We provide a supportive environment where patients receive treatments tailored to their evolving needs. Our holistic approach addresses not only physical concerns but also emotional and spiritual well-being, fostering self-confidence and resilience. By prioritizing patient education and collaborative care, we empower individuals to make informed decisions and cultivate a balanced, thriving lifestyle.
One of the greatest needs today is a shift from reactive to preventive care. Many individuals seek quick fixes without addressing the underlying causes of their concerns. Thrivelab Longevity meets this challenge by offering proactive, integrative solutions that focus on prevention, optimization, and long-term wellness. Through cutting-edge treatments and personalized care, we guide patients toward sustainable health and vitality, redefining what it means to age well.
ADDRESSING THE CAUSES OF AND TREATING TECH NECK
In today’s digital and mobile world, people rely heavily on technology for work, entertainment and communication. However, one unintended consequence of increasing screen time is a condition known as “tech neck” or “text neck.” As a pain management specialist, I have seen a marked increase in this condition over the years, and how it is affecting people of all ages.
Tech neck is a modern musculoskeletal condition that results from the strain placed on the neck, shoulders and upper back due to prolonged use of electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers. It refers to the misalignment and strain caused by the forward head posture that people often adopt when looking at their screens for extended periods. Over time, this poor posture leads to chronic pain, stiffness and discomfort in the neck and upper back.
The term “tech neck” or “text neck” is often used interchangeably, though text neck specifically refers to the posture people adopt while looking down at their phones. Regardless of the term used, the result is the same: a strain on the neck and surrounding muscles that leads to significant pain and discomfort if left unchecked.
The early signs of tech neck often begin as mild discomfort but, if left unaddressed, quickly escalates into chronic pain. Symptoms include the following: neck pain or stiffness; pain across the shoulders; headaches; numbness or tingling; and reduced mobility.
When people lean forward or slouch while using their devices, the weight of the head is unsupported. This position increases the strain on the muscles and ligaments in the neck and upper back, leading to pain and discomfort over time.
With the widespread use of smartphones, tablets and laptops it is clear that people are spending more time than ever in front of screens. According to recent studies, the average person spends over six hours a day on a digital device, which significantly increases the risk of developing tech neck. Additionally, remote work and virtual learning, both of which became more common during the COVID-19 pandemic, have contributed to longer periods of screen time, further exacerbating the condition.
Children and teens are particularly susceptible to tech neck. With the rise of smartphones, tablets and laptops, younger generations are spending increasing amounts of time on these devices.
This poses a significant concern, as their bodies are still developing. Poor posture at a young age can lead to long-term musculoskeletal problems, including tech neck. Children and teens are also not as aware of the importance of taking breaks or maintaining good posture while using technology, which increases their risk of developing tech neck at an early age.
Certain careers and jobs are more susceptible to tech neck and contribute to lower back pain. Professions that involve long hours of sitting at a desk, working on a computer or using a smartphone are particularly problematic. Some of these careers include: office workers or people with “desk jobs;” drivers; healthcare professionals; and teachers, and police officers.
Additionally, individuals who frequently look down at their smartphones while commuting or during breaks also risk exacerbating tech neck and developing lower back pain.
The good news is that tech neck is preventable with some conscious changes to posture, device usage and lifestyle. In order to reduce risk, individuals should: maintain good posture; take breaks every 15 to 20 minutes; set up an ergonomic workstation; and avoid prolonged device use.
If left untreated, tech neck can lead to several serious issues, including:
Chronic neck pain: Ongoing strain can lead to persistent discomfort requiring medical intervention.
Cervical spine problems: Prolonged misalignment can cause herniated discs, nerve compression or degeneration of the cervical spine.
Poor posture: Tech neck is a contributor to long-term postural imbalances, leading to additional musculoskeletal problems, including shoulder pain and kyphosis (a rounded upper back).
Headaches: Tension headaches become more frequent and severe as a result of muscle tightness and poor posture.
Treatment for tech neck typically involves a combination of self-care strategies, physical therapy, and professional interventions. Here are some effective prevention tips:
Stretching and strengthening exercises: Regularly stretching the neck, shoulders and upper back relieves tension. Strengthening exercises for the core and back muscles also improves posture and reduce strain.
Physical therapy: A physical therapist will design a personalized program to address postural imbalances and provide specific exercises to relieve pain and prevent further injury.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: Am osteopathic physician that uses a hands-on approach to treat mechanical pain using various techniques
Chiropractic care: Chiropractors help realign the spine and provide manual therapy to alleviate pain and improve posture.
Massage therapy: Therapeutic massage helps relax tight muscles and reduce pain associated with tech neck.
Tech neck is a growing concern in our digital age, affecting people of all ages and occupations. However, with awareness, prevention and early intervention, it is possible to reduce the risk and manage the condition effectively. People who experience pain related to the symptoms of tech neck should seek professional advice from their doctor or a pain management specialist.
By Dr. Bestin Kuriakose, New York Spine Institute
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dr. Bestin Kuriakose is an interventional spine and pain management physician at New York Spine Institute. He specializes in minimally invasive procedures and innovative treatment modalities aimed at improving patient outcomes and quality of life. His clinical expertise lies in the management of musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pain, and neurological conditions, where he offers comprehensive care and specialized therapeutic interventions.
IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO ADOPT BRAIN-HEALTHY HABITS: Debunking Common Myths about Alzheimer's
Almost 7 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s. Although I have a family history and a copy of the ApoE4 gene, I no longer fear getting Alzheimer’s. New research reveals that nearly half of dementia cases (and Alzheimer’s, the most common cause of dementia) could be prevented by adopting healthy habits.
In this article, we'll debunk common myths about Alzheimer's and explore actionable steps to protect our brain health.
DEBUNKING COMMON MYTHS
Myth #1: If I forget why I walked into a room, I may have the start of Alzheimer’s.
Fact: Occasional forgetfulness is normal and generally linked to factors like stress, lack of sleep, or distraction—not necessarily Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer's involves persistent memory loss and cognitive decline that disrupts daily life, such as difficulty remembering recent events, confusion with time and place, or trouble following familiar tasks.
Myth #2: Alzheimer's is an inevitable part of aging.
Fact: Alzheimer's risk increases with age, but new research reports that up to 45% of dementia cases can be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors like inactivity, smoking, hearing loss, and unmanaged conditions such as hypertension and high LDL cholesterol, which are also common risk factors for heart disease. Simple lifestyle changes—regular exercise, a balanced diet, social engagement, and quality sleep—can significantly lower risk. These habits also contribute to cardiovascular health; what's good for the heart is often good for the brain.
After my mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis 18 years ago, I began adopting brain-healthy habits like eating more nutrient-dense, whole plant-based foods, getting quality sleep, managing stress through deep breathing and mindfulness meditation, and playing more tennis and pickleball for their physical, social, and cognitive benefits. I continue updating my routine as new research emerges.
Myth #3: Alzheimer's starts to develop in the brain only shortly before symptoms become noticeable.
Fact: Researchers now believe Alzheimer’s starts to develop in the brain decades before clinical symptoms of memory loss and cognitive decline are noticeable. This long, preclinical phase of Alzheimer’s lurking under the surface provides more opportunity for treatment interventions. It’s never too early to start Alzheimer’s prevention habits.
Myth #4. Getting by with 5-6 hours of sleep per night is sufficient.
Fact: Research recommends 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night, as it aids memory consolidation and toxin removal, and supports neuroplasticity and hormone regulation. Factors like stress, late meals, working in bed, and excessive blue light can interfere with sleep quality.
If experiencing daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, or frequent waking, consider an assessment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). About 10% of U.S. adults have mild OSA, and up to 5% have moderate to severe forms. I used to snore until I started using a CPAP, which improved sleep for both my husband and me.
Myth #5: All brain apps and games are effective cognitive training.
Fact: Building "cognitive reserve"—the brain's ability to adapt and resist damage—can help delay and reduce Alzheimer's symptoms. While the brain can form new pathways throughout life (neuroplasticity), not all mental exercises have lasting benefits. Games like crosswords or brain apps may improve short-term skills but don’t always enhance long-term cognitive health. For effective training, prioritize novelty and variety with critical thinking activities such as learning a language, picking up an instrument, traveling to new places, or reading diverse genres.
Myth #6. Everyone should get genetically tested for the ApoE4 gene.
Fact: ApoE4 is one of the strongest and most studied genetic risk factor genes for late-onset Alzheimer’s, affecting about 25% of people with one copy of the gene (like me). However, genetic testing for this gene is generally not recommended for most, unless part of a medical assessment or research study with a genetic counselor. While I personally tested for it with a preventive neurologist and was mentally prepared for the news, testing can cause emotional distress, potentially increasing Alzheimer’s risk. Possessing the ApoE4 gene variant may also lead to higher life or long-term care insurance premiums based on current laws.
Myth #7. No one in my family has had Alzheimer’s, so I’m not at risk.
Fact: Researchers estimate that about half of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s do NOT have an ApoE4 gene. So, really, anyone with a brain is at risk for getting Alzheimer’s.
CONTROL WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL
Learning about Alzheimer’s and focusing on what I can control eased my fear of developing it. Consider these steps to reduce your risk and improve your health now:
—Educate yourself: Understand your risk factors and discuss prevention with your doctor.
—Take action: Make lifestyle changes that support both brain and heart health.
