Holistic adaptive investment is all about connecting everything on Earth and creating a positive energy experience. Traditional investment doesn’t consider the environmental and social impacts. Externalities are also not accounted for. But I’m hopeful that things are changing for the better. I noticed something after discussing sustainability: there’s a sustainability indicator in the stock market. I’m not sure how it works, but it’s not precisely aligned with sustainability. But it’s still encouraging. We need more than sustainability; we also need to care for all life on Earth and our natural environments. We should become more like nature, striving for natural humanity, spirituality, and health. Holistic investment is not too far off. We can consider these principles, or an Earth ethic, to guide us. If we had considered these principles long ago, we wouldn’t have nuclear weapons. But it’s not too late. I have patience, hope, perseverance, and determination to look forward to a better future. I’m not talking about being perfect; I’m talking about doing our best to protect our natural environment, systems, life support systems, humanity, families, and communities from harm. Let’s start today by investing in holistic endeavors. As we invest, we can be invested in by those who are making the most holistic investments first. Taking care of our home, Earth, and all its inhabitants is essential for a better future.   Hey there! I’ve been considering investing in eco-friendly properties and similar environments. It’s not just about big-picture investments, though. It’s also about investing in the little things that make a difference. I’m excited about the future and hope we can all work together to create a better world.

You know, our traditional investment approaches have been stuck in the past for too long. We don’t always think about how our investments affect the environment and society. And that’s not okay. We need to change our ways and invest in a future that’s sustainable and healthy for everyone.

Holistic Investment is a new way of thinking about investing. It’s about investing in the well-being of everyone and everything, everywhere on Earth. It’s about creating a positive energy that can regenerate and grow. It’s not just about making money; it’s about making a difference as a priority.

I’m excited about the future and I’m hopeful that we can all work together to create a better world. Let’s invest in a future that’s sustainable and healthy for everyone.

Imagine a world where such an ethic always guides investment decisions. Many of the profound crises we face today, like the threat of nuclear conflict, might never have happened. But it’s never too late to start working towards this vision. My unwavering patience, resolute hope, perseverance, and determination give me the courage to look forward to a future where these conditions are not just dreams but realities.

This journey isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about working hard and being adaptable to protect our natural environment, the life-support systems that keep us alive, our communities, families, and humanity from harm.

Let’s introduce a new approach to investing called Holistic Adaptive Investment. This means that individuals and organizations will consciously put their resources into genuinely regenerative projects. As this cycle grows, the people leading the most holistic investments will attract more investment, creating a self-reinforcing system of positive impact. It’s like a positive-energy, negative-feedback loop.

Our mission goes beyond sustainability; we aim to regenerate and thrive by caring for our home, Planet Earth, and all its inhabitants. This means we need to consider issues across different scales, from the unique potential of specific eco-regions to the fine-scale dynamics and the broad-scale interconnectedness of everything.

I look forward to seeing how we all work together to create this flourishing future.

Be aware that we are unaware of the true nature of our actions. Society is a collection of disparate and disorganized systems that produce criminals, mental illness, killings, mass shootings, and so on. In essence, it manufactures dead people. By dead people, I mean that they lack standing, rights, and the ability to secure a good job. This process typically begins with a teenage wasteland, where individuals are exposed to drugs, excessive alcohol, promiscuity, pornography, and the challenges of growing up. Subsequently, an underground rumor network amplifies the output of these disparate organized systems. Next, there’s a system of electing a president where everyone is convinced to judge you behind the scenes. Finally, all the minor events that occur in your lifetime come to light as people judge you based on everything that happens. Additionally, drug dealers create dead people by pushing their drugs onto innocent individuals. This leads to the development of mental health problems, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse, which in turn fuel a system of medical reactionary science and rehabilitation services. In other words, it appears that we are engaged in a war with ourselves. The ultimate goal of society is to manufacture criminals, but we are entirely unaware of this. This process begins with the Bible, in which people are judged by the negative energy it contains. While the Bible contains valuable information, people often misapply it to judge others. People are sent to war as a result of justice systems judging the actions of different organized groups.  The workplace is another catalyst for creating outcasts. People are excluded from the workplace and unable to secure adequate employment due to these disparate, organized systems of exclusion.   

