Category: Radiant Life

Lessons From Our Minimizing Journey

For years, my family and I struggled with overloaded schedules, overwhelming debt, and feeling enslaved to our four-bedroom, three-bath home with an excess of possessions. The things we thought we owned really “owned” us, and living in bondage to them rendered us ill, exhausted, and miserable. To be honest, we didn’t even know what all…


COVID During Pregnancy Poses Little Risk to Newborns, Research Shows

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been great concern about how to protect the most vulnerable—particularly newborns. In past pandemics, newborn babies and young people have been at an increased risk of disease and death. This has probably influenced COVID-19 guidelines in hospitals and health care systems. A recently published global survey…


Blue Is the New Green

When I need to relax, I think about a particular beach in the Caribbean. I’ve only been there once, but it’s so profoundly beautiful that I go back to it time and again in my mind. The lush hillside above gives way to over a half-mile of clean white sand. The beach is punctuated with…


Core Strength: Why It’s Important and How to Maintain It

Many people have become more sedentary in recent times with lockdowns and working from home because of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re moving less, this may have affected your core strength. Or, you may just be thinking you need to improve it. So, what exactly is the core? And why is it important to have…


Feeling Young Can Reduce the Aging Effects of Stress, Research Suggests

New research shows how feeling young can protect people from the physiological ravages of stress. People who feel younger have a greater sense of well-being, less inflammation, and better cognitive function, according to research. They also have a lower risk of hospitalization. According to a study published by the American Psychological Association, feeling younger may…


It’s OK to be Different When Normal Is Broken

“I don’t want to go to school today,” my 10-year-old son whined. Jacob was the most naturally curious of my three children. He loved going to school. His words were a warning that something was amiss. “Why don’t you want to go to school?” I asked. “What’s wrong?” “I don’t have any friends.” His face…


Humility and Modesty Help the Body Adjust to Heat

A solar term is a period of about two weeks and is based on the sun’s position in the zodiac. Solar terms form the traditional Chinese calendar system. The calendar follows the ancient Chinese belief that living in accordance with nature will enable one to live a harmonious life. This article series explores each solar…


Natural Immunity: Public Health’s Forgotten Ally

In the United States, everyone, 16 years of age and older, is now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. HealthCare.gov, the agency behind the Affordable Care Act, recently sent out an email announcing the “good news.” They said the new shot was “an important tool to help end the pandemic, and it’s your best protection from…


The Road Less Traveled

My journey in higher education has taken me from community college dropout to assistant professor, making headlines after I paid off what would now amount to more than $200,000 in student debt after questioning whether academics would even factor into my path in life. Reflecting on what began almost 20 years ago, it’s hard for…


Midwest Memories: Growing Up in the ‘50’s

The 1950’s has been referred to as the “Golden Age” in America. Taxes were high but the economy was strong as was our military. Eisenhower was our President, and folks sported “I Like Ike” lapel pins. But as a child, I was oblivious to it all. I was too busy growing up. My family moved…