Pillar of Compassion

Coastal redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) are among the tallest and most resilient trees in the world, with lifespans extending beyond 2,000 years. However, deforestation and unsustainable logging practices have significantly reduced their historic range. In response, reforestation efforts like those led by the Forest Unlimited Reforestation Team in Jenner, California, have become crucial in restoring these vital ecosystems. By understanding the ecological impact and proper planting techniques, we can contribute to the long-term success of these iconic trees. Reforesting coastal redwoods is critical for multiple ecological and environmental reasons. Redwoods are among the most effective carbon-storing trees, playing a vital role in mitigating climate change. These forests support a diverse range of species, including endangered ones like the marbled murrelet and northern spotted owl. Additionally, redwoods regulate water cycles, reduce soil erosion, and maintain healthy streams for fish ...

Cancer rates are climbing, yet so many people struggle to understand why. From rare and aggressive cancers to diagnoses in the young and seemingly healthy, we are witnessing a global health crisis with few real answers. Medicine has advanced in early detection, yet more people are developing cancer than ever before. The root causes are multifaceted (environmental, emotional, social, and biological) but one thing is clear: we have commodified an unhealthy bodily system, normalizing the conditions that make cancer thrive. Cancer begins at the cellular level, where mutations cause unchecked growth. But why do these mutations happen in the first place? A combination of factors contributes to this crisis. Environmental toxins, from the water we drink to the air we breathe, introduce carcinogens into our bodies. Forever chemicals, pesticides, and industrial pollutants accumulate over time, increasing our risk. Throughout our lifetime, our bodies absorb toxins that may stay with us for decade...

Abandonment is a deeply layered wound, one that lingers long after its initial infliction. For me, it began with an explosion ( both real and metaphorical) at the age of nine, when the familial table of love, laughter, and belonging that was my childhood shattered into silence. That table, once adorned by parents, siblings, tias, tios, grandparents, and cousins, symbolized the heart of my identity. I am the ninth daughter, a child of celebration, a reflection of love itself. And then, in an instant, that foundation was stripped away, leaving me lost and abandoned by everything that I thought I was. What I didn’t realize then, and only began to see as I entered adulthood, was that my childhood’s shattered table would become the blueprint for my romantic relationships. While I was at my loneliest, questioning my reality, I came to fully realize the pure love of our Mother Earth. I connected to a love that mirrored the love of my own mother and family growing up. I discovered a pure, real...

To the Heads of State of Tanzania, This letter builds upon an urgent appeal for action regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. At its heart, the crisis remains a matter of immense human suffering, demanding compassion and practical solutions. The recently proposed course of action declared by the U.S. President Trump, however, has become entangled in polarized political narratives, and it is crucial to address misconceptions and clarify intentions while emphasizing the necessity of a coordinated global response. The situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic proportions, with over nearly 19,000 children orphaned. Amid this devastation, proposals to relocate civilians from Gaza have sparked heated debates. U.S. President Donald Trump suggested building housing for Palestinians in other locations. While his statement has been characterized as forced expulsion, it is critical to note that Trump did not advocate for forced expulsion but rather raised the possibility of relocation for th...

Humanity’s journey is a profound interplay of love, curiosity, and the power of choice. To navigate the complexities of existence, we must explore love’s transformative potential, the roots of negativity, and redefine our relationship with ourselves, others, and the world. I’ve been writing about love, the pursuit of peace, understanding, and self-discovery since 2011 and it is my honor to provide this small article today as as a summary and view into our collective potential. Love is The All-Seeing Eye Love is at the core of existence. It shepherds hatred and creates the duality that defines the human experience. Negativity, often seen as an antagonist, is a byproduct of love. It's an inverse reflection of our longing for connection and meaning. Through love, have stared into the abyss of fear (where hatred manifests) and emerged unbroken. Love is the ultimate unifying force, capable of transcending judgment, misunderstanding, and division. Love is destiny, not sought but encounte...

Radical fundamentalism has become a pervasive threat to global stability. Within the U.S., this influence manifests through powerful lobbies like AIPAC, foreign interventions that cultivate extremist groups, and policies that exacerbate existing tensions. Radical thought (the idea that the ends justifies the means) has infiltrated U.S. political systems and shaped its interactions with the world, creating a feedback loop of conflict and destabilizing global and domestic politics. Founded in 1951, The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is a bipartisan lobbying group dedicated to strengthening U.S.-Israel relations. Over decades, it has become one of the most influential lobbying organizations in Washington, shaping U.S. foreign policy decisions through advocacy, campaign funding, and strategic partnerships. AIPAC’s agenda focuses on ensuring bipartisan support for Israel’s interests, often shaping U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. AIPAC has been instrumental in promo...

Throughout human history, radical fundamentalism (the idea that the ends justifies the means) has proven to be the ultimate poison of human consciousness. It arises when beliefs (religious, political, or ideological) are weaponized to justify extreme actions and domination. This destructive mindset erases compassion and enables atrocities, perpetuating cycles of violence, fear, and dehumanization. To counter this, we must recognize that compassion, the ability to see oneself in the other, is not only the antidote to radical fundamentalism but the very essence of humanity’s survival. Historical Foundations of Fundamentalism and Aggression Radical fundamentalism thrives on the distortion of beliefs into rigid absolutes, often claiming divine or ideological infallibility. For instance, Islamic radical fundamentalism, which radicalizes interpretations of the Quran, is a modern phenomenon that ignores the broader historical and cultural context of Islam. While Islam as a faith predates Juda...