Synchronicity versus coincidence: Can we go beyond mere belief or skepticism?
When we hear a song or see a billboard and the words seem to tell us something about what we’re experiencing at that moment, do we call that synchronicity, or just a meaningless coincidence? We tend to be one or the other when it comes to these unexplained phenomena. But what if we chose to look at things from more than one perspective? Like a “believer” who says that not everything has meaning, or a “skeptic” who says that not everything can be explained scientifically. We spoke to four different experts about the meaning of synchronicity in our lives. When put together, they tell us something new.
Are early birds still catching the worm? A Danish initiative shows a different perspective
If we want to have a successful day, we have to get up early, right? After all, early birds catch the worm. But one initiative in Denmark shows us a different perspective. One that ensures we can tune into our natural rhythms and maximise productivity. And one that can be good for our productivity, health, companies and schools. We spoke with Camilla Kring: This is the story of the B-Society.
Tapping therapy for mind and body: Can something this simple really work?
All over the world, there are people getting into tapping therapy. They say the East-West approach helps them with mind and body health, stress, and trauma. More and more scientists and health care professionals agree. But, tapping therapy is not yet mainstream. And that can have something to do with the fact that it’s so easy to use. After all, “something that simple can’t really work” is a perspective that feels true for many of us.
Life from the perspective of a sensitive Rainforest Mind (RFM)
If humans are like ecosystems, some are like the rainforest, says psychotherapist and author Paula Prober. People with a Rainforest Mind (RFM) are highly complex, sensitive, and intuitive. They may be effervescent, intense, colourful, and they may be the most misunderstood. Here, Paula Prober paints us a picture: the world according to a rainforest mind.
Daniëlle’s magic moments: encountering light orbs in the woods (VIDEO)
When we enjoy a walk in the woods, we can see trees, shrubs, a bird, and maybe a butterfly. But is there more, even though we are not aware of it? In our video, Daniëlle Langendijk gives Perspective Living a spiritual perspective on the occurrence of light orbs. Says Daniëlle, they are all around us. Our tip for watching this video: Don’t expect anything. Prepare to be amazed!
Help, I’m 50 and it’s only going downhill from here! To what extent does our decline happen because we expect it?
As we reach “middle age,” we don’t just dread the decline of our bodies and minds—we expect it. We wait for our knees to ache and our memories to fail us. While some of these things happen because we’re getting older, do some also happen because we expect them? And, more importantly, can we age better if we expect better? In other words, can positive ageing help us age more healthily?
A dog is our best friend. But are we theirs? A professional perspective
In the West we all care for our dogs in much the same way. We put them in a crate when we go to work and we give them treats. We remind them now and then who’s boss. But if we all basically do the same thing, does that make it okay? According to welfare professional Judith Versluis, there is room for improvement. Says Judith, this way we can also become our dog’s best friend. This is her story.
The magical world of Glimmers: An interview with Deb Dana (AUDIO)
During our busy day, we can focus on all the things that can go wrong. Or we can spot Glimmers. The term comes from trauma specialist Deb Dana and is used by people all over the world. In this audio interview she tells us how subtle, magical Glimmers are all around us. How little moments of goodness are personal to us and can help us see the world in a different light. And how our specially equipped nervous systems, minds, bodies and souls will all thank us for it. We will even feel better connected to others.
Is a natural apple healthier than a ‘conventional’ one? Marco van Es about the bigger picture
Is a naturally grown apple really that much healthier than an apple grown under conventional conditions? We talk to Marco van Es of Bac2nature. His research foundation links crop soil, the microbiome, the quality of our immune system, and our health. Turns out, for more and more experts like van Es: It’s all about diversity, and it’s all about the bigger picture.
Is willpower really helping us? Perspectives are changing.
If only we had more willpower and self control to see things through. We would eat the right foods, exercise regularly, say no to alcohol, smoking and – god forbid – to drugs. Procrastination would never happen, and we would save money rather than spending it. We would be achieving all sorts of virtuous goals in life. We would be admirable. Right? Time to review an old perspective?
