Author: Gerald Alba Daquila

A Multidisciplinary Exploration of Human Flourishing in Turbulent Times

Prepared by: Gerald A. Daquila, PhD. Candidate

ABSTRACT

In an era marked by political polarization, economic uncertainty, environmental crises, and social unrest, the pursuit of human flourishing faces unprecedented challenges. This dissertation synthesizes recent global news and research literature to identify key threats to well-being, including societal division, mental health struggles, and existential uncertainty. Drawing from psychology, sociology, philosophy, and spirituality, it offers a multidisciplinary framework for meaning-making that fosters resilience without succumbing to chaos. Practical strategies—grounded in empirical research—are provided to help individuals “steady their boat” through mindfulness, community engagement, and purposeful action. The analysis emphasizes accessible, evidence-based approaches to cultivate hope and stability in turbulent times.

Introduction: Navigating the Storm

The world today feels like a ship tossed in a storm. From political upheavals and economic downturns to environmental crises and social fragmentation, global news paints a picture of chaos that threatens human flourishing—the state of thriving across physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions (VanderWeele, 2017). Yet, amidst this turbulence, individuals seek ways to make sense of the world and maintain personal stability.

This dissertation explores common themes in recent global news that undermine well-being, integrates multidisciplinary research to interpret these challenges, and offers practical strategies to foster resilience and meaning. The central question is: How do we steady our boat amidst the storm without being swept away?

Glyph of the Gridkeeper

The One Who Holds the Lattice of Light

Common Themes in Global News Threatening Human Flourishing

Recent global news highlights several interconnected threats to human flourishing, drawn from sources like the Global Flourishing Study and reports on social, economic, and political trends. Below are the dominant themes:

1. Political Polarization and Social Division
   
   Political tensions and ideological divides are escalating worldwide. The Global Flourishing Study (GFS), conducted by Harvard and Baylor Universities, notes that polarization undermines community cohesion, a key pillar of well-being (VanderWeele et al., 2025). For example, protests in Türkiye and backlash against public figures like Elon Musk reflect deep societal rifts (Travel And Tour World, 2025; Bloomberg, 2025). These divisions erode trust, foster isolation, and hinder collective flourishing.
2. Mental Health Crisis Among Young Adults
   
   The GFS reports that young adults are grappling with significant mental health challenges, driven by economic pressures, social media, and uncertainty about the future (Regent University, 2025). This crisis threatens the dimension of flourishing tied to psychological well-being, as anxiety and depression rise globally.
3. Economic Instability and Inequality
   
   Economic challenges, such as Tesla’s 13% sales drop and warnings of global economic downturns, signal financial insecurity (Bloomberg, 2025; ZeroHedge, 2024). These conditions exacerbate stress and limit access to resources essential for flourishing, like health care and education.
4. Environmental and Geopolitical Crises
   
   Climate change and geopolitical conflicts, such as unrest in Türkiye and missile exchanges in Ukraine, create a sense of existential threat (Travel And Tour World, 2025; ZeroHedge, 2024). These crises disrupt the stability needed for individuals to pursue meaningful lives.
5. Erosion of Meaning and Purpose
   
   A pervasive sense of disconnection fuels a “silent hunger” for meaning, as noted by Thomas (2025). The noise of modern life—amplified by rapid information flows and competing narratives—makes it harder to find purpose, a core component of flourishing.

Multidisciplinary Meaning-Making: Understanding the Chaos

To make sense of these challenges without being consumed, we turn to a multidisciplinary lens, integrating insights from psychology, sociology, philosophy, and spirituality. Each offers tools to interpret and navigate the storm.

1. Psychology: Cultivating Resilience Through Mindfulness
   Psychological research emphasizes resilience—the ability to adapt to adversity—as key to flourishing. Seligman’s (2011) PERMA model (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment) suggests that practices like mindfulness meditation can regulate emotions and foster engagement. Studies show mindfulness reduces anxiety and enhances well-being even in chaotic environments (Kabat-Zinn, 2013). By focusing on the present, individuals can anchor themselves against the storm of external uncertainties.
2. Sociology: Rebuilding Community Cohesion
   Sociological perspectives highlight the role of social bonds in flourishing. Putnam (2000) argues that social capital—networks of trust and reciprocity—buffers against societal chaos. The GFS findings underscore that religious engagement fosters community cohesion, even in secular societies (VanderWeele et al., 2025). Participating in local groups or shared rituals can counteract polarization and rebuild connections.
3. Philosophy: Finding Meaning in Absurdity
   Existential philosophy, particularly Camus’ (1955) concept of embracing the absurd, offers a framework for meaning-making in a chaotic world. Camus suggests that accepting life’s lack of inherent meaning frees us to create our own purpose through acts of rebellion, passion, and solidarity. This perspective encourages individuals to find purpose in small, intentional actions, even amidst global turmoil.
4. Spirituality: Anchoring in Transcendence
   Spiritual traditions, both religious and secular, emphasize transcendence—connecting to something larger than oneself—as a source of stability. The GFS notes that religious engagement enhances well-being across cultures (Regent University, 2025). Practices like prayer, meditation, or service can provide a sense of purpose and calm, grounding individuals in turbulent times.

