How Yoga Can Improve Stress, Thinking and Foster Your New Path

Yoga and a beach lifestyle (or woods or anywhere), along with practices of living freely and intentionally, are sometimes criticized. A little too hippie some say! However, these approaches can be practiced anywhere—not just by the ocean or in nature. Whether one is in the woods or in their apartment its all good. Many people associate meditation and yoga with calming environments like beaches or forests, but the core benefit comes from incorporating stress-reduction techniques into daily life. Start your path....

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Engaging in yoga, meditation, or other mindfulness practices can help improve how the brain processes information and can support more balanced mental states. When stress and negative thinking are reduced, people often find they are more creative, more focused, and better able to generate effective ideas and solutions. These benefits can apply both personally and professionally.

Research in this area suggests that cultivating calm and focused awareness may positively influence cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation. Because of this, it can be valuable to find simple ways to integrate mindfulness into everyday routines. This does not always require formal meditation sessions or structured yoga practice—it can also be a shift in mindset and attention.

Ultimately, the practice is less about external settings and more about internal awareness. Many philosophical traditions emphasize this inward focus, suggesting that personal insight and growth come from self-reflection and turning attention inward rather than relying solely on external circumstances. Being mindful is about reflection, awareness, and knowledge-it leads to wisdom and most philosophers have promoted self-awareness.

Small, consistent practices—such as mindful breathing, stretching, or brief moments of reflection—can be enough to support this shift in perspective and overall well-being.

I have a fitness trainers and yoga license and can help you start a new look and achieve some of your goals. I do this on the side and virtually for around $50 per hour. I try and give away anout half of what I make from these hobbies to charities. Sometimes it helps to have a few sessions and then check back in a few months to change around your routine. Adults only please. If interested send a message to the right or an email at muradabel@gmail.com

Reducing Stress with Yoga: A Systematic Review Based on Multimodal Biosignals

• The research provides a systematic review of how various yoga practices—including physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation—influence physiological indicators of stress.

• The study categorizes and analyzes multimodal biosignals such as electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and galvanic skin response (GSR) to quantify the body’s biological response to yoga.

• Findings indicate that yoga practice is associated with significant shifts in brain wave activity, specifically increased alpha and theta power, which are indicative of deep relaxation and reduced mental stress.

• The review highlights that yoga improves heart rate variability (HRV) and lowers cortisol levels, suggesting a shift from the sympathetic "fight-or-flight" response to the parasympathetic "rest-and-digest" state.

• The authors conclude that while current literature supports yoga as an effective stress-management tool, more rigorous longitudinal studies with standardized protocols are needed to fully understand the long-term neurological and cardiovascular mechanisms.

Khajuria, A., Kumar, A., Joshi, D., & Kumaran, S. S. (2024). Reducing stress with yoga: A systematic review based on multimodal biosignals. International Journal of Yoga, 16(3), 156–170. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_218_23

Forms of Adult Bullying Cominged with Hate and Corruption (Allegory of the Clan)

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How bullies have little
to no respect for the lives
or rights of others. 

They can undermine systems
when wrongdoing 
is not corrected or if
checks and balances don't 
function well. 

Adult bullying is a serious issue, whether it happens in the workplace, in social settings, or in personal relationships. At its core, bullying involves behaviors that undermine another person’s safety, dignity, or well-being. This can include harassment, intimidation, spreading false rumors, violating boundaries, reputational harm, manipulation, and sometimes even threats or violence. Boundaries against the victims and their family or children are sometimes non-existent where hate and corruption are comingled. When these behaviors go unchecked over long periods of time, they can create generational traumas and damage trust within communities and institutions (i.e. intentionally putting kids at risk and spreading dangerously false information.). The intent of the perpetrators clear.

One way to explore this issue is through a learning allegory called the “Allegory of the Clan,” inspired by Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. The purpose of this thought experiment is to raise awareness about victimization, abuse of power, corruption, and the importance of accountability through principles of enlightenment. Meaning that as people become aware they also grow and develop themselves. As we develop as a people we have changed (i.e. slavery given way to segregationism and giving away to hopefully something better.) It examines how harmful behaviors can sometimes become normalized when systems fail to properly respond or when influential individuals enable misconduct instead of correcting it. Creating stronger more trustworthy healthy institutions is part of a patriotic duty. Awareness leads to greater change and it is important for those who know to help those who are more ignorant of the purpose of our society or the impact poor behaviors create. 

