Happy Soul Food Friday!

This week:

Self-Care and Caring for Mother Earth

Fireworks and Finishing with a Bang

All great fireworks shows end the same way… with a bang. They save the best and most spectacular displays for their grand finale. You can’t help but clap at the end. Now compare a fireworks show to many lectures, sales presentations and customer service experiences. They often start off strong but instead of ending with a bang, they fizzle. The sales presentation that has a great hook in the beginning but doesn’t leave a lasting impression at the end. The speech that makes you glad it’s over instead of making you want to hear more. The restaurant server who makes a great first impression but is nowhere to be found when you want to pay the bill and leave. The teacher who fails to inspire his students to take action at the end of the lesson. The hotel that welcomes you when you arrive but ignores you when you leave. The store that has great merchandise but fails to create a memorable experience. The examples are numerous, but the solution is simple. Whatever your job or business, add some fireworks to your work.

Think of ways you can create a grand finale and leave a lasting impression. Finish your speech or sales presentation with a bang and give your audience a reason to clap at the end. Give your customers something positive to talk about as they walk out the door.

Fireworks don’t have to occur just on the 4th of July. You can create a fireworks experience every day by finishing strong and making people say “Wow!”

US climate data pinpoints Monday as hottest recorded day on Earth!
Monday was the hottest day recorded on Earth, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

US climate data pinpoints Monday as hottest recorded day on Earth | The Hill

Scientists found a spot on Earth like no other — and a record that could redefine our history of the planet:
Canada’s Crawford Lake may hold evidence that humans have fundamentally changed Earth enough to have started the Anthropocene, a new chapter in geologic time.

Are we in the Anthropocene? Why Canada’s Crawford Lake may hold answers – Washington Post

Drone Photo Award winners capture the extraordinary beauty of the ordinary:
A rice field, a playground, piles of garbage — cameras from above cast a lens at earthly images with surprising, even dazzling results. Here are some of the winners from the 2023 Drone Photo Awards.

Drone Photo Award winners depict the extraordinary beauty of the ordinary : Goats and Soda : NPR

If you can’t make it to a national park, your mind can still wander there with this app:
Headspace is transporting users to some of America’s most popular national parks through new guided meditations.

National park lovers have a new way to escape with Headspace (usatoday.com)

Finland is home to the world’s happiest people—their No. 1 secret is this 500-year-old mindset:
For six years in a row, Finland has been ranked as the No. 1 happiest country in the world. Psychology expert E. Elisabet Lahti credits this phenomenon to “sisu,” a Finnish mindset that has been around for more than years.

• Find a purpose outside of yourself
• Increase resilience through training
• Be gentle on yourself and connect with nature

Finland is home to the world’s happiest people—their No. 1 secret is this 500-year-old mindset (cnbc.com)

New study reveals simple act could stave off 2 leading causes of death among adults: ‘Doesn’t need to be complicated.’
This study is the largest ever done on this topic, pooling data from 196 articles and over 30 million participants from nearly 100 study groups. by Erin Feiger / July 1, 2023 A quick walk a day may keep an early death away. A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that as little as 75 minutes a week of moderately intense, non-occupational physical activity substantially lowers the risk of dying from certain types of cancer or heart disease.

Study reveals daily brisk walks mitigate common health issues (thecooldown.com)

Thanks this week go to Larry H.

Now let’s get outside, take a walk so we can enjoy and cherish mother nature!

Love,

Neville

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

“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls.” -Joseph Campbell

Happy Soul Food Friday!

This week: Celebrating Juneteenth, the Summer Solstice & Pride Month

Juneteenth-

Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday, is gaining awareness:
This past Monday marked the Juneteenth holiday — a date commemorating the fall of slavery in the United States. While it’s a new federal holiday, it’s been celebrated since the 1860s.

Juneteenth is a new federal holiday but has long been celebrated : NPR

Six Essential Reads to Understand Juneteenth
Spend time with beautiful pieces of writing that highlight the fortitude of Black Americans.

Essential Reads to Understand Juneteenth – The Atlantic

The Summer Solstice-

Summer Solstice with Billy S:

Aloha Friends,
Wishing you a wonderful summer solstice!

This is a time of changing seasons. 
On Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 7:58 am PDT summer begins in the Northern Hemisphere.

