Sangha of Auspicious Companions

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Rare Firefly Species Resurfaces After 100 Years

In a remarkable scientific rediscovery, Monash University student Tan Wei Jack identified the Pteroptyx gombakia firefly, a species that had not been documented for 90 years. This discovery, made in Malaysia’s Bukit Kiara forest, marks the first live sighting of the species and highlights the ongoing importance of ecological research. Under the guidance of Dr. Wan Faridah Akmal Jusoh, Tan’s work emphasizes the ecological role of fireflies as indicator species, whose presence reflects ecosystem health. As firefly populations dwindle due to climate change and habitat loss, Tan and Jusoh advocate for conservation measures such as reducing light pollution and planting native vegetation. Their efforts are part of a broader initiative through the nonprofit organization Friends of Bukit Kiara, which aims to preserve biodiversity and inspire future conservationists.

Be The Change

Start a small rewilding project in your backyard or community space by planting native trees and grasses. This can help restore local ecosystems and provide essential habitats for various wildlife species, including fireflies. As Tan Wei Jack’s discovery shows, “even when things seem lost, they can still find their way back,” and your efforts can be a part of that conservation journey.

How Fathers Today Are Reshaping Parenthood

Today, millennial fathers spend triple the time with their children compared to dads in the 1960s. Paul Bent, 40, is redefining what it means to be a dad — a 180-degree turnaround from his own childhood where Bent’s father was on the periphery of his life. “So many times, I sat at the window waiting for my dad to turn up because he told me he would, and then he wouldn’t,” Bent recalls. “That heartbreaking disappointment, I just don’t want [my son] to go through that.” With his own child, Bent is not just present, but passionately engaged. From football practice to nighttime chats, Bent’s rituals with his son, Hunter, focus on trust, kindness, and respect. Hunter’s small acts, like collecting cones or reminding his aunt to wipe her feet, highlight the powerful impact of Bent’s parenting approach. “Just before Hunter goes to sleep, we have this little two or three-minute conversation, about his day and how he’s feeling,” Bent shares. It’s a deepening era of fatherhood—rooted in presence, love, and the values that shape the next generation.

Be The Change

Spend quality time with a child in your life, focusing on listening and engaging in their favorite activities.

People Over 100 Share Their Simple Secrets to Living the Best Life

Enjoy this delightful video of five centenarians who share “their thoughts and wisdom on love, health, technology and, most importantly, how to live a happy life.” Here is a sampling of their wisdom. On Love: “It’s so important to feel love. I won’t say it makes the world go round, but it’s very helpful.” On Mortality: “Life goes on. So, get on and do the things that you love to do.” On Technology: “I think technology, if used properly, has definitely made a huge difference. The ability to reach out to one another. Getting emails, sending emails.” On Health: “Walk, walk, walk.” On Being Happy: “You can’t get anywhere in life until you start doing things for other people.” “You want to be attached to things that are positive and good in life.” “Giving is a real joy.” And to sum it up, “Positive thinking overall is the key.”

Be The Change

Regardless of your age, what would be your response if asked, “What’s the secret to a long, happy life?” Think about it. Share your answer with someone.

Man Climbs Everest to Install Defibrillator—Three Weeks Later It Saves a Young Life

David Sullivan lost four friends under the age of 45 due to cardiac arrest. The first moments are critical: “the use of a defibrillator within the first 3 minutes of a heart attack can improve survival rates from 8% to over 50%.” He learned and performed CPR for a young lad only three months after learning while thirty people watched because they didn’t know how. “When the lad’s mum called me the next day to say he was alive, it changed my life forever.” Sullivan founded an organization that trains defibrillator use and CPR skills at home and around the world. Around the world includes classes and training in Nepal, and a16,500 feet climb to install a defibrillator in a village near Mount Everest base camp. Three weeks after the installation, he learned that it saved a young climber’s life. “It was the proudest moment of my life when I learned what had happened,” Sullivan said. His current effort is to see 1.2 million children across London trained in CPR.

Be The Change

If you do not already know how, learn to use a defibrillator and/or CPR, or support a community effort to train others.

Why These College Kids Are Swearing Off Smartphones

Meet Charlie Fisher, Seán Killingsworth, and Logan Lane — three college students embracing a new trend: ditching smartphones for classic flip phones. As part of the Reconnect Movement, they’re challenging relentless screen time with real-world interactions — painting, debates, and good old-fashioned hangouts. This retro revolution is a nod to presence. Fisher, 20, who a few years back was addicted to his smartphone, reports how being smartphone-free has affected his attention: “I’ve been seeing things more like when I was a kid.” While diving back into hobbies like music, Fisher and peers discover a presence often lost in our digital age. While some students completely relinguish the smartphone, many see the value of having a less distraction-prone alternative at least part of the time. Content creator Sammy Pallazzolo and two friends purchased flip phones during their first year of college after realizing all of their negative experiences from going out were tied to their cell phones. They take the flip phone with them when meeting up with friends in person. Experts attribute this shift to concerns over smartphone-induced anxiety and its impact on mental health. This growing movement is not just about reducing screen time, but reviving authentic connections.

Be The Change

Plan a no-phone day with your friends and embrace the moment through shared activities.

I Travelled the World Delivering Letters to Strangers

On a Galápagos Island, there is an old whisky barrel that has been used since 1793 to send mail back home. Originally used by sailors at port, it is now used by tourists. People leave a letter and take one that they are able to hand-deliver to its destination. Jonny Beardmore traveled to the island in 2022 while processing grief following the death of his father. He saw the barrel filled to the brim. He took a few home to New Zealand and delivered them to some grateful recipients. Their joy in receiving them brought him joy. Jonny had watched his Dad lose his ability to travel and physically communicate, so he wanted to honor him, and help raise awareness of motor neuron disease (MND). He returned to the island, “picked out 55 letters and postcards… covering at least 52 countries and spanning all seven continents.” His journey delivered joy to both the recipients and Jonny, and many became lifelong friends.

Be The Change

Write a letter to a friend, and deliver it yourself whether in person or virtually. Feel the joy!

Blind Skateboarder Opens ‘World-First’ Adaptive Skatepark

Dan Mancina enjoyed skateboarding at a young age, but by 22, he was almost completely blind because of a degenerative eye disease. “Now almost 38, he’s a professional skateboarder, relearning tricks, and even completing the course at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.” About seven years ago, Dan, thinking of others, dreamed of giving fellow visually impaired skaters a better experience. Now, the world’s first adaptive skatepark is a reality.Bottom of Form “Called ‘The Ranch,’ the 5,000-square-foot skatepark is completely accessible, allowing both seasoned low-vision boarders to take it for a spin and newcomers to the sport to feel welcome.” Dan also plans to host workshops, provide lessons, and influence adaptations in future public skateparks. “Traditionally, there’s not as many opportunities for sports for the blind, so, really, it’s just giving that as an option. Not everybody wants to skate, but everyone should have at least the opportunity to try it.”

Be The Change

What opportunity could you create for someone that is not readily available to them? It need not be grand; perhaps it is simply an opportunity to learn something new.

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