Why Abundance Disappears

Because nothing in this world lasts forever, everything will eventually run out, come to an end, or die. We have witnessed this reality with our own eyes. It is not merely rhetoric, but a fact of life. A wealthy family can fall into bankruptcy, a prosperous nation can drown in debt, abundant natural resources can be depleted, and even a flowing spring can cease to provide water. We tend to fear endings, even though death itself is a natural part of existence and can come to anyone.

For those shaped by experience or formal education, management is often seen as the key to preventing catastrophe. Most people believe that conservation and frugality are the best ways to extend the lifespan of the resources we possess, whether they are natural resources or financial assets. It is not a difficult approach to adopt, although it usually requires some degree of sacrifice.

To this day, we have not truly discovered reliable methods for increasing the flow of a natural spring, for example, nor have we found ways to replenish oil and gas reserves once they are exhausted. From the perspective of most people, nature is little more than an inanimate object to be exploited until nothing remains. Rarely do we consider replacing what we have taken, let alone caring for natural resources in ways that allow them to continue providing blessings and sustenance for humanity.

Illustration: Sumber Waras, Lawang, Malang. 

The Discipline of Respecting Nature

The habit of asking permission from nature before taking or exploiting what it contains is not easy to maintain, especially when those around us do not practice it. Yet among followers of the traditional Dvoieverie faith, particularly those living along the border between Ukraine and Russia and serving in the armed forces on either side, such customs still endure.

In the service of their countries, they often spend months deep in the wilderness. They live with solitude and inevitably depend on the forest for shelter, food, water, and even medicine. Amid these pressures, they come to recognize the generosity of the natural world, even though they have not entered it peacefully, unlike a group of hunters simply searching for rabbits in the woods.

Without orders, instructions, or commands, Dvoieverie practitioners within both the Ukrainian and Russian militaries have developed a habit of leaving offerings at the edge of forests or near springs before entering the woods, collecting water, fishing, hunting, or taking anything from the land. These offerings symbolize both a request for permission and an expression of gratitude toward nature. At the same time, they represent a form of sacrifice that can only be sustained through personal discipline.

Because both sides rely on the forests as places of refuge and concealment, access to woodland areas along the Ukraine–Russia border is heavily restricted, with few exceptions. Ironically, the prolonged conflict has become one of the main reasons these forests have remained beyond the reach of large corporations eager to exploit them.

Frugality Is Not the Only Way

Yes, frugality is not the only path toward preserving the continuity of nature's abundance. When practiced out of necessity rather than choice, frugality can become a source of sadness and hardship rather than a sustainable way of living. This is especially true when we still long to enjoy life exactly as we once did, because the past, however cherished, can never return.

Before we can truly care for nature and benefit from the results of that care, we must first cultivate the humility to treat nature as something worthy of respect rather than merely a resource to consume. Failing to do so may not seem like a serious problem today. The real problem emerges when a spring suddenly stops flowing, when scorching weather arrives because green spaces have disappeared, or when countless small blessings we once took for granted vanish and can no longer be enjoyed. (dswas)

Community Prosperity Through Shared Effort

“United we stand, divided we fall” is a phrase that sounds pleasant to the ear because reality is often just as beautiful as the saying itself. A football team may fail to secure victory when a striker refuses to pass the ball to a teammate simply because he wants his own name on the scoresheet. As a result, one opportunity after another is wasted because personal ambition refuses to compromise for the sake of a common goal.

The spirit of mutual cooperation is equally inspiring. Helping others is not particularly difficult when everything is going well. It is easier when our jobs are secure and our income is steady, or when inflation is not driving up the cost of living. When spending our own money for the benefit of many does not feel burdensome, or when we do not sigh at the prospect of contributing to a community initiative as a donor.

Yet sacrifice for the community is not limited to material contributions such as money, livestock, food supplies, or anything else that can be seen and touched. Some forms of sacrifice require us to set aside personal ambitions and desires, even when we genuinely believe those ambitions would benefit the common good. In an era where personal image has become a tool for enhancing one's public standing, much like the football example above, this kind of sacrifice can be especially difficult. 

Illustration: a football field in Malang.

Balance Through the Bear

Despite their fierce and intimidating appearance, the sustainability of a forest ecosystem can be threatened if its native wildlife disappears, including bears. Through their feeding habits, bears contribute to the health of forest ecosystems by returning nutrients through the remains of their prey. By hunting certain herbivore species, bears also help prevent population explosions that could rapidly deplete the grasses and plants on which those animals depend, a challenge not unlike those faced by human societies today.

This helps explain why followers of the Indigenous Karelian Faith regard bears as sacred animals that should not be hunted carelessly, let alone eaten. Karelian ancestors viewed bears as equals to human beings, making the consumption of bear meat a form of cannibalism. It is a perspective that remains understandable even today, especially when we consider how the habit of “devouring” one another eventually leads to regret, sooner or later.

Followers of the Indigenous Karelian Faith also practice various customs designed to preserve the balance of the forest ecosystem for all living beings, including bears. For example, before building a home, a family traditionally plants a number of young trees corresponding to the number of family members.

The logic is straightforward. A healthy forest ecosystem supports thriving herbivore populations, which in turn provide food for bears. When bears can find sufficient food in the forest, the likelihood of attacks on human settlements or livestock is greatly reduced. This awareness has become a guiding principle in the daily lives of Indigenous Karelian Faith practitioners because their ancestors taught them never to look down on natural world around them.

Sacrifice and Masochism

Sacrificing for the community is not as easy in practice as it sounds in theory, especially during times of global economic uncertainty such as today. Donating material resources or setting aside personal ego inevitably comes with emotional and financial costs. After all, doesn't 4 minus 2 always equal 2? Doesn't giving mean having less? What if, someday, others take advantage of our generosity for their own interests?

Drawing from the practices of Indigenous Karelian Faith communities, we can see that resources and relationships can be managed in ways that continue generating benefits over the long term. This kind of stewardship is not typically taught in schools or universities. Rather, it develops naturally when there is a sincere commitment to sustaining both human and natural resources. It begins with the awareness to distinguish between a mindset rooted in unhealthy self-sacrifice and one that is truly grounded in genuine love and care for others. (dswas).

Proven Ways to Overcome Financial Hardship

There is one thing business owners fear the most: when the cost of making a profit becomes increasingly expensive.

When this happens, producers of goods and services think twice before raising their prices, especially for non-essential products. They fully understand that “the customer is king.” No matter how aggressive a company’s promotions may be, the final decision to buy still lies in the hands of consumers, and no one can interfere with personal preference.

