Advancements in pediatric nephrology have significantly improved the survival rates of children and adolescents with kidney diseases, necessitating a transition from pediatric to adult medical care as they reach adulthood.

Ancestor worship is a deeply rooted tradition across various cultures, with rituals designed to honor and connect with the deceased. In South Sulawesi, the Kajang tribe celebrates a Thanksgiving ceremony involving animal sacrifice and blessings. The Toraja people practice elaborate death ceremonies, including the Ma’Nene ritual. In Mexico and Spain, the Day of the Dead is a time for families to honor their ancestors with food and celebrations. In Bali, Galungan is a day of silence and offerings to welcome the spirits of deceased loved ones. These practices highlight the universal human desire to maintain a connection with ancestors.

Gabriela M. Gutierrez reflects on the two-year journey of her publication, 'Under a Fig Tree,' sharing personal anecdotes and the significance of the fig tree in her life. She discusses the growth of her subscriber base, expresses gratitude to her supporters, and outlines ways readers can support her work. Gabriela also introduces new features and offers a discount for new paid subscribers, emphasizing her commitment to making her work accessible. She invites readers to engage with her content and share their stories, fostering a sense of community.

The author explores the concept of personal religion, emphasizing the importance of both intellectual refinement and a soulful, sensuous life. Drawing from personal experiences and encounters with diverse religious practices, the text advocates for a 'third way' that transcends organized religion and New Age spirituality. The narrative highlights the significance of direct mystical experiences and the balance between belief in a unifying consciousness and existentialist principles. The author reflects on the influence of mentors and philosophical figures, advocating for a personal cosmology and spiritual exploration.

The author explores the distinction between ritual and religion, drawing from personal experiences and academic insights. Reflecting on a course taken at Oxford University, the text delves into how ancient peoples perceived religious and ritual behavior, noting the inseparability of religion and social life in many cultures. The narrative emphasizes the intertwined nature of the sacred and the profane, with a quote from mythologist P L Travers highlighting the inherent connection between nature and the supernatural.

The article explores the concept of ritual from a mythic and psychological perspective, emphasizing its power to connect personal, societal, and physical realms. It references Joseph Campbell's views on myth as an internal human experience and the idea of the anima mundi, or ensouled world, as a longstanding tradition in ancient and indigenous cultures. Ritual is portrayed as a transformative force capable of renewing and reorienting individuals and societies.

The socio-emotional well-being of teachers in Peru has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with increased stress and emotional exhaustion due to the transition to virtual teaching and subsequent return to in-person classes. A report by Pulso PUCP and other organizations highlights persistent psychological distress among teachers, with a notable percentage experiencing anxiety and depression. The study emphasizes the need for systemic support strategies, including the integration of psychologists in schools and gender-focused educational policies, to address the ongoing challenges faced by educators. Collaboration among various sectors is deemed essential for improving teacher well-being.

The article explores the concept of wisdom as a feminine deity throughout history, tracing its lineage from the Neolithic era to the Middle Ages. It discusses various incarnations of the wisdom goddess across different cultures, including Neith in pre-dynastic Egypt, Athena in Greece, and Sophia in Judeo-Christian traditions. The shift from wisdom as a goddess to Christ as Logos in the Christian era is highlighted, along with the resurgence of the concept of Sophia in medieval times through the Grail legends, the Knights Templar, and other gnostic movements. The article also touches on the personal seasonal experiences of the author and their connection to the goddess Brigid.

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument that provides clues to early cosmologies, beliefs, rituals, and ways of life. It is considered one of the first attempts by humans to order their view of the world, aligning with natural elements like the sun and moon. The article suggests that understanding Stonehenge can help those of European ancestry uncover and potentially reclaim their religious traditions and cosmologies.

Gabriela M. Gutierrez reflects on the symbolic significance of the New Year, drawing inspiration from poets and mythological figures. She shares her personal journey to Australia, motivated by love, and describes her life in the subtropical bush. Gutierrez emphasizes the importance of kindness, love, and self-renewal, and invites readers to support her work through paid subscriptions. She also announces upcoming online events and expresses gratitude to her readers.