I have to admit, I was kind of proud of my title. I thought it was subtle and literary, but not too flashy. The phrase “art of losing” is from a favorite poem of mine by Elizabeth Bishop, called “One Art.” It’s a sad, brave, beautiful poem about both death and writing, and I was happy because I could start my talk by reading it. Beginnings are important, and as a Buddhist woman writer, I like to pay tribute to my women ancestors....

We’re willing to bet that the list of ingredients on the back of the bottle isn’t the first thing you check when shopping for products. If you’re anything like us, you start by looking for brands you love. You also look for products that promote strong and shiny strands. Lastly, you’re more than likely drawn to products with aesthetically pleasing packaging. We’re often the same way (guilty!). Silicone-Free Conditioner But if you take a close look at the list of ingredients on the back of your bottles of hair products, you might be surprised....

First the researchers administered a survey that measured how well each participant could manage his or her emotions. Following this, the first experiment involved a game that pitted participants’ own self-interest against the common good, and found that those with good at regulating their emotions were significantly more considerate of the common good. In the second study, a different set of participants were assessed on their level of “Machiavellianism,” or how willing they are to manipulate others for their own personal gain....

See a split end? Instead of cutting it, most girls ignore it for the sake of keeping their length or saving a few bucks by not getting a trim at the salon. Our formula? If you really want to put matters into your own hands, try hair dusting or employ a product that will make them disappear—temporarily, that is. Broken, frayed ends aren’t the only gnarly situation we face. Frizz, flyways, oily strands or lack of volume are all of the things standing in the way of a flawless and healthy-looking hairstyle....

Florence Williams spent the last three years writing about our relationship to the natural world—motivated in part by her own move away from a lush natural setting: a view of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to Washington, DC. In her book, The Nature Fix, she explores the healing power of wild places. Here are three ways spending time in nature impacts our health: The Health Benefits of a Nature Break You don’t need to live in a cabin in the woods to soak in all the benefits nature has to offer....

Mindfulness is a big deal these days. Now that we’re hearing the word so often in so many contexts, some readers are telling us that it can confuse them. The meaning fuzzes out, and they have a hard time talking to others about it. It’s like breakfast, which covers everything from a granola bar to a Grand Slam at Denny’s. So it may be worth taking some time to consider what mindfulness conjures up in people’s minds when they hear it....

Hack the Middle Part Trend It’s easy enough to recreate your part and redefine your look with another perspective: simply brush your hair back and use a rat tail comb to create a straight line down the center of your hair. If you find that your hair is a little more stubborn, you can blow dry your hair in the direction of a center part after you’ve washed it. This will reset your strands and help them fall much more naturally in the direction you’re aiming for....

If that sounds hokey, consider recent reports on stress levels and lack of downtime in the workforce (not to mention lack of sleep). Daniel Goleman, a former New York Times reporter and bestselling author, lays out the four key skills of an emotionally intelligent leader in the New York Times: 1) Self-awareness: In a busy world, we don’t usually take the time to do in-depth self-examination, to really understand what our principles are—not what somebody told you, not what’s said in a book....

Luckily, we came up with the next best thing! Now presenting Mother’s Day Gift Boxes that are super cute, easy to whip up, and are also extremely customizable! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. To learn more about ’em, click here. What’s included in this Mother’s Day gift idea In order to give Mom everything she deserves and more, we have created some adorable printables. These printables allow you to gift your favorite lady three separate gift boxes that spell out “M-O-M....

Personally, there is really nothing I love more than learning from the comfort of my own home, wrapped in a cozy blanket, surrounded by the atmosphere of familiarity…and snacks. Usually lots of snacks. {wink!} As a slightly introverted human, I will almost always choose the “stay at home” option when available. As for the rest of us, I think we can agree that we prefer to choose the DISCOUNTED option....

We know that life gets crazy and busy around Christmastime. You’ve got your hands full shopping, decorating, wrapping and partying! In order to save you precious time and energy planning for Christmas morning, we’ve created a fabulous pack containing TONS of creative stocking stuffer ideas. All of these quick, easy ideas for stocking stuffers are sure to bring smiles for the WHOLE family! Santa’s arrival and delivery have never been this effortless!...

In the favorite prime-time show mentioned above, this couple knew EVERYTHING about each other. So rather than telling my cute hubby what I love about him, I wrote out various stories and one-lines about me. And I tried to make them all things that he does not know about me. One day he would said, “So, you named your pet pig Blackie?” And I thought, “yes, but how did you know…?...

My husband love the show Total Blackout! If you haven’t seen it before, it’s a game show where contestants enter a room filled with complete darkness. I mean, you can’t even see your hand in front of your face! Scary, right? Well, not only do they have to complete in total darkness, but they compete to identify various objects using their other senses. Some items are harmless like a stuffed animal, while others are gross or scary!...

“Diana, you left the cabinets open again.” “No I didn’t.” “Yes you did.” “Maybe [my daughter] did it.” “Maybe.” Silence. “Okay, maybe not.” A few months later, after countless reminders, severe annoyance, and half-hearted attempts on my part, Grandma finally forced the issue. “Can I show you something?” “Sure.” Grandma whipped out her iPhone. (Of everyone in my house, Grandma is the most tech- savvy. My Waldorf-schooled nine-year-old comes next, and I am at the bottom....

“Our suffering is equal. Yet I’m treated with sympathy; she is treated with hostility.” – Rodriguez on el-Wafi About the video From Ted.com: Phyllis Rodriguez is an artist, a teacher and a social justice activist. On September 11, 2001, her son Greg died in the attacks on the World Trade Center. Rodriguez and her husband wrote an open letter, “Not in Our Son’s Name,” calling on President Bush to oppose a military response in Afghanistan....

Dacher Keltner: Adam Edwards is a competitive kayaker and member of Melanin Base Camp, an organization working to diversify outdoor adventure sports and experiences. He joins us today as our happiness guinea pig. In each episode of The Science of Happiness, we focus on different research-tested practices for increasing happiness, resilience, kindness, and connection. And we have a guest try out
that practice and tell us about their experience. Then we explore the science behind it....

Anti-Humidity Hairspray in Winter: A Surprising Staple Hairspray History I’ve never been a big hairspray user (I’m sure I still have a can under my sink that I got in high school.). But after getting bangs, I quickly found out that I need it—like really, really need it. Now, hairspray is required if I’m going outside. Let’s just say if I go without, my bangs will be fuzz! You see, I live in New Orleans....

By intentionally seeking to understand other perspectives that encourage empathy, compassion, and positive thinking for myself and others. —Megan W. I remember to stay in the moment and notice where I am and what I’m doing. I’m not in the past or future, I’m right where my feet are. —Kim W. Who do you reach out to when you feel worried? My partner. She is the calm in my life....

We start the new year full of vigor and enthusiasm, but unfortunately the statistics on resolutions look a little disheartening: Around 80% of positive habit-change resolutions will be given up again by February. It is much easier to imagine making a change than to actually implement it—which is why it’s important to bring some mindful, science-backed strategies to your goals for the year. Before we get into the details of how to do this, I would like to invite us to take a big step back and ask, “Why?...

Why do you think Brainstorm has become so popular? I’m guessing because it’s refreshing news. We’ve been dealing with this period of life in very negative ways, and it’s time to shift the conversation and make use of some helpful scientific understanding. What motivated you to write the book? When my children left their teenage years, I wanted to try to understand all the experiences we’d had as a family....