Sangha of Auspicious Companions

World Champion of Doing Nothing

In a world constantly buzzing with activity, a unique competition challenges participants to do absolutely nothing for 90 minutes. Born from the creativity of Korean artist Woopsyang in 2014, the Space-Out competition advocates for a break from relentless productivity. Over the hour and a half, dozens of contestants work hard to do nothing; they aspire to win by being the one with the steadiest heart rate, which is measured by judges every 15 minutes. Denis Kwan Hong-Wang, a winner in Hong Kong last October, shared, “Though it was a ‘space out’ competition, I was doing the opposite: actively practicing mindfulness.” During those precious minutes, it’s about observing, not reacting, and finding peace in pure stillness. The experience suggests that, amidst our hectic lives, taking a moment to be, rather than to do, is not only a relief but a necessity. For the winner, a trophy based on Rodin’s The Thinker is a daily reminder to embrace these nourishing pauses.

Be The Change

Set aside 10 minutes each day to sit in silence, observing your breath and thoughts without judgment.

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How 20 Women Revived a Dying Forest

In the heart of Kerala, India’s western mountains, twenty remarkable women are rewriting the story of ecological resilience at the Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary. Without any formal training, these women have nurtured over 2,000 native plant species, reviving a dying forest and attracting a symphony of wildlife back into their care. “Nature can come back. But only if we stop the processes of destruction,” remarks Suprabha Seshan, an educator at the sanctuary. This isn’t just conservation; it’s a deeply personal journey of transformation and hope. Today, under the leadership of Laly Joseph, who started as a young recruit nearly forty years ago, the team’s quiet dedication has turned the sanctuary into a “Noah’s Ark for plants,” offering a blueprint for patient, loving restoration in a world desperate for quick fixes.

Be The Change

Set up a small garden in your community or home, using native plants to support local biodiversity and create a sanctuary for both flora and fauna.

This Week’s DailyGood Digest

This week, a series of uplifting stories emerged, each one weaving a tale of transformation and unity from the most surprising places.

In the heart of Paris, the soulful melodies of the Thanda Choir have transcended borders, captivating audiences worldwide and garnering millions of online admirers. In a high-stakes blend of nature and technology, the California red-legged frog finds a glimmering lifeline as AI strains its digital ears, bridging a 260-mile gap in their historic range. Anton Haig’s journey from golf prodigy to a man of resilience is a testament to the complexity of redemption, as he rebuilt himself from the ground up, proving victory off the course is the truest win. In Goodyear, Arizona, a police officer and a mechanic teamed up to help a homeless mom, their small acts of kindness bridging the chasms of hardship. In Ethiopia, paleoanthropologists are rewriting history with their discoveries, as local scholars reclaim the narrative of humanity’s origins. The Sonic Heritage project invites us to reconsider the poetry of sound, offering an auditory passage into realms often subsumed by tourism’s clamor. Bhawna Dehariya’s ascent to Everest, with a toddler on her hip, challenges narratives about women’s roles, proving that ambition and care are intertwined paths. Each story this week is a reminder of the transformative power of human spirit and the unexpected beauty found in perseverance.

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Unlikely Amazon Allies: Ocelot and Opossum

In the lush depths of the Peruvian Amazon, a surprising friendship between an ocelot and an opossum has astonished scientists. Ocelots are commonly known to prey on opossums, but multiple video recordings, spanning four years and different regions of the Peruvian Amazon, found these two creatures defy normal prey-predator roles by strolling together like old pals. It’s a captivating partnership, pushing our understanding of interspecies relationships and drawing parallels to the famous camaraderie between North American coyotes and badgers. This unexpected duo hints at nature’s complex tapestry, illustrating that unlikely alliances are not only possible but perhaps beneficial. Dr. Isabel Damas-Moreira, a senior researcher, notes, “This discovery was accidental. It reminds us how important it is to observe closely – because nature is often more complex than we think.”

Be The Change

Take a moment to observe the world around you, recognizing the unexpected connections and relationships in your environment.

Priceless Note Left on a Receipt

Katie Miller, a 25-year-old restaurant server, experienced the profound impact of a kind interaction when a couple left her a heartfelt note on their receipt after their meal. Unbeknownst to Miller, this was the couple’s first outing since their daughter’s unexpected passing. Miller’s simple compliment about the woman’s hair brought them a much-needed smile, showing how a seemingly mundane conversation can bring unexpected comfort. “You will never know what it means to us,” the couple’s note read. Miller’s story went viral on TikTok, underlining how basic acts of kindness can profoundly affect others. The incident has sparked numerous similar accounts from others, highlighting the shared human experience of connection and empathy.

Be The Change

Compliment a stranger today and offer a genuine smile, keeping in mind that we often do not fully know what someone may be going through.

Takin’ My Time: the Power of a Pause

In a world consumed by speed, distractions, and pressure, hip hop humanitarian Nimo Patel invites us to slow down and embrace the beauty and power found in a pause. Through a stunningly playful music video created in collaboration with musician Daniel Nahmod and filmmaker Ellie Walton, the singers reminds us that ‘taking my time’ is not about idleness, but a mindful choice to savor life’s moments, nurture relationships, and align with purpose. Nimo himself is no stranger to the power found in taking a pause. With his early adulthood spanning MTV rap stardom, high-paced Wall Street life, and founding an animation startup, a gnawing sense of emptiness led him to return to his ancestral roots, which found him meditating in the mountains of North India and surfacing a path of service through the performing arts with children in the slums and communities around the globe. His journey is a testament to a life transformed by listening to inner whispers and flowing in the spirit of humanity. Enjoy this latest music video that captures the colorful spirit of takin’ our time.

Be The Change

Today is Nimo Patel’s birthday! Send him a note of appreciation by sharing how you took your time today or what “takin’ my time” means for you in life:

What Happens When We Embrace Discomfort in Dialogue?

In today’s polarized world, the classroom is no longer just a space for academic pursuits but a battleground for open conversation. When Shira Hofer, a bright-eyed freshman, faced the shock of a Harvard classroom that shut down her curiosity, she used her experience to spark change. Founding The Viewpoints Project, she champions the essence of ‘bridging divides’—a skill essential for democracy. Educators and students alike are challenged to embrace discomfort for the sake of meaningful dialogue. As Hofer puts it, “We can develop the skills to disagree in a respectful yet uncomfortable way that is not harmful.” Her story reminds us of the power of perspective and the critical role storytelling plays in understanding diverse viewpoints. These skills, Hofer points out, are vital for a thriving, democratic society.

Be The Change

Start a conversation with someone whose views differ from yours, and actively listen to their story.

A Woman Accepted a New Job, Then Her Mom Died. Her New Boss’s Response Left Her in Tears.

“Grief does not fit a 3-5 day schedule” was the caption on a photo of a family at a funeral home. Yet, 3-5 days is the average paid bereavement time for US companies, and not much better in other countries. There is hope for change. In the meantime, a few managers are finding creative ways around corporate policies. One example is of a woman who accepted a new job, then lost her mom. The manager “honored not only the job offer, but the initial start date as well. Then, he gave the woman six weeks of paid leave right off the bat, before she’d ever had a single day of work.” Other stories highlight managers giving people extended paid time off without fear of losing their jobs. “It’s the leave you hope you never have to use, but let’s be clear, it’s no vacation. Having at least a few paid days off is the bare minimum a human being needs to function after a loss.”

Be The Change

Advocate for more realistic and flexible bereavement time in your local business and government community.