But that was in the past. Today, producers have many ways to persuade consumers to submit to their desires and spend money. Some slash prices as low as possible, often at the expense of quality. Others use promotional tactics that openly invade customer privacy, such as unsolicited phone calls and text messages. These methods may increase sales, but usually only in the short term.

In the long run, frustration grows among established producers who have long sold their products at higher prices. They not only lose customers, but also face the threat of collapse, or have already gone out of business, because they refuse to lower their standards simply to attract buyers. On the other side, producers who dare to set extremely low prices do not automatically become winners either, even if their sales statistics appear impressive. Why is that?

Once again, the culprit is rising production costs. The harder they try to “run away” from this “monster,” the closer it comes, waving its claws at them. This is hardly surprising, because human beings everywhere are part of communities, whether on the scale of a neighborhood or the United Nations.

It is a mistake to believe that we can remain safe and prosperous according to our own plans and desires while the people around us are unable to experience the same. 

Illustration: Pentungansari, Malang.

An Apology to Nature

From the perspective of modern civilization, nature is alive, but much like artificial intelligence, it is believed to have neither feelings nor the ability to think. Humanity is seen as having authority over it, because only humans are considered capable of assigning value and meaning to existence according to their own systems of exchange. 

Weather can be manipulated, artificial sunlight can be created, and meat and vegetables can now be produced in laboratories. If the long-term goals of these technological advances are truly positive, our quality of life should improve significantly. The natural world around us should no longer suffer destruction, because technology is now advanced enough to create food sources without exploiting nature or relying on vast plantations and farms that consume enormous resources.

Followers of the Indigenous Siberian Faith believe that trees and hunted animals are not merely living beings, but also possess spirits like humans, capable of experiencing suffering and happiness. According to these teachings, people should maintain humility when making use of nature in order to restrain greed, which ultimately harms humanity itself. 

This humility is symbolized through offerings made to the forest before cutting a branch from a tree or butchering hunted animals. The offerings are presented while expressing apologies for intentionally taking the lives of animals and trees in order to fulfill human needs.

As a result, members of Siberian tribal communities tend to think carefully before hunting or cutting down trees, considering the lengthy rituals they must observe. Because of this, they generally avoid excessive consumption and allow trees time to grow while ensuring hunted animals have reached maturity before being taken.

Caring for the Environment to Sustain Prosperity

We all hope that the spiritual practices we follow will bring miracles into our lives, that a light will descend and provide answers to every problem we face. One issue in particular has become increasingly common today: financial hardship. However, ancestral teachings should not be practiced merely as tools to achieve wealth, because their true essence lies in preserving harmony between humanity and the world around it.

We may laugh at the beliefs of the Indigenous Siberian faith, even though many of us have already witnessed floods and the extinction of certain animal species caused by excessive exploitation. Yet we can only dismiss such teachings if the foundations of our own way of life are genuinely more capable of bringing prosperity to humanity and to nature itself, when our behavior no longer threatens the very sources of life we depend on. (dswas).

Reluctant to Move On Isn't As Bad As You Think -- Here's Why

People living with dementia tend to forget many things: names of places, names of people, the way home, the day of the week, even their own names. Yet there is often one thing that remains vivid in their memory: the popular songs from a certain chapter of their lives, especially from the ages of 10 to 24.

Whether it’s folk music from the 1950s, blues from the ’60s, rock & roll from the ’70s, or slow rock from the ’80s, listening to old songs can have a calming effect. Their heartbeat slows down, dopamine suddenly kicks in to ease anxiety, and a quiet sense of happiness returns as they remember a youth filled with laughter and lighthearted moments.

In some cases, dementia patients who can no longer move or speak will smile, hum along, or gently sway their bodies to the rhythm of songs that were once famous in their time. Their family members often feel relieved seeing life briefly “return” to their fathers, mothers, grandparents, or elderly loved ones, even if only for a moment.

The truth is, listening to old songs can soothe almost anyone, not just people with dementia. And no, it’s not because today’s musicians are incapable of making good music due to the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The reason is far more psychological: a longing for a period in life when things felt less disappointing.

Still, life cannot be replayed over and over like our favorite song. Some things are meant to remain in the past, partly because they no longer contribute to the long-term well-being of the world around us. After all, human well-being depends heavily on the well-being of nature itself, not only about natural resources, but every living being that exists within it.  

Illustration: Malang City Square

Nature Heals

Most people know Abkhazia for its striking landscape: snow-covered mountains on one side and the shores of the Black Sea on the other. Its geography became one of the foundations of the Abkhaz Indigenous Faith that emerged thousands of years ago and is said to be experiencing a revival today. The ancestral wisdom of the Abkhaz people “discovered” that nature held more than simple beauty.

When a follower of this indigenous faith falls ill, they are encouraged to walk through the forest without looking back. This symbolic ritual is meant to leave behind illness or anything else causing discomfort in body and mind. Walking is already good for one’s health, especially beneath tall trees that release clean air. In many cultures, looking back is a metaphor for dwelling on the past, and the past is not always filled with sweet memories.

Recognizing this hidden blessing, Abkhazia has implemented fairly strict regulations to protect its forests. Although tourists are welcome and tourism continues to grow, some areas are intentionally left without road access. Visitors are even charged relatively expensive entrance fees at certain important sites, such as Lake Ritsa, which is considered sacred by followers of the Indigenous Abkhaz Faith. Not because supernatural beings in the lake are believed to grant wealth or fortune, but because water itself is sacred to human life, something I have often discussed in many articles on this blog.

Don’t Believe What You See on the Surface

Old ways are often associated with being anti-modern, feudal, and resistant to progress. That is what I frequently heard during my college years. Yet the quality of human life today does not necessarily seem better, even though modern civilization is far more advanced than it was 10 or 20 years ago. Ironically, large-scale exploitation of nature has not automatically freed people from anxiety about money and the future.

Communities that preserve the environment through their indigenous faiths and local wisdom deserve support and open-minded understanding. We lose ourselves on the surface when we rush to judge them with negative labels, especially when our supposedly modern worldview has failed to save the natural world from degradation and destruction. (dswas).

Ensuring the Outcome Honors the Effort

“Whoever sows the wind will reap the storm” (what goes around comes around) sounds ominous, even though we often use it simply to vent our frustration at someone’s behavior or at the actions of an institution. Yet if we manage to drive away the “monkeys of emotion leaping from branch to branch,” a deeper meaning begins to reveal itself. It becomes a kind of mantra, one that can invite happiness into the darker corners of our lives.