Dr. Niloo Dardashti on the power of understanding our ‘family dynamics’ at work
We are all pleasers, martyrs or avoiders. Experts say these ways of relating to other people come from previous family experiences and dynamics. What about the workplace? Would such awareness help there too? We talk to psychologist Dr. Niloo Dardashti. She is on a mission to have someone on site to help with our work family dynamics. Says the expert: business, companies, managers, employees, productivity would all improve. And it doesn’t have to be complicated. This is her story.
Complex minds: An inside view into the highly sensitive person at work
They say our fast-paced world needs highly sensitive people, or HSPs as they are often called. What about the workplace? Can people with this complex and empathetic mind also add value here? Or are they just too sensitive. Dr. Candan Aydemir-Tam, healthcare psychologist, tells us how a highly sensitive person at work can be a key spider in the web. All it takes is trying to understand each other a little better. This is her story.
Happy horse: Are our four-legged friends really just for riding?
There are ‘horse owners’ who take their horse for a walk instead of riding it. They say it’s a great thing to do for both horse and rider. That it helps them see the world from their horse’s perspective. That it helps create a stronger bond between them. All by changing their perspective a little in their otherwise mundane normal day. Turns out: that way we can have a happy horse and a happy person.
The new world of vegetable cuisine: An interview with Vegetable Chef Frank Fol
Not so long ago, most of us would not have found a plant-based meal all that exciting. As if something was missing. Or that it was unhealthy. Can we change our views about food? The world-renowned vegetable chef Frank Fol says we can and we do. Here he tells us about a completely new cuisine of taste, colour and magic. This new world of vegetable cuisine is happening in our best restaurants and in our kitchens at home. A new world, he says, that is here to stay.
Integrative healthcare is growing: Two British pioneers on harnessing the best of both worlds
Western healthcare has long been either conventional or alternative. But healthcare is changing. Particularly with more chronic health conditions, people are becoming more open to all kinds of healing. New ideas are emerging and an integrative practice has moved beyond ‘a family surgery with acupuncture’. In fact, according to two British pioneers of integrative healthcare, an integrative approach, when done right, can offer the best of both worlds. How it all began: this is their story.
It’s official: walking outside in a funny way is good for us
If the funny British TV show Monty Python has taught us one thing, it’s that laughter is good for us. But now some creative researchers have taken the time to discover the health impact of walking outside in this way. It turns out that when the people they studied tried to walk like the actors in the funny show, there were health benefits for the body and mind. Now we can put it all together and throw our shame out the window. Careful of course, we don’t want to hurt ourselves!
We should fear being single, and aim for a relationship: A very persistent story!
Being single means loneliness and less satisfaction in life. Being in a relationship is what makes us happy, healthy and complete. Such beliefs are reflected in the movies we watch, the music we hear, and the conversations we have. Has the time come for another happy-ever-after besides this age-old perspective? For many it already has. We just don’t often hear about it.
Before air conditioning: Can we learn from passive cooling?
Once upon a time, let’s call it BAC (before air conditioning), we kept our homes cool in the summer without electricity. Even in the desert. Nowadays we can’t imagine life without air conditioning. Despite its electricity bills and links to poor health and, ironically, to global warming. From Indian skywells to Middle Eastern windcatchers: Can we learn from ancient methods of passive cooling?
Hello beautiful beast! A random life perspective on “nature art”
You may not see it. But sometimes you do. In fact, you might just stumble across it, as this Perspective Living reader did. Her images below show something (if you’re open to it): Nature imitates life. “Hey, beautiful creature,” it seems to say, “what has man done to you?” Or, “Hey, little human, what are you doing in that tree, with that big head?” If we could see life through nature’s eyes, what would nature art look like? See below for a little magic in your everyday life.
My Ghana story: African culture, smiles, colours, magic and all of life
When Westerners travel to far-flung places like India and Africa, they often see poverty and suffering. This is a story with a different angle. This is Mary Contrary’s perspective on life in Ghana and African culture. It is one of smiles, colours, spirituality, and death. In other words, that which we call life. And it is all available here for those who are open to it.