In this allegory, some individuals profit socially, politically, or financially from fear, division, and hostility (i.e. forgive them for their ignorance but do not forget their behaviors least they continue on for long periods of time and put others at risk. It is a duty to do good with bad.). They may target others because of financial beefit, race, religion, beliefs, or personal differences. They spread rumors, retaliate against criticism, violate privacy, undermine freedom of speach, suppress certain religious beliefs and have no problem telling the victims that, intimidate  witnesses-whistleblowers, and attempt to isolate victims to encourage more harm. These behaviors are often justified by prejudice, group loyalty, or extremist thinking. Over time, this can erode public trust and weaken the principles of fairness, equality, and freedom that democratic societies are supposed to protect. We have a responsibility to protect what is right and good no matter the consequences. Those who are doing the right thing have greater respect for our patriotic principles (..the values applied equally and not nationalistic identity) ☝

At the same time, it is important to recognize that most people within institutions — including law enforcement, courts, and public service — genuinely try to do the right thing. Strong institutions depend on ethical leadership, accountability, and public trust. We need more of these good people and we should encourage the young to get involved in these fields. The goal is to strengthen institutions by addressing misconduct when it occurs. That can have  long-term social and economic impact on society and those who undermine these values undermine their institutions and society in general-part of the reason why hate and corruption are selfish acts. This will become more clear as time goes on and the long-tail impact on economic and social health.

The allegory also highlights how bullying can appear in both subtle and obvious forms. A microaggression may involve someone making unnecessary personal criticisms or quietly attempting to provoke conflict through gossip or social pressure. In this example, a good mother being criticized by people she doesn't know through group coordinated microaggressions. In this example a visitor mother dancing and having a good time with her young daughter was worthy of a hate group member comments. That person has no business commenting or commenting to those in the victim's social group. They have also undermined parents rights in other places through patterned behaviors. That includes teaching their own kids how to bully.

A more aggressive second example may involve open intimidation, harassment, risks of violence, or attempts to publicly discredit someone without justification. These behaviors can escalate when individuals feel protected by social influence, corruption, closed clan aligned courts, or lack of accountability i.e. the corrupted extremist official trying to pick a fight yelling "liar liar" even though the victims know nothing of the person, were not engaged in a conversation with that person, nor what they would have said that would have been a lie. Months later the same corrupted official allegedly brow beat one of the victims when they were trying to go grocery shopping. Normalizing bad behaviors and group coordinated bullying and threats. Do not generalize to the vast majority of good people doing the right thing. Instead support good officials and vote for the best and brightest versus the most connected. Break the silence code.

The positive side of this discussion is that societies can improve. Awareness, transparency, and accountability help communities learn from past failures and strengthen protections for everyone. Public discussion, ethical leadership, and better checks and balances can help prevent abuses of power and protect civil rights, human rights, and freedom of speech.

An important lesson from this allegory is the value of documentation and peaceful challenge. When people document harmful behavior, support victims, and encourage accountability, they help create safer and more just systems. The purpose of speaking out is not revenge or punishment for its own sake, but preventing harm, improving institutions, and protecting future victims. Things should always be done in the spirit of improvement. Don't be like your persecutors because that will never foster a higher moral order or higher functioning society (Such people once thought slavery was saving the souls of others but no one saved their soul).. Focus on improving the world around you.

Ultimately, healthy societies depend on fairness, empathy, accountability, and equal treatment under the law (dumping on the victims or creating secret deals or target lists are not acceptable.). Addressing bullying, corruption, violations of human and civil rights, and extremism requires communities to support ethical behavior, reject dehumanization, and continue building systems that serve everyone fairly and responsibly. There are oaths we swear to the enlightenment principles and the society we created. Current, past, and future victims should have some rights even if extremism, corruption and hate have been normalized. Let us support the vast majority of good officials who are doing their job with integrity and remove those engaged in corruption, hate, and bullying. Keep in mind this is just a learning example to get you to think. You don't need to agree. 

