csmonitor--2020-04-22--With humans stuck at home, Mother Nature takes over

As people across the globe stay home to stop the spread of the new coronavirus , the air has cleaned up , albeit temporarily .
Smog stopped choking New Delhi , one of the most polluted cities in the world , and India 's getting views of sights not visible in decades .
Nitrogen dioxide pollution in the northeastern United States is down 30 % .
Rome air pollution levels from mid-March to mid-April were down 49 % from a year ago .
Stars seem more visible at night .
People are also noticing animals in places and at times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meandered along downtown Chicago 's Michigan Avenue and near San Francisco 's Golden Gate Bridge .
A puma roamed the streets of Santiago , Chile .
Goats took over a town in Wales .
In India , already daring wildlife has become bolder with hungry monkeys entering homes and opening refrigerators to look for food .
When people stay home , Earth becomes cleaner and wilder .
`` It is giving us this quite extraordinary insight into just how much of a mess we humans are making of our beautiful planet , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University .
`` This is giving us an opportunity to magically see how much better it can be . ''
Chris Field , director of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment , assembled scientists to assess the ecological changes happening with so much of humanity housebound .
Scientists , stuck at home like the rest of us , say they are eager to explore unexpected changes in weeds , insects , weather patterns , noise , and light pollution .
Italy 's government is working on an ocean expedition to explore sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` In many ways we kind of whacked the Earth system with a sledgehammer and now we see what Earth 's response is , '' Mr. Field says .
Researchers are tracking dramatic drops in traditional air pollutants , such as nitrogen dioxide , smog , and tiny particles .
These types of pollution kill up to 7 million people a year worldwide , according to Health Effects Institute president Dan Greenbaum .
The air from Boston to Washington is its cleanest since a NASA satellite started measuring nitrogen dioxide , in 2005 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Largely caused by burning of fossil fuels , this pollution is short-lived , so the air gets cleaner quickly .
Compared to the previous five years , March air pollution is down 46 % in Paris , 35 % in Bengaluru , India , 38 % in Sydney , 29 % in Los Angeles , 26 % in Rio de Janeiro , and 9 % in Durban , South Africa , NASA measurements show .
`` We 're getting a glimpse of what might happen if we start switching to non-polluting cars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air has been most noticeable in India and China .
On April 3 , residents of Jalandhar , a city in north India 's Punjab , woke up to a view not seen for decades : snow-capped Himalayan peaks more than 100 miles away .
Cleaner air means stronger lungs for asthmatics , especially children , says Dr. Mary Prunicki , director of air pollution and health research at the Stanford University School of Medicine .
And she notes early studies also link coronavirus severity to people with bad lungs and those in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too early to tell which factor is stronger .
The greenhouse gases that trap heat and cause climate change stay in the atmosphere for 100 years or more , so the pandemic shutdown is unlikely to affect global warming , says Breakthrough Institute climate scientist Zeke Hausfather .
Carbon dioxide levels are still rising , but not as fast as last year .
Aerosol pollution , which does n't stay airborne long , is also dropping .
But aerosols cool the planet so NASA climate scientist Gavin Schmidt is investigating whether their falling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
Stanford 's Mr. Field says he 's most intrigued by increased urban sightings of coyotes , pumas , and other wildlife that are becoming video social media staples .
Boar-like javelinas congregated outside of a Arizona shopping center .
Even New York City birds seem hungrier and bolder .
In Adelaide , Australia , police shared a video of a kangaroo hoping around a mostly empty downtown , and a pack of jackals occupied an urban park in Tel Aviv , Israel .
Mountain lions have been roaming the streets of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being invaded .
The wildlife has always been there , but many animals are shy , Duke 's Mr. Pimm says .
They come out when humans stay home .
For sea turtles across the globe , humans have made it difficult to nest on sandy beaches .
The turtles need to be undisturbed and emerging hatchlings get confused by beachfront lights , says David Godfrey , executive director of the Sea Turtle Conservancy .
But with lights and people away , this year 's sea turtle nesting so far seems much better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr. Godfrey says .
`` There 's some silver lining for wildlife in what otherwise is a fairly catastrophic time for humans , '' he says .
Unable to gather en masse as they ’ d planned this Earth Day , April 22 , activists around the world planned livestreams and webinars to keep the issue of climate front and center on the world stage and in the U.S. presidential race .
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
AP writer Aniruddha Ghosal in New Delhi contributed to this report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

An unplanned grand experiment is changing Earth.
As people across the globe stay home to stop the spread of the new coronavirus, the air has cleaned up, albeit temporarily. Smog stopped choking New Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in the world, and India's getting views of sights not visible in decades.
Nitrogen dioxide pollution in the northeastern United States is down 30%. Rome air pollution levels from mid-March to mid-April were down 49% from a year ago. Stars seem more visible at night.
People are also noticing animals in places and at times they don't usually. Coyotes have meandered along downtown Chicago's Michigan Avenue and near San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. A puma roamed the streets of Santiago, Chile. Goats took over a town in Wales. In India, already daring wildlife has become bolder with hungry monkeys entering homes and opening refrigerators to look for food.
When people stay home, Earth becomes cleaner and wilder.
"It is giving us this quite extraordinary insight into just how much of a mess we humans are making of our beautiful planet," says conservation scientist Stuart Pimm of Duke University. "This is giving us an opportunity to magically see how much better it can be."
Chris Field, director of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, assembled scientists to assess the ecological changes happening with so much of humanity housebound. Scientists, stuck at home like the rest of us, say they are eager to explore unexpected changes in weeds, insects, weather patterns, noise, and light pollution. Italy's government is working on an ocean expedition to explore sea changes from the lack of people.
"In many ways we kind of whacked the Earth system with a sledgehammer and now we see what Earth's response is," Mr. Field says.
Researchers are tracking dramatic drops in traditional air pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide, smog, and tiny particles. These types of pollution kill up to 7 million people a year worldwide, according to Health Effects Institute president Dan Greenbaum.
The air from Boston to Washington is its cleanest since a NASA satellite started measuring nitrogen dioxide, in 2005, says NASA atmospheric scientist Barry Lefer. Largely caused by burning of fossil fuels, this pollution is short-lived, so the air gets cleaner quickly.
Compared to the previous five years, March air pollution is down 46% in Paris, 35% in Bengaluru, India, 38% in Sydney, 29% in Los Angeles, 26% in Rio de Janeiro, and 9% in Durban, South Africa, NASA measurements show.
"We're getting a glimpse of what might happen if we start switching to non-polluting cars," Mr. Lefer says.
Cleaner air has been most noticeable in India and China. On April 3, residents of Jalandhar, a city in north India's Punjab, woke up to a view not seen for decades: snow-capped Himalayan peaks more than 100 miles away.
Cleaner air means stronger lungs for asthmatics, especially children, says Dr. Mary Prunicki, director of air pollution and health research at the Stanford University School of Medicine. And she notes early studies also link coronavirus severity to people with bad lungs and those in more polluted areas, though it's too early to tell which factor is stronger.
The greenhouse gases that trap heat and cause climate change stay in the atmosphere for 100 years or more, so the pandemic shutdown is unlikely to affect global warming, says Breakthrough Institute climate scientist Zeke Hausfather. Carbon dioxide levels are still rising, but not as fast as last year.
Aerosol pollution, which doesn't stay airborne long, is also dropping. But aerosols cool the planet so NASA climate scientist Gavin Schmidt is investigating whether their falling levels may be warming local temperatures for now.
Stanford's Mr. Field says he's most intrigued by increased urban sightings of coyotes, pumas, and other wildlife that are becoming video social media staples. Boar-like javelinas congregated outside of a Arizona shopping center. Even New York City birds seem hungrier and bolder.
In Adelaide, Australia, police shared a video of a kangaroo hoping around a mostly empty downtown, and a pack of jackals occupied an urban park in Tel Aviv, Israel. Mountain lions have been roaming the streets of Boulder, Colorado.
We're not being invaded. The wildlife has always been there, but many animals are shy, Duke's Mr. Pimm says. They come out when humans stay home.
For sea turtles across the globe, humans have made it difficult to nest on sandy beaches. The turtles need to be undisturbed and emerging hatchlings get confused by beachfront lights, says David Godfrey, executive director of the Sea Turtle Conservancy.
But with lights and people away, this year's sea turtle nesting so far seems much better from India to Costa Rica to Florida, Mr. Godfrey says.
"There's some silver lining for wildlife in what otherwise is a fairly catastrophic time for humans," he says.
Unable to gather en masse as they’d planned this Earth Day, April 22, activists around the world planned livestreams and webinars to keep the issue of climate front and center on the world stage and in the U.S. presidential race.
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This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP writer Aniruddha Ghosal in New Delhi contributed to this report.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-05-20--More security? US vs. China in 'super-duper' missiles race.

