COMPASSION BLOG/HEALING BLOG/TEAMWORK BLOG/MINDFULNESS BLOG
The Up Deeds blog
Our blog posts are created by those that share the same call to give back to others. We give them
the full credit they are due, and links so you can benefit from other information they share.
CIVILITY, TEAMWORK, HEALING, PASSION, KINDNESS
Activism to Become Your Better Self
By Up Deeds
Activism can be defined as the efforts and actions taken to bring about social, political, environmental, or economic change. It's a way for individuals to express their beliefs and advocate for causes that matter to them. Personal activism goes beyond public demonstrations or community engagement; it can also deeply influence one’s personal life and mindset.
Hope, Help, and Healing
By Up Deeds
In a small town, a family of four faced significant challenges when the father, a construction worker, was laid off due to an economic downturn. With the loss of their primary income, the family struggled to pay bills, afford groceries, and keep their home. The mother, who worked part-time as a waitress, did her best to stretch their limited resources, but soon they fell behind on rent and were threatened with eviction.
Mindfulness: An Exploration of Its Origins, Leaders, Theory, and Popularity
By Up Deeds
Have you been interested in better understanding mindfulness? If so, we went looking for answers to who, when, what, and how it works. We hope you enjoy this article.
Mindfulness has gained significant traction in recent years, emerging as a key practice in mental health, wellness, and personal development. However, the concept is rooted in ancient practices that have evolved over time.
Bridging Divides Through Self-Understanding and Peace
By Up Deeds
In an increasingly polarized world, the urgent need to bridge divides between people, cultures, and ideals has never been more apparent. Research suggests that the foundation for connection and harmony lies in better understanding ourselves and fostering inner peace. This article explores the evidence supporting the link between personal peace and broader societal harmony, the steps individuals can take to achieve personal peace, and how that peace can ripple out to impact communities and society as a whole.
How to Create and Grow a Facebook Group
By Up Deeds
Creating and growing a Facebook Group can be a rewarding experience, whether for a hobby, a cause, or a business. Here’s a simple guide to get you started and help your group thrive.
Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations in the U.S.: An Overview
By Up Deeds
Animal shelters and rescue organizations play a vital role in the welfare of countless animals across the United States. These facilities vary widely in focus, catering to a diverse range of animals, including dogs, cats, small mammals, reptiles, large animals, and even farm animals. In recent years, their significance in society has increasingly come to the forefront, highlighted by their contributions to animal welfare, adoption, and community engagement.
The Importance of Food Banks and Community Alternatives
By Up Deeds
Food banks play a critical role in addressing food insecurity, providing essential support to individuals and families in need. They have become vital community resources, particularly in times of economic hardship, natural disasters, or other crises.
The foster child system in the U.S.
By Up Deeds
The foster child system in the U.S. has evolved over the years, reflecting changing societal values and understanding of child welfare. The origins of the modern foster care system can be traced back to the early 20th century, with more formal structures developing in the 1930s during the Great Depression.
Homelessness in the United States: Current Status and Insights
by Up Deeds
Homelessness continues to be a critical issue in the United States, with approximately 580,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Homelessness is a tragic situation for those suffering from it and our society. There are steps that are being taken to help those who need a hand-up.
Comparing the best qualities of charities, people, and communities.
By Up Deeds
We are a curious lot at Up Deeds, and we asked ourselves what makes for a good charity, a good person, and a good community. So we did some research and found that it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that there are many similarities.
The Mycelium Network and the Internet: A Comparison of Interconnectedness
By Up Deeds
In the heart of a vibrant forest lies a hidden network that plays a crucial role in sustaining life: the mycelium network. This vast underground system of fungal threads connects plants, trees, and the surrounding ecosystem, creating a collaborative environment that benefits all life forms. Interestingly, the structure and function of this network can be compared with the internet, a tool modern society uses to forge connections, share information, and facilitate communication. Understanding how these two interconnected systems function can provide valuable insights into enhancing both forest ecosystems and human society.
