It's pretty amazing how different cultures and times have their own ideas about what happens after we die, right? What's even more interesting is that each group considers their version 'the truth,' especially considering none of us can know for sure what comes next. Today, let's dive into some major cultural takes on death and the afterlife, so we can all expand our horizons together.

Can we imagine life without air conditioning — and should we? Exploring passive cooling, nature-inspired design, emerging materials, and impactful small changes reveals how we are reviewing the way we keep buildings comfortable. Solutions like Moroccan adobe courtyards, Indian stepwells, perforated facades, and green roofs blend ancient practices with modern urgency.

Think Golden Retrievers are the best family dog breed and Bulldogs are not? Well, think again! New research and voices across media are turning that old idea on its head with a fresh perspective. It shows that a dog's temperament is more influenced by its environment, owner expectations and care, than by its breed.

Sleeping in is often seen as being lazy, while getting up early is tied to success and prestige. But as we start to understand that everyone has their own peak energy times, with some people being more productive later in the day, this view is shifting. A Danish point of view suggests that tweaking our schedules to allow for different start times could actually be a good thing. We speak with Camilla Kring from the B-Society.

When it comes to something like synchronicity, we're either all in or a bit skeptical. But right between believing and scientific thinking, there's a whole world of possibilities. Want to explore it together? Four experts on synchronicity and coincidence are here to inspire us.

Music, movies, and conversations often suggest that having a life partner is better than being single, with science supporting the health and other benefits. However, is being single just about waiting for the right person, or can it be a fulfilling, lasting lifestyle choice? Is it time for a new narrative?

Walking helps us stay fit, but some innovative researchers found that walking in a silly manner, like John Cleese in Monty Python's 'Ministry of Silly Walks,' to be precise, burns more energy and boosts mood effectively. It can make you wonder: do our everyday activities have to be the same every day?

Have you ever considered how the world looks from a blade of grass's perspective? These tiny blades have a surprisingly positive outlook on life. Uncover a hidden perspective in our lawns and meadows: the secret to happiness according to a tiny blade of grass.

If there's one thing we've picked up in recent times, it's that we can successfully rethink big, long-standing beliefs and perspectives. Take work. The meaning of work, the daily grind, the rat race, 'the more we work the more successful we are,' the 5-day week in the workplace? All of that's definitely evolving and work is changing.

In a world overflowing with information, the news can overwhelm us. Columnist Mary Contrary tells us how exploring different news perspectives, backgrounds, and underreported voices, can offer us nuanced insights and context and a clearer picture. It can provide a deeper understanding of our complex world, beyond prevailing beliefs. Let's delve into the quiet news — the news we might otherwise miss.

Have you ever considered that true healing might sometimes come from within, rather than a battle fought externally? Join us in exploring the profound insights shared by Dr. Kim D’Eramo on why it sometimes pays to surrender to our innate healing.

There are people who age, there are people who age positively, and then there are people who have their own unique way of aging gracefully. Mary Contrary met such a person—her remarkable neighbor Rosie, an 'old' lady who saw right through you—yes, you, with all your stereotypes about life and the elderly! This is the story of Rosie, based on a real-life event.

Many of us in the Western world view older people as vulnerable (and a bit comical) and expect our own decline of mind and body to begin as early as middle age, as if it were inevitable. But could these expectations—especially when reinforced by societal norms—actually influence the outcome?

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".

In the West, we generally care for our dogs in similar ways: using crates, rewarding them with treats for good behaviour, and establishing clear leadership. But do these methods truly lead to a happy dog? Welfare expert Judith Versluis suggests there is room for improvement and shares her insights with us.

Did you know that, although we are naturally inclined to focus on the negative, we also possess the innate ability to concentrate on the positive? Our bodies are wired for this, and it promotes our well-being. Deb Dana introduces to us her easy-to-use concept of 'Glimmers' and shows how they can help us fall in love with life again.

A unique café in Vienna is a popular spot for all ages, offering not only authentic dishes but also a fresh perspective on ageing and café culture on the side. Run by savvy life experts—no senior citizens here—Vollpension fosters independence for everyone, and as it turns out, Grandma still has lots to do. This is their story.

Shhhh... something truly special is happening in the mountains of Abruzzo, just east of Rome. At "Cucina" guests can taste dishes inspired by the region's rich past—including meals that once served as a means of communicating with the supernatural world. The renowned restaurant, demonstrates that by honouring a place, we can return to a time of simpler living—something so many of us long for.

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? Dutch Dr. Candan Aydemir-Tam, healthcare psychologist, provides valuable insights.

Do you avoid wearing purple when you hit the theatre? Ever stress about picking the wrong flowers for a friend? Does the number 17 give you the creeps? It all boils down to your perspective in life! Ingrid Everts-van Wouderberg, a Dutch writer and painter living in Rome, dives into how superstition plays a part in daily Italian life.