Psychology is often defined as “The science that deals with mental processes and behavior”.

In the modern day, there are basically two prevailing schools of thought. ‘Geneticists’ and ‘Behaviorists’… the old notion of “nature vs nurture.”

The Geneticists are inclined to think that human behavior is derived from heredity and instinct. Often on the news, reports detail how some study claims to find the ‘genetic predisposition’ ‘to being republican’ or ’smoking cigarettes’. This supports the world view that we are ‘hardwired’ in some way and that even subtle nuances of behavior, such as an inclination for addiction, is genetic or “instinctual” in some way. (more…)

The antioxidants in apples are just the thing to help keep your mind sharp.

“Younger adults in their 20s and 30s notice no losses at all, even though they are declining at the same rate as people in their 60s and 70s, because they have more capital than they need,” says Park in Scientific American.

Don’t worry.

Most of this mental decline is quite harmless, though it may lead you to have trouble recalling certain facts or make multitasking more difficult. The good news is that, like your muscles, your brain can be built up and strengthened at any age, and here are the top tips to do so.

1. Exercise

Regular exercise is not only good for your body, it’s good for your mind. Specifically, exercise increases blood flow to your brain and has been found to delay or prevent age-related mental decline, and may even provide memory improvement, according to the Mayo Clinic.

2. Meditate (more…)

No, it isn’t pink. Definitely.

Sorry?

Have I seen what?..

The site name?..

Oops… Still, it’s not pink!

On a dull wet autumn evening, it’s bright yellow and orange of candlelight or even a log-fire, if and when I can afford such extravagance.

After a hectic working day in an office room with walls of pale blue I like to rest my eyes on the delicate green of the lawn grass, amber columns of pine trunks touched by the sunlight, or the blossoming white of apple-trees… Yes, I do admit pink blossoms are beautiful, too!

I like the many colours the sea can acquire — from emerald green through light blue on a sunny day to the steel-gray of a coming storm. Oh, gray can be beautiful too — especially if this is the eye colour of someone very special.

But the most magnificent shades are the ones I can watch daily from the balcony facing west. It is the purple and crimson of a sunset, ending the busy day and ushering in a night of rest, of dreams, shrouding the common and everyday in mystery. And then comes the new dawn…

Ok, one of its colours is pink!

© Loremaster

Smiles are special. In any culture, a smile shining on the lips of any shade and shape has something positive to say – from almost aggressive assurance to enigmatic thoughtfulness through a range of other sentiments.

Smile is related to laughter – but it is milder and softer, with a shade of quiet contentment. Even a sad smile has a placid tone about it – so, what shall I say about a smile that is not just a happy one but is capable to make me happy?

First and foremost, it is real. There are too many imitations, shiny but shallow, unable to reach the eyes and coming from anywhere but the heart. Such smiles can make amused at best, not happy. This one is different.

It is caused by something good. I mean, truly good. I am not a guilt-driven “morality rules fanatic”, and may God keep me from preaching here – but I can rarely share a sneer while looking at another person’s trouble… The smile I look for can be caused by a beautiful sunset, a scored goal, a delicious perfume, or – why not? – a reflection of someone else’s joy.

And finally – it is unique. When we love someone and see that person daily, happy we are if we can perceive and treasure every single smile flashing on their lips – no matter if we are the reason for it, or not.

I could go on for much longer and exhaust your patience with more descriptions. But it is around dawn time here, and I, being the lark in our couple, have a coffee to make and a beauty to wake. Good-bye, dear reader, and good morning darling!..

Even before her eyes open, I see a smile…

The smile.

© Loremaster (more…)