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The Long Journey Home: Another No -fly Journey for Dr. Grimalda
Social scientist Dr. Gianluca Grimalda, known for 'refusing' to fly, is on another no-fly journey home after 10 months of climate research in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. On September 29, 2026, he began his 23,000 km trip across 15 countries from the Pacific to Europe, providing once again a unique, first-hand perspective on slow travel and climate change.
4 min read


Dream Life Road Movie (Part 3)
'Downshifting'— the perspective on a simpler, more meaningful life often involves moving to sun-drenched locations— but in Part 3 of our New Life Road Movie, we follow our Dutch protagonists who question: can we create that dream life without relocating and leaving everything behind?
1 min read


A Dog is our Best Friend. But are they Happy?
In the West, we all care for our dogs pretty much the same way. We use crates, treats, and dominance to correct or punish. But how close are these methods to what a dog naturally needs? Do they create a healthy environment and a mutually beneficial, stress-free relationship? Welfare expert Judith Versluis believes there's room for improvement.
11 min read


Beautiful Nature: Can We Connect with Something we Idealise?
We humans just love admiring beautiful nature, don't we? But when we admire nature only from a distance — on a big screen, in a curated documentary, or as an Instagram-perfect shot — do we risk turning it into a celebrity, something to idolise rather than to enter fully? Mary Contrary dives into how we relate to something that's been here forever.
2 min read


GirlSkate Nairobi: We All Have Inner Strength
A unique project in Nairobi is turning skateboards into tools of confidence, creativity, and community. Led by Jelimo Cheboi and Antoinette 'Tonyii' Apondi, GirlSkate Nairobi shows that everyone can have inner strength and self-confidence, but sometimes, it just needs the right place to help ignite it.
4 min read


Death and Afterlife: So Many Perspectives And Only One "Truth"
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.
5 min read


'Best Family Dog' Breed: An Old Assumption?
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.
2 min read


Being Single: Lonely Interlude, or New Life Story?
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?
7 min read


Silent News: Why News Background and Alternative Perspectives Matter
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.
4 min read


About Rosie: Aging Gracefully (-ish) and the Magical Garden Shed.
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.
8 min read


Meet Deb Dana: Glimmers and Falling in Love with Life.
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.
6 min read


Grandma's Kitchen in Vienna: Where Everyone Connects.
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.
3 min read


The Spider in the Web: Dr. Aydemir-Tam on the Highly Sensitive Colleague
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.
5 min read


New-Life Movie Part 2: The Search Continues!
In this new-life movie, a small group of single people looks for a fresh start and new opportunities, striving for a Happy New Beginning. Chapter Two continues to explore their journey toward a new life and new perspectives.
1 min read


Meet Paula Prober's Rainforest Mind: Sensitive, Clever, Complex.
Ever feel just that bit too sensitive, complex, creative, intense, curious, or misunderstood? Psychotherapist Paula Prober tells us about the "Rainforest Mind." If we are all unique ecosystems, this one feels both too much and not enough. And it might just be you or someone you know. Meet the Rainforest Mind.
5 min read


What is Agriculture? Swiss Expert Calls for Broader Perspective.
Today we have some tough agricultural challenges to deal with like pesticides, fairness, and global food security. The Agriculture Section at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland, advocates for a bigger-picture approach that not only deals with these issues, but also benefits the planet, people, food, animals, and nature. This is their story.
2 min read


My Time in Ghana: About "Poverty", Africa, and Life as a Gift.
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.
7 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.
4 min read


Leading From the Heart: Says Psychologist Hema Vyas, it's Time for a New Business Vision.
Move over statistics, planning and strategies! As much as they have their place in business, there is also strength in integrity, responsibility, connection, and intuition for future success. Says successful London business psychologist Hema Vyas: The world is changing, and so is leadership and the time has come to start leading from the heart.
3 min read


Horse Riding with a Twist: Strolls not Saddles!
Many "horse owners" are opting to forgo saddles and reins to build a deeper bond with their horses, enjoying leisurely walks with them on a leash. This refreshing approach to horse care offers a unique perspective on the world.
2 min read
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