Looking back, the creator of that expression seems to have understood something fundamental: human beings react more quickly to negative experiences and remember them more vividly than positive ones. Long before scientific research discovered that trauma can be passed instinctively from one generation to the next, people had already realized that hardship and suffering leave deeper marks, even though life’s challenges often soften over time.

That is why the ancestors of many nations and tribes created frightening stories about the consequences of violating taboos and customary laws. Their purpose was to ensure that future generations would remember and reflect on the wisdom hidden beneath those stories. Yet history eventually led many communities through painful experiences that hypnotized them into questioning the legitimacy of the actions and traditions of those who came before them.

Illustration: Malang City Square.

Prosperous Because Others Prosper Too

In the indigenous Armenian faith, Hetanism, the apricot tree (Prunus armeniaca) is regarded as the tree of life for good reason. Unlike sacred trees found in tropical regions, its roots are not designed to store water. In fact, they rot if the soil contains too much moisture. Even so, the apricot tree survives in intense heat, and its fruit remains sweet despite requiring very little water.

Its remarkable ability to absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide has made it something of a quiet hero amid the climate crisis. The apricot tree is also a vital source of livelihood for rural Armenian communities, serving as one of the country’s main export commodities, especially to Russia and Central Asian nations. Although scientists still debate its exact origin, evidence shows that ancient Armenians had known and cultivated it for at least six thousand years.

Yet this tree of life has one 'weakness': it cannot grow normally to maturity without forests or clusters of other plants surrounding it within a certain range. Excessive deforestation is disastrous for apricot plantations, because the disappearance of surrounding roots also means the loss of the “others” that help maintain the ideal moisture balance in the soil for apricot trees to thrive.

Armenian ancestors concealed the deeper meaning of the tree of life within myths and legends, many of which are now misunderstood or distorted by modern assumptions about the “other world.” Their teachings may be read as a reminder that the tree of life is part of the universe, not the center of it. Ideally, human beings should act from the same understanding: by creating the conditions that allow potential to grow and flourish into something truly life-giving. 

Moving On and Becoming Better?

Yes. Moving on and becoming better, that is the ideal condition we should be able to see today. If ancestral teachings are truly no longer relevant, then our present situation should be better precisely because we have replaced them with newer and supposedly more relevant ideas. It is never too late for people who genuinely want to change things for the better, not merely advertise the appearance of change.

A step deserves to be called “moving on” only when it frees people from mystical thinking, from the belief that miracles will somehow arrive to solve every problem in life. Real help, in every age, comes from actions grounded in knowledge and understanding of the world around us. (dswas).

Healing Injuries That Ruin the Future

ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries are among the most feared injuries for football players around the world. Even though they “only” affect the leg, recovery takes months—months without stepping onto the pitch. During that time, players must struggle to maintain their reputation, hoping to remain visible enough to be selected for the national team and compete in major tournaments (World Cup, Champions League, and so on). Not a few players have seen their careers fade because of this injury, and some have even left the sport entirely.

But injuries are not limited to athletes. Ordinary people—including those who rarely exercise—have experienced them too. Whether from a minor childhood accident, a motorcycle crash, or even something as simple as sleeping in the wrong position, the muscles and nerves in our bodies do not always stay aligned as they should. With proper treatment—modern or traditional—they can return to normal, especially when followed by more careful movement to prevent similar incidents.

Believe it or not, what seems like a minor sprain can contribute to serious health problems, or even lead to death. A sprain occurs when ligaments are suddenly forced out of place—they are no longer where they should be or functioning as they should. Leaving it untreated for a day or two may not cause immediate harm. But neglecting it for years can lead to serious health issues that disrupt daily life and even affect mental well-being.

Illustration: Sumber Gentong, Tirtomoyo, Pakis, Malang.

Healing Nature’s Injuries

From the perspective of Azerbaijani Indigenous Faith, nature and humans are inseparable. Humans take everything from nature—air, water, trees, even soil—to sustain life. For that reason, traditional Azerbaijani beliefs teach people to treat nature with humanity, especially trees.

In the past, people depended on trees for building homes, making clothing, and even for food and medicine. Azerbaijani ancestors believed that trees were alive and held a status equal to humans. They believed trees “cried” when their branches were cut, just as plants suffered when uprooted. Long before humans could attempt to correct nature’s “mistakes,” there was a time when trees were seen as kind, generous beings who provided everything people needed. 

Based on this belief, followers of Azerbaijani Indigenous Faith would show respect to nature whenever they wished to take something from it, whether in large or small amounts. Rituals asking permission before cutting branches or felling trees became customs passed down through generations.

Over time, for various reasons, these practices were abandoned. Strangely enough, trees gradually began to disappear from Azerbaijan. Some blame local communities for the loss of forests that were once a source of pride. However, wood consumption for heating or building homes was never as massive as industrial use.

Whatever the reasons or whoever is responsible, modern Azerbaijani society must now prepare to face the consequences of nature’s “crying”—in the form of floods, landslides, or droughts that may strike at any time. Still, it is not too late to act before people find themselves mourning alongside an injured natural world.

A “Blessing”

At a time when many people hope for miracles to improve their lives, the greatest “blessing” may actually be discovering an old injury within our own bodies and seeking treatment before it is too late. I consider this a blessing because not all hidden injuries can be found. Not everyone has the chance to reverse or eliminate serious illnesses that develop from long-neglected conditions, whether intentionally ignored or not.

The same applies to the state of being mindful—the ability to return to treating nature, especially trees, with respect. I also see this as a “blessing,” because not everyone succeeds in recognizing the inner damage that has led them away from a life of harmony and happiness with the natural world. (dswas).

The Most Effective Cure for Loneliness

“Where there is sugar, there are ants.” It seems almost destined that living beings are drawn to anything they perceive as beneficial. Before building a settlement, humans typically search for one essential resource first: water. This “sweet” water is used and managed so that no one feels deprived. It becomes a timeless idol, valued by everyone—young or old, across every era and passing trend. And yet, humans remain like “ants” who leave as soon as the sugar runs out, or once its sweetness turns bitter.

A country blessed with abundant natural resources is much like that sugar—coveted by multinational corporations and other sovereign states alike. Its potential draws attention, though not every introduction leads to friendship, let alone lasting partnership. Since this “sugar” is governed by people, it has the agency to decide its stance, ideally allowing only the well-intentioned “ants” to gather around it. Total isolation is nearly impossible, however, because ants are destined to find sugar, even in the narrowest and darkest corners. 

