The Natural Wonder: Exploring the Beauty of Mother Earth
Nature, in all its grandeur and magnificence, has always captivated the human spirit. From towering mountains to cascading waterfalls, from lush forests to serene beaches, the natural world offers an endless array of breathtaking sights and experiences. It is a reminder of the awe-inspiring power and beauty that Mother Earth possesses.
One of the most remarkable aspects of nature is its ability to provide solace and rejuvenation. When we immerse ourselves in natural surroundings, we are transported to a realm where worries fade away and a sense of tranquility takes over. The gentle rustling of leaves, the melodious chirping of birds, or the rhythmic crashing of waves against the shore – these sounds become our symphony, soothing our souls and calming our minds.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, nature also plays a vital role in sustaining life on Earth. The intricate balance between flora and fauna creates ecosystems that support countless species. Each plant, animal, and organism has a unique purpose in maintaining this delicate equilibrium. From pollination by bees to decomposition by fungi, every element contributes to the intricate web of life.
Moreover, nature provides us with resources that are essential for our survival. Fresh air to breathe, clean water to drink, fertile soil for agriculture – these are just a few examples of how nature sustains us. It is our responsibility to be stewards of these precious resources and ensure their preservation for future generations.
Exploring the natural world can be an enriching experience that broadens our horizons and deepens our connection with the Earth. Whether it’s hiking through verdant forests or gazing at star-filled skies on a clear night, each encounter with nature offers an opportunity for self-discovery and reflection.
Furthermore, scientific studies have shown that spending time in nature has numerous health benefits. It reduces stress levels, boosts mental well-being, improves concentration, and even enhances creativity. Nature has a remarkable ability to heal and restore, providing us with a sanctuary from the demands of modern life.
As we witness the alarming effects of climate change and environmental degradation, it becomes increasingly crucial to appreciate and protect our natural world. We must strive to live in harmony with nature, adopting sustainable practices that minimize our impact on the environment. By conserving biodiversity, reducing pollution, and promoting renewable energy sources, we can contribute to the preservation of our planet’s natural wonders.
In conclusion, the beauty and significance of nature are undeniable. It is a source of inspiration, solace, and sustenance. As we venture into the great outdoors, let us embrace its splendor with awe and reverence. Let us protect and cherish our natural world so that future generations may also marvel at its wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding and Protecting the Natural Environment in the UK
- What is the natural environment?
- How can we protect the natural environment?
- What are the benefits of protecting the natural environment?
- What are some of the threats to the natural environment?
- How does climate change affect the natural environment?
- What is biodiversity and why is it important for our natural environment?
- How can we reduce our impact on the natural environment?
- What steps can be taken to restore damaged areas of the natural environment?
What is the natural environment?
The natural environment refers to the physical surroundings and conditions in which living organisms exist. It encompasses all aspects of the Earth’s natural resources, such as land, water, air, plants, animals, and ecosystems. The natural environment is characterized by its untouched state, free from significant human intervention or alteration.
This environment plays a crucial role in supporting life on Earth. It provides the necessary resources and habitats for various species to thrive and maintain a delicate balance. The natural environment includes diverse ecosystems like forests, deserts, oceans, wetlands, grasslands, and mountains.
Within these ecosystems, a wide range of flora and fauna coexist in intricate relationships. Plants convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis while providing oxygen for other organisms. Animals depend on plants for food and shelter while contributing to pollination and seed dispersal. Microorganisms play vital roles in nutrient cycling and decomposition.
The natural environment also includes abiotic factors such as climate patterns, geological formations, bodies of water, soil composition, and atmospheric conditions. These elements interact with living organisms to shape their behavior, distribution, and adaptation strategies.
Preserving the natural environment is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of our planet. It involves protecting habitats from degradation or destruction caused by human activities such as deforestation, pollution, habitat fragmentation, overexploitation of resources, and climate change.
Recognizing the value of the natural environment goes beyond its intrinsic beauty; it is essential for our well-being too. People benefit from clean air to breathe, safe drinking water sources, fertile soil for agriculture, medicinal plants for healthcare purposes, recreational spaces for leisure activities – all provided by the natural environment.
In summary, the natural environment encompasses all aspects of the Earth’s untouched ecosystems and physical surroundings. It supports a diverse array of life forms while providing vital resources necessary for our survival. Preserving this environment is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
How can we protect the natural environment?
Protecting the natural environment is crucial for the well-being of our planet and future generations. Here are some key ways in which we can contribute to its preservation:
- Conservation and Preservation: Support efforts to conserve and protect natural habitats, such as national parks, wildlife reserves, and protected areas. These spaces provide safe havens for biodiversity and help maintain ecological balance.
- Sustainable Practices: Embrace sustainable practices in our daily lives. Reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize waste generation. Conserve energy by using energy-efficient appliances, opting for renewable energy sources whenever possible, and reducing water consumption.
- Responsible Consumption: Make informed choices about the products we purchase. Support environmentally friendly businesses that prioritize sustainable production methods, fair trade practices, and ethical sourcing of raw materials.
- Reforestation: Plant trees and support reforestation initiatives. Trees play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, combating climate change, preventing soil erosion, and providing habitats for numerous species.
- Reduce Pollution: Minimize pollution by properly disposing of waste, avoiding single-use plastics, using eco-friendly cleaning products, and opting for public transportation or carpooling when feasible.
- Advocate for Change: Raise awareness about environmental issues within our communities and advocate for policies that promote environmental protection at local, national, and international levels.
- Education: Educate ourselves and others about the importance of nature conservation. Encourage schools to incorporate environmental education into their curriculum to foster a sense of responsibility towards the natural world from an early age.
- Support Conservation Organizations: Contribute to organizations working towards protecting the environment through donations or volunteering opportunities. These organizations play a crucial role in research, advocacy, conservation projects, and raising awareness.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Support sustainable farming practices that prioritize soil health, reduce chemical inputs like pesticides and fertilizers, promote biodiversity on farmlands through crop rotation or intercropping methods, and prioritize water conservation.
- Responsible Tourism: When travelling, choose eco-friendly accommodations and tour operators that prioritize sustainable practices and respect local ecosystems and cultures. Leave natural areas as you found them, without disturbing wildlife or damaging the environment.
Remember, protecting the natural environment is a collective effort. By making conscious choices in our daily lives and advocating for change, we can contribute to the preservation of our planet’s invaluable natural resources.
What are the benefits of protecting the natural environment?
Protecting the natural environment yields a multitude of benefits that extend beyond the preservation of pristine landscapes. Here are some key advantages:
- Biodiversity Conservation: The natural environment is home to a vast array of plant and animal species, each playing a unique role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. By protecting these habitats, we safeguard biodiversity and prevent the loss of valuable species. Preserving biodiversity ensures the resilience and stability of ecosystems, which in turn benefits human well-being.
- Climate Regulation: Natural environments, such as forests, wetlands, and oceans, play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas responsible for global warming, while releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Wetlands act as carbon sinks and help regulate water cycles. Protecting these environments helps mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maintaining natural climate regulation systems.
- Clean Air and Water: Natural environments act as filters for air and water pollutants. Trees absorb harmful pollutants from the air, improving air quality for both humans and wildlife. Forests also help regulate water cycles by absorbing rainfall and preventing soil erosion, reducing the risk of floods and ensuring a steady supply of clean water.
- Economic Benefits: Conserving natural environments can have significant economic advantages. Ecosystem services provided by nature include pollination, water purification, soil fertility maintenance, and flood control – all critical for agriculture and food production. Additionally, protected areas can attract tourists who seek to experience untouched landscapes or engage in eco-tourism activities, contributing to local economies.
- Human Health and Well-being: Access to green spaces and exposure to nature have been linked to numerous health benefits. Spending time in natural environments reduces stress levels, improves mental well-being, boosts physical fitness levels, enhances cognitive function, and promotes overall happiness. Protecting these spaces ensures that communities have access to these health-promoting resources.
- Cultural Preservation: Many natural environments hold cultural, historical, and spiritual significance to local communities. Protecting these areas helps preserve cultural heritage and traditional knowledge that has been passed down through generations. It also provides opportunities for education, research, and the celebration of diverse cultures.
- Sustainable Resource Management: Protecting the natural environment encourages sustainable practices in resource management. It promotes responsible use of natural resources such as timber, minerals, water, and fisheries, ensuring their availability for future generations.
In summary, protecting the natural environment is crucial for biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, clean air and water provision, economic prosperity, human health and well-being, cultural preservation, and sustainable resource management. By safeguarding our natural world, we secure a better future for both current and future generations.
What are some of the threats to the natural environment?
The natural environment faces numerous threats that jeopardize its delicate balance and long-term sustainability. Here are some of the key challenges:
- Climate Change: One of the most pressing threats to the natural environment is climate change. Rising global temperatures, caused primarily by greenhouse gas emissions, lead to a range of adverse effects such as melting glaciers, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and shifts in ecosystems. These changes disrupt habitats, endanger species, and threaten the overall stability of ecosystems.
- Deforestation: The rampant clearing of forests for agriculture, logging, urbanization, and infrastructure development is a significant threat to the natural environment. Deforestation not only destroys critical habitats for countless species but also contributes to climate change by releasing stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
- Pollution: Pollution in various forms poses a severe threat to the natural environment. Air pollution from industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust harms both human health and ecosystems. Water pollution from industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and improper disposal of chemicals contaminates water bodies and endangers aquatic life. Soil pollution from pesticides and chemical fertilizers affects soil quality and can lead to long-lasting damage.
- Loss of Biodiversity: Human activities have led to a significant loss of biodiversity worldwide. Habitat destruction, overexploitation of resources, invasive species introduction, and pollution all contribute to this loss. The disappearance of plant and animal species disrupts ecological balance and diminishes the resilience of ecosystems.
- Overpopulation and Urbanization: The rapid growth of human populations places immense pressure on natural resources and habitats. Expanding cities encroach upon valuable natural areas, leading to habitat fragmentation and loss. Increased demand for food, water, energy, and consumer goods further strains ecosystems.
