Paris Hilton in Mecca

Last updated on: November 3, 2014 at 11:18 am By Posted by The Editors

For years now, people have been complaining about how the Saudi government is ruining Mecca with its obnoxious renovations. Thanks to runaway consumerism, the ancient city is overrun with luxury hotels, an awful clock-tower looming over the Ka’ba, and numerous malls and public toilets where holy sites used to be. The latest news is that Paris Hilton’s fashion empire has opened up a store in Mecca, and Muslims worldwide are again disgusted at the apparent poisoning of our holy city. There... Read more

Science Fiction and The Search for Gratitude on Thanksgiving

Last updated on: November 3, 2014 at 11:18 am By Posted by The Editors

Eds. note: “Piglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude.” A. A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh Happy Thanksgiving to our family, friends, & readers in the US! And, thank you to guest blogger Ali Mattu from Brain Knows Better for allowing us to cross-post his wonderful Thanksgiving post! I only have one rule for my blog – reference one finding from psychology and one work of science fiction in every... Read more

Friday Love: Mama’s wisdom

Last updated on: November 3, 2014 at 11:18 am By Posted by The Editors

Growing up Trekkie – How Star Trek Made Me Fall in Love with Psychology

Last updated on: November 3, 2014 at 11:18 am By Posted by The Editors

I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and spend most of my days working in a hospital treating anxiety and depression. As a child, I never thought I’d be in this position. Back then, I spent most of my time riding bikes and playing video games. While other kids dreamed about who they would become when they grew up, I was content just thinking about the next great Nintendo game. My dad feared I might not graduate high school, let... Read more

What The Heart Wants

Last updated on: November 3, 2014 at 11:18 am By Posted by The Editors

As a child, I was told that a good Afghan girl does not do anything that will bring shame and dishonor to her family, and she does not, under any circumstances, marry outside her culture and faith. I had a hard time believing those words, and felt suffocated under the pressure. Being the rebel, and questioning Afghan traditions and Muslim beliefs, came with a price. My parents took my questioning as a rejection of them, instead of my way of ... Read more

Prayers for Roxy

Last updated on: November 3, 2014 at 11:18 am By Posted by The Editors

We don’t know Roxy personally, but we believe in the power of thought, prayer, and love from family, beloved, and strangers alike. “Our sister Roxy, her wonderful husband, sweet baby girl and family need your prayers and light, please. Roxy is entering her final step in this life’s journey. She is now in home hospice surrounded by family and not suffering. Please send your light.” Read more

Loving after loss (Part 2)

Last updated on: November 3, 2014 at 11:18 am By Posted by The Editors

I woke from deep slumber with the gray lights of dawn peeking in. I had fallen asleep in the middle of President re-elect Obama’s acceptance speech. Though the East Coast was celebrating, in California we were still waiting to see the turnout results come in on some heated statewide propositions. I groggily snatched my bedside smartphone, and scrolled through my twitter feed. At 5am, the only people reporting were Obama-thrilled East Coasters or people overseas. I finally found what I... Read more

The Faith that Faith Produced

Last updated on: November 3, 2014 at 11:18 am By Posted by The Editors

I was washing dishes in the kitchen when I stopped believing in God. Years later, I’m often unsettled at how much of my life I’d spent in that kitchen and how little of it I can recall, except for that one moment. Overwhelmed by constant desperation, I turned suddenly courageous, pondered what might happen if He didn’t exist, decided that He didn’t, and then He was gone. I think the rapid departure hit me the hardest. How had I been... Read more

Small beauties

Last updated on: November 3, 2014 at 11:18 am By Posted by The Editors

I read a book to my children, called “Small Beauties,” and started tearing up right in the middle, much to their amusement. The book talks about a little girl in the midst of the Irish potato famine who was a “noticer.” She would dawdle in her work to notice the magpie flying, to stare at castles in the clouds, to examine a moss-covered rock. Her family was always yelling at her, saying things like, “Castles? Clouds? MILK THE COW, NOW!”... Read more

Friday Love: Otis and Nitasha wedded bliss

Last updated on: November 3, 2014 at 11:18 am By Posted by The Editors

Our contributor Asiila Imani shared this beautiful video of an interracial, interfaith, and multicultural wedding with us. It’s the most joyful, moving and wonderful wedding video we’ve seen in a long time. Congrats, Otis and Nitasha, wherever you are! Otis & Nitasha : wedding highlights from Inkspot Crow Films on Vimeo. Read more