It’s Surprisingly Nice To Hear You: The Impact of Communication Media on Social Connection and Wellbeing
By Donnie Yance “I Fear the Day That Technology Will Surpass Our Human Interaction” -Albert Einstein “We communicate by the tone of our voice, with our eyes, with our body language, with our hands. The influx of our voice. There are so many things that we use to communicate,” notes communication researcher Amit Kumar. This […]
The Science of Laughter: A Path to Longevity and Health
By Donnie Yance Can our behavior influence disease outcomes? The answer may lie in one of humanity’s most natural expressions: laughter. Ancient wisdom has long suggested a connection between joy and health. The biblical proverb that “a merry heart does good like a medicine” (Proverbs 17:22) finds modern validation in scientific research. Democritus, the “laughing […]
The Significance of Optimism, Hope, and Kindness Over Medications
Unlocking Happiness, Cardiovascular Health, and Longevity God is not found in the soul by adding anything, but by a process of subtraction.Meister Eckhart, sermon on Romans 8:18 While the United Nations and most scientists consider any age beyond 60 as old age, it’s important to recognize that aging varies for each person. Some individuals may […]
In Death and Grief We Find Love
Reflections for Easter, Passover, and Spring By Donnie Yance Just before Christmas, I lost my youngest sister Gi Gi, to a sudden accident. She was in a coma for several weeks prior to her transition. As my sister hovered between life and death, I found myself in a deep state of grief and reflection. A […]
God as Our Mother
I believe what the world needs now is the Divine Wisdom (Feminine) to be made manifest within all of us.
Honoring Two of the Most Important Spiritual Leaders of Our World
With the passing of Thich Nhat Hanh, the Zen Buddhist monk and peace campaigner who brought mindfulness to the West, the world has lost another mentor. Every time we lose someone who helps us live and act in accordance with our highest good, it is a tremendous loss to the world. Martin Luther King. Nelson […]
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Pilgrimage for Freedom
“The glory of God is the communion of all things fully alive” ~ The Irenaeus’s axiom Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an American Baptist minister, had a gift for capturing the hearts and minds of people with his homily-like discourses. His speeches—considered some of the most iconic of the 20th century— had a profound effect […]
Reflections on Christmas and the New Year
During this Christmas season, as I meditate on the image of the innocent, vulnerable baby Jesus, I am reminded of the opportunity for spiritual renewal. I think most of us can relate on some level, even those who do not identify themselves as Christians. Perhaps it is simply the idea of birth and a chance […]
Thanksgiving Musings: On Gratitude, Apples, and a Delicious Holiday Apple Cake
“We need to make the kind of society where it is easier for people to be good.” Peter Maurin (1877–1949) Many of us are looking forward to once again gathering with friends and family at Thanksgiving. Along with enjoying our favorite delicious holiday foods and other traditions, let’s remember that the heart of Thanksgiving is […]