- Unsustainable Resource Extraction: Extractive industries such as mining, oil drilling, and unsustainable fishing practices can have devastating consequences for the environment. These activities often result in habitat destruction, water contamination, soil degradation, and the depletion of natural resources.
- Plastic Pollution: The widespread use of single-use plastics and improper waste management have led to a global crisis of plastic pollution. Plastic waste accumulates in landfills, water bodies, and even remote natural areas, causing harm to wildlife through entanglement or ingestion.
Addressing these threats requires collective action and a commitment to sustainable practices. Governments, organizations, and individuals must prioritize conservation efforts, promote renewable energy sources, adopt responsible consumption habits, and support policies that protect the natural environment for future generations.
How does climate change affect the natural environment?
Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and its impact on the natural environment is profound. The Earth’s climate is changing at an unprecedented rate due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases. These changes have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, biodiversity, and the delicate balance of nature.
One of the most evident effects of climate change is the alteration of temperature patterns. Rising global temperatures disrupt natural systems and processes. Many species rely on specific temperature ranges for their survival and reproduction. As temperatures shift, these species may struggle to adapt or face habitat loss, leading to population declines or even extinction.
The melting of glaciers and polar ice caps is another consequence of climate change. This phenomenon contributes to rising sea levels, posing a threat to coastal areas and low-lying islands. Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, and salt marshes are particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise, impacting their ability to provide vital habitats for marine life and protect shorelines from erosion.
Changes in precipitation patterns are also a significant concern. Some regions experience increased rainfall intensity and frequency, leading to more frequent flooding events that can devastate ecosystems and disrupt ecological processes. In contrast, other areas may suffer from prolonged droughts, affecting water availability for plants, animals, and human communities.
Climate change can also disrupt the timing and occurrence of seasons. Shifts in seasonal patterns can affect migratory routes for birds and alter breeding cycles for various species. For example, if plants flower earlier than usual due to warmer temperatures but pollinators like bees or butterflies are not synchronized with this change, it can lead to reduced pollination success.
Ocean acidification is another consequence linked to climate change. As carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions increase in the atmosphere, a portion is absorbed by oceans. This absorption leads to chemical changes that make seawater more acidic over time. Acidic waters pose a threat to coral reefs, shellfish, and other marine organisms that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells or skeletons.
Furthermore, climate change can exacerbate the spread of invasive species. As temperatures and precipitation patterns shift, new areas may become suitable for non-native species to establish themselves. These invasive species can outcompete native flora and fauna, disrupting ecosystems and reducing biodiversity.
Overall, climate change poses a significant threat to the natural environment. It disrupts ecosystems, alters habitats, jeopardizes biodiversity, and affects the delicate balance of nature. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, global efforts are underway to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable practices, conserve ecosystems, and adapt to the changes that are already occurring.
What is biodiversity and why is it important for our natural environment?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and ecosystems, that exist on Earth. It encompasses the incredible range of species and their genetic diversity within each species. Biodiversity is a fundamental component of our natural environment and plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance and functioning of ecosystems.
Firstly, biodiversity provides essential ecosystem services that are vital for human well-being. These services include air and water purification, nutrient cycling, pollination of crops, soil fertility, climate regulation, and flood control. The intricate web of interactions between different species ensures the smooth functioning of these processes, which directly or indirectly benefit human societies.
Secondly, biodiversity supports food security and sustainable agriculture. A wide variety of plant and animal species contribute to diverse diets and provide essential nutrients. Crop diversity helps protect against pests and diseases while enhancing resilience to changing environmental conditions. Additionally, wild relatives of cultivated plants often possess valuable genetic traits that can be used to improve crop varieties.
Moreover, biodiversity has significant cultural value. Many cultures around the world have deep connections with their local ecosystems and rely on traditional knowledge passed down through generations for sustainable resource management. Indigenous communities often possess invaluable knowledge about medicinal plants, ecological practices, and conservation techniques that can contribute to our understanding of biodiversity conservation.
Biodiversity also holds immense aesthetic value. The sheer diversity of landscapes and living organisms offers us opportunities for recreation, inspiration, artistic expression, and spiritual connection with nature. Whether it’s exploring a pristine rainforest or admiring a vibrant coral reef, biodiversity enriches our lives by providing beauty and wonder.
Furthermore, biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem resilience in the face of environmental changes such as climate change or natural disasters. Ecosystems with high biodiversity tend to be more resilient as they are better able to adapt to disturbances or recover from them. A loss in biodiversity can make ecosystems more vulnerable to disruptions and reduce their capacity to provide essential services.
Unfortunately, human activities, such as habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation of resources, and climate change, are causing a rapid decline in biodiversity worldwide. The loss of species and degradation of ecosystems have far-reaching consequences for both the natural world and human societies.
Protecting and conserving biodiversity is vital for the long-term health and sustainability of our planet. It requires collective efforts to preserve habitats, reduce pollution, promote sustainable land-use practices, and combat climate change. By valuing and safeguarding biodiversity, we can ensure a healthy environment for future generations and maintain the intricate tapestry of life that makes our planet so extraordinary.
How can we reduce our impact on the natural environment?
Reducing our impact on the natural environment is crucial for the sustainability of our planet. By adopting environmentally-friendly practices, we can make a positive difference. Here are several ways to reduce our impact:
- Conserve Energy: Use energy-efficient appliances and lighting, turn off lights when not in use, unplug electronics when they are not being used, and consider using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power.
- Reduce Water Usage: Be mindful of water consumption by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and using water-saving devices such as low-flow showerheads and faucets. Collect rainwater for gardening purposes.
- Practice Sustainable Transportation: Opt for public transportation, carpooling, cycling, or walking whenever possible to reduce carbon emissions. If you need a car, choose fuel-efficient or electric vehicles.
- Minimize Waste: Embrace the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Reduce waste by avoiding single-use items and opting for reusable alternatives like shopping bags and water bottles. Reuse items whenever possible before considering disposal. Recycle paper, plastic, glass, and metal to conserve resources.
- Support Sustainable Food Choices: Choose locally sourced and organic foods to reduce environmental impact associated with long-distance transportation and chemical-intensive farming practices. Minimize food waste by planning meals and composting organic waste.
- Preserve Natural Resources: Be mindful of resource consumption by using products made from sustainable materials or recycled content. Avoid overconsumption of non-renewable resources like fossil fuels and precious metals.
- Protect Biodiversity: Avoid purchasing products derived from endangered species or made from illegally harvested timber or wildlife parts. Support conservation efforts by donating to reputable organizations working towards protecting habitats and species.
- Educate Others: Spread awareness about environmental issues through discussions with family, friends, colleagues, or social media platforms. Encourage others to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives.
- Engage in Eco-Friendly Activities: Participate in local clean-up campaigns, tree planting initiatives, or conservation projects. Support eco-tourism that promotes responsible travel and supports local communities.
- Advocate for Change: Contact policymakers and support initiatives that promote sustainable practices, renewable energy, and environmental protection. Vote for candidates who prioritize environmental issues.
Remember, even small changes in our daily habits can have a significant impact when adopted collectively. By reducing our ecological footprint, we can contribute to the conservation of our natural environment and ensure a healthier planet for future generations.
What steps can be taken to restore damaged areas of the natural environment?
Restoring damaged areas of the natural environment is a vital step towards preserving biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of our planet. Here are some steps that can be taken to initiate restoration efforts:
- Assess the damage: Before any restoration work begins, it is crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of the damaged area. This involves identifying the extent and nature of the damage, understanding the underlying causes, and evaluating the potential for recovery.
- Develop a restoration plan: Based on the assessment, a comprehensive restoration plan should be developed. This plan should outline specific goals, objectives, and strategies for restoring the area. It should consider factors such as soil conditions, native species diversity, and ecological processes that need to be reinstated.
- Remove invasive species: Invasive species can have detrimental effects on native ecosystems by outcompeting indigenous plants and disrupting natural processes. Removing invasive species is an essential step in restoring damaged areas. This can be achieved through manual removal, mechanical methods, or targeted herbicide application.
- Reintroduce native species: Restoring biodiversity involves reintroducing native plant species that are adapted to the local ecosystem. These plants provide habitat for wildlife, improve soil health, prevent erosion, and help restore ecological balance. Care should be taken to select appropriate plant species based on local climate conditions and ecosystem requirements.
- Enhance soil quality: Damaged areas often suffer from degraded soil quality due to erosion or contamination. Soil restoration techniques such as erosion control measures, organic matter addition, and soil amendment with nutrients can help improve soil fertility and structure.
- Monitor progress: Regular monitoring is essential to assess the success of restoration efforts over time. Monitoring helps identify any challenges or adjustments needed in the restoration plan and provides valuable insights into ecosystem recovery.
- Engage local communities: Restoration efforts are more likely to succeed when local communities are involved from the outset. Engaging communities fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the restored area. It also promotes awareness and education about the importance of environmental conservation.
- Implement sustainable land management practices: To ensure long-term sustainability, it is crucial to implement sustainable land management practices in the restored area. This includes adopting practices such as responsible land use planning, water conservation, and minimizing pollution.
- Collaborate with stakeholders: Restoration efforts are often more effective when different stakeholders collaborate. This may involve partnerships between government agencies, non-profit organizations, local communities, and scientific experts. Collaboration allows for sharing of resources, knowledge, and expertise.
- Adapt and learn from experience: Restoration is a dynamic process that requires adaptation based on lessons learned from previous projects. As new information and techniques become available, it is important to continuously improve restoration strategies and adapt them to changing environmental conditions.
By implementing these steps, we can make significant progress in restoring damaged areas of the natural environment and safeguarding the ecological integrity of our planet for future generations.