—Engage your community: Encourage friends and family to adopt brain-healthy habits. As in Okinawa, Japan, cultural norms around health make it easier to make good choices.
—Advocate for research: Support funding for both prevention and treatment research to tackle Alzheimer's effectively.
By dispelling misconceptions and empowering ourselves with healthy habits, we can significantly reduce our risk of Alzheimer's and support those affected. Remember, small changes today can lead to a healthier, brighter future.
Dr. Kris Lonsway is an Organizational Psychologist and an active member of the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter Research Committee, Community Memorial Foundation board, and a Regional Health and Human Services Agenda Council to measurably improve health and mental wellness, access to healthcare, and non-profit capacity in the western suburbs of Chicago. She leads a health and wellness non-profit in the Chicago western suburbs educating the community on healthier lifestyle choices that lower the risk of Alzheimer's and other chronic diseases. Visit https://krislonsway.com/ to learn more.
HOW DOES YOUR NATAL CHART REVEAL YOUR TRUE SELF?
Have you finally started your journey to understand yourself? What if all the answers you have been looking for were among the stars? A natal chart is a cosmic map that helps you to gain insights about your true personality and emotional needs.
Many people need clarification on horoscopes and natal charts. Horoscopes are used for daily life but natal charts reveal information based on the position of planets when you were born.
AstroClub is a platform that makes getting information about astrology and birth charts easy. To learn more, explore your natal chart with AstroClub.
What is a Natal Chart?
A natal chart is also known as the birth chart. It is basically like a screenshot of the sky at the exact moment when you were born. This chart shows the position of the Sun, Moon, planets, and celestial points. All of these are within the twelve zodiac signs and twelve houses.
Every element in your natal chart reveals much information about your personality, individuality, habits, strengths, and weaknesses. A natal chart is beneficial to find out what path you should take in your life.
How Does The Position of The Sun, Moon, and Ascendant Shape Your Core Identity?
Following are the three critical elements of a natal chart:
— The Sun
— The Moon
— The Ascendant (Rising Sign)
These three elements support each other and help you discover your true identity and gain a bigger perspective towards your life. Here is how they create a blueprint of personality and self-expression:
The Sun
Many people associate the Sun with their celestial identity. It represents the characteristics that define your true individuality and ambitions in life. The Sun is like a force behind all your passions and how you perceive the world.
AstroClub is the solution because it makes it easy to learn about your Sun sign. This platform helps you understand how your Sun sign impacts your life goals. Don't worry, though. There are no complex charts. Everything is personalized and clear. Here is an example of what it looks like:
● If your Sun is in Virgo, it shows that you value accuracy and practicality in life.
● If your Sun is in Leo, then it shows you love self-expression, and you are a creative person.
The Moon
Knowing your Moon sign helps you navigate relationships and cope with life’s emotional ebbs and flows.
The Moon tells you about your internal world and how you are feeling on the inside. It is all about understanding your emotional needs and the needs which you think about in your subconscious mind but don’t speak about them aloud.
Understanding your moon sign helps you to identify what changes you need to make in your life to feel emotionally secure. Here is an example of what it looks like:
● Having an Aquarius Moon shows you need independence and intellectual stimulation in your life.
● Having a Cancer Moon suggests that you need a strong connection to family.
The Ascendant (Rising Sign)
The Ascendant shows how you show yourself to the world. It also shows how you start new life experiences and tells a lot about a person’s personality.
Here is what it looks like:
● A Libra Rising shows balance and charm.
● An Aries Rising shows someone is bold and has a go-getter personality.
Time to Discover Your True Self With AstroClub…
Do not let your true self remain a mystery forever. Learn about yourself and it is easy with AstroClub. With AstroClub, you can get to know about your personality traits and relationships in detail.
Start your journey today and get the wisdom that you have always wanted! The cosmos is available at your fingertips now.
GEARING UP FOR SAFETY TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST AFFF CONTAMINATION ON THE JOB
Firefighters are the first line of defense against blazes, but their bravery can come at a cost. Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), once hailed as a lifesaver, has now been linked to serious health concerns. Exposure to AFFF, which contains harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals, poses significant health risks.
Understanding these risks is crucial for firefighters to protect themselves. In this article, we’ll provide essential knowledge and strategies for minimizing AFFF contamination on the job. Firefighters can reduce their exposure and safeguard their health while performing their duties by following these guidelines.
Understanding the Risks of AFFF Exposure
NIH notes that firefighters are at a higher risk of exposure to AFFF due to direct contact during training exercises and firefighting operations.
While the exact health effects are still under investigation, studies suggest potential links to various cancers and illnesses. This includes things such as testicular and kidney cancer, immune system issues, thyroid problems, and even decreased birth weight in children of exposed firefighters.
Understanding the specific health risks associated with AFFF exposure allows firefighters to take proactive measures to protect themselves. Additionally, staying informed about ongoing research into the health effects of AFFF exposure can help firefighters make informed decisions about their safety.
Legal Options for Firefighters
The potential health risks of AFFF exposure have sparked a wave of lawsuits from firefighters against AFFF manufacturers. The AFFF foam lawsuit alleges that manufacturers knew or should have known about the dangers of AFFF but failed to warn firefighters.
The Lawsuit Information Center notes that the number of active AFFF lawsuits increased significantly, from 8,270 to 9,198 in June 2024. One of the latest claims involves a Caneyville, Kentucky citizen. This individual claims to have had serious physical ailments, including thyroid dysfunction, as a result of AFFF exposure.
If you have been diagnosed with a health condition potentially linked to AFFF exposure, consulting with a personal injury attorney may be an option. According to TorHoerman Law, these attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and potentially seek compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.
Protective Measures During Training
Training exercises are crucial for firefighter preparedness, but they also involve AFFF use. EPA highlights that firefighters should prioritize using full personal protective equipment (PPE) during training, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), turnout gear, and gloves.
Additionally, minimize skin contact with AFFF by avoiding unnecessary contact with contaminated surfaces and showering thoroughly after training exercises. Look for training facilities that utilize designated decontamination zones after AFFF use to further minimize exposure risks. Firefighter unions and advocacy groups can also play a role in pushing for stricter safety protocols during AFFF training exercises.
Long-Term Monitoring and Early Detection
Due to the potential for long-term health effects, regular medical monitoring is crucial for firefighters exposed to AFFF. CNN points out that over 98% of Americans have PFAS in their blood, which is concerning.
Therefore, it is recommended to work with your healthcare provider and schedule regular checkups, including blood tests, to monitor for PFAS levels.
Early detection of any potential health issues linked to AFFF exposure can improve treatment outcomes. Be sure to disclose your AFFF exposure history to your doctor during checkups to ensure they can take this factor into account. Open communication with your doctor is essential for monitoring your health and ensuring early intervention if any AFFF-related health problems arise.
Minimizing Contamination During Firefighting Operations
Fire scene management plays a vital role in minimizing AFFF contamination. Whenever possible, utilize ventilation strategies to disperse AFFF vapors away from firefighters.
This can involve opening windows, using positive pressure ventilation (PPV) fans, and strategically placing exhaust vents. When deploying AFFF, prioritize using the minimum amount necessary to extinguish the fire.
Furthermore, advocate for the use of safer firefighting foam alternatives when available. Some fire departments are exploring fluorine-free foams as a safer alternative. Staying updated on the development and testing of safer firefighting foams can empower firefighters to advocate for their inclusion in fire department protocols.
— FAQs —
What is AFFF, and where is it likely to be used?
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is mostly used to put out dangerous liquid flames like those that include gasoline or jet fuel. It is commonly employed at airports, military bases, and industrial sites. AFFF is valued for its ability to rapidly smother and cool fires.
What happens if you are exposed to AFFF?
Exposure to AFFF can lead to various health issues due to the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals can accumulate in the body and are linked to adverse health effects, including liver damage and immune system disruption. Long-term exposure may increase the risk of developing serious conditions.
What cancers are related to the AFFF lawsuit?
The AFFF lawsuit links exposure to the foam's PFAS chemicals with several types of cancer. These include kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Plaintiffs claim that prolonged exposure to AFFF has significantly increased their risk of developing these cancers.
While AFFF is a useful firefighting tool, its health risks necessitate a multi-pronged approach to firefighter safety. Firefighters should prioritize PPE use, advocate for stricter training protocols, and seek regular medical monitoring. Early detection of potential health problems is key.
Fire departments should explore safer foam alternatives and implement ventilation strategies to minimize AFFF vapor inhalation. Firefighters can mitigate AFFF contamination and safeguard their health by acknowledging the risks and taking proactive measures.
THE ART OF FLOW AND THE COSMIC DANCE OF LIFE
A deeply inspiring and insightful passage from the book “TaoTuning: The Art of Flow” by Adrian Emery
— TaoTuning is both an art and a science. It requires understanding, patience, and practice. We need to understand the component steps. We need to adopt the correct attitude: be in the right place. We need to be on our wave. We need to be listening to the inner law of our being which means we need to have quietened the noise of the restless ego. We need to be strong, resolute, and firm. We need to know precisely where we are going. And finally, but probably most importantly we need to be patient!