They fly at speeds of a mile a second or faster and maneuver in ways that make them extra difficult to detect and destroy in flight .
President Donald Trump calls them “ super-duper '' missiles though they ’ re better known as hypersonic weapons .
And they are at the heart of Trump administration worries about China and Russia .
For decades the United States has searched for ways to get ultra-fast flight right .
But it has done so in fits and starts .
Now , with China and Russia arguably ahead in this chase , the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year into hypersonic offense and defense .
The Pentagon makes no bones about their purpose .
“ Our ultimate goal is , simply , we want to dominate future battlefields , ” Mark Lewis , the Pentagon ’ s director of defense research and engineering for modernization , told reporters in March .
Critics argue that hypersonic weapons would add little to the country 's ability to deter war .
Some think they could ignite a new , destabilizing arms race .
Two things make these weapons special : speed and maneuverability .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ elusiveness .
Together , those qualities could mean trouble for missile defenses .
By generally agreed definition , a hypersonic weapon is one that flies at speeds in excess of Mach 5 , or five times the speed of sound .
Most American missiles , such as those launched from aircraft to hit other aircraft or ground targets , travel between Mach 1 and Mach 5 .
Mr. Trump occasionally mentions his interest in hypersonic weapons , sometimes without using the term .
In February he told governors visiting the White House : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tremendous number of the super-fast .
We call them ‘ super-fast , ’ where they ’ re four , five , six and even seven times faster than an ordinary missile .
We need that because , again , Russia has some.
” And last Friday , Mr. Trump told reporters , “ We have no choice , we have to do it , with the adversaries we have out there , '' mentioning China and Russia .
He added , `` I call it the super-duper missile.
” He said he “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than any other U.S. missile .
“ It just got the go-ahead , ” he added , although the Pentagon would not comment on that .
The Pentagon is pursuing two main types of hypersonic weapons .
One , called a hypersonic glide vehicle , is launched from a rocket .
It then glides to a target , maneuvering at high speed to evade interception .
The other is sometimes referred to as a hypersonic cruise missile .
Capable of being launched from a fighter jet or bomber , it would be powered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scramjet , enabling the missile to fly and maneuver at lower altitudes .
On March 19 , the Pentagon flight-tested a hypersonic glide vehicle at its Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai , Hawaii .
It deemed the test a success and “ a major milestone towards the department ’ s goal of fielding hypersonic warfighting capabilities in the early- to mid-2020s.
” Unlike Russia , the U.S. says it is not developing hypersonic weapons for use with a nuclear warhead .
As a result , a U.S. hypersonic weapon will need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges .
As recently as 2017 , the Pentagon was spending about $ 800 million on hypersonic weapon programs .
That nearly doubled the following year , then rose to $ 2.4 billion a year later , and hit $ 3.4 billion this year .
The administration 's 2021 budget request , which has yet to be approved by Congress , requests $ 3.6 billion .
Although this is a priority for Pentagon spending , it could become limited by the budgetary pressures that are expected as a result of multitrillion-dollar federal spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pentagon officials say it 's about Russia and , even more so , China .
“ By almost any metric that I can construct , China is certainly moving out ahead of us , ” Mr. Lewis , the Pentagon research and engineering official , said Tuesday .
“ In large measure , that 's because we did their homework for them.
” Basic research in this field was published by the U.S. years ago , “ and then we kind of took our foot off the gas , ” although the Pentagon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up and surpass China , he added .
China is pushing for hypersonic weapon breakthroughs .
It has conducted a number of successful tests of the DF-17 , a medium-range ballistic missile designed to launch hypersonic glide vehicles .
According to a Congressional Research Service report in March , U.S. intelligence analysts assess that the DF-17 missile has a range of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 miles and could be deployed this year .
Russia last December said its first hypersonic missile unit had become operational .
It is the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mach 27 , or 27 times faster than the speed of sound , and could make sharp maneuvers to bypass missile defenses .
It has been fitted to existing Soviet-built intercontinental ballistic missiles and in the future could be fitted to the more powerful Sarmat ICBM , which is still in development .
But are they necessary ?
As with other strategic arms , like nuclear weapons and naval fleets , for example , hypersonic weapons are seen by the Trump administration as a must-have if peer competitors have them .
But critics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an extension of the arms race that led to an excessive nuclear buildup by the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the Cold War .
There is also worry about these technologies spreading beyond the U.S. , Russia , and China .
“ Their proliferation beyond these three nations could result in lesser powers setting their strategic forces on hair-trigger states of readiness and more credibly being able to threaten attacks on major powers , ” the RAND Corp. , a federally funded research organization , said in a 2017 report .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

They fly at speeds of a mile a second or faster and maneuver in ways that make them extra difficult to detect and destroy in flight.
President Donald Trump calls them “super-duper" missiles though they’re better known as hypersonic weapons. And they are at the heart of Trump administration worries about China and Russia.
For decades the United States has searched for ways to get ultra-fast flight right. But it has done so in fits and starts. Now, with China and Russia arguably ahead in this chase, the Trump administration is pouring billions of dollars a year into hypersonic offense and defense.
The Pentagon makes no bones about their purpose.
“Our ultimate goal is, simply, we want to dominate future battlefields,” Mark Lewis, the Pentagon’s director of defense research and engineering for modernization, told reporters in March.
Critics argue that hypersonic weapons would add little to the country's ability to deter war. Some think they could ignite a new, destabilizing arms race.
What's so special about hypersonic?
Two things make these weapons special: speed and maneuverability. Speed brings surprise, and maneuverability creates elusiveness. Together, those qualities could mean trouble for missile defenses.
By generally agreed definition, a hypersonic weapon is one that flies at speeds in excess of Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound. Most American missiles, such as those launched from aircraft to hit other aircraft or ground targets, travel between Mach 1 and Mach 5.
Mr. Trump occasionally mentions his interest in hypersonic weapons, sometimes without using the term. In February he told governors visiting the White House: “We have the super-fast missiles – tremendous number of the super-fast. We call them ‘super-fast,’ where they’re four, five, six and even seven times faster than an ordinary missile. We need that because, again, Russia has some.”
And last Friday, Mr. Trump told reporters, “We have no choice, we have to do it, with the adversaries we have out there," mentioning China and Russia. He added, "I call it the super-duper missile.” He said he “heard” it travels 17 times faster than any other U.S. missile. “It just got the go-ahead,” he added, although the Pentagon would not comment on that.
How they work
The Pentagon is pursuing two main types of hypersonic weapons. One, called a hypersonic glide vehicle, is launched from a rocket. It then glides to a target, maneuvering at high speed to evade interception. The other is sometimes referred to as a hypersonic cruise missile. Capable of being launched from a fighter jet or bomber, it would be powered by a supersonic combustion ramjet, or scramjet, enabling the missile to fly and maneuver at lower altitudes.
On March 19, the Pentagon flight-tested a hypersonic glide vehicle at its Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii. It deemed the test a success and “a major milestone towards the department’s goal of fielding hypersonic warfighting capabilities in the early- to mid-2020s.”
Unlike Russia, the U.S. says it is not developing hypersonic weapons for use with a nuclear warhead. As a result, a U.S. hypersonic weapon will need to be more accurate, posing additional technical challenges.
As recently as 2017, the Pentagon was spending about $800 million on hypersonic weapon programs. That nearly doubled the following year, then rose to $2.4 billion a year later, and hit $3.4 billion this year. The administration's 2021 budget request, which has yet to be approved by Congress, requests $3.6 billion.
Although this is a priority for Pentagon spending, it could become limited by the budgetary pressures that are expected as a result of multitrillion-dollar federal spending to counter the coronavirus pandemic.
Why they matter
Top Pentagon officials say it's about Russia and, even more so, China.
“By almost any metric that I can construct, China is certainly moving out ahead of us,” Mr. Lewis, the Pentagon research and engineering official, said Tuesday. “In large measure, that's because we did their homework for them.” Basic research in this field was published by the U.S. years ago, “and then we kind of took our foot off the gas,” although the Pentagon is now on a path to catch up and surpass China, he added.
China is pushing for hypersonic weapon breakthroughs. It has conducted a number of successful tests of the DF-17, a medium-range ballistic missile designed to launch hypersonic glide vehicles. According to a Congressional Research Service report in March, U.S. intelligence analysts assess that the DF-17 missile has a range of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 miles and could be deployed this year.
Russia last December said its first hypersonic missile unit had become operational. It is the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle, which Moscow says can fly at Mach 27, or 27 times faster than the speed of sound, and could make sharp maneuvers to bypass missile defenses. It has been fitted to existing Soviet-built intercontinental ballistic missiles and in the future could be fitted to the more powerful Sarmat ICBM, which is still in development.
But are they necessary?
As with other strategic arms, like nuclear weapons and naval fleets, for example, hypersonic weapons are seen by the Trump administration as a must-have if peer competitors have them.
But critics see hypersonic weapons as overkill and potentially an extension of the arms race that led to an excessive nuclear buildup by the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
There is also worry about these technologies spreading beyond the U.S., Russia, and China.
“Their proliferation beyond these three nations could result in lesser powers setting their strategic forces on hair-trigger states of readiness and more credibly being able to threaten attacks on major powers,” the RAND Corp., a federally funded research organization, said in a 2017 report.
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
This story was reported by The Associated Press.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-03-24--Living in the atmosphere of God’s goodness

