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Just my thoughts #0785

Olfactory: Charles Spence, the world-renowned scientist who invented gastrophysics, explains that although aging diminishes all human senses, most people believe they would miss sight the most. However, according to quality-of-life indicators and suicide rate data, losing the sense of smell is actually more harmful than losing sight. Even if we lose sight as we age, we can still find comfort in hearing the voices of loved ones and recalling memories. In contrast, when we lose our sense of smell, there is no way to recreate those experiences, and memories of scents cannot be imagined or recalled in abundance. To enrich our lives, we should focus on increasing our scent experiences, as the ability to smell is a key contributor to happiness. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Just my thoughts #0212

Jesus taught, “If you got slapped your right cheek, turn the other cheek.” One of the actions that the Jewish Qumran community denied and forbade was “pointing with the left hand.” Violations of this rule brought sanctions from the community. To hit the right cheek means the opponent strikes with an unclean left or right backhand. This cheek slap is deliberately insulting and humiliating rather than merely a pain-inflicting action. Therefore, this teaching of Jesus, “turn the other cheek,” suggests not allowing oneself to be struck by the back of the hand and can signify not being helpless but being active in nonviolent resistance without seeking revenge or retaliation. Perhaps this teaching carries a frightening meaning. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”