To put all this together we need to return to the beginning: to our original question of the meaning of life – why we are here. Any philosophy of life must help us to answer this question – it must create order and make sense of the world. It must assist in the development of a more intelligent and pragmatic worldview. It is our hypothesis that the current religions do not do this, that they actually mislead us into an erroneous and destructive worldview that is limited and past its use-by date. The old religions no longer serve humanity, and the current perilous state of the planet can be directly attributed to these outmoded concepts that have not kept pace with humanity’s evolution.
The world we live in today is diametrically opposed and completely different to that of yesteryear: the tremendous advances in technology - smartphones, the world wide web, social media, disruptive technology, self-driving cars, air travel, and so on have delivered us into a completely different world. Yet our predominant metaphysical worldview has not changed!
We thus live in a fundamentally disassociated and divided psychological state that is breeding anxiety, confusion, and mayhem. We desperately need a new philosophy of life that is in keeping with this new world that we live in and we have argued that the ancient concepts of Taoism provide a more accurate philosophy or worldview than traditional Western religion. To be clear, we are not advocating a complete acceptance of Taoism but merely postulating that it presents a better starting point than any other philosophy to create this much-needed new spirituality.
Taoism is not the answer, but it does provide a firm footing or foundation upon which we can build a new worldview or philosophy of life that is more mature, intelligent, and relevant to today. There is still much work to be done.
Fritjof Capra in his masterful work, The Tao of Physics, makes this same point of the correlation and convergence between the discoveries of modern science, particularly quantum physics, and the teachings of Taoism. Capra explains that the word physics comes from the Greek word, physis, meaning the observation of or seeing the essential nature of all things. Thus, physics is the study of the nature of reality.
Western humanity has lost this ability to enter into direct and immediate contact with reality precisely because he/she is locked within the egoic shell of separation. The overriding distinguishing feature of this intuitive perception is the appreciation of the Oneness of creation! Nuclear physics has proven that we cannot separate the observer from the observed and that, ultimately, the universe is an extremely complex interconnected, and dynamic whole that can only be understood from the perspective of continuous flow and change and where we simply cannot measure or observe any part without understanding its connection to the whole.
Just as we all now live within the interconnectivity of the World Wide Web, so too, the nature of reality is an interconnected whole of cosmic processes and patterns of probability: the cosmic dance of life! There are no discrete absolutes. There are no indivisible pieces. There is no fundamental structure. Moreover, all observation is intimately linked to that process of observation – there is no objective, outside, clinical, and therefore accurate scientific method! All we can do is arrive at approximations of patterns, and probabilities of occurrences.
The mystic does not seek to divorce himself or herself from reality. On the contrary, the goal is to BeCome One with that reality in deep and direct meditation, where all separation ceases and the observer and the observed are fused in another of these yin/yang continuums called the Infinity of Being. We are a part of and one with the universe. There is no egoic shell of separation. The thinking rational mind ceases to exist and there is only the immediate here and now. No other. No past and no future. Time and space collapse into the Unified Field.
The ultimate goal of meditation and all mysticism is this union with the beloved, the Logos, the universe, the creator, God, or the Tao. Call it what you will it does not matter. At that point there are no words, for the left brain of logic and language ceases to exist. One enters the holistic world of the intuition of immediate perception and integrated understanding. One has only to read the works of Krishnamurti and other mystics to glean the rapture of this reality.
Taoism, along with many other ancient worldviews, eloquently describes this new world of quantum physics where there is no absolute reality but rather the dialectic dance of dualism. This represents a quantum shift in thinking: a new paradigm where the relationship between the part and the whole fundamentally changes to one of process rather than structure. The I Ching or Book of Changes, which is the fundamental text of Taoism and is over 5,000 years old, still represents the most accurate depiction of this process and is totally congruent with the most modern of scientific discoveries.
Quantum physics tells us that we live within a world of processes, of probability patterns, of waves of energy. We live within a sea of consciousness. We have been looking in the wrong direction seeking the certainty of a structure that simply does not exist. It is time to turn around and accept the error of our past thinking and adopt a new worldview based on this new understanding. Not one based on mythology or mysticism, but one based on the actuality of the scientific method.
The beauty of this worldview is that it totally validates the zone of flow and peak experience.
Read more…
BALBOA MARKET'S DIVERSE OFFERINGS: CATERING TO SAN DIEGO'S MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY
San Diego, a city known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant cultural scene, is also home to a rich tapestry of ethnic communities. Each community brings its unique flavors, traditions, and culinary practices, creating a melting pot of cultures. In the heart of this diverse city lies Balboa International Market, a haven for those seeking the tastes and aromas of their homelands. Founded by Javid Javdani, Balboa Market is not just a grocery store; it’s a cultural hub that caters to San Diego's multicultural community by offering an extensive array of international foods.
A Visionary's Dream
Javid Javdani's journey from a pharmacist to the owner of a thriving international market is a story of passion, vision, and dedication. With a background in pharmacy, Javdani understands the importance of quality and precision, principles he has seamlessly integrated into the operations at Balboa Market. His vision was to create a place where people from different backgrounds could find the ingredients they grew up with, bridging the gap between their past and present through food.
A Global Pantry
Walking into Balboa Market is like embarking on a culinary journey around the world. The market boasts an impressive selection of products from Europe, the Middle East, Russia, India, Turkey, and beyond. Each aisle is filled with the unique flavors and ingredients that define these regions, making it a one-stop-shop for international cuisine enthusiasts.
One of the key attractions of Balboa Market is its fresh produce section, which offers a variety of fruits and vegetables that are not commonly found in conventional grocery stores. From exotic spices and grains to rare vegetables and fruits, the market ensures that customers can find authentic ingredients to recreate their favorite dishes from home.
Serving a Diverse Community
San Diego’s multicultural community is reflected in the diverse offerings at Balboa Market. The store caters to a wide range of dietary preferences and cultural traditions, including Halal and Kosher products. This inclusivity makes Balboa Market a preferred destination for many residents who seek not only quality but also the authenticity of the products they buy.
For instance, the market’s Halal section is particularly popular among Muslim customers who adhere to dietary laws. By providing a variety of Halal meats, dairy products, and packaged foods, Balboa Market ensures that these customers have access to high-quality, ethically sourced products that meet their dietary requirements.
Similarly, the market's selection of Kosher products caters to the Jewish community, offering everything from Kosher meats to baked goods. This commitment to serving diverse dietary needs is a testament to Javdani's dedication to inclusivity and respect for all cultures.
Fostering Community Through Food
Balboa Market is more than just a place to shop; it’s a community hub where people from different backgrounds come together. The market frequently hosts cultural events, cooking demonstrations, and food festivals that celebrate the rich diversity of San Diego’s population. These events provide an opportunity for customers to learn about different cultures, try new foods, and connect with others who share a love for international cuisine.
One of the most popular events is the market’s annual food festival, which features a wide array of dishes from around the world. Local chefs and home cooks showcase their culinary skills, offering samples of traditional recipes and sharing the stories behind them. These events not only promote cultural exchange but also foster a sense of belonging and community among attendees.
Educational Initiatives
Javid Javdani’s commitment to the community extends beyond providing quality products. He believes in the power of education and actively promotes nutritional awareness and healthy eating habits. Balboa Market offers a variety of educational initiatives aimed at helping customers make informed choices about their diets.
Cooking classes are a staple at Balboa Market, where customers can learn how to prepare traditional dishes from different cultures. These classes are led by experienced chefs and culinary experts who share their knowledge and passion for cooking. Participants not only learn new recipes but also gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of the dishes they prepare.
Additionally, the market hosts nutrition workshops that focus on the health benefits of various foods. These workshops cover topics such as balanced diets, the importance of fresh produce, and how to incorporate more whole foods into daily meals. By empowering customers with knowledge, Balboa Market helps them lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Quality and Sustainability
Quality is at the heart of everything Balboa Market does. Javid Javdani's background in pharmacy instilled in him a deep appreciation for precision and excellence, which is evident in the market's operations. Every product on the shelves at Balboa Market is carefully selected to ensure it meets the highest standards of quality and freshness.
Sustainability is another core value at Balboa Market. The market prioritizes products that are ethically sourced and environmentally friendly. This includes supporting local farmers and suppliers who use sustainable practices, as well as offering organic and non-GMO products. By promoting sustainability, Balboa Market contributes to the well-being of the planet and the community it serves.
A Bright Future
Looking ahead, Javid Javdani has ambitious plans for Balboa Market. He aims to expand the market’s product offerings even further, introducing more international foods and specialty items. Javdani also envisions opening additional locations to serve other areas of San Diego, bringing the flavors of the world to even more people.
In addition to expansion, Javdani is committed to enhancing the market’s educational programs and community events. He believes that food has the power to bring people together and foster understanding and appreciation among different cultures. By continuing to promote cultural exchange and nutritional education, Balboa Market will remain a beloved institution in San Diego.
Balboa International Market is a shining example of how a business can reflect and serve the diverse needs of its community. Under the leadership of Javid Javdani, the market has become a cherished destination for those seeking high-quality international foods and a connection to their cultural roots. With its commitment to inclusivity, quality, and community engagement, Balboa Market is more than just a grocery store; it’s a celebration of the rich tapestry of cultures that make up San Diego.