*The Allegory of the Clan is a philosophical, theoretical discussion so take with a grain of salt. One can come to whatever solution they desire as long as they thought about it. A thought experiment fashioned as a modern version of the Allegory of the Cave. 

Considere the study below and some organizations that might help. Donate to non-profits and other organizations. 

Workplace & Professional Advocacy

• Workplace Bullying Institute (WBI): While not a Michigan-exclusive non-profit, WBI provides extensive resources for Michigan employees facing psychological harassment at work. They offer research, legislative advocacy (including the Healthy Workplace Bill), and peer support networks.

  • Link: workplacebullying.org

• Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR): A state agency that functions alongside non-profits to investigate complaints of harassment and bullying based on protected classes (race, gender, age, etc.). They provide mediation services which can be a path for adults to resolve bullying in professional or housing settings.

  • Link: michigan.gov/mdcr

Community & Legal Support

• Michigan State Bar Foundation (Legal Aid): Many adults bullied in the workplace or community require legal intervention. This organization supports various non-profit legal aid clinics across the state (like Lakeshore Legal Aid or Michigan Legal Help) that assist low-income adults with stalking, harassment, and workplace disputes.

  • Link: msbf.org

• The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU): Headquartered in Dearborn, this non-profit conducts extensive research and advocacy regarding religious-based bullying and discrimination affecting adults and families in Michigan.

  • Link: ispu.org

Adult Bullying and Its Impact on Health and Well-Being

• A survey conducted on behalf of the American Osteopathic Association found that 31% of Americans reported being bullied as adults.

• The study defined adult bullying as repeated negative behavior intended to intimidate, harm, or diminish another person.

• Common forms of adult bullying included silent treatment, spreading false rumors, manipulation, and gaslighting.

• Survey respondents reported significant health effects from bullying, including stress, anxiety, depression, sleep loss, headaches, and reduced confidence.

• Experts noted that bullying can occur in workplaces, schools, homes, and social relationships, not just during childhood.

• Physicians and mental health professionals recommend recognizing bullying behaviors early, documenting incidents, seeking support, and prioritizing mental and physical self-care.

• Online discussions and community forums continue to highlight that many adults experience subtle or persistent bullying behaviors in personal and professional settings.

American Osteopathic Association. (2017, November 15). Bullying in America: Survey finds nearly one-third of Americans (31%) have been bullied as an adult. https://osteopathic.org/2017/11/15/bullying-in-america-survey-finds-nearly-one-third-of-americans-31-have-been-bullied-as-an-adult/

Delta County Board of Commissioners Meeting (5/5/2026): Budgets, Camgrounds, Financial, Pathways

 You may be interested in this summary,

Delta County Board of Commissioners Meeting Summary - May 5, 2026

• Meeting Opening and Roll Call: The meeting was called to order by Nancy Prisic, Delta County Clerk. All five commissioners—Mellner, Johnson, Williams, Vanhoven, and Jensen—were present.

• Approval of Minutes and Agenda: The board approved the minutes from the April 21 meeting with corrections to commissioner names and a typo regarding the Open Meetings Act (OMA). The agenda was amended to include the resignation and replacement of T. Bell under item number 10.

• Public Comment on Campground Policies: Residents Rory Mattson and Bob Barron raised concerns about the Parks and Recreation Commission’s policies. They questioned the validity of previous firearms bans and criticized the lack of experience on the current board, urging the commissioners to ensure transparency and legal compliance.

• Administrator’s Report:

  • State Budget: Michigan’s 2027 budget proposals include an increase in county revenue sharing ($19.8 million) and public safety grants, though prosecutor grants may be cut.

  • DAV Volunteers: The Veteran Service Board is seeking new volunteers for the DAV program following the implementation of new background check requirements.

  • Digital Accessibility: The county has until April 2028 to comply with new ADA Title 2 requirements for web and mobile applications.

  • Park Openings: Delta County parks are scheduled to open May 8, featuring new grant-funded playground equipment and upgrades at Pioneer Trail Park.