In today’s fast-paced and digital world, where virtual interactions often replace genuine human connections, acts of kindness emerge as poignant reminders of our shared humanity. The concept of kindness embodies compassion, empathy, and selflessness, and its impact extends beyond mere gestures. This article delves deep into the realm of kindness, exploring how acts of kindness not only enrich the lives of recipients but also profoundly enhance the well-being of those who extend them. Through heartwarming anecdotes and scientific insights, we’ll unravel the complex ways in which acts of kindness contribute to personal well-being and weave a stronger, more compassionate social fabric.
The Magic of Acts of Kindness
Acts of kindness are the currency of human connection, transcending language barriers, cultural divides, and geographical distances. From the warm smile exchanged with a passerby to the profound support offered to a friend in need, kindness resonates as powerful expressions of our shared human experience. Yet, their impact extends far beyond the immediate recipients. Each act of kindness initiates a ripple effect, generating a cascade of positive emotions that reverberate through communities and societies. By engaging in acts of kindness, irrespective of their magnitude, we set in motion a cycle of positivity that not only transforms our own lives but also touches the lives of those around us.
Kindness and Its Connection to Well-being
Scientific research underscores the profound connection between acts of kindness and enhanced well-being. The act of giving triggers the release of neurotransmitters like oxytocin and endorphins, commonly referred to as “feel-good” hormones. These chemicals not only elevate the mood of the recipient but also have a transformative effect on the giver’s emotional state. This reciprocal relationship highlights the intrinsic link between acts of kindness and the cultivation of positive mental and emotional well-being. Furthermore, the act of giving fosters a self-perpetuating cycle of positivity, where the giver’s well-being is continually replenished through their own actions.
A Flourishing Society Through Compassionate Actions
Acts of kindness function as the cornerstone of a compassionate and flourishing society. When individuals prioritize kindness, they contribute to the creation of vibrant communities bound by empathy and mutual support. In a society marked by isolation and disconnection, kindness becomes the glue that binds us together. Volunteering at local charities, assisting neighbors in times of need, and offering a helping hand to strangers in distress all contribute to the strengthening of the social fabric. These actions forge a society that is not only more resilient and harmonious but also one in which individuals feel valued and appreciated.
Acts of Kindness: From Self-Care to Community Care
Kindness to Oneself: The Foundation of Well-being
The journey of kindness begins with self-compassion and self-care. Treating oneself with kindness forms the bedrock upon which well-being flourishes. Engaging in activities that promote self-care, such as practicing mindfulness, pursuing hobbies, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, contributes to a positive self-perception. By nurturing one’s own well-being, individuals create a solid foundation from which acts of kindness towards others can naturally emanate.
Acts of Kindness in Everyday Life: Small Gestures, Big Impact
While grand gestures of kindness capture attention, it’s the simple, everyday acts that often hold the most profound influence. A thoughtful compliment, a moment of active listening, or a helping hand can have an immense impact on someone’s day. These seemingly small acts accumulate over time, contributing to a more positive and empathetic atmosphere. The collective impact of these gestures fosters an environment where kindness is the norm rather than the exception.
The Power of Empathy: Connecting Through Shared Humanity
Empathy is the cornerstone of genuine kindness. By placing ourselves in the shoes of others, we forge a deeper connection that fuels authentic and meaningful acts of kindness. Empathy is the driving force that propels us to act selflessly and extends a helping hand. Acts of kindness become not only actions but expressions of shared humanity, bridging the gaps that often divide us.
Education: Nurturing Future Generations
Educational institutions play a pivotal role in cultivating the seeds of kindness and empathy in the hearts of the young. Integrating acts of kindness into the curriculum equips students with essential life skills that extend beyond academic achievements. Teaching children the value of compassion and the importance of supporting one another establishes the groundwork for a future society that is compassionate, empathetic, and socially conscious.
Acts of kindness are not fleeting moments but enduring threads woven into the tapestry of our existence. Within each act lies the potential to ignite positive change, not only in the lives of the recipients but also within the hearts of the givers. In a world that sometimes feels divided, the act of giving stands as a unifying force, transcending barriers and fostering empathy. By embracing kindness as a fundamental aspect of our identity, we tap into a wellspring of positivity and connection. Let us pause to reflect on the profound impact of our choices and embark on a journey of nurturing kindness, one gesture at a time. For it is through these very acts of kindness that the true essence of our humanity shines brightest.


