By: I. Krakowiak In a world where information constantly strikes you, taking care of your mind has become a priority. Not dissimilar to watering a garden, you must cultivate your mind to allow it to thrive. A common misconception towards mind growth is reducing it to stuffing and overloading information into our brains. It refers to expanding your perspectives, challenging your creativity, new methods of learning, problem-solving and fostering resilience. Let us look at various approaches to stimulate your mind and unlock its full potential.
Embracing learning and curiosity: A flourishing mind is powered by curiosity and a passion towards learning. Experiment with different activities, indulge in new subjects, read as much as possible and remember to always seize opportunities that come your way. These methods broaden your lifelong learning, a never-ending expedition to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the world we live in. Challenging yourself: escaping the comfort zone: Breaking free of your comfort zone and embracing something more challenging is crucial to mind growth. Your brain creates new neural pathways and improves cognitive flexibility when it comes across unfamiliar information or new problems. In addition to enhancing mental resilience, this process of problem-solving and adaptability also stimulates creativity and invention. These skills are fundamental towards expanding your brain capacity. Keeping an open mind: It is completely normal to be scared of trying new things, however this fear is a barrier to your mind’s intellectual development. Welcome new ideas and perspectives, as it fosters adaptability and empathy. Be in the company of people who disagree with your viewpoints, this helps you engage in healthy debates that consequently highlights the importance of judging other perspectives fairly prior to coming up with your opinion on the matter, refining your logical thinking. The only thing stopping you from having an open mind is yourself. Reflecting and Mindfulness: Reflection is the base of understanding growth. Take time off your day to reflect on how you have changed, what you have learned and what you can do to foster mind development. To keep track of these thoughts, journaling is an excellent option, as you can come back to it anytime to check progress. Meditation and other mindfulness exercises can improve focus, memory, and controlling emotions. By removing mental clutter, these exercises reduce stress, promote deeper thinking and creative expression.
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By: I. Papa Our brains are vital and extremely complex organs, which in some way have control over our body functions. It serves as a central command, coordinating our every move. It is responsible for all our processes such as thinking, problem-solving, decision making and overcoming cognitive and psychological barriers. It interprets information received from our senses, such as hearing, sight, touch, taste, and smell, permitting us to interact with our external environment. And, of course, it allows us to physically shift our bodies and walk, speak, run, eat, and perform various activities.
This organ is profoundly protected by the thick bones of our skull. If you think of it, our brain is our most treasured possession! It stores all our memories and experiences, permitting us to always look back and learn from past situations to understand how to adapt to any new circumstances. By allowing us to persevere through any challenges, we develop personal growth in any area where required, and the brain gives everyone a sense of conscience and self-awareness, creating an identity for individuals and giving them the ability to reflect on their own thoughts. Generally, it is impossible to express the importance of your brain and its capacities. It has a surreal level of emotional intelligence, making people recognize, understand and deal with their internal feelings. It hands us the opportunity exhibit our sentiments through others forms than just words. This includes tears, whether from joy or sadness, smiles, laughter, etc… These are all powered from this insanely precious organ. The most peculiar part is that scientist say that no human being has ever discovered everything their brains can do, so as well as all of these things previously mentioned, they can perhaps do even more! In conclusion, it is fitting to say that our brains are almost like a superpower. They give us the accessibility to do what we wish with our sophisticated bodies, and they are always managing our actions and attentively controlling everything we do. They are phenomenal. By: A. Lotufo Every year, again and again, the Galentine’s trend pops up on everyone’s social media pages. It has been trending recently, but it’s been around for a long while.
