Your Soul Food for Global Wellness Day 2023: 8 Wellsprings To Help You Nourish and Flourish!

Happy Soul Food Friday!

Global Wellness Day is June 10, 2023 and is dedicated to raising awareness about living well.

Here are a few articles and resources I curated to bolster your wellbeing.

Remember, “if it’s easy to do, it’s easy not to do” and “to know and not to do, is not to know”

This week:

  • The 8 Health Benefits of Laughing
  • Niksen- A Dutch Wellness Trend That Means “Doing Nothing”
  • Two Becoming One
  • Doing Yoga 3 Times a Week Lowers Stress and Boosts Short-Term Memory
  • Micro-Dosing Isn’t Just for Psychedelics — Turns Out It’s for Stretching, Too
  • This is the World’s Greatest Stretch
  • This is the Perfect Amount of Time to Meditate
  • New UCSF Test Helps Find the Right Medication for You Using Your DNA

8 Health Benefits of Laughing, According to Neuroscience Research
A dose of laughter a day could keep the doctor away, according to research.

Reduce stress, promote mental health, lessen pain, get a mini workout, strengthen your lungs, boost your immunity, promote heart health, and more…

8 Health Benefits of Laughing, According to Neuroscience Research | The Healthy @Reader’s Digest

Niksen- A Dutch Wellness Trend That Means “Doing Nothing” Has Caught The Attention Of The World As A Way To Manage Stress or Recover From Burnout:

The Dutch solution to busyness that captivated the world – BBC Travel

Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay by Otis Redding Seems to Carry The Same Sentiment:

Otis Redding – (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay (Official Music Video) – YouTube

TWO BECOMING ONE by Jon Gordon

EXCERPT FROM THE ONE TRUTH

A coach and player have a heart to heart, get real and vulnerable with each other about their fears of failure, and become unbreakable and unshakable after the meeting and win a Super Bowl. 

A teacher and student discuss the student’s behavior in class and the student shares that they are going through a tough time at home. The teacher listens with empathy and shares love and support. The student starts to thrive in class and in life. 

A mental coach talks with a musician and shares advice, but more importantly provides unwavering support and belief in them. The musician takes their performance to a whole new level. 

A team has a meeting after a series of tough losses and after some initial yelling and screaming, they get vulnerable and share what’s holding them back. They turn it around and go on an incredible win streak. 

A family sits together at a table every Sunday and discusses the challenges each person is facing, and they come up with solutions together. Everyone walks away from the table feeling more confident and the family creates a lasting bond. 

A married couple takes a walk on the beach and talks about some of their issues and after fighting for a little bit they listen and vow to be better for each other. 

In all these cases the connection that happens is more important than the advice, solution, and words spoken. What’s happening at a deeper level is connection, unity, and oneness. Each person is moving from the feeling of being separate and alone to feeling connected and one with each other. From this oneness, a feeling of love flows, and healing and power is experienced that transforms the individual, the relationship, and the team. 

HeartMath has conducted advanced research and found that when people are experiencing these types of connections there is a synchronization of the two hearts that begin to act as if they are one. We were created for connection. The latest research in relational psychology shows that we heal in connection. 

The research demonstrates the truth that we were never meant to be alone and separate. We are wired at the spiritual, soul, biological, and cellular level to become one, and when we do we experience greater power, connection, commitment, and healing.

Study Finds Doing Yoga 3 Times a Week Lowers Stress and Boosts Short-Term Memory
Three, 50-minute flows per week might be the ultimate antidote to your work stress.

Study Finds Yoga Lowers Stress and Boosts Cognition (realsimple.com)

Micro-Dosing Isn’t Just for Psychedelics — Turns Out It’s for Stretching, Too
Our editors independently select the products we recommend. We may earn a commission on items bought through our links.

Microdose Stretching: We Asked Experts if This Wellness Trend Is Legit – SPY

This is the world’s greatest stretch – according to an expert:
Need to stretch out your entire body and keep it mobile? This will do just that.

This is the world’s greatest stretch – according to an expert | T3

This is the perfect amount of time to meditate, says mindfulness expert
You don’t need to meditate for a long time to get the most benefits. In fact, doing it for too long can be counterintuitive. Here’s what an expert suggests.

World Meditation Day: The ideal length to meditate from an expert (cnbc.com)

New UCSF Test Helps Find the Right Medication for You Using Your DNA
Doctors at UCSF may be able to prescribe medications with a lot more accuracy by testing a patient’s genes using a process called pharmacogenetics, which allows doctors to see exactly why a person is experiencing a side effect.

