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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


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.

Mary Contrary
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


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


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


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


Magic Moments with Danielle: Light Orbs
Have you ever wondered if there’s more to the world than what meets the eye? Join us as nature coach Daniëlle Langendijk invites us to explore a spiritual take on the enchanting mystery of Light Orbs in our captivating short film "Magic Moments." Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, embracing the unknown can bring fresh magic to our lives.

femkevaniperen
1 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


Happy New Year: Many Perspectives, One Humanity
Different cultures and nations celebrate the New Year in different ways and at different times. Together, they demonstrate that what we often consider a single truth is merely one perspective among many. Moreover, despite their differences, all these perspectives share a common thread: the celebration of hope, renewal, and, of course, our shared humanity. Let's take a look at a few. Happy New Year!

Editorial Team
5 min read


The Meaning of Willpower: Time for a Fresh Perspective?
For many, willpower feels as elusive as a unicorn. With more self-control, we'd easily stick to our plans, choosing healthy snacks, frequenting the gym, and avoiding indulgences like alcohol or cake. Procrastination would vanish, and our savings would grow. We'd achieve our goals with pride. It's a compelling vision, but perhaps it's time to reconsider this perspective?

Editorial Team
5 min read


A Time for Wonder, Reflecting, and Perspective
In this Random Perspective Essay, Mary Contrary invites us to explore the world from various angles with curiosity. Are you prepared to pause and embark on this adventure with her?

Mary Contrary
5 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


Dr. Jane Goodall's Legacy: Animals are Sentient Beings and Matter
Beloved behaviourist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall had a unique perspective on the world. When she died in October 2025, the media focused on one thing: her enduring influence and her innovative way of seeing animals—as sentient beings who matter. Such a powerful and unique perspective will endure forever.

Editorial Team
5 min read


Something New's in The Air: Can You Feel it Too?
We are in pivotal times. One perspective is that there are many challenges occurring. However, alongside this, a new way of being is emerging. Innovative perspectives on how we live, work, love, grow food, build homes, and maintain health are unfolding right now. There's something new in the air—can you feel it too?

femkevaniperen
1 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


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


Welcome to My (Tiny) Home: A Fresh View on Living
Holland has a high population density and a shortage of affordable housing. Meet Esther, who resides in a tiny home amidst lush green fields. She believes that alternative housing can enhance life and the future of the housing market, inspiring those stuck in the system to pursue their dreams. This is her story.

femkevaniperen
1 min read


From 'Thank You' To 'Climate Change': The Evolution Of British Sign Language
While "thank you" in sign language is widely known, are there signs for everything related to climate change? In the United Kingdom, British Sign Language (BSL) now includes new official signs, enabling students and professionals in the deaf community to engage with this relevant topic.

femkevaniperen
3 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
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