How to love: a guide to understanding life

Knowledge is important. Understanding the way our physical bodies and our minds work is powerful, as it explains the way we feel. And what is life but being in touch with how we perceive our surroundings and the functioning of our internal organs? Many of us reach adulthood without major health complications. We tend to forget about the toothaches or the ear infections of our early years. After all, many of us were fortunate to have caring parents who would make sure we would get over our illnesses.   Growing up in post-war economies with booming opportunities for professional training, set the conditions to aspire to meet the happy endings. Climbing up the corporate ladder or creating an expansive business were breeding ground for believing that a successful career was automatically paired with good health, a beautiful family and a loving home. I could personally fit school and music demanding activities until my late teens, as I made very conscious use of every minute of eve...

As we approach the end of the pandemic (hopefully), it seems fit to ponder for a minute or two, what a difficult year we've been through. Travelling restrictions, closed family businesses, online lessons, homeschooling, zoom meetings for work, and the losses of loved ones for many, the fear of infection for those who were more vulnerable, like those living with chronic conditions. These are just some of the difficulties we were faced with since March 2020.  Covid-19 has affected people from all age groups. Preschoolers couldn't run and play freely with their peers, nor could they be helped to wear their coat before leaving the school. Others had to stay at home under unprecedented conditions of parents having to follow work commitments from a home that was not necessarily adapted for several people working and being taught online.   There was extra pressure on everyone. Life changed for schoolers and for young adults who struggled to find work experience opportunities in ...