Disney World’s Epcot Theme
Park is receiving a massive overhaul

Disney unveiled plans for a massive makeover of its Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World in Florida that will include new attractions, new themes and a new look. Some of the attractions, such as a roller coaster themed to the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films and a dark ride based on “Ratatouille,” had been previously announced. At the D23 Expo in Anaheim additional details, like attractions themed to “Mary Poppins” and “Moana” and a new plaza between Spaceship Earth and the World Showcase Lagoon were revealed.

Funeral for first glacier lost to climate change

Iceland has marked its first-ever loss of a glacier to climate change as scientists warn that hundreds of other ice sheets on the subarctic island risk the same fate.

As the world recently marked the warmest July ever on record, a bronze plaque was mounted on a bare rock in a ceremony on the barren terrain once covered by the Okjškull glacier in western Iceland. Around 100 people walked up the mountain for the ceremony, including Iceland’s prime minister, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, the former UN human rights commissioner Mary Robinson, and local researchers and colleagues from the United States who pioneered the commemoration project.

The plaque bears the inscription “A letter to the future”, and is intended to raise awareness about the decline of glaciers and the effects of climate change.

“In the next 200 years all our glaciers are expected to follow the same path. This monument is to acknowledge that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it,” the plaque reads.

Inspiration for practicing self-love

Stillness

Stillness is available to all of us at any time, with practice. It is a state of being still, of being quiet, calm, inactive, relaxed. It is the absence of disturbance that brings inner peace and tranquility, whatever is happening on the outside.

• Repeat a calming phrase. “I am calm” or “I am still” or “I am here now.”
• Listen with soft attention to relaxing music or sounds, such as soothing songs of nature birdsong, ocean waves, falling water.
• As often as you remember, pause, and notice your breathing for a few minutes. Don’t force or control the rhythm, just give attention to your in breath and out breath.
• Create an intentional space in your home where you practice quiet. It might be as simple as a pillow on the floor or a scarf you put over your shoulders.
• Set a timer for two, five or 10 minutes and practice being still with your body. Notice what comes up for you.

Honesty

Honesty is telling the truth and conducting oneself with integrity. When we’re honest with ourselves and others, we experience alignment in what we say and what we do and what we believe, and that is a beautiful way to live.

• When someone asks you to do something you don’t want to do and you feel yourself about to say ‘yes’ anyway, pause. Notice the sensations in your body. And if you’re able, say ‘no’ instead. If you feel you must say ‘yes’, the pause first will allow you to do so intentionally.
• Catch yourself in white lies and say something true.
• To better know your own truth, spend time alone with your thoughts each day. 30 minutes of solitude is an excellent daily practice but even just three minutes can be beneficial for developing strong self-awareness.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is releasing ourselves from the hope that things could have been different. Forgiveness opens the possibility of being at peace, unlocking us from pain or bitterness. Forgiveness does not require that we continue harmful relationships; rather, it allows us to completely untether from the person who hurt us, when that is the most compassionate and self-protective action.

• Find comfort in remembering that everyone is doing their best, including you.
• Give yourself the space and support you need to feel your pain.
• Acknowledge your feelings. Write them in a journal or speak them to a trusted loved one, counselor, or therapist. Allow them to be present, without judgment.
• Give yourself permission to end relationships that are harmful to you.