#Resilience and hope

[kahztiy]

YD6~34 Festive Seasons Echoes in the Courtroom The Road to Hazyview 

Returning, my sister, Ilona’s borrowed Alfa Romeo, after leaving my boys with and their cousin Brian in Kelvin, their territorial suburb, my mood chugs like a steamroller on hot asphalt. Driving and glancing at the azure sky, appeased the dark storm clouds encroaching my mind. Hopelessness consuming me as I drove back from a clandestine auspex with my boys, contrary to my visitation rights after…

[hope-for-the-planet]

The green belt completely encircling the city of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso serves multiple purposes of preventing desertification, providing food for residents, and buffering the city from extreme heat waves.

The project began in the 1970s and now spans 2,000 hectares and counting--made up of trees and garden plots.

[edwardgdunn]

Overcoming The Sadness Of A Deeply Divided Country

Introduction

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, changing social norms, and polarizing political landscapes, finding happiness can feel like an elusive pursuit. The United States, a nation renowned for its diversity and democratic values, is currently grappling with deep divisions that can take a toll on individuals’ well-being. However, the science of happiness offers profound insights into how we can navigate these turbulent times and cultivate joy amidst adversity. This article delves into the strategies and scientific studies that can help us not only endure but thrive in a divided country like the USA.

Understanding the Divided Landscape

The divisions within the United States are multifaceted, ranging from political affiliations and social ideologies to economic disparities and cultural differences. These divisions have led to heightened tensions, strained relationships, and a sense of disconnection among citizens. To counteract the negative impact of these divisions, it is essential to adopt strategies that promote personal happiness and well-being, even in the face of challenges that seem insurmountable.

The Science of Happiness

Numerous scientific studies have delved into the factors that contribute to human happiness. One particularly relevant study conducted by social psychologists Ed Diener and Shigehiro Oishi in 2017 examined the relationship between political polarization and subjective well-being. The study found that while political polarization was indeed associated with lower life satisfaction, individuals who engaged in activities that fostered positive emotions and a sense of social connection experienced higher levels of well-being, regardless of their political beliefs.

Strategies for Staying Happy in a Divided USA

Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, and journaling, can help individuals stay present and reduce stress. These practices allow us to focus our attention on the present moment, promoting a sense of calm amid the chaos. Additionally, cultivating a sense of gratitude for the positive aspects of life can enhance overall happiness. Regularly reflecting on the things we are thankful for can shift our focus away from divisive issues and promote a more positive outlook.

Limit Exposure to Negativity: While staying informed is important, constant exposure to negative news and social media discussions can contribute to feelings of anxiety and helplessness. Setting healthy boundaries and allocating specific times for news consumption can prevent information overload and reduce stress. Engaging in media fasts or detoxes can also provide a much-needed mental break.

Engage in Acts of Kindness: Research shows that acts of kindness and altruism can have a profound impact on well-being. Engaging in small acts of kindness, whether it’s volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply expressing empathy, can foster a sense of connection and purpose. Not only does this positively affect our own happiness, but it also contributes to a more compassionate and harmonious society.

Promote Open Dialogue: Engaging in respectful and open conversations with individuals who hold differing viewpoints can lead to greater understanding and empathy. Meaningful dialogue can help bridge gaps and humanize those we may see as “opponents.” By seeking to understand others and finding common ground, we can foster a more empathetic and united environment.

Focus on Personal Relationships: Nurturing strong bonds with family and friends provides a sense of belonging and support. Positive relationships can serve as a buffer against the negative effects of societal divisions. Engaging in regular social activities, spending quality time with loved ones, and fostering connections within your community can contribute to a more fulfilling and happier life.

Cultivate Resilience: Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back from challenges. Building resilience through activities like exercise, practicing self-compassion, and seeking professional help when needed can enhance emotional well-being. By developing a strong foundation of resilience, individuals are better equipped to navigate the uncertainties and challenges of a divided world.

Find Common Ground: Despite differences in opinion, most people share fundamental values such as family, health, and security. Focusing on common ground can create a sense of unity and diminish the impact of divisive issues. Engaging in activities that promote collaboration and cooperation, such as community projects or volunteer work, can help strengthen bonds and create a more harmonious society.