New UCSF Test Helps Find the Right Medication for You Using Your DNA | KQED

Stay Tenacious!

Thanks this week go to Larry H.

Stay Well!

Love,

Neville

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NevilleB108 
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbillimoria 

“Out of all-inclusive, unconditional compassion comes the healing of all mankind.”

Dr. David Hawkins

Your Soul Food for National Gun Violence Awareness Day and Wear Orange Weekend 2023

Happy Soul Food Friday!

This week:

National Gun Violence Awareness Day and Wear Orange Weekend:

Why Orange?

On January 21, 2013, Hadiya Pendleton marched in President Obama’s second inaugural parade. One week later, Hadiya was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago. Soon after this tragedy, Hadiya’s friends commemorated her life by wearing orange, the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves and others. Wear Orange is now observed every June. Thousands of people wear orange to honor Hadiya and the more than 43,000 Americans are killed with guns and approximately 76,000 more are shot and wounded every year.

Wear Orange | Wear Orange

Find an Event Near You:

Attend Wear Orange 2023 | Everytown for Gun Safety

More than half of US teachers think being armed would make students less safe, report finds:
More than half of the country’s teachers believe arming themselves would make students less safe, while one in five say they would be interested in carrying a gun to school, according to a new report from the RAND Corporation.

More than half of US teachers think being armed would make students less safe, report finds | CNN

‘Live free and die’? The sad state of U.S. life expectancy
A decade after a landmark report on Americans’ shorter lives, the problem has only gotten worse. Unlike other wealthy nations, U.S. life expectancy has not bounced back from the pandemic.

Scientists warned a decade ago American lives were shortening. Then it got worse : Shots – Health News : NPR

6 major takeaways from the ATF’s first report in 20 years on U.S. gun crime
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives released a major report that details how stolen guns and emerging technology like “ghost guns” play a factor in gun violence in the U.S.

6 major takeaways from the ATF’s first report in 20 years on U.S. gun crime : NPR

How one city cut gun violence in half and may become a model around the country
Omaha, Nebraska, has seen a marked decrease in shootings.

How one city cut gun violence in half and may become a model around the country – ABC News (go.com)

This striking image won our ‘Pictures of the Year’ photo contest:
See all 10 of the top photographs and find out how perseverance—and a ton of patience—got Karthik Subramaniam the grand-prize-winning shot.

This striking image won our ‘Pictures of the Year’ photo contest (nationalgeographic.com)

Love,

Neville

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NevilleB108 
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbillimoria 

Your Soul Food for Memorial Day Weekend 2023: Honor, Health, Kindness and Wonder

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

This week:

  • Memorial Day Facts, Meaning and Traditions
  • San Diegan Asian Pacific Islander Leaders of Influence 2023 Honorees
  • 5 Ways to Boost Your Health in 5 Minutes or Less
  • A Simple Act of Kindness Changed the Trajectory of a Young Man’s Life
  • One In A Billion” Moments Actually Caught In a Picture That Are WILD!

What do you know about Memorial Day?

Memorial Day 2023: Facts, Meaning & Traditions | HISTORY

“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes.

Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.” – Rumi.

Asian Pacific Islanders Leaders of Influence:

This week I was honored and humbled to be acknowledged as one of the San Diego Business Journals API Leaders of Influence for 2023

Congrats to all my fellow honorees! Proud to be in your company…

Asian-Pacific-Islander-Leaders-of-Influence-pages-23-33-v3.pdf (sdbj.com)

“Difference- The Only thing we have in Common”

5 ways to boost your health in 5 minutes or less:
These 5 healthy habits will have a measurable, positive impact on your health and wellness and take just five minutes or less.

5 healthy habits that are easy to add to your day | CNN

“Out of all-inclusive, unconditional compassion comes the healing of all mankind.”— Dr. David Hawkins

A simple act of kindness changed the trajectory of a young man’s life:
Some 50 years ago, Bill Price found himself alone at an event. Then someone turned and said, “Would you like to join us?” That moment changed the trajectory of his life.

A simple act of kindness changed the trajectory of a young man’s life : NPR

People Shared “One In A Billion” Moments They Actually Caught A Picture Of, And They Are W-I-L-D
If you’ve never seen the inside of a penguin’s mouth, a hotel phone with “pizza” on speed dial, or an apple with two stems, well, you’re in for a treat.

