Ikigai is a huge predictor of a longer, happier life. Here’s how to find yours: A cognitive neuroscientist explains the science behind this ancient art. People on the Japanese island of Okinawa are among the planets longest-lived.
One factor for this is that they tend to eat a highly nutritious, plant-based diet.
But another is more psychological and has to do with having meaning and purpose in life – what the Japanese call ikigai. Many studies suggest there are benefits to having ikigai.
Gus Walz’s unbridled emotion on the DNC stage opens the door to more understanding of neurodiversity The best way to learn about neurodivergence is by listening to neurodivergent people themselves.
Pets Can Be a Positive Investment in Your Wellbeing-
4 Ways Your Pet Helps Your Health Having a pet isn’t just about the joy of wagging tails and cozy cuddles – it also can be an investment in your well-being.
‘I got you, girl’: A toll collector’s unexpected reply to a driver’s tears When the toll collector asked Leahruth Jemilo how she was doing, she burst into tears. The collector’s response has stayed with her ever since.
World Water Week celebrated this week, is centered on water cooperation for peace and security in its broadest sense.
This year’s theme, Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future, asks us to recognize the regional and global interconnectivity of communities and nations, and underscores the collaborative effort needed to achieve a peaceful and sustainable future.
The real threat of water scarcity and people living under water stress:
For 785 million people on Earth, a glass of clean water is a dream!
Scientists make concerning discovery deep below Antarctic ice shelf the size of France: ‘We found that the whole shelf suddenly moves’ The shelf can move up to 16 inches in 10 minutes. The biggest ice shelf in Antarctica is slipping — a first-of-its-kind discovery related to our warming world. What’s happening? A study published in Geophysical Research Letters in March showed that the Ross Ice Shelf slips daily, reported Washington University in St. Louis, in a story posted by SciTechDaily. According to Britannica, the ice shelf is the largest in Antarctica at about 182,000 square miles, which is nearly the size of France.
Officials issue PSA urging residents to evacuate island homes after sea level rise threatens lives: ‘Every coastline in the world is affected by this’ “It is almost certain that all the islands will have to be abandoned by 2100.” An Indigenous community in a Central American country is at risk of relocation, as rising sea levels threaten to flood their small island. What’s happening? The Indigenous Guna people live on the island of Gardi Sugdub, off Panama’s coast in the Caribbean Sea, and are the first of 63 local communities that have received recommendations to evacuate to the mainland.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
Revisiting Divisiveness that Precludes Cooperation:
The overwhelming majority of people who participate in the annual Arbaeen walk are Shia Muslims. But it is not limited to Shias or even Muslims. Some Sunnis participate and even Christians and Hindus have taken part.
Salil Abbas, who is part of a group that came from the UK, said he spoke with a group of Christians who walked last year. He asked them what they thought. “And they said, ‘We’ve never seen people give things away the way that the lovers of this imam and this leader of yours are giving away. We have never seen selflessness of this kind anywhere. And it is an inspiration to see this.’”
That inspiration is what the people on the walk take back home with them afterward to continue serving others…
These images capture spectacular moments under the sea: Underwater photographs were submitted from 90 countries and include a range of dramatic images.
I am President Elect of the NCPC and it would be great to celebrate YOUR volunteers and organizations at this annual gathering that has become something of a tradition in San Diego.
Please nominate for this year’s event on November 1st 2024:
The deadline for submissions is September 13th and the ticket purchasing deadline is Oct 25th.