Yet the entity that plays the role of “sugar” cannot always escape loneliness. It understands why so many suddenly rush to extend friendship, and it knows those relationships are rarely permanent. The clear water once adored by all becomes the subject of ridicule when it turns brown from human activity. A wealthy and generous nation will be abandoned the moment it stops handing out gifts. Praise and sweet words can quickly turn into insults and mockery when fortune shifts and the “sugar” loses its sweetness.

Illustration: Goa Tetes, Lumajang

The Sugar That Never Loses Its Sweetness

For the people of Turkmenistan, this “sugar” takes the form of parents, elders, and community seniors. In a culture deeply rooted in traditional Turkmen beliefs, there is a saying: “Gold and silver never age, but father and mother are beyond value.” There are unwritten rules that continue to guide how people treat their elders. They must be respectful, never talk back, and certainly never raise their voices to them.

Elders hold a high place in Turkmen society’s unspoken hierarchy, especially in rural areas. Not every elderly person can assume this role—it is reserved for those with rich life experience and a strong sense of judgment. People turn to them for advice in all kinds of situations, and their voices often carry more weight than others, even religious figures such as mullahs.

This kind of privilege is rare outside Turkmenistan, a country that has remained relatively untouched by the glare of social media and travel influencers. This is partly due to the government’s strict and selective visa policies for foreign visitors. While Turkmenistan actively promotes its historical sites and breathtaking landscapes online, there is a clear sense that money is not everything to them. This outlook is shaped, in no small part, by the guidance of their elders, whose perspectives are formed through long and careful reflection on life’s many complexities.

Never Walks Alone

It’s understandable if you tend to overlook Turkmenistan, as it doesn’t rank among the world’s most prominent or developed nations. Yet its elderly population does not suffer from deep loneliness, because their presence is always needed. Even when they are no longer physically strong enough to work, they are not pushed to the margins of society—nor are they seen as a burden by younger generations.

They are trusted with meaningful roles, becoming the grandparents their grandchildren long for. This culture of honoring ancestors creates a sense of balance, one that helps spread happiness more evenly across the community.

Because the younger generation continues to rely on them for guidance, elders retain a sense of purpose even as time takes its toll. It is a purpose that restores meaning to the later chapters of their lives. (dswas).

A Secret to "Conquer" The Nature

The tragic incidents involving several climbers on Mount Rinjani, including the death of a Brazilian climber some time ago, have dealt a heavy blow to the area. Local communities who depend on small-scale tourism—guides, porters, toilet providers, food vendors, small shop owners, instant noodle stalls, and others—have felt the impact deeply after Mount Rinjani was labeled an unsafe and even deadly tourist destination.

Regardless of what later emerged (including claims that the news of the climber’s death was deliberately amplified to support plans for building an escalator on Mount Rinjani), this sorrowful event has reminded the public of something fundamental: behind every kind of beauty, there is always risk. Seeking entertainment for personal enjoyment should be done with careful thought, proper preparation, humility, and sincerity. Otherwise, we become nothing more than a group of people that wasting our money just to enjoy a breathtaking view. 

Illustration: Mount Kelud, Blitar 

Because of global inflation, nearly everyone on Earth has had to lower their standard of living. People cut back on expenses they consider less essential in order to save for more pressing needs. Entertainment budgets are often the first to go, seen as nonessential in difficult times. Yet in periods like these, people arguably need entertainment even more—to help them rediscover and pursue what truly matters to them, what we might call their passion.

During working hours, we surrender our will to rules, targets, goals, and the demands of our professions. It is a basic human right to experience joy, peace, and happiness. But fear of poverty and financial hardship often leads us to treat entertainment as a way to gain social recognition, as if it were proof that we are wealthy.

A “Win-Win Solution”

Followers of Zoroastrianism in Uzbekistan celebrate the transition from winter to spring with a ritual called Navruz (meaning “new day” in Persian). This tradition is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and by the United Nations as an international holiday, as it is also celebrated in several other countries such as Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and northern India. This celebration, which embodies hospitality and humanity, draws international tourists and consistently provides income for the communities that observe it.

Behind the traditional foods, songs, and dances lies a deeper purpose: to please the “guardians of nature,” so they remain generous and kind. It is a way of hoping that those who have worked hard cultivating fields and gardens will receive fair rewards. This is not a form of bribery directed at nature, even though the recited verses sometimes include wishes such as asking for no rain during spring, since it could damage crops.

Uzbek indigenous communities combine their need for entertainment with reverence for nature and their ancestors through such recitals. These performances brought joy not only to those who listen, but also to those who perform them. During Navruz, people do not work. Once the celebration ends, the entire community returns to their daily lives carrying a sense of peace and happiness, trusting that nature will “cooperate” with them until harvest season arrives. 

More Than Just Seeking Pleasure

As someone who has spent considerable time chasing worldly pleasures, I can say this: pleasure has no limits. The more you chase it, the further it seems to move away. The harder you try to satisfy that craving, the more insatiable it becomes. 

Through the Navruz ritual, Uzbek indigenous communities offer a lesson in balancing recreation with respect for the natural world. Seasonal change is seen as a sign that nature is alive, because weather and seasons are never static. Modern society often treats this as a simple scientific phenomenon, and from that perspective grows a certain arrogance in how we relate to nature.

The traditional dish sumalak, cooked collectively by women in the community while singing together, is a way of nurturing optimism as they welcome a new season. Meanwhile, the ritual called Sust xotin (“Poor Woman”) is meant to preserve compassion for ancestors, symbolized by a doll. During Navruz, the doll is bathed in water in turns by the participants—who are all women—while they sing songs expressing their hopes.

Rather than feeling anxious about the uncertainties that come with a new phase in life, these women ease their worries by gathering and sharing activities. They “sacrifice” food ingredients that could have been kept for themselves and their families as offerings to their ancestors, which are later shared and eaten together by the community. It becomes a celebration of survival and gratitude for having made it through the harshness of winter. (dswas).

A Nightmare: When Superstition and Myth Become Reality

Mystical logic—superstition—woven into traditional belief systems is often cited as a key reason why a nation fails to progress. That was once said by a prominent historical figure in my country. After tracing his life story, I learned that he had studied in a European nation long before my own country even came into existence.

But I won’t dwell on his identity here. Nor his motives. Nor any conspiracy theories. In the context I want to explore, myths spark curiosity and often inspire thousands of horror films. More than that, they reflect a community’s collective anxieties—fears of things they hope will never come to pass.