50 “One In A Million” Moments Caught On Camera (buzzfeed.com)

Heart-filled thanks this week go to all those who courageously laid down their lives for the cause of freedom.

May we all model your self-sacrifice and selflessness.

Love,

Neville

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NevilleB108 
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbillimoria 

“Real happiness comes from a continuous effort to become the best possible version of yourself”

– Aristotle

Your Soul Food for Teacher Appreciation Week and National Fitness Day 2023: Appreciation and Inspiration

Happy Soul Food Friday!

This week:

Amazing people stories about teachers, fitness and some positive deviants that help us be proud of humanity.

It is Teacher Appreciation Week!

“I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.” Albert Einstein: The father of modern physics

An English teacher’s response to a stuttering student changed her life:
In high school, Susan had a stutter, and was embarrassed to speak in front of her class. Then her English teacher told her something that changed the course of her life.

An English teacher’s response to a stuttering student changed her life : NPR

D.C. public school faculty turn music room into soul music sanctuary:
Adamare, composed of six E.L. Haynes Public Charter School teachers, will play at DC9 on April 8.

Washington, D.C., fusion band Adamare to perform at DC9 – The Washington Post

The Funniest Tweets From Parents This Week
“I believe I am the sole reason my kids teachers have to send out ‘friendly reminders.'”

The Funniest Tweets From Parents This Week (Nov. 27-Dec.3) | HuffPost Life

Staying Well-

The secret to why exercise is so good for mental health? ‘Hope molecules’:
What we long suspected is now scientific fact: there’s a magic chemical connection between mood, strength and longevity, says scientist and writer Devi Sridhar

The secret to why exercise is so good for mental health? ‘Hope molecules’ | Devi Sridhar | The Guardian

At 100 years old, I’m the world’s oldest practicing doctor—5 things I never do to live a long, happy life:
Dr. Howard Tucker has been practicing medicine and neurology for over 75 years. The 100-year-old doctor shares his best advice for staying happy, healthy and mentally sharp.

At 100 years old, I’m the world’s oldest practicing doctor—5 things I never do to live a long, happy life (cnbc.com)

I’m A Doctor Who Almost Died Because My Own Doctors Refused To Do This 1 Basic Thing
Unfortunately, my experience is all too common. If you find yourself in a situation like I did, here’s what you should do.

I’m A Doctor Who Almost Died Because My Own Doctors Refused To Do This 1 Basic Thing | HuffPost HuffPost Personal

Courtney Dauwalter: The fun-fueled ultra-marathon star defying science:
Most people’s idea of fun wouldn’t involve running for hours on end through brutal, undulating terrain — but ultra-marathon sensation Courtney Dauwalter is no ordinary person.

Courtney Dauwalter: The fun-fuelled ultra-marathon star defying science | CNN

Teachers come in many flavors.

Here are lessons we can learn from some of them…

Defying The Odds:

Delara Tehranchi talks about her experience becoming a foster sister, and how we all should strive to find a cause we are passionate for. Delara Tehranchi is currently a senior at the Archer School for Girls, where she runs a youth-to-youth tutoring program for L.A.’s foster youth. After becoming a foster sister during the pandemic, Delara felt moved to start Coco’s Angels, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that cultivates opportunities for Californian foster families. As Seventeen Magazine’s 2022 Voice of Change Honoree, Delara appeared on Dr. Phil as well as in Medium and Ms. Magazine to advocate for marginalized youth. Leveraging this opportunity to amplify community-centered efforts, Delara invites everyone to find their own unique moment to better the world around them.

Defying The Odds | Delara Tehranchi | TEDxWhitneyHigh – YouTube

Video shows Michigan boy take the wheel when bus driver passes out
Video shows the moment seventh grader Dylan Reeves was able to safely stop his school bus when the driver suffered a medical emergency. WDIV’s Jamie Edmonds reports.

Video shows Michigan boy take the wheel when bus driver passes out (nbcnews.com)

BBC World Service – The Documentary, Women pro surfers: Battling the waves:

How women surfers fought the sexism of the 1970s to create the first pro-surf world tour.

BBC World Service – The Documentary, Women pro surfers: Battling the waves

Baltimore man had forgiven an anonymous shooter who nearly killed him. Then fate stepped in again
Damion Cooper thought he’d finally forgiven his unknown shooter. Then he found himself sitting across from the young man while volunteering in a Baltimore prison.

