You don’t need to be a monk to find solitude, nor do you need to be a hermit to enjoy it.

Solitude is a lost art in these days of ultra-connectedness, and while I don’t bemoan the beauty of this global community, I do think there’s a need to step back from it on a regular basis.

Some of my favorite activities include sitting in front of the ocean, still, contemplating … walking, alone with my thoughts … disconnecting and just writing … finding quiet with a good novel … taking a solitary bath.

Don’t get me wrong: I love being with loved ones, and walking with a friend or watching the sunset with my wife or reading a book with my child are also among my absolute favorite things in the world.

But solitude, in these days as much as ever, is an absolute necessity.

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‘Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.’ ~Victor Frankl

Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Gail Brenner, Ph.D. of A Flourishing Life.

Are you ready to be a warrior for inner peace? Doing less and organizing more simplifies for sure. But until you deal with the ways you get knotted up inside, your life will be complicated, and the glory of inner peace will elude you.

Inner peace is revealed when the inner war ends. We stop looking outside ourselves for solutions to our problems and, instead, turn our attention inward to make peace with our own experience. This simple movement of attention is revolutionary. It heals, calms, and clarifies like nothing else.

From Darkness to Light

We are experts at denying our experience. Take any habit that doesn’t serve you – compulsively shopping or staying busy, self-judgment, jealousy. If you trace it back to its root, you will find an expectation or feeling you have been avoiding.

These hidden aspects of ourselves thrive when we ignore them, leaving fear, desire, and lack to unconsciously drive our behavior. Once they are illuminated by becoming aware, we see how they operate, and we can make a different choice. No more conflict. No more confusion. Finally, peace.

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A comfortable work space can help you feel your best at work — maybe even boost productivity. Give your work space a makeover with this visual guide to office ergonomics.

If you sit behind a desk for hours at a time, aches and pains may be a common part of your workday. Still, you’re not doomed to a career of neck and back pain or sore wrists and fingers. In addition to taking short breaks from sitting, proper office ergonomics — including correct chair height, adequate equipment spacing and good desk posture — can help you stay comfortable at work.

Ready to give your work space a makeover? Get started with this visual guide to office ergonomics. Simply move your mouse pointer over the labels on the image.

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"A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.’ ~Lao Tzu

I’m often asked what inspired me to become a minimalist. The answer: I fell in love with traveling lightly.

After over-packing on a few trips—and suffering the misery of lugging around a heavy suitcase—I vowed never to check a bag again. On my first trip to Europe, I opted for a small carry-on instead (replacing my wardrobe of clothes with a packet of laundry detergent).

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The first decade of the 21st century saw two economic downturns, and quite a few corporate failures. This has caused corporate leaders to examine how to guide their organizations through these times effectively, so that they continue to be successful.

But what does "success" really mean? Does it mean high profits, or high dividends for shareholders? Or does it mean being more efficient, building for the future, and operating with a structure that will survive the difficult times?

If your success strategy is primarily based on profit, it probably won’t provide enough incentives to consider the long-term impacts of your decisions.

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The parts of our DNA which may influence body shape, including the classic “apple” or “pear” shape in women, have been revealed.

A UK study in Nature Genetics found the locations of 13 genes which may play a role, with a stronger effect in women.

Where body fat lies may affect diabetes and heart disease risk, so the results could shed light on those diseases.

A British Heart Foundation spokesman said the findings could lead to new dietary advice or medicines.

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Your best friend, companion and greatest listener might be the one who snuggles up with you during a nap, can’t wait to take a walk in the afternoon, and gives you big sloppy kisses or purrs when you let them know how much you love them. For those of you have a pet, you know what I’m talking about.

Research has shown time and again that there are positive benefits to having a pet in the home when you’re going through a health crisis or dealing with a chronic disease. The positive benefits are true for all age groups, from young children through adults.

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