Unlocking the Value of Strategic Partnerships Shine a Light: Last Call for Nominations: Celebrate Our Heroes! With just two weeks to go, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary individuals who have made a significant impact in our community! Our Volunteer Awards Celebration is fast approaching on November 1st, and we want to make sure every deserving volunteer is recognized. Nominate your standout volunteers for the Volunteer of the Year and our special awards categories today. This is your chance to honor those who go above and beyond in their dedication to our shared mission. Submit Your Nominations by September 13th. In addition to the Volunteer of the Year, we’re thrilled to bring back our special awards: the Corporate Philanthropy Award, the Spirit of Carol Sigelman Award, and the Robert Krejci Standards of Excellence Award. This year’s event will be even more special with assigned seating, video highlights of our honorees, and QR code posters showcasing their impact. Registration opens at 2:00pm on November 1st, with the awards ceremony starting at 3:00pm, followed by an afterglow from 4:30pm to 6:00pm. We can’t wait to celebrate with you and honor the true heroes of our community. Be sure to check out the nomination checklist and submit your nominations on time! Presented by: Criteria for Honoree AwardsVolunteer of the Year Award Each NCPC Premier Plus/Premier/Sustaining/Small Business/Organizational member is invited and encouraged to select a “Volunteer of the Year”. This award is presented to an individual who through on-going involvement has made a significant impact on the success of the member nonprofit organization. Their volunteer service is innovative or exemplary, helped mobilized other volunteers, and/or generated increased resources for the critical mission of the nonprofit organization. You can submit your nomination here.
Spirit of Carol Sigelman Award As a tribute to the life and work of Carol Sigelman, former NCPC board member and friend, this award is presented to a development professional in San Diego County who exemplifies the passion, integrity, wisdom and humor that Carol brought to all of us, as well as demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in their development and communications activities at their nonprofit. Carol’s motto was “Get the job done – and done well”.
Corporate Philanthropy Award This award is presented to a corporation, business, or employee-managed grant-making fund that has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility to North County. To be considered the following must be demonstrated: Makes a lasting, significant and measurable impact in San Diego County Holds volunteer leadership positions in North County nonprofit organizations and encourages others to take philanthropic roles on a community levelExhibits unusual service or generosityDemonstrates commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in their company as well as in their partnerships with nonprofitsProvides significant financial and volunteer support to North County nonprofits
Robert Krejci Standards of Excellence Award (Special Recognition) The NCPC board recognizes at times there is an individual who has gone beyond the call of duty in devotion, service, and uniqueness of circumstances to support others in the community. This recipient also demonstrates commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in their personal and professional life. Recipients for the Standards of Excellence Award will be selected at the discretion of the NCPC Board of Directors, and this award may not necessarily be presented annually. You can submit your special awards nomination here.
Nomination Process Final selections for the annual Carol Sigelman Award, Corporate Philanthropy Award and Standards of Excellence Award will be made by the NCPC Board of Directors after careful review of nominations submitted. Awards will be given only to nominees who have met the highest standards of achievement. If you submit a nomination for any of these categories, you will be notified of the decision on September 23rd. Nominations will only be accepted from current NCPC members. If you are interested in membership and/or making nominations, please join here.
If you have any questions about the nomination process or criteria, or unsure if you are a current NCPC member, please contact our Membership Coordinator, Donna Freher-Lyons. All submissions are due by September 13, 2024. *This set deadline is to ensure that our program can be printed on time for the celebration.
Volunteer for the Event! We’re seeking 90 dedicated volunteers to assist with various roles at our Volunteer Awards Celebration. Join us to support event logistics and ensure a seamless and memorable experience for all. Here are the opportunities available: Set-Up Crew: Prepare the venue for the event.Registration: Assist with guest check-in.Honoree Registration: Manage the check-in process for honored volunteers.Greeters – Registration Entrance: Welcome guests as they arrive.Greeters – Volunteers: Guide and assist volunteers throughout the event.Ushers: Help guests find their seats.1st, 2nd, & 3rd Group of Honorees: Assist with the organization and presentation of honorees.Special Awards Assistance: Support the presentation of special awards.Trophy Set-Up: Prepare and arrange trophies for presentation.Event Breakdown: Help with post-event clean-up and breakdown. We will host a volunteer prep session on Monday October 28th to go over the day of logistics. Your support is crucial to making this event a success and celebrating our community’s outstanding volunteers. Sign up today and be a part of something truly special! Sign Up to Volunteer
Join as a Sponsor To join as a sponsor, email us!Sponsorship opportunity deadline is September 6th.Sponsorship Package
Purchase Tickets Nominating organizations are responsible for purchasing a ticket for their honorees, whether through a sponsorship, or purchase of tickets. Additional tickets will be available for purchase for honorees family and friends, and members of your organization. $125/ticket for members, $150/ticket for non-members. Ticket purchase deadline is Friday October 25th.Purchase Tickets
Please be good stewards of mother earth, our limited drinking water supplies, and hold space and grace for those that crave a simple glass of fresh, clean water!
