After more than three decades of alienation from my birthplace, I decided to go back to my roots and chose to visit the beach where I and my siblings used to go on Sundays when we were young. Things have changed. I saw this humble local fisherman and exchanged a few words. One thing that caught my attention is the sea urchins, for which I have forgotten the local name. He gave me one to taste, and I felt the freshness of it—the long-forgotten savor of the urchins. I then asked, "How much do I owe you for that?" He replied, "It's not for sale; it's free; it's for everyone; it's the fruit of our sea." I was so embarrassed and humbled (in the Western world, nothing is for free). How much have I lost and forgotten about my roots, my values, and my cultural identity?

Scientists have found evidence that those who cultivate love, compassion and generosity have greater peace of mind, while constant anger, envy and fear make us uneasy and are bad for health. 

Common sense too tells us that people who are moved by love, compassion, simplicity and humilty are peaceful and happy.
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