Galentine’s day first appeared in an episode of “Parks and Recreation”, a NBC sitcom. This trend was based on an episode from season 2, where Leslie (played by Amy Poehler) meets her friends for brunch – where many gifts are given. These consisted of 5,000 word essays of why they’re awesome, handmade flower pens, and mosaics made of everyone’s favourite diet soda. Galentine’s day focuses on sisterhood, pink clothes, and absolutely no boys. Why? It’s based purely on friendships among girls. This unofficial holiday has been seen around in brunches, spa days, gift exchanges, and more. The good news is, you can basically turn this into anything you want, regardless of if you have done it before or not. Some ideas seen on social medias have been waffle brunches, manicures, and, if you want a longer event, a slumber party. Overall, Galentine’s day is celebrating friendship and sisterhood by throwing pink, fun parties and most importantly, creating a judge-free zone. By: L. Viegas Fun with Dick & Jane:
This movie is rated: 13+ After Dick, loses his job at a corporate business (Globodayne), his wife (Jane) and him start their life of crime. This funny comedy is perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. This movie got an overall 4.1 in google. Bridge to Terabithia: This movie is free for all ages. This movie is a perfect fantasy to bawl your eyes out. The story centers around Jessie, a teenager in a new school, where he befriends Lesslie, together they create an imaginary world where they rule, and magical creatures live. This movie had an overall 4.5 on some websites. My girl: This movie is for ages: 12+ This is another movie to cry your heart out. (This movie even had Thomas J. Sennett, famously known for his role in Home Alone) Vada is the main character, who is depressive, and has a good reason to be so, her mother died in childbirth and her father works in a funeral Parlor. She is called a freak and goth by the other children. And to make matters worse, her only friend is a boy. This movie had an overall 4.6 on google. These movies are perfect to watch with a friend, or your family! They have an average length of 90 minutes (about 1 and a half hours), perfect for a low commitment, decompressing activity. I hope you enjoy my movie recommendations! Happy Valentines Day!!! By: I. Krakowiak February 14th, Valentine’s day, is celebrated globally. Although this special day signifies chocolates, heartfelt notes, and intimate meals in the United States, different countries around the world have different ways of honoring St. Valentine. Japan: In Japan, Valentine’s Day is unique. Instead of what we see commonly in other parts of the world, it is women who take the initiative. On this day, they assume the role of gift-givers, giving their partner a token of their affection. The favorite offering in Japan on this day is “honmei-choco”, a homemade chocolate. Not only until March 14th, known as White Day, does the partner return the gesture with an array of white-themed gifts, like white chocolate for example, to symbolize their affection and gratitude. UK: Valentine’s day in the UK is a vibrant tradition that dates back to the customs of the Victorian era! This celebration means the exchange of anonymous valentines notes, due to the belief Victorians had that signing one’s name to a card brought ill fortune, preserving the mystery of secret admirers. Another famous tradition in the UK is the gesture of presenting roses to partners, which is now a famous global action to show love. This flower carries rich symbolism, as the rose is associated to Venus, the esteemed goddess of love. Brazil: In Brazil, Valentine’s day is only celebrated in June 12th for two reasons:
Another interesting thing is that while being single in Valentine’s day can be very depressing in most countries, not in Brazil. If you are single in Dia dos namorados, Many bars and restaurants hold singles events with games, drinks, music for you to have a blast and meet up with friends. Maybe even find a significant other there. Slovenia: In Slovenia, 14th of February holds special significance as a prime day for tending the fields, resonating with the agricultural rhythms of the land. This is because St. Valentine, revered as one of the patron saints of spring, symbolizes renewal and growth, therefore inspiring this tradition. Slovenians only reserve their celebration for romance on March 12th, embracing the charm of St. Gregory’s Day. Then, they joyously commemorate love and companionship, practicing cultural traditions and heartfelt sentiments into their festivities. Wales: Instead of commemorating love on February 14, citizens of Wales honor St. Dwynwen's Day on January 25. St. Dwynwen holds a revered place as the Welsh patron saint of lovers, and in a charming tradition, men bestow upon women intricately hand-carved wooden spoons. This endearing custom finds its roots in the romantic lore of Welsh sailors who, while navigating the seas, crafted intricate designs onto wooden spoons to present to their beloveds upon returning home. By: L. AgudoNearly 60 years after being displaced from their childhood home by the authoritarian Brazilian government, four siblings return to the dust and rubble of their cherished memories. In the backyard of these ruins, real and fictional stories are woven together through distinct episodes featuring dancing, singing and storytelling, accompanied by four musicians who mirror each of the siblings. And of course, they can’t forget the coffee. As it is self-described, this is a “show that reveals the reality of the past by looking at the present”.