“It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it”
Speak UP!
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
A beloved palm and pine tree mark California’s center. Now they’re being cut down: Local residents are mourning the planned removal of the trees, symbols of the state’s northern-southern divide
I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in…
— John Muir
Deaf Woman Falls 600 Feet Down a Mountain, Then Suddenly Realizes She’s Not Alone A deaf college student went on a hike alone and fell 700 feet down a mountain. What she found was that there was something else down there, too. Here is the unexpected story of how she was rescued.
Why talking to animals could soon become a reality: Snuffles will be taking over the world before you know it. You may think you know your pet, but what if they could actually talk to you? Well, veterinarian Jess French thinks we could be communicating with animals sooner than we expected, and that it could be “one of the biggest, most exciting technological advances in the next few decades.”
Elephants Are Doing Something Deeply Human: They’re part of a growing list of animals that use name like calls. The best thing language has ever done for us, as far as I’m concerned, is give us the ability to talk with and about one another. Why bother with words if you can’t get your friend’s attention on a crowded street and pull them aside to complain about your nemesis? Language would be largely useless without names. As soon as a group is bigger than a handful of people, names become essential:
These ants perform life-saving amputations on each other: Like battlefield medics, Florida carpenter ants are the first known animal to triage wounds and adapt treatments.
“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”
Conservationists stunned after spotting eagle species for first time in 500 years: ‘We are absolutely thrilled’: “Their presence here is a testament to the power we all have to create positive change for our planet.” When was the last time a white-tailed eagle nested in Belgium? If you guessed around the time the first European explorer laid eyes on Manhattan, you’d be right. But in a remarkable twist of fate, these majestic birds, once widely distributed across Europe, are finally making a comeback in Belgium after a 500-year absence.
Please pay it forward and be a good steward for mother earth, because both Mother Earth (Climate Catastrophe) and Father Profit (Economic Meltdown) at the macro and micro levels are saying, “No Mas”!
Neuroscience Says This Is the Easiest Way to Boost Your Mood and Cut Your Risk of Depression This low-effort, completely free intervention to improve your mental health is backed by new Harvard research.
Scientists Picked Apart the Human Brain’s Trash Disposal—and Found Something Incredible This secret mechanism could lead to major neurological advancements.
Crying during the Olympics? You’re not alone. What mental health experts say about fans getting emotional. Turns out, being a fan is actually good for you.
This week: Gems from the Olympics with the Mind-blowing Athletes and Coaches that make the Impossible Possible!
“I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy.” — Og Mandino
Mastering Our Mindset-
How Olympians master their minds to perform under pressure: The ability to recover from setbacks, such as disappointing performances or injury, is crucial.
An Olympic sprinter fell during a race. The first person to help was her opponent: Laotian athlete Silina Pha Aphay had just placed sixth, ending her journey at the Paris Olympics. But her first reaction was to go to her competitor, Lucia Moris of South Sudan, who had fallen.
Tuariki Delamere’s Somersault Could Have Launched a New Era in the Olympic Long Jump: The New Zealander came up with a better way to jump, using a front flip in midair. But the sport’s stodgy authorities shut him down before the 1975 Games.
In, Out: How Breathwork Helps Olympians and Taylor Swift: Breathing: It’s necessary to literally stay alive—and some of the world’s most successful also credit it with their physical and mental stability.