When modern society came to recognize the Mekong giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) as the world’s largest freshwater fish—especially after one was famously caught in Thailand in 2005—local belief communities living along the river in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia had long regarded it as sacred. They treated it as a holy creature.

When a Thai director won the Palme d’Or for the indie film Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (2010), inspired by the existence of this giant catfish, it turned out that ancient cave dwellers in Thailand had already immortalized the fish in cave paintings over 3,000 years ago.

The Mekong River has long united the communities along its banks through their shared respect and gratitude for water and nature. They believed the giant catfish to be the embodiment of a guardian spirit of the river—something to be honored, never captured. Offerings were made not only as a gesture of gratitude to the water source, but also to the giant catfish themselves, thanking them for protecting the river.

Naturally, myths were created to ensure future generations would never dare catch the sacred fish. Stories of disaster awaited anyone who broke the taboo.

Because the region was fertile and rich in natural resources, outsiders from other continents were drawn to exploit it. In return, they introduced knowledge and culture that promised freedom from what they framed as irrational constraints. The people of the Mekong basin engaged with these “new” ideas and were suddenly led to believe that their ancestors had misled them all along. 

Illustration: Pura Tirta Empul, Bali. 

When the River’s Guardian Was Erased

What began as a desire for recognition and validation turned into disaster once news of the sacred fish being caught spread worldwide. Local communities began racing to capture it, newly convinced that the fish was not as powerful as their ancestors had claimed.

Gradually, the population of the Mekong giant catfish declined.

Alongside this decline, locals also witnessed a drop in other fish populations—even though the Mekong River itself still had better water quality than many cities in Southeast Asia (including my own).

Research later revealed that this so-called “herbivorous ghost” had played a crucial ecological role. It helped clean the river by consuming decaying organic matter on the riverbed. Without it, the bottom of the Mekong turned into an overgrowth of algae that depleted oxygen for other aquatic life.

The river’s guardian had been eliminated—by humans who misunderstood the nature of its “power.”

A “Nightmare” or Mere Coincidence?

Long ago, when the Mekong ecosystem was still untouched by human greed, the giant catfish migrated from Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia to the Mekong River at the start of the rainy season. They swam up to five kilometers a day, passing Phnom Penh and deep pools, heading toward the Thailand–Laos border to spawn.

After hatching, their larvae would drift with the Mekong’s rising currents back to Cambodia’s swamp forests, where they would grow and eventually repeat the cycle.

As this natural cycle came to a halt, the world began to see Cambodia gain a darker reputation—as a hub for large-scale scams. A place where thousands of young people from neighboring countries travel in search of work, some never returning.

At the same time, Cambodia and Thailand found themselves in conflict over disputes shaped by outside influences. Laos, caught in between, was forced to take sides, straining its position with Cambodia. Meanwhile, Thailand faced mounting problems driven by overtourism. (dswas).

Stay Healthy and Keep Your Spirit Up Despite Losing Your Job

 Stagflation—a period when people around the world face rising living costs amid scarce job opportunities—is a direct consequence of large-scale money printing by central banks worldwide. What was intended as a solution to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has turned into a long-term issue, with no clear end in sight.

About a year ago, many people managed to survive by lowering their standard of living and cutting all non-essential expenses. This wasn’t easy. For some, it required real strength to endure the “pain” of letting go of their previous lifestyle. It wasn’t just about pride, but also the lingering memories of more comfortable and enjoyable times when money was plentiful. There was also regret—thinking back on overly lavish spending habits, or money that was wasted without clear purpose.

Yet, this is a natural part of life. Hardship often accompanies ease. Modern humans struggle to find happiness because they are trapped in illusions about light and darkness—seeing them as opposing forces driven by “evil” and “good.” There is a belief that one day evil will be erased by virtue, that sins will be washed away by good deeds, and so on. In reality, some people will do anything to preserve pleasure, even things that once violated their own values or standards. That, among other reasons, is why happiness can feel so elusive.

Illustration: Candi Rambut Monte, Blitar.

Shock Resistance

People who lived thousands of years ago didn’t need to be bulletproof—bullets didn’t exist in their time. What they needed was the ability to maintain harmony and balance among different elements of life. This was their way of training themselves to remain steady in any situation.

For this reason, the Turkic Indigenous Faith known as Tengriism teaches that dualities—darkness and light—can coexist in harmony, with human participation playing a key role. Today, followers of Tengriism in places like Mongolia and Kazakhstan express this through practices such as protecting water sources from pollution and tying cloths to certain trees considered vital for continuity and life. 

To accept death—one representation of darkness—as a natural part of life, Tengriism followers hold communal meals on the 7th and 49th days after someone passes away. To some outsiders, preparing large amounts of food may seem like an added burden for the grieving family.

In simple terms, the family left behind must rise from their grief to continue living. Letting go of a loved one is symbolized through preparing food for these gatherings. However, because Tengriist communities tend to live communally, people work together to support the grieving family in preparing the meals for the funeral ceremonies.

Anti-spoiled

In some countries, people who lose their jobs receive unemployment benefits from the government. Those who don’t receive such support shouldn’t feel envious—after all, “everyone’s sustenance is already arranged.” Just as there’s no need to envy stories of people elsewhere who live entirely on government support without working.

While such systems are often justified as a form of government care for citizens’ welfare and happiness, their long-term impact on a nation’s mindset is rarely discussed. Even less attention is given to how they shape the way that nation interacts with the outside world.

We exercise to maintain physical health. In the same way, the sacrifices and traditions practiced by our ancestors—through offerings and various rules—were meant to strengthen mental resilience. They trained people not to become fragile, easily discouraged, shocked, hysterical, or overwhelmed by stress, depression, or sudden change.

Mental resilience is just as important as having ballistic missiles, attack drones, or even kamikaze drones. (dswas)

Seeking Spiritual Guidance Without Getting Lost — Is It Possible?

In difficult situations—often driven by economic pressure—some people try to solve their problems through a kind of spiritual shift. They turn more deeply to religious guidance in search of inner peace, hoping to clear the noise within their conscience so they can see a path forward and resolve what they are facing.

Some compare this to trying to forget sadness by taking sedatives or antidepressants. At first glance, that accusation feels harsh and unfair. Still, many of us have been in that position, or are in it right now. Those who choose this path shouldn’t be blamed. At the very least, they are trying. They are trying to lift themselves out of hardship—because feeling stuck and powerless is far more painful. Isn’t that true?