Many have expressed fears about the effects of the coronavirus in their communities and beyond .
And some have observed that fear itself is a contagion that needs to be held in check , too .
From my study and practice of Christian Science , I ’ ve found that it is indeed possible to overcome fear – in a way that brings healing and safety as well .
The Apostle John taught , “ Where God ’ s love is , there is no fear , because God ’ s perfect love takes away fear ” ( I John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
God ’ s love is more powerful than either fear or disease .
And when we learn , as Christ Jesus taught , that the kingdom of God is already within us , then we find we have nothing to fear .
And we more readily witness the power of God ’ s love to heal and protect .
One year when I was in college , there was an epidemic of mononucleosis on our campus .
More and more students were being taken to the hospital .
At one point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , “ Tina , you ’ re going to be the next one to get this illness , because you were with those students who went to the hospital yesterday.
” This woke me up to the need to do more to support my and my community ’ s well-being than succumb to fear .
For me , this meant praying to gain a deeper , spiritual view of who is truly in control and what our true nature is as God ’ s beloved children .
So I turned to my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very comforting : “ The spirit of God hath made me , and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life ” ( Job 33:4 ) , and “ I know that whatever God does , it endures forever ; nothing can be added to it nor can anything be taken from it ” ( Ecclesiastes 3:14 , Amplified Bible ) .
This helped me see that the goodness God gives us is eternal .
Nothing bad , such as disease , can be added to divine good , nor can proper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apostle Paul tells us that God , Spirit , “ giveth to all life , and breath , and all things ; ... in him we live , and move , and have our being ” ( Acts 17:25 , 28 ) .
So the actual substance of our health is in and sustained by divine Spirit .
Since God , Spirit , is eternally harmonious , perfect in every function and action , and unchangingly supreme , then the atmosphere in which we – the spiritual expression of God ’ s goodness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be always good .
Health rather than disease , harmony rather than discord , are natural to God ’ s creation , and can not be lost .
This spiritual reality remains unchanged , regardless of human circumstance .
My prayers embraced not just myself , but all humanity .
In “ Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures , ” Mary Baker Eddy , the discoverer of Christian Science , highlights that everyone is governed by the one divine Mind , God , which communicates only health , peace , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for instance , p. 467 ) .
All of us have an inherent capacity to be conscious of this divine good .
Then we find less fear and more peace in our lives .
That ’ s what I experienced that time at college .
I never had any symptoms , and furthermore , there was a turnaround in the situation on campus .
No more students were sent to the hospital with this condition .
We read in the Bible , “ I have seen the wicked in great power , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yet he passed away , and , lo , he was not : ... Mark the perfect man , and behold the upright : for the end of that man is peace ” ( Psalms 37:35-37 ) .
Evil , including illness , has no legitimate power in the face of the authority of God , good .
As God ’ s beloved children – His flawless , spiritual reflection – we live and move and breathe in this atmosphere of pure Love .
No matter where we live in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nature of everyone as made in the flawless spiritual image of divine Love , God , who maintains us in that harmonious state eternally .
This empowers us to overcome fear and feel God ’ s healing love , which fills all space .

Many have expressed fears about the effects of the coronavirus in their communities and beyond. And some have observed that fear itself is a contagion that needs to be held in check, too.
From my study and practice of Christian Science, I’ve found that it is indeed possible to overcome fear – in a way that brings healing and safety as well.
The Apostle John taught, “Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love takes away fear” (I John 4:18, International Children’s Bible). God’s love is more powerful than either fear or disease. And when we learn, as Christ Jesus taught, that the kingdom of God is already within us, then we find we have nothing to fear. And we more readily witness the power of God’s love to heal and protect.
One year when I was in college, there was an epidemic of mononucleosis on our campus. More and more students were being taken to the hospital. At one point, one of my friends said to me, “Tina, you’re going to be the next one to get this illness, because you were with those students who went to the hospital yesterday.”
This woke me up to the need to do more to support my and my community’s well-being than succumb to fear. For me, this meant praying to gain a deeper, spiritual view of who is truly in control and what our true nature is as God’s beloved children.
So I turned to my Bible, where I found these passages very comforting: “The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life” (Job 33:4), and “I know that whatever God does, it endures forever; nothing can be added to it nor can anything be taken from it” (Ecclesiastes 3:14, Amplified Bible).
This helped me see that the goodness God gives us is eternal. Nothing bad, such as disease, can be added to divine good, nor can proper functioning be taken from it. The Apostle Paul tells us that God, Spirit, “giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;... in him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:25, 28). So the actual substance of our health is in and sustained by divine Spirit.
Since God, Spirit, is eternally harmonious, perfect in every function and action, and unchangingly supreme, then the atmosphere in which we – the spiritual expression of God’s goodness – live and move and breathe must be always good. Health rather than disease, harmony rather than discord, are natural to God’s creation, and cannot be lost. This spiritual reality remains unchanged, regardless of human circumstance.
My prayers embraced not just myself, but all humanity. In “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer of Christian Science, highlights that everyone is governed by the one divine Mind, God, which communicates only health, peace, and freedom to His children (see, for instance, p. 467). All of us have an inherent capacity to be conscious of this divine good. Then we find less fear and more peace in our lives.
That’s what I experienced that time at college. I never had any symptoms, and furthermore, there was a turnaround in the situation on campus. No more students were sent to the hospital with this condition.
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
We read in the Bible, “I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not:... Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace” (Psalms 37:35-37). Evil, including illness, has no legitimate power in the face of the authority of God, good. As God’s beloved children – His flawless, spiritual reflection – we live and move and breathe in this atmosphere of pure Love.
No matter where we live in the world, we can hold to the true nature of everyone as made in the flawless spiritual image of divine Love, God, who maintains us in that harmonious state eternally. This empowers us to overcome fear and feel God’s healing love, which fills all space.


csmonitor--2020-04-10--Nature is a balm. Even when you can’t leave home.

“ When people are exposed to nature , they tend to not only think more creatively and feel better , ” says psychologist Lisa Nisbet at Trent University in Ontario .
They also “ tend to be kinder and more generous with other people.
” She and colleagues have tested this idea with one of the most nature-deprived groups of people : prison inmates in solitary confinement .
Exposing inmates to nature videos during their one-hour recreation period yielded a 26 % reduction of violent outbursts .
Many inmates said recalling the nature videos helped them calm down when agitated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiences like hearing a bird or tending houseplants have value , says Patricia Hasbach , who co-directs the ecopsychology program at Lewis & Clark College in Portland , Oregon .
Watching a video panning over sprawling mountains or listening to recorded sounds of waves crashing on the beach has been found to alleviate stress .
As the coronavirus emergency disrupts usual routines and connections , nature may be an important balm .
At root , nature is a reminder that the world is greater than us and our stress .
Some people look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Others seek distraction .
But in this time of self-isolation , many are finding respite in nature .
Beyond the promise of fresh air and a change of scenery , spending time with nature invites a sense of calm .
The rhythms of the natural world serve as reminders that life goes on , even as we humans are consumed by uncertainty , says Patricia Hasbach , a clinical psychotherapist .
It is a reminder that the world is greater than us and our stress .
“ Nature is our ally .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Dr. Hasbach , who co-directs the ecopsychology program at Lewis & Clark College in Portland , Oregon .
“ There ’ s something of real value to just slowing down , allowing ourselves to be part of nature , and experiencing that joy of the bigger world.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .
Even as government officials have enacted stay-at-home orders , they ’ ve largely left room for walks and outdoor exercise .
And folks have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in some cases , so many people have been flocking to parks , beaches , and hiking trails that governments have had to close public outdoor spaces because they were getting overrun .
Fortunately you don ’ t have to climb a mountain or swim in the ocean to reap the calming benefits of nature , researchers say .
There are possibilities closer to – or even at – home .
Immersing oneself in a natural landscape yields the most restorative effects , says Dr. Hasbach , but there are several ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be beneficial .
Less direct experiences , like looking out the window at a squirrel in a tree or tending houseplants , may not be as immersive as going for a walk in the woods , but researchers have found these activities can still offer benefits .
Even vicarious experiences , such as watching a video panning over sprawling mountains or plains , or listening to recorded sounds of waves crashing on the beach , have been found to alleviate stress .
Dr. Hasbach and colleagues tested out this idea on one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison inmates in solitary confinement .
In a yearlong study , the researchers found that exposing inmates to nature videos during their one-hour recreation period yielded a 26 % reduction of violent outbursts .
When surveyed , many of the inmates reported that recalling the nature videos helped them to calm down when they grew agitated , Dr. Hasbach says .
What ’ s more , the inmates reported feeling calmer for several hours after watching the videos , even after returning to their cells .
One inmate said of the videos , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get away from here , ” Dr. Hasbach says .
Another reported , “ It calms me down , quiets my mind.
” Those of us who are currently self-confining to our homes might be able to tap into those same benefits , Dr. Hasbach says .
She suggests seeking out images or footage with wide-open spaces , no humans or built environments visible , and slower scenes with minimal animal conflict or drama – all characteristics of the nature videos most often requested by the inmates .
However , most people practicing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confinement and have the freedom to look out a window or door , or even open it to get some fresh air and listen to birdsong or the wind in nearby trees .
Or maybe they have a backyard , or at least a stoop to sit on .
Researchers agree that there is no replacement for experiencing the natural world more directly .
Even quick trips outside can bring wide-ranging benefits , says Lisa Nisbet , assistant professor of psychology at Trent University in Ontario .
In fact , she says , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help restore focus and concentration .
So for folks working from home , a quick walk around the block at lunchtime might make for a more productive afternoon .
” When people are exposed to nature , they tend to not only think more creatively and feel better , ” says Dr. Nisbet , “ but tend to be kinder and more generous with other people.
” In that vein , Dr. Nisbet also suggests citizen science projects can be a way to both experience nature and contribute to a greater good .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ watching critter cams and logging what you see , or keeping a tally of the birds you see out your window .
The positive effects of nature aren ’ t just limited to pleasant sunny days , Dr. Nisbet adds .
“ It ’ s easy to say , I don ’ t feel like going for a walk or it ’ s a little bit rainy out there or it ’ s cold , ” she says .
“ It ’ s always better than I expect .
I never regret getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s any kind of nature.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .

“When people are exposed to nature, they tend to not only think more creatively and feel better,” says psychologist Lisa Nisbet at Trent University in Ontario. They also “tend to be kinder and more generous with other people.”
She and colleagues have tested this idea with one of the most nature-deprived groups of people: prison inmates in solitary confinement. Exposing inmates to nature videos during their one-hour recreation period yielded a 26% reduction of violent outbursts. Many inmates said recalling the nature videos helped them calm down when agitated.
What is it that makes nature a refuge for mental poise? “Nature is our ally. We’re part of it,” one scientist explains. “There’s something of real value to just slowing down, allowing ourselves to be part of nature, and experiencing that joy of the bigger world.”
Even amid stay-at-home orders, less-immersive experiences like hearing a bird or tending houseplants have value, says Patricia Hasbach, who co-directs the ecopsychology program at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Watching a video panning over sprawling mountains or listening to recorded sounds of waves crashing on the beach has been found to alleviate stress.
As the coronavirus emergency disrupts usual routines and connections, nature may be an important balm. At root, nature is a reminder that the world is greater than us and our stress.
Some people look for laughter in times of stress. Others seek distraction. But in this time of self-isolation, many are finding respite in nature.
Beyond the promise of fresh air and a change of scenery, spending time with nature invites a sense of calm. The rhythms of the natural world serve as reminders that life goes on, even as we humans are consumed by uncertainty, says Patricia Hasbach, a clinical psychotherapist. It is a reminder that the world is greater than us and our stress.
“Nature is our ally. We’re part of it,” says Dr. Hasbach, who co-directs the ecopsychology program at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. “There’s something of real value to just slowing down, allowing ourselves to be part of nature, and experiencing that joy of the bigger world.”
Why We Wrote This What is it that makes nature a refuge for mental poise? “Nature is our ally. We’re part of it,” one scientist explains. “There’s something of real value to just slowing down, allowing ourselves to be part of nature, and experiencing that joy of the bigger world.”
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
Even as government officials have enacted stay-at-home orders, they’ve largely left room for walks and outdoor exercise. And folks have taken advantage of that option. However, in some cases, so many people have been flocking to parks, beaches, and hiking trails that governments have had to close public outdoor spaces because they were getting overrun.
Fortunately you don’t have to climb a mountain or swim in the ocean to reap the calming benefits of nature, researchers say. There are possibilities closer to – or even at – home.
Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff/File View caption Hide caption Impala graze in a herd in the bush at Sabi Sand Game Reserve in South Africa.
Immersing oneself in a natural landscape yields the most restorative effects, says Dr. Hasbach, but there are several ways to connect to nature and all can be beneficial.
Less direct experiences, like looking out the window at a squirrel in a tree or tending houseplants, may not be as immersive as going for a walk in the woods, but researchers have found these activities can still offer benefits. Even vicarious experiences, such as watching a video panning over sprawling mountains or plains, or listening to recorded sounds of waves crashing on the beach, have been found to alleviate stress.
Dr. Hasbach and colleagues tested out this idea on one of the most nature-deprived groups of people: prison inmates in solitary confinement.
In a yearlong study, the researchers found that exposing inmates to nature videos during their one-hour recreation period yielded a 26% reduction of violent outbursts. When surveyed, many of the inmates reported that recalling the nature videos helped them to calm down when they grew agitated, Dr. Hasbach says. What’s more, the inmates reported feeling calmer for several hours after watching the videos, even after returning to their cells.
One inmate said of the videos, “I get more relaxed. I get away from here,” Dr. Hasbach says. Another reported, “It calms me down, quiets my mind.”
Those of us who are currently self-confining to our homes might be able to tap into those same benefits, Dr. Hasbach says. She suggests seeking out images or footage with wide-open spaces, no humans or built environments visible, and slower scenes with minimal animal conflict or drama – all characteristics of the nature videos most often requested by the inmates.
Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff View caption Hide caption Unusual rock formations known as hoodoos are seen at sunrise from the Navajo Loop trail in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. Bryce is one of Utah's "Mighty Five," the five national parks in the southern part of the state.
However, most people practicing social distancing are not actually in solitary confinement and have the freedom to look out a window or door, or even open it to get some fresh air and listen to birdsong or the wind in nearby trees. Or maybe they have a backyard, or at least a stoop to sit on. Researchers agree that there is no replacement for experiencing the natural world more directly.
Even quick trips outside can bring wide-ranging benefits, says Lisa Nisbet, assistant professor of psychology at Trent University in Ontario. In fact, she says, a few brief moments in nature can help restore focus and concentration. So for folks working from home, a quick walk around the block at lunchtime might make for a more productive afternoon.
”When people are exposed to nature, they tend to not only think more creatively and feel better,” says Dr. Nisbet, “but tend to be kinder and more generous with other people.”
In that vein, Dr. Nisbet also suggests citizen science projects can be a way to both experience nature and contribute to a greater good. There are many projects online that involve watching critter cams and logging what you see, or keeping a tally of the birds you see out your window.
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
The positive effects of nature aren’t just limited to pleasant sunny days, Dr. Nisbet adds. “It’s easy to say, I don’t feel like going for a walk or it’s a little bit rainy out there or it’s cold,” she says. “It’s always better than I expect. I never regret getting outdoors in nature. And that’s any kind of nature.”
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.


csmonitor--2020-05-01--How an 'immediate cash flow crisis' could transform higher ed

Campuses have become ghost towns .
Graduation ceremonies have been canceled .
School administrators watch as the pandemic ravages budgets , costing billions of dollars in refunded room and board .
Some students are seeking partial repayment of their tuition .
Hiring freezes have been imposed at some schools , and laid-off professors face difficult job prospects .
The dramatic and widespread fallout from the COVID-19 virus has thrown the U.S. higher education system into a state of turmoil with fears that it could transform into an existential moment for the time-honored American tradition of high school graduates heading off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and university is facing is an immediate cash flow crisis , ” says Terry Hartle , senior vice president of the American Council on Education .
” We ’ re dealing with something completely unprecedented in modern history .
There is just so much ambiguity how this will continue to evolve.
” School budgets will inevitably be slashed , with painful ripples .
The University of Arizona , which could lose more than $ 250 million , recently announced plans for furloughs and pay cuts for almost all its 15,000 employees to save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 .
Endowments have crashed in value with the stock market , and there are worries fall enrollment could plummet .
Predictions abound that smaller universities already on the financial brink could permanently close .
Even larger universities considered financially healthy worry about potential state budget cuts and don ’ t know when they will be able to reopen campuses to new and returning students .
Boston University recently warned that students might not return to campus until January and many colleges – including Harvard University and the University of California , Berkeley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Purdue University , meanwhile , hopes to reopen on campus this fall ; the Indiana school has a task force exploring possible strategies , including pre-testing students before they arrive and spreading out classes over times and days to reduce their size .
Writing in The New York Times , Brown University President Christina Paxson said reopening campuses this fall “ should be a national priority.
” She noted that higher education employs about 3 million people and the 2017-18 school year poured more than $ 600 billion into the national gross @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staggering losses .
They ’ ll have to refund $ 7.8 billion in room and board for the current school year , according to Mr. Hartle ’ s group , which made its estimate based on Department Education statistics .
For the University of Wisconsin , which has 11 campuses , he says that will mean returning $ 78 million .
That doesn ’ t include losses that can be easily overlooked .
One giant urban university , Mr. Hartle says , routinely collects $ 4 million a month in parking lot revenues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than money .
Before they reopen , administrators must be confident students will be safe in dormitories , close-quarter settings that Mr. Hartle likens to “ land-locked cruise ships.
” Timing is critical .
And with millions out of work , parents who have lost jobs or seen savings evaporate may reduce the number of families who can afford college at all .
The San Francisco Art Institute , the oldest art college west of the Mississippi , announced in March it won ’ t accept students for the fall and encouraged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Merger talks with other institutions hit an impasse “ in no small measure due to the unanticipated hardships and uncertainty ” from COVID-19 , President Gordon Knox said .
These developments happened shortly after Moody ’ s Investor ’ s Service downgraded its outlook for higher education from stable to negative .
It said the financial chaos from the outbreak “ could drive states to reallocate funding to other high-need impacted areas , such as health care , reducing available support for public higher education.
” States are “ trying to plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” says Joni Finney , director of the University of Pennsylvania ’ s Institute for Research on Higher Education .
After the Great Recession ended in 2009 , colleges and universities shifted more costs to students and their families .
Public higher education in 27 states gets more revenue from tuition than from state funding , according to a 2019 report from the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association .
“ My concern is we do it in a way that doesn ’ t multiply the hurt on low- and middle-income families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 2008 , ” Ms. Finney says .
Robert Zemksy , a professor of education at the University of Pennsylvania , says schools will be working on a tight deadline as critical decisions have to be made by August .
Colleges at greatest risk for closure , he says , tend to be small , rural schools in the Midwest , Great Plains , and the Northeast with enrollments of less than 1,000 .
They represent about 10 percent of schools but just about 2 percent of enrollment nationwide .
The colleges that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if classes resume , he says , are state schools such as the University of Illinois and Michigan State University .
“ People , ” Mr. Zemsky said , “ will be looking for security.
” This story was reported by The Associated Press .
Mr. Clendenning reported from Phoenix .
AP writer Justin Myers in Chicago , contributed to this report .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