Engage in Positive Hobbies: Pursuing hobbies that bring joy and fulfillment, whether it’s art, music, gardening, or sports, can provide an emotional escape from the stresses of societal divisions. Engaging in activities that you are passionate about can stimulate positive emotions and serve as a creative outlet, contributing to an overall sense of well-being.

Conclusion

Navigating happiness in a divided country like the USA requires a deliberate and proactive approach. While the challenges of polarization and division are real, scientific studies highlight the power of positive emotions, social connections, and mindful practices in promoting well-being. By adopting strategies that prioritize personal happiness and foster unity, individuals can rise above the divisiveness, contribute to a more harmonious society, and ultimately lead fulfilling and joyful lives.

Remember, happiness is not a passive pursuit but an active choice we make each day. Even in the face of division, uncertainty, and adversity, we have the power to cultivate our own sense of well-being and contribute positively to the world around us. Through mindfulness, empathy, resilience, and a commitment to fostering positive relationships, we can not only weather the storm of division but also create a brighter and more united future for ourselves and generations to come.

Check out the podcast episode…

Check out the Happiness 2.0 Podcast — https://podcast.edwardgdunn.com/

Happiness 2.0 Blog — https://edwardgdunn.com/blog

[escapetrekker]

Finding Your Place In the World

For a considerable time, I grappled with uncertainties regarding my life’s purpose and pondered my significance within the larger context of the world. This prompted me to formulate a plan of exploring diverse locales, with the intention of discovering environments where I could harmoniously assimilate and briefly relish moments of contentment. This prompts an intriguing question: Do you hold the…

[in-tenebris-et-in-solitudine]

[reasonsforhope]

"In a degraded and semi-arid farming area in India, simple science-driven changes to the landscape have colored the horizon, and a village’s fortunes, with green.

In the Latur district in the central western state of Maharashtra, 40 years of erratic rainfall, groundwater depletion, soil erosion, and crop failures have impoverished the local people.

In the village of Matephal, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) launched a project in 2023 that aimed at addressing these challenges through integrated landscape management and climate-smart farming practices. [Note: Meaning they've achieved this much in just two years!]

Multiple forms of data collection allowed ICRISAT to target precise strategies for each challenge facing the 2,000 or so people in Matephal.

Key interventions focused on three critical areas: water conservation, land enhancement with crop diversification, and soil health improvement. Rainwater harvesting structures recharged groundwater around 1,200 acres, raising water tables by 12 feet and securing reliable irrigation. Farm ponds provided supplemental irrigation, while embanking across 320 acres reduced soil erosion.

Farmers diversified their crops, converting 120 or so acres of previously fallow land into productive farmland with legumes, millets, and vegetables. Horticulture-linked markets for fruits and flowers improved income stability.

Weather monitoring equipment was also installed that actively informed sustainable irrigation practices.

“It is a prime example of how data-driven approaches can address complex agricultural challenges, ensuring interventions are precise and impactful. Matephal village is a model for other semi-arid regions in India and beyond,” said Dr. Stanford Blade, Director General-Interim at ICRISAT.

Farmers actively participated in planning and decision-making, fostering long-term commitment.

“This ICRISAT project improved yields, diversified crops, and boosted incomes. It also spared women from walking over a kilometer for drinking water, now available in the village for people and animals,” said Mr. Govind Hinge of Matephal village.

Looking ahead, ICRISAT writes it wants to use Matephal as a case study to scale these methods across India’s vast and drier average. As Matephal’s fields flourish, the village is a testament to the power of collaboration and science in transforming lives and landscapes."

-Article via Good News Network, March 3, 2025. Video via International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), February 26, 2025

[lilybug-02]

New Goal Acquired!

Bug Fact: The scarlet lily beetle (or better yet the lily bug ;P) is a leaf beetle that eats the leaves, stem, buds, and flowers of lilies.