The Benefits of the Arts for Mental Health and Physical Well-Being
by Up Deeds
The arts encompass a wide range of creative expressions, including visual arts, music, dance, and theater. Engaging with these forms not only enriches our lives but also offers substantial benefits for both mental and physical health. Here’s how the arts can positively impact well-being, along with various venues, including free options, where you can experience them.
The Power of Understanding and Listening:
Fostering Compassion and Patience in Our Lives
By Up Deeds
In a world bustling with diverse perspectives and experiences, the importance of understanding and truly listening to one another cannot be overstated. Engaging in meaningful dialogue fosters compassion and patience, qualities that are essential for building harmonious relationships, whether in personal or professional settings. Conversely, when we rush to judge others without a complete understanding of their circumstances, we create barriers that can isolate us and stifle growth.
The Power of Random Acts of Kindness on Mental Health
By Up Deeds
In a world often overshadowed by stress and anxiety, the simple act of kindness can serve as a beacon of hope and connection. Engaging in random acts of kindness not only benefits those on the receiving end but also plays a significant role in enhancing the emotional well-being of the giver. Here’s how these small gestures can lead to better mental health, reduced anxiety, improved mood, and increased mindfulness.
Understanding Poverty in the United States
By Up Deeds
Poverty remains a significant issue in the United States, affecting millions of individuals and families across the nation. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 11.4% of the population, or about 37 million people, were living in poverty in 2020. This staggering figure highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the causes, consequences, and broader impacts of poverty, as well as solutions to reduce or eliminate it.
How taking a break can improve productivity and creativity
Team BlogsBy Jacky Seery October 2, 2024
Why might you want to take a pause? At the Mindfulness Association we believe in the benefit of bringing Mindfulness into daily life. This means learning to be mindful throughout our day as well as periods of sitting practice.
The impact and benefit to charities in the United States
What is the impact and benefit to charities in the United States
by Up Deeds
Charities play a crucial role in benefiting individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Their impact extends beyond providing immediate assistance to those in need, such as from natural disasters, and often has far-reaching effects on the economy and social fabric of a nation.
The Power of Collaboration
The Power of Collaboration: Unleashing the Benefits of Working Together
By Up Deeds
In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the power of collaboration cannot be overstated. Whether in the workplace, in communities, or on a global scale, working together offers numerous benefits and advantages that can lead to long-term positive outcomes. By embracing collaboration, individuals and groups can achieve more than they ever could on their own, leading to a better future for all.
People are Good, and I can Prove It
Three sixteen-year-olds from Boston Preparatory Academy compiled the following article based on their research, all of whom have been working this past summer as interns for Getting Along Academy. Getting Along Academy is committed to researching certain important truths. One of these truths is that people are born good. Why we DO NOT rely on this fact, is not the subject of this article. READ MORE
10 Things You Can Do When You Think Life Sucks
By Henrik Edberg Updated April 13, 2021
“When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”
Harriet Beecher Stowe
“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”
William Shakespeare
Life is not always great.
At times it may not even feel OK.
Why breast cancer research matters
After a year of treatment for early-stage breast cancer at the height of the pandemic, Kannie Yu Lapack is grateful that research allowed her to get back to normal.
When Kannie Yu LaPack turned 40 in July 2019, she made an appointment to get her first mammogram, just as her doctor had recommended. Not one to waste time, Kannie underwent screening a few weeks after celebrating her birthday. She wasn’t worried about what the mammogram might show, not even when her doctor asked her to come back for a follow-up screening.
42 Life changing books
42 Life-Changing Books For Mastering Every Area Of Your Life
by Stefan James
These 42 life changing books will improve every aspect of your life.
These books have shaped my beliefs and values. They have shifted my perspective, in terms of how I see myself, others, and the world.
In this blog, I break down my book recommendations into 10 different areas of life.
I would not be who I am today if it was not for these incredible books.