The fabric of our modern society often appears less like a cohesive whole and more like an intricate web of disparate and often dysfunctional systems. These interwoven structures, instead of fostering universal well-being, inadvertently contribute to a deeply troubling output: widespread disenfranchisement, mental health crises, and even tragic violence that plagues our communities. I refer to those who become “dead people” not in a literal sense, but as individuals stripped of their standing, rights, and opportunities for meaningful employment and integration.

This downward spiral frequently begins in what could be described as a “teenage wasteland,” a formative period where young people are disproportionately exposed to destructive influences—from pervasive drug and alcohol abuse to the complexities of sexual expression and the accessibility of pornography—all while navigating the inherent difficulties of maturation without adequate guidance or societal safety nets. What follows is often an insidious process of social ostracization, amplified by informal networks of rumors and judgments that further solidify the individual’s marginalization within these fragmented systems. Eventually, many face intense public scrutiny, in which every past misstep or perceived flaw is brought to light, often without context or empathy, thereby condemning individuals and hindering any path to redemption or reintegration.

Furthermore, the persistent challenge of substance abuse, fueled by the predatory practices of drug dealers, creates another devastating pathway to societal loss. This not only directly contributes to addiction but also triggers a cascade of mental health issues, alcohol dependency, and an overwhelming demand for our reactive medical and rehabilitation services. At times, society appears to be engaged in an internal conflict, inadvertently constructing the very problems it then struggles to contain.

Consider how deeply ingrained judgmental attitudes, sometimes even stemming from the misinterpretation or weaponization of foundational texts like the Bible, contribute to societal fragmentation. While such texts contain invaluable wisdom, their selective application often fuels a culture of condemnation rather than understanding, thereby exacerbating divisions and perpetuating a cycle of negativity and judgment. This ultimately leads to a system of justice that, rather than preventing or rehabilitating, often processes the inevitable casualties of these dysfunctional societal outputs. Even the workplace, ostensibly a place of opportunity, frequently acts as another catalyst for creating outcasts. Individuals are often systematically rejected and unable to secure adequate employment precisely because of these deeply ingrained yet usually invisible systems of judgment and exclusion.

We need holistic, well-meaning, and well-intentioned integrated systems that are fully aware of their purpose and know what they do. We must begin with the foundation, which includes loving, caring, sharing, giving, forgiving, and genuine, kind striving. These qualities will create conditions of comfort, joy, love, hope, unity, equity, faith, and sustainable striving happiness. We must transition from reactive to holistic approaches. Negative, judgmental energy needs to be transformed into holistic, prescriptive advice delivered in a positive manner. It should serve as guidance that helps people improve their own lives and the lives of others. Reconciliation and counseling are crucial, especially for self-reset and a positive energy trajectory in life. However, I’ve noticed that counseling these days often doesn’t use the information obtained to solve big-picture problems. I envision integrated systems that are more map-based and visual, allowing people to understand the consequences of their actions. We’ve witnessed numerous instances of destruction and devastation, and we need to draw attention to these issues to facilitate restoration. We must invest in areas affected by former disparate and disorganized systems. Many of these systems are either obscure or overt, yet they unintentionally destroy people’s lives in the natural environment. Law and justice need to become more restorative and holistic, with prescriptive advice. Investment needs to change altogether. Instead of generating out-of-context money, we should invest in creating in-context value, energy, and benefits for our world. We must invest in so-called externalities in a holistic, well-motivated way. I suggested a way to achieve this through the Unidiversity Research Explorer Cycle, which integrates us all in a “We Me” cycle. Currently, there’s too much struggle in the world, and not enough striving to make it a better place. I look forward to uniting with everyone to create a better future together.