• Committee Reports: The board reviewed and filed minutes from the Finance, Personnel, and IT committees. Notable updates included a restructuring of airport job descriptions (Airport Manager, Airfield Operations Manager, and Airport Business Coordinator) and the relocation of the county server room.

• Unfinished Business:

  • Campground Policies: The board voted to defer the campground policy and regulation discussion indefinitely while a newly formed subcommittee and legal counsel review the documents.

  • Township Agreements: Equalization service agreements have been sent to all townships, and several signed contracts have already been returned.

• Financial Approvals: The commissioners approved the payment of county bills totaling $281,586.

• Pathways Community Mental Health Annual Update:

  • Service Growth: CEO Matt Maskard reported a 5% year-over-year increase in individuals served across Delta, Alger, Luce, and Marquette counties.

  • Staffing Challenges: While the organization received awards for its workplace culture, there is a noted concern regarding the average experience level of clinical staff (4 years).

  • Rural Advocacy: Maskard advocated for a specific legal definition of "rural" in state legislation to prevent metropolitan areas like Wayne County from accessing funds intended for isolated communities. He requested a resolution of support to ensure the Upper Peninsula receives appropriate healthcare transformation funding.

Action Inhibition and Fitness in Fencing (Fitness Training)

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Fencing, especially saber fencing, takes a tremendous amount of skill, athleticism, and hand-eye coordination. There’s definitely a strong fitness component as well. You rely heavily on explosive leg power, quick reaction time, balance, and the ability to read body language and anticipate what your opponent is going to do next.

This morning I did some saber fencing at one of our local clubs, and I’ve noticed that I’m getting significantly better. These are competitive fencers who regularly compete in tournaments, and while I didn’t win every bout, I probably won most of them today. That definitely wasn’t the case in the past when I trained less consistently. The more regularly I practice, the more improvement I see.

One of the most interesting things I’ve noticed is the development of what researchers call “action inhibition.” In simple terms, it means you don’t immediately react to every movement your opponent makes. Years ago, I was much more reactive and jumpy. I moved too quickly, wasted energy, and experienced players could usually take advantage of that.

Now I find myself staying calmer, observing movements more carefully, and waiting for the right moment to respond. I can often sense where an opponent is trying to go before they fully commit to it. I’ve also started incorporating more strategic techniques such as feints, flicks, and attacks aimed at unexpected targets like the wrist, arm, or hand. Those adjustments have been surprisingly effective.

That calmness and restraint allow for more strategic thinking and more efficient movement. I suspect this same phenomenon exists in many sports, especially combat sports like boxing. Interestingly, I was boxing last week and one of the black belts I train with commented how I gave him a run for his money. While I believe he is a better boxer he got no freebees and resultingly more cautious than usual. A big part of that improvement comes from staying relaxed and choosing responses deliberately rather than reacting automatically.

I have a fitness trainers and yoga license and can help you start a new look and achieve some of your goals. I do this on the side and virtually for around $50 per hour. Sometimes it helps to have a few sessions and then check back in a few months to change around your routine. Adults only please. If interested send a message to the right or an email at muradabel@gmail.com

Fencing expertise and physical fitness enhance action inhibition

• The study investigated how fencing experience and physical fitness levels impact inhibitory control (the ability to withhold an action).

• Researchers used a 2x2 factorial design comparing fencers and non-fencers across different fitness levels (high-fit and averagely-fit).

• Participants performed two types of tasks: a Simple Reaction Time (SRT) task and a Go/No-Go reaction time task.

• Results showed no significant differences in basic reaction times (SRT) between groups based solely on expertise or fitness.

• A significant interaction was found: high-fit fencers made significantly fewer commission errors (failing to withhold a response) than high-fit non-fencers.

• The findings suggest that cognitive control is most effectively improved when physical training is combined with the mental demands of a specialized sport like fencing.

• The study concludes that both fencing expertise and aerobic fitness facilitate the capacity to withhold action when necessary.

