Mental Gardening: Tending the Inputs of the Mind
When we look at a flowering plant, it’s easy to identify its inputs and outputs. It takes in soil, fertilizer, water, air, and sunlight. In return, it produces flowers, beautifies its surroundings, and releases oxygen—a critical yet often overlooked byproduct. Though invisible, oxygen is vital to life on Earth, and plants are central to its…
Of the people, by the people, for the people
The world seems to be in turmoil. From Ukraine and Sudan to Gaza and Syria, conflicts are raging — often with external powers interfering to shape outcomes favorable to Western interests. The West claims to uphold democracy and promotes it globally, yet in practice, it neither fully embodies true democracy at home nor genuinely fosters…
The Thought Cycle: How Our Brain Processes, Dreams, and Innovates
Our thought cycle is a fascinating process governed by neural activity, memory consolidation, and synaptic reorganization. When we read, listen, or observe, our brain fires neurons, forming synaptic connections that influence our thoughts and actions. The Nightly Sorting Process: Memory Consolidation & Neural Pruning During sleep, particularly in the slow-wave sleep (SWS) and REM (Rapid…
Supporting the Homeless Through Oneness Initiatives: Putting Learnings into Practice
Journey The Road Home is the primary organization in the northwest suburbs dedicated to helping the homeless. They have dedicated staff and a permanent location, where caseworkers screen guests and issue PADs (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) ID cards. With support from volunteers and donors, they provide three meals a day and arrange housing—40 beds…
Journey and Goal: Finding Balance in Life’s Pursuit
Happiness in the goal driven American society.
What is Religion, Do we need it?
What is religion? Why was it needed to begin with? Do we still need it? I am sure some of these questions must have crossed your mind as well. We are often encouraged to believe that our religion is the best out there. Is it? To answer these questions, we need to delve into the…
Embracing Imperfections: Seeing Roses Among Thorns
Humans have come to accept thorns as an integral part of roses, a gift from Mother Nature. When we gaze upon roses, we often overlook their thorns. And when we create rose bouquets, we carefully remove and discard these thorns. Yet, it seems challenging for us to extend the same courtesy to our fellow humans.…
Understanding Life through Fall’s Tree Leaves
During this time of year, many of us embark on special visits to parks, gardens, or trails where the leaves of trees transform into a brilliant array of colors. We gaze in awe at the #vibrant foliage, capture numerous photos, and eagerly share them on our social media. Have you ever paused to ponder what…
Asylum Seekers in Illinois: A Challenge or a Blessing?
For hundreds of years, migrants have been coming to this country. Upon arrival, most of them strive to establish themselves. Initially, they take on whatever jobs they can to survive, and as time passes, they develop skills or acquire an education to access higher-paying opportunities. Many of these hardworking individuals hold multiple jobs, often supporting…
Riding Life’s Sine Wave to Equilibrium
Bamrit had always been a thoughtful and reflective soul. Life, he believed, was like a complex sine wave, with its distinctive pattern of ups and downs. This perspective on life had been shaped by his own experiences and the wisdom passed down through generations in his family. Growing up in a small village, Bamrit had…