First || Prev // Next

Masterpost

[directactionforhope]

"Starting this month [June 2024], thousands of young people will begin doing climate-related work around the West as part of a new service-based federal jobs program, the American Climate Corps, or ACC. The jobs they do will vary, from wildland firefighters and “lawn busters” to urban farm fellows and traditional ecological knowledge stewards. Some will work on food security or energy conservation in cities, while others will tackle invasive species and stream restoration on public land. 

The Climate Corps was modeled on Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps, with the goal of eventually creating tens of thousands of jobs while simultaneously addressing the impacts of climate change. 

Applications were released on Earth Day, and Maggie Thomas, President Joe Biden’s special assistant on climate, told High Country News that the program’s website has already had hundreds of thousands of views. Since its launch, nearly 250 jobs across the West have been posted, accounting for more than half of all the listed ACC positions. 

“Obviously, the West is facing tremendous impacts of climate change,” Thomas said. “It’s changing faster than many other parts of the country. If you look at wildfire, if you look at extreme heat, there are so many impacts. I think that there’s a huge role for the American Climate Corps to be tackling those crises.”  

Most of the current positions are staffed through state or nonprofit entities, such as the Montana Conservation Corps or Great Basin Institute, many of which work in partnership with federal agencies that manage public lands across the West. In New Mexico, for example, members of Conservation Legacy’s Ecological Monitoring Crew will help the Bureau of Land Management collect soil and vegetation data. In Oregon, young people will join the U.S. Department of Agriculture, working in firefighting, fuel reduction and timber management in national forests. 

New jobs are being added regularly. Deadlines for summer positions have largely passed, but new postings for hundreds more positions are due later this year or on a rolling basis, such as the Working Lands Program, which is focused on “climate-smart agriculture.”  ...

On the ACC website, applicants can sort jobs by state, work environment and focus area, such as “Indigenous knowledge reclamation” or “food waste reduction.” Job descriptions include an hourly pay equivalent — some corps jobs pay weekly or term-based stipends instead of an hourly wage — and benefits. The site is fairly user-friendly, in part owing to suggestions made by the young people who participated in the ACC listening sessions earlier this year...

The sessions helped determine other priorities as well, Thomas said, including creating good-paying jobs that could lead to long-term careers, as well as alignment with the president’s Justice40 initiative, which mandates that at least 40% of federal climate funds must go to marginalized communities that are disproportionately impacted by climate change and pollution. 

High Country News found that 30% of jobs listed across the West have explicit justice and equity language, from affordable housing in low-income communities to Indigenous knowledge and cultural reclamation for Native youth...

While the administration aims for all positions to pay at least $15 an hour, the lowest-paid position in the West is currently listed at $11 an hour. Benefits also vary widely, though most include an education benefit, and, in some cases, health care, child care and housing. 

All corps members will have access to pre-apprenticeship curriculum through the North America’s Building Trades Union. Matthew Mayers, director of the Green Workers Alliance, called this an important step for young people who want to pursue union jobs in renewable energy. Some members will also be eligible for the federal pathways program, which was recently expanded to increase opportunities for permanent positions in the federal government...

 “To think that there will be young people in every community across the country working on climate solutions and really being equipped with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce of the future,” Thomas said, “to me, that is going to be an incredible thing to see.”"

-via High Country News, June 6, 2024

--

Note: You can browse Climate Corps job postings here, on the Climate Corps website. There are currently 314 jobs posted at time of writing!

Also, it says the goal is to pay at least $15 an hour for all jobs (not 100% meeting that goal rn), but lots of postings pay higher than that, including some over $20/hour!!

[sentientsky]

every time i read about queer history, i feel like breaking down in tears. so much community and care and radical, desperate hope stretching back so far. god

[coline7373]

"For Life and Light."

Pffffiuuuuu... I didn't thought I would finish it in time but I did! *fist pump*

Just in time to thank the @codywanfirstkissbingo 's mods for such lovely prompts and to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and/or Winter's Holidays!!!!!!!!!

Big love sent to everyone!!!

