Wynpress - Term 3, 2019

the human issue

WYNPRESS

Contents Editor's Letter - Mu'minah Salie Can Your Profile Picture Save the World?

- Jenna Ryklief SA: Let's Talk Education Standards - Lischen Natus Mental Illness & Mental Health - Christan Gonsalves Coloured Culture - Kaylen Meiring Representation Matters - Cheyenne Britten Social Justice Support & Human Rights Awareness - Lara Marais Just Some Words on a Page - Nicola Van Tellingen Small things to Save the World - Sage Seef Climate Change & Human Rights - Kelly Blake Secrets - Liezaan Bosch Take a Walk on the Wild Side - Ciara Birch The Issues with Negativity - Marine Bosch

the Editor's Letter - Mu'minah Salie So much has happened in 2019. So many things have turned our heads and shaken our worlds. In 2019, there have been days when we have been divided and then there are the days when we are a united front. Sometimes, it feels almost unreal that we are only eight months into the year.

We are now living in a world where the new compliment and aspiration is “woke” (or at least, it is in many groups of people). This buzz word has surfed through so many platforms -- especially in social media -- and like a tsunami, crashed into us. Suddenly, people are making use of their voices to bring awareness to the important things in their lives. “Knowledge is power” has always been an accepted saying, but its meaning has started to hold more weight as people consciously start learning and reading into today’s matters more and more and more.

From Sudan’s revolution to America’s legislation, more and more people are coming forward to try and actively change the world. Activism, in all its forms, has helped and inspired people. Perhaps we are becoming more human now that we are actually caring more for other humans.

The final issue of the current Wynpress team is dedicated to one big idea: The Human Issue. Page through it and you will find articles on representation, human rights, social media -- whatever moves our writers (and will probably move you, dear reader, too). We can throw around words such as “transformation” and “consciousness”, but what good are those words if we do not give it meaning? It is time that we become more aware of ourselves and our surroundings. It is time that we actually start believing in things. It is time that we fight for our fellow humans.

Wynberg, it is time that we woke up.

CAN YOUR PROFILE PICTURE SAVE THE WORLD? - Jenna Ryklief If you have any sort of presence on social media platforms, you most likely would have noticed the blue profile pictures that have flooded Instagram, Twitter and even Facebook over the past month. You may have stopped and wondered what the meaning behind this recent trend is or , perhaps, you just kept scrolling. Perhaps you made it your personal mission to get to the bottom of it all or you even joined in with the masses.

HOW THIS MOVEMENT BEGAN At this rate, it is no secret what the blue profile pictures symbolize, but those of you who aren’t up to speed, here’s a recap: around early June 2019, Sudan’s military violently cracked down on civilians, demanding Civilian Rule (which they were promised by the military, who took control instead) in the streets after the country’s dictator, Omar al-Bashir, was arrested by the military in April. This has resulted in countless deaths and rapes of Sudanese protesting civilians and a blackout on communication services, cutting Sudan off from the outside world.

Blue profile pictures first appeared after 26-year-old engineer, Mohamed Hashim Mattar, was killed in the violence in Sudan on 3 June 2019. At the time of his death, his profile picture was the shade of blue that would soon be seen on millions of user profile pictures from across the globe and become a symbol of solidarity with Sudan in their ongoing crisis in the hopes to raise awareness about the issue.

New profile colours have more recently arisen in solidarity with other equally important countries facing humanitarian crises that weren’t receiving coverage from mainstream media, for example, red for Yemen, where citizens are without the essentials for survival such as food, water and shelter; yellow for Palestine, where Israeli Jews and Palestine Arabs both want the same land, their conflict resulting in the loss of over 100 000 lives and green for Jammu & Kashmir, an area currently being fought over by India, Pakistan and China (over 60 000 killed).

CAN YOUR PROFILE PICTURE MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Naturally, every movement will have supporters and adversaries. Some say that profile pictures simply cannot change the suffering country’s situation, saying that “Pictures won’t save the world”, while others say the awareness brought to the issue will be enough to help the country (or, at least, make the slightest impact). It is up to you to decide whether you feel that this trend can help the countries facing hardship and show your solidarity or if it is just not worth it.

