About life: The ”elderly” lady with the caravan and the magic shed
There are people who have their own unique vision of what it means to grow older. I was lucky enough to meet one of them. This is a story about a one-of-a-kind neighbour. A lady who is onto you. You, with all your stereotypes about life and the elderly! This is the story about Rosie.
Superstition in Italy: An old way of seeing life still very much alive today
Superstition is not something everyone believes in. But in Italy this perspective on life is as normal as the sun rising. It is one in which history, religion, death and mystery all happily merge into one. Here, new author Ingrid Everts-van Wouderberg from Rome lifts the veil on this age-old way of seeing life.
There’s space for everything: The meaning of happiness in Japan
Different religious perspectives, life, death, and the afterlife: There’s room for everything in the Japanese perspective on happiness. Above all, says Japan expert Carmen Rucci from Italy, there is room for joy. And so, this is Carmen’s story.
Synchronicity or coincidence: Should we believe in one or the other?
Sometimes something in our daily life catches our attention, because it seems eerily related to our own experiences. For some, this is synchronicity, a sign. For others, it’s just a coincidence. Can we go beyond being one or the other? Should the two approaches be opposed to each other? We talk to four different experts on the meaning of synchronicity in our lives.
Do early birds still have the worm? A Danish initiative shows us 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 am over 50! Could positive ageing help us?
When we reach ‘middle age,’ we not only fear decline in our minds and bodies, we expect it. We wait until our knees hurt and our memories fail us. While some of these things actually happen because of our age, can some happen because we expect them to? Can we age better if we expect better? In other words: can positive ageing help us?
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.
Something is growing: Two British integrative health pioneers about the best of two worlds
Should health be either about conventional or alternative ways of care? According to two British integrative health pioneers, we can have the best of both worlds. Healthcare appears to be changing, and new ideas are growing. 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?
How different types of houses are shaping our future: Esther’s Story (VIDEO)
This is the story of a woman who has managed to find a home solution in one of the most built-up countries in the world. Her way, a Tiny Home, may not be for everyone. But she has an interesting perspective to offer the world. Says Esther: People with different types of houses and alternative lifestyles hold the key to the way we live in the future. You can watch a documentary about her story below.
Slow travel, integrity and a whole new view on ‘progress’: Santo Stefano in Italy
The restoration project behind a once abandoned Italian village offers the world a unique approach to the meaning of progress. Santo Stefano di Sessanio is all about slow travel, history, integrity, authenticity and local people. And now, in a small but symbolic step, the local government has shown its support for the project’s vision. We speak to Daniele Kihlgren, the ‘maverick’ behind this daring project in the mountains near Rome. (And don’t forget to watch the beautiful documentary trailer about the project at the end).
The happy and proud new ‘couch potato’. Is our stigma about staying home and spare time changing?
From the US to Australia, and from finally reading that book to taking that relaxing walk. When it comes to our spare time, many of us are becoming a proud new ‘couch potato.’ But that was certainly not always the case. Is our stigma about staying in versus going out changing?
The ‘Climate Scientist Who Refused to fly’: new victory, new perspective?
The climate scientist Dr. Grimalda refused to fly for his research trip and was fired as a result. But now he has won a legal victory. In an unusual turn of events, his former employer has decided to offer legal compensation for his dismissal. Meanwhile, his lawyer in the case has also asked an interesting question. Is this the beginning of a new perspective on how our work affects the state of the earth? (And please don’t forget to watch a trailer of a beautiful movie about Dr Grimalda’s incredible journey below.)
Little free library: Let your book come to you
Feeling a little overwhelmed by life’s choices? Why not join find out if you have a little street library nearby? Let its unique, one of a kind, or bestseller second-hand book come to you. At the right place at the right time. Says Mary Contrary: It will do you the world of good.
Wonderwoods, urban home for people, trees and birds, challenges our perspective on the meaning of home
A new architectural-defying project is about to offer an ecological way of life in one of the largest cities in the Netherlands. Comprised of two tower blocks, Wonderwoods will have tall trees and lush shrubs attached to it. It will offer a new urban living for people, trees and biodiversity all in one. We spoke with landscape architect Timo Cents who tells us all about this vertical forest in the city.
Does art imitate life? It seems that nature is now also imitating human! With phone, to be precise.
For centuries we have been fascinated by the question ‘does art imitate life? Or whether it is the other way around? In the meantime, who could have known that something else has been imitating us! None other than nature. Hey little person, it seems to say: what are you doing in that tree?