💖❄🎄💖🌞💖🎄❄💖

[rin-rin-kururin]

･ ｡ ✺∴｡　* 　･ﾟ𖡼. ｡ ✺･ 　　　 　 　 ･ ﾟ* ･ﾟ✺｡ 　　　✺･ ｡ °* . ﾟ * 　ﾟ𓇢ﾟ ·* 　ﾟ｡･ 𖡼 ｡ ﾟ 　 　　ﾟ *. ｡ ✺｡ ✺　･ 　 * 𖡼｡ ･ﾟ. * .｡ 　　 　 *　 ✺ ﾟ. ･ ｡ 𓇢𖡼 * ｡

[hope-for-the-planet]

From the article:

“The act of restoring and maintaining naulas has also rekindled long-lost community interest in sustainable construction and water harvesting practices.” People see firsthand how keeping the catchment area clean, taking care of local broadleaf forests and digging contour trenches can fill their naulas and keep them water secure,” he says. Other Himalayan states like Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have also shown an interest in reviving their traditional water harvesting structures. Reviving springs has the potential to transform more than just the lives of Himalayan communities for whom springs are an important source of drinking water: Reports suggest that these springs contribute substantially to the base flow of large Himalayan rivers, and reviving them could, in the long term, improve the hydrology of the densely populated river basins of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Yamuna. 

[certifiedcoffeeaddict]

"why are they all cale" he's main character in tcf and in my heart, okay💔💔

sources under the cut!

picture sources: lout of the count's family manhwa (duh) (chapters are in the ALT)

textpost sources:

okay done :thumbsup: source

blood "loss"? source

the urge to set things on fire source (afa i could tell!)

in trouble source

'you wouldn't pirate a-' source

you're so resilient! source

[its-ate-oclock-somewhere]

Futamono Flower Meaning

So you're telling me that the very night after Will whore Graham sent someone to murder Hannibal simp Lecter, the man created this?!

[somnimagus]

My page for @kairizine. It was such a huge honor to be part of this wonderful book with everyone, I had so much fun!

[id in alt!]

[reasonsforhope]

"Twenty million trees will be planted and 2,500 hectares (6,178 acres) of new woodland created in the west of England as part of a "national forest" drive, the government has announced.

The Western Forest will be made up of new and existing woodlands across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset, the Cotswolds and the Mendips as well as in urban areas such as Bristol, Swindon and Gloucester.

It will be the first of three new national forests promised by the government to help meet a legally-binding target of achieving 16.5% woodland cover in England by 2050.

However, with only 10% cover achieved so far, environmental groups have warned much more needs to be done to meet tree-planting targets.

The most recent research shows the total area of woodland across the whole of the UK is currently estimated to be 3.28m hectares.

That represents 13% of the total land area of the UK but in England just 10% is woodland.

Across the UK, the aim is for 30,000 hectares of woodland to be planted every year.

The latest annual figures show about 21,000 hectares were planted, with the vast majority in Scotland and just 5,500 hectares in England.

Andy Egan, head of conservation policy at the Woodland Trust, said there had been "significant progress" on tree planting but that there was still "much more to do" to meet the UK's targets.

He said maintaining government funding was essential.

"Successful tree planting and ongoing management needs long-term grant support," he said.

Alex Stone, chief executive of the Forest of Avon Trust, which leads the partnership behind the Western Forest project, said there were some areas in the region that currently had only 7% of land covered by trees.

"This is about bringing those areas up so we have trees where we really need them," she said.

"What we are aiming to do with the Western Forest is get to 20% of canopy cover by 2050 and, in five priority areas, we are looking at getting above 30%."

The scheme will particularly target urban areas, including Bristol, Swindon and Gloucester.

The government said it would be putting £7.5m of public money into the forest over the next five years.

It said the project would not only help the UK's drive to net zero but would also promote economic growth and create jobs in the region.

Mary Creagh, minister for nature, said she hoped the Western Forest would also "make a huge difference" to water quality, flood resilience and to wildlife as well as bringing nature "closer to people" in the region.

But she conceded there was much more to do in order to hit England's national tree-planting target.

"I am absolutely confident that we can get to where we need to get to," she said.

"Projects like this give me hope and confidence that, with everybody pulling together, working with the public sector and the private sector, we can do it." ...

The Western Forest is the first new national forest to be designated in England in 30 years, following the creation of the original National Forest across Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire, where 9.8m trees have been planted."

-via BBC, March 20, 2025