You have the responsibility of making that choice given that it is your account, your digital footprint is on the line and I’m not going to tell you what to do with your life, but here’s a thought: we need to speak up for what is right and let our voices be heard, especially in today’s society, where many people were silenced for so long and terrible things occurred. More opportunities to be heard have become available, yet people remain silent and bad things continue to happen to innocent people. Sitting silently while others suffer is no longer acceptable behaviour. We all have a voice.

How will you use yours?

SOUTH AFRICA

Let's Talk Education Standards Education. The only weapon that is designed to equip the youth with knowledge which ultimately gives them the power to contribute to the change that we,as a society, are in desperate need. South Africa is the highest contributor in the world to education, spending 6.4% of its GDP, yet we are still at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to the standard of education. We know that education is such an important tool and yet it is evident that the standard of education varies greatly in different parts of South Africa.

In the words of the late President Nelson Mandela, “Education is the great engine of personal development.

It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor; that the son of a mineworker can become the head of a mine; that children of farm workers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.”

The quality of education in the poorer areas of South Africa is still poor, regardless of the investments that the government is putting into education.

As stated by the constitution: “Every child has the right to basic education”.

However, it does not address the quality of education that every child is entitled to receive. Basic education is the very crux of a child’s schooling career and so whatever goes wrong

here will have a major impact on her/his future. The three aspects that play a major role in the state of education in our country are the learners, the teachers and the learning institutions. Looking at recent statistics, the number of learners from 2014 to 2016 showed a steady increase of 2.1% nationally while the number of educators decreased by 1.5% and the number of schools decreased by 0.6%. What this all means is that more children are getting enrolled into schools, but a large percentage of teachers are leaving their occupation for various reasons and so there is a shortage of educators to tend to the children.

In some parts of South Africa, classrooms are in a very bad state, filled to the brim with over 40 learners and teachers who are under constant pressure and stress and are unable to deliver their best. In most rural areas, classrooms are not even available and children have to sit in the shade of trees in order to protect themselves from the scorching heat while teachers need to be creative and use any means possible to put together decent lessons for their students. With environments that cannot facilitate the needs of these eager young minds, the desire to learn often diminishes.

It is only when these stories are brought under the spotlight, that we realize just how fortunate and privileged we are to be sitting in classrooms every day, receiving uninterrupted education of good quality. Imagine what it is like to be subjected to the elements of nature- the scorching heat, dry winds, unrelenting rain- while still trying to absorb the information your teacher is relaying to you. Not a very pleasant thought, right?

The only way to improve our standard of education is to address the three aspects that make up quality education: the learners, the educators and the learning institutions. Education does not only help develop an individual, a community and the nation, it also strengthens the foundation of our future and empowers the youth to make better choices and pursue their dreams. South Africa owes its learners a solid foundation in basic education. It needs educators who are passionate and capable and a healthy learning environment in which its learners can thrive. Although we are gradually edging closer toward providing every child with an ideal education, we still have a long way to go before we achieve it.

- Lieschen Natus

Mental Illness

We live in a time and era where some struggles among the youth are the same.

However, some have begun to escalate. Mental health is a serious topic and plays an important part in the lives of today’s youth. Having a mental illness is not a choice nor is it something about which to feel ashamed or embarrassed. Mental illness occurs all over the world, in every culture, country and socio-economic group.

The effect of having a mental illness is experienced in the feelings and the emotions of those in which it occurs. It happens in families, friend circles and within our communities which is why it becomes extremely important to raise mental health awareness to create a safe and comfortable environment for all. However, in High schools, it can be hard for these environments to be created which becomes a problem as mental illness occurs mainly among teenagers. With that in mind here are a few ways schools and people can try to help...

Mental Health

Start talking about it: The topic of mental health needs to be discussed more in schools, within classrooms, during lessons and amongst learners on a daily basis. This will help to increase understanding of the topic and decrease the stigma around the topic. If this does not happen learners may begin to feel ashamed and insecure about their mental health which could prevent them from seeking help. If both learners and teachers have more open conversations about mental health it will become easier for people to identify their illness and create a better understanding of the topic. Talking about it will also educate learners about mental health resources available. Mental health should be discussed freely for all in order to create a space where everyone is comfortable and safe.

Create a safe space:

"

There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn't.

"

- John Green

It’s natural for people to become more confident and to excel in places where they feel safe — this includes learners who often do better in schools where they feel safe. This means that bullying should be at an all-time low and when incidents occur it will be addressed immediately. Research shows that once learners feel important and begin to create a sense of belonging, have positive peer and teacher relationships, positive mental health within schools will be encouraged in schools.