J. R. Knoll is a novelist from the little town of Blanco in the Texas Hill Country where he went to high school and played football for the Blanco Panthers. Later, he served on the Blanco Volunteer Fire Department, the United States Air Force, and is now employed at The Home Depot in Dripping Springs. He lives in the house his grandfather built with his wife, Tami, and three of their boys and three dogs. He enjoys quiet afternoons by the Blanco River on the weekends, or unleashing a little chaos and mayhem with the guys. Writing has been his passion since childhood and Knoll has recently released his twentieth book, the ninth in his fantasy series.


Despite the long history of usage in medicine, psychology, sociology and other sciences, the terms “moderator”, “mediator”, “predictor” and “prognostic factor” still seem to elicit discussions among researchers. Several authors have described how these terms are used interchangeably, neglecting important careful handling (Baron & Kenny 1986; Clark et al., 2006 and Probyn et al., 2017).
“A moderator is a third variable that modifies a causal effect.” (Wu & Zumbo 2008 and Baron & Kenny 1986) or “A moderator is a factor, measured at baseline, that interacts with the treatment to change outcome for a subgroup of participants” (Probyn et al., 2017).
“A mediator is a third variable that links the cause and the effect.” (Wu & Zumbo 2008, Baron & Kenny 1986).
“A predictor is a factor, measured at baseline, that affects outcome but does not interact with the intervention” (Probyn et al., 2017).
“A prognostic factor may be seen as measurement of natural history.” (Clark et al., 2006 and Clark et al., 2008)
A moderator is like the dimmer of a light, it affects the strength of the lighting / of the causal relationship (positive / negative). It describes “when” or “for whom” an independent variable causes a dependant variable. A moderator variable is more like a characteristic, a background variable, which is relatively unchangeable, e.g. personality type extravert, environment, gender, ethnicity. Moderator analysis is required when questions arise “for whom (person characteristic) a treatment works” or “when a treatment works (environmental characteristic)” (Wu & Zumbo 2008). A moderator has a single relationship as an independent variable and does not correlate with the outcome (Kraemer et al., 2002). Moderators may identify subgroups of patients with potential deviations of their course of rehabilitation / illness (Kraemer et al., 2002) and consequently support clinical decision – making processes for therapy choice.
Interactive effect = the effect of treatment of each individual patient depends of the value of Mo = Moderator.
A mediator is described to act more like domino stones. It answers questions about “why” or “how” a cause elicited an effect. A mediator may be a current health status / a temporary condition and describes indirect effects, intermediate effects, surrogate effects or intervening effects. The mediator correlates with the independent variable and is an observed non-manipulated variable. Its responsiveness may lead to changes in outcome (Wu & Zumbo 2008). Mediators may or may not interact with the intervention (Probyn et al., 2017) and have a dual role (Wu & Zumbo 2008).
A factor can be called a predictor, if a baseline measure shows an effect on the outcome, but does not have an interactive effect (not a moderator). The predictor forecasts the outcome after an intervention, but is not able to provide insight in the effect size of the treatment regardless of its value (Kraemer et al., 2002).
A predictor describes what kind of treatments should be used to achieve most beneficial outcomes for an individual patient (Simms et al., 2013). The predictor may describe the response or lack of response to a certain intervention (Clark et al., 2006). It may identify a subgroup of treated patients with different outcomes. For example: Compliance to treatment is a predictor and not a moderator, since it predicts better outcome combined with either intervention (Kraemer et al., 2002).
“A prognostic factor is a measurement that is associated with clinical outcome in the absence of therapy or with the application of a standard therapy that patients are likely to receive” (Probyn et al., 2017). Prognostic factors may support clinicians to make decisions regarding the treatment effect by answering the questions; when should one initiate, stop or modify the treatment for a patient (Simms et al., 2013).
PhD Candidate University of Antwerp Belgium and clinical specialist for upper extremity Kantonsspital Winterthur Switzerland
2020 Pain in Motion
Baron, R. M., & Kenny, D. A. (1986). The moderator–mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: Conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations. Journal of personality and social psychology, 51(6), 1173.
Clark, G. M., Zborowski, D. M., Culbertson, J. L., Whitehead, M., Savoie, M., Seymour, L., & Shepherd, F. A. (2006). Clinical utility of epidermal growth factor receptor expression for selecting patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer for treatment with erlotinib. Journal of Thoracic Oncology, 1(8), 837-846.
Clark, G. M. (2008). Prognostic factors versus predictive factors: examples from a clinical trial of erlotinib. Molecular oncology, 1(4), 406-412.
Kraemer, H. C., Wilson, G. T., Fairburn, C. G., & Agras, W. S. (2002). Mediators and moderators of treatment effects in randomized clinical trials. Archives of general psychiatry, 59(10), 877-883.
Ogundimu, E. O., Altman, D. G., & Collins, G. S. (2016). Adequate sample size for developing prediction models is not simply related to events per variable. Journal of clinical epidemiology, 76, 175-182.
Simms, L., Barraclough, H., & Govindan, R. (2013). Biostatistics primer: what a clinician ought to know—prognostic and predictive factors. Journal of Thoracic Oncology, 8(6), 808-813.
Wu, A. D., & Zumbo, B. D. (2008). Understanding and using mediators and moderators. Social Indicators Research, 87(3), 367.


Efficiently managing a healthcare location, whether it’s a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility, requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes patient care, staff well-being, and operational excellence. In this article, we will explore effective strategies for healthcare locations to achieve optimal performance and deliver high-quality care. From workforce management to technological integration and partnerships with nurse staffing agencies, these strategies address the complexities of healthcare administration.
1. Workforce Optimization
Workforce optimization is central to the success of any healthcare location. Healthcare organizations must ensure they have the right number of skilled professionals in place to meet patient needs. This includes physicians, nurses, support staff, and administrative personnel.
2. Staffing Agency
A nurse staffing agency provides a valuable solution for healthcare locations to address temporary staffing shortages. By partnering with reputable agencies, healthcare facilities can quickly access qualified nurses to maintain patient care standards during fluctuations in staffing needs.
3. Telehealth Integration
Telehealth has become an integral part of healthcare delivery, offering patients convenient access to care while reducing the strain on physical infrastructure. Healthcare locations should invest in robust telehealth platforms and encourage healthcare professionals to leverage this technology for remote consultations and follow-up care.
4. Streamlined Administrative Processes
Efficient administrative processes are vital for healthcare locations to minimize administrative burdens and maximize resources for patient care. Utilize electronic health records (EHRs) and digital appointment scheduling systems to streamline administrative tasks and enhance overall operational efficiency.
5. Data-Driven Decision-Making
Data analytics plays a crucial role in healthcare location management. By collecting and analyzing data related to patient outcomes, resource utilization, and operational performance, healthcare locations can make informed decisions that lead to improved care quality and cost-efficiency.
6. Patient-Centered Care
Prioritizing patient-centered care is essential for healthcare locations. Encourage healthcare professionals to actively involve patients in their care decisions, promote transparent communication, and provide a supportive and empathetic environment.
7. Infection Control Measures
Maintaining rigorous infection control measures is critical, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare locations should follow guidelines from public health authorities and continuously update their infection prevention protocols.
8. Regulatory Compliance
Compliance with healthcare regulations is non-negotiable. Healthcare locations must stay abreast of regulatory changes and ensure that they adhere to all relevant standards, such as those set forth by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
9. Continuity of Care
Ensuring continuity of care is a fundamental strategy. Healthcare locations should establish clear protocols for patient handovers, transitions between care settings, and coordination among healthcare professionals to prevent disruptions in care delivery.
10. Community Engagement
Engaging with the local community is an effective strategy to build trust and foster strong patient-provider relationships. Healthcare locations can organize health fairs, educational workshops, and outreach programs to address community health needs.
11. Emergency Preparedness
Emergency preparedness is paramount for healthcare locations. Develop comprehensive disaster response plans that cover a range of scenarios, from natural disasters to public health emergencies, and ensure that staff are trained and ready to respond effectively.
12. Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability initiatives not only benefit the environment but also contribute to cost savings and community well-being. Healthcare locations can implement energy-efficient practices, reduce waste, and explore green building certifications to minimize their environmental footprint.
13. Staff Training and Development
Investing in staff training and development is an ongoing process. Provide opportunities for healthcare professionals to enhance their skills, earn certifications, and stay current with the latest medical advancements and best practices.
14. Financial Management
Effective financial management is essential for the sustainability of healthcare locations. Implement robust budgeting and cost-control measures, and explore opportunities for revenue diversification, such as offering additional services or collaborating with research institutions.
15. Patient Feedback Mechanisms
Establishing patient feedback mechanisms, such as surveys and suggestion boxes, can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement. Act on patient feedback to enhance the patient experience and address any concerns promptly.
Managing a healthcare location requires a multifaceted approach that balances patient care, staff well-being, and operational efficiency. These effective strategies encompass workforce optimization, technological integration, regulatory compliance, and community engagement. By prioritizing patient-centered care, infection control, and data-driven decision-making, healthcare locations can deliver high-quality care while maintaining financial stability.
Sustainability initiatives, emergency preparedness, and staff training contribute to the long-term success and resilience of healthcare locations. Continuous improvement and adaptability are key to addressing the ever-evolving challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. Ultimately, healthcare locations that embrace these strategies will be well-equipped to provide exceptional care to their communities while achieving operational excellence.


Before I continue with my discourse on Man’s viceregency, I have to dedicate some posts to one of the most important doctrines in Islam, and that is the Islamic concept of knowledge.
In this post, a quote from Martyr Mutahhari’s epic book ‘Man and Universe’ on the relation between knowledge and faith:
‘Unfortunately certain parts of the Old Testament have in the Christian world created an idea of contradiction between knowledge and faith. This idea which has cost dearly to knowledge and faith both has its root in the Book of Genesis of the Old Testament. Narrating the story of Adam and the Forbidden Tree, the Book of Genesis, Chapter II, verses 16 and 17 says:
“And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die”.
In the Chapter III, verses 1 – 7 it says:
“Now the serpent was more subtile than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons”.
In the verse 22 – 23 of the same chapter it says:
“And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: “
According to this conception of man, God, knowledge and disobedience, God wants that man should not be aware of good and evil. The Forbidden Tree is the tree of knowledge. Man attains knowledge only if he rebels against God’s command (disobeys the teachings of religion and the Prophets), but for that very reason he is driven out of God’s Heaven.
On the basis of this conception all evil insinuations are those of knowledge, and reason is the insinuating Devil.
In contrast, we learn from the Holy Quran that Allah taught all names (realities) to Adam and then ordered the angels to prostrate themselves before him. The Devil was condemned because he refused to prostrate himself before the vicegerent of Allah, who was aware of the realities. The Prophetic traditions have told us that the Forbidden Tree was that of avarice, greed and such like things, that is the things related to the animality of Adam, not to his humanity. The insinuating Devil always insinuates what is against reason and what answers the base desires. It is concupiscence and not reason that represents the Devil within man. Contrary to all this what we find in the Book of Genesis is really very amazing.
It is this conception which has divided the European history of culture during the past 1500 years into two distinct periods, namely the age of faith and the age of science, and has placed science and faith in opposition to each other.
In contrast the Islamic history of culture is divided into the period of advancement of knowledge and faith and the period in which both of them declined together. We Muslims should keep ourselves away from the wrong conception which has caused an irreparable loss to knowledge, faith and humanity, and must not blindly regard the contradiction between knowledge and faith as an indisputable fact.’
‘Humanity of man depends on his knowledge of Allah. Man’s knowledge is not something separate from him. The more man attains knowledge of the universe, its system and its source, the more will develop his humanity, the 50% substance of which consists of knowledge.
From the point of view of Islam, especially the Shi’ah doctrine, there is not the least doubt that the attainment of the knowledge of Allah, irrespective of its practical and social effects, is in itself a goal of humanity.’


