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WHEN I was asked to write this article, my heart started beating faster, my hands started shaking and my thoughts went into overdrive coming up with what felt like hundreds [...]

Book https://eandtbooks.com/books/sunken-lands/ Gareth E. Rees(Elliott and Thompson) A tour of the world's great flood myths is a fascinating if stark warning about human hubris in ignoring our place in nature, [...]

This article provides an overview of anxiety, discussing its prevalence, causes, and effects. It explains that anxiety is a natural response to risky situations but can become problematic when it persists in safe environments. The article explores the brain mechanisms involved in anxiety and the role of interoception. It also examines the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to anxiety, including the influence of gut microbiome and caffeine intake. The article discusses the rise of anxiety disorders in high-income countries, potentially influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, economic stressors, and political stressors. It highlights the increasing prevalence of childhood anxiety, possibly driven by climate change, social media, and smartphones. Effective treatments for anxiety in young people, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, are available. The article also addresses eco-anxiety, emphasizing that it is a rational response to ecological breakdown rather than a mental health condition. It suggests coping strategies for eco-anxiety and explores the benefits of anxiety, such as improved problem-solving abilities and health outcomes. The article concludes by providing tips on how to support someone experiencing anxiety. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses two recommendations made by the New Scientist. The first recommendation is a book titled "Systemic: How racism is making us ill" by Layal Liverpool. The book explores the impact of racism on people's health, using personal experiences, interviews, and statistics. It highlights the physical and psychological effects of racism and criticizes the use of "race adjustments" in medical test results. The second recommendation is an art exhibition featuring the works of Yayoi Kusama at the Serralves Museum in Porto, Portugal. The exhibition showcases Kusama's nature-inspired sculptures and paintings. The article also mentions a giant pumpkin created by Kusama in Kensington Gardens in London. [Extracted from the article]

In the article "A peek inside" from New Scientist, Daniel Tammet, an autistic author, presents nine narrative portraits of neurodiverse individuals in his book "Nine Minds: Inner lives on the spectrum." Tammet aims to explore the unique and creative worlds of these individuals, challenging stereotypes and prejudices associated with autism. The profiles include a British police officer, a hand and wrist surgeon, a writer, an engineer, and others, highlighting their experiences, challenges, and strengths. Tammet skillfully weaves together their stories in an engaging and sensitive style, emphasizing the damage caused by ignorance and the need to push back against negative stereotypes. While some profiles may stay at a surface level, the overall message of the book is that there is no single neurodiverse experience, celebrating the power and beauty of the autistic imagination. [Extracted from the article]

I got a very different perspective reading An Island Ecology by Sarah Thomas, in which she describes seeing a whale hunt on the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic. I have been immersing myself in nature books recently, and my latest discovery has been Pod by Laline Paull (our latest book club pick, see top of page). Told mainly from the point of view of a spinner dolphin called Ea, it is at times violent and disturbing, but also the most affecting portrayal of humanity's actions on the oceans and the creatures that live there that I have read. [Extracted from the article]