Safe spaces can also be created by opening up a mental health awareness club, a place where students can come to tell their stories, ask questions and feel safe. A support system will be created for these learners or staff. Bonds and relationships would be formed in this club and society and will allow everyone to feel as if they are not alone.

Train staff in mental health: Just like friends and family, educators can become support systems for many students who are seeking help or guidance. In order to help those with a mental illness, a teacher needs to have the proper understanding and training on how to handle these situations. Training will allow educators to recognize the signs of a student who may have a mental illness without their realizing it. All educators should have a basic understanding of mental health and what risks or circumstances they may encounter.

Handling one's mental health and raising awareness is a very sensitive topic and cannot be done on a small scale or handled incorrectly. It involves a shift in the way people think, behave and communicate with one another in order to create a comfortable and safe place for all. There is only so much we can do to help each other and try to understand what one is going through. Schools, communities, families and organizations should be working together to ensure help to promote positive mental health in our youth. Whether it is one's mental health or physical health, we should be in an environment where everyone is protected, recognized and accepted.

- Christan Gonsalves

Lots of C ol o u r but Loss o f Cultu r e In the current South Africa, in which we live, we are no longer dependent on the colour of our skin to determine our wealth, opportunities and areas. We are now able to do things people of the past were never able to do. With the gaining of this freedom and freedom of culture, one might say that we have somewhat lost a sense of where we have come from, especially if we look at it from a “coloured” perspective.

It’s as if “coloured” people have created a spectrum of how “coloured” they are and can choose to be and by doing this we have forgotten what it means to carry the heritage and culture of the term “coloured”.

But where did this all start?

When did it begin?

One could say that it originated from the apartheid idea of what it meant to be coloured and how it was viewed under a negative light, just like all the other “non-white” races. After all these years coloured people’s vibrant colourful culture has taken a turn for the worse and is labelled as violent and represented by drug-addicted, alcoholic gangsters. Now some “coloured” people look down on those who speak with proper accents, dress fancy, go to better schools, live in certain areas because these were more typically white things to achieve. On many occasions in my own life I have been told “you keep you white” and I feel as if that is a reality for many “coloured” girls. By doing this we as “coloured” people are making our own kind feel bad about having the opportunities they have been denied for decades and making it harder for us to celebrate our culture and heritage as one. It shouldn’t matter how typically “coloured” you are. We all belong to the same culture and we are all South African. No matter our race, culture, religion or gender we should be celebrating our freedom while remembering where we come from.

- Kaylen Meiring

Representation Matters

Diversity in television is on the rise and is a powerful tool in the age of mass media.Even though representation in the media has improved over the years, there is still not enough. Representation matters-it matters to the little black girl or boy to see a superhero just like them;it matters to someone struggling to come to terms with their sexuality see confident LGBTQ+ characters, and it matters to those with a disability to see people like them and show them that they are not alone in the world.

Children are the most receptive and impressionable. From the books they read to the movies and TV shows they watch. The information that is disseminated and the characters they see, teach them that that’s what the world is about. Poor representation can lead to children creating negative views of themselves.

Disney plays a big role in the upbringing of many children and over the years Disney has become more and more diverse. Just recently Halle Bailey was cast as Ariel for the remake of The Little Mermaid. This caused some conversation, because the original cartoon version is white and Bailey is black. Disney made 49 movies from 1937 to 2009 before they had one with a black princess.

It took 70 years for black girls to see themselves being portrayed onscreen. Therefore, casting Halle Bailey as Ariel should not be an issue complained about by white people because they are able to relate to more characters. This is an opportunity for others to have a chance to see themselves as Disney Princesses.

Toy Story 4 showed how representation matters when it comes to disabilities- a child in Bonnie's class has a cochlear implant and Bo Peep’s loss of a limb shows that she can still be a strong and positive woman. The creators have acknowledged the need for representation and by including these characters, it takes big strides in the right direction.However, some shows will have forced representation where they place a black character here and a queer character there just to appear progressive. This is not what the world looks like. It's not natural because, I can assure you, the world does not consist only of Barbie and Ken look-alikes.

