Articles written by Mary Pat Lynch

What is Helium

About me - Mary Pat Lynch

I live and write in Southeast Ohio on seven acres of fields and woods. I'm an educator, a dreamer, and a Mom; a reader, a writer, and an idealist.

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Education > Educational Philosophy The effects of a competitive academic environment: 1 of 19
Motivation - why we do what we do - is the wellspring of our lives. It's related to other values we claim to prize, like commitment, loyalty, setting high standards for ourselves, and striving to reach them. It determines whether we persevere in the face of challenge, and whether we cheat to get what we want. Motivation matte... More..
Health & Fitness > Emotional Health & Wellbeing Enjoying simple pleasures: 1 of 17
Life is complicated, so it's vital to cultivate simple pleasures. When the going gets tough, it will be the simple pleasures, well established, that get you through.To be effective, simple pleasures must be carefully chosen and nourished over time. Start early, try things out, find out what works for you, and stick with it. W... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Autumn inspiration: 1 of 16
It's September, with autumn's chill in the air. The rains feel heavy, and ground fogs are thick. Yet the leaves are still green; tomatoes ripen; and students walk to class in shorts and sandals. My favorite time of year: a season of change, not quite one thing, nor yet the other.The Chinese recognize this time of year as a se... More..
Health & Fitness > Health Testimonies Living with a disability: 5 of 51
Next time you're at the mall, the movies, or the ballpark, look around. Without staring or being rude, find the individuals living with disabilities. You included everyone in a wheelchair, with a walker, or with another visible problem, right?Now look again. One in ten of the people around you who look just fine, also have a ... More..
Education > Educational Philosophy Is competition in school helpful or harmful to the students?: 7 of 45
Competition in schools today is harmful to young people and our society. Modern education pits students against each other for a limited number of top spots. Competing in this way teaches our children that winning is more important than learning, and only a few can win. It kills the love of learning we are born with and repla... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Self-Awareness & Realization Knowing yourself through your dreams: 1 of 6
Dreams are a wonderful, mysterious, fun way to learn about yourself. Recording and exploring your dreams can heal old wounds, help solve problems, and open up new worlds. But before you begin, there's one thing you should know: YOU are the only expert on your dreams, the only one who knows what they mean."What a minute," you ... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Flying: 11 of 44
I dream of flyingDeadalus, Icarus, Abu'l Qasim, ibn Firuas,men glue feathersto stiff framesleap from cliffsbelieving in muscle and willscience and lawthey fallwomen fly more easily it seemsassuming feathered formsin moonlight, by waterthey wing silently throughstarry skies and dreamsuntil one day she is caughtin human formher... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Astrology & Prophecy What is your natal chart: 1 of 4
Imagine the moment of your birth. At that time, in that place, you entered the world as a breathing, quite possibly yelling, tiny person.Now imagine, at your birth, you can see outside into the heavens. To the east, you see stars and planets just rising above the horizon. More stars and planets fill the sky directly above you... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Christmas Making spirits bright: Ways we can renew the Christmas season: 3 of 9
A child's winter holidays are full of anticipation: How long til the last day of school Will I get a good part in the holiday play. If I do, will I remember my lines? Will we have company this year? Will we go visiting? How many cookies can I have? How long until I can open my gifts? This is a time when religious and secular ... More..
Sciences > Physical Anthropology How to choose an anthropology graduate program: 1 of 3
Anthropology is a complex, fascinating field which makes choosing the right graduate program especially challenging. The critical thing is finding the best match between your interests and what the program offers; in anthropology this includes a variety of factors.Let's assume for the moment that money and location are not co... More..