What begins as a noble and even admirable goal—often seen as a sign of emotional maturity—can turn into something misleading. That happens when it becomes the only approach someone relies on, without balance or awareness in the steps they take. In such cases, the decision is no longer a personal realization shaped by reflection and self-discipline, but something imposed from the outside, almost like an injected “vaccine.”

A vaccine works by training the body’s cells to recognize and fight off harmful agents. But an effective vaccine is made from weakened versions of those very agents, so the body can respond safely. If the virus or bacteria isn’t weakened enough, the vaccine becomes dangerous. Its purpose is no longer protection, but harm.

Now imagine if the target isn’t physical health—but mental well-being. 

Illustration: A graveyard in Malang City. 

More Than Just Wealth

Today, it can feel unsettling to witness the privilege of a small group of people who seem free from anxiety about their future. Their children and grandchildren don’t struggle to make a living or worry about income. A well-known family name alone can seem like a guarantee of comfort for generations.

But this hasn’t always been the case. Hundreds or even thousands of years ago, families didn’t have to be wealthy first to ensure the well-being of future generations.

Among Serbians who still follow the Native Slavic Faith known as Rodnovery, the home is seen as a “temple.” Parents and grandparents represent the presence of ancestors. Without those ancestors, there would be no grandparents, no parents, and certainly no us. Respecting one’s parents is considered as sacred as honoring the natural springs of life and the ancestors who came before.

Even the name Rodnovery reflects this, coming from Rod, meaning lineage, birth, and kinship.

In return, older generations offer support to the younger ones as they work to build better, more stable communities. Financial support matters, of course. But presence, understanding, and acceptance from elders carry far greater value—especially when they manage to grow serenity and a sense of security to the younger generation.

This kind of support stays with them. It becomes a living memory—a guide for future generations on how to act thoughtfully and responsibly.

Realization Comes Too Late

In many cases, younger generations only come to understand the meaning behind their elders’ persistent advice years—even decades—after those elders have passed away. Time and fate create distance, and only then does the wisdom begin to make sense.

Longing for a protective figure often leads people back to those once-dismissed words—advice that once felt irrelevant or outdated.

Life’s complexities can push people to seek guidance based on emotional impressions rather than factual understanding. This often stems from deep regret and a sense of loss—losing someone who once guided them. The sadness lingers, sometimes unresolved, because acceptance hasn’t fully taken root.

And that regret can lead people astray.

They may struggle to choose the right guidance—the kind that truly brings peace and a sense of safety within, even as life’s challenges continue to come and go. (dswas)

Searching Purification As The Solution To Life's Problems

Pure is always clean, but clean is not always pure. This is the challenge faced by many people when they are told that March 22 has been designated by the United Nations as World Water Day. Clean water is essential for human survival, whether in cities, rural areas, snowy regions, or sandy ones. Because of this, people go to great lengths to obtain it—digging deep into the earth or converting seawater into freshwater. While the results of such efforts are certainly usable, those accustomed to drinking water from other sources can still sense the difference.

Communities living in mountainous regions are especially fortunate. They benefit from rivers and natural springs and do not need to struggle to transform other substances into water. Instead, their task is simply to preserve these springs so they continue to flow with clean water over time. Nature itself was the classroom of our ancestors, where they developed early forms of science rooted in careful observation of movement and existence in the natural world. This knowledge was then passed down through storytelling, ensuring it remained engaging and memorable for future generations.

Encounters with stories and ideas from outside their communities have introduced new challenges: how to rediscover and reclaim the knowledge created by their ancestors—knowledge that is inherently suited to their way of life, without unnecessary complications. After all, the kind of drama we need is one that ends well, offering guidance that leads to real results, not endless sequels of the same unresolved story.

Illustration: Bratan Lake, Bali.

The 'Spring' of Conflict

The Durand Line, which now separates Afghanistan and Pakistan, was not drawn by the people who had lived in the region for centuries. Stretching over 2,000 kilometers, it was imposed by outsiders seeking to secure their own survival while still struggling to find their place in the world. The line cuts across some of the world’s highest mountain ranges, divides four rivers (the Kunar, Kabul, Kurram, and Gomal), and ends at Lake Zerrah along the border with Iran.

Long before this line existed, the Kalash people lived across a region once known as Kafiristan, now called Nuristan. They have preserved their original language, culture, and beliefs, including a distinctive way of positioning women within society. In their worldview, mountains represent the purity of men, while valleys symbolize women, who are considered “impure.”

Why impure? Because women experience menstruation, and in earlier times there were no modern sanitary products. To maintain environmental cleanliness, women were restricted from entering certain places, such as mountain peaks or sacred springs that served as vital water sources. Even modern medicine acknowledges that menstrual blood is not “pure” blood, as it contains substances that are not hygienic. From this perspective, prohibiting menstruating women from bathing in shared water sources used by the entire community was considered reasonable.

At the same time, Kalash Indigenous Belief grants women certain privileges. One of these is the relative ease of ending a marriage. A wife can simply write a letter to her husband declaring separation and introducing her new partner. Women also have authority over agricultural decisions and control the financial outcomes of the family. They are free to interact with men, including singing and dancing together at community events, without the obligation to conceal their appearance. 

These freedoms reflect an acknowledgment of women’s roles within Kalash society. Due to biological limitations, women spend more time at home, which is seen as their domain—a space where they act as spiritual protectors of the family. Their well-being matters, because their happiness is believed to extend to the entire community.

Wisely Selecting What We Consume

I do not intend to judge the situations faced by the countries mentioned above. Accessing truly pure sources of water can be costly or even impossible for some communities due to geographic limitations. Still, it does not take long to feel the effects of what we consume in daily life. Our bodies act as the fairest judges, revealing the results of our choices through health or illness.

If desalination becomes the only way to quench thirst, we must ask: does the water it produces truly satisfy that thirst? This is one of the questions that can serve as a filter—a way to assess whether the process of purification we rely on is actually giving us what we need. (dswas).

A Bright Future: Fact or Myth?

So, is a bright future a delayed reality, or just wishful thinking that never comes true? I believe this is a question that has been haunting many people on Earth lately. I have a friend who fell ill due to emotional strain, overwhelmed by anxiety about the future of his only child. Another friend admitted feeling depressed after reading the constant stream of troubling news on his browser homepage. Meanwhile, one of our neighbors feels the weight of economic pressure so intensely that he has chosen to isolate himself at home, avoiding interaction with others.