This research study analyzes the market for fire protection systems in terms of revenue (US$ Mn). The fire protection systems market has been segmented on the basis of oil & gas operational sectors and regions. In terms of region, the market has been further divided into five segments. For the research, 2014 has been taken as the base year, while all forecasts have been given for the period from 2015 to 2023.
Market data for all the segments has been provided at the regional level from 2014 to 2023.The report provides a broad competitive analysis of companies engaged in the fire protection systems business. The report also includes the key market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities affecting the Global Fire Protection Systems (for Oil and Gas) market. These market dynamics were analyzed in detail and are illustrated in the report with the help of supporting graphs and tables.
Download Sample Copy of this report @ https://www.xploremr.com/connectus/sample/1571
The high-level analysis in the report provides detailed insights into the fire protection systems business globally. There are currently numerous drivers of the market. One of the most prominent drivers is the stringent safety regulations by government institutions for the installation of fire protection systems. Market attractiveness analysis was carried out for the fire protection systems market on the basis of regions. Market attractiveness was estimated on the basis of common parameters that directly impact the market in different regions.
The downstream operational sector has been sub-segmented into four applications: production vessels, production platforms, refineries, and petrochemicals. The fire protection systems market was analyzed across five geographies: North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, and South and Central America. Regional data has been provided for each sub-segment of the fire protection systems market.


This method makes it possible to grow crystals with fewer defects than previously. Currently, gallium nitride substrates are produced by thick-film crystal growth using a vapor growth method called the VPE method. However, with this method a defect involving dislocation at a density of about 104 to 106cm-2 (10,000 to 1,000,000 defects per square centimeter) is generated, and this defect greatly deteriorates device performance. On the other hand, the flux method, a liquid-phase growth method, makes possible higher-quality crystals having dislocation density of about 103cm-2. This makes it possible to dramatically increase device performance. Also, the flux method enables growth of platelet crystals having a c-plane (polar plane) and prismatic crystals having an m-plane (non-polar plane) as a facet, which are important for device production, by controlling crystal growth conditions such as temperature and pressure (Figure 3).


Dr. Susan Fielding, a silver-haired woman with an infectious smile and the vibrant spirit of a 20-year-old, was no ordinary college professor. She was an institution in herself, teaching English literature at the University of Toronto for over three decades. But her most cherished role was that of mentoring the members of the university’s Creative Writing Club, a position she held with fervour, guiding young minds towards discovering their voice and style.
The club convened every Tuesday and Thursday under the soft, warm glow of the university library’s antique chandeliers. A diverse group of students, some passionate about prose, some smitten by poetry, some eager to give shape to their untamed imagination. Under Dr. Fielding’s mentorship, the creative writing club was a cauldron of innovation and exploration. She often said, “The pen is mightier than the sword, but it must be handled with the same respect and responsibility.”
In the midst of one of their sessions, a discussion arose about the commercialization of academia. Simon, a third-year student, mentioned his struggle to afford tuition fees and textbooks and his reliance on cheap online essay-writing services like: writessayai.com to save time for his part-time job. Dr. Fielding, ever the attentive listener, saw a teaching moment here.
The following week, Dr. Fielding introduced a rewrite AI essay as the session’s topic. She highlighted how AI had started to penetrate various fields, including literature and essay writing. She explained that the concept was all about using technology to improve one’s writing, proofread, check grammar, or even generate ideas. But she stressed, “AI should be a tool, not a replacement. The true essence of writing comes from the heart, human experiences, and emotions, something an AI still cannot replicate.”
Dr. Fielding challenged the group to take the AI-generated essays and breathe life into them. It wasn’t about criticizing or rejecting technology but rather understanding the balance between using AI as a tool and maintaining the authenticity of human expression. The student’s task was to infuse the AI-produced essays with their thoughts, experiences, and emotions to give them a heart and soul.
In this unique challenge, the students were given AI-produced essays as their starting point, a baseline. These essays were grammatically correct and logically structured but devoid of the soul and heart that make human-written pieces so touching and relatable. They were akin to beautifully crafted mannequins, technically perfect, but lacking life. Dr. Fielding’s assignment was about infusing life into these lifeless mannequins.
The students were encouraged to dig deep into their wells of thoughts, experiences, and emotions and bring those elements into their writing. They were asked to read through the AI-produced content and then to ‘rewrite’ them, not just by tweaking words or rearranging sentences, but by imbuing their unique human touch into them. They had to infuse their perspectives, their insights, their reflections into the material, creating a bridge between the impersonal nature of AI and the deeply personal human experience.
Imagine an AI-produced paragraph about the sunrise. It may have accurately described the changing colors, the positioning of the sun, the time of day, and the expected temperature. The task for students was to make this information come alive. They would add their emotions when they saw the most beautiful sunrise in the Rocky Mountains, or their sense of peace when watching the sunrise after a night of studying, or the exhilaration of seeing the sunrise after their first all-night adventure.
Adding a Human Touch
They were asked to share personal anecdotes, relate theories to real-life examples, question arguments based on their beliefs, and express their agreement or disagreement in unique, creative ways. This process not only gave a ‘soul’ to the AI-generated content but also helped students discover and fine-tune their writing styles.
The transformation of AI-produced essays was remarkable. What started as robotic, impersonal text became a series of engaging, compelling essays that exuded the students’ personalities and perspectives. Each piece became as unique as the student who rewrote it.
In this process, the students learned an invaluable lesson: the power of their own voice. They realized that while AI could provide a solid structure and seamless grammar, the magic lay in their personal touch. Through their thoughts, experiences, and emotions, they could transform any piece of writing into a heartfelt narrative that resonated with readers, thereby truly giving a heart and soul to their essays.
Over the weeks, as the students worked on their challenges, the club witnessed a transformation. The members, once unsure and skeptical about their writing prowess, started to emerge as confident wordsmiths. They discovered their unique voices and styles, their ability to tell a story that was entirely their own. They learned to manipulate words into stunning expressions of their innermost thoughts and feelings. The AI tool was no longer a crutch but an ally in their creative journey.
As the students grew more comfortable and adept at utilizing the AI tool, they began to view it in a new light. It had initially been a crutch, a necessity to aid them in producing essays when they were unsure of their ability to write. But now, they found themselves leveraging the AI tool as a strategic partner in their creative endeavors. It wasn’t there to substitute their skills; instead, it served to supplement and elevate their unique voices.
The AI tool would provide them with a solid base to work with – a logically arranged, grammatically correct piece of text. It was like a canvas, ready and waiting for them to add their personal touch. With this groundwork laid out, the students could focus their energy on enhancing the content, infusing their personal insights, anecdotes, emotions, and experiences to produce a compelling narrative.
Benefiting From Work
Using the AI tool as an ally also empowered them to experiment with their writing. They could take bold creative risks, knowing they had a safety net to fall back on. They could play around with different styles, tones, and perspectives, stretching their creative boundaries. They could try writing on new, challenging topics, confident that the AI tool could provide them with a starting point.
Moreover, the AI tool was an incredible learning resource. By analyzing and rewriting AI-produced essays, the students were learning about structuring their thoughts, using diverse vocabulary, and maintaining grammatical integrity in their writing. They were not just becoming better writers, but more discerning readers, learning to critically analyze and enhance pre-existing content. Please also read an article about how to rewrite AI text to human text and check with an AI detector.
Ultimately, the AI tool transitioned from a crutch to an ally, a tool that was aiding them in their creative journey. It helped the students to express themselves better, encouraged them to push their creative limits, and enhanced their learning process. The students had transformed the AI tool into a powerful collaborator that was instrumental in their evolution as skilled and confident writers.
The magic of Dr. Fielding’s creative writing club was that it didn’t just teach students how to write; it inspired them to express, to share, and to grow. As the semester ended, Simon approached Dr. Fielding, thanking her for transforming his perspective towards writing. “Because of you,” he said, “I fell in love with writing.”
Ultimately, Dr. Fielding’s greatest lesson was this: writing is not just about shaping words but also about letting those words shape you. A beautifully crafted phrase or a compelling narrative is not just inked on paper; it’s a piece of the writer’s soul, alive and pulsating with the vibrancy of human life. And that’s a beauty no AI can ever replicate.