About life: The ”elderly” lady with the caravan and the magic shed
There are people who have their own unique vision of what it means to grow older. I was lucky enough to meet one of them. This is a story about a one-of-a-kind neighbour. A lady who is onto you. You, with all your stereotypes about life and the elderly! This is the story about Rosie.
Transformational travel: Fresh life perspectives are brewing in an Italian B & B
Things are structurally changing in the world. And says Italian B&B owner Luca Palmero: travelling is the perfect way to start seeing the world with different eyes. At his unique residence, located on a UNESCO site overlooking the harbour below, new perspectives arise. According to Palmero, it’s time to move away from chasing our own pleasure and embark on a transformational travel journey. This is his story.
A scientist’s almost-plane-free journey of 50,000 kilometres. A story about air travel impact.
Do you remember this news story? It involved a journey of 50,000 kilometers, and about air travel impact. But it was done as much as possible without taking a plane. An outlandish perspective for most of us? For Dr. Gianluca Grimalda, a climate scientist, a way to tell the world about the state of the earth and a moral commitment.
“Being self employed is risky.” Time to shift our perspective?
Clearly there are benefits to having a regular job. Such as a steady income or health insurance. But does this mean that being self employed is automatically the worse of the two when you compare them? That seems to have been the perspective for years. But that seems to be changing. Now, more and more people say it’s time to find out for ourselves what works for us or not. Instead of sticking to an old way of looking at things.
Immersing ourselves in the soul of a place: other ways of travel and the Italian Sextantio project
Thanks to some once-forgotten, revived villages in Italy, visitors from all over the world can find out about other ways of travel. Instead of visiting a place, they can immerse themselves in its soul and history. They can take some time and really get a feel for a locality. This is a unique story about travel and integrity for a place and what’s called the Sextantio project.
Flights to distant skies: Can we honestly say we understand our impact?
Since our pandemic staycation, we all seem to be flying to distant skies again. But do we really understand what our flights mean for the environment, the earth, and the bigger picture? Some researchers from England have given their perspective. So that the next time we fly, we can make a more informed decision. Should we want to do so.
Mysterious light orbs phenomena in Texas and Australia: A supernatural perspective
People have sighted mysterious phenomena of light orbs around the world for generations. Take the famous erratic dancing Min Min lights in the Australian outback. Or the Marfa Lights in the middle of nowhere in Texas, USA. Some people try to explain them scientifically. Others like to keep things mysterious and give them a supernatural meaning. If there was such a thing as supernatural, what would these lights mean? A few perspectives.
Superstition in Italy: An old way of seeing life still very much alive today
Superstition is not something everyone believes in. But in Italy this perspective on life is as normal as the sun rising. It is one in which history, religion, death and mystery all happily merge into one. Here, new author Ingrid Everts-van Wouderberg from Rome lifts the veil on this age-old way of seeing life.
There’s space for everything: The meaning of happiness in Japan
Different religious perspectives, life, death, and the afterlife: There’s room for everything in the Japanese perspective on happiness. Above all, says Japan expert Carmen Rucci from Italy, there is room for joy. And so, this is Carmen’s story.
British sign language adapts to climate change: Now more people can give their perspective on the hot topic
Does a deaf person have enough signs in their language vocabulary to engage in conversations about climate change? Thanks to new official signs in British Sign Language (BSL), this is the case in Great Britain. Whether in class or during a scientific debate, here deaf people can now also give their perspectives on this current topic.
Life perspective of a little green grass blade
Have you ever wondered what the perspective on life would be of a tiny, vulnerable green grass blade? Pretty great as it happens. Turns out: A grass blade is busy smiling!
Novel therapeutic model takes movie watching to new level: It’s good for us!
Are you watching a movie or your favourite (TV) programme tonight? A British therapeutic model called ‘MOVIE’ has taken this way of relaxing to a whole new level. Says the creator of it: Watching a movie is not only relaxing, it has a deeper therapeutic effect. Who said therapy had to be difficult!
Beautiful images of the natural world: can we connect with something we ideolise?
You only have to watch a TV documentary about the natural world to realise how we much love to see all those beautiful nature images. Films about nature have elevating music, there is that special way of narrating, and those incredible scenes developing in front of our eyes. But…can we connect with the natural world by ideolising it? Do we really see nature as it is?