Reference Chan, J. S. Y., Wong, A. C. N., Liu, Y., Yu, J., & Yan, J. H. (2011). Fencing expertise and physical fitness enhance action inhibition. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 12(5), 509–514. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2011.04.006

San Diego City Survey Preliminary Results Indicates Public Input and Trade Offs 2026

 

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Trying to figure out
how this is 
going to work and which
cup to put 
resources in and 
which one to take
out. 🤷 We
might collect the many
ideas out there
and start vetting them
no matter who brings
them forward. 
Sometimes just a thought
leads to positive
budget changes. 

Seeking public input on city budgets, development, and services is important, especially as San Diego faces a projected deficit of about $120 million. This kind of shortfall means the city will likely need to adjust services, reorganize priorities, and consider new revenue sources to stay financially stable.

Raising taxes is one possible option, but it can also have tradeoffs, including potential impacts on the cost of living and tourism. Because of that, there are no simple solutions. The city has to weigh what services are most effective, what can be reduced, and what should be preserved, ideally by looking at the system as a whole.

Many cities face similar financial pressures, and while some manage their budgets more effectively than others, solutions vary based on size, politics, legality and local conditions. For a large city like San Diego, decisions are more complex and often involve competing priorities and public disagreement (There is this little town in the Upper Peninsula that seems to be doing well with its budget. Maybe we can learn from it.).

The recent survey is a positive step because it gives residents a voice in identifying priorities and tradeoffs. However, surveys are not perfect and may not fully represent everyone’s views. Even so, they can help highlight general trends in what residents value most, which can support better decision-making over time.

Overall, the situation reflects a broader, long-term challenge rather than a short-term issue, and it requires ongoing input, analysis, and adjustment from both officials and the public. We will need to wait until the official report comes out as I have not seen it but this article is a good one. 

San Diego’s First Resident Budget Survey Faces Limitations as Officials Seek Public Input

• San Diego used its first-ever Resident Budget Survey to gather public input for the city’s budget process.
• More than 12,000 residents participated, offering feedback on priorities such as street repairs, public safety, homelessness, and housing affordability.
• City officials used survey results to help guide budget tradeoffs amid a projected deficit of roughly $120 million.
• The survey asked residents to rank priorities and consider tradeoffs, including whether to raise additional revenue or reduce services.
• While participation was high, the process had limitations, including concerns about how representative responses were and how much influence the survey ultimately had on final decisions.
• The survey was part of a broader public engagement effort that also included hearings and written comments during the budget cycle.

San Diego Union-Tribune. (2026, May 9). This budget season, San Diego asked the public to take a first-ever survey. It faced some limitations. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/05/09/this-budget-season-san-diego-asked-the-public-to-take-a-first-ever-survey-it-faced-some-limitations/

Just a Possible Pinch of Inflationary Pain: Inflation NowCast April and May 2026 Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland (Joe Thinks His Smoothie Costs More)

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Joe the beachcomber

Yo peeps this
$5 smoothie costs 
$19 cents more next month.
I didn't make 19 cents more.🤷

It looks like inflation may begin to rise over the next month and potentially continue into the year according to the Federal Reserve NowCast Cleveland release. However, these increases do not appear to be sharp and generally suggest a level of stability alongside the broader economy. However, these rises also indicate some energy type issues and costs.

It is important to remember that inflation affects everyday expenses, from credit card balances to the prices we pay for goods and services. When inflation rises, the purchasing power of money declines, meaning each dollar buys less than before. As a result, consumers may feel additional financial pressure as costs gradually increase.

A summary is included below if you are interested.

Cleveland Fed Inflation Nowcasting: April and May Monthly Inflation Estimates (CPI & PCE)

April 2026 (Monthly Inflation Nowcast)

• CPI (month-over-month equivalent estimate: ~annualized signal embedded in model inputs):
  • Core CPI: 0.21% MoM
  • Headline CPI: ~3.56% YoY estimate for April
• PCE:
  • Core PCE: ~0.26% MoM
  • Headline PCE: ~3.58% YoY estimate
• Interpretation:
  • Inflation remained moderately elevated in April, with headline inflation driven more by energy shocks than core demand pressures.
• Key detail:
  • Core inflation stayed relatively stable (~2.5%–2.6% YoY range), showing underlying price pressures were not accelerating rapidly.