Baltimore man had forgiven an anonymous shooter who nearly killed him. Then fate stepped in again | Fox News

Thanks to teachers everywhere!

Please thank your teachers and pay it forward.

Love,


Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Facebook

Neville

“Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel.”– King Solomon

Your Soul Food for the Week of May Day, Teacher Appreciation Day and Mental Health Awareness Month: End the Stigma. Make it OK!

Happy Soul Food Friday!

This week:
May Day is a European festival of ancient origins marking the beginning of summer, usually celebrated on May 1st , halfway between the spring equinox and summer solstice.

May is also Mental Health Awareness Month

So, are you languishing or flourishing?


The need for mental health support is not new, but access to resources has become increasingly important for many in our community as we have collectively navigated stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and many other consequential world events.

 To that end, here is access to relevant resources and some stories of flourishing humans in all walks of life.

Keep flourishing!

Where could you turn up the volume on your Self-Care?

Above All Connect!

As humans, we are designed for connection and relationship. We thrive together. We grow together. We learn together.

And while time alone to reflect, meditate, or take a solo adventure is nice and much needed, we also feel the negative impact of isolation and disconnection.

Throw in the rapid rate of innovation and technological developments, and we find ourselves in a rather interesting time. On paper, we are more connected than ever before, yet so many of us feel completely disconnected, lonely, and depressed.

To our detriment, we have adopted the relationship-building model of a mile wide and an inch deep, prioritizing followers as a sort of credibility builder or badge as an influencer. But with all the energy we put into our phones, we can’t forget what connection looked like and felt like before we had these computers in our hands.

I am not saying that having lots of followers or “friends” in the social media world is a bad thing, or saying that having access to a world of information at our fingertips is a bad thing.

However, we still need to slow down, untether ourselves from our gadgets once in a while, and connect in a different, dare we say, more human way. Call it the inch wide and a mile deep approach to connection building.

This month, why not invest your time in connection that doesn’t depend on technology. Get ready to open your hearts and feel part of something very special. Being connected matters!

Americans Need to Feel More Wonder in Their Lives:

Wonder Can Help Our Mental Health and Sense of Wellbeing…

Weekly Dose of Wonder : NPR

“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.”
Greek Proverb

We asked, you answered: What’s your secret to staying optimistic in gloomy times?
From watching the sun rise — yeah, it’s a cliche but it works! — to dancing to techno music, to doing good for others to just plain smiling, readers share what gives them optimism in times of trouble.

What’s your secret to staying optimistic? Readers weigh in : Goats and Soda : NPR

This Is How Long You Need To Go Outside To Improve Your Sleep
You can completely reset your body clock just by walking out your front door.

This Is How Long You Need To Go Outside To Improve Your Sleep | HuffPost UK Life (huffingtonpost.co.uk)

Preventing Burnout Is Now Job One for Bosses
Protecting the bottom line means putting people first. These 7 strategies can protect your teams.

Preventing burnout is now the number one job for bosses. These 7 strategies can protect your teams | Fortune Well

Pay isn’t a substitute for treating people well.
if leaders are kind, incentives are rewards to appreciate. But if leaders are jerks, incentives become threats to avoid.
Selfish bosses turn carrots into controlling sticks. In the long run, the best way to win is to care.

-Adam Grant

Speaking of Great Leadership if you are local:

Join my good friend Eric K at his book launch at Warwick’s in La Jolla on May 31st at 7:30pm

“Eric crashed the Gateless Gate of Zen wisdom and applied it to leadership, so you don’t have to.”  

I’m stoked to share my new book, Leadership Breakdown, and to invite you to my book launch at Warwick’s, on May 31st at 7:30pm.
I promise that our hour together will be one of connection, delight, and illumination, and I can’t wait to introduce you to my leadership ideas and tools. Jamie Wheal, New York Times best selling author said that “Eric crashed the Gateless Gate of Zen wisdom and applied it to leadership, so you don’t have to.”  

Please reserve a seat and a book at Warwick’s. And be sure to stay for the book signing that will immediately follow the presentation. 

Looking forward to sharing, and to chatting about wisdom, love, and power. 

Eric Kaufmann, Executive Guide 

Author: Four Virtues of a Leader l Leadership Breakdown

Thought Leader: Institute of Coaching @ Harvard

TEDx Speaker: Courage is NOT what you think

O: (619) 668-8500 l M: (619) 944-2090 l W: sagatica.com

Other Inspirational Stories about Service Before Self-

A pilot takes a big risk to save a skydiver’s life:
In 1970, Alan Ayers was preparing himself for a skydiving competition in Gainesville, Florida. It wasn’t the first time he’d jumped out of a plane, but it was almost his last.