Today, Bethlehem is a town of about 50,000 people, with narrow streets winding up, down and around the small Judean hills. One of the places that many of the tourist buses grind their way towards on the edge of town is known as the Shepherds’ Field. It’s a sparse, rock-strewn park with a few low trees and some patchy gardening and, across the road, a string of shops specialising in souvenirs carved from olive wood.
A small, pale-stoned Franciscan church sits in the middle of the park. There is also a fountain splashing water over a stone sculpture of a shepherd and his sheep, as well as a series of caves that have been converted into intimate chapels. These chapels, adorned with miniature nativity scenes and with their ceilings blackened by the smoke of countless candles, are places that many of the busloads of visitors file into for a short time of worship. They invariably sing a Christmas carol or two from their own tradition of faith and in their own language. It sounds like a place in which it is always Christmas.
Towards the back of the park, near the edge of the low hill on which it sits, a number of shaded outdoor chapel spaces look over a dry valley to the surrounding hills. The hillsides are rocky, with small tufts of beige grass and clumps of the darker greens of olive trees or small pine trees. Shepherds and their sheep have often been seen making their way along this valley, even in recent years, although this is becoming less common as the continuing spread of the town and surrounding settlements push the shepherds and their flocks further away.
It’s a remarkable place to pause, to sit and reflect, to remember and imagine the story that happened on these hills. As you listen to the sound of the breeze gently hissing through the pine needles and feel the dry dustiness of the air, you can almost hear the murmurs of a group of men on a quiet evening and imagine the sounds and smell of the sheep: “That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them” (Luke 2:8, 9).
The first thing we tend to think of when we hear glory in a context like this is some kind of really bright light. It seems this was part of the experience of these startled shepherds. It would have been dark out on those hills as they settled in for the night, with only a small fire at best.
The appearance of this heavenly being would have split the darkness and Luke’s description used the language of light, but it seems that this was more than a bright light. It was more like a wonderful presence that surrounded them. In the cool of the night, the shepherds might have felt its warmth and even some kind of profound emotion, far deeper than their initial alarm.
By the presence of this angel, the shepherds were somehow drawn into the glory of God.
The angel delivered the good news of Jesus’ birth and gave instructions about where to find the Baby, then the focus shifted again: “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased’” (Luke 2:13, 14). It seems obvious that the song of the angels was not describing or ascribing to God mere brightness, as overwhelming as that might be. This declaration of glory was an exaltation of His greatness and goodness, the quality of His character and the wonder of His actions, a splendour that was so much more than appearance.
These two related uses of glory occur repeatedly throughout the Bible. It becomes a shorthand for God’s appearance and presence, as well as His greatness of magnitude and nature. As in the case of the shepherds, glory can be wonderful and terrifying at the same time. And it seems to be both a literal, physical reality and a metaphor that represents so much more. From the perspective of human experience, it seems “glory is what God looks like when for the time being all you have to look at Him with is a pair of eyes.”1
Sitting looking over the bare hills and the encroaching housing developments on the outskirts of Bethlehem, it seemed to me an unlikely place for such a display of God’s glory. But the appearance of glory amid the seemingly mundane is so much a part of the wonder and transformation to be found in the story of Jesus’ birth. The story also urges that the greater glory was not the dazzling appearance of the angels, the overwhelming experience of the shepherds or even the vast host of angels singing their hearts out in praise of God and His astonishing goodness. The greatest glory was Jesus Himself.
Those who told the stories of Jesus insisted that the most tangible way to encounter the glory of God in our world was Jesus, as unlikely as it might have seemed. In a letter to the second generation of believers in the story of Jesus, John emphasised both the physical reality of their experience with Jesus and its ultimate transcendence:
We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us (1 John 1:1, 2).
One aspect of the incarnation is that God hid and even put aside His glory in becoming Jesus, to be born as a baby—but, in a greater sense, in this action and this story, His glory shines all the brighter.
1. Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking: A Seeker’s ABC (Revised and Expanded), HarperSanFrancisco, 1993, page 35.


Why Aren't You in a Relationship?
For the last long while I would get the question "Nathan are you seeing anyone?" And I would reply "no."
Not a bad question, except it was always followed by "Oh why not?" That is a much harder question than the first. After pondering it and attempting to answer honestly I would usually say something like: "I'm not who I want to be yet."
What does that mean?
"Well it means that I want to be a certain kind of person in life and until I become that person I don't even really know the me that I want my partner to marry. How can I ask someone to marry me if I don't know myself? I want to be kind and wise, I want to be patient and understanding. I want to be wealthy and generous. I want to be fit and sharp. I want to be exciting and interesting."
I have a friend who I respect very much who listened very patiently to me but then challenged me:
"That may make sense in your head, but you are confused about what marriage is."
"I know what marriage is" I replied. "Marriage is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life. It is the pinnacle commitment. It is mutual love and understanding."
My friend is wise, yet also has tact. He saw my problem, but instead of tearing me down he lead me to a realization.
"It is that and more. What else is marriage?"
"It is a responsibility. A sign of maturity. A right of passage."
"What else is marriage?"
"It is a relationship of service. Marriage is to always put the other before yourself."
"Yes it is. Why again did you say that you do not seek out a relationship?"
"Because I'm not who I want to be."
"Interesting. Tell me more about this relationship of service."
"A relationship of service is the act of putting down what you want in order to focus on the other. It is a trust that meeting their needs is all you will ever need."
After these words came out of my mouth a thought formed in the back of my head. My friend helped bring it to the front.
"When asked the question, 'Nathan, why are you not seeing anyone?' What is your answer?
"Because I'm not ready."
And when you are asked 'why are you not ready?' What is your answer?
'Because I want."
I wanted to be a better person before I got into a relationship.
Wanting to be a better person is not a bad thing, but being in a healthy relationship isn't about wanting anything. It is about giving.
Now when I'm asked why I'm not in a relationship, my painfully honest answer is:
'There are too many things I want. I'm not ready to give.'


When you give someone a gift, firstly you give a gift to yourself. At the world\'s libraries, there are many books written about how to choose, show or even accept a gift, and every year the libraries are enriched with more books. A gift’s quintessence, though, has remained unchanged through the years and summarized at this widespread phrase: a gift is always a symbolic move. A whole procedure of expressing an emotion, which satisfies equally both the recipient and the giver.
That’s why a gift is always significant and mostly when the gift itself expresses your emotions, too. Your gratitude, your love, your respect.
For all the above mentioned reasons, we created these gift boxes, after careful and refined selection of their content, in order to create a unique feeling which will make you unforgettable. Gift boxes that are created with love, respect and generosity so as to inspire corresponding emotions to the receiver.


Context Mapping Study
The context mapping shows an overview of the situation we are designing for. To show this, a paper was made including a literature study, a practical study; a personal visualization of the user, a storyboard, the discussion and the conclusion. In the literature study a few design challenges were created: finding a solution to stabilize the user while running on a treadmill and finding a solution to use the walker indoors and outdoors. In the practical study, the experience of the user is used to give an overview of the problem. A personal visualization of the user creates a good overview of the user using information like the needs, motivations, and frustrations of the user. The storyboard was made to show the current situation and the problem.
The literature study contains several research components on co-design and Ataxia. Ataxia is a diverse group of autosomal diseases that are genetically inherited. Most signs begin to show when the patient is around 40 years old. Dependent on the type of Ataxia (SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, etc.) different symptoms are generated. In this case, the participant has difficulties with keeping balance, coordination and speaking. Ataxia is degenerative; hence the symptoms increase overtime. This means that there is a high chance that the participant will end up in a wheelchair at some point.
In order to get a clear view of how the disease affects the participant. A visual portrait and storyboard were made. The visual portrait depicts the participant and discusses their characteristics, wants and needs, motivations and frustrations. Based on this visual portrait, it was found that the biggest frustration caused by the disease is the lack of mobility the participant experiences. A good problem is depicted in the storyboard. Here, the participant would like to go outside, but has no way to easily attach his walker to his tricycle without the help of others.
Based on the findings in the literature study and the physical meetings, a preliminary design challenge was formulated. First, a design solution can be found for stabilizing the user on a treadmill. Second, a solution could be found for the problems concerning the user's walker, as it does not provide a proper solution for both using it inside and outside.
For further information, please refer to the full context mapping study below.