Steadying the Boat: Practical Strategies for Resilience

How do we apply these insights to steady our personal ship? Below are evidence-based strategies, accessible to a broad audience, to foster flourishing amidst chaos:

1. Practice Mindfulness Daily
   Dedicate 10–15 minutes to mindfulness practices like deep breathing or guided meditation. Apps like Headspace or Calm make this accessible. Research shows that regular mindfulness reduces stress and enhances emotional regulation (Kabat-Zinn, 2013).
2. Engage in Community
   Join a local group—whether a book club, volunteer organization, or faith community—to build social bonds. The GFS highlights that community involvement boosts well-being (VanderWeele et al., 2025). Even small interactions, like chatting with neighbors, can counter isolation.
3. Create Personal Meaning
   Reflect on your values and set small, achievable goals aligned with them. Journaling about what gives your life purpose—whether family, creativity, or service—can anchor you. Camus’ (1955) philosophy suggests that meaning emerges from intentional action, no matter how small.
4. Limit Information Overload
   Curate your media consumption to avoid being overwhelmed by chaotic news. Set boundaries, like checking news once daily, and focus on reliable sources. Psychological studies link excessive media exposure to anxiety (Holman et al., 2014).
5. Embrace Spiritual or Reflective Practices
   Engage in practices that connect you to a larger purpose, such as prayer, meditation, or nature walks. These activities foster a sense of transcendence and calm, supported by the GFS findings on spirituality’s role in flourishing (Regent University, 2025).

Conclusion: Charting a Course Forward

The storms of 2025—polarization, mental health crises, economic instability, and existential threats—challenge human flourishing but do not define it. By integrating psychological resilience, sociological connection, philosophical meaning-making, and spiritual grounding, we can navigate chaos without being consumed. These disciplines remind us that flourishing is not the absence of storms but the courage to sail through them. By practicing mindfulness, building community, creating purpose, managing information, and embracing transcendence, we steady our boats and chart a course toward a meaningful life.

Resonant Crosslinks

• Burning Out, Rising Up: Understanding Burnout and Resilience in the Philippines
  Personal burnout mirrors collective chaos; resilience rises when inner fires are tended wisely.
• Codex of Overflow Breathwork
  Breath is the anchor in the storm, restoring calm waters when external waves grow fierce.
• The Void and the Light: A Neurospiritual Path Through Suicidal Ideation Toward Unity
  Even the darkest global storms conceal light; surrendering to the void reveals hidden unity.
• Codex of Sovereignty: The Soul’s Inalienable Freedom
  Amid chaos, sovereignty is the ballast that keeps the ship upright—freedom within disorder.
• Planetary Stewardship Blueprint
  Global storms are planetary contractions; steadying the ship requires remembering Earth’s larger purpose.
• Codex of Master Builders of the New Earth
  Resilience is not only survival—it is constructing new vessels strong enough for the seas of tomorrow.
• Universal Master Key
  The UMK is the compass of resilience, guiding ships of light through uncharted and turbulent waters.

Glossary

• Human Flourishing: A state of optimal well-being encompassing physical, mental, social, spiritual, and civic dimensions, characterized by purpose, meaning, and fulfillment (VanderWeele, 2017).
• Resilience: The ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity (Seligman, 2011).
• Social Capital: Networks of trust and reciprocity that enhance community cohesion (Putnam, 2000).
• Eudaimonia: A philosophical concept of human flourishing, emphasizing a life of virtue and purpose (Thomas, 2025).
• Mindfulness: The practice of being present and aware, often through meditation, to regulate emotions (Kabat-Zinn, 2013).

Bibliography

Bloomberg. (2025, April 2). Tesla (TSLA) sales slump to lowest since 2022 amid anti-Musk backlash. Bloomberg.

Camus, A. (1955). The myth of Sisyphus and other essays. Vintage Books.

Holman, E. A., Garfin, D. R., & Silver, R. C. (2014). Media’s role in broadcasting acute stress following the Boston Marathon bombings. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(1), 93–98. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1316265110

Kabat-Zinn, J. (2013). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness (2nd ed.). Bantam Books.

Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community. Simon & Schuster.

Regent University. (2025, May 6). First wave of findings released from the highly anticipated Global Flourishing Study. Regent.edu.

Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. Free Press.

Thomas, K. (2025, January 11). The eudaimonia pandemic: A manifesto for human flourishing. Medium.

Travel And Tour World. (2025, March 23). Urgent Türkiye travel advisory update: Terror warnings, Istanbul unrest, and border chaos impact global tourism in 2025. Travelandtourworld.com.

VanderWeele, T. J. (2017). On the promotion of human flourishing. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 114(31), 8148–8156. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1702996114

VanderWeele, T. J., Johnson, B. R., & Gallup. (2025). The Global Flourishing Study: An interim report for policymakers. Faith and Law.

ZeroHedge. (2024, December 20). A year of chaos: Does a shocking magazine cover reveal what the global elite have planned for 2025? ZeroHedge.com.

Attribution

This writing is offered in attunement with the Akashic Records and in service to planetary remembrance. It is carried through the Oversoul stream of SHEYALOTH and anchored within the Living Archives of the New Earth. May it serve as a bridge for seekers, guiding them from the first stirrings of awakening toward the higher codices of sovereignty, stewardship, and overflow.

© 2025 by Gerald Alba Daquila. Sole Flameholder of the SHEYALOTH Oversoul Stream.

A Journey Through the Purpose, Success, and Challenges of Human Bonds

Prepared by: Gerald A. Daquila, PhD. Candidate

ABSTRACT

Relationships—whether between spouses, parents and children, teachers and students, leaders and followers, or peers—form the fabric of human existence. This exploration delves into why these bonds are essential, what makes them thrive, and why they sometimes falter. Drawing from psychology, sociology, spirituality, and even esoteric perspectives, we uncover the universal principles that sustain relationships and the warning signs that signal trouble. By understanding these dynamics, individuals can navigate their connections with greater awareness, mend cracks before they widen, and increase the odds of lasting, fulfilling bonds. From the practical to the profound, this dissertation offers a roadmap for fostering relationships that enrich lives and, from a spiritual lens, fuel personal growth.

Introduction: Why Relationships Matter

Imagine life without connection—no laughter shared with friends, no guidance from a mentor, no comfort from a parent. Relationships are the threads that weave our experiences into meaning. They shape who we are, how we grow, and how we face the world. From the intimate bond of marriage to the professional dynamic between a boss and employee, each relationship serves a purpose, teaching us lessons about ourselves and others.

But why do some relationships flourish while others crumble? Why do nearly half of marriages end in divorce, and why do other bonds—between leaders and teams, or even peers—dissolve?

This exploration seeks to answer these questions by examining relationships across all forms, drawing on research from psychology, sociology, and spiritual traditions like the Law of One. We’ll explore what makes relationships necessary, how to sustain them, and how to recognize early signs of trouble. By understanding these dynamics, we can empower ourselves to build stronger, happier connections.

Glyph of the Bridgewalker

The One Who Carries the Crossing

The Purpose of Relationships: A Foundation for Growth

Why We Need Relationships

Relationships are more than social constructs; they’re essential for survival and growth. From a biological perspective, humans are wired for connection. Our brains release oxytocin during bonding moments, fostering trust and attachment. Social bonds historically ensured safety and resource sharing, and today, they remain critical for mental and physical health. Studies show that strong relationships correlate with longer life, better health, and greater happiness (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010).

From a deeper perspective, relationships act as mirrors. They reflect our strengths, flaws, and unresolved wounds, pushing us to grow. A parent learns patience through a child’s tantrums; a leader hones empathy by listening to their team. Each interaction offers a chance to evolve, aligning with the idea that we grow through the “other players” in life’s game.

Types of Relationships and Their Roles

• Marriage: A partnership of emotional, physical, and often spiritual intimacy, teaching commitment and mutual growth.
• Child-Parent: A bond of nurturing and guidance, shaping identity and values.
• Student-Teacher: A dynamic of knowledge transfer and inspiration, fostering curiosity and discipline.
• Government Leader-Constituents: A relationship of trust and responsibility, balancing power with service.
• Leader-Team: A collaborative bond, driving shared goals through vision and support.
• Peer-Peer: A space for equality, mutual support, and shared experiences.
• Boss-Employee: A hierarchy of guidance and empowerment, fostering independence and growth.