This piece does not aim to find someone to blame for this chronic situation. We need to understand that everything happening today is part of a chain of events shaped by what came before. The economic hardships facing a nation today are closely tied to past actions, decisions, attitudes, initiatives, and responses. Just as success does not happen overnight, failure is never the result of a single, isolated factor. 

When life takes a downturn and places someone at rock bottom, or even below it, one of the most common reactions is to fight with everything they have to escape that position. Being forced out of a comfort zone against our will naturally brings discomfort, if not sadness or psychological distress. This is completely normal. It can happen to anyone. It is nothing to be ashamed of, nor is it a moral failing.

Illustration: Kolam Segaran, Mojokerto.

Traditional beliefs sustain hope

Before becoming known to the world as a “land of landmines” due to the widespread and often indiscriminate use of them in political conflicts, Myanmar was, and still is, a country with deeply rooted local traditions. Although international bodies may classify Myanmar as a failed state due to its economic struggles, this does not change the fact that it is home to UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Sites, including thousands of pagodas and well-preserved historical remains from the Hindu-Buddhist era.

Global recognition of what is visibly remarkable in Myanmar does not change another important truth: Myanmar Indigenous Belief existed long before, centered on reverence for nature and ancestral spirits. Springs, rivers, and oceans are not seen as lifeless objects, but as sacred sources of life, honored through offerings such as flowers, incense, and food. Stories—often cautionary or even frightening—have been passed down through generations to encourage people to exercise restraint when interacting with forests and their resources.

Although media and online sources tend to portray Myanmar in a negative light, the country has, to this day, lost “only” around 12% of its total forest area. The world often focuses on environmental damage caused by illegal logging, mining, landmines, and the loss of certain species. In doing so, we tend to overlook the role of indigenous values that helped preserve Myanmar’s natural environment long before waves of conflict struck.

A bright future is not a myth

In times of economic pressure, most people instinctively choose to cut back in order to survive. This is entirely understandable, even though it often comes with a long list of sacrifices. For example, food producers may reduce product sizes to lower production costs, while larger companies may cut down their workforce.

Myanmar, which today is often associated with large-scale scam operations, was once home to communities that treated conservation of natural resources as a spiritual practice rooted in their indigenous beliefs. When wildlife was abundant and forests were dense, their ancestors chose to take only what they needed—not out of necessity, but as a conscious decision grounded in a sense of joy and responsibility toward the future. This is especially striking when we consider what Myanmar is facing today.

According to recent statistics, only about 0.8% of Myanmar’s population still identifies as adherents of these indigenous beliefs. Yet, if we choose to see it differently, this small number can still be a source of optimism. It is a faint but meaningful sign that there are still a few people who recognize the wisdom of their ancestors’ teachings about building a brighter future.

When Happiness Isn’t About More

It hardly feels like it, but the COVID-19 pandemic left us about four years ago. Even so, traces of the greatest health crisis of the modern era are still with us today. The longing for working from home, for example, has resurfaced after the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, proposed returning to remote work as a way to reduce daily expenses amid rising fuel prices.

While some people can cut costs on transportation, meals, and even makeup thanks to this approach, others are struggling with lost income. This includes those in the tourism sector and anyone whose livelihood depends on it. This “nightmare” has once again begun to haunt tourism businesses in several regions, not only because of geopolitical tensions but also due to declining purchasing power. 

Still, a difficult economy doesn’t have to stop anyone from finding joy in travel. In our community, people try to “balance” their desire to travel with the reality of their finances. Some travel in groups to share costs, others create monetized content while traveling, and some simply explore hidden spots near their homes where they can relax and enjoy the surroundings for free. 

Illustration: Sumber Nyolo, Malang City. 

Not Just Ordinary Happiness

Despite being nicknamed the “Gold Coast” in the pre-independence era because of its vast gold reserves, gold is not the true source of happiness for people of Ghana who still hold their tradition dearly. This former British colony is home to around 37 million people, made up of about 100 ethnic groups and divided into nine linguistic and cultural clusters. Their indigenous beliefs are broadly grouped under African Traditional Religion, where the concept of Ubuntu—“I am because you are”—stands as a deeply rooted local philosophy.

For followers of African Traditional Religion, happiness is not a life goal but the result of maintaining harmony across four levels of human existence: the intrapersonal (self), the interpersonal (others), the transcendental (ancestors), and the universal (nature).

Maintaining harmony with others is relatively easy, as they are physically present. But what about ancestors? Remembering them is expressed through rituals such as pouring water, honey, milk, or wine onto the ground as a gesture of gratitude. This practice also trains individuals to let go—to willingly release something they might otherwise cling to.

As a result, happiness in this worldview takes the form of inner peace, free from anxiety regardless of circumstances. This peace can only be felt when a person understands that happiness is not always, and does not have to be, tied to pleasure or fleeting moments of enjoyment that come and go like the weather. It is a kind of calm that allows a community to feel content, even if they never travel the world.

This perspective helps explain why Ghana and the African continent remain rich in natural resources despite centuries of colonization. Their ancestors used resources only as needed, ensuring that future generations—representing the interpersonal dimension of human existence—could also benefit from them.

“Selling” Happiness in an Age of Turbulence

Tourism businesses do not need to panic if people are less interested in traveling far because they have found “happiness” in exploring nearby places. In fact, this shift can be an opportunity to innovate and develop new types of tourism—ones that position travelers not merely as consumers, but as active participants in meaningful experiences. People are looking for more than just spending money for entertainment.

We have all seen that pleasure is never permanent; it is always accompanied by moments of sadness. So what can tourism businesses do to ensure that a traveler’s enjoyment does not turn into regret—especially when they later realize how much they have spent?

Whatever the answer, one thing is clear: it is not easy to “sell” happiness in a turbulent era like this, where uncertainty can arise at any moment. It may be time for tourism businesses to align themselves with the four dimensions of human existence mentioned earlier. By doing so, they can remain resilient—even in the midst of storms or floods. (dswas)

Restraint as an Investment in Nature

 “Frugality is the root of wealth.” That proverb is often introduced to us as a reminder to live simply and avoid spending money on unnecessary things. The idea is that, later in life, the money we save can help improve our standing in society. Ironically, once a significant amount of money has finally been saved, global inflation may occur and the value of that money declines. Instead of raising our status, the money we have accumulated ends up being spent just to cover everyday needs.

The argument above is usually put forward by those who call themselves financial advisors or financial experts. You may have heard it as well. They often offer alternatives to make your money more productive under the motto “let your money work for you.” In other words, a person does not have to work tirelessly to grow their capital. Instead, they can invest it by buying shares in a company, lending money to a business in return for the principal plus interest, or even lending money through online loan schemes.