Even small details have the biggest impact. Personally, seeing women embracing their natural hair over the years has made me feel more confident in embracing my own, such as Lena Adams Foster played

by Sherri Saum in the Fosters and Yara Shahidi playing Zoey in Blackish. This changed the idea that straight hair was more beautiful and it made me proud of the hair on my head. Representation reminds not only children, but adults as well, that there are people out there that are just like them, that they aren't alone. It helps us to embrace who we are and to be proud of it because it's comforting seeing characters with whom we can relate. These diverse experiences need voices, too.

A list of TV shows that embrace representation and diversity: Good Trouble Special Black Panther Crazy Rich Asians Chambers Jessica Jones Transparent Pose The Society Jane the Virgin On My Block Kim’s Convenience How to get away with Murder Shrill Black-ish Speechless

- Cheyenne Britten

Socia l Ju s t i c e Support & Huma n I s s u e s Awareness Keepi n g i t S i m p le & Meaningful - Lara Marais In the words of Jenn-Li, an American activist: ''If an injustice moves you, just do something to acknowledge that feeling.''

In an ever-changing world filled with injustice and human issues, we, as the current generation, need to take a stand. With the access to different media we have today, it is so incredibly easy to find ways to do our bit in helping and improving the lives of those who need it most. Be it an environmental, social or political cause, there is a solution for each of us to help work towards and be a part of.

Educate yourself on a movement that interests/moves/reso nates with you

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Google is your best friend in this case! Research basic information about a particular movement as well as the issues with which it deals; its mission and its beliefs. Read books regarding human issues and visit official organisation websites to gain a deeper level of understanding. Another key element to educating yourself is to keep actively updated on daily news around the world by means of websites like News24, reading the newspaper, listening to the radio or watching news channels every evening.

Evaluate your own habits and beliefs

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While you might be incredibly invested in a particular movement, make sure that you are doing your utmost not to contribute to the problem at hand. Unlearn any sort of bad behaviour or habits by learning to eliminate certain actions or disrespectful vocabulary.

Involve yourself with like-minded people

By getting to know people in your community who is working to combat the same human issues as you, you can gain so much more knowledge. Local activist groups usually hold regular meetings that you can attend and which can enable you to get more involved with a specific organisation. While getting to know people of similar beliefs and missions to you, getting to know people dealing with other human issues is extremely important, too. Make an effort to learn about the cultures, languages or daily issues faced by other people.

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4 Take action actively in your community Join in on a protest or attend a demonstration.

Getting friends to join you is an even better idea that not only helps to further educate them on an issue, but also provides you with an opportunity to spread awareness by taking active resistance.

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Take action online: Use social media for a greater cause Social media doesn't just have to be for posting your regular photos! Social media is the perfect place to share knowledge, post articles, share videos, attach links or give updates on a particular issue.

These platforms can also be used to form discussions and groups to organize meetings or as a place to simply talk about any issues you might have.

Volunteer your time or donate to an organisation

Volunteering costs nothing but your time and a willing heart. It is such an easy and simple step to take that will provide more help to an organisation than you'll ever know. There are numerous worthy organisations at clinics, homeless shelters, animal shelters, safe houses, orphanages or schools. Giving back to your community is something you can and should regularly do, taking an active and helpful stance. However, if volunteering or speaking out against something is not something you're comfortable with, by sending in a small or large donation or gift to an organisation, being a paid member of an organisation or supporting and buying products to help support an organisation, you can still get involved in providing help and awareness. “The people who make the biggest difference are the ones who do the little things consistently.’’

Just Some Words on a Page Language, every language, is a beautiful thing for there are so many varieties - so many possibilities.

The words and phrases you speak every day form a crucial part of how you are perceived by the world and how you choose to present yourself to the world.

They are an integral form of self-expression. Just as you choose what to wear in the morning or how to style your hair, the words you choose to use influence and affect all those around you. There is also a difference between the most extravagant word and the right one, which is often the simplest.

Furthermore, words “speak” to souls. (Pun not intended) A remorseful poem, a heart-warming song or detailed story all have the ability to reach people far beyond what would have been thought possible.

Crucially, words help us to relate to others with similar struggles. With words we, as humans, are no longer alone. We have some form of a common struggle; some form of mutual understanding. In our loneliest moments, words provide comfort, and in our most peaceful and sheltered moments, words provide discomfort. Language is,perhaps, the best example of a magnificent human invention for it does not just fulfil its purpose of communication - it does so much more. It heals and shatters; loves and hurts; it goes above and beyond its original purpose and creates beauty and pain. The mark of a true miracle in its baffling hypocrisy.