And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 1:26-27
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. Genesis 2:7-8
And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Genesis 2:18
And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. Genesis 2:21-22
This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;
Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. Genesis 5:1-2
And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. Genesis 6:6-7
Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. Genesis 9:6
For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and ask from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it? Deuteronomy 4:32
Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker? Job 4:17
Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again? Job 10:9
The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. Job 33:4
But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night; Job 35:10
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them. Proverbs 20:12
And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, Matthew 19:4
But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. Mark 10:6


The importance of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, or LCPUFAs, is well documented across the full spectrum of patient care from premature infants to aging adults and individuals with acute conditions or chronic diseases.1,2 LCPUFAs, including omega-3 (docosahexaenoic acid or DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA) and omega-6 (arachidonic acid or AA), are often referred to as essential or “good fats” because they are required for normal growth, to support immunity, and can improve cardiovascular and brain health. However, DHA/EPA and AA need to be hydrolyzed (digested) into their absorbable form – free fatty acids and monoglycerides – to obtain their health benefits.3 Omega-3 and omega-6 free fatty acids and monoglycerides are first absorbed from the gastrointestinal lumen into the blood stream, then they are incorporated into cell membranes in all tissues of the body, in particular the brain, retina, and heart.
Nearly all of today’s infant formulas and adult nutritional drinks have been enhanced to include the triglyceride form of DHA/EPA and AA. Most people can break these fats down into their absorbable fatty acid and monoglyceride forms and then get the benefits of utilizing these key omega-3 and omega-6 nutrients. However, across many patient groups, malabsorption, or the inability to adequately digest or absorb key nutrients in fats such as LCPUFAs, is a challenge.4 These people lack sufficient endogenous enzymes, have impaired gastrointestinal function, or reduced pool of bile salts to sufficiently digest the triglyceride form of LCPUFAs. When the pancreas is compromised, it leads to an inability to digest fats, particularly LCPUFAs, and can result in poor growth and development, reduced caloric intake, weight loss, reduced life expectancy, and diminished quality of life.5
Alcresta Therapeutics is providing the next generation solution to address the problem of inadequate nutrient digestion by offering a broad range of point-of-care enzyme-based products specifically designed to improve the delivery, digestion, and absorption of key nutrients such as LCPUFAs.
About DHA and EPA
DHA is the primary structural fat in the brain and retina of the eye, and is also a key component of the heart.6,7 Numerous studies have shown that DHA and EPA omega-3 are critically important for infant brain, eye, and nervous system development, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy, and that these fatty acids support long-term heart health and immune system strength.8 In adults, DHA and EPA have demonstrated extensive health benefits, including the improvement of cognitive function, decreased inflammation, support in cancer treatments and the prevention of heart disease. Over time, decreased fat absorption can lead to deficiencies in important fatty acids, such as omega-3. A balanced ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids is beneficial in maintaining normal development, immunological, and cognitive function as well as overall health.2
Arachidonic acid, AA, is a long-chain omega-6 fatty acid. It is the principal omega-6 in the brain and represents about 48 percent of the omega-6 fats.
Like DHA and EPA, AA omega-6 is important for proper brain development in infants and for a lifetime of neurological health. It is also a precursor to a group of hormone-like substances called eicosanoids that play a role in immunity, blood clotting, and other vital functions in the body.9
1. Arnoldussen IA, Killian AJ. Impact of DHA on metabolic diseases from womb to tomb. Mar Drugs 2014;12(12):6190-6212.
2. Uauy R, Mena P, Rojas C. Essential fatty acids in early life: structural and functional role. Proc Nutr Soc 2000;59(1):3-15.
3. Simopoulos AP. The importance of the ratio of omega 6/omega 3 essential fatty acids. Biomed Pharmacother 2002;56(8):365-379.
4. Peretti N et al. Mechanisms of lipid malabsorption in cystic fibrosis: the impact of essential fatty acids deficiency. Nutr Metab 2005;2(1):11.
5. Bakker EM et al. Determining the presence of lung disease in young children with cystic fibrosis: lung clearance index, oxygen saturation and cough frequency. J Cyst Fibros 2012;11(3):223-230.
6. SanGiovanni JP, Chew EY. The role of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in health and disease of the retina. Prog Retin Eye Res 2005;24(1):87-138.
7. Ramadeen A, Dorian P. How are n-3 LCPUFAs antiarrhythmatic? A reassessment of n-3 LCPUFAs in cardiac disease. Cardiol Res Pract 2012;2012:746709.
8. Fares S et al. Plasma arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids in Tunisian very low birth weight infants: status and association with selected neonatal morbidities. J Health Pop Nutr 2015;33:1.
9. Calder PC. Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes. Nutrients 2010;2(3):355-374.


Khaty Xiong is the daughter of Hmong refugees from Laos. She is the author of Poor Anima (Apogee Press, 2015) and three poetry chapbooks: Elegies (University of Montana, 2013), Deer Hour (New Michigan Press, 2014), and Ode to the Far Shore (Platypus Press, 2016). Xiong has received an award from the Ohio Arts Council and a fellowship from the MacDowell Colony. Her work has been published in POETRY, The New York Times, How Do I Begin?: A Hmong American Literary Anthology and elsewhere.


Local Radial Basis Function Collocation Method
The local radial basis function collocation method (LRBFCM) based on the multiquadric type radial basis function is used to simulate the water wave propagation with oblique incidence and radiation.
The LRBFCM is a meshless numerical method and its applications to the high-order radiation boundary condition are much simpler compared with the traditional numericalmethods. (Tsai et al., 2015)
Chia-Cheng Tsai, Zhong-Han Lin and Tai-Wen Hsu (2015, Jul). Using local radial basis function collocation method to approximate radiation boundary conditions. Ocean Engineering, 105, 231–241.


A Warhammer Age of Sigmar novel
During the greatest battles of the War for Life, the Stormcast Eternals suffered a great tragedy: the Hallowed Knights Lord-Castellant Lorus Grymn was lost to the Realm of Chaos. Now his fellow Steel Souls venture into the domain of Nurgle himself in search of their lost comrade…
READ IT BECAUSE
It’s a return to the Mortal Realms… sort of. It’s something new for the Age of Sigmar as the Stormcast Eternals take on Chaos not just in the usual places, but right in the very heart of the Dark Gods’ own domain.
As the War for the Realm of Life continues, Lord-Castellant Lorrus Grymn leads the battered remnants of the Steel Souls warrior chamber against the sargasso-citadels of the Verdant Bay. The Hallowed Knights claim victory, but at a terrible cost – Grymn is lost to Realm of Chaos. Now Gardus, newly-reforged and fresh from the destruction of the Scabrous Sprawl, must lead his warriors into the foetid heart of Nurgle’s realm in search of the Lord-Castellant, where they must once more brave the horrors of the Realm of Decay…
Written by Josh Reynolds.


Three separate clinical studies each came to the same conclusion: Stannous fluoride containing toothpastes are more effective at controlling mouth odor than are other toothpastes. Most other toothpastes contain sodium fluoride as the active ingredient. A statistically significant greater breath benefit was found with stannous fluoride toothpaste compared to sodium fluoride toothpaste. Stannous fluoride contains tin and has the chemical formula SnF2. It is found in several toothpastes including Colgate Total and Crest Pro Health Gum Protection.


摘要：The change-point detection has been carried out in terms of the Euclidean minimum spanning tree (MST) and shortest Hamiltonian path (SHP), with successful applications in the determination of authorship of a classic novel, the detection of change in a network over time, the detection of cell divisions, etc. However, these Euclidean graph-based tests may fail if a dataset contains random interferences. To solve this problem, we present a powerful non-Euclidean SHP-based test, which is consistent and distribution-free. The simulation shows that the test is more powerful than both Euclidean MST- and SHP-based tests and the non-Euclidean MST-based test. Its applicability in detecting both landing and departure times in video data of bees’ flower visits is illustrated.
报告人介绍：史晓平博士，2011年博士毕业于加拿大约克大学，紧接着在多伦多大学从事博士后研究，随后分别在约克大学和圣弗朗西斯·格扎维埃大学任教，2016年加入汤姆森河大学至今担任助理教授职务，主要从事分布的鞍点近似，复合似然推断，变量选择，基于图论方法的变点检测，以及图像的去噪。研究成果主要发表在PNAS, Canadian Journal of Statistics, Statistica Sinica, Statistics and Computing, 中国科学等.