10 Ways to support charities...shopping for a cause
Fashion is more than just a means of personal expression; it has become a powerful tool for social change.
By integrating charitable efforts into the fashion e-commerce industry, both brands and individuals can significantly impact various causes.
In 2023, the fashion e-commerce market had a forecasted value of $820 billion globally, which supports the notion that fashion is an ideal vehicle for social change.
Let's take a closer look at ten innovative ways to support charities through fashion.
Here’s how social and economic inequalities are impacting everyone’s life expectancy in America
Kate Stringer
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
More than 40 countries sit ahead of the United States when it comes to their citizens’ life expectancy, by United Nations counts. Americans will live an average of 7.5 years less than people in countries with the highest life expectancy, despite being one of the wealthiest nations in the world and spending more than other countries on health care. READ MORE
40 Ways to Feel More Alive
“I don’t believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive.” ~Joseph Campbell
As I write this, I am two hours away from my first weekly acting class in Los Angeles. I’ve been here for almost two years now, and though I loved community theater as a kid, I never so much as researched acting classes until a couple weeks back.
Reducing Polarization
How Humility Helps Reduce Political Polarization
If you wish to reach across the political divide, understand the limitations of your knowledge!
When asked to sum up the political landscape in the U.S. in a word, 79% of Americans expressed a negative view, with “divisive” and “polarized” among the most common choices (Pew Research Center, 2023). With the 2024 election approaching, the impact of polarization is evident from the struggles to reach bipartisan resolutions in Congress to the strain of clashing political beliefs adversely affecting families. Across the nation, people are actively seeking solutions to the pressing question: What can we do to stop this growing polarization?
Teamwork
The Importance of Teamwork as an Essential Element of Society
Published
November 20, 2023
Teamwork plays a crucial role in society, allowing individuals to achieve more together than they could on their own. Whether it’s completing a project, achieving a common goal, or solving complex problems, collaboration within a team is key to success. In recent years, the importance of teamwork has become increasingly recognized, not only in business and industrial organizations but also in schools and among children. This essay will explore the significance of teamwork in society, the causes and benefits of effective teamwork, and provide tips on how to foster a strong team dynamic.
Healing our Division
Healing the Divide – Two Keys to Repairing Our Polarized Culture
by Connie Habash | Articles, Challenges, Communication, Healing, Listening, Perspective, Polarities
We’re challenged with our differences these days – they have caused a great divide in our world. Polarization appears to be intensifying, and it’s difficult to have conversations with people of opposing views. Here are two keys to turning things around so that we can listen as well as communicate and resolve the national and planetary problems together.
March 3, 2023
Here are some of the resources that can help you as nonprofit and community leaders as you work toward healing racial trauma, preventing violence and solving these problems at their roots.
How to Overcome Fear
How to Overcome Fear: 6 Powerful Strategies You Can Start Using Today
By Henrik Edberg Published September 11, 2024
“When a resolute young fellow steps up to the great bully, the world, and takes him boldly by the beard, he is often surprised to find it comes off in his hand, and that it was only tied on to scare away the timid adventurers.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Is your past holding you down?
Did You Have an Imaginary Friend?
You are here:
Did you used to have an imaginary friend when you were a child? Do you still?
I asked this question not so long ago in a group of mindfulness and compassion practitioners, and there was laughter in the room in response. A few brave hands went up, but judging by the response, it seemed I had asked a bit of a silly question.
The Healing Power of Nature
The Healing Power of Compassion in Nature
Team BlogsBy Fay AdamsJuly 23, 2024
Nourishing the Givers In our fast-paced world many of us find ourselves feeling drained and in need of our own nurturing. When I feel this way I head to Aconbury Wood, near my home because I know that one powerful and deeply enjoyable way to replenish energy and restore balance is through seeking solace in…
Building towards a just transition
9 Jul
Written By Dominika Leitane
The energy efficiency of residential buildings is emerging as an important lever in tackling climate change. Recent trends in climate litigation reveal an increasing focus on this area, recognising its impact on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promoting social justice. Here’s why this matters.