The summer solstice is the longest day and the shortest night in our year.
The sun sets farthest north on the horizon.

At this time of the year, the days are warm, all the plants are energized by the sun, and the land is filled with rich new growth.  
Summer is truly a celebration of the primal creative force of nature, fertile and blooming with abundance.
Humans for many millenniums have marked this sacred time in the yearly cycle of life.
Celebrating the solstice can be a beautiful reminder that our lives are part of a larger order, always changing always renewing.

The beginning of summer represents a time for purification and renewed energy.
This is a time of cutting through resistance and obstacles, using the sun energy to illuminate and light your way upon your path.   
Fire is especially important, symbolizing the light, heat, and power of the sun.
Into a fire, you can throw a piece of paper with written goals to achieve, and anything you choose to release.  
Now is a good time to plant seeds for a more intuitive, simpler, and natural lifestyle.
Stay in tune with nature and wellness.

Each Summer Solstice, This Native American Rock Art Reveals A Secret Feature
The Sinagua people say the rock art was created with shadows and sunlight in mind.

Each Summer Solstice, This Native American Rock Art Reveals A Secret Feature | IFLScience

Pride Month-

No Bystanding- Be An Ally For Those Who Can’t Be:

In Germany, they came first for the Communists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist.
And then they came for the trade unionists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist.
And then they came for the Jews, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew.
And then… they came for me. ..And by that time there was no one left to speak up.
–Rev Martin Niemoller, January 1946

I Love You For No Reason:

A Powerful Song, Video and Message To Crack Your Heart Open!

Wrabel – The Village – YouTube

20 Cognitive Biases That Screw Up Your Decisions:

Don’t Believe Everything You Think!

Thanks this week go to Aysha S-B, Billy S, Courtney P, and all those willing to speak up, show up, and be allies not bystanders in the fight for justice and mercy.

Love,

Neville

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

“Difference- The Only thing we have in Common.”

Happy Soul Food Friday!

This week: Congrats to all the Grads and Dad’s for Father’s Day!

• Connecting Passion to Purpose with Neville Billimoria on UCTV Career Talks
• Why You Should Set Your Sights on Fulfillment Rather Than Happiness
• 10 Great College Commencement Speeches
• Tom Hanks gives Harvard commencement speech, tells grads to defend truth: ‘The responsibility is yours.’
• A service dog gets his own college diploma, winning huge cheers!
  
  

Connecting Passion to Purpose with Neville Billimoria – Career Talks:

“When we can align what we love, with what we are good at, with what the world needs, and what others find valuable, we can unleash our true potential and purpose on this planet,” says UC San Diego alum Neville Billimoria. He shares his journey from college to career and shares his tips for leading a fulfilling life at work and at home.

VIDEO: Connecting Passion to Purpose with Neville Billimoria – Career Talks – UCTV – University of California Television

Why You Should Set Your Sights on Fulfillment Rather Than Happiness:
It’s graduation season, which means that along with asking grads the dreaded question (“So, what’s next?”), it’s also the time of year when people dole out unsolicited and outdated—or at least largely unrealistic—career advice.

Why You Should Set Your Sights on Fulfillment Rather Than Happiness (lifehacker.com)

10 Great College Commencement Speeches:

What makes for a memorable commencement speech? Here are some examples that inspire, entertain, and enlighten.

10 Great College Commencement Speeches | BestColleges

Tom Hanks gives Harvard commencement speech, tells grads to defend truth: ‘The responsibility is yours.’
Actor Tom Hanks gave a commencement address at Harvard University Thursday, where he asked the new graduates to join in a ‘fight’ over truth in the United States.

Tom Hanks gives Harvard commencement speech, tells grads to defend truth: ‘The responsibility is yours’ | Fox News

A service dog gets his own college diploma, winning huge cheers!
When Grace Mariani graduated from Seton Hall University this week, the school president had a special gift for Justin, her service dog.

Justin the service dog gets a Seton Hall diploma along with his human : NPR

Thanks this week go to Marcy M for interviewing me on UCTV, and congrats to all the Grads and Dad’s for Father’s Day-Hooray!

Love,

Neville

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

“Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.”

-John W. Whitehead

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

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

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,

---

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Neville

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