Campuses have become ghost towns. Graduation ceremonies have been canceled. School administrators watch as the pandemic ravages budgets, costing billions of dollars in refunded room and board. Some students are seeking partial repayment of their tuition. Hiring freezes have been imposed at some schools, and laid-off professors face difficult job prospects.
The dramatic and widespread fallout from the COVID-19 virus has thrown the U.S. higher education system into a state of turmoil with fears that it could transform into an existential moment for the time-honored American tradition of high school graduates heading off to college.
“What every college and university is facing is an immediate cash flow crisis,” says Terry Hartle, senior vice president of the American Council on Education. ”We’re dealing with something completely unprecedented in modern history. There is just so much ambiguity how this will continue to evolve.”
School budgets will inevitably be slashed, with painful ripples. The University of Arizona, which could lose more than $250 million, recently announced plans for furloughs and pay cuts for almost all its 15,000 employees to save $93 million from mid-May through June 2021.
Endowments have crashed in value with the stock market, and there are worries fall enrollment could plummet. Predictions abound that smaller universities already on the financial brink could permanently close. Even larger universities considered financially healthy worry about potential state budget cuts and don’t know when they will be able to reopen campuses to new and returning students.
Boston University recently warned that students might not return to campus until January and many colleges – including Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley – have already moved summer courses online. Purdue University, meanwhile, hopes to reopen on campus this fall; the Indiana school has a task force exploring possible strategies, including pre-testing students before they arrive and spreading out classes over times and days to reduce their size.
Writing in The New York Times, Brown University President Christina Paxson said reopening campuses this fall “should be a national priority.” She noted that higher education employs about 3 million people and the 2017-18 school year poured more than $600 billion into the national gross domestic product.
Schools already are facing staggering losses. They’ll have to refund $7.8 billion in room and board for the current school year, according to Mr. Hartle’s group, which made its estimate based on Department Education statistics. For the University of Wisconsin, which has 11 campuses, he says that will mean returning $78 million.
That doesn’t include losses that can be easily overlooked. One giant urban university, Mr. Hartle says, routinely collects $4 million a month in parking lot revenues.
How the schools rebound is about more than money. Before they reopen, administrators must be confident students will be safe in dormitories, close-quarter settings that Mr. Hartle likens to “land-locked cruise ships.” Timing is critical.
And with millions out of work, parents who have lost jobs or seen savings evaporate may reduce the number of families who can afford college at all.
The San Francisco Art Institute, the oldest art college west of the Mississippi, announced in March it won’t accept students for the fall and encouraged students not graduating this year to transfer. Merger talks with other institutions hit an impasse “in no small measure due to the unanticipated hardships and uncertainty” from COVID-19, President Gordon Knox said.
These developments happened shortly after Moody’s Investor’s Service downgraded its outlook for higher education from stable to negative. It said the financial chaos from the outbreak “could drive states to reallocate funding to other high-need impacted areas, such as health care, reducing available support for public higher education.”
States are “trying to plan in an environment that almost defies planning,” says Joni Finney, director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Institute for Research on Higher Education.
After the Great Recession ended in 2009, colleges and universities shifted more costs to students and their families. Public higher education in 27 states gets more revenue from tuition than from state funding, according to a 2019 report from the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association. “My concern is we do it in a way that doesn’t multiply the hurt on low- and middle-income families as we’ve already been doing since 2008,” Ms. Finney says.
Robert Zemksy, a professor of education at the University of Pennsylvania, says schools will be working on a tight deadline as critical decisions have to be made by August.
Colleges at greatest risk for closure, he says, tend to be small, rural schools in the Midwest, Great Plains, and the Northeast with enrollments of less than 1,000. They represent about 10 percent of schools but just about 2 percent of enrollment nationwide.
The colleges that might fare best and even increase enrollment if classes resume, he says, are state schools such as the University of Illinois and Michigan State University. “People,” Mr. Zemsky said, “will be looking for security.”
This story was reported by The Associated Press. Mr. Clendenning reported from Phoenix. AP writer Justin Myers in Chicago, contributed to this report.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-05-18--In Afghanistan, peace starts in democratic unity

In a pivotal step toward peace in Afghanistan ’ s long war , the country ’ s two leading politicians signed an agreement Sunday that ends a feud over who won a flawed election eight months ago .
President Ashraf Ghani will retain his office while election rival Abdullah Abdullah will head up talks with the Taliban and appoint half of the new government ’ s cabinet .
The deal to share governing responsibilities is itself a tribute to how many Afghans view power differently than the Taliban militants trying to impose their will through guns .
It was mediated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Afghan leaders who persuaded both men to put the country ’ s interests ahead of their personal ambitions , especially during the struggle against the coronavirus .
Peaceful consensus-making is now a norm in Afghanistan ’ s maturing democracy .
“ The knot that can be opened with hands should not be opened by teeth , ” wrote one group of female political figures about their efforts to mediate the new power-sharing agreement .
That sentiment is certainly in need given the continuing brutality of the war , such as the recent terrorist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Afghan negotiators were not alone .
In March , the Trump administration threatened to withhold $ 1 billion in aid unless the two presidential contenders struck a deal .
But the United States largely left it to the Afghan mediators in suggesting the details of an agreement .
With a deal in place , Afghanistan ’ s government may soon be ready for talks with the Taliban – not only because of its ability to speak with one voice but also with a legitimacy borne of this latest demonstration of democracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in February under an agreement made between the U.S. and the Taliban but were delayed because of the political feud .
Ending more than 18 years of war with the Taliban will not be easy , especially if the U.S. decides to withdraw its troops without a final peace deal .
But the more that the Taliban are shown the resolve of the Afghan people in improving their elected government , the more the group will need to compromise at the negotiating table .
Even the two presidential contenders had to learn that @ @

In a pivotal step toward peace in Afghanistan’s long war, the country’s two leading politicians signed an agreement Sunday that ends a feud over who won a flawed election eight months ago. President Ashraf Ghani will retain his office while election rival Abdullah Abdullah will head up talks with the Taliban and appoint half of the new government’s cabinet.
The deal to share governing responsibilities is itself a tribute to how many Afghans view power differently than the Taliban militants trying to impose their will through guns. It was mediated over months by a number of respected Afghan leaders who persuaded both men to put the country’s interests ahead of their personal ambitions, especially during the struggle against the coronavirus.
Peaceful consensus-making is now a norm in Afghanistan’s maturing democracy. “The knot that can be opened with hands should not be opened by teeth,” wrote one group of female political figures about their efforts to mediate the new power-sharing agreement. That sentiment is certainly in need given the continuing brutality of the war, such as the recent terrorist attack on a maternity ward in Kabul.
The Afghan negotiators were not alone. In March, the Trump administration threatened to withhold $1 billion in aid unless the two presidential contenders struck a deal. But the United States largely left it to the Afghan mediators in suggesting the details of an agreement.
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With a deal in place, Afghanistan’s government may soon be ready for talks with the Taliban – not only because of its ability to speak with one voice but also with a legitimacy borne of this latest demonstration of democracy. The intra-Afghan peace talks were proposed in February under an agreement made between the U.S. and the Taliban but were delayed because of the political feud.
Ending more than 18 years of war with the Taliban will not be easy, especially if the U.S. decides to withdraw its troops without a final peace deal. But the more that the Taliban are shown the resolve of the Afghan people in improving their elected government, the more the group will need to compromise at the negotiating table. Even the two presidential contenders had to learn that lesson.


csmonitor--2020-05-18--A haven from the job crisis? US military offers a way.