Dear everyone,  

I’ve been mulling over some observations lately and wanted to share a few thoughts with you. It feels like there’s a fascinating, if sometimes puzzling, dynamic at play in how our world works.  Please be aware of the following:

The true nature of the problem includes reactionary adaptive planning. Others have construed this phenomenon to be the weaponization of the law, research, policy, regulations, and the Bible.   Another related phenomenon is associating particular characteristics based on geography, family heritage, and proximity to certain people.   Inheritance is one of those concepts where if someone has something associated with them in their lifetime, their offspring can have it associated with them as well. The same list comes to mind.  The list includes alcohol, drugs, promiscuity, pornography, mental illness, physical illness, and all other characteristics that you can imagine.   If you have trouble at work, your offspring or a close associate may have the same problem. All that needs to happen is to create the conditions. No matter what your background. This pattern I’ve picked up on, which feels equally striking. It’s as if people sometimes get assigned certain traits or labels, not because of anything they’ve personally done, but simply because of where they’re from, their family history, or even just who they’re associated with. It’s almost like a conceptual “inheritance”. If someone connected to you had a particular challenge or struggle in their life, whether it’s dealing with an addiction, grappling with mental or physical health issues, or even just facing professional hurdles, it can unfortunately get attached to your own narrative. It feels like people sometimes assume these things about you, without a second thought.

The tricky part is that it doesn’t always feel like these circumstances happen organically. There are times when it seems as though conditions are deliberately set up, or specific situations are created, to make these kinds of associations and outcomes stick. It’s a bit like an elaborate setup, where the stage is prepared for a particular type of story to unfold.

And what’s truly eye-opening is that, in this kind of environment, pretty much anyone can get caught up in it, regardless of their personal character, their background, or how they were brought up. I just wanted people to be aware of this situation in case something happens in their own lives.   

Best,

Richard Thomas Simmons

Tariffs are often arbitrary and capricious as they don’t represent any reality, needs, or impact assessment.    It’s an indicator that economics lacks a handle on how to apply tariffs on imported and exported goods for any country.   There should be a relative assessment of all countries, based on impact assessment or Eco-Geo relativity.   Many countries experience low environmental or social impacts.   It makes no sense to impose tariffs on countries that are already suffering, or to impose tariffs that are benignly affecting the economy or the environment.   Many countries are practicing a holistic approach but are not being rewarded for it. Applying tariffs to this situation is extremely ignorant.   If a country is in need, its supply and demand are affected by tariffs. If tariffs increase, demand for their goods declines, and their economy suffers.   

I wish to draw attention to a critical issue within global trade policy, specifically concerning the current paradigm of tariff application. My observations suggest that existing tariff mechanisms are more often the product of arbitrary imposition than of nuanced economic analysis and are often detached from the realities of national economic conditions, pressing societal needs, or comprehensive environmental impact assessments.

It has become evident that conventional economic frameworks struggle to establish a universally equitable and effective method for levying duties on imported and exported goods. A more progressive approach is urgently required—one rooted in a deeper understanding of “Geo-Economic Relativity” or “Contextual Impact Assessment.” This framework would necessitate a thorough, relative evaluation of all trading nations, moving beyond purely transactional considerations to incorporate their unique socio-economic landscapes, ecological footprints, and developmental stages.

Consider the predicament of numerous nations operating under conditions of low environmental or social impact, or those grappling with significant developmental hurdles. To burden such countries with high tariffs is not only counterproductive but often profoundly unjust. Such policies can inadvertently destabilize fragile economies, exacerbate existing humanitarian challenges, and undermine global efforts toward sustainable development, even when these nations are benignly or even positively influencing the global economic and environmental landscape.

Furthermore, many societies actively embrace holistic and sustainable development practices. Yet, under current tariff regimes, they often fail to receive appropriate recognition or reward for their conscientious stewardship. Imposing punitive tariffs in such scenarios reflects a significant oversight, as it fails to distinguish between responsible and irresponsible global actors.

Ultimately, an arbitrary tariff structure can profoundly manipulate the fundamental dynamics of supply and demand for vulnerable economies. When tariffs on their goods increase, global demand often declines, directly reducing their export capacity and stifling their economic vitality. This creates a cycle of dependency and exacerbates disparities, rather than fostering a balanced and mutually beneficial global trade environment.

We must re-evaluate these practices to cultivate a more just, equitable, and sustainable global trading system for all.  A broad-based, cumulative totality impact assessment is recommended for every entity on Earth as a balancing mechanism. (High, Medium, Low, Detrimental Impact,1-10, Negative Impact, Positive Impact, Marginal, or other scale.) Natural Earth Striving, Natural healthy living Striving, Natural spirituality Striving, and Natural humanity Striving are important Earth ethics to consider before this balancing mechanism.

Sincerely,

Richard Thomas Simmons

My recent experiences have prompted some profound reflections on the intersection of faith, perceived worthiness, and ethical conduct in our daily lives. These encounters, while seemingly minor, offer potent microcosmic insights into broader societal dynamics.

In another microcosmic indicator, I noticed a woman begging in front of a church for food or money.   Being prepared, I had gift certificates for food in my pocket.   After giving her a gift certificate for a meal, I spoke briefly with her. Since she was standing in front of the church, I said, “Why don’t you go in and sit there and listen to what they have to say?”   She said one thing, “I’m not worthy.    Of course, that’s where the conversation ended because I was not going to engage in finding out why she is not worthy or why she perceived as being unworthy.   The lady encountered was likely a close-to-homeless, impoverished person, not a perceived negative energy mass shooter or worse. Even then, the multitude of circumstances indicates we should forgive them; thus, they should be considered worthy.  Why did she feel that she was not worthy? If I see her again, I’m going to ask her the question.  Regardless of why she feels unworthy, she should be forgiven and allowed to continue her life by engaging with spiritual and other communities.

When I recently had a moving interaction with a woman seeking assistance outside a church, I offered her a gift certificate for a meal. In our brief conversation, I gently suggested she might find solace by entering the church. Her response, a quiet and poignant “I’m not worthy,” struck me deeply. It highlighted a profound internal struggle, a feeling of being undeserving of spiritual comfort or community. This single statement underscored a significant challenge: how do we ensure that places of faith are perceived as havens of unconditional acceptance and compassion, rather than sources of judgment or exclusion? Regardless of the personal journey that led her to feel this way, our spiritual communities must extend an open invitation, offering grace and a path towards healing and belonging to all who seek it, especially those most vulnerable.

This interaction brought to mind another, starkly contrasting experience. I once purchased a car from a dealer who made repeated references to his father being a pastor. I found myself pondering the significance of this detail throughout the negotiation. As it turned out, the vehicle was a complete mechanical failure, requiring extensive and costly repairs – essentially a “lemon.” This incident led me to question the dealer’s motives. Was the mention of his father’s sacred profession an attempt to cultivate a false sense of trust, a calculated tactic to gain an advantage? If so, it would sadly reinforce a hypothesis I’ve observed concerning the potential misuse of religious affiliation as a tool for subservience or manipulation in secular dealings.

These two distinct scenarios, one portraying a deeply felt lack of worthiness and the other suggesting a cynical exploitation of religious identity, compel me to consider their larger implications. We often see public figures, such as politicians, engaging with prominent religious leaders or institutions. This can be a powerful symbol of shared values and a commitment to communal well-being. However, these “microcosmic” instances raise a critical question: are such engagements always driven by genuine spiritual conviction and a desire for positive impact, or do they sometimes echo the more calculated, self-serving strategies exemplified by the used car dealer? It prompts us to reflect on the authenticity behind public displays of faith and the enduring importance of integrity, whether in personal interactions, business transactions, or matters of public service. True faith, in its purest form, should inspire genuine compassion and ethical conduct, not be wielded as a means to an end.

Richard Thomas Simmons

I’ve often found that seemingly small, personal experiences can illuminate much larger societal patterns. Such was the case with a particular encounter I had some time ago, which left a lasting impression and sparked a deeper reflection.

I was in the market for a used car, and the dealer I met went to considerable lengths to establish a sense of trust and moral standing. He repeatedly emphasized that his father was a pastor, a detail he wove into our conversations with what now appears to have been calculated regularity. At the time, I interpreted this as an assurance of his integrity, a subtle suggestion that I was dealing with an upright individual, perhaps even someone guided by higher principles.

Unfortunately, the vehicle I purchased from him proved to be an absolute disaster. It quickly revealed itself as the biggest “lemon” I have ever owned, a veritable mechanical catastrophe. Within a short period, it began consuming an alarming amount of oil – a quart every thousand miles – and a troubling noise emerged from the transmission. The issues escalated rapidly, culminating in a diagnosis that effectively rendered the car a total mechanical loss, requiring both a new engine and transmission. This was, of course, far from evident during the initial inspection.

Reflecting on this deeply frustrating experience, I couldn’t help but return to the dealer’s persistent references to his father’s pastoral profession. Was he genuinely sharing a piece of his personal life, or was this a deliberate tactic? I began to hypothesize that he was employing his father’s esteemed profession as a tool to gain an advantage, to instill a false sense of security and perhaps even a degree of subservience in the negotiation process. It suggested that he might have been leveraging religious association to disarm potential buyers and exert a subtle form of power.

This personal anecdote, though confined to a single transaction, prompted me to consider its implications on a broader scale. If such a dynamic can play out in a used car lot, how often do we see similar mechanisms at work in more significant arenas? I frequently observe public figures, particularly politicians, making highly publicized visits to religious institutions or engaging with prominent religious leaders, such as meeting with the Pope. My fervent hope is that these interactions are always driven by genuine spiritual seeking, a pursuit of positive moral guidance, and a commitment to communal well-being. However, my experience with the car dealer leads me to question whether, at times, these public displays might also serve more strategic, self-serving purposes – a means to garner public trust, project an image of virtue, or secure political favor, rather than being solely for “positive energy reasons.” It compels one to scrutinize the true motivations behind such appeals to faith and morality.

Richard Thomas Simmons

I’ve talked about reactionary adaptive planning in the law, research, process, procedures, rules, regulations, and religion. Have you considered its use in the Bible?

Using religion and reactionary adaptive planning is  a way to get ahead in this world. There is endless minutia in the Bible to focus on as a reactionary reductionist. Don’t get me wrong. The Bible is great book for a lot of positive energy advice. However, in the wrong hands, a simple thing you can be real person forever.   For example, I noted today while reading the Bible that simply looking at a married woman can be considered a sin.   In fact, there are so many potential sins to be construed in the Bible that it can keep somebody derailed for their entire lifetime especially if you haven’t read the Bible.   I am an advocate for using the Bible as a positive energy tool, and a forgiveness tool for people that don’t know what they’re doing.   However, I’m not an advocate for using the Bible as a reactionary adaptive planning tool to get people in trouble or worse.   I don’t think it was God’s intention, nor was it God’s plan to have us at war with each other.   Somewhere along the way, reactionary adaptive planning started to be used regarding the Bible.   Unfortunately, negative energy power mongers that read the Bible the most are the ones that get ahead in this world because they use the negative energy construing the most. However, it should be used for a positive energy and forgiveness.   The Bible is a great tool to learn from if it’s construed in a positive energy light. If we are going to use the Bible in a reaction or reduction in a sort of way well then why aren’t we told in the beginning of life that the Bible is the most important.   My hypothesis is that The reactionary reductionist uses the Bible in a way that’s destructive in a downward spiral feedback loop sort of way. The reaction or reductionist ends up, causing so much societal detrimental impact throughout time.   Does this detrimental impact and inflection points cause crime eventually?   If so, my hypothesis may be one of the most ironic concepts in modern day.   For this reason, I’m an advocate for reading the Bible for positive energy reasons, only and understanding what is said in the descriptive reactionary reductionism for purposes of holistic prescriptive advice.   Then people will know what to do ahead of time before getting in trouble or being labeled a sinner.   Reactionary behavior Is really planned way ahead of time with reactionary reductionism And reactionary adaptive planning. This needs to stop. Many people are “being killed“ or  being labeled Grateful Dead.

It has become increasingly clear to me that a certain pragmatic and often rigid interpretation of religious doctrines, particularly those found within the Bible, is being utilized not as a pathway to spiritual enlightenment, but as a strategic tool for influence and advancement. This approach frequently fixates on the minutiae of sacred texts, allowing for a reductionist view that prioritizes literal adherence and potential condemnation over the profound spiritual principles of love and compassion.  I called the destructive phenomena reactionary adaptive planning.

Let me be absolutely clear: I hold deep reverence for the Bible. It stands as an enduring source of profound wisdom, offering invaluable guidance for cultivating a positive and spiritually enriching life. However, when interpreted through a narrow, fear-based lens, its transformative potential can be gravely distorted. Such interpretations can lead individuals down paths of perpetual self-condemnation, or worse, encourage the judgment and ostracization of others. The emphasis on countless potential transgressions, like a simple glance being labeled a sin, risks trapping individuals in an endless cycle of self-scrutiny and anxiety, particularly those unfamiliar with its broader, overarching messages of grace and redemption.

My strong conviction is that the Bible should serve as a powerful instrument for fostering positive spiritual growth and cultivating genuine compassion, especially towards those who may stumble or err out of ignorance. Conversely, I firmly reject its deployment as a weapon for condemnation or as a rigid framework designed to ensnare individuals in punitive systems. I believe such applications fundamentally betray the divine intent, which, in my understanding, was never to sow discord or perpetuate conflict amongst humanity, but rather to inspire unity and understanding.

Regrettably, a trend has emerged where a superficial engagement with scripture, often focusing on its more punitive interpretations, has become a perceived pathway to influence or power. This approach seems to exploit fear and judgment rather than nurturing faith and forgiveness. Its true purpose, however, lies in its capacity to inspire positive transformation, dismantle destructive habits, and extend genuine forgiveness. When approached with an open heart and a mindset focused on growth, the Bible offers unparalleled wisdom. But if its primary role is to be a source of rigid rules and endless condemnations, one must question the true value and impact of such an introduction to faith.

My hypothesis is that this reductionist methodology, emphasizing condemnation and fear, initiates a destructive feedback loop that has historically wrought significant societal harm. The profound irony lies in how such interpretations, intended perhaps to instill virtue, may inadvertently contribute to societal dysfunction and, ultimately, even increased transgression.

Therefore, I advocate for an engagement with scripture that prioritizes positive spiritual development and seeks descriptive wisdom not for judgment, but for crafting truly holistic, prescriptive guidance and advice that uplifts and empowers. Such an approach equips individuals with proactive wisdom, guiding them towards virtuous living rather than merely reacting to the threat of sin or societal labeling. This cycle of pre-emptive condemnation and rigid adherence, often planned and perpetuated by certain factions, must be challenged and ultimately transcended for the greater good.  When did reactionary reductionism and reactionary adaptive planning begin?  

Sincerely,

Richard Thomas Simmons

As a foundational principle, we all ought to strive to be loving, caring, sharing, giving, forgiving, and genuinely kind. Only then can we have true comfort, joy, Love, hope, equity, unity, faith, and sustainable striving happiness.   If this phenomenon happened, I would be thankful, appreciative, grateful, honored, and humbled.   Consequently, I would love you with all of my heart, mind, soul, all my strength, and all my energy.

It is my profound conviction that the path to humanity’s most fulfilling existence lies in our collective commitment to cultivating a spirit of boundless compassion and mutual respect. We are called, each and every one of us, to deeply embody and actively promote the tenets of genuine love, unwavering care, generous sharing, selfless giving, and profound forgiveness. Beyond mere individual acts, this commitment must blossom into a global ethos in which kindness isn’t just an aspiration but the very foundation on which we build our societies and communities.

Only when such a universal shift occurs will we unlock the deepest forms of comfort and experience an unadulterated joy that resonates through every soul. This transformation will ignite true, unconditional Love, foster an unshakeable hope for the future, establish authentic equity for all, forge unbreakable unity across diverse peoples, and rekindle a profound faith in our shared humanity. From this fertile ground will spring a sustainable and ever-flourishing happiness that uplifts every community.

Should this vision come to fruition – a world truly steeped in these virtues – my heart would overflow with an immense sense of gratitude. I would feel profoundly thankful, deeply appreciative, extraordinarily grateful, uniquely honored, and utterly humbled by such a monumental achievement of the human spirit. The collective realization of such a dream would stand as humanity’s greatest triumph.   I can’t help but think that everyone else would feel this way, too.

Consequently, my dedication to nurturing and sustaining this luminous reality would know no bounds. I would embrace it with every fiber of my being, pledging my entire heart, my intellect, my very soul, all my strength, and every ounce of my energy to its preservation and continuous flourishing. My unwavering devotion would be entirely poured into the shared journey of this compassionate world. Wouldn’t everyone feel the same?

Imagine combining this foundational vision with natural earth striving, natural healthy living, natural spirituality striving, and natural humanity striving. World without end…

What truly defines comfort? It’s a concept far richer and more encompassing than mere ease; it is a profound state of being, a balm for the soul, and a fundamental human need.

