"The past is never completely lost, however extensive the devastation. Your sorrows are the bricks and mortar of a magnificent temple. What you are today, and what you will be tomorrow are because of what you have been." - Gordon Wright

All of us have experienced, (or likely know someone who has experienced - especially in today's volatile world), some type of devastation in the past. Perhaps it took the form of the violence of war, crime, or domestic abuse. Or maybe it was economic ruin, or the loss of a loved one or a failed relationship.   Read more...

Did you know that all the world's faiths are filled with wisdom for work? That major media (e.g., Fortune and Industry Week) have reported favorably about the trend to integrating spirit and work? That when you bring spirit to work, work is more ethical and satisfying; and you typically have more time and energy for a rich life?

The Spirit and Work Resource Center (/www.spiritandworkresourcecenter.com) is filled with examples of how to fill any job, anywhere, with integrity, purpose and great joy. We've recently expanded our free online resources. Here you will a recommended books list; links to articles including an interview with Huston Smith on the wisdom of all the world's religions for work, and a FAQ sheet. New resources are being added weekly.   Read more...

If one understands the basics of how the human body works, then most assuredly they paid attention during health or biology class. As we quickly take a deeper look inside the body both science and spirituality agree we are energy beings or energy centers as well as flesh, blood and bones. This is why defibrillators (devices which give an electrical charge) can either stop or start the heart.   Read more...

Begone, evil spirit! Begone! OK, so that’s not how a typical acupuncture treatment begins (at least in my clinic). Even for possession. And when we talk about possession in Chinese Medical terms, we’re not usually referring to an evil spirit or the devil, like in the movie “The Exorcist”. Instead, we’re referring to an internal possession of the mind. This internal possession occurs when a person is unable to control their own thinking, resulting in a pattern of compulsive thought and behavior.   Read more...

Community-based tourism generates lucrative revenues for poor or native communities in developing countries while enabling travelers usually accustomed to chain hotels and beachfront resorts to learn about traditional cultures. Pictured: A room at the Posada Amazonas lodge in Peru’s Esé-eja community of Infierno.   Read more...

Dear EarthTalk: How does congestion toll pricing, used in some cities around the world, cut down on vehicle traffic and promote green-friendly public transit? -- Bill Higley, via e-mail

Despite increasing green awareness and steadily rising gasoline prices, Americans and other denizens of the developed world—not to mention millions of new Chinese and Indian drivers hitting the road every week—are loath to give up the freedom and privacy of their personal automobiles. But snarled traffic, longer commute times and rising pollution levels have given city transportation planners new ammunition in their efforts to encourage the use of clean, energy-efficient public transit.   Read more...

We are a small group of filmmakers and digital media practitioners who have been concerned for some time about Tibet’s struggle for independence as well as China’s treatment and lack of recognition for the basic human rights of native Tibetans.

With the Olympics being held in China this year we, like many people around the world, hoped that such an event would help ‘shine the light’ on Tibet’s plight.   Read more...

Mandakini and Prakash Amte have been conferred the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership, for serving the medical, education and livelihood needs of remote tribal communities in Maharashtra for over 30 years

Prakash Amte and his wife Mandakini, both doctors, have been awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership 2008. The Magsaysay Award, given annually by the government of the Philippines, is considered to be the Asian Nobel.   Read more...

Two photographers are heading off on a trip around the US to photograph offbeat festivals. They are traveling in an old airstream hitched to a diesel truck, which they will run on vegetable oil. You can even help fund their project by purchasing a print from their website!

Some of the festivals on their list:

• Hairy Chest, Legs, and Beard Contest in Fairbanks, Alaska
• All-Night Gospel Singing in Bonifay, Florida
• Machine Gun Shoot in Westpoint, Kentucky
• Toboggan Championships in Camden, Maine
• Little People of America Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota
• The Quiet Festival in Ocean City, New Jersey
• The World Senior Games in St. George, Utah

Natalie Portman releases her vegan footware line. China get the greenlight to import African ivory, and Randy Olsen talks about his movie Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy.