Patches, the unofficial therapy dog. — “Where did this come from?” I exclaimed. Reflexes forced the weight of my body on the brake pedal, and my neck snapped back as we came to a stop. I muttered an expletive and thanked my luck for the near miss. …

What my three parakeets taught me — On their way to a new home, it was a day of many firsts for the three parakeets, Birdoo, Skylar, and Fly. They closed their little eyes as I left the pet store. I could not tell if they were tired from sitting on a perch with nothing to look…

challenges on the path of truth — In nature, deception matters for survival. Bacteria and viruses enter our bodies by tricking the immune system, effectively “lying” to the host immune cells. Chameleons change their colors and blend into their surroundings to deceive predators, while male spiders mislead their female mates by gift-wrapping inedible leftovers with silk. Numerous…

the secret sauce — We live according to a hierarchy of values we hold dear. Is honoring our resolutions high on the list of personal values? This question is tested each new year as we complete another rotation around the sun. …

on the path to happiness — Imagine someone gifts you the keys to the most beautiful house in the world, a house that is yours for life. But there are two conditions. First, you must return every night; second, you cannot bring any of your possessions inside. Walls, floors, and ceilings are bare, and you can…

Every boy scout knows that focusing the sun’s rays through a clear magnifying glass can generate enough heat to start a fire. With a single cloud in the right place or a shadow cast on the lens, that intensity disappears. Similarly, combining the ability to focus the mind and maintain…