True comfort often emerges as a tranquil embrace following periods of intense exertion, the profound calm that settles in after a strenuous endeavor, offering a well-deserved respite that rejuvenates both mind and spirit. It is the gentle balm that soothes the wounds of difficult experiences, found in the reassuring presence and unwavering affection of those who cherish us, a reconnection that rebuilds and strengthens our inner resilience.

Sometimes, comfort manifests simply as the warmth of a heartfelt hug or a lingering embrace, a physical expression of care and understanding that transcends words. It blossoms in the company of kindred spirits, individuals who genuinely comprehend our perspectives and share our passions, fostering a powerful sense of belonging and mutual affinity.

This sense of ease is also deeply intertwined with our physical environment, whether it’s a cherished nook within our home that feels uniquely ours, or a beloved natural landscape where our souls find peace. It extends to feeling integrally connected to the natural world around us, while simultaneously recognizing and embracing our vital place within the vast, intricate tapestry of human communities.

Ultimately, comfort can ascend to a spiritual plane, a profound awareness of a divine presence—be it God, the boundless universe, or the serene beauty of nature itself—offering a deep sense of peace, purpose, and, at times, unconditional love. It thrives on acceptance, the affirmation of our inherent worth within diverse communities, spanning from the most intimate local gatherings to the expansive global human family. And perhaps most simply, yet profoundly, comfort resides in the personal recognition of being called by one’s name, a small but powerful acknowledgment of our individual existence and significance within the grand scheme of things.   Comfort is a relaxation of joy.   Like the Christmas song, comfort and joy can exist together at the same time.    A world without comfort and joy is a world of depression.   

It is truly joyful and insightful to contemplate the profound chasm between mere fun and authentic joy. While “fun” often manifests as fleeting amusement, a momentary distraction, or a transient burst of pleasure derived from external stimuli, “joy” operates on an entirely different, infinitely deeper plane. It transcends the realm of simple emotion; it is, instead, a resonant and enduring state of being, intrinsically woven into our most profound sense of connection, purpose, and belonging.

This profound contentment blossoms within the rich soil of community, understood in its most expansive and fundamental manifestations. It finds expression in spiritual communion, whether through the steadfast anchor of faith, a conscious connection to the divine, or the pursuit of a transcendent purpose that elevates the spirit. Similarly, joy arises from the humbling awe inspired by the natural world – the boundless expanse of the cosmos, the intricate dance of ecosystems, or the quiet majesty of a mountain range. Joyous, it’s seeing the northern lights.  To witness the simple flight of birds, or the focused grace of a fox pouncing on snow, is to tap into a primal, divine rhythm that speaks to the interconnectedness of all life and our place within its grand design. And, perhaps most universally, joy is inextricably woven into the fabric of family – those cherished bonds forged through shared history, unconditional affection, and unwavering mutual support, providing a sanctuary of genuine belonging and peace.

Beyond these profound connections, joy is also discovered in the pursuit of knowledge, in the insatiable curiosity to learn, explore, and understand the world around us. It is the deep satisfaction derived from finding one’s unique niche, from investing one’s energy and talents to create something of genuine value that benefits the collective human experience. The sense of accomplishment in creating, serving, and making a tangible difference ignites a lasting warmth within. Sometimes, joy manifests in simpler yet equally profound moments – the serene comfort of a crackling campfire or the intimate glow of a fireplace – offering a primal connection to warmth and natural comfort, reminding us of nature’s benevolent provision.

Joy is found in the exhilaration of falling deeply in love, and in the steadfast comfort of genuine, reciprocal friendships that weather life’s storms and amplify its triumphs. It is an expansive embrace – a willingness to connect with and contribute to all beings, everywhere, fostering a sense of universal kinship. It is about embarking on new explorations, understanding changes, gaining fresh insights, and constantly expanding our understanding of life’s infinite possibilities.

Unlike transient fun, which entertains momentarily, joy provides an enduring foundation for a meaningful existence. It is the intrinsic reward of a life lived with purpose, interconnectedness, and open-hearted engagement with the world and its wonders. It is, in essence, the very pathway to a life of profound meaning and lasting fulfillment.  Joy can connect us with the context of everything, everyone, everywhere on earth.

In a way, Joy is the unification of everything related to comfort, joy, love, hope, unity, equity, faith, and sustainable, striving happiness.   It comes after we have a loving, sharing, caring, giving, forgiving, and genuinely kind striving world.