Thanks to growing financial literacy, small and medium capital owners generally understand that instant results are a myth. Patience is required if they want to earn profits, because opportunities that seem too good to be true are often traps set by financial predators. Yet patience alone is not a powerful weapon for keeping inflation at bay.

As a result, whatever returns are generated from those investment schemes gradually lose value. Investors must practice extraordinary frugality in order to reinvest their capital, otherwise that capital will be eaten away by their own personal expenses. The increasing weight of these challenges pushes investors to search for alternative ways to keep their capital growing.

Illustration: Waringin Branjang Temple, Blitar

Indigenous Beliefs as Investment Capital

Beyond the frequent news about armed conflict and welfare problems, Nigeria is also a region of the world where around 500 local languages are still actively used across its 36 states. Among its many communities are the Maguzawa people of the Hausa ethnic group who live in Kano State in northern Nigeria. They remain determined to maintain a way of life that stays balanced with nature, despite growing challenges from day to day.

According to Maguzawa Indigenous Belief, certain wild animals, such as pythons, are regarded as manifestations of their ancestors and are therefore forbidden to be hunted or killed. Their reverence for forests as a source of food is expressed through prohibitions against building settlements or opening farmland in areas considered sacred. Before fishing in the river, offerings are made as a reminder to limit what they take from it, including its use for daily needs.

At first glance, these customs may seem simple. In reality, they reflect a deep belief in the future, grounded in present actions. The Maguzawa do not need to predict what fate will bring in the coming days, because the results of caring for something today will naturally grow into something tomorrow. Their indigenous belief guide them toward a sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature, sustained by a willingness to “sacrifice” short-term pleasure for tangible results in the future. In this sense, indigenous belief functions as a form of capital whose value remains steady regardless of circumstances, even as inflation rises and falls elsewhere. 

Sacrifice That Produces Results

Those who succeed as investors do not achieve success merely because they possess large amounts of capital or sharp instincts for interpreting economic fluctuations. As in many other fields, success comes through a willingness to sacrifice. This is not blind sacrifice, of course, but sacrifice made after careful observation of the results produced by various experiments.

The founders of belief systems from many parts of the world also built their foundations through similar “experiments.” Their teachings were shaped by real events and by solutions that proved effective in dealing with particular situations, not by mysterious voices like those portrayed in horror films. They did not need to wait long to understand the consequences of restraining themselves from something as simple as urinating in the river, for example, because the same river was used as a source of drinking water.

Nor did they need to guess what would happen if certain types of trees were not cut down, or if forests were not completely cleared, in accordance with the rules of their belief systems. In the next dry season or rainy season, drought or flash floods would appear as the consequences of violating those rules. (dswas).

Finding Ease After Hardship

 “War is money,” conspiracy theorists like to say. For everyone else, money is simply money. It is no longer just a medium of exchange. It has become one of the main factors that shapes how our daily lives unfold.

In extreme times like these, money even becomes a measure of happiness. Some people quietly convince themselves that they do not deserve to be happy unless they possess a certain amount of it.

We cannot blame or judge those who feel this way. The level of hardship people experience across the world is not the same for everyone. Even so, the idea of “life difficulties” has recently become a common theme in many parts of the world, especially in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.

No one simply sits still and calmly accepts such circumstances. For business owners, layoffs often become the most realistic option. For households, drastic budget cuts are the way to survive.

And in many ways, it has worked. We can say that because, so far, we have not seen suicide or depression becoming global trends alongside financial hardship. At least not on the scale many people feared.

Still, this “positive dynamic” comes with consequences. Living on a tight budget is like driving through a very narrow road. It requires extra focus and awareness to keep the journey smooth.

Yet instead of improving their driving skills, some people choose another approach. They look for ways to push other drivers off the road so their own journey becomes faster and easier.

The good news is that this is not the only way people try to create ease in the middle of hardship. 

Illustration: Telaga Rambut Monte, Blitar 

Practicing the Act of “Bringing” Ease

While financial hardship affects much of humanity, other groups face difficulties in a different form: conflict among themselves.

The people of Congo are one example. Their challenges partly stem from being a nation made up of more than 200 ethnic groups that speak around 250 different languages and dialects.

The Bakongo people were once united by a traditional belief system known as Bukongo. In this belief, ancestors and natural elements are honored so they may continue to guide and protect the living in all situations.

When the Bakongo pour water or wine onto the ground as an offering to their ancestors, they do not expect magical forces to suddenly appear and solve their problems.

In fact, “pouring away” water or wine is a significant sacrifice. The Bakongo live in an environment where nature can be harsh and resources are not always abundant.

From a modern perspective, such an act might seem wasteful or pointless. But for the Bakongo, this practice trains them to remember something important: even in the hardest conditions, their responsibilities as a community must continue.

Through this practice, they maintain balance. Balance between humans and other humans, and between humans and the natural world around them.

As a result, the Bakongo—represented by the political leadership of the Democratic Republic of Congo—did not hesitate to adopt new standards from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). These standards guide the responsible and sustainable management of their forests, which cover about 155 million hectares, or roughly 18% of the world’s tropical forests.

This approach does not forbid the government or local communities from using forest resources for shared prosperity. Instead, it encourages them to constantly ask a simple question: how much can we take without destroying the source of our livelihood?

Perspective Can “Bring” Ease

Ease after hardship rarely appears suddenly, even when we believe we are doing everything possible to create it.

Often the real problem is simpler. We fail to recognize that ease has already arrived.

Sometimes this happens because we feel too exhausted to keep facing our difficulties. At other times it is driven by many other personal factors that vary from one person to another.

The Bakongo could have chosen a different path. They could have forgotten their ancestors and sold their vast forests to investors. Wouldn’t that have been an easy way out of poverty?

Instead, the Democratic Republic of Congo chose to preserve its natural wealth. This decision came after a series of disasters caused by excessive exploitation of natural resources, disasters that claimed hundreds of lives.

That decision eventually built trust with two major global financial institutions: the IMF and the World Bank. In January 2026, both institutions agreed to raise the country’s credit rating, allowing it to access larger loans than before.

These funds are planned for infrastructure development and programs aimed at improving the welfare of the Congolese people.

And if it is embezzled? 

Those who imagine corruption as a form of “ease” offered to them are people who have forgotten balance.

And long before that, they have already forgotten their ancestors. (dswas)