THE DOOR OF POSSIBILITIES — Guided Imagery
This is a passage from a delightful book that shares timeless wisdom: “Envision Your Extraordinary Life: Living Happy, Joyous, and Free” by Linda Hogan
— Take a deep breath and allow yourself to relax. Take another deep breath and allow yourself to relax. Another breath and you become more and more relaxed. Allow yourself to be as you are. There is no right or wrong way to be. Today, we are going on a sacred journey. Take a deep breath, breathing in joy and light. Release any remaining negative emotions. Center yourself in the power, love, and wisdom of God. Sink down deeply to your center, your soul. Know that you are a whole spiritual being filled with love and light. Trust the process.
You are outside in the sunlight, following a path. Feel the sun at the top of your head and allow it to warm you. Notice a gently rolling hill with wide steps along the path. There are 10 steps and you are on the top, the tenth. With each step, you will become more and more relaxed. 9, 8, you go deeper and more relaxed, and your arms are feeling very heavy. 7, 6, allow your neck and face to relax, on the next step—5, your back and abdomen become more relaxed, 3, your legs feel heavy and deeply relaxed, 2, 1, you are alert yet relaxed, and you are open to possibilities ...
You continue along the path and notice a waterfall. It is a hot day, so you walk behind it, feeling the refreshing spray. The water washes over you, washing away all limitations, rinsing away all doubt, anger, fear of lack. All negativity simply dissolves ... Release anything else you no longer need ... You feel renewed and experience a new sense of possibility, wonder, abundance, love, and forgiveness.
Continue along the path feeling the golden sunshine drying you, warming you, healing you. The path bends and you continue to follow. See a door. This is the door of possibilities, possibilities for your future. Open the door and walk in. Your heart opens and love shines all around you. The deepest longing of your heart has been fulfilled. It is now five years in the future, and you see how many of your dreams have been realized. You have been renewed and have an extraordinary life filled with joy. You embrace your wholeness and see abundance everywhere. See your relationships with your loved ones and some of the connections you have made...
You are loveable and see the highest in everyone you meet. See your friends and some of the things you have enjoyed together.
See one goal you feel especially good about completing ... See the abundance in your life’s work ... Experience the positive emotions of fulfillment, gratitude, and so on ... Notice the things you have been able to do or buy due to your financial success ...
Your health and fitness have been much improved ... You move fluidly, lightly, gracefully, wearing life like a loose garment ... See yourself and feel how it feels to be fit and strong ...
Spiritually, you have grown ... Notice what that looks and feels like...
Emotionally, you have grown ... Experience how that feels ...
Mentally, you have learned much...Take stock of those things you have learned ... You have developed more healthy habits ... See yourself go about your ideal day ... will pause and let you envision your day from the time you wake up ... Your morning ...
Your afternoon ... Your evening .... Imagine your day in vivid color and strong positive emotions. Envision yourself happy, joyous, and free ... Take some moments to thoroughly enjoy this day.
Take a moment to review all the positive things from this mediation and know that it has already happened. Express gratitude for all you are welcoming into your life. Allow any thoughts, feelings, or pictures to emerge ... Whatever you experience is right for you.
Know that you can return to this space anytime. When you are ready, it is time to return to the room. Let’s follow the path back to the stairs. Imagine climbing up the steps to the here and now. 1, 2, 3, become more alert, 4, 5, 6, hear my voice, feel the chair ... 7, 8, 9 ... wiggle your fingers and toes, 10, gently and gradually open your eyes…
EMPOWERING WOMEN: OVERCOMING DAILY CHALLENGES AND ENHANCING WELL-BEING
Our daily lives are often filled with challenges and stressors. For women, these challenges often multiply as they try to balance professional responsibilities with the demands of home and family. This ongoing balancing act can significantly impact overall well-being and quality of life. However, adopting specific strategies can help women not only overcome these daily challenges but also enhance their overall wellness. Here are some tips for pushing past difficulty and achieving greater well-being courtesy of this article hosted by fitforjoy.org.
Embracing Adversity as an Opportunity for Growth
Life’s adversities and challenges should not always be seen as obstacles. A different perspective can transform them into opportunities for personal and professional growth. This shift in mindset involves fostering resilience and adaptability, allowing women to rise above the adversities they face. This reframing can significantly impact how women perceive and manage difficult situations, changing them from hurdles to stepping stones toward success.
Start a Business
Starting an LLC can be a powerful step toward empowerment for women. Owning a business provides economic independence, allowing women to have control over their financial future. It enables them to bring their unique ideas and perspectives to the market, fostering innovation and contributing to economic diversity. As business owners, women can create inclusive work environments and promote gender equality in the workplace. Running an LLC can develop leadership skills and confidence, inspiring other women to break barriers and pursue entrepreneurship.
Market Your New Business
If you do decide to start your own business, you'll need a great marketing strategy. For startups operating on a tight budget, navigating cost-effective approaches is key, and leveraging online tools can be a game-changer. Rather than investing in pricey logo design services, creating a useful text logo is easy if you utilize an online logo maker that allows you to craft a captivating and distinctive image. With diverse styles, icons, and customizable text options, these platforms offer a range of designs, empowering you to tailor the logo to your brand identity. By utilizing these accessible resources, you can create a visually appealing logo that resonates with your audience without straining your startup's finances, setting the stage for a strong brand presence in the market.
Seeking Professional Mentorship
The professional world can be a complex maze to navigate. The presence of a mentor can serve as a guiding light, offering support and insights that smooth out the journey. A mentor can offer advice from their own experiences, provide constructive criticism, and share their professional network, enabling women to overcome workplace challenges and boost their careers. Importantly, a good mentorship relationship can result in a mutual exchange of ideas and growth, benefiting both parties involved.
Finding Calm Through Nature-Based Stress Relief
Incorporating plants into your routine can significantly reduce stress and improve mood. Gardening offers a unique blend of physical activity, mental engagement, and a connection to nature. Planting flowers, vegetables, or herbs provides a sense of accomplishment and serves as a peaceful retreat from daily stresses. The act of nurturing plants and watching them grow can instill a sense of purpose and mindfulness, and having the right tools can enhance the experience. Houseplants, on the other hand, contribute to a healthier living environment by improving air quality and absorbing toxins. Caring for houseplants encourages mindfulness and promotes a routine, both of which are beneficial for mental health. Studies have shown that interacting with indoor plants can lower physiological and psychological stress, enhancing overall well-being.
Make Your Fitness a Priority
Establishing and sustaining a fitness routine serves as a potent tool for conquering daily challenges and elevating your overall wellness. Engaging in a consistent exercise regimen not only enhances physical health but also fortifies your mental resilience. For example, outdoor activities like hiking, running, or cycling provide a refreshing and invigorating way to stay active while enjoying nature. Home workouts, utilizing online resources or fitness apps, offer the convenience of exercising at your own pace and schedule. Participating in community sports leagues or recreational classes can also be a great way to stay motivated and build a sense of camaraderie. By committing to a routine that suits your lifestyle, you’ll not only build physical strength but also cultivate mental endurance, equipping yourself to better navigate life's hurdles with increased energy, focus, and overall well-being.
Building a Balanced Schedule
Maintaining an equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal pursuits is essential for comprehensive well-being. Women, in particular, can create a healthy work-life balance by diligently organizing their time, setting realistic objectives, and making sure that both their personal and professional spheres are given equal focus. Including downtime, hobbies, and self-care activities into their routine not only helps to stave off burnout but also fosters an all-encompassing sense of wellness.
Managing Screen Time
As we navigate through an ever-evolving digital landscape, interaction with screens has become a substantial component of our daily routines. Nevertheless, overindulgence in screen time can have detrimental effects on both our physical and mental well-being. Women can counter these harmful effects and promote a more balanced lifestyle by consciously cutting down on screen exposure and placing greater emphasis on participative, non-digital activities. Furthermore, this deliberate shift toward offline engagement can also enhance interpersonal relationships and improve overall quality of life.
Incorporating Regular Breaks
Taking consistent breaks is crucial for sustaining efficiency and holistic health. Integrating brief pauses into the daily grind, be it for a brisk stroll, a moment of mindfulness, or simply savoring a cup of tea, can serve to refresh both mind and body, thereby boosting productivity and mitigating stress. Moreover, these regular intervals of respite can foster a better work-life balance, contributing to improved job satisfaction and overall happiness.
Fostering a Gratitude Practice
Cultivating a mindset of thankfulness is a helpful strategy for boosting personal wellness. Consistently recognizing and valuing the positive elements in life can strengthen happiness, alleviate stress, and elevate overall health. This habit may include keeping a gratitude diary or participating in daily introspective exercises. Additionally, this practice can also foster a more positive outlook on life, making it easier to navigate through challenges and setbacks.
It is essential to remember that challenges are an inherent part of life. However, women can overcome these daily challenges and improve their overall well-being by adopting the right strategies. By committing to a fitness routine, adding some houseplants, working with a mentor, and starting a business, women can enhance their resilience and success. In embracing these strategies, women empower themselves to handle any challenge that comes their way and to live fulfilling, balanced lives.
WHY LOSING WEIGHT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE JUST ABOUT YOU
Weight loss can often feel like a lonely journey. After all, it must always begin with your decision to make a change. But this isn’t something you need to do alone.
At any one time there are millions of people around the world embarking on the very same journey. They too might very well feel isolated. There are many groups and communities, online and in person, ready to welcome you.
Finding and nurturing support networks can have radical benefits for both your body and your mind in pretty much anything you do.
Dealing with our most persistent problems often means finding ways to look at ourselves from different perspectives, seeing ourselves with other people’s eyes. Most of the time, this is impossible to do alone.