A pilot takes a big risk to save a skydiver’s life : NPR

Shrimp Boat Captain from Texas Wins International Goldman Environmental Prize:

Wilson noticed problems in the water and started a nearly four-decade fight to get a local chemical company, Formosa, to stop dumping harmful plastics in the water. She won a $50 million court case against the company. Now, she is the winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize, which honors grassroots environmental activists around the world.

Shrimp boat captain from Texas wins international Goldman Environmental Prize | Here & Now (wbur.org)

Feeling a bit more centered?

Keep flourishing and pay it forward!

Love,

Neville

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NevilleB108 
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbillimoria 

Your Soul Food for Friday April 28 2023: Celebrating Greatness- Carpe Diem!

Happy Soul Food Friday

This week:

A Tribute to the Inimitable Harry Belafonte:

This spontaneous breakout into song at USA for Africa is worth the watch and listen!

Want to know who all the talent in that room were?

You can scroll through the comments at the bottom of the vid, or click here:

USA for Africa – Wikipedia

USA for Africa also held a benefit event, Hands Across America, in which approximately seven million people held hands in a human chain for fifteen minutes along a path across the continental United States. Participants paid ten dollars to stand in line and the money raised was used to fight hunger and homelessness in Africa. The combined revenues raised from the sales of “We Are the World” and Hands Across America was almost $100 million in 1985.

Celebrating Sensei Fumio Demura:

The traditional martial arts world lost a legend this week.

Sensei Demura, the legit stunt double as Sensei Miyagi in the Karate Kid movies, and a martial artist par excellence passed away this week.

Competing at his tournaments was a treat.

Training under him was a gift.

Teaching with him was an inspiration.

Remembering him and keeping the practice alive is an honor!

You can get a flavor for his technical virtuosity here:

 BEST of Fumio Demura 出村 文男 • Action Montage – YouTube

And here is something Demura Sensei wrote about the role of a karate Sensei:

 “The person you refer to as ‘Sensei’ is in that position for a valid reason. It seems today I hear a lot of former students or ex-black belts disrespecting their Sensei for a myriad of reasons. To better help you understand why a Sensei deserves, or let me put it a better way, demands your respect let me lay it out for you.

The Sensei is the one who has dedicated their life to the art they teach you. You will never have as many years of dedication in because you came after them.

The Sensei is the one who spent many days and nights opening their dojo, cleaning it, making it better…for YOU.

The Sensei is the one who has made sacrifices you will never understand just so you have a place to train, to learn and gain in your art.

The Sensei is the one who, often at great costs, has given up their free time, their family time…time they could be out doing many other things just so you can learn and train.

The Sensei is the one who has invested thousands of dollars in their own training just to learn how to teach you properly.

The Sensei is the one who has often broken bones, but still showed up to teach class. Torqued muscles, tendons and had strains but still showed up to teach class. Had a migraine, was sick, had a bad day…but still showed up to teach class. All these things are excuses why you miss class.

The Sensei often goes without so that the dojo and students will be taken care of. This means they give up having nice things at times, vacations, going out to dinner, hanging out with friends and family…all so you can learn Karate.

The Sensei has spent more time in a dojo than most of you that train with them have been alive.

The Sensei is the one who is always there for your training.

The Sensei quite often sees a need and fills a need for their students. They see that poor kid who has little of anything and needs sparring gear and they just go ahead and get it for them. They see the student who is struggling to come up with funds to buy their own weapons for Kobudo and just buys extras so they can participate. They see their adult students losing their jobs and says, “Don’t worry about paying til you’re caught up”. This is the role the Sensei plays, and it demands respect.

I can sit here and think of a thousand more reasons why you should never, ever disrespect your Sensei too…but, in all honesty, I shouldn’t have to. I shouldn’t have had to even write this blog…but, then again, people live in a shallow world these days. Perhaps we should step out of it, be bigger and better, and then the world will change.

Respect your Sensei, take care of your Sensei, honor your Sensei…because, one day, your Sensei will no longer be around.”

– Fumio Demura

I was the sole survivor of a plane crash. This is what I learned in eight days alone in the jungle:
Annette Herfkens was on holiday with her fiancé when their plane went down, killing everyone but her.

Three decades later, she reflects on how the trauma changed her.

