In Praise of Black Capped Chickadees
"I'd like to offer some words in praise of chickadees. Though seven different species inhabit North America, four of them in Alaska, here I will focus on the black-capped chickadee, the bird that transformed my life nearly three decades ago. Because they're among the most common birds to inhabit the Anchorage area -- and much of our continent --nearly everyone can recognize black-capped chickadees... posted on Oct 18 2022, 7,464 reads

The Daily Routines of 12 Famous Writers
"We often assume that great things are done by those who were blessed with natural talent, genius, and skill. But how many great things could have been done by people who never fully realized their potential? I think many of us, myself included, are capable of much more than we typically produce -- our best work is often still hiding inside of us. How can you pull that potential out of yourself an... posted on Oct 17 2022, 2,944 reads

The Soul of Medicine
"The name resonated in an undefined, positive way -- Rachel Naomi Remen; "Have you heard of her?" I asked my wife. "Isn't she the author of Kitchen Table Wisdom?" my wife replied. Indeed. And I'd heard of the book, a bestseller--as was My Grandfather's Blessing. I'd read neither and yet somehow, I'd absorbed the sense of these books like the sound of a bell in the distance, a new influence appeari... posted on Oct 16 2022, 2,843 reads

Froebel's Gifts
"In the late 1700s, a young man named Friedrich Froebel was on track to become an architect when a friend convinced him to pursue a path toward education instead. And in changing course, Froebel arguably ended up having more influence on the world of architecture and design than any single architect -- all because Friedrich Froebel created kindergarten. If you've ever looked at a piece of abstract... posted on Oct 15 2022, 1,785 reads

Beyond the Words
"This short film by Nic Askew of Soul Biographies has been called "the epitome of joy." Through the delightful presence of Feliciano Pop from Guatemala, we are asked to consider what language is beyond our simple understanding of words. Is there a language that we can all understand if we choose to listen and notice what is happening; if we pay attention with our heart? Prepare to smile and to sin... posted on Oct 14 2022, 2,063 reads

Connecting Individual & Societal Change
"Disaster relief workers, activists, social entrepreneurs, health-care providers, teachers, and others actively weaving the healthy, just, and caring fabric of our society live and work at the heart of great challenges. But even as these change makers find solutions and make progress, many are burning out and experiencing a host of personal challenges such as depression, divorce, and the early ons... posted on Oct 13 2022, 1,224 reads

To Know The World
"I wrote To Know the World: A New Vision for Environmental Learning because I believe that we are entering an unprecedented era of global environmental change, requiring new approaches to both teaching and learning as well as emergent concepts and issues. First and foremost is the convergent tides of change--the inextricable relationships between the health of the biosphere and questions of social... posted on Oct 12 2022, 1,162 reads

The Ecology of Perception
"In this interview, cultural ecologist and philosopher David Abram discusses the animism, power, and potency of the living world. In our current moment of ecological and societal instability he calls on us to remember our inherent participation in the collective, embodied flesh of the Earth."
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How to Grow a Home
"To uproot something is inherently traumatic. It says so on every potted hibiscus and jasmine start Ive put in the ground. The instructions are simple: handle the root system with care, be gentle while arranging it into its new home. Transplanting shocks plants, but with enough care they will adapt. Lately Ive been adapting to my partners home in Southern California. Ive been handling myself with ... posted on Oct 10 2022, 1,841 reads

The Value of Rethinking Our Deeply Held Beliefs
"Organizational psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant examines the value of rethinking deeply-held beliefs in an ever-changing world. He discusses how that approach could reshape our work, politics, and daily discourse for the better." More from Grant in this interview with PBS.... posted on Oct 09 2022, 2,580 reads