Read on to find out how it could transform your weight loss efforts.
SUPPORT SHEDS POUNDS
Having a healthy support network isn’t just about making you feel better while tackling a tricky challenge. There are measurable benefits.
Studies have shown participants who joined a weight loss program with a friend or family member lost more weight over the first four months and maintained that weight loss at 10 months.
This might mean finding a mentor, a weight loss buddy, or a group to join. Whatever makes you comfortable, there are people ready to help and the impact is clear.
SUPPORT DOESN’T NEED TO BE IN PERSON
While it’s great to have someone you see in your daily life join you on your weight loss journey, support doesn’t need to be in person for it to be effective.
Finding an online community of people with the same goals and motivations can also help you lose weight, with some studies showing that collective effort has a positive impact on the group as a whole.
Even if you don’t quite feel ready to join a program with someone else, there are many online communities across sites like Reddit filled with people who have had similar experiences and want to share them.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES ARE EASIER WHEN YOU’RE NOT ALONE
A big part of losing weight comes down to making some pretty significant lifestyle changes.
This might mean cutting back on the calories you get from alcohol, which can be no small feat for some people.
It’s far easier to do when you’re able to gradually change the environment around you, say by finding new hobbies or going to new places, which is much easier with a friend or family member.
Similarly, some people might be nervous about starting a program of prescription weight loss medication, but when this means joining a community of people who are going through the same thing the shift is much more comfortable.
EVERYONE NEEDS A ROCK
You may have noticed that modern life is beset by uncertainty and change. We live in an ever-more fast-paced environment and while this may at times feel exciting it can make it really hard to stop and take stock of your life.
If you really want to make positive transformational changes to the way you’re living, you need to be able to ground yourself.
The support of friends, family, and even expert professionals is vital. Finding time for conversations about what you really want to achieve can help you see how far you’ve come, and how achievable the next steps are.
Perhaps even more importantly, you could be providing the same sort of support for someone else.
Losing weight is always going to take a good deal of individual determination and courage. After all, only you can know what it truly means to you.
But like all big changes, you don’t need to manage this alone. In fact, if you want to give yourself the best chance possible you must not try to go it alone.
Surrounding yourself with people who understand what you’re trying to achieve, and why, means surrounding yourself with a support network who can help keep you on track and help you celebrate your victories.
RUNNING WITH GRACE: LOVING THE ENTIRE BUMPY JOURNEY
A Quest for Well-Being Interview with
LORI VAN DUSEN
1— What inspired you to become who you are and to do what you do today?
My grandfather loved the stock market. When I was seven years old, he started showing me annual reports of companies in which he was interested in investing. It’s a funny story to recall now, so many years later, but it shows how being mentored and exposed to things early is crucial to childhood development.
I began my career in the World Trade Center after graduating from Harvard University. I was hired by (Shearson) Lehman brothers. They had to hire anyone who passed the interviews, the quantitative testing, and regulatory licensing. There was a training program that started with about 300 people in it, and by the end of three years, there were maybe 30 people remaining.
This was in 1987, and I was the only woman in the program. No one expected me to make it through, no one mentored me. I firmly believe that, because of my background and the strength of my family roots, along with prior mentoring and formal training and discipline which came from being a musician, I became one of the top producers and advisors in the firm nationwide. At that time, it was Smith Barney, and is now Morgan Stanley.
In 2008, when the financial crisis was in full swing, and mistrust and misjudgment percolated in a fiery and toxic stew, I declared my independence and joined Convergent Wealth Advisors in my hometown of Rochester, NY. Most of my clients followed. Three years later, I founded LVW Advisors. Today, LVW manages approximately $2 billion for wealthy families and nonprofit institutions.
2— What do you do specifically?
I am the Founder and CEO of LVW Advisors, a registered investment advisory firm that serves both wealthy families and individuals, as well as nonprofit institutions throughout the United States. An advocate of client-focused strategies for more than 25 years, I strive to become the voice of reason for providing unbiased integrated solutions in a fragmented financial services industry. I’m passionate about numerous philanthropic causes, and hold the honor of serving on several boards focused on urban education, health and wellness, and the fine arts.
3— What was the inspiration, intention, and purpose of writing your book and where can we find it?
My book, Running with Grace: A Wall Street Insider’s Path to True Leadership, a Purposeful Life, and Joy in the Face of Adversity Began as a journaling exercise recommended by a therapist as a way to move forward, because I was in a place where I felt I had only two choices continue to suffer because of my grief or begin living again. I needed to find a way to integrate my loss and begin the process of healing. At the time, I had no plans to publish this work –it was too deeply personal.
As I journaled, I could tell that I had begun healing, and about three months after I lost my mother, I realized that I wasn’t meant to go through all these experiences and profound loss without a way to pay it forward. Although, it wasn’t until I was able to write about my husband in a way that honored him that was also truthful and with integrity, that I really considered publishing the book to a wider audience.
Our culture and social media can really distort perceptions. From the outside, I had an amazing life–an incredible career and the perfect marriage. I realized I wanted to share my story–as a way to show others that they were not alone in facing trials and hardship. And no matter what it looks like from the outside, the reality could be very different.
At this point, I was ready to share the manuscript with a couple of readers. In addition to my sons, I chose two people, from widely different backgrounds, who were avid readers and people I trusted. My sons and my readers were in emphatic agreement. I needed to share my story to the wider world.
I began working with an editor to shape my journaling into a book–and with each story I shared, the lessons of resilience and grace kept coming through.
4— Do you consider what you do a calling, a purpose, a mission?
All of the above really. I have always felt a purpose-driven calling to do the work I do. I wanted to disrupt the industry. I wasn’t afraid to do it differently and not afraid to take on the establishment in a very tough business. I have been fighting the big Wall Street establishment my entire career. I can do this and know this is what people need.
Throughout my career, I have always felt a greater sense of purpose around what the clients and industry needed versus what I personally needed. Sometimes that was really challenging for me, and even though I knew it was the right decision but wasn’t the trodden path–it was a lonely and difficult road to get to where I am today. I have struggled and made mistakes, but I know now that I would not be the person I am today without those failures and losses.
My work has never been separated from my personal life – they are both inexorably intertwined.
5— Who would benefit most from your work and your message?
Originally it was intended for a young woman or women in transition, yet what I’ve come to learn is that it’s really for anyone who has experienced loss, feels stuck, or is experiencing personal challenges. If anyone has the courage or strength to really help anyone who is trying to find the courage to go to the next step to live a fulfilling life. The high rates of depression and suicide all lead to the same road: a lack of purpose and not feeling like you matter. Based on my experience, I believe that I understand despair and what it means to feel lost.
6— What is it like working with you from a client’s perspective?
Our clients would say they genuinely feel secure and safe in our hands. Often we are their first call when it pertains to matters of finance or wealth management. And we know how to deliver the right answers and solutions to bring a project together in a cohesive and organized way.
Throughout my career, I have always felt a greater sense of purpose around what the clients and industry needed versus what I personally needed. I recognize that when discussing the most important traits in leaders, most people rate skill and competence above all else. Yet I have always placed a higher value on integrity. Through the adversity and loss I’ve experienced, I have developed a much deeper empathy for people and resilience in both my professional and personal life. I’ve learned wisdom and I’ve been able to help others navigate complex situations in alignment with their values and principles.
7—What is healing to you?
To me, healing is finding the courage to lean into the setbacks, failures, and losses and fold them into life in order to move forward in a positive way. To not only function at a higher level but to feel lifted to a higher frequency. I find healing through the help of meditation, praying, self-care, and realizing that there is a higher order to the universe. And of course, running! It does not happen immediately, but the fog does eventually lift, especially if you are able to step outside of your mind and step into a more meditative space. It is there where I often regain my self-confidence and inner peace.
Everyone has to find their own path regarding how to “get there” but you don’t have to do it yourself.
8— What are some of the misconceptions most people have about healing?
As a society, we don’t understand healing that well.
I feel that many people bury their pain with activity and motion. But it’s not that simple. You cannot heal if you charge forward in life and pretend that everything is ok after experiencing emotional pain or a significant loss. Healing arrives through facing the root of what ails you head-on–and it’s very painful. People need to find the right team of support through friendships, professional help, or a spiritual guide.
Healing is not something that you just do. It doesn’t neatly conform to our society’s view of how something is supposed to be (especially in men). If you don’t heal, it often expresses itself as anger. I am not a therapist but based on my personal experience, it was clear that my husband had a deeply repressed sadness, yet never made the time to heal because his sadness was too painful. Our society does not do enough to support the need to heal after a traumatic experience or a loss. At my company, it was imperative to me to change our policies to support anyone who has experienced any traumatic pain or personal loss.
9—What do you feel is the purpose of the human experience?
I feel that the purpose of the human experience is to connect and make a difference. I think we’re all here for a reason which we can better recognize through spiritual growth. To me, finding a sense of fulfillment, or purpose in this world is largely supported through developing meaningful deep relationships with others and giving back to society. We are here to grow and learn. Enlightenment, knowledge, and contributing and connecting with other humans help us to remain centered.
10— What is your vision for humanity?
I wish more people would question and engage in the meaning of life in order to find meaning and ultimately, purpose. The reasons why we are here has absolutely nothing to do with power and money which only alienate many from the true meaning of this human experience! If more people exercised this “golden rule”, and treated others with kindness and respect, then this world would be a better place.
