By Rhonda Fabian, in the current edition of Kosmos Journal

A person living today in a modern city or a suburb can be surrounded by others yet feel deeply, dangerously alone. According to neuroscientists, the effects of social isolation are as real as thirst, hunger, or pain. We are, in essence, social animals in need of deep connection…

What if we could ignite our capacity to self-organize new forms of social connection, characterized by emotional intimacy or ‘lovingness,’ and purposeful intention to serve a greater good? How might such social connection transform us?

A Kosmos Initiative

Small, informed groups of citizens are a key to positive action at the local level. Knowing this, Kosmos is introducing an experimental initiative to leverage the self-organizing power of people, through groups of three, to come together around a shared concern and simple practical goals in order to take action in their communities.

Power of 3 (Po3) is a new powerful method for igniting local civic engagement through deeply transformative personal connection.

By Kavita Byrd, for Kosmos Online

When the new post-Trump altered reality hit in November, it left me, like many others, reeling in shock and confusion. I had been involved for years in an attempt to forge an alliance between spiritual and progressive forces, but suddenly this seemed far too naïve and hopeful in the face of the dark realpolitik before us. Yet as time passed, in that strange and mysterious process by which our psychic forces re-group in the face of a new reality, something re-constellated; a new, more expanded perspective to accommodate the challenges of this unprecedented situation.

by Ma’ikwe Ludwig, via Fellowship for Intentional Community

This is an excerpt from Together Resilient: Building Community in the Age of Climate Disruption by Ma’ikwe Ludwig, published by The Fellowship for Intentional Community.

Food is one of the true universals: everyone eats. Most of us have familial and cultural associations with food, and we have developed an incredible range of ways to get our food needs met (both technologically and in terms of the contents of our diets). This makes food rich and interesting territory for sharing, which is pretty handy since, several times a day, most of us need to put some energy into feeding ourselves. So why not share labor and resources, reduce our time spent prepping food, and tap into that richness that emerges almost immediately when we get other people involved with our food scene?

By Joshua Becker, via Becoming Minimalist

“The quality of your commitments will determine the course of your life.”– Ralph Marston

Recently, I spoke to a room full of high school students on the topic of “Don’t Waste Your Life.” Among the advice that I gave them, I offered this nugget of truth: “Don’t just drift through life. Live intentionally and on purpose.” I believe that is one of the most important lessons that a person can learn—and the sooner we get it, the better.

By Betsey Crawford, for Kosmos Online

What is so rare as a Tiburon mariposa lily?

While looking for an answer to my own question, I discovered, to my surprise, that rarity in the animal and plant world is quite common.