How the Paris Olympics is addressing athletes’ mental health About half of the country’s athletes at the past two Olympiads were flagged for at least one of the following: anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, eating disorders, substance use or abuse
What the New Grand Theory of Brain Science Can Teach Athletes “Predictive processing” offers novel ways to think about sports psychology, the limits of endurance, and the urge to explore.
The 49 Laws of Monumental Leadership by Robin Sharma:
1. They listen even better than they speak.
2. They really care about growing people.
3. They don’t mind giving away the credit.
4. They understand that the bigger the dream the more important the team.
5. They are generous.
6. They are kind.
7. They are unconquerably strong.
8. They get that until their mission becomes their obsession, their business will never grow into a movement.
9. They build excellent family lives, knowing that a fortified home base is essential to peak productivity and elite resilience at work.
10. They are industry disrupters, enthusiastically bringing new products and services to their field that change the game.
11. They have brave visions that cause others to call them weird, strange and crazy.
12. They are monomaniacally focused on their big bet rather than interested in every shiny toy opportunity that comes along.
13. They are honest—understanding that integrity is everything and that a 20 year good reputation could be lost in 20 seconds of poor judgement.
14. They spend a lot of time alone because that’s where the most sensational ideas come from.
15. They are extremely physically fit because weak health is a massive vulnerability.
16. They are never too busy building the business to study their financials.
17. They are brilliant at hiring top producers and this brilliance was born through the failed hiring of terrible producers.
18. They are agile so when things get tough, they swiftly pivot to not only survive but prosper.
19. They understand that success breeds complacency and—because of this—they stay hungry, creative and hypervigilant to the threats that could knock off their golden crown.
20. They build superb systems because systems ensure consistency of quality.
21. They are monumentally productive by becoming masters of the polite [yet fierce] no.
22. They are givers rather than takers.
23. They rest a lot given that the key to domain dominant performances is regularly scheduled recovery periods.
24. They care very little about the negative opinions of others because an opinion is just an opinion so why make it more than an opinion.
25. They know that when everyone around them tells them that they are amazing they are in the dangerous situation where they just might start to think they are amazing.
26. They read a ton of books. [And have huge libraries].
27. They go to a lot of learning conferences. [And take a major number of notes].
28. They have supreme spiritual lives and have donated their lives to a cause that’s larger than themselves.
29. When they get knocked down, they get back up—constantly and relentlessly and quickly. Truly.
30. They rise at dawn, gaining a gargantuan competitive advantage as well as a quiet hour to think, plan, prepare, exercise and pray.
31. They eat less food, so they get more done.
32. They are constantly mentoring their people and championing the vision and values so that their teams constantly live the mission and exemplify the values.
33. They have the courage to hire slowly and fire swiftly.
34. They are on the path of mastery in their craft, so they study the great ones and get a little better at what they do each and every day.
35. They not only work to improve their Mindsets, they do the emotional healing required to purify their Heartsets so that the darker emotions of anger, shame, disappointment, regret, sadness and guilt leave them—allowing for maximum creativity, productivity, prosperity and human decency.
36. They never take themselves too seriously, understanding that people who take themselves too seriously are not taken very seriously.
37. They love winning. And are much more keen to construct a dynasty rather than simply secure a championship.
38. They are humble and understand that masters always think like beginners.
39. They are extraordinarily curious and, as a result, are regularly asking good questions as well as asking “why” a lot.
40. They understand that if they are talking—in frustration—about a difficult employee to their spouse each evening, it’s a clear sign it’s time to (respectfully) let that teammate go.
41. They lead without a title, deriving their power and organizational influence via their character, performance, results and optimism versus from the position they have on the organizational chart.
42. They get that the team that breaks bread together is a team that stays together.
43. They write in a journal often knowing that clarity breeds mastery and writing in a journal is thinking on paper.
44. They are absolutely fanatical with getting the tiniest of details perfect.
45. They build legendary cultures because competition can copy the products and services of your business, but they will never be able to clone your soul.
46. They smile a lot.
47. They lean into the things that make them feel scared because greatness comes from the consistent doing of hard things and the discomfort of growth is always to be preferred over the illusion of safety.