I was the sole survivor of a plane crash. This is what I learned in eight days alone in the jungle | Plane crashes | The Guardian

I jumped out of a plane to learn the benefits of stress:
It turns out that within moderation, stress can even be good for you.

I jumped out of a plane to learn the benefts of stress | Anxiety | The Guardian

Mums Are Tying Ribbons To Their Bags For A Really Wonderful Reason:
“This is an antidote to loneliness, comparison, division, fear of being rebuffed when supporting others,” says therapist Anna Mathur, who came up with the idea.

Mums Are Tying Ribbons To Their Bags For A Really Wonderful Reason | HuffPost UK Parents (huffingtonpost.co.uk)

Carpe Diem!

Thanks this week go to Arman S-B for the Harry Belafonte link, to Sensei Demura for a lifetime of service, and to musicians, martial artists, and mothers everywhere.

Love,

Neville

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NevilleB108
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbillimoria

“Language is surely too small a vessel to contain these emotions of mind and body that have somehow awakened a response in the spirit.” — Radclyffe Hall

Your Soul Food for the week of Earth Day 2023: Changes in Attitudes, Inter-Species Relationships, Plant Intelligence, Animals’ ‘sixth sense’, Lessons Dogs Can Teach Us, and Crises Make Us Kinder

Happy Soul Food Friday!

This week:

Changes in Attitudes, Inter-Species Relationships, Plant Intelligence, Animals’ ‘sixth sense’, Lessons Dogs Can Teach Us, and Crises Make Us Kinder

Murphy, a furniture dealer from Dublin, decided toexpand the line of furniture in his store, so he decided to go to Paris to see what he could find.

After arriving in Paris, he visited with some manufacturers and selected a line that he thought would sell well back home.  To celebrate the new acquisition, he decided to visit a small bistro  and have a glass of wine.

As he sat enjoying his wine, he noticed that the small place was quite crowded, and that the other chair at his table was the only vacant seat in the house.  Before long, a very beautiful young Parisian girl came to his table, asked him something in French (which Murphy could not understand), so he motioned to the vacant chair and invited her to sit down.

He tried to speak to her in English, but she did not speak his language. After a couple of minutes of trying to communicate with her, he took a napkin and drew a picture of a wine glass and showed it to her.  She nodded, so he ordered a glass of wine for her.

After sitting together at the table for a while, he took another napkin, and drew a picture of a plate with food on it, and she nodded.  They left the bistro and found a quiet cafe that featured a small group playing romantic music.

They ordered dinner, after which he took another napkin and drew a picture of a couple dancing.  She nodded, and they got up to dance. They danced until the cafe closed and the band was packing up.

Back at their table, the young lady took a napkin and drew a picture of a four-poster bed.

To this day, Murphy has no idea how she figured out he was in the furniture business.

Changing Our Attitudes to Climate Change-

Ten photographs that made the world wake up to climate change:
Award-winning photographers Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier choose 10 powerful photos that have changed our attitudes to climate change.

Ten photographs that made the world wake up to climate change | CNN

Inter-Species Relationships-

Indian Villager Lives with Crane He Rescued from Death: ‘I Can’t Imagine Life Without Him’
Arif Gurjar nursed a sarus crane back to health last year, and the animal has not left his side since

Wounded Crane Saved by Indian Villager Now Refuses to Leave His Side (people.com)

Plant Intelligence-

What Is It Like to Be a Plant?

In a provocative new book, Planta Sapiens: The New Science of Plant Intelligence, philosopher Paco Calvo, with writer Natalie Lawrence, explores these questions, urging us not to fall into the “zoocentric trap” of believing that intelligence, agency and even consciousness are found only in animals.

What Is It Like to Be a Plant? – Scientific American

Plants unleash ultrasonic cries for help when stressed, study finds
And if you listen closely, the type of sound the plant is making could tell you what’s wrong.

Plants emit a “rather noisy” cry for help when under stress, scientists find – CBS News

Magnetoreception in Fruit Flies-

Animals’ ‘sixth sense’ is more widespread than previously thought
A study using fruit flies, led by researchers at the Universities of Manchester and Leicester, supported by the National Physical Laboratory, has suggested that the animal world’s ability to sense a magnetic field may be more widespread than previously thought.

Scientists already know that species such as the monarch butterfly, pigeon, turtle and other animals use the earth’s magnetic field to navigate over long distances. But the discovery could mean the biological molecules required to sense magnetic fields are present—to a greater or lesser extent—in all living things.