11— What does emotional freedom look like? And how can your work help?
Emotional freedom to me can be measured by peace, balance, and gratitude.
In my book Running with Grace, each chapter is organized around a positive message of strength. One title reads “Curveballs are great teachers,”; and another is “Love the entire bumpy journey.” Each of us will experience some form of failure and loss but it’s how we find the courage to not only face but learn from this adversity that matters most.
Every morning I start with gratitude which sounds a bit trite, but I do not open an email, answer a call start a business project or look at the markets before I practice gratitude. I start by journaling what I am grateful for and what impact I will have in the current day. This is especially important because many days involve difficult meetings, planned or unplanned. I ask for guidance, strength, and grace to navigate whatever the day will bring.
MEET LORI VAN DUSEN
Lori Van Dusen, CIMA, is the Founder and CEO of LVW Advisors, a registered investment advisory firm that serves both wealthy families and individuals, as well as nonprofit institutions throughout the United States. An advocate of client-focused strategies for more than 25 years, she has become the voice of reason for providing unbiased integrated solutions in a fragmented financial services industry. Lori is passionate about numerous philanthropic causes, serving on several boards focused on urban education, health and wellness, and the fine arts.
https://lvwadvisors.com/
DISSOLVING NEGATIVE ATTACHMENTS
Here is a wonderful and insightful book that shares timeless wisdom:“Spiritual Currency: The Source of Wealth You Never Knew Existed”
by Dr. Ming Chee — Author of The Equation of Money and several other works.
— Trust the process and have faith in your own ability to create the life of your dreams. Surrender any attachment to specific outcomes and allow space for divine guidance and unfolding. Trust that the right opportunities, synchronicities, and resources will come your way. Recognize that the connections you make are part of the unfolding process necessary to align you with cultivating spiritual currency. It’s a continuous process that requires self-awareness, courage, and perseverance.
Sometimes, things in our lives bother us, drain our energy, and prevent us from fully thriving — from minor annoyances to unfinished tasks, unresolved issues causing strain on relationships, or pressure in a job. The attachment to these situations or circumstances can feel impossible to break free from, holding us back from tapping into our unlimited resources. Think of it like weeds in a garden; these negative attachments can suffocate our potential for growth and happiness. The only way to get rid of them and transform your life is by taking action to weed them out. You have the power to eliminate attachments by learning how to trust and surrender.
Negative attachments can be made up of tolerations we have not let go of because we feel powerless to remove them. Tolerations are things we put up with or endure, even though they negatively impact us. They can manifest in various aspects of our lives, such as relationships, work, health, and the physical environment. Tolerations can be as simple as a broken doorknob or as complex as an unfulfilling job or a toxic friendship. Regardless of their nature, tolerations drain our energy, create mental clutter, and limit our ability to focus on what truly matters.
Living with negative attachments has profound consequences for our well-being. It zaps our motivation, contributes to stress and anxiety, and makes us feel stuck in a cycle of dissatisfaction. Negative attachments prevent us from fully enjoying the present moment and pursuing our dreams. They occupy valuable mental and emotional space that could be used for creativity, growth, and cultivating a sense of peace and contentment.
Learning to trust and surrender is key to weeding out the negative attachments that have taken root in your mindset. Start by naming and making a comprehensive list of all the things you tolerate in your life. Take a moment to reflect on each area, including your relationships, physical surroundings, work, health, and personal habits. Write down anything that bothers you or feels like a drain on your energy.
Evaluating and prioritizing them is necessary, as difficult as it may be. Consider their impact on your overall well-being and the effort required to address them. Focus on the ones causing the most significant negative impact or those that can be resolved with less effort. Once you have your list, assess the tolerations individually and rank them in order of importance to you.
Go down your list and imagine each one is a weed in your garden that needs pulling out. The bigger ones may require special tools, and the smaller ones may just need a gentle tug. See yourself successfully weeding the issues out one at a time and replacing them with fertile soil for your dreams to grow. Feel your worry dissipate with each one you get rid of and allow positive energy to flow through you.
Believe you have the resources and support because the universe has your back. By replacing feelings of anxiety, fear, impatience, resentment, anger, hate, etc., with high-vibrating emotions of love, forgiveness, compassion, gratitude, and empathy, you will quickly shift the energy surrounding the issues, and the universe will respond in kind.
The universe is always receiving your transmitted signal. If it gets a signal of uncertainty, it keeps you aligned with the negative attachments. However, if it gets a signal of trust and surrender, it connects you to unlimited resources and possibilities that remove the tolerations, dissolving negative attachments.
COMMON WISDOM: 8 SCIENTIFIC ELEMENTS OF A MEANINGFUL LIFE
A Quest for Well-Being Interview with
DR. LAURA GABAYAN
1. Why did you decide to study wisdom? How did the idea for this research come about?
I am a physician-scientist (same as a physician-researcher). There are physicians that do not do research and mainly see patients, and then there are physicians who see patients and also do research. In medical school, we learned about diseases, diagnoses, and treatments. No one ever thought outside “outside the box.” For example, we did not learn about Chinese medicine or Indian ways of healing even though they are both the oldest living civilizations. Our instructors, who were scientists, were firmly entrenched solely in Western medicine. I then started searching for those who do think outside the box and who are original in how they think. There was only one group of individuals who had that different way of thinking: it was the wise.
I then looked into wisdom and all I found were anecdotal thoughts and religious texts. As a scientist, I needed more objectivity and started looking at published scientific manuscripts. The journals of Sociology, Psychology, and Geriatrics published a small amount of research on wisdom. These studies found that wisdom can only be identified by another human; not a test or a scale. The research also found that wisdom had an inverse U relationship with age and that the wisest people were in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. The very old started to lose wisdom as they became less flexible in their thinking and behavior. The research also found that wisdom was not related to gender, race, or political affiliation. Despite these findings, no one had taken the time to interview candidates.
Given that I believe you should do things yourself, I decided to do my own study on wisdom. I did not know anything about wisdom, but I knew how to create a research project. I hired a research assistant and a marketing specialist and from Oct 2022 to April 2023, I interviewed 60 wise individuals. The way I found these individuals was through telling anyone we knew if they were aware of someone wise and through postings on social media. We also asked interviewees to “nominate” other individuals that they knew were wise.
I then knew that the information obtained through the interviews had to be converted to data. As a scientist who had conducted a qualitative research study in the past, I knew that qualitative methods are ways to convert stories into data. Research is either qualitative or quantitative. Most of the research that we are familiar with deals with numbers and is quantitative. Then the team and I reviewed the internet recordings of the interviews and arrived at the 8 elements.
2. Your research led you to the discovery of eight primary elements of wisdom. Which of the elements surprised you the most? Why?
Kindness surprised me the most. I am Middle Eastern and being kind was always not viewed highly where I came from. It was viewed as being a pushover and not being very clever. It was also not something that families or society promoted.
Kindness was important to the interviewees in many ways. First, often the reason they were recommended for the study was because they engaged in kind acts towards others. Whether it was volunteering or helping mentor students, the interviewee often contributed to humanity in a way that was kind. Second, the interviewees talked about how kindness was a quality they sought in others. They avoided individuals who were not kind. Third, before they could be kind to others, they were kind to themselves. Many scheduled time during the day or week that was devoted to them being kind to themselves. This “self-care” could have been down time, meditation, time with friends, or whatever brought then joy.
I have since investigated kindness and have realized that kindness is very powerful and it is key to a meaningful life. It is essential to have kindness. It not only takes one out of the fight-or-flight mode when one is around it but when a person is kind, it’s a sign of strength. It not only feels good to be kind but It’s a sign of confidence. It’s also a way to feel connected to another person. It essentially comes down to respect. People, regardless of they differ in ideology, education, or background, all deserve respect. They are human beings and at the core of any and all interactions is kindness and respect.
3. Which element was most difficult to describe or put into context? Why?
The most difficult element to write about and describe was spirituality. This chapter required that I write it, put it aside, and then rewrite it. It required more thought and consideration than I had envisioned. While the other chapters came from ideas that made sense and were based on many years of experience, my spirituality chapter was hard to explain. I knew that I had to better understand my own spirituality to write this chapter.
The reason this was especially difficult for me was because of my upbringing and my career. I am a physician-scientist and in my field, the divine is not discussed and it is not viewed as a part of life. It is too abstract and not able to be measured, so for many, it must not exist. In addition to spirituality not being a part of my career, it was not something that either of my parents believed in. My mother did not believe in any religion or the presence of the divine. My father mocked any mention of miracles or supernatural events.
I have since realized that the divine plays a larger role in our lives than we are aware of. I also believe that things don’t happen to you, but they happen to you. I also believe that a lot of the “challenges” that come your way, come because the divine feels that you can handle them.
4. How did your views change regarding these elements from before doing this research and after?
I always thought that having wisdom was all or nothing, that you either had it or not. I explain this in the first chapter of the book. I did not realize that there were many dimensions and elements to wisdom. My research found these dimensions and also found that while one person may be strong in one dimension, they may be weak in another.
I also discovered that having wisdom equates to having a state of peace and contentment – a knowing that things will work themselves out. The fascinating individuals I talked to were very happy and calm. They felt that emotions can often get in the way and may not be helpful in one’s journey. They also did not seem to take things so seriously. What was most interesting was their interest in wanting to be more than wanting to do.
