tonic of a book" makes a winsome case for everybodyism. Where universalism maintains only that "all humans... posted on Jun 21 2023 (1,932 reads)

lonely and isolated people have poorer immune function, experience higher levels of inflammation, and are at greater risk for heart disease, cancer and diabetes. While everybody’s vulnerability to loneliness and social isolation differs, we all need social connection. (Shutterstock) Perhaps just as importantly, Harvard research from the longest-running cohort study ever conducted suggests that warm social relationships are the most important predictor of happiness across the life course. In other words, people who are disconnected lead sicker, sadder and shorter lives. Public health guidelines In response to this epidemic of loneliness, my team at the Canadian Al... posted on Jun 29 2023 (4,593 reads)

at me incessantly. This was hard for me, an already over-sensitive lady who, and I say this knowing how pompous this sounds, has rarely met cats who did not like her.  I would walk into Idly’s room, calling his name out sweetly and he would crouch down in his cage and tell me how much he hated me and this world and all the pain that was coursing through his body. There was a desperation in his voice, in the way he held himself. In this empty room, he was ready to fight for his life. I found it hard in those early days to clean Idly’s wound. It was large and hard to look at. I had to brace myself each time. I held my breath and fumbled badly with the cotton pads, th... posted on Jul 19 2023 (5,157 reads)

her shape, her strength. But to move to escape -- requiring breath -- in a place where there is no oxygen -- that would suffocate her. So, though she is dissolving, every stressed particle of her stays focused on the silver bead of utter quietude. It’s this radical simplicity that will save her. And deep within it, at the heart of her stillness, something she has no need to name, but something we might call trust: that one day, yes, the world will warm again, and with it, her life. ... posted on Aug 7 2023 (3,654 reads)

is inspired by Charly and Lisa Kleissner, tech entrepreneurs who wanted to invest their money in a meaningful way—and inspire others to do the same. That’s why they started the 100 percent impact network, which brings together likeminded people who invest all of their assets into social and environmental causes. Now, these are some serious investors, but being 100 percent isn’t just about money; it’s about making a 100 percent commitment to ensuring your life reflects your values. As Kleissner says, “social transformation begins with personal transformation.” Just think of all the decisions you make every day, from the big to the mundan... posted on Aug 21 2023 (2,890 reads)

transparent is not the same thing as being insignificant. In this way windows are related to the invisible.  Put another way: if you do not have a meaningful relationship with windows, then it is possible, that you have some difficulty perceiving grace. For those whose days are constrained, and conscious, the window is as impossible to overlook as a peacock or a comet. It is a portal, and a horn of plenty, an altar, an avenue whose significance is vital and imperative to life. A window is the infinite, framed in a rectangle of glass, granting depth, mystery and the possibility of exploration to actors who play daily in very small, forgotten theaters. Patient... posted on Sep 6 2023 (2,424 reads)

and a witness. Her teachings in the past 50 years are offered in numerous books, films, interviews and presentations. In May 2022, I visited Janet in her home and Kiva studio on Galiano Island, off the coast of Vancouver, B.C. We embarked on a journey of discovery, a collaborative process that was rich with mutual inspiration and learning, and which developed into a friendship. The result of our work together is the film: “LIGHT | Five Days with Janet Adler". It is a homage to the life and legacy of one of the great teachers of our time, who lived within the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest with her husband Philip. Place is also important: I lived in Seattle for many yea... posted on Sep 18 2023 (4,181 reads)

I indulged myself in the telling. It was almost like sitting with a psychiatrist. Aristotle was sympathetic but a little baffled. “When will you finally believe what a good person you are?” he asked. “The voices of the dead are hard to argue with,” I told him. “Has it ever occurred to you that you may be mis-hearing them?” he said. “Their views have changed by now. You need to listen differently. Maybe they are telling you to enjoy your life.”  Could it be? Sometimes I think so. Why the hell not? We talked about friendship and family. Who knows you best? Who sees your current self most clearly? Listen to your friends... posted on Sep 24 2023 (3,016 reads)

at me and gave the beautiful gift of contemplation, sadness, and peace - all in not-to-many words, and with what feels like a gentle and knowing smile from Jane. Enjoy! -- Desirae Brakhage (Jane's granddaughter) Lots of times I talk with him. Especially when he gets big and I can see the expression on his face. “Hi, Moon!” I say, so happy to see him always, “What’s up?” And I focus quickly on his expression and he tells me what’s coming along in my life. It seems like he likes me particularly, or he wouldn’t show sympathy like that. The subtlety and diversity of his expression amazes me. He achieves it with rock. . . light . . . air (humid... posted on Sep 27 2023 (3,144 reads)

bursting forth, robust and colorful. Show me those who are more tortoise than hare. The actress who gets her first starring role at forty. The writer who publishes his first novel at fifty. The entrepreneur who launches a business at sixty. The painter who opens a gallery at seventy. Recount the stories of those who bloom like the agave americana, slow and steady, maturing over decades until flowers ripen, releasing the rich, honeyed nectar it took a lifetime to create. *** TO MY SON ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Watching you walk into your classroom is like sending my heart out into the world without a ribcage. Ask questio... posted on Oct 2 2023 (5,219 reads)

or the attitude and belief that one should always maintain a positive outlook, uses ‘good vibes’ as a policing strategy. Some groups or individuals enforce strict codes of behavior and the suppression of certain emotions or expressions of vulnerability. It’s as if there are bouncers standing at the door of the psyche who only allow in the most attractive and best-dressed emotions.” I’ve heard from many of you who’ve encountered toxic positivity during life's most challenging moments. And it’s usually from well-meaning friends or loved ones who don’t realize the impact of their words. Luckily, many of us are learning to maintain our ... posted on Oct 8 2023 (3,669 reads)

more important. The mind sheds bodies in the way we shed clothes. We wear clothes until they get old and worn out, and we can’t wear them anymore, and then we just throw them away. There will come a time when you have to throw the body away. It may come sooner than you want, but it’s going to have to happen. But the shape of the mind is something you have to maintain regardless, because that will stick with you. That goes with you wherever you go. And so you want to be able to live life in a way where you’re talking to yourself and your breathing in a way that’s nourishing, in a way where the mind is in good shape and can live with itself.I’ve been to hospitals... posted on Apr 8 2024 (2,998 reads)

... posted on Jan 29 2016 (17,440 reads)

results in a far more uncomfortable conversation than the one we’d been avoiding in the first place. It is a natural human inclination to seek harmony and avoid disrupting peace. However, it is essential to recognize that true harmony arises from understanding and clear communication, not from the absence of confrontation. Addressing problems promptly and with candor not only can prevent a boiling point moment, but it also strengthens our relationships and builds trust. Where in your life might there be lines that need drawing, or conversations that must be initiated? “Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.” – Ambrose ... posted on Apr 19 2024 (2,666 reads)

the irony of focusing my heavy camera on airy mountain clouds while trudging along those steep trails to our purely self-imposed destination. As I viewed the images that I had made, I thought back to those hikes and wondered, were the clouds gently bemused by my continuous striving against gravity as I scrambled over and around the rocks that impeded my forward progress? Can I perhaps treat challenges more as clouds than as rocks? I realized that I have that choice of mindset: I can view life’s challenges as rocks to be pushed uphill like Sisyphus. Alternatively, I can step into a more cloudlike mindset, one without sharp boundaries, that is ephemeral, that has the ability to sh... posted on May 9 2024 (194 reads)