Animals’ ‘sixth sense’ is more widespread than previously thought (phys.org)

5 Important Lessons Dogs Can Teach Us, According to a Veterinarian
A board-certified veterinary medical oncologist, Dr. Renee Alsaraff created four medical oncology practices and three radiation centers for animals. She has been in private practice for 30 years. Currently, Renee works as a consultant for PetCure Oncology. She has brought her therapy dogs to nursing homes, helped special needs children ride horseback, competed in obedience trials with her boxers and created MSU’s Pet Loss Support Group.

5 Important Lessons Dogs Can Teach Us, According to a Veterinarian | Apartment Therapy

World Happiness Report Finds That Crises Make Us Kinder
Since the pandemic began, people around the world have been helping, donating, and volunteering more—especially in Ukraine.

World Happiness Report Finds That Crises Make Us Kinder (berkeley.edu)

If You Are Local:

Drivin the Bus will be at Coomber’s in Oceanside (611 Mission Ave.) this Saturday with 2 sets- 5:30 to 7pm and 7:30 to 9pm- playing all the favorite classic jams.

Come join the fun and let your hair down at this covered outdoor patio venue.

You can book tables in advance if you like.

A person singing into a microphone

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Thanks this week go to Larry H for the funnies.

Pay it forward!

Love,

Neville

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NevilleB108 
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbillimoria 

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”

Your Soul Food for Friday April 14, 2023: Invest in Our Planet- Spring Cleaning Your Life for Earth Month

Happy Soul Food Friday!

This week:

Spring-Clean Your Life!

20 ways to discard the emotional baggage that’s holding you back:


From creating a proper support network to practicing saying no, experts suggest their best tips for a healthier, happier life.

Spring-clean your life! 20 ways to discard the emotional baggage that’s holding you back | Life and style | The Guardian

3-2-1: The Most Important Habit, the Difference between Ambition and Entitlement, and Friendship:

Here are 3 ideas, 2 quotes, and 1 question to consider from James Clear, Author of Atomic Habits:

3 Ideas From James:

“The most important habit is choosing the right habit to work on.”

“Ambition is when you expect yourself to close the gap between what you have and what you want.

Entitlement is when you expect others to close the gap between what you have and what you want.”

“It’s generally better to over-communicate.

If you wait to reply because you don’t have an answer yet (or because you don’t want to share bad news), the other party often ends up making assumptions about what the delayed reply might mean.

Silence frustrates and confuses people. Better to communicate early and often.”

2 Quotes From Others

Ronald Sharp on how friendship transforms us (or any great relationship, really):

“It’s not about what someone can do for you, it’s who and what the two of you become in each other’s presence.”

Tara Ploughman with an obvious, but often ignored, insight:

“Never offer what you’d hate someone for accepting.”

Note: Tara Ploughman is, reportedly, an anagram of entrepreneur Paul Graham.

1 Question For You

Does this habit still serve me or am I blindly following an old routine?

Powerful Ansel Adams show Centers his Love for Nature – and the Peril it’s In:


San Francisco showcase brings together the photographer’s works alongside contemporary artists who build on it

Powerful Ansel Adams show centers his love for nature – and the peril it’s in | Photography | The Guardian

Ten Photographs that made the World Wake up to Climate Change:


Award-winning photographers Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier choose 10 powerful photos that have changed our attitudes to climate change.

Ten photographs that made the world wake up to climate change | CNN

A Kid’s Guide to Climate Change (plus a printable comic):


Learning about climate change? Here’s a comic for kids about what it is and how it’s affecting the planet — as explained by kids who are experiencing it. And find out how to print this comic at home!

A kid’s guide to climate change (plus a printable comic) : NPR

13 Ways to Celebrate, and 5 Facts About Earth Month 2023:

It all started in Santa Barbara after a massive oil spill in 1969…

13 Ways To Celebrate Earth Month (2023) (goodgoodgood.co)

Thanks this week go to Charles B, and all of you invested in making yourself and our planet better!

Love,

Neville

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NevilleB108 
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbillimoria 

Success is not about winning a competition. It’s about making a contribution.

Takers aim to be better than others. Givers strive to bring out the best in others.

The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed.- Adam Grant

Your Soul Food for Passover, Easter, Ramadan and Earth Month 2023: Languishing or Flourishing, Feast or Famine, Insanity or Immortality, Religious or Secular?

Happy Soul Food Friday!

