Monkey See, Monkey Do: How Corruption, Inequality, and Self-Interest Threaten Civilization
Why Self Compassion Is the Key to Health and Happiness
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- Written by: Beth McDaniel, InnerSelf.com

When was the last time you spoke to yourself the way you would to a dear friend? Many of us extend kindness outward with ease but struggle to direct it inward. Yet research is showing something profound: self compassion and self kindness do not just feel good—they transform our health, reshape our outlook, and ripple into every part of our lives.
Building a Life Foundation on Hope
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- Written by: Kristi Hugstad

Hope serves as a vital foundation for a fulfilling life, fueling motivation and positive action. It encourages individuals to embrace challenges and set meaningful goals while fostering resilience. By practicing gratitude, helping others, and engaging in self-care, people can cultivate a hopeful mindset that enhances their overall well-being and success.
How Dogs and Cats Bond with Us Through the Love Hormone
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- Written by: Alex Jordan, InnerSelf.com

Science tells us that love isn’t just a poetic metaphor; it’s a biological force running through our veins. Nowhere is this clearer than in the bonds we form with our pets. Whether it’s a dog meeting your gaze with unwavering loyalty or a cat curling up on your lap with a rhythmic purr, something profound is happening in both your body and theirs. That something is oxytocin , the so-called love hormone , and it’s reshaping how we understand relationships not just between humans, but between species.
Empowering Choices: Overcoming the Beggar Mentality
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- Written by: Alan Cohen

Recognizing the power of choice can transform overwhelming decisions into exciting opportunities. By understanding that each choice reflects a person's true self and potential, one can shift from a mindset of struggle to one of empowerment. This perspective allows individuals to embrace their co-creative role with the universe and make bold decisions that align with their desires.
Alchemy of Consciousness: Balancing Inner Forces
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- Written by: Seren Bertrand

Exploring the ancient art of alchemy reveals its significance in achieving a harmonious consciousness. By merging opposing energies within ourselves, individuals can navigate their desires for unconditional love while maintaining personal boundaries. This balance is essential for personal growth and the cultivation of a golden consciousness that enhances both individual and collective well-being.
Why Renaming the Department of Defense to Department of War Threatens America
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- Written by: Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com

Renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War isn’t just a cosmetic change. It’s a symbolic act that signals America’s drift toward authoritarianism and away from peace. Words matter, and this shift carries historical echoes that could undermine American democracy and global stability. Understanding why this matters is crucial to resisting the normalization of permanent war.
Why You’re Paying More for Less Insurance Coverage
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- Written by: Beth McDaniel, InnerSelf.com

Insurance shrinkflation is the hidden crisis of 2025. As premiums climb, many policies now cover less while charging more. Like food product shrinkage, insurers quietly reduce coverage or raise deductibles without lowering prices. This means families are paying higher premiums for weaker protection. Understanding insurance shrinkflation is essential for protecting your financial security and making smart, empowered decisions about coverage.
Five Steps to Get Out of Your Funky Attitude
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- Written by: Jude Bijou

Do you get in a negative mood and have a hard time getting out? Do your lingering feelings seem to descend on you for no particular reason? Do you find yourself often brooding for extended periods of time? Anxious? Frustrated? Depressed? Hurt? Brooding? Serious?
Phone Calls Are Dying and What Replaces Them
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- Written by: InnerSelf Staff

Why won’t Gen Z answer the phone anymore? Phone anxiety, texting, and voice notes are reshaping how we connect—and what that means for society’s future.
Could a US Breakup Empower Everyone?
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- Written by: Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com

Imagine waking up one morning to discover that the United States no longer exists as a single nation. At first, it sounds like the stuff of dystopian fiction, but lately, even the word “breakup” has crept into political chatter.
Why Everything Seems To Be Breaking at Once
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- Written by: Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com

All things tend toward excess. All things must recalibrate. Excess and recalibration are the universal rhythm of existence. From atoms to empires, from stars to souls, the pattern is the same: excess, collapse, renewal. We are not living through a moment of random chaos. We are living through a global polycrisis, where every excess of the past century is now demanding recalibration. Welcome to the world disorder of 2025.
Are You Watching From the Sidelines? Life Is Not A Spectator Sport
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- Written by: Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