A Glimpse into Global Income and Charity
Discover How "Rich" You Really Are: A Glimpse into Global Income and Charity
17 min read
13 Mar 2024
Recently, I hit the bustling streets of London to engage with everyday people about their views on charity, giving back, and where they thought they stood on the global income scale. The results were ... surprising! And the reactions? Even better.
The difference between carbon removal and carbon capture
Carbon removal and carbon capture, though similar in name, refer to two separate processes. Until a few years ago, it was only scientists and climate wonks who might have been concerned with the difference.
The Currency of Care: What Mom Taught Me About Money
May 9, 2024By: Tara Spicer
For many of us, financial literacy begins at home. Parents—even when they aren’t actively imparting financial lessons—are modeling spending and saving behaviors that influence how children think and feel about money.
FROM CYNICISM TO JOY
posted by Kylie Abegg on July 2, 2015
Each day, we are inundated with hateful social media posts, depressing news stories, and controversial blogs. And each day, I become a little more cynical.
I don’t intend to be cynical. It sort of just happens.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING, THE SAD REALITY
The Sad Reality & The Hopeful Reality. We Get to Choose!
*Story used with permission
At this moment I am sitting in my cozy home office looking out at the cold white fluffy snow and the steel grey sky; thinking how well the overcast gloom reflects what is going on inside my head and my heart. You see, this week I received a call from a family member of a woman I know who had been sex-trafficked for many years.
I am going to call this trafficked woman Tara.
What Farmers Want You To Know
May 14, 2024
Written By Mallaidh Mleziva
What do you get when you put a large-scale conventional grain farmer from Iowa, an urban CSA farmer from Massachusetts, and a rural rancher from Montana in a convention center in Scottsdale, Arizona?
An inspirational gathering of diverse minds and backgrounds geared toward a common goal.
How to Live an Extraordinary Life
How to Live an Extraordinary Life, Starting Right Where You Are
By Leslie Ralph
“Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.” ~Rumi
“Isn’t this a miracle?” I asked myself in the milk aisle at Whole Foods.
It was a Wednesday night after work, and I was buying a few staples to get us through the week. It was a completely ordinary moment in a completely ordinary day, and it was miraculous. READ MORE
CIVILITY LOST
October 4, 2022
When did civility (or lack thereof) become only referenced when considering political discourse? The left and the right may, to some, reference liberal or conservative political beliefs, but when it comes to acting in a civil manner – examples go way beyond politicians and their evolving platforms.
Practice civility by recognizing opponents’ human dignity
BY
Chris Walsh
Director, Global Policy
George W. Bush Institute
The word civility has become cringe-worthy to some in our opposing political tribes.
On one side, it’s viewed as a tool of the privileged for quashing any challenges to the status quo. They point to opponents – both historical and present – of racial equality in America as using civility to silence the protests of marginalized people.
What to Do When You Feel Stuck, Stagnant, and Bored with Your Life
“Sometimes when things are falling apart they may actually be falling into place.” ~L.J. Vanier
Earlier last year, I felt like I finally had it all. Good education? Check. Respectable corporate job? Check. Decent salary? Check. Fancy car? Check. Charming, funny, and handsome boyfriend? Check. Stylish apartment? Check.
4 Tips to Help You Choose When You Have a Lot of Passions
By Leah Cox
“Sometimes the wrong choices bring us to the right places.” ~Unknown
When I first quit my office job in 2012, I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do with my life. My idea bank was at zero.
But for a full year after leaving my job, I committed myself to exploring and doing the things I’d always been too scared to do.
WHAT MAKES YOU SPECIAL
Hannah Hansen July 13, 2022
What gets you fired up? What makes you feel more alive? What makes you feel closer to God and his will for you? What are you good at? These are just a few questions that can help you hone in on what your gifts may be, but there are also many resources that have been created after years of study!