This week:

What ever happened to Peace, Love and Understanding?
What ever happened to Hope, Agency and Dignity?

This Element is Critical to Human Flourishing- Yet Missing from the News:

If you want to be informed about the world, but not bludgeoned into fatalism, looking for alternative resources that curate stories on human cooperation and ingenuity and want to strip bias from your newsfeed, read on…

Opinion | Most news stories are grim. Here’s the first step toward fixing that. – The Washington Post

Let’s Create the Future of Our Dreams Instead of Our Fears!

Some great resources at The Progress Network

Homepage – The Progress Network

5 WAYS TO MAKE TODAY GREAT:

How you see the world determines the world you see.
That’s why it’s especially important to start each day with a positive perspective.
Remember… positivity is like a muscle, the more we exercise it the stronger it gets.

Today let’s:
1) Attack Today with Enthusiasm – If you want an exciting life, get excited about life. Many of us wake up and just go through the motions. Our lives become routine. It doesn’t have to be like that. Remember your WHY today. We don’t get burned out because of what we do. We get burned out because we forget why we do it.  

2) Stay Positive – Instead of focusing on your problems, focus on your purpose. Instead of seeing yourself as a victim, see yourself as a hero. Heroes and victims both get knocked down but heroes get back up, and armed with optimism and a greater purpose they create a positive future.

3) Be Thankful – When you are grateful for the things in your life, big and small, you always seem to find more things to be grateful about.

 4) Replace “Have to” with “Get To” – Live life as a gift, not an obligation. We GET TO, we don’t HAVE TO. This simple shift can have a dramatic impact.

 5) Be a Blessing to Others – We are blessed to be a blessing. This doesn’t have anything to do with material things (although it can). It’s about loving, serving and caring. It’s about choosing to make a difference in the lives of others each and every day.
   

8 Ways to Live Longer You’ve Probably Never Linked to Health:
And no, it’s got nothing to do with drinking more water.

8 Ways To Live Longer You’ve Probably Never Linked To Health | HuffPost UK Life (huffingtonpost.co.uk)

For a Small French Town, this 15,000-egg Omelet is a 50-year Tradition:
In Bessières, and in sister cities around the world, the spirit of generosity and community comes in the form of a giant omelet.

France’s giant omelet festival celebrates 50 years of generosity – The Washington Post

Infographic: Why Pets make us Happy!

Infographic: Why Pets make us Happy! – Katzenworld

Ricochet the Surf Dog:

We lost Ricochet but many found meaning and joy thanks to this amazing creature!

Thanks this week go to Mehrad N, Larry H, and all of you building a better future.

Please pay it forward.

Love,

Neville

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NevilleB108 
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbillimoria 

“Out of all-inclusive, unconditional compassion comes the healing of all mankind.”— Dr. David Hawkins

Your Soul Food for Friday March 31, 2023: What’s Love Got to Do with It?

Happy Soul Food Friday!

This week:

A musical intervention across the ages and genres to help us stay in the positive, curated just for you.

My Kind by Jason Mraz

Love is the way,
Love is the light,
We light up today,
And today is all right.
Love is the way,
Love will take us higher,
We are aligned,
And we are united.

Jason Mraz – My Kind (Audio) – YouTube

Give Me Love, Give Me Peace On Earth with George Harrison

George captures the essence of his desire to be free of karma and the constant cycle of rebirth; he later described the song as “a prayer and personal statement between me, the Lord, and whoever likes it”.

George Harrison – Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) (Live) – YouTube

Shambala by Three Dog Night

Shambala- a situation where kindness and cooperation are universal, joy and good fortune abound, and psychological burdens are lifted.

How does your light shine in the halls of Shambala?

Shambala (1975) – Three Dog Night – YouTube

Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Forget your lust for the rich man’s gold,
All that you need is in your soul.
And you can do this, oh, baby, if you try,
All that I want for you, my son, is to be satisfied…

Simple Man – Lynyrd Skynyrd – Lyrics HD – YouTube

What the World Needs Now is Love Sweet Love by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, Sung Majestically by Dionne Warwick

What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.
What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
No not just for some, but for everyone!

Dionne Warwick – What The World Needs Now (1966) – YouTube

Thanks this week go to all the musicians and lovers of music, that transform our experience and uplift humanity!

Stay in tune and play it forward with purpose.

Love All,

Neville

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NevilleB108 
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbillimoria 

Do not move the way fear makes you move.

Move the way love makes you move.”- Osho