top of page
Search
All Categories


About Rosie: The "Old" Lady with the Magic Toolshed
There are people who have their own unique vision of what it means to grow older. Mary Contrary was lucky enough to meet one of them. This is a story about her one-of-a-kind neighbour, a so-called "old" lady who was onto you: you, with all your stereotypes about life and the elderly! This is the story of Rosie.

Mary Contrary
8 min read


Oh Dear, I Am Middle Aged, It Will All Go Downhill From Here!
Many people in the West expect decline from middle age onward. Do these expectations influence the outcome, especially if society reinforces them? A new approach might be: How can I stay as young and healthy as possible by adjusting my expectations?

femkevaniperen
5 min read


Abstract Art: "Life, By Nature"
Here's an unusual thought: What if nature had the ability to observe life? What would its perspective be? Mary Contrary suggests nature already imitates us and invites you to see this through rare images. Intrigued? Presenting: Abstract Art: "Life, By Nature".

Mary Contrary
3 min read


A Dog is Our Best Friend. But Is It A Happy Dog?
In the West, we often care for our dogs in a similar way: we crate them, reward them with treats when they do something well, and make it clear who's in charge. But do these methods actually lead to a happy dog? Welfare expert Judith Versluis sees room for improvement and shares her insights.

femkevaniperen
12 min read


Synchronicity: Are You Team 'Coincidence' or Team 'Meaning'?
Four experts explore why some moments feel too perfectly timed to ignore. Do we have to choose between “it’s all random” and “it’s a sign”—or is there another way to understand synchronicity in modern life?

femkevaniperen
8 min read


Deb Dana on the Wonderful World of Glimmers
We chat with Deb Dana about the concept of Glimmers, their role alongside triggers, and how they reveal magic and wonder. Be warned: They are surrounding us, waiting to be noticed, and our bodies are already naturally designed for these positive experiences!

femkevaniperen
6 min read


Where Everybody Knows Your Name: Welcome to Grandma's Kitchen in Vienna!
New ideas are popping up worldwide. Take Vollpension in Vienna. A café run by 'life experts' (no labels like 'senior citizens' here!), it offers not only a welcoming atmosphere for people of all ages and backgrounds, but also a fresh perspective on the world. The eatery exudes a 'Cheers' atmosphere, or as the Vollpension team themselves describe it: intergenerational togetherness. This is their story.

Guest Writer
6 min read


Restaurant 'Cucina', Abruzzo, Italy: Where History Comes to Life
The team behind the renowned Sextantio project, and the unique revival of the once-abandoned mountain village of Santo Stefano in Italy's Abruzzo region, continues to innovate. Their latest venture, restaurant Sextantio Cucina, revives the region's history. Spearheaded by a celebrated local chef, it demonstrates how honouring the past through inspiring cuisine can lead to a promising future.

femkevaniperen
5 min read


The Working World from a Highly Sensitive Person's Perspective
They say our fast-paced world needs highly sensitive people, or HSPs as they are often called. But what about their role in the workplace? Can people with this complex, deeply empathetic mind add value here too? Or are they just too sensitive? Dr. Candan Aydemir-Tam, healthcare psychologist, provides valuable insights.

Editorial Team
5 min read


Does the Early Bird Still Catch the Worm? Insights from Denmark
Some people have more energy in the morning, others in the evening. Or, as science puts it, each of us has a unique chronotype. There's a growing belief that aligning our lives with our chronotype would make us healthier and more productive. A Danish perspective offers new insights on the feasibility and benefits of this approach.

femkevaniperen
7 min read


Superstitions: An Italian Perspective On Life
Italian culture often embraces a superstitious outlook on life, with these beliefs weaving together elements of history, religion, death, and mystery. Ingrid, a Dutch writer and painter residing in Rome, explores these superstitions, covering topics like black cats, the color purple in theaters, and selecting inappropriate flowers. Here, we introduce: Ingrid's Italian superstitions.

Guest Writer
6 min read


MOVIE Therapy: Self Healing From Your Own Couch
Jenny Hamilton, a Senior Lecturer in Counselling and Psychological Therapies at the University of Lincoln, GB, has come up with a cool idea called the MOVIE Model. It's a science-based, fun twist on therapy that lets you enjoy some therapeutic benefits right from your couch... by simply watching a movie!

Editorial Team
3 min read


New Life Road Movie Part Two
In this new-life movie, a small group of single individuals seeks a fresh start and new horizons, aiming for a Happy New Beginning. Chapter 2 follows their journey toward a new life and new perspectives.

femkevaniperen
1 min read


Marfa and Min Min Lights: The Long Search for Truth
We've always sought answers in the sky, yet it sometimes poses intriguing questions. Consider the enigmatic Min Min Lights in Australia and Marfa Lights in Texas. Despite being worlds apart, these phenomena share similarities that blend local folklore, cultural significance, and scientific intrigue. Can we appreciate them without explanation?

Editorial Team
6 min read


Meet the Rainforest Mind: Sensitive, Clever, Misread
Are you highly sensitive, smart, complex, creative, intense, curious, lonely, and misunderstood? Psychotherapist Paula Prober introduces the "Rainforest Mind," describing individuals who feel both too much and not enough. Read on to discover this unique perspective of life.

Guest Writer
5 min read


Let's Do This together: Reimagining Farming
Allover the world, people are tapping into the power of community, which is proving effective. The Swiss Section for Agriculture at the Goetheanum highlights the strength in community, with biodynamic farming leading the way. This is their latest perspective.

Editorial Team
4 min read


Anna, Maria, and Sue Too: Ingrid's Silent Women's Power Army
Women's empowerment remains a vital topic, and Ingrid, a promising Dutch artist in Rome, is highlighting it through vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes. Her work has been featured in prominent exhibitions, including those on the iconic Via Margutta, and is currently on display at the Museo Civico di Zoologia. A glimpse into an innovative artist's studio in Rome.

femkevaniperen
5 min read


My Time in Ghana: "Poverty" and African Life
My Time In Ghana: During her filming trip to Ghana in the nineties, Mary Contrary, a perspectivator at heart, discovered aspects of African life which are so incredibly rich, they contrast sharply with the poverty and hardship often seen by Western visitors. This is her story.

Mary Contrary
6 min read


Mindful Living and Perspective: A Perfect Match?
When you think about it, life is like a palette of colours, where our perception is crucial. Mindful living with perspective means embracing different perspectives and finding meaning in life's mosaic. It encourages us to step back, breathe, and appreciate the bigger picture, even amidst the details. Are mindful living and perspective a perfect match? Let's explore this together.

femkevaniperen
4 min read


"Tapping" for Anxiety, Better Health and...Shifting Perspectives!
So, we're open to a new perspective. But, are we really? Our subconscious voices and limiting beliefs can make genuine change difficult. Enter energy tapping. Intrigued? Read on as Mary Contrary explores the topic. Mary has successfully used tapping for years on various issues and often practices it while walking her dog.

Mary Contrary
7 min read
bottom of page