This ‘15-minute window’ keeps Ukrainians warm — and is a window to our better selves
J.P. Montalvan • August 14, 2023
"Most people are mirrors, reflecting the moods and emotions of the times.
Few are windows, bringing light to bear on the dark corners where troubles fester.
The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows."
-- Sydney J. Harris
photo courtesy of Palinchak
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This ‘15-minute window’ keeps Ukrainians warm — and is a window to our better selves
Imagine war raging in the country around you. Imagine living in a bomb-damaged home. Imagine the emotions you’d feel not only trying to stay alive, but… to stay warm when your windows have been blown out.
“Part of Putin’s war is about trying to make people in Ukraine cold and miserable,” says Harry Blakiston Houston, a UK based engineer. “We’ve come up with a solution that makes a real difference.”
A window that takes 15 minutes to build is helping Ukrainians repair and insulate their bomb-damaged homes. Designed by Houston, from the University of Cambridge, England, the window uses ‘triple-glazed’ polyethylene to protect against the cold and costs around $15 per square meter.
This month, our Leadership Circle is talking about emotions — the disempowering and empowering emotions we all feel — and how action is one antidote to changing our emotions for the better.
If you’ve ever been cold — cold for much longer than is healthy — you know the impact it can have your your psyche.
“Individuals tend to feel less friendly and more anxious in the colder months,” says Kimberly Hershenson, licensed master social worker, on winter and its ill effects on our mental health. “Shorter days, chillier weather, disruption in schedules and financial stresses can all contribute in some form or another to this.”
Imagine what improving the warmth of your house and home would do to help your psyche. That was the goal for Houston, the founder of Insulate Ukraine — to keep people in the war-ravaged country warm. His design has now been used in liberated areas, following Russian retreats.
Emotions are an integral part of our human experience, shaping the way we see and interact with the world around us. Sometimes, the complexities of life can overwhelm us, causing negative emotions to take over. Houston’s innovation is a reminder to me of what we need to do to shift our emotions…
The path to empowering emotions is action. You don’t have to invent a window, — just understand your window of time. Here are 7 small actions can have a profound impact on your emotional well-being...
Practice Gratitude. Gratitude is a simple yet potent emotion that has the ability to shift our focus from what's lacking to what we have. Taking a few minutes each day to reflect on the things we're grateful for can help us cultivate a positive outlook. Whether it's the warmth of the sun or the support of a loved one, acknowledging these blessings can instantly boost our mood.
Engage in Acts of Kindness. Performing acts of kindness, no matter how small, can create a ripple effect of positivity. Holding the door for someone, offering a genuine compliment, or helping a coworker can create joy and satisfaction. Research has shown that acts of kindness can stimulate the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "feel-good hormone."
Connect with Nature. Spending time in nature has a remarkable ability to soothe our minds and rejuvenate our spirits. A leisurely stroll in the park, a hike in the mountains, or simply sitting by a serene pool can help alleviate stress and boost feelings of contentment. Nature's beauty and tranquility can quickly shift our focus away from worries and towards the present moment.
Practice Mindfulness. Mindfulness involves being deliberately attentive to the present moment without judgment. Engaging in mindfulness exercises such as deep breathing and meditation can help us detach from negative emotions and reduce stress. By cultivating mindfulness, we become more attuned to our thoughts and feelings, enabling us to respond to them in a calmer and more composed manner.
Listen to Music. Music has an extraordinary ability to evoke emotions and alter our mood. Upbeat tunes can infuse us with energy and enthusiasm, while soothing melodies can provide comfort and relaxation. Creating playlists that resonate with our emotions and preferences can be a simple yet effective way to regulate our emotional state.
Practice Self-Care. Engaging in self-care activities is essential for maintaining emotional well-being. Taking a warm bath, reading a book, practicing yoga, or simply enjoying a cup of tea can help us recharge and nurture ourselves. When we prioritize self-care, we send a message to ourselves that our emotional health matters.
Express Creativity. Engaging in creative activities such as drawing, painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument can be incredibly cathartic. Creativity provides an outlet for self-expression, enabling us to process our emotions and gain insights into our feelings. These activities can also provide a sense of accomplishment, boosting our self-esteem.
Fedor Tikva, 64, living in Izyum, eastern Ukraine, said it had been impossible to live in his home after it was damaged by nearby bombing. “All windows there were broken, even the frames were partly damaged," Tivka said. “Before the installation...it was too dark and cold inside,” he said. “I am happy now because after the installation of all the windows the house became more cozy, warmer and lighter.”
We’re incredibly fortunate to live in a peaceful environment. And even in our relative peace, we all experience dark emotions. If a window that takes 15 minutes to build can help Ukrainians live a little better life, imagine how the power of simple actions — practices such as gratitude, kindness, nature connection, mindfulness, music, self-care, and creativity — might bring about positive changes in your emotions.
Our journey to empowered well-being begins with single, simple actions. Here’s to taking those simple actions with you.
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Happy Hump Day!
I don’t usually reach out to you on Wednesdays, and I wanted to share that Wednesday isn't just any ol' day – it's the linchpin of your week. Why?
As I’m sharing with my Leadership Circle this quarter, Wednesday isn't just the midpoint of the typical work week calendar. It's a golden opportunity for us to hit pause, reassess, and realign ourselves with what really matters – our weekly priorities.
Edwin was born in the small town of Steubenville, Ohio. His education started in Miss Randle’s kindergarten and was followed by Henry Orr’s seminary around the block. At 10, he entered George Buchanan’s nearby Latin school where he was called “an imperious and self-reliant young man.”
Edwin’s lifelong struggle with asthma might have contributed to his temper, but so could have the early death of his father and the deaths of his brother and two children.
And on the eve of achieving his life’s dream — nomination to the Supreme Court — Edwin Stanton’s chronic asthma caused his death in 1869.
As I sit here late at night in my parent’s family room, a few hours away from our home, thinking about you, it dawns on me that we’re often wrapped up with how leadership impacts us in the work world. But the reality is that it permeates every part of our lives – and especially our relationships with family and friends.
This weekend, the conversations with my parents are covering a myriad of topics, from advice on navigating parenthood with our newborn daughter to discussing strategies for managing their health.
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Upon entering the cozy pub, we were greeted incredibly warmly. Our waiter was a young man who attended to us graciously through our meal, and when he had to leave was replaced by an older waiter. The older waiter had a twinkle in his eye, as they say, and he immediately struck a chord with us. As our main meal switched to delicious desserts, he engaged us in some lively conversation and took a genuine interest in our newborn daughter in the stroller by our table. His genuine care and enthusiasm was really something.
In the challenging world of Hollywood, with a sea of scripts and opportunities, Reese knew what she wanted. Despite some early success and the offers of darker and more intense roles, she was drawn towards “optimistic” storylines that inspired and uplifted. She wanted to make a meaningful impact on her audience, especially girls and young women.
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Getting picked last isn't great. Brock would know…
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And when we lose sight of our goals – our big goals – we are picking ourselves last.