Galapagos marine iguanas teach us the power of resilience, adaptability, and energy balance.  They are the only iguanas in the world that thrive by diving 20 meters deep into the sea to feed on algea, holding their breath up to 40 minutes, and shedding excess salt and bone tissue to adapt to available food sources as they recharge on hot lava rocks.

There is nothing more heartbreaking and challenging than the death of a child. Darwin’s grief with the death of his 10-year-old daughter, Annie, in 1851 had a profound impact on his personal life and scientific worldview. Annie’s death reinforced his conviction that compassion and altruism elevate humanity beyond its animal instincs.

Self-compassion is more effective than will-power to transcend the adversity, suffering, and addiction. Recognizing that being human means making mistakes shifts our focus from perfection to acceptance, learning, and growth.