48. They make themselves more positive, strong, noble and good people daily knowing that their business will never rise higher than they do.
49. They serve the world well.
And Heartwarming…
Owners Captured The Most Hilarious Moments Of Their Pets Having Lazy Days Around The House We all love it when our pet sleeps with us because that means we can put pajamas on them, tuck them in, and just mother them to pieces. We love it, they love it, and everyone’s happy.
“The champion wins first, then walks into the arena.
Everybody else walks into the arena and then tries to figure out what to do.”
— Jim Fannin
Stuck in a rut? How to appreciate your life again, according to science: After a while, even the most exciting relationships, jobs and environments lose their spark. But cognitive neuroscientist Tali Sharot says it’s possible to fall back in love with life’s small joys.
The power of proprioception: how to improve your ‘sixth sense’ – and become healthier and happier It is our physical sense of where we are in space and is essential to our quality of life as we age. Here are simple, everyday ways to test and train it.
This Is the #1 Best Sleep Position for Preventing Cognitive Decline, According to Neurologists It’s no secret that sleep is important for cognitive health—but the way you sleep matters too.
The Best Breathing Techniques For Anxiety, According to Experts When you’re in the throes of anxiety, it can feel like you’re trapped inside your own mind. You might experience symptoms like racing thoughts, nausea, restlessness, or have trouble grounding yourself in the present moment. If you feel like your anxiety is sending you into a spiral, one of the most …
“The champion wins first, then walks into the arena.
Everybody else walks into the arena and then tries to figure out what to do.”
— Jim Fannin
Stuck in a rut? How to appreciate your life again, according to science: After a while, even the most exciting relationships, jobs and environments lose their spark. But cognitive neuroscientist Tali Sharot says it’s possible to fall back in love with life’s small joys.
The power of proprioception: how to improve your ‘sixth sense’ – and become healthier and happier It is our physical sense of where we are in space and is essential to our quality of life as we age. Here are simple, everyday ways to test and train it.
This Is the #1 Best Sleep Position for Preventing Cognitive Decline, According to Neurologists It’s no secret that sleep is important for cognitive health—but the way you sleep matters too.
The Best Breathing Techniques For Anxiety, According to Experts When you’re in the throes of anxiety, it can feel like you’re trapped inside your own mind. You might experience symptoms like racing thoughts, nausea, restlessness, or have trouble grounding yourself in the present moment. If you feel like your anxiety is sending you into a spiral, one of the most …
“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.” Greek Proverb
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that
gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder” Gilbert K. Chesterton
Gratitude!
First thanks to all of you that voluntarily chose to contribute to help offset Mailchimp and WordPress costs to support this one-man band- Soul Food Friday!
I am humbled and honored that we collectively raised $875 of the $1,000 goal thanks to both anonymous donors as well as Jason M, Wayne O, Feroza A, Lee B, John R, Kathy D, Kelly Mc, Rober C and Sean C.
Thanks again!
If you are local-
“Summer’s here and the time is right, for dancing in the streets!”
I will be jamming on percussion to the classics with Drivin the Bus this Saturday from 6 to 9pm at Coomber Craft Wines in Oceanside, at 611 Mission Ave.
Drivin The Bus will also be playingSunday evening from 7 to 10pm at The Kraken in Cardiff and I hope to join the second half of this gig after a prior commitment.
Neuroscience Says Olympians Like Simone Biles Use the ‘Autopilot Trick’ To Achieve Peak Performance. So Can You The neuroscience of how Olympians get in a flow state will help you perform better at whatever you’re trying to master.
The England team have a breathing coach to help calm their nerves – here’s what you are doing wrong When the Three Lions train there is a focus in camp on how their breathwork, as well as their footwork, can give them a winning edge. Suzy Cox looks at the experts drafted in to help and why they believe changing the way you breathe helps change how you think and feel.
