I live in a neighborhood where rude drivers blow their horns incessantly. The cops rarely enforce the law protecting pedestrians, and real estate interests take priority over living standards. Politicians and city planners do not seem to understand that the built environment influences a community’s physical and mental health. Neighborhoods with markers of urban development like sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes are linked to reductions in obesity and high blood pressure, declines in deaths from stroke and cardiovascular disease, and improvements in overall mortality rates. Similarly, more road signs and street lights correlated with lower prevalence of high cholesterol and even cancer, as well as reduced depression and smoking. Pedestrian-friendly quiet neighborhoods tend to be associated with better community health and active lifestyles, which lowers risks for chronic disease and improves mental health. At the same time, noisy environments with little green space are linked to stress and anxiety. Designers and urban planners can help put health at the center of future development and zoning policy changes, but politics and money interests seem to trump citizens’ health and rights. (pun intended.)

On a trip to Israel with some Buddhist monk friends, we heard about and were going to meet a very old Jewish man who had been going to the Western Wall to pray twice a day, every day, for a long, long time. We went to the Western Wall, where he strolled to the holy site.

We watched him pray, and after about 45 minutes, when he turned to leave, moving very slowly, we approached him.        

“Pardon me, sir, I’m Mel Hantz. What’s your name?” “Morris Fishbein,” he replied. 

“Sir, how long have you been coming to the Western Wall and praying?” “For about 50 years.” 

“50 years! That’s amazing! What do you pray for?” “I pray for peace between the Christians, Jews, and the Muslims. I pray for all the wars and all the hatred to stop. I pray for a more enlightened government to respect individual differences. I pray that all our children grow up safely as responsible adults and love their fellow man.” 

“How do you feel after doing this for 50 years?” 

“Like I’m talking to a fuckin’ wall.”

Reach for the moon but keep your feet in the mud.

Make no little plans. If you dream, dream big. Aim high in your love, work and life goals. If you fall on your head, you will fall higher if you made big plans. If you fail, so what? A hundred years from now it will not make any difference.

We are poised at the edge and end of forever. Every move counts.

Satoru

The traditional belief of the Pueblo Indians that singing and having a good heart while working in the fields would yield better harvests is a beautiful metaphor for the connection between our mindset and the outcomes of our actions. It emphasizes the importance of approaching our tasks with a positive and focused attitude.

Working with intensity, planning, and embracing the unexpected resonates with the idea that success in life often depends on a combination of hard work, careful preparation, adaptability, and resilience. Setting clear targets, planning the necessary steps, and measuring progress are key elements in achieving your goals. However, it’s important to acknowledge that no plan can predict every possible twist and turn that life may throw at you. Surprises, both positive and negative, are a part of the journey, and your ability to adapt to them can be just as important as your initial plans.

The quote “Every man dies but not every man lives” encourages us to seize the opportunities in life, take risks, and make the most of our time. It’s a reminder that existence alone is not enough; we should aim to lead fulfilling and purposeful lives.

Satoru

Nutrition means eating healthier foods and eliminating junk and fattening foods. Changing your dietary habits, especially when living in a society that offers so many different choices of fresh foods, is much easier than you think. Start by giving up one junk food and substituting it for a healthier food. Paying more attention to what you eat helps control your weight and fat content, gives you more energy and protects against brain deterioration. You must especially drink more water that your body needs to metabolize fat. Hunger and thirst are closely related. Try drinking a glass of water when you feel hungry. When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.

Satoru