There is a tree in the writings of Zhuangzi: a gnarled, twisted thing that the woodcutters passed over without a second glance. Its timber was too crooked to build with, its branches too irregular for beams. Useless, they said, and walked on. And so the…
Is Our Obsession with Independence Fueling a Mental Health Crisis? What New Research Says We’re Getting Wrong We are living in a profound paradox. Despite a greater availability of mental health resources than ever before, emerging adults—those aged 18 to 29—are facing unprecedented mental health…
Introduction In my marriage, I’ve learned that my emotional rhythm doesn’t always match my partner’s. There are moments where she feels deeply, vividly, and immediately, tears welling, heart open, emotion visible. Meanwhile, I’m present, listening, and caring, but not showing the same visible emotional charge…
Being an academic is a lot like surfing. On the surface, it may seem that the ultimate goal, whether it’s catching waves or producing groundbreaking research, should be simple and enjoyable. But, as any surfer or academic knows, the joy of the craft is often…
A Summer of Unfulfilled Longing When I moved to O‘ahu in August, returning to the island where I was born, I carried the excitement of rediscovering my roots and immersing myself in the rhythm of the ocean. But by December, I had surfed only once,…
I found some plants on the discount rack, brought them home, and propagated them to create a plant family. The plants responded by producing one flower, then another, and then another. They seem to be thriving. Changing environments can greatly impact wellness. For the past…
