Stimulate Your Mind

Several years ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to work on a global health project. As with all international travel, the lessons and experiences were priceless. Towards the end of the trip I learned about “accepted” cultural practices that deeply saddened me. Namely, there was systemic abuse at essentially all levels in the region. These abuses were directed towards the vulnerable and weak. In most cases the victims were single or widowed women. One of the stories that was shared with me was that of a mother (widowed) who could not sustain her family financially. In order to cover expenses, she had to “pimp out” her daughter. Unfortunately, this had become common practice in that society. After hearing the stories and confirming with others, I did what I could to support the victims and to voice my opposition. But I had so many questions in my head. How can this exist in our modern world? Where were the human rights people? Where were the women’s rights people? Where we...

As we approach the New Year we see a range of emotions and actions from people across the globe. Some are happy, some are sad, some will party, some will stay in. Unfortunately, both the happy and sad are being negatively affected by the societal expectations, the culture and traditions. These traditions are in essence influencing our psychology (mind and behavior) in one way or another. The most common posts or reminders we may be seeing during these days are motivational and some will begin to think or list their New Year’s resolutions. In this regard, I wrote a poem (see below) many years ago which I hope will be of benefit, encouragement and motivation to blossom for all who may read it. new year’s resolution... what is the new year except another day yet many disagree and say it's a time to start fresh, from scratch so i say, let's detach ourselves from our bad habits and do that which benefits a resolution, another solution with constant evolution...