Climate change is one of the major reasons California, Oregon, and Washington State are up in flames. Changes on a collective and individual level can help thwart further destruction. Fire is celebration, warmth, food, and safety. It’s also dangerous, deadly, fast-moving, and currently ripping through […]
All posts filed under: SHONDALAND

The Medical Professionals Speaking the Truth About Covid-19
From taking to social media to speaking to the press, medical professionals are committed to ensuring people take coronavirus seriously. 2020 has seen tumultuous times — pandemic, civil unrest, and economic downturn. But, thankfully, folks from all walks of life have stepped up to help […]

How to Have a Real “Good Faith” Debate
In today’s trying political climate, it may seem impossible to have an open dialogue instead of a nasty debate. Here’s how to engage those you don’t agree with — without screaming at them. There’s an old adage that dictates that you shouldn’t discuss politics, sex, […]

The Veterans Risking Their Lives To Protect BLM Protesters in Portland
In July, veterans of all races organized to form a wall of protection around protestors in Portland. One organizer explains how he helped form the Wall of Vets. 2020 has seen tumultuous times — pandemic, civil unrest, and economic downturn. But, thankfully, folks from all […]

Why We Need the Post Office and What We Should Do To Save It
Founded in 1772, the USPS has always been a key component of American democracy. Now, it’s under severe threat. “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds,” is the motto of the […]

Behind the Development of a Rapid COVID-19 Test: An Interview with Professor Hadley Sikes at MIT
When the U.S. screeched to a halt in March 2020 as a result of the pandemic, technology spared the world from a complete and total shutdown. From Zoom meetings to e-commerce to VR concerts, technology kept us connected and kept businesses running. We could continue […]

How to Tell if Someone is Actually “Toxic”
Experts weigh in on how to deal with toxic people in a healthy, practical way. Like the term “canceled,” you probably see “toxic” tossed around a lot online. If you’ve spent any amount of time on social media you’ve stumbled across plenty of posts from […]

The Power of Finding Flow
If you have ever been around elite athletes, artists or creatives, you have probably heard them talk about getting “into the zone.” If you’re lucky, you’ve probably felt that state yourself while pursuing any number of activities, whether it’s doing deeply focused work, doing a […]

What it Means to Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries is about a lot more than just saying no. When you think of boundaries, you likely think of telling people no or keeping others away. Yet a boundary, whether physical, mental, or emotional, is about a lot more than just drawing a line […]

The Basics of Music Therapy
You’ve probably heard the trope that “music soothes the savage beast.” While it may seem like a massive overstatement, there’s an element of truth to it. Andrea Scheve, MM, MT-BC is a certified music therapist who specializes in hospice and end of life work. She says […]

How Color Affects Us
Colors can change our mood, our focus, and impact our mental health. Here’s how to make the most of them. We are visual creatures. As we navigate the world, light comes in through our eyes and is translated into signals in our brains that help […]

Alternative Ways to Beat the Heat This Summer
Summer 2020 is on track to be one of the hottest years in history in certain parts of the States. Here’s how you can beat the heat. Summer might conjure images of long sunny days at the lake or beach, or water fights in the […]