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS
silentrescuejtl July 3
Acts of kindness can manifest in various ways, such as volunteering to help those in need, offering support to a friend in distress, or simply being a compassionate presence in someone’s life. READ MORE
HOW MINDFULNESS COMBATS ANXIETY
Sarah Hurley May 24, 2020
The word anxiety gets thrown out all the time, but what does it actually feel like? Is it really that big of a deal? And how can it be effectively addressed and contained so that it doesn’t dominate our lives? Anxiety is intense, persistent worry about every day situations, such
A COLLEGE GUIDE TO CREDIT SUCCESS
Welcome, Freshman: A College Guide to Credit Success
AUGUST 19, 2024BY: TARA SPICER
CATEGORY: BUDGETING, COLLEGE, CREDIT, DEBT
College students: Start building credit early with a secured card, avoid overspending, and get free guidance from GreenPath.
MINDSET MATTERS: SIMPLE STEPS FOR BETTER MENTAL HEALTH
WRITTEN BY VERONICA STAATS
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s essential to prioritize our well-being. Today, we’ll explore practical ways to boost your mindset and enhance your mental health. Remember, small changes can lead to significant improvements. Just one small, but significant change in your daily routine can truly make your world better!
READ MORE
BUSTING MYTHS ABOUT SUPPLEMENTS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Discovering Your Light
Are you overwhelmed by the sheer number of supplement options on the market? Confused about which ones are worth your money and which are just clever marketing? You’re not alone! There are many myths about supplements that can make it hard to know what's best for your health.
WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO ACHIEVE PEACE
PAZA, Tree of Life
"A Plea for Love..."
My name is PAZA Wichapi Wichasa (Star Tree Man), and
I stand before you today with a message that is not a new one, but one that still must be repeatedly spoken. This message has been spoken, lived and died for from the beginning of time, by every highly evolved individual and those creatures that walk alongside us on this Earth.
CREATING HEALTHY HABITS IN COMMUNITIES
Healthy Mind Initiative
"Education and awareness for cultivating healthy habits in communities"
Habits are the invisible architecture of our daily lives. At the community level, collective habits can shape the health of entire groups of people.
YOUR UNIQUE HUMAN DESIGN
It's Glowing Well with Star
"Discover Your Unique Blueprint: How Human Design Can Transform Your Life"
Published on 19 July 2024 at 08:22
Ever wondered what makes you truly unique? Welcome to the world of Human Design, a groundbreaking system that's like a personalized blueprint for your life. Imagine having a clear map that guides you to understand your strengths, challenges, and innate potential. Whether you're a salon professional, an entrepreneur, or simply someone on a journey of personal growth, Human Design can offer profound insights and practical tools to help you thrive. In this piece, we'll dive into how unlocking your unique design can transform your life, bringing you more clarity, purpose, and joy. Let's journey on this enlightening path together!
HEALTHY BREAKFAST FOOD
Pinch of Yum
"How You Should Be Doing Oat Bran for Breakfast"
High protein, high fiber – I love this oat bran for breakfast! Creamy and soothing + quick and easy to make!
HOW TO QUIET A NOISY MIND
"How to Find Quiet in a Noisy World"
BY CATHERINE BEARD
AUGUST 4, 2024
Take a moment to listen to the sounds around you right now. What can you hear?
As I write this, cars are driving by in the distance. A crow is cawing outside the window, and a leaf blower is humming loudly. I was rudely awoken this morning by a smoke detector chirping.
When you really take a moment to listen, you realize that moments of quiet are rare.
Even when you do find those moments, it’s hard to know what to do with yourself.
TIPS TO STAY MOTIVATED WHEN TRAINING
Love Sweat Fitness
"5 Tips to Stay Motived"
By:Katie Dunlop
1. Set a Goal for the Final Week
Whether it's hitting a new personal record in your workout streak or sticking to the Hot Body Meal Plan without any slip-ups, setting a specific goal for the last week will give you something to work towards. Write it down and remind yourself of it daily to stay focused.