May 2026 (Monthly Inflation Nowcast)

• CPI (MoM estimate):
  • Not directly reported as a single CPI MoM figure in the summary data, but model-implied pace suggests ~0.2%–0.3% MoM range
• PCE:
  • Core PCE: 0.27% MoM (May estimate)
  • Headline PCE: roughly stable near April pace (~3.5%–3.6% YoY range implied)
• Interpretation:
  • May shows “maintenance inflation,” meaning inflation is not accelerating sharply but also not returning quickly to the Fed’s 2% target
• Key detail:
  • Core inflation is rising slowly and steadily (~0.26%–0.27% MoM), indicating persistent but controlled price pressure in services and housing.

Key Takeaways (April → May Trend)

• Inflation remains sticky but not accelerating sharply
• April shows energy-driven inflation pressure (headline > core)
• May shows slight continuation of steady core inflation (~0.26%–0.27% MoM)
• Overall pattern:
  • Headline inflation = volatile (energy-driven)
  • Core inflation = stable but elevated (~2.5%–3.0% YoY range)

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. (n.d.). Inflation nowcasting. https://www.clevelandfed.org/indicators-and-data/inflation-nowcasting

Blog Content Marketing Has Value for Business, Poeple, and Society

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Content marketing is important in today’s world because it creates opportunities to share meaningful ideas and connect with people who care about specific topics. This blog is focused on exploring ideas, concepts, and discussions that are often theoretical, philosophical, business-related, or connected to everyday life. Many of the posts are supported by research and scientific studies, and summaries are included in a simple format with APA references so readers can easily explore the original sources for themselves.

The goal of the blog is to share knowledge, encourage discussion, and make a positive impact whenever possible. Some topics are serious and business-focused, while others are more personal, creative, art oriented, lifestyle, fitness or hobby-oriented to keep things engaging and enjoyable.

Audience interest varies depending on the subject being discussed. On average, the site receives anywhere from a few hundred visitors a day to several thousand, depending on what readers find valuable and decide to share.

Good content writing is highly topic-driven. Strong articles focus on useful, relevant information that helps readers learn something meaningful. Content cannot simply be filler; it needs to provide genuine value or people quickly lose interest. Everything written here comes from a genuine interest in the subject matter and a desire to contribute something worthwhile.

From time to time, I also write blog posts for events, businesses, or community awareness projects for a small fee. This is more of a side hobby than a business venture, and a portion of what I make is often donated to charity whenever possible. That is part of the goal and will likely be more of a goal in the future.

If you would like additional exposure for an event, business, idea, or community project, feel free to send a message and discuss possibilities. More information is available on the advertising page below.

One of the interesting points raised in this article is how search engine optimization, artificial intelligence, and digital content continue to shape the way businesses and creators connect with audiences online. Ultimately, the larger question becomes: how do we effectively reach and engage people in a rapidly changing digital world?

Advertising Page

You can also contact me directly at muradabel@gmail.com

Content Marketing: The Lifeblood of Digital Marketing

• Content marketing focuses on creating valuable, relevant, and engaging content that attracts customers rather than interrupting them with traditional advertising.
• Effective content marketing builds trust, improves brand authority, and supports long-term customer relationships.
• High-quality content helps businesses increase website traffic, generate leads, reduce customer acquisition costs, and improve conversion rates.
• Consumers often research products and services through multiple pieces of content before making purchasing decisions.
• Successful content marketing strategies align with business goals and target audience needs across every stage of the sales funnel.
• Different content formats such as blogs, videos, podcasts, webinars, newsletters, and social media posts serve different marketing purposes.
• Search engine optimization (SEO) plays a major role in helping content become discoverable online.
• Companies like Spotify and Airbnb demonstrate how storytelling and audience engagement can strengthen brand loyalty.
• Artificial intelligence can improve content creation efficiency, personalization, analytics, and scalability while still requiring human creativity and strategic oversight.
• Consistency, relevance, audience research, and performance measurement are critical components of successful content marketing strategies.

Baldwin, C. (2024, December 3). Content marketing: The lifeblood of digital marketing. WSI World. https://www.wsiworld.com/blog/content-marketing-the-lifeblood-of-digital-marketing