One of my primary goals over the last two years has been to engage with local theatre in São Paulo, and I have loved the vast range of experiences that this has brought me. However, of all the shows I have seen live, this may be my absolute favorite. This show made me laugh, cry and sing - like a good book, I simply didn’t want it to end. It presents the harsh realities of our country’s past, how centuries of neglect towards people of color have left many without the privilege of imagining themselves at older age, living lives with dignity and respect. In an increasingly commercialized and cynical world, this play is unapologetically genuine. In discussions with other audience members, we all agreed that we found ourselves disregarding which of these various episodes were based in reality or fiction - because the intentions beneath it all are so beautifully apparent. Everything on stage is thoroughly considered - from the evolving costumes to the intricate background, familiar props and the exceptional use of music and projection. It all comes together to tell stories of romance, hardship and perseverance. Bom Dia, Eternidade is a tribute to age, to art and to love, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Unfortunately, by the time you’ve read this review, the play has likely finished its run at Sesc Consolação. However, I highly encourage everyone to look out for future work from O Bonde, the small company which devised the piece, as well as future productions from Jhonny Salaburg, the writer, Luiz Fernando Marques Lubi, the director, and to engage with other works in São Paulo’s brilliant theatrical culture. To learn more about the production, visit: https://www.sescsp.org.br/programacao/bom-dia-eternidade/ And to find other productions occurring across São Paulo, I recommend: https://guiaoff.com.br/ By I. Papa Red Velvet Cupcakes
You will adore these cupcakes as they will kick your holiday season to a start! They are creamy, soft, and visually delightful! Not to mention the adorable heart-shaped sprinkles on the top. Recipe: https://www.aheadofthyme.com/red-velvet-cupcakes/ Cake
Frosting
Piping
Chocolate chip cookies Although chocolate chip cookies suit every season, their warmth and taste will delight the month of February, and perfectly suit Valentine’s Day! It is a mix of butter and dough, with extracts of pure vanilla and sweet chocolate. Recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com Ingredients · 2 tablespoons cake flour · 1⅔ cups bread flour · 1¼ teaspoons baking soda · 1¼ cups unsalted butter · 1¼ cups light brown sugar · 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar · 2 large eggs · 2 teaspoons natural vanilla extract · Chocolate chips (as many as you wish) · Sea salt Method
Chocolate covered strawberries My personal favorite! Chocolate covered strawberries are quick and easy to make, requiring few ingredients. They have a wonderful, sugared taste but still manage to be a perfect combination of flavors. Ingredients Strawberries Chocolate chips/chocolate bar Coconut oil Method
By: A. Jabur Midsummer is the main national holiday in Sweden and Finland but is celebrated widely throughout Scandinavia. It celebrates the summer solstice (the longest day of the year) as well as the midpoint of the harvest season. This date changes every year, usually falling between the 20th – 25th of June. It also coincides and is often celebrated along with St. John’s Day, a Christian feast day that celebrates the birth of Saint John the Baptist, observed on the 24th of June.
During Midsummer, many people visit the countryside to celebrate with their families. The holiday is known for its many traditional rituals, such as dancing, lighting a bonfire, singing, drinking, and lighting fireworks. However, the festival is perhaps most known for the Maypole, a tall wooden pole covered completely with flowers, and the traditional dances and songs that are performed around it. The clothes customarily worn in the festival have also become one of its most well-known points, as the long white frocks embroidered with colorful patterns have become almost synonymous with Scandinavian traditions. Midsummer has its origins in a Pagan tradition that welcomed Summer and assured a successful harvest season- it has been celebrated for thousands of years and was associated with gods such as Ukko, the Finnish god of thunder. In the past, it was believed that loud behavior would bring luck by driving away evil spirits, which is why the period of Midsummer is associated with success, luck, and healing. Love spells were often cast during this time, as it was believed to be a magical period of good fortune. With the spread of Christianity, Midsummer began to be celebrated along with St. John’s Day. Currently, many of these originally pagan customs- such as lighting bonfires, drinking, dancing, and collecting flowers- are still core parts of the Midsummer festivities, but many new traditions have been incorporated, such as eating pickled herring with chives and sour cream and wearing beautiful handmade flower wreaths as accessories. By: A. Bonde As the last few days of the year draw near, people all over the world are getting ready to say goodbye to the past and welcome the new with joyful festivities that are reflective of the many different cultures and customs that exist in various parts of the world. The celebrations that take place at the end of the year create a diverse mix of global events that bring people together in the spirit of hope and new beginnings. These celebrations range from religious rites to colorful fireworks that illuminate the night sky.
One of the most well-known ways that people in the United States celebrate the countdown to the New Year is by watching the ball drop at Times Square, in New York City. Many people endure the freezing weather to witness the glittering ball as it makes its descent in the middle of Manhattan. There are millions of people all over the world who watch the ceremony on television as well, and it is a symbol of hope for a better future. In India, the end of the year is marked by the celebration of Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. Families get together to eat and give each other presents, while homes and public areas are decked out in colorful lights and decorations to celebrate the holiday. Since the celebration is a representation of the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, it gives rise to a joyful and pleasant disposition. The New Year, also known as "Oshogatsu," is a cultural celebration that is deeply rooted in Japanese tradition. During the special lunch known as "osechi-ryori," which is comprised of a variety of symbolic delicacies, families get together to share a meal. As the clock strikes midnight, Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times, which is a symbolic representation of the 108 earthly goals that bring human suffering during that time. Reflection, purification, and the excited prospect of a fresh start are the prevailing emotions at this moment. The spectacular fireworks display that takes place above the Sydney Harbor Bridge on New Year's Eve in Sydney, Australia, is a spectacle that not only captivates millions of people but also leaves them speechless. The fireworks explode into the night, and as they reflect off the waters of the harbor, the city is transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors. In addition to the fireworks, the celebrations include open-air concerts, dance parties, and events that are suitable for families that are held across the community. People from all over the world get together to celebrate the year that has just ended and to express their excitement about the possibility of a fresh start. This can be done through spectacular fireworks, rituals, or lively street celebrations. There is a wave of hope that rushes across the globe as midnight hits in every time zone. This wave of hope brings us all together in the common experience of saying goodbye to the old and greeting the new with open arms and hearts. |
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