An expert in body/mind healing says that the secret to happiness, health and long life is as simple as breathing. It is so simple that anyone can master it with a little practice. There are no gadgets to buy or clubs to join to reap the benefits. You don’t even have to visit your doctor for a prescription. Does this sound too good to be true? Well, for once it isn’t!

According to Zen Yoga master, Aaron Hoopes the art of deep breathing has been called by a variety of names: conscious breathing, abdominal breathing, dynamic breathing and even belly breathing. Mr. Hoopes calls it Smart Breathing in the updated and expanded 2nd Edition of his book Breathe Smart. He calls it smart because it has immediate rewards, costs nothing and is a no-lose endeavor. It makes you feel good while you do it in the short term, and in the long term you will find yourself living a more energized, healthy and peaceful life.   Read more...

In 1991, six Wall Street professionals established Minds Matter in New York City to mentor high-achieving, low-income high school students who had the potential and ambition to pursue a college education, but who lacked the resources to achieve that dream. Since then, Minds Matter has grown into a national organization with chapters across the United States in Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Denver, Colorado; New York City, New York; and Portland, Oregon. In the 2008-2009 school year, Minds Matter will launch a new Chapter and open its doors to students in Cleveland, Ohio!

The organization's services have also developed into a comprehensive three year curriculum for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. Each year students are guided through valuable lessons in Academic Preparedness, Writing & Critical Thinking and Test Preparation.   Read more...

Dear EarthTalk: I was intrigued to hear that there were a number of ways one could modify or construct a roof on a house or office facility that would provide great environmental benefit. Can you enlighten? -- Bill Teague, Menlo Park, CA

Most buildings are designed to shed rain, and as such are built with hard, impenetrable roofing surfaces. As a result, rainwater bounces off and collects as runoff, picking up impurities

More and more we're hearing that would-be vacationers are staying home this year in favor of the "staycation". It's a matter of striking a balance and not going too far off the all-or-nothing vacation deep end. Because in the end whether it's a vacation or a staycation, it's all about living, that rich life experience, that Leafpond Moment. So if you would like a vacation but can't get away, watch our video Leafpond Moment.   Read more...

People suffering anxiety often focus on fearful thoughts of losing control or going crazy. Thoughts can trigger anxiety but it is the body's response to the threat conveyed by our thoughts or our senses that accounts for anxiety. Some of those reactions include: increased heart rate, sweating, choking sensation, tightness in body, nausea, numbness, chills or hot flushes. Fortunately, it is through breath therapy that we have a means to calm our body and relieve the pain.

Breath therapy is a kind of mindful breathing whereby in different ways one focuses on breathing and simply notices it. This kind of breathing connects to chi, the body's powerful healing energy. As this connection happens it can evoke a warm tingling or a subtle vibration that eases pain, calms emotions, invigorates energy, improves digestion, and contributes to restful sleep.   Read more...

I have heard and experienced too, that everything turns rosy when one falls in love. The proverbial rose tinted glasses, rosy dreams, pink roses, and the blush on the lover’s cheeks! I have read many books on relationships, human psychology, have observed people, studied human behavior, have worked with centers that do ‘paid listening’ for the broken hearted and have listened to many stories of love getting bruised, with ennui, neglect and emotional asphyxiation. True, that everything looks pink in its initial stages, but turns blue with carelessness, extra carefulness, neediness, unfair expectations, suffocating possessiveness and at times, just for no reason at all.

I have written some motivating articles on the intricacies of relationships in various journals; perhaps involuntarily taking on the mantle of being a ‘so called expert’ on the subject. Well, even after all this I cannot vouch for being ‘the expert’ in relationships, because the fact is that it is difficult to figure out people and something as fragile as “feelings”. Human mind is a never-ending mystery, and so is the heart.   Read more...

Buying a product can sometimes seem like a self-indulgent process: you purchase it, take it home and that is that. Your wardrobe may become a little more expansive or your living room a little more decorated, but that is about all that will change. Today, however, with increased opportunities and abilities for global collaboration, markets are being created based on the inspiring idea that purchases have the potential to do more than just become something to own. Products now have the capacity to actually do good.   Read more...

Tree growth in the Arctic Tundra increases climate change, rival corporations are lightening the load on the roads by truck sharing deliveries in the UK due to high gas prices, and take a look at some new green gadgets.   Read more...

Scholar, futurist, and activist Riane Eisler explains the potential of an economic system based on caring rather than domination. By giving economic value to life-sustaining activities like parenting, an economics of caring provides a more realistic view of human life and suggests policy that is more coherent with human nature.   Read more...

A trip for those who like to experience culture, adventure and beauty and believe in "responsible tourism".

Embark on a walking camel safari set in the middle of 400 miles of vast mountain ranges in Kenya lead by honorary game wardens and nomadic Samburu warriors. Discover an Africa few encounter. Trek pure unspoiled land. A luxurious camping adventure complete with hot candlelit showers, delicious meals and personally tailored experiences. A once in a lifetime opportunity that will be talked about for years to come. And all this to benefit one of Kenya’s most renowned charity’s, MEAK (Medical and Educational Aid to Kenya).   Read more...