5. You state that people reading this book should revisit the book often. Why is that?
One’s perspective of a given element will change over time. For example, a person in their 20s will not think about their spirituality much but as they age they may start to question their existence and the meaning of life and the divine.
Also, the book gives people a sense of hope and optimism. When one is encountering challenging times, reading this book can help them “re-focus” and give them perspective.
Finally, the book can serve as a life manual. Life is a journey and while some are lucky to go on this journey with a friend, partner, or relative, not all have such a companion. This book can serve as a companion of life.
6. Following your research, do you believe that the purpose of life is to attain wisdom, or do we use wisdom for the purpose of attempting to understand the meaning of life? Or both? Why?
This is a question I have asked myself often. I would say that the answer is both. One should approach life experiences as learning opportunities. The opportunities serve a purpose that may or may not be obvious. For example, a person may be diagnosed with a disease that changes the way they view health and wellness. This disease modifies their perspective and their attitude about life. They are such a changed person following the disease that they can’t imagine ever not having the disease. The disease was a “horrible” situation that gave them so much, like a gift.
The second part of the wisdom question is in regard to whether wisdom can help with understanding the meaning of life. Having some of the elements or strengthening some of the elements can only help a person view life experiences positively. If a person were to approach a life obstacle with resilience (element 1) and positivity (element 3) that would help one manage life’s ebbs and flows with more grace. Having wisdom will teach others that an obstacle is a challenge they will overcome. The obstacle is not a disaster but an opportunity.
7. You discuss the interconnectedness of these elements. Why is it important for readers to understand how each of these elements are interconnected?
They are all interconnected in that you can’t have one without many of the other elements. As I found, one element may be stronger than others but having one element most likely means that they have other elements, as well.
For example, being resilient can be achieved with more grace if one is positive. The way one views life is different when one is positive. Another example is being spiritual, which depends on being curious and creative. When one thinks of the divine, they can use their imagination and think beyond the physical world. A final example is being humble. This is an element that overlaps greatly with kindness. By being humble, one is kind towards and considerate of another person. Humility and kindness allow for a way to connect with one another. Tolerance also overlaps with kindness. A kind person is interested in other people and is tolerant of those who look and/or act “differently.”
8. Do you think each person reading this will discover their own definition of wisdom? Why?
Yes. Each person will see what works for them. The book will teach them about the elements and they can decide what elements they are good at and what elements they need to build on. This “custom” formula will help them come up with their own definition of wisdom and the meaning of their life.
This is why this book is so profound, it is not implying that wisdom is an all or nothing phenomenon but instead is a set of elements. The project proves that wisdom is not a “one size fits all” game and just like we are all different, so is our sense of the world and wisdom.
The book is also helpful in that it does not imply that a person needs to have all elements. We interviewed 60 wise individuals and only one seemed to master all of the elements. This person taught wisdom to individuals above the age of sixty, so wisdom was his life’s focus.
9. What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
I have said many times that my goal in doing this work and writing this book is not to sell books and make money. My goal is to change lives. By reading this book, I want readers to realize that there is more to life than the glitz and glamour promoted on the internet, and that success looks different for everyone. Success is different for every person and it is linked to living a more meaningful life.
I also hope that this book will help readers realize that their thoughts and actions can influence their lives as well as the lives of others.
Ultimately, I hope that this book reminds people that meaning and happiness are more important to life than external factors.
10. Where can people purchase Common Wisdom?
Starting on March 19, it will be sold on Amazon. It will also be available on other websites and in bookstores throughout the country in the near future.
MEET DR. LAURA GABAYAN
Dr. Laura Gabayan is a world-renowned physician and researcher. Regarded internationally as an expert in the field of emergency medicine, she has received multiple research grants and awards for her work. She has also published dozens of papers cited by hundreds of researchers. She has now applied her scientific expertise to study the concept of wisdom. This discovery resulted in a first-of-its-kind multi-year research effort dubbed The Wisdom Project. It was designed with scientific rigor in mind and geared towards answering some basic questions: How is wisdom defined? What constitutes wisdom? How can we harness the power of wisdom to improve our everyday lives? Her work involves extensive interviews of 60 wise individuals. She shares the insights in her book Common Wisdom. The knowledge shared in this book is priceless and timeless.
https://lauragabayan.com/
EMBRACING THE JOURNEY: UNDERSTANDING AGING WITH GRACE AND DIGNITY
Aging is a natural and inevitable part of life, yet it is often accompanied by fears, uncertainties, and societal pressures. However, by embracing the journey of aging with grace and dignity, individuals can cultivate a positive and fulfilling experience that honors their unique journey and contributions. In this article, we explore the concept of aging with grace and dignity, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and strategies for navigating this journey with resilience and purpose.
Shifting Perspectives on Aging
In many cultures, aging is often viewed through a lens of decline and loss, focusing primarily on the changes associated with growing older. However, a shift in perspective is underway, challenging traditional narratives and celebrating the strengths, wisdom, and resilience that come with age. Embracing the journey of aging with grace and dignity involves reframing aging as a time of growth, fulfillment, and continued learning rather than a period of decline and limitations.
Cultivating Self-Acceptance and Self-Compassion
Central to the concept of aging with grace and dignity is the importance of cultivating self-acceptance and self-compassion. As individuals age, they may experience changes in their physical appearance, health, and abilities, which can trigger feelings of insecurity, self-doubt, and inadequacy. By practicing self-compassion and embracing their inherent worth and value, individuals can navigate the challenges of aging with greater resilience and confidence, maintaining a sense of dignity and self-respect.
Building Supportive Networks
Navigating the journey of aging with grace and dignity requires support from family, friends, and the community. Building supportive networks of relationships can provide emotional, practical, and social support that buffers against the challenges of aging and promotes well-being, that might be joining local hobby groups or moving into Aliso Viejo memory care. By fostering connections with others and nurturing meaningful relationships, individuals can cultivate a sense of belonging, connection, and resilience that sustains them through the ups and downs of aging.
Finding Meaning and Purpose
Aging with grace and dignity involves finding meaning and purpose in the later stages of life despite the limitations and challenges that may arise. This may involve exploring new interests, hobbies, and passions, focusing on engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment, and nurturing meaningful connections with loved ones and the community. By embracing opportunities for growth, contribution, and self-expression, individuals can cultivate purpose and vitality that enriches their lives and enhances their well-being.
Maintaining Independence and Autonomy
Preserving independence and autonomy is an essential aspect of aging with grace and dignity, allowing individuals to maintain control and make decisions that align with their values and preferences. This may involve planning for the future, accessing supportive services and resources, and advocating for one's needs and rights. By taking an active role in their own care and decision-making, individuals can retain a sense of agency and empowerment that enhances their quality of life and preserves their dignity.
Conclusion
Aging with grace and dignity is about embracing the journey of life with courage, resilience, and self-compassion. By shifting perspectives, cultivating self-acceptance, finding meaning and purpose, maintaining independence and autonomy, and building supportive networks, individuals can navigate the challenges of aging with grace and dignity, embracing the opportunities for growth, connection, and fulfillment that come with age. Ultimately, aging with grace and dignity is about honoring the richness of life's experiences and embracing the journey with open hearts and minds.
TRUE FREEDOM AND THE CONSCIOUS AWARENESS OF THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS
A Quest for Well-Being Interview with
A L I C I A W I L C O C K
Director, and Principal Psychologist at Integrative Psychology Associates
1. How would you describe who you are in this very moment?
In this moment, I am a compassionate guide on the journey of self-discovery, utilizing insights from interpersonal neurobiology and attachment theory to foster healing and growth.
2. What makes you happy and what makes you feel successful?
Witnessing my clients cultivate emotional resilience and positive transformations brings me immense joy. Success, for me, is measured in the restoration of a person's sense of self and their ability to navigate the world with greater ease.
3. What inspired you to become who you are and to do what you do today?
My inspiration stems from a deep-rooted belief in the power of human connection and the potential for healing through understanding the intricate dance between the mind, body, and relationships. My journey has been shaped by the wisdom of Siegel, Hughes, and Hassan, guiding me toward a holistic approach to mental well-being.
4. Do you consider what you do a calling, a purpose, a mission?
Yes, I consider my work a calling and a mission. It's a purposeful endeavor to facilitate healing, fostering emotional regulation and secure attachment for individuals grappling with trauma and anxiety.
5. Who would benefit most from your work and your message?
Individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, and attachment challenges would benefit most from my approach. My methods are designed to empower them to regulate their emotions and form secure connections with themselves and others.
6. What is it like working with you from a client’s perspective?
Clients often describe our work as a collaborative journey where they feel heard, validated, and supported. The focus is on cultivating a secure base for exploring emotions and building a resilient sense of self.
7. What is healing to you?
Healing, to me, is the integration of mind, body, and relationships. It involves fostering emotional regulation, promoting self-awareness, and rebuilding a sense of safety and trust in the world.
8. What is the goal of healing and what are the obstacles to it?
The goal of healing is to reclaim one's authentic self, free from the limitations imposed by past traumas. Obstacles often include unresolved emotional pain, distorted self-perceptions, and challenges in forming healthy connections.
9. What are some misconceptions most people have about healing?
One common misconception is viewing healing as a linear process. It's essential to recognize that healing is often non-linear, involving setbacks and breakthroughs. Another misconception is expecting immediate results rather than understanding the gradual nature of transformation.