It’s often difficult to grasp that these very intangible things, when spoken, have such power. But their strength and influence don’t simply end with selfexpression and art; they extend to concepts like respect and intention. Just as language is a beautiful part of humanity,it can just as easily be incredibly dangerous.

The words you speak convey your intentions whether consciously or subconsciously. How you choose to address your adversaries, how you choose to address your friends and how you choose to address yourself all contribute to who you are as a person. Your character is not stagnant- it changes as the words that leave your mouth do. But even more than that, the words you use to express your beliefs are important. In fact, they are vital because words have the power to hurt and hurt deeply.

The impact of hurt and emotional pain is often underestimated in the degree in which it shapes an individual. The words you speak - these things over which you have supreme control - can alter someone’s mind, self-image and perspective. The consequences are far beyond your reach or anticipation.

Language, and words, are the bearers of positivity, inspiration, motivation, joy, and hope. They are just as often bearers of pain, hopelessness, cruelty and despair. The duality they exhibit is unparalleled. In my mind, there is nothing else that is quite “human”.

Nothing else, to me, represents as accurately the human dilemma. The struggle to choose to embrace a capacity for love over just as great a capacity for hate.

No one person can counter humanity’s capacity for cruelty, but every person can measure their words.

Every person can, in finding and appreciating the beauty of words, foster happiness instead of inflicting pain. Your words can either be humanized or weaponized. That power is possessed by every individual.

- Nicola Van Tellingen

What's causing the global environmental crisis? The answer is right in front of you.

- Sage Seef As global temperature levels continue to rise, and the effects of climate change begin to crash down on us. We, as consumers, begin to wonder what we can do to preserve our earth. Yes, we can cut down on single-use plastics and turn off the tap while brushing our teeth, but what we don’t realise are the environmental problems lying right under our noses.

These are common household items that are doing more harm to the environment than we think.

Toothpaste Yes, toothpaste. Although it may be obvious that plastic toothpaste packaging may cause harm, what many people don’t realise is that many brands use microbeads of plastic. We can’t throw microbeads away like we can the bulky packaging. Instead, it ends up flowing into the drain.

Because of the size of these beads, they easily end up in waterways and eventually to our oceans which proves to be having devastating effects on the health of our beloved ocean with the millions of tons of plastic entering our ocean every year. Many countries have banned the use of microbeads in cosmetic products like face scrubs. Unfortunately, South Africa is not quite there yet.

The best thing to do is to check the ingredients and make an informed decision from there.

Single-use chopsticks Many people are switching out single-use plastic items for single-use bamboo items in the hopes of lessening plastic pollution. Yes, they are biodegradable and seem like the obvious choice, but for the 25 minutes you spend eating your sushi, millions of trees are cut down each year to produce these eating utensils. Not to mention, they’re bad for your health, too, as they contain harmful industrial chemicals used in the manufacturing process. Instead, purchase your own pair of reusable chopsticks, or dine in as many restaurants which provide reusable chopsticks just as they would other western cutlery.

Birth control pills Birth control pills do not only affect the fertility of women, but studies have shown that the hormones affect the fertility of fish, which could have a detrimental effect on the fish population and the surrounding ecosystems. Hormones found in ‘the pill’ are not able to be filtered out of water systems and once excreted, makes their way through water systems and into oceans and rivers. Effects can be seen in the feminization of male fish, delayed reproduction, and kidney problems. These effects extend further than fish and have an impact on larger mammals as well. This has proved to be a hot topic of debate as contraception is seen as primary healthcare. The question remains: should we have fewer babies or less fish in the world? It’s a discussion.

Deodorant Deodorant, as well as other products packaged in aerosol cans, still contain greenhouse gases.

You may have learnt that to help combat the problem of the excess of greenhouse gases in our environment, there has been a ban on CFCs. Yes, there are no more CFCs in deodorant,but they still contain nitrous oxide and hydrocarbons which are both harmful greenhouse gases, not to mention the other carcinogenic ingredients. The best thing you can do is opt for roll-on, and if you need to, a spritz of perfume in a spray bottle.

Wet wipes These convenient wipes are not so conveniently broken down. Although they may look like toilet paper, they are not as easily broken down and, therefore, should not be flushed down the toilet.

They are a primary cause for the ongoing problem of blocked sewage pipes and millions land up in marine environments.