People are taking a stand on what they believe in. And while some believe in things you may not believe in, yet at least people are speaking out, taking a stand, and making choices. They are no longer being just spectators. They are participating...
Facing the Bullies Within and Without
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- Written by: Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

We all face bullies—both in the world and in our own minds. Whether it’s an authoritarian leader, a manipulative boss, or the inner critic whispering “you can’t,” silence only feeds them. This article explores how to stand up to bullies with courage and compassion, reclaim your dignity, and build solidarity with others. The time for silence is over. The time for standing up is now.
Gaza Genocide for Profit? Inside The Riviera Plan
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- Written by: Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com

Trump and Netanyahu’s proposed Gaza plan promises luxury resorts, AI cities, and massive investor profits, built on the ruins of Palestinian homes. Marketed as “voluntary relocation,” it strips Gaza’s people of their land and future while selling it as a visionary project. Beneath the glossy promises, critics see something darker: a genocide for profit. This raises urgent questions about power, ethics, and the future of Gaza.
Why Astrology Is Surging in This Age of Uncertainty
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- Written by: Shiri Noy, Denison University et al

Astrology is less about predicting the future and more about making sense of the self. In an age of uncertainty, people, especially younger adults and LGBTQ+ communities, use horoscopes and zodiac language as practical tools for identity, timing, and connection.
Astrological Overview and Horoscope: September 1 - 7, 2025
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- Written by: Pam Younghans

September astrology opens with a powerful week: Saturn retrogrades into Pisces, Uranus stations retrograde, and a Total Lunar Eclipse in Pisces arrives on September 7, 2025. These cosmic shifts highlight endings, awakenings, and new perspectives. From power struggles to breakthroughs, this week carries a wave of transformation. Tuning into the deeper meaning can help you move with the currents, turning uncertainty into renewal and cooperation.
Why Midlife Medications May Be Hurting Your Health
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- Written by: Beth McDaniel, InnerSelf.com

By the time you reach your 50s or 60s, the little orange bottles often seem to multiply. A pill for blood pressure, one for cholesterol, another for sleep, maybe something for anxiety or digestion. Each prescription feels reasonable on its own, but one day you look at the row of bottles lined up on the counter and wonder, when did my life become a pharmacy shelf? And more importantly, are these midlife medications helping me, or are they quietly stealing away my vitality?
How to Handle Toxic People Without Losing Your Sanity
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- Written by: Alex Jordan, InnerSelf.com

The gray rock method is a powerful way of dealing with bullies and manipulative people, by becoming emotionally uninteresting. But neutrality isn’t always enough. When disengagement fails, you must set firm boundaries and refuse to placate. This article explores why gray rocking works, when it doesn’t, and how to protect your peace while standing strong against toxic behavior.
Decision-Making and Cultural Differences: Why Self-Reliance Rules
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- Written by: Alex Jordan, InnerSelf.com

Decision-making is often seen as cultural, some trust intuition, others seek advice. Yet across the globe, cultural differences show one striking truth: self-reliance dominates. Whether through intuition or careful thought, most people prefer to decide alone. This article explores why decision-making patterns reveal a global bias toward independence and what cultural differences teach us about human psychology.
How the CDC Crisis Threatens Us All
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- Written by: Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com

Public health in America stands at a breaking point. With the CDC crisis deepening and vaccine systems under attack, experts warn the U.S. is unprepared for the next pandemic. From political interference to underfunded infrastructure, the lessons of COVID are being ignored while history repeats itself. This article explores what’s at stake for our safety, trust, and future.
Why We Like To Collect Things
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- Written by: Alex Jordan, InnerSelf.com

Why do people collect things? Recent research in collecting psychology points to one powerful driver: the desire for control. Collecting offers a sense of structure and meaning in uncertain times. Each piece added to a collection brings order to chaos and creates a deeper sense of completion. Understanding this psychology helps us see why humans collect and how it connects to well-being.
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