By Robert K .Elder
Hidden Hemingway started as a newspaper article – or, more accurately, a special issue of the Oak Leaves, the longtime chronicle of news in Oak Park, which Ernest Hemingway delivered as a teen.
In 2014, I was the editor-in-chief of a newspaper chain that included the Oak Leaves. I wanted to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I and write about Hemingway, the village’s most famous casualty of that war. I had moved to Oak Park from Chicago with my family in 2007, and had heard all the Hemingway stories, visited the museum and his birthplace home, both on Oak Park Avenue.
The special edition also gave me the opportunity to explore the Hemingway legacy and debunk the “wide lawns” myth (Hemingway never said or wrote that his hometown was a place of “wide lawns and narrow minds”).
It also gave me the chance to spend time with Barbara Ballinger, a legendary local librarian and longtime board member of the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park, whose collection was housed in the third floor of the Oak Park Public Library. Over a couple of afternoons, we sifted through Hemingway’s family photos, teen notebooks, the “Dear John” letter from his World War I love Agnes von Kurowsky – even a dental X-ray.
The Foundation hosted a series of events that July when the Oak Leaves issue came out, celebrating the author’s 115th birthday and the release of Cambridge University Press’s second volume of his letters. Penn State University’s Sandra Spanier, the editor of the series, spoke to a capacity crowd about Hemingway’s letters, his almost pathological love of correspondence and his packrat tendencies.
She said: “Hemingway saved every scrap of paper he ever touched.”
Had I not already been through the Hemingway archives in Oak Park, I would have thought it a hyperbolic statement. If anything, Spanier was downplaying the amount of material not only that Hemingway kept, but that his siblings and parents saved as well. Since starting this book, my collaborators and I have debated – lightheartedly – if it was sentimentality or a hoarding instinct that led the Hemingways to document their family history so meticulously, to save news clippings, birthday cards, lists, sheet music, and childhood books.
Clarence “Ed” Hemingway always encouraged his children to keep account books, and Grace compiled voluminous scrapbooks, so it’s easy to trace the instinct. Their children—especially Ernest and his sister Marcelline—were constantly adding to an empire of letters, photographs, receipts and trinkets that seem to carry memories stronger than any blessing or curse.
That July, I approached John W. Berry, the chairman of the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park. It was a hot July day during the “Running of the Bulls” events, where my 6-year-old twins – and hordes of children like them – ran around the park in boxes decorated to look like bulls. It was a part of the foundation’s yearly Hemingway celebrations. I asked John if he ever been approached about allowing a book to be done on the archives? He hadn’t. And it was also too hot outside to talk about it. John was wearing a red scarf around his neck, handing out balloons and plastic bull keyrings to kids. He needed time to think about it.
Within a few weeks, however, it was announced that Hemingway Society had chosen Oak Park to host its 17th biennial International Hemingway Conference. A book celebrating Oak Park, the collection, and the village’s most famous author seemed like serendipity.
For Hemingway the writer, of course, all the material he saved was not only biography but also research. He was gathering data and details that made the life lived in his books more real, tangible.
We endeavored to do the same with this book, to tell a life story through objects, ephemera and photos that will illuminate Hemingway’s history. Some of what we found contradicts the public image he built for himself, some of it supports his larger-than-life myth. We hope, in all, that it strives to make him more human and also to provide scholarly insight.
The items in this volume are more than stage dressing for a literary life, more than marginalia. They provide definition, and in some cases, documentation of Hemingway’s ambition, heartbreak, literary triumphs and trials, joys and tragedies. It’s Hemingway’s stature as a Pulitzer- and Nobel Prize-winning author that has drawn so many biographers and historians to his work. But it’s also the wealth of material that he left behind that makes him such a compelling, engaging and often infuriating research subject.
Lastly, a note on the word “archives” as used in title of this book. It’s very much intended to mean archives, plural. The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park is the steward of the largest collection in the author’s hometown, which is itself comprised of many different collections, most notably the family archive of Marcelline Hemingway Sanford and items from private collectors such as Waring Jones (1927-2008). The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest and the Oak Park Public Library are also treasure troves of Hemingway material, some of which we share in this volume.
For years, Hemingway scholars such as Carlos Baker, Jeffrey Meyers, Michael Reynolds, and Paul Hendrickson have used these hometown archives for their deeply researched biographies. A Monty Python alum even visited the archives for his TV series (and eventual book) Michael Palin’s Hemingway Adventure. As researchers ourselves, we’re indebted to all those who have chronicled Hemingway’s life and work in such detail.
Now, for the first time, my co-authors and I are offering the same intimate experiences we had with the Hemingway collections to the general public, without the searching through boxes and wading through folders. Not that this is a complete document of the treasures to be found in Oak Park. Not by a long shot. There’s still more to be catalogued, more to be found. We hope this book serves as a primer for all future Hemingway admirers and scholars who hope to meet the author in his hometown through the archives he left behind.
Robert K. Elder
Oak Park, IL.


For World Book Day, bestselling children’s author Timothy Knapman, whose books are some of the most borrowed from UK libraries, blogs about the vibrancy and wonder of our libraries and why we should protect them now and for future generations.
There ought to be a warning on the door of every library, in letters ten feet high – BE AWARE: MONSTERS WITHIN! And not just monsters, either, for heroes and villains do battle on their shelves, adventure swings from armchair to armchair and, if you look very closely, you’ll see that something from outer space is hitching a ride on the book trolley.
That’s the thing about libraries. They look like sober, respectable buildings but in fact they are full of mischief. The children reading books inside may appear quiet and concentrating, but in their heads they are pirate queens pillaging the spice islands, rocket scientists blasting to the farthest stars, knights and kings, vampires and dragons. And the oh-so-responsible-looking grown-ups checking out their weekly allowance of books are actually smuggling treasure into the unsuspecting outside world. Under their arms may be books that have changed the course of history (books can do that).
This sense of infinite possibilities is the reason I’ve always loved libraries, and why I passionately believe they must be protected and saved so that our communities can flourish. Libraries keep company with banks and supermarkets and shoe shops – all of which are very important too, of course, but we know what we’re going to get in a bank or a supermarket or a shoe shop. Every time you enter the library, it’s a journey into the unknown, and you don’t know where you’re going to end up.
I remember that when I was a boy, going to the library felt like being Mr Benn. Mr Benn was a character on television, created by David McKee. He was a city gent in a dark suit and bowler hat, indistinguishable from the thousands of other city gents who still, just about, wore bowler hats back then. Only Mr Benn had a secret. He liked visiting his local costume shop. Once he had shed his everyday clothes – and, with them, his everyday life – and dressed up as a wizard or a balloonist or a red knight, he would walk through a magical door into whatever world his costume suggested, and have an adventure. The library was my costume shop, the place where I could choose to be whatever I wanted, and I knew the adventure was there for the taking. Soon enough, I was writing my own stories and that’s how I became a writer – all thanks to my local library.
Writing – and reading too, for that matter – are private activities. We turn our backs on the world to do them. In this frenetic, modern age of updates and notifications, likes and shares, followers and trolls, they are blessed opportunities for sustained concentration. But in libraries, we do them sitting side by side. Libraries bring us together.
Temples of tales, warehouses of wonder, story orchards heavy with fruit, libraries are enchanted places of solitude and communication – with our community and with our infinite inner selves. They are as essential to our lives as the water in the tap and the air we breathe so no wonder we take them for granted. But make no mistake: to sell one off is to diminish the quality of all our lives, to close off countless possibilities of inspiration and escape. They should be saved and cherished.
Timothy Knapman is the author of over sixty books for children, including Superhero Mum, Dinosaurs in the Supermarket and Follow The Track All The Way Back.


Over the last thirty years, I have worked as a psychologist, marriage and family therapist, Rolfing bodyworker, and dream researcher and mentor. I obtained my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Florida State University in 1981.
I currently spend most of my time writing and creating films to inspire and educate about the wisdom available in dreams. I also mentor those who wish to master the skills of dreamwork, devoting a few hours each week to online consultations for individuals and small groups. Along with dreamwork, I offer guidance for those wishing to solve a life conundrum or simply get more from life.
My devotion to the study of dreams came not from idle curiosity but rather as the result of being plunged into a personal crisis at age 39. Though I had obtained my PhD in psychology some years earlier, I found that my training did not prepare me for the grief I suffered and could not find my way out of due to the loss of a romantic relationship.
I now consider that Fate intervened when I discovered the author and therapist Sukie Colegrave, who helped me find the most unexpected solutions to my dilemma by opening the wisdom of dreams to me. This remains the pivotal discovery of my life. While I had always been intrigued with and curious about dreams, I had never been able to discern the guidance that is available through the dreaming process. In a word, I was astounded to realize that there is a benevolent, intelligent process at work that seeks to help us face the challenges of life.
My writing is an expression of gratitude for my mentors and to the dreaming process itself which have given me life-saving wisdom. But because dreaming does not occur in a vacuum but is in response to the particular dilemmas of our lives, my writing also addresses the challenges I faced from having grown up in the confines of the religious fundamentalism in the deep south of the USA. Racism was in the air we breathed, and the hyper-conservative, authoritarian atmosphere in my home, church, and community led to me being deeply divided within myself. My religious training taught that there were evil forces not only in the world but also potentially within each of us, and for this reason we should always be on guard. Such a worldview creates a painful fragmentation within the personality, leading to a presumption that there are good and bad parts of us.
Because of this early influence, much of my attention has been devoted to understanding the integration process; that is, how to make use of all aspects of the self, even those parts of personality that may initially be threatening to approach. Dreams provide x-ray vision into the deeper parts of the self that are often in opposition to one another, and at the same time they provide glimpses into some of our greatest undeveloped potentials.
Psychological integration requires deep compassion, courage, and especially wisdom to achieve what Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung described as Wholeness, a state whereby the various parts of the self are actualized and work in harmony to create a potent and fulfilling life.
Over the last 30 years dreams have helped me make sense of my life and actualize strengths I missed out on developing in my restrictive childhood. As you can read in one of my forthcoming books about therapeutic psychedelics, I also underwent a long and profoundly difficult exploration with visionary plants and compounds. To say that these experiences were life-changing grossly understates their impact on me. But even after such intense encounters, which often felt like death and rebirth experiences, they pale in value compared to the steady, daily, uncanny wisdom that comes through dreaming.
For this reason, I am devoting the remaining years of my life, which I am hopeful will be many, to helping others access the benefits of this marvelous, intelligent process that tirelessly works on our behalf to help us become far more than we have ever imagined we could be.
I provide private dreamwork consultations for those wishing to better understand their dreams. Each one-hour session explores one or more dreams in depth. Additionally, I offer mentoring to those who wish to master the skills of dreamwork. These sessions explore your dreams while highlighting the Investigative Tools of Dreamwork that I use. An individualized course of study is provided for each mentee.