As consumers, we are constantly bombarded with a choice of products, many of which we can’t live without. The best thing to do when shopping is to think whether the item is biodegradable, recyclable or reusable. If you answer “No” to these questions, is the item a necessity and what other options are available as an alternative?

Climate Change & Human Rights In today’s world, we are exposed to countless social media posts and news articles overwhelming us with ways to reduce our contribution to the climate change crisis as well as frightening new statistics and reports of the consequences of the damage we have caused to our environment. However, we tend to forget the negative impact that climate change has on our human rights. As a result of climate change, areas around the world experience extreme natural disasters. For example, scientists state that rising temperatures and decreasing humidity are some of the reasons behind the wildfires that California experienced last year and will play a large role in causing more destructive wildfires in the future. Amongst many other factors that can be attributed to climate change, greenhouse gases cause the global temperature to increase and this heat will dry out vegetation. Dry bushes and grass serve a vital source of fuel for wildfires once they ignite. The wildfires that struck California last year caused the death of around 100 people and contributed to many residents becoming homeless. The smoke from the fires also caused a huge threat to the health of those in the area. This natural disaster is just one example out of many others linked to climate change.Climate change can affect people’s rights to food,safe drinking water, health and shelter.

- Kelly Blake

Secrets

Everyone has kept a secret at some point in their life. It may be their own secret or one someone else told them to keep. In fact, the average person keeps thirteen secrets at a time. The funny thing is that secrets are bad for your health, yet we still insist on keeping them hidden.

Studies have shown that keeping secrets causes fear, which usually leads to depression and anxiety. We tend to focus on what can go wrong when we tell the secret or if it gets out. We try to hide the secret even more deeply or forget about it, but when you try to forget something, it tends to show up in your thoughts more than usual. It can even bother you in your nightmares. The moment you try to hide something, there is a larger chance of it being discovered. When someone asks if you know something that they don’t know, or whether you did something wrong, your thoughts tend to jump to that secret, even if it has nothing to do with the question or person. This leads to lies upon lies and even more secrets that you have to try and keep.

- Liezaan Bosch

There are many different ways to get your secret out of your system. One of the most common ways is talking to a counsellor. When you tell your secret to someone who doesn’t know anything about you or doesn’t have any influence in your daily life, it can be easier to talk, as there isn’t the constant fear of the secret getting out.

Counsellors can also give you advice on how to handle the secret and whether you should tell the person whom the secret concerns. If you still find it hard to talk to a counsellor, you can write down your secrets in a journal and keep a lock on it.

This can help you to share the secret without having to tell someone who could end up telling someone else what it is. Another way to share your secrets is to talk to your pet.

Secrets have ways of revealing themselves if you don’t stop worrying about them. It is important to get them out of your system, and by sharing them with someone or something you trust, is the best way to do that. When it comes to keeping secrets, it is more important to focus on your mental health by destroying your fear that the secret holds over you. Another perspective can help you to sort out what to do and enjoy the things around you.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

- Ciara Birch

You are not your body. You are not your actions. You are not your feelings. You are not your thoughts. “You are the universe in ecstatic motion.” - Rumi So where does that leave you?

It leaves you as part of a system - a cycle - a piece of the celestial puzzle. But, as much as you are part of a sort of a constant, moving system; you have the freedom to choose how you do or do not participate in the system. The onus falls on you to integrate or isolate yourself.

We tend to isolate ourselves from the natural world in different ways. There are those who bury themselves in their work. Be that “studenting”, mothering, entrepreneuring, bossing, or employee-ing. People who live like this seldom take a break, and when they do, the mind is often too tired and seeks sleep or easy entertainment. Others take the moments after work, and,indeed, steal time away from work, to transport the mind away from its owner. Be that through Netflix watching, gaming, Pintresting, facebook posting, Instagram posing, or YouTube binging.

Although a good three hours on Pinterest scrolling through pins about how to organise one’s room (that ends with watching gifs of dogs, covered in rolls of fat, running in slow motion) has its time and space; it is time-consuming, and often ends with selfdeprecating emotions, such as regret.

Suppose, for a moment, that our desperate search for satisfaction and thrill could be met outside of a ten-hour Netflix binge, or a weekend of playing video games. Suppose that there are better ways to disconnect ourselves from ourselves. Suppose that a simultaneous meditative and adrenaline-high state could be reached simply by taking a walk on the wild side.

