Earth sustains us not only in body, but in spirit:
… Read more...“Those who dwell, as scientists or laymen, among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. Whatever the vexations and concerns of their personal
Words: “The Practical Value of Psychology…”
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“The practical value of psychology… It is well recognized that the teacher must understand the working of the mind in order best to impart his information in that way that will enable the student to grasp it most readily. It
Words: ” …to resist a technological formula that is sterile”
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“Perhaps success in the future will depend partly on our ability to generate cheap power, but I think it will depend to a greater extent on our ability to resist a technological formula that is sterile: peas without pageantry, corn
Words: “Water …The Vital Humour Of This Arid Earth”
Leonardo Da Vinci was a keen observer and student of nature. His notes on The Nature of Water, from The notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci , Translation by Edward MacCurdy (1955) are perceptive and eloquent:
“Water is that which serves … Read more...
Words: “The World Of The Individual Person…”
Recently, Pew Research asked thousands of Americans where they find meaning in life. Instead of presenting group responses, they highlighted the wonderful responses and stories from the world of the individual person. It reminded me that:
Everything of value … Read more...
Universal Well-Being And Planetary Considerations
What will it take for us to let go of our endless debates and finger-pointings over global warming or global climate change? When will we begin to truly recognize that the heart of our human existence and survival is the … Read more...
Words: “After Us, There Will Be Others…”
You know you are hanging out with the right kind of friends, when, on a day you most need it, you are gifted with a beautiful starfish and the words “You make a difference every day!”
The original Starfish Story … Read more...
Walking In Nature — A Basic Tool For Creative Multitasking
Author Julia Cameron points out that one of the most valuable tools for creativity is one of the simplest — walking.
When she wrote THE ARTIST’S WAY she didn’t address exercise until week 12 in the program. In IT’S NEVER … Read more...
Words: “The Field Of All Possibilities…”
When all the stars align in our favor, we tend to feel a sense of self-satisfaction that the universe has fallen into place for us. But instead, maybe we should feel a sense of humbling recognition that among the field … Read more...
Words To Live By: “Nature Brings Solace In All Troubles”
Within her diary, first published as THE SECRET ANNEX and later published as THE DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL, Anne Frank expresses her belief in the healing power of nature — “amidst the simple beauty of nature…will always be comfort … Read more...
Words: “Where Human Beings Grow Human Souls …”
Where do we find our courage, our strength, our resiliency, our compassion…
Ursula K. Le Guin explained in her Mills College Commencement address, 1983 (excerpt):
… Read more...“Because you are human beings you are going to meet failure. You are going to
Words: “The Bastard Muses … Propaganda, Sentimentality, and Pornography”
In the age of social media when we are overwhelmed by too much information and too many ultra compelling stories from questionable sources with untold or dubious purposes, it’s helpful to remember Cleanth Brooks’ warning about the “Bastard Muses ” … Read more...
Reclaiming Creativity
Creativity is how we reframe and redefine our world. It is how we express our joys, fears, interests, hates, passions, frustrations… It is how we feed our curiosity, learning, understanding, artistry, craftsmanship, resiliency, social connections… It is a profound part … Read more...
Words: T.S. Elliot “…When We Do Not Know Enough…”
We can never know everything. But, when we do not know …when we have moments of doubt or confusion …or when we simply do not know enough —
Do we ignore the unknown? Or, do we pause to wonder?
Do … Read more...
Words: “I Am Not Simply A Story-teller …”
One of my goals in starting BELOW THE SALT NEWS was to explore the power and possibilities of stories and storytellers to create change.
Whether the story is based in fact or fantasy; whether it is told through art, invention, … Read more...
Words: “Ingredients For Your Cognitive Salad”
Some Jason Silva inspiration for your day.
When asked “Can we harness the secrets of ‘Getting In The Zone?’ Can we ‘Hack Our Flow State?'”, Jason Silva says — Yes!
… Read more...“I have found that the best way is to take
Words To Live By: “It’s A Beautiful Glass”
Wanting to understand “What is it that makes us human?” filmmaker and artist Yann Arthus-Bertrand collected images and stories from 2,000 women and men in 60 countries about love, work, poverty, death, war… for his film HUMAN. In this … Read more...
Words: “I design, therefore I become.”
Jason Silva’s DO WE HAVE FREE WILL video (below), part of his SHOTS OF AWE web series, is an excellent reminder of how everything and everyone around us forms our consciousness. Love it!
… Read more..."Consciousness is a co-production, Consciousness is a
Words: “Do Worthwhile Work”
Its human nature to want ‘what we do’ to be valued and to want to be valued for what we do …
But, since everything we do actually builds platforms for future actions by ourselves and others, we can’t settle … Read more...
Words: “Forgiveness Is An Act Of Creation…”
… Read more...“Forgiveness is an act of creation. You can choose from many ways to do it. You can forgive for now, forgive till then, forgive till the next time, forgive but give no more chances it’s a whole new game if
Quotable You: “Not All Were Sprinkled With Happiness…”
A dear friend has a favorite saying she shares as needed. Words of wisdom told to her by a boss early in her work life. Since she had her 99th birthday a few months back, one can assume she knows what she is talking … Read more...
Words: “…The Gulf Between Practice and Profession …”
“One of the great tragedies of life
is that men seldom bridge the gulf
between practice and profession,
between doing and saying.
A persistent schizophrenia
leaves so many of us
tragically divided against ourselves.
On the one hand,
we proudly … Read more... 
Words: “The Test Of A First-rate Intelligence “
… Read more...The test of a first-rate intelligenceis the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless and
Words: “…Culture Is The Family Of The Family…”
Culture is an important dynamic in our communities and in life. It can be a source of nourishment, protection and guidance. It also can help us grow strong, loving and courageous. When culture is based in fear, anger and revenge, … Read more...
Words: “Impartial Justice Consists Not In Being Neutral …”
Impartial justice consists not …
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“As for neutrality, it is well to remember that it is never moral, and may be a particularly mean and hideous form of immorality…
It is a wicked thing to be neutral between right and