These foods promote longevity and well-being in your 70s, study finds Physical health, cognitive functioning and mental health all saw an uptick in later life with the correct diet. How do you age gracefully? There is plenty of advice out there, ranging from the expected to the downright weird, but time and time again it comes back to the old faithful – your diet. A new study unveiled at Nutrition 2024 outlined how fewer than 1 in 10 people were able to live free of disease and maintain good physical, cognitive and mental health to age 70 and beyond.
‘My Cardiologist Dad Swears by This One Super-Simple Habit, and Now I Do It Every Day’ Sure, he looked a little kooky at first, but it’s definitely paid off.
Eating 30 Grams of Fiber a Day Is Optimal for Gut Health—Here Are 10 Fiber-Rich Foods to Help Meet Your Goals Most Americans aren’t eating enough fiber daily.
Whirlpool is partnering up with global nonprofit to provide thousands of off-the-grid washing machines: ‘It’s an … empowerment engine’ It’s easier to ship worldwide, and having the recipients assemble it will give them a greater understanding of how it works and how to fix it. While most Americans rely on washing machines to clean their clothes, that’s not the case everywhere: Over half of the global population washes clothes by hand. It’s a time-intensive and physically demanding process that often falls disproportionately on women.
This week: “To Fall Seven Times, to Rise Eight Times. Life Starts from NOW!”
Healthy Fruits You Must Have for Your Health
12,600-Year-Old Art that is the Discovery of a Lifetime
Caring Employee Saves a Life
10 Mind blowing Optical Illusions that are Fun!
Summer A Peel to Consider
These Are The Healthiest Fruits For Your Body That Have The Most Benefits, See What They Are As a general rule of thumb, a colorful palate is a healthy one. Fruit does a lot more for your body than just tingle the taste buds. From your skin down to your cells, these fruits will make you feel like you’ve finally reached that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
12,600-year-old painting that’s 8 miles long discovered in the Amazon Rainforest Unearthing prehistoric art is exciting at the best of times, but when that art consists of eight miles’ worth of ice age paintings, it becomes the discovery of a lifetime. Researchers in the Amazon rainforest uncovered an extraordinary “canvas” made up of drawings of mastodons, giant sloths, and other extinct beasts, which is up to 12,600 years old. The ancient artists used the red pigment ochre to create the monumental artwork, which spans some 13 kilometers (eight miles) of rock.
Domino’s Pizza Employee Delivers Pizza To The Same Trailer Every Day, Then She Stepped Inside After 11 days without hearing from the man they are used to delivering to every day, the employees decided to take matters into their own hands. It’s a good thing that they did because the man’s life depended on it.
Try not to have your mind blown by these 10 optical illusions: Optical illusions are fun and intriguing, and we don’t always know why they happen. Here are some of our favorites. June 29, 2024, We all love an illusion. They are fun, intriguing and can mess with our head. There are many kinds of optical illusions, and science cannot always explain the reasons they play tricks on human perception. What we see in our minds is the result of our brains receiving information from our eyes and filling in the gaps. And they don’t always get it right.
Shine a Light: Last Call for Nominations: Celebrate Our Heroes! With just two weeks to go, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary individuals who have made a significant impact in our community! Our Volunteer Awards Celebration is fast approaching on November 1st, and we want to make sure every deserving volunteer is recognized. Nominate your standout volunteers for the Volunteer of the Year and our special awards categories today. This is your chance to honor those who go above and beyond in their dedication to our shared mission. Submit Your Nominations by September 13th. In addition to the Volunteer of the Year, we’re thrilled to bring back our special awards: the Corporate Philanthropy Award, the Spirit of Carol Sigelman Award, and the Robert Krejci Standards of Excellence Award. This year’s event will be even more special with assigned seating, video highlights of our honorees, and QR code posters showcasing their impact. Registration opens at 2:00pm on November 1st, with the awards ceremony starting at 3:00pm, followed by an afterglow from 4:30pm to 6:00pm. We can’t wait to celebrate with you and honor the true heroes of our community. Be sure to check out the 
Happy Soul Food Friday! 