Good news rarely makes the headlines… except in Ode. To celebrate 2011—and anticipate more good news to come in 2012—here are Ode’s 12 most positive stories from the year that was.
1. A new food manifesto
It’s time to take back control of what and how we eat. Here’s why.
Carolyn Steel
2. Prelude to courage
How anger can improve health, enhance intimacy, spur creativity and even inspire social change.
Diana Rico
3. The compassion instinct
Research shows that a compassionate attitude towards others improves mental and physical health.
Larry Gallagher
4. Wish you were here
Despite its reputation as “the forgotten continent,” Africa is experiencing spectacular growth. More people than ever are rising above the poverty line. It’s time to take a look at the good news coming out of Africa.
Marco Visscher, René Bogaarts and Gerbert van der Aa
5. Farmers as change agents
More and more people are discovering that farming is an economically and ecologically optimistic way to make a living—and to make a difference.
Diane Daniel
6. Make your own money
Local currencies can help create sustainable growth and healthy communities.
Jeff Gates
7. Sonic boon
A search for the healing power of sound.
Marieke Verhoeven
8. Standing in the light
How Johan Boswinkel is using biophotons, the faint light waves emitted by cells, to help the body heal.
Jurriaan Kamp
9. The power of strangers
People are getting back to groups—from niche hobby clubs to mass political protests—changing lives and communities in the process.
Serena Renner
10. A politically incorrect solution to climate change
Global warming seems inevitable. So maybe we should stop trying to prevent it and start finding ways to live with it—through adaptation.
Marco Visscher
11. How the light gets in
Why the “negative” emotions of grief, fear and despair are essential to achieving a positive state of mind.
Miriam Greenspan
12. Permission to dream
How ex-investment banker Bob Hildreth is helping immigrants—legal and illegal alike—get educated and get ahead.
Tom Matlack
To read more positive, solutions-oriented stories, subscribe to a brighter future, subscribe to Ode.