Army Sgt .
Antonio Gozikowski was planning to leave the military next month and head to college .
After serving for six years , the dental assistant 's goal was to become a dentist , and then return to the Army in a few years with his expanded medical skills .
But now , with the coronavirus forcing universities to consider virtual or reduced schooling this fall , he decided to take advantage of a new Army program and extend his military service for six more months .
Across the military , uncertainty about future jobs or college opportunities is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least postpone their scheduled departures .
As unemployment , layoffs , and a historic economic downturn grip the nation , the military – with its job security , steady paycheck , and benefits – is looking much more appealing .
`` Everything from elementary schools to universities is closing down and there 's no saying how it 's going to go when the fall semester opens , '' said Mr. Gozikowski , adding that he 's hoping schools start opening up for spring semester .
`` This is like a safety net @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I 'll be able to continue working . ''
Mr. Gozikowski , who is from Cherry Hill , New Jersey , and is serving at Fort Hood , Texas , is one of hundreds of service members who are taking advantage of newly developed , short-term extensions being offered by the military .
As of last week , the Army had already exceeded its retention goal of 50,000 soldiers for the fiscal year ending in September , re-enlisting more than 52,000 so far .
And the other services have also met or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers .
The influx of people re-enlisting will offset any shortfalls in recruiting , which has been hampered by the outbreak .
And that will help the services meet their total required troop levels for the end of the year .
`` We 're hiring , '' said Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy .
`` Like anything , market dynamics come into effect and people will see where the opportunities lie . ''
Sgt .
Maj. Stuart Morgan , the senior Army career counselor , said Mr. Gozikowski was able to take advantage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were planning to leave this year but are now worried and reconsidering their options .
The program allows them to delay their departure for up to 11 months to get them past the peak coronavirus period .
By early last week , he said , 745 soldiers had signed up .
`` What we 're seeing this year , which is directly related to COVID , is we do have a population of soldiers that what they were expecting at the end of transition has suddenly disappeared , '' Mr. Morgan said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soldier that is trying to go through a transition period that is now facing uncertainty on the outside . ''
The Air Force is already expecting to fall short of its recruiting goal by as much as 5,800 as a result of the virus .
And that gap , the Air Force said , could be filled by service members who decide to re-enlist or extend their service .
So far , the number of Air Force personnel who have withdrawn their requests to leave the service or have asked to extend their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this time , including 230 pilots and medical staff .
For one pilot , the opportunity to make that sudden change of course was a relief .
In discussing his plans , he asked that his name not be used to preserve any future employment options .
Nearly two months ago , he was in Miami taking an airline certification course and getting ready for his next career .
For months , he and his fellow pilots at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois had been talking about which airlines were hiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the 10-year transport aircraft pilot said in an interview from the air base .
`` The conversations were like , oh , who got picked up by Southwest , who got picked up by American , who got picked up by Delta .
And then the whole coronavirus thing started to play its course . ''
Suddenly , he said , `` the discussions are more like , what are we gon na do now ? ''
The pilot said he was worried about the uncertainty .
Even if he got a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if the economic downturn continued .
`` I need stability in my life .
There 's no steady income on the outside , or guaranteed income either , '' said the pilot , adding that in the military , he 's guaranteed a job .
`` While other people are getting laid off and not working , we 're still collecting a paycheck and going to work . ''
Retention is also on the rise in the Marine Corps .
Currently there are about 183,000 Marines , and the goal for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 184,600 .
The Corps has nearly reached its retention goal of about 12,600 for the fiscal year , with only about 100 or so to get by the end of September .
The Navy was not able to provide retention numbers .
In addition , Marines who were planning to leave the service are being allowed to extend their enlistments by a few months , to get past the initial COVID crisis , or by a year or two .
Maj. Craig Thomas , a Marine Corps spokesman , said virus-related restrictions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training will likely mean the service wo n't meet its goal for total force size this year .
He added , however , that while it is too early to tell if the bad economy will further boost retention , the enlistment extensions could make up for the recruiting shortfalls .
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

Army Sgt. Antonio Gozikowski was planning to leave the military next month and head to college.
After serving for six years, the dental assistant's goal was to become a dentist, and then return to the Army in a few years with his expanded medical skills. But now, with the coronavirus forcing universities to consider virtual or reduced schooling this fall, he decided to take advantage of a new Army program and extend his military service for six more months.
Across the military, uncertainty about future jobs or college opportunities is driving more service members to re-enlist or at least postpone their scheduled departures. As unemployment, layoffs, and a historic economic downturn grip the nation, the military – with its job security, steady paycheck, and benefits – is looking much more appealing.
"Everything from elementary schools to universities is closing down and there's no saying how it's going to go when the fall semester opens," said Mr. Gozikowski, adding that he's hoping schools start opening up for spring semester. "This is like a safety net. I have a source of income and I'll be able to continue working."
Mr. Gozikowski, who is from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and is serving at Fort Hood, Texas, is one of hundreds of service members who are taking advantage of newly developed, short-term extensions being offered by the military.
As of last week, the Army had already exceeded its retention goal of 50,000 soldiers for the fiscal year ending in September, re-enlisting more than 52,000 so far. And the other services have also met or are closer than planned to their target numbers. The influx of people re-enlisting will offset any shortfalls in recruiting, which has been hampered by the outbreak. And that will help the services meet their total required troop levels for the end of the year.
"We're hiring," said Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy. "Like anything, market dynamics come into effect and people will see where the opportunities lie."
Sgt. Maj. Stuart Morgan, the senior Army career counselor, said Mr. Gozikowski was able to take advantage of a new program designed to help soldiers who were planning to leave this year but are now worried and reconsidering their options. The program allows them to delay their departure for up to 11 months to get them past the peak coronavirus period. By early last week, he said, 745 soldiers had signed up.
"What we're seeing this year, which is directly related to COVID, is we do have a population of soldiers that what they were expecting at the end of transition has suddenly disappeared," Mr. Morgan said. "And now you have a soldier that is trying to go through a transition period that is now facing uncertainty on the outside."
The Air Force is already expecting to fall short of its recruiting goal by as much as 5,800 as a result of the virus. And that gap, the Air Force said, could be filled by service members who decide to re-enlist or extend their service.
So far, the number of Air Force personnel who have withdrawn their requests to leave the service or have asked to extend their enlistment is 700 more than last year at this time, including 230 pilots and medical staff.
For one pilot, the opportunity to make that sudden change of course was a relief. In discussing his plans, he asked that his name not be used to preserve any future employment options.
Nearly two months ago, he was in Miami taking an airline certification course and getting ready for his next career. For months, he and his fellow pilots at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois had been talking about which airlines were hiring.
"Everybody was getting out," the 10-year transport aircraft pilot said in an interview from the air base. "The conversations were like, oh, who got picked up by Southwest, who got picked up by American, who got picked up by Delta. And then the whole coronavirus thing started to play its course."
Suddenly, he said, "the discussions are more like, what are we gonna do now?"
The pilot said he was worried about the uncertainty. Even if he got a job, it might only be temporary, if the economic downturn continued.
"I need stability in my life. There's no steady income on the outside, or guaranteed income either," said the pilot, adding that in the military, he's guaranteed a job. "While other people are getting laid off and not working, we're still collecting a paycheck and going to work."
Retention is also on the rise in the Marine Corps.
Currently there are about 183,000 Marines, and the goal for the end of the fiscal year is about 184,600. The Corps has nearly reached its retention goal of about 12,600 for the fiscal year, with only about 100 or so to get by the end of September. The Navy was not able to provide retention numbers.
In addition, Marines who were planning to leave the service are being allowed to extend their enlistments by a few months, to get past the initial COVID crisis, or by a year or two.
Maj. Craig Thomas, a Marine Corps spokesman, said virus-related restrictions on recruiting and shipping new Marines to initial training will likely mean the service won't meet its goal for total force size this year. He added, however, that while it is too early to tell if the bad economy will further boost retention, the enlistment extensions could make up for the recruiting shortfalls.
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
This story was reported by The Associated Press.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-04-08--‘Pray for Boris’ and other signs of spiritual revival

One of the world ’ s most powerful figures , British Prime Minister Boris Johnson , has been laid low by the coronavirus .
News of his hospitalization would be compelling enough .
Yet the public response is just as newsworthy .
It hints at a spiritual revival of concern for the weakest during this health crisis , no matter what their station in life .
Across Britain , people have placed signs outside houses saying “ Pray for Boris.
” Muslim , Jewish , and Christian leaders in Britain have offered prayers or asked for God ’ s blessing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ones .
Abroad , Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo said he had prayed for Mr. Johnson ’ s “ swift recovery.
” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said , “ The people of Israel pray for the speedy and full recovery of our friend.
” President Donald Trump said both he and the American people were praying for a “ good friend.
” The COVID-19 emergency has magnified a common religious practice to look after the desolate , the poor , and the weak with healing , prayer , and justice .
Right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a jump on the virus are turning their attention to poor countries to help them stamp out the disease and stop a deepening of the global economic collapse .
Many countries are debating how to fix inequities exposed during the outbreak , such as the low quality of health care for minorities .
A good example of a spiritual leader helping the faithful navigate these times is Iraq ’ s most prominent Shiite cleric , Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani .
He triggered a mass campaign of volunteers after calling on Iraqis to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , regardless of their faith or ethnicity .
He also asked them to get closer to God to end the “ plague ” while “ adhering to professional health guidelines.
” It is still unclear if the global trauma will lead to a renewed , long-term interest in spirituality .
Yet in the United States , a Gallup poll found 19 % of Americans said their faith or spirituality has gotten better as a result of the crisis .
In sharp contrast , other aspects of the lives of Americans – relationships , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – had not changed nearly as much .
Another poll , by Pew , found more than half had prayed for an end to the coronavirus outbreak .
These polls help explain the outpouring of prayers for the British prime minister and , along with it , the outpouring of aid and comfort for those most in need in this pandemic .
Such human compassion is surely a sign of a deeper understanding of its spiritual origin .