10. Do you connect healing to spirituality? If so, what is spirituality to you?
I view healing as inherently connected to spirituality, defined as the pursuit of meaning, connection, and purpose. Spirituality, in this context, involves aligning with one's authentic self and the interconnectedness of all beings.
11. What do you feel is the purpose of the human experience?
The purpose of the human experience, in my perspective, is to explore and understand the vast spectrum of emotions, form connections with others, and contribute to the collective growth of humanity.
12. At this time, what is the world’s greatest need?
The world's greatest need is for empathetic and skilled individuals to guide others in developing emotional intelligence, and resilience, and fostering healthy relationships.
13. What is your vision for humanity?
My vision is a humanity that embraces compassion, prioritizes mental well-being, and recognizes the interconnectedness of all individuals, fostering a global community rooted in understanding and support.
14. What does emotional freedom look like, and how can your work help?
Emotional freedom is the ability to experience and express emotions authentically, without being overwhelmed. My work aids in developing emotional regulation, fostering self-awareness, and creating a secure foundation for navigating life's challenges.
15. What is your understanding of love?
Love, to me, is a transformative force that involves empathy, connection, and acceptance. It is the foundation for healthy relationships, both with oneself and others.
16. Is world peace possible without individual inner peace? Please elaborate on the concept of peace.
World peace is intricately linked to individual inner peace. Inner peace involves emotional regulation, self-acceptance, and a sense of security. As individuals cultivate inner peace, it ripples outward, contributing to a more harmonious world.
18. What is consciousness?
Consciousness is the awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It involves the integration of sensory input, self-reflection, and the capacity to engage with the world.
19. What is the difference between the subconscious and the unconscious mind?
The subconscious mind holds thoughts and memories just below the surface of awareness, while the unconscious mind encompasses deeper, often hidden, aspects of our psyche, influencing behavior without conscious recognition.
20. What do you feel is the nature of our innate desire for human connection and spiritual truth?
The innate desire for human connection and spiritual truth reflects our yearning for meaning, purpose, and a sense of belonging. These desires drive our quest for understanding and connection, both within ourselves and with others.
21. Is the authentic Self or the true Self, the spiritual Self?
Yes, the authentic self or true self is inherently connected to the spiritual self. It involves aligning with one's core values, inner wisdom, and a deep sense of purpose.
22. How do we recognize when the body and mind are aligned with our true Self?
Alignment with the true self is marked by a sense of inner peace, authenticity, and a harmonious integration of thoughts, emotions, and actions. It manifests in a deep connection with others and a genuine engagement with the world.
23— Talk to me some more about your offerings and services...
Integrative Psychology Associates offers Telehealth services for psychological support through videoconferencing. Telehealth services are available for clients who reside in any state of Australia.
Telehealth therapy is convenient and private. Clients can talk to a Registered Psychologist in the comfort of their own homes.
We offer both formal diagnostic assessments and provide confidential therapy. IPA is currently offering:
Psycho-educational assessments: are often conducted when a child is experiencing challenges with their learning or if they are not progressing at a rate that is expected for their age. They are also used when there are general concerns about the child’s development or if the child presents with exceptional needs that may require individualized adjustments at school.
ADHD assessments: these provide information about problem behavior that is severe enough to negatively impact day-to-day functioning.
Therapy support for: anxiety, depression, stress, phobias, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, trauma, social skills, parent support, pain management, obsessions and compulsions, emotional & behavioral difficulties, work stress, post-natal depression, sleep difficulties, body image and self-esteem and school truancy and refusal.
Our dedicated team of experienced psychologists offers a range of individual and group sessions.
IPA’s vision is to improve quality of life, and foster meaning, fulfillment, and safety by providing access to exceptional mental health support through integrative approaches. Our mission is to use professional training and evidence-based clinical skills to assess, diagnose, and treat psychological problems and make constructive, meaningful, and lasting changes for clients.
Integrative Psychology Associates are committed to providing clients with the tools and strategies needed to support optimal functioning whilst recognizing and enhancing current strengths. We endeavor to develop strong therapeutic relationships and treat all clients with dignity, respect, and compassion.
— Do you meet your clients in person and remotely? Do you offer group and corporate coaching?
Integrative Psychology Associates is a private psychology practice in Australia is committed to providing high-quality mental health services to children, parents, and adults. We offer both in-person and Telehealth services. All therapy and ADHD assessments are conducted via Telehealth. Psychoeducational assessments are conducted on-site at the child’s school.
Our psychologists are highly qualified and experienced and provide individualized and tailored treatment using evidence-based practice. IPA offers the following Telehealth services:
1. Individual Sessions: Our personalized one-on-one sessions cater to the unique needs of each client. Our psychologists use evidence-based approaches, drawing from therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These sessions are tailored to address anxiety, depression, autism, ADHD, and other mental health concerns, fostering a safe space for clients to explore, and overcome challenges.
2. Group Sessions: In our group sessions, clients benefit from a supportive community, sharing experiences and learning from one another. Group therapy is particularly effective for individuals facing similar issues, promoting social connection and a sense of belonging. These sessions focus on social-emotional skills, stress management, and behavior strategies for both children and adults.
3. Parenting Support Programs: We recognize the challenges parents face, especially when dealing with children with autism, ADHD, or behavioral issues. Our parenting support programs offer guidance on stress management, behavior modification techniques, and effective communication strategies. These programs empower parents with the tools they need to create a positive and nurturing family environment.
IPA is currently offering the following parent support group.
We understand that navigating the journey of parenting a child with autism comes with its unique challenges and triumphs. That’s why we are excited to introduce our exclusive online Conference, designed to empower parents like you on this incredible journey.
** Navigating Autism Together: Transform Your Parenting with Expert Guidance**
In our comprehensive Conference, you will gain access to:
1. Expert Insights: Learn from leading specialists in the field of autism, including experienced educators, psychologists, and therapists, providing you with valuable insights and evidence-based strategies.
2. Practical Tips and Tools: Receive practical, actionable tips and tools that you can integrate seamlessly into your daily routines, enhancing your ability to support your child effectively.
3. Community Support: Join a supportive community of parents who share similar experiences, fostering a network where you can exchange ideas, seek advice, and find encouragement.
4. Interactive Learning: Engage in interactive modules that cater to various aspects of parenting a child with autism, from communication and behavior management to creating a sensory-friendly environment at home.
Why Enrol?
Expert-Led Sessions: Our Conference is curated by professionals with extensive experience in the field of autism, ensuring you receive the latest information and evidence-based strategies. The Conference will be run by IPA’s director and psychologist, Alicia Wilcock.
Flexibility: Access the resources provided through the Conference at your own pace and convenience, allowing you to balance your commitments while investing in your knowledge and parenting skills.
—Practical Application: The Conference is designed to provide practical solutions that you can implement immediately, making a positive impact on your daily interactions with your child.
**Join Us on this Transformative Journey**
integrativepsychologyassociates.com.au
Embark on this journey with fellow parents who understand the unique joys and challenges of raising a child with autism. Together, we will navigate autism and transform our parenting experiences.
24—Where can we find more information about you, your work,
products, services, and your future projects?
You can find more information on our website and socials:
Business Name: Integrative Psychology Associates
Phone Number: +61 419 835 330
Instagram: ipapsychology
Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/ipapsychology/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrative-psychology-associates/
Email: admin@integrativepsychologyassociates.com.au
Website: integrativepsychologyassociates.com.au
FINAL QUESTIONS
1. Ultimately, what is freedom to me?
Freedom, from my psychological perspective, is the ability to navigate life authentically, unencumbered by the chains of unresolved trauma, limiting beliefs, and societal expectations. It is the liberation of the mind, fostering emotional regulation, and the capacity to engage with the world in a way that aligns with one's true self. True freedom is found in the conscious awareness of one's thoughts and emotions, allowing individuals to make choices that resonate with their core values and lead to a fulfilling and purposeful life.
2. If life had one purpose, one purpose only, what would that be?
The overarching purpose of life, as I perceive it, is the journey toward self-discovery and the realization of one's authentic identity. Life's purpose is embedded in the exploration of emotions, relationships, and the continuous evolution of the self. It involves cultivating resilience, compassion, and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all living beings. In this journey, individuals discover and express their unique gifts, contributing to the collective growth and well-being of humanity.
3. What experiences do I wish everyone to have before they die?
Before departing this life, I wish for everyone to undergo transformative experiences that lead to profound self-awareness and connection. These include:
a. Unconditional Love: Experiencing and reciprocating unconditional love fosters emotional healing and a profound sense of belonging.
b. Overcoming Adversity: Confronting and overcoming challenges builds resilience, instilling a belief in one's ability to navigate life's complexities.
c. Connection with Nature: Immersing oneself in the beauty and serenity of nature fosters a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life.
d. Meaningful Relationships: Cultivating authentic connections with others provides a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and shared growth.
e. Self-Reflection and Growth: Embracing moments of self-reflection and personal growth contributes to the continuous evolution of the individual.
f. Acts of Kindness: Engaging in acts of kindness and altruism creates a ripple effect, contributing to a more compassionate and harmonious world.
These experiences, I believe, are pivotal in shaping a life that is rich in meaning, authenticity, and positive impact on both the individual and the broader human experience.