I recently hiked a section of the Wild Coast. Over the duration of five days, I walked over ninety kilometres. My group hiked in almost splendid isolation. To my left, as far as the eye could see was the treacherous waters of the Indian Ocean. To my right the grassy hills of Pondoland. The setting brought to my mind images of the Scottish highlands, although the coast surely has a radically warmer climate. There were hardly any other large lifeforms - apart from herds of cows that strangely loved the beach. I felt small and insignificant, but not in a bad way. Instead, I was part of something bigger than myself. With each step I took, I was filled with purpose and a gentle joy that bubbled at the back of my mind. Looking down at foam-covered water, as it ate away the coastline, made my heart thump. Clambering up a gorge, having to place each foot delicately, so as not to cause a rockfall almost shattered my nerves. Yet, I was fine. My need for stomach-clenching excitement was satiated by adrenaline, and counterbalanced by the meditative state induced by walking that required concentration. When one walks in nature you have to think about each step, where your foot will land, where your weight will be held. I found that when I was walking, in silence, my usually overactive mind was quelled. I thought of nothing in particular, instead, my mind meandered, slowly swirling around trains of thought.

According to The New Yorker article “Why Walking Helps Us Think” by Ferris Jabr: “When we stroll, the pace of our feet naturally vacillates with our moods and the cadence of our inner speech; at the same time, we can actively change the pace of our thoughts by deliberately walking more briskly or by slowing down. Because we don’t have to devote much conscious effort to the act of walking, our attention is free to wander—to overlay the world before us with a parade of images from the mind’s theatre.”

The same article found that it is best to walk in nature because “a crowded intersection —rife with pedestrians, cars, and billboards—bats our attention around. In contrast, walking past a pond in a park allows our mind to drift casually from one sensory experience to another, from rippling water to rustling reeds.”

The crux of the matter is that time spent walking in nature does something to the soul.

It allows you to clear your mind, sort through problems, and put things into perspective almost subconsciously.

I am by no means suggesting that you take a fifteen-kilometre hike whenever you feel stressed about something, such as examinations. However, when you are feeling stressed, your mind is fluttering; you are feeling bored; or, even just lazy to the bone, take a walk on the wild side.

Go for a walk along the beach, in the park, up the mountain, in the forest, or around a garden. If you cannot walk, admire. Sit in the Brink Quad and gaze up at the trees, lie on the grass and look at the sky, sit in the Eco Club’s fynbos garden and watch the plants. Find another non-human piece of the celestial puzzle and connect with it.

“You should sit in nature for twenty minutes a day… unless you are busy. Then you should sit for an hour” - Anonymous

The Issues with Negativity - Mariné Bosch “I am positive that I will fail.”

“She hates me.”

“Everything I do is disastrous.”

Does this sound familiar? The chances are that you have made such a comment before. This is as a result of a negative mindset. These comments are not completely true, but are rather exaggerated opinions based on one event that did not turn out the way you had hoped it would.

As Joyce Meyer said, “You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind.” In order to live a life full of joy and happiness, you simply have to shift your negative mindset toward a positive direction.

Obviously, this is easier said than done. You cannot ‘fix’ your thoughts automatically by flipping a switch, but you can follow a few steps to aid yourself in thinking more positively.

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Focus on your strengths. We tend to place a lot of emphasis on our weaknesses. This starts negative self-talk as we compare ourselves to individuals who thrive in the areas of our weakness. Instead of constantly complaining about our weaknesses, we should take pride in our strengths and continue to strengthen them.

Stop comparing yourself to others. Today’s society has a nasty habit of comparing individuals. This causes individuals to feel inadequate and useless as they feel that everyone is always judging them.

The act of comparing two individuals is,in actual fact, utter nonsense. How can we measure the qualities and successes of two individuals if they have completely different personalities and backgrounds? Don’t allow yourself to put yourself down in this way. You should only ever compare your present self with your past self. Try to become a better version of yourself each day.

Smile. Smiling is not only a basic starting point for positive thinking; it is also a way to share your positivity with those around you. You can brighten another person’s day and spread the happiness that comes with positive thinking by smiling.

It takes time to change a habit, such as negative thinking.

Be patient. If you find yourself struggling to change your mindset, ask people whom you trust to help you and to remind you of these three steps which can start you off.

Don’t lose hope! With practice, you can learn to think more positively and live the life you dream of.

The Talmud states, "Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly now, love mercy now, walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it."

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