One of the world’s most powerful figures, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has been laid low by the coronavirus. News of his hospitalization would be compelling enough. Yet the public response is just as newsworthy. It hints at a spiritual revival of concern for the weakest during this health crisis, no matter what their station in life.
Across Britain, people have placed signs outside houses saying “Pray for Boris.” Muslim, Jewish, and Christian leaders in Britain have offered prayers or asked for God’s blessing for the prime minister and his loved ones.
Abroad, Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo said he had prayed for Mr. Johnson’s “swift recovery.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “The people of Israel pray for the speedy and full recovery of our friend.” President Donald Trump said both he and the American people were praying for a “good friend.”
The COVID-19 emergency has magnified a common religious practice to look after the desolate, the poor, and the weak with healing, prayer, and justice. Right now, the wealthy countries that already have a jump on the virus are turning their attention to poor countries to help them stamp out the disease and stop a deepening of the global economic collapse. Many countries are debating how to fix inequities exposed during the outbreak, such as the low quality of health care for minorities.
A good example of a spiritual leader helping the faithful navigate these times is Iraq’s most prominent Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. He triggered a mass campaign of volunteers after calling on Iraqis to support those in need during the crisis, regardless of their faith or ethnicity. He also asked them to get closer to God to end the “plague” while “adhering to professional health guidelines.”
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
It is still unclear if the global trauma will lead to a renewed, long-term interest in spirituality. Yet in the United States, a Gallup poll found 19% of Americans said their faith or spirituality has gotten better as a result of the crisis. In sharp contrast, other aspects of the lives of Americans – relationships, diet, mental health, and exercise – had not changed nearly as much. Another poll, by Pew, found more than half had prayed for an end to the coronavirus outbreak.
These polls help explain the outpouring of prayers for the British prime minister and, along with it, the outpouring of aid and comfort for those most in need in this pandemic. Such human compassion is surely a sign of a deeper understanding of its spiritual origin.


csmonitor--2020-04-07--Daily for April 7, 2020

Daily for April 7, 2020

When Amy Olsen wants to have a video chat with her family , she has to drive four miles to the parking lot of the Lowell , Vermont , town clerk to use the free Wi-Fi .
None of Lowell ’ s 879 or so residents have access to direct broadband service , according to BroadbandNow , a company that helps people find and compare internet service providers .
The closest anyone there can get is “ fixed wireless , ” which uses outdoor directional antennas to broadcast radio signals to residential Wi-Fi gateways .
But for that , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antenna .
Ms. Olsen doesn ’ t .
Instead she uses a sluggish satellite connection , which is fine for sending email and downloading web pages , but not for much else .
Video , she says , is “ slow and bouncy.
” Ms. Olsen is far from alone .
As endless social media feeds and YouTube videos emphasize that “ We ’ re all in this together , ” a huge swath of the population is finding itself digitally erased from the conversation .
Some 42 million Americans , and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to broadband , according to a February 2020 report from BroadbandNow .
Even among those who live in places where broadband is offered , for many , it remains out of reach : Just 41 % of households with incomes below $ 20,000 have broadband at home .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .
As the coronavirus pandemic forces Americans out of their workplaces , classrooms , and social spaces , and into their homes , the internet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only link to society .
Amid a steady stream of news stories about teleconferencing , remote learning , and Netflix binging , those without reliable online access are finding themselves shut out .
“ When you ’ re online and most of your people are online , it feels like we ’ re all online , ” says Jessamyn West , a Vermont librarian who teaches people how to use computers .
“ But the whole world is bigger than what ’ s on the internet.
” On Monday , a bipartisan quartet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadband funding for students and low-income families in the fourth coronavirus response package .
In a letter to congressional leaders , two Republicans , Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota and Rep. Roger Marshall of Kansas , and two Democrats , Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Rep. Peter Welch of Vermont , wrote that , absent legislation , “ small providers may be unable to continue to help ensure that the communities they serve can access distance learning and telehealth services.
” Several studies have demonstrated a strong link between broadband access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Microsoft published last April found that U.S. counties with the highest unemployment also had the lowest broadband usage .
“ Low-income areas tend to be more rural , ” says Tyler Cooper , BroadbandNow ’ s editor-in-chief .
“ That creates sort of a vicious cycle.
” Municipal broadband initiatives , however , can help turn this vicious cycle into a virtuous one .
Mr. Cooper cites Chattanooga , Tennessee , where , in 2010 , the city ’ s Electric Power Board began offering fiber-optic connections to all residents .
Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 gigabit per second , about 40 times the national average .
“ Ten years ago , that town was kind of a ghost town , ” says Mr. Cooper .
“ When this network came into play , all of a sudden you had these really attractive prospects for companies.
” Within five years , Chattanooga , whose population stands at about 180,000 , had generated between 2,800 and 5,200 new jobs , according to a study by the utility , and its lightning-fast broadband speeds had earned it a new nickname @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , having the option of purchasing high-speed internet is only part of the puzzle .
You also need to be able to afford it .
A recent study by the U.K. internet comparison site Cable found that prices in the United States , the country that created the internet , ranked 119th out of 195 nations , with an average internet package costing $ 67.69 a month .
The same package in Mexico , by comparison , costs $ 33.15 , and in Canada it costs $ 34.86 .
The result is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over who has broadband ; one that , like all such divides , is becoming starker as the pandemic lockdown wears on .
According to a 2015 Pew report , just 54 % of black Americans and 50 % of Hispanic residents have broadband at home , compared with 72 % of their white counterparts .
According to the report , more Americans are relying on their smartphones to get online , which works fine for consuming content , but is difficult for , say , composing a résumé .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We ’ re shifting large amounts of our economy into this online world , ” says Mr. Cooper .
“ Without a doubt this crisis will show us pretty definitively the importance of broadband in the home.
” America ’ s digital divide is not just about access to technology , says Ms. West , but what she calls “ digital readiness , ” which she defines as “ the combination of skills , but also trust plus willingness ” to use technology .
“ It ’ s not just , can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
“ It ’ s , do you understand how the systems work so that you can use the tools ?
” “ The skills are one set of things you teach people , ” says Ms. West .
“ But even if somebody told you how to do copy and paste , if you don ’ t know how to evaluate a website , or you don ’ t know how to go through all the hurdles of putting your credit card online , you ’ re in a not-as-ready position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do.
” For students , the sudden shift to online learning can widen this gap .
Now , some students are having their education streamed to them on home computers in their parents ’ home offices , while others are making do with their phones in crowded apartments .
“ Education was in some ways the great leveler for a universal basic level of study , ” says Ms. West .
“ Everyone gets a clean bathroom and a meal they can afford and an education that is geared more or less toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ librarian at the Lanpher Memorial Library in Hyde Park , Vermont , and the president of the Vermont Library Association , her lack of reliable internet access forced her family to make a wrenching choice : Her two children , students at the University of Vermont in Burlington , are spending the lockdown not back at home , but with friends who have broadband .
“ It was a hard decision , ” she says .
“ I can call , but I can ’ t see their faces.
” As the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service providers are attempting to ensure access .
Comcast , for instance , has agreed not to disconnect anyone ’ s service or charge late fees .
Along with Charter Communications , the company has agreed to open free Wi-Fi hotspots across the country .
Comcast , Charter , and Spectrum are also offering free trial periods of 60 or 90 days to low-income households .
And , around the country , many school districts are repurposing their buses as mobile Wi-Fi hotspots , to help ensure that their students stay connected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ISPs rising to the occasion , ” says Mr. Cooper .
“ The internet is no longer a luxury .
It ’ s really a prerequisite for participating in modern life.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .

‘No longer a luxury.’ As life moves online, the offline fall behind. Collapse
When Amy Olsen wants to have a video chat with her family, she has to drive four miles to the parking lot of the Lowell, Vermont, town clerk to use the free Wi-Fi.
None of Lowell’s 879 or so residents have access to direct broadband service, according to BroadbandNow, a company that helps people find and compare internet service providers. The closest anyone there can get is “fixed wireless,” which uses outdoor directional antennas to broadcast radio signals to residential Wi-Fi gateways. But for that, you need to live close enough to an antenna. Ms. Olsen doesn’t.
Instead she uses a sluggish satellite connection, which is fine for sending email and downloading web pages, but not for much else. Video, she says, is “slow and bouncy.”
Ms. Olsen is far from alone. As endless social media feeds and YouTube videos emphasize that “We’re all in this together,” a huge swath of the population is finding itself digitally erased from the conversation. Some 42 million Americans, and a quarter of all rural residents, lack access to broadband, according to a February 2020 report from BroadbandNow. Even among those who live in places where broadband is offered, for many, it remains out of reach: Just 41% of households with incomes below $20,000 have broadband at home.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
As the coronavirus pandemic forces Americans out of their workplaces, classrooms, and social spaces, and into their homes, the internet has become, for many, the only link to society. Amid a steady stream of news stories about teleconferencing, remote learning, and Netflix binging, those without reliable online access are finding themselves shut out.
“When you’re online and most of your people are online, it feels like we’re all online,” says Jessamyn West, a Vermont librarian who teaches people how to use computers. “But the whole world is bigger than what’s on the internet.”
On Monday, a bipartisan quartet of lawmakers urged Congress to include dedicated broadband funding for students and low-income families in the fourth coronavirus response package. In a letter to congressional leaders, two Republicans, Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota and Rep. Roger Marshall of Kansas, and two Democrats, Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Rep. Peter Welch of Vermont, wrote that, absent legislation, “small providers may be unable to continue to help ensure that the communities they serve can access distance learning and telehealth services.”
A vicious cycle
Several studies have demonstrated a strong link between broadband access and economic prosperity. An analysis conducted by Microsoft published last April found that U.S. counties with the highest unemployment also had the lowest broadband usage.
“Low-income areas tend to be more rural,” says Tyler Cooper, BroadbandNow’s editor-in-chief. “That creates sort of a vicious cycle.”
Keith Srakocic/AP View caption Hide caption Workers install fiber-optic high-speed internet cable, March 28, 2020, in East Palestine, Ohio. The workers said the installation is a continuation of scheduled work that started before the current COVID-19 outbreak.
Municipal broadband initiatives, however, can help turn this vicious cycle into a virtuous one. Mr. Cooper cites Chattanooga, Tennessee, where, in 2010, the city’s Electric Power Board began offering fiber-optic connections to all residents. Today, the city boasts download speeds of 1 gigabit per second, about 40 times the national average.
“Ten years ago, that town was kind of a ghost town,” says Mr. Cooper. “When this network came into play, all of a sudden you had these really attractive prospects for companies.”
Within five years, Chattanooga, whose population stands at about 180,000, had generated between 2,800 and 5,200 new jobs, according to a study by the utility, and its lightning-fast broadband speeds had earned it a new nickname: “Gig City.”
Of course, having the option of purchasing high-speed internet is only part of the puzzle. You also need to be able to afford it. A recent study by the U.K. internet comparison site Cable found that prices in the United States, the country that created the internet, ranked 119th out of 195 nations, with an average internet package costing $67.69 a month. The same package in Mexico, by comparison, costs $33.15, and in Canada it costs $34.86.
The result is a sharp divide along racial and class lines over who has broadband; one that, like all such divides, is becoming starker as the pandemic lockdown wears on. According to a 2015 Pew report, just 54% of black Americans and 50% of Hispanic residents have broadband at home, compared with 72% of their white counterparts. According to the report, more Americans are relying on their smartphones to get online, which works fine for consuming content, but is difficult for, say, composing a résumé.
“We’re all participating in this mass experiment. We’re shifting large amounts of our economy into this online world,” says Mr. Cooper. “Without a doubt this crisis will show us pretty definitively the importance of broadband in the home.”
Meg Kinnard/AP View caption Hide caption Wi-Fi-enabled school buses – like this one seen at an apartment complex in Winnsboro, South Carolina, on March 27, 2020 – are being sent to rural and lower-income areas around South Carolina to help homebound students with distance learning.
Prerequisite for modern life?
America’s digital divide is not just about access to technology, says Ms. West, but what she calls “digital readiness,” which she defines as “the combination of skills, but also trust plus willingness” to use technology.
“It’s not just, can you click a button?” she says. “It’s, do you understand how the systems work so that you can use the tools?”
“The skills are one set of things you teach people,” says Ms. West. “But even if somebody told you how to do copy and paste, if you don’t know how to evaluate a website, or you don’t know how to go through all the hurdles of putting your credit card online, you’re in a not-as-ready position to do the things you need to do.”
For students, the sudden shift to online learning can widen this gap. Now, some students are having their education streamed to them on home computers in their parents’ home offices, while others are making do with their phones in crowded apartments.
“Education was in some ways the great leveler for a universal basic level of study,” says Ms. West. “Everyone gets a clean bathroom and a meal they can afford and an education that is geared more or less toward everybody.”
For Ms. Olsen, a librarian at the Lanpher Memorial Library in Hyde Park, Vermont, and the president of the Vermont Library Association, her lack of reliable internet access forced her family to make a wrenching choice: Her two children, students at the University of Vermont in Burlington, are spending the lockdown not back at home, but with friends who have broadband.
“It was a hard decision,” she says. “I can call, but I can’t see their faces.”
As the lockdown drags on, a number of internet service providers are attempting to ensure access. Comcast, for instance, has agreed not to disconnect anyone’s service or charge late fees. Along with Charter Communications, the company has agreed to open free Wi-Fi hotspots across the country. Comcast, Charter, and Spectrum are also offering free trial periods of 60 or 90 days to low-income households. And, around the country, many school districts are repurposing their buses as mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, to help ensure that their students stay connected.
“It’s encouraging to see ISPs rising to the occasion,” says Mr. Cooper. “The internet is no longer a luxury. It’s really a prerequisite for participating in modern life.”
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.


csmonitor--2020-04-08--Lonely? You have a friend in God.

Lonely? You have a friend in God.

A recent editorial in The Christian Science Monitor highlighted the problem of loneliness , particularly in the context of coronavirus containment efforts ( see “ Mercy for the lonely in a pandemic , ” March 27 , 2020 ) .
My thought went back to a time when I found myself in a foreign country far away from home .
I had just finished college , and there was a lot I was trying to figure out for myself at the time – where to live , whom to share a flat with , how to pursue a serious career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The list seemed endless and daunting .
I felt alone !
And I was often unwell physically .
But something deep inside me was reaching out for a stillness and a satisfaction I had glimpsed every now and again while reading a magazine called the Christian Science Sentinel , which helped me learn about the nature of God .
I had a few copies tucked away with me , and as I read some of the articles , peace washed over me .
It felt so pure and calming that I knew what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God .
God speaks to us through the Christ , which I learned in Christian Science is God ’ s message of goodness and care for all that Jesus embodied .
I could sense this communication from God even before I understood it .
It made me feel safe .
And what I was learning gave me a better understanding of God as infinite good , and of my unbreakable relation to God as His beloved daughter .
As a result , the fear of being alone slowly fell away .
I gained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was happier within , and more fully enjoyed the people around me .
I also began to cherish quiet times alone as opportunities to feel the order and constancy of a universal divine Love , dissolving a fear of the unknown .
Our divine Parent , the one and only Father-Mother God , is the very cause of our existence , and God ’ s love is reflected in all His children , here and now .
As my thoughts became more lighthearted , the sadness I often felt melted away .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a new view of myself emerged in which everything seemed brighter , even though my circumstances hadn ’ t outwardly changed that much .
I had found a friend in God .
We see examples of “ friendships ” with God in the Bible .
Moses , the great Hebrew leader who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and through the wilderness , had a humble , close relationship with God : “ The Lord spake unto Moses face to face , as a man speaketh unto his friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us , too , can know and feel the comforting presence of God in our lives .
In a year or so , I transitioned to a new project working closely with a group of wonderful people .
This steered me in a whole new direction .
I strongly felt the hand of God continuing to lead me into a happier mental place and purposeful employment , where I could share my talents to help others as well as benefit from the talents of those around me .
Mary Baker Eddy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Happiness is spiritual , born of Truth and Love .
It is unselfish ; therefore it can not exist alone , but requires all mankind to share it ” ( “ Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures , ” p. 57 ) .
If true happiness is a spiritual quality , rooted in the Divine , it is ours to express and share at every moment .
It ’ s no wonder , then , that alongside reports of loneliness , there are also reports of a surge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time of crisis .
There is a hunger for purposeful relationships and meaningful friendships found in the sweet interactions of helping one another , even if virtually , over the internet .
When we desire to know more about our indissoluble relation to God , we can slowly but surely come to realize that we are never really alone , even when it feels like it .
We can lean on God , allow Him to be our best friend , and let God ’ s kindness and tenderness into our hearts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , too .
Think of it as a peaceful pause in the midst of the thoughts you might be contending with .
God ’ s grace is universal .
His goodness uplifts the heart and leads us into a new place of peace .

A recent editorial in The Christian Science Monitor highlighted the problem of loneliness, particularly in the context of coronavirus containment efforts (see “Mercy for the lonely in a pandemic,” March 27, 2020).
My thought went back to a time when I found myself in a foreign country far away from home. I had just finished college, and there was a lot I was trying to figure out for myself at the time – where to live, whom to share a flat with, how to pursue a serious career, finances, friendships, etc. The list seemed endless and daunting. I felt alone! And I was often unwell physically.
But something deep inside me was reaching out for a stillness and a satisfaction I had glimpsed every now and again while reading a magazine called the Christian Science Sentinel, which helped me learn about the nature of God. I had a few copies tucked away with me, and as I read some of the articles, peace washed over me. It felt so pure and calming that I knew what I was feeling was the presence of God.
God speaks to us through the Christ, which I learned in Christian Science is God’s message of goodness and care for all that Jesus embodied. I could sense this communication from God even before I understood it. It made me feel safe. And what I was learning gave me a better understanding of God as infinite good, and of my unbreakable relation to God as His beloved daughter.
As a result, the fear of being alone slowly fell away. I gained a deeper, spiritual sense of security, was happier within, and more fully enjoyed the people around me. I also began to cherish quiet times alone as opportunities to feel the order and constancy of a universal divine Love, dissolving a fear of the unknown. Our divine Parent, the one and only Father-Mother God, is the very cause of our existence, and God’s love is reflected in all His children, here and now.
As my thoughts became more lighthearted, the sadness I often felt melted away. Some health problems fell away, too, and a new view of myself emerged in which everything seemed brighter, even though my circumstances hadn’t outwardly changed that much. I had found a friend in God.
We see examples of “friendships” with God in the Bible. Moses, the great Hebrew leader who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and through the wilderness, had a humble, close relationship with God: “The Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend” (Exodus 33:11). Each of us, too, can know and feel the comforting presence of God in our lives.
In a year or so, I transitioned to a new project working closely with a group of wonderful people. This steered me in a whole new direction. I strongly felt the hand of God continuing to lead me into a happier mental place and purposeful employment, where I could share my talents to help others as well as benefit from the talents of those around me.
Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer of Christian Science, writes: “Happiness is spiritual, born of Truth and Love. It is unselfish; therefore it cannot exist alone, but requires all mankind to share it” (“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” p. 57). If true happiness is a spiritual quality, rooted in the Divine, it is ours to express and share at every moment.
It’s no wonder, then, that alongside reports of loneliness, there are also reports of a surge in voluntary helpers and companions, particularly during this time of crisis. There is a hunger for purposeful relationships and meaningful friendships found in the sweet interactions of helping one another, even if virtually, over the internet.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
When we desire to know more about our indissoluble relation to God, we can slowly but surely come to realize that we are never really alone, even when it feels like it. We can lean on God, allow Him to be our best friend, and let God’s kindness and tenderness into our hearts – and then share it with others, too.
Think of it as a peaceful pause in the midst of the thoughts you might be contending with. God’s grace is universal. His goodness uplifts the heart and leads us into a new place of peace.