Optimal Being

 A volley of new insights reignites the debate over whether our choices are ever truly our own. You ’ re thirsty so you reach for a glass of water. It ’ s either a freely chosen action or the inevitable result of the laws of nature, depending on who you ask. Do we have free will? The question is ancient — and vexing. Everyone seems to have pondered it, and many seem quite certain of the answer, which is typically either “ yes ” or “ absolutely not. ” One scientist in the “ absolutely not ” camp is   Robert Sapolsky . In his new book,   Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will , the primatologist and Stanford professor of neurology spells out why we can ’ t possibly have free will. Why do we behave one way and not another? Why do we choose Brand A over Brand B, or vote for Candidate X over Candidate Y? Not because we have free will, but because every act and thought are the product of “ cumulative biological and environmental luck. ” Sapolsky tells readers that th...

Have you ever wondered if the place you call home is truly conducive to your overall well-being?   Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, suggests that the climate of your surroundings can significantly impact your health. In essence, the location you choose to live in can either support or hinder your journey to a balanced state of well-being. Ayurveda emphasizes the connection between climate and the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha —each of which represents a unique combination of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether). Your current state, known as vikruti, plays a crucial role in determining the ideal climate for you, while your natural tendencies, or prakriti, also hold significance in this equation. Let’s delve into Ayurvedic wisdom to explore the best climates for each dosha: 1. Vata Dosha: Ideal Climate: Warm, moist, and not too windy. Best Locations: Tropics with lush growth; avoid windy islands or cold, dry, windy plains. For those with a pred...