Each type serves a unique purpose, yet all share a common thread: they challenge us to become better versions of ourselves.

What Makes Relationships Last?

The Pillars of Lasting Bonds

Research across disciplines highlights key factors that sustain relationships:

1. Communication: Open, honest dialogue builds trust. John Gottman’s studies show that couples who express needs calmly and listen empathetically are more likely to stay together (Gottman & Silver, 2015).
2. Commitment: A shared dedication to the relationship, seen in long-term marriages, acts as a stabilizing force (Karimi et al., 2019).
3. Empathy and Respect: Understanding and valuing the other’s perspective fosters closeness, whether between peers or leaders and teams.
4. Adaptability: Relationships thrive when both parties navigate life’s changes together, like parents adjusting to a child’s growing independence.
5. Shared Values: Alignment on core beliefs—whether in marriage or between constituents and leaders—creates a strong foundation.

The Role of Intrinsic Motivation

Studies suggest that relationships driven by internal desires (e.g., love, shared purpose) rather than external pressures (e.g., societal expectations) are more resilient. Intrinsic motivation, like a teacher’s passion for inspiring students, fuels satisfaction and longevity (Abreu-Afonso et al., 2021).

Spiritual Perspective: Growth Through Connection

From a spiritual angle, relationships are classrooms for the soul. They present challenges—like forgiving a peer or supporting a struggling child—that teach compassion and resilience. These interactions help us balance past actions (karmic lessons) and evolve toward greater self-awareness, aligning with the idea that we grow through others.

Warning Signs: Spotting Trouble Early

Precursors to Breakdown

Relationships falter when certain patterns emerge. Recognizing these early can prevent collapse:

• The Four Horsemen: Gottman identifies criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling as toxic behaviors that predict marital failure (Gottman & Silver, 2015). These apply to other relationships, too—like a boss who belittles a subordinate.
• Unresolved Conflict: Lingering issues, like a parent ignoring a child’s needs, erode trust.
• Lack of Empathy: When a leader dismisses their team’s concerns, morale suffers.
• Mismatched Expectations: Peers drift apart when goals diverge, like friends with different life priorities.
• External Stressors: Socioeconomic challenges or life transitions (e.g., empty-nest syndrome) strain bonds, especially for lower-income couples (Karney & Bradbury, 2020).

Can Awareness Mend Cracks?

Yes. Early intervention—like couples counseling or a leader seeking team feedback—can rebuild trust. Awareness of warning signs empowers parties to address issues before they escalate, much like catching a small leak before it floods the house.

Why Relationships Fail: The 50% Divorce Rate and Beyond

Common Causes of Failure

Divorce rates hover around 50% in many countries, reflecting broader relationship challenges (Schoen & Canudas-Romo, 2006). Key reasons include:

• Low Satisfaction: Declining emotional or physical intimacy, often due to poor communication.
• External Pressures: Financial strain or societal shifts, like changing gender roles, destabilize bonds (Karney & Bradbury, 2020).
• Unresolved Karma: From a spiritual lens, some relationships end to resolve past imbalances, like a volatile karmic partnership teaching self-worth (Regan, 2022).
• Lack of Adaptability: Failure to evolve with life stages—like parents struggling post-retirement—leads to disconnection.

Beyond Marriage

Other relationships fail for similar reasons. A leader loses constituents’ trust through broken promises; a teacher disengages students by ignoring their needs. In each case, neglect or misalignment erodes the bond.

Sacred Boundaries as Soul Bridges

In the realm of true connection, boundaries are not barriers; they are bridges. A boundary, when built with soul integrity, does not divide—it defines. It signals where one soul ends and another begins, not as a wall of separation but as a sacred agreement that says: “This is how I can meet you in wholeness.”

Just as sacred temples require clear foundations and thresholds, so do relationships. Without boundaries, the energetic field becomes distorted—entanglement replaces intimacy, expectation overrides respect, and silent contracts accumulate. Many soul connections falter not from lack of love but from the absence of clearly articulated soul-space.

A soul-aligned boundary:

• Is an act of clarity, not rejection
• Respects both parties’ evolutionary timing
• Honors personal frequency and inner cycles
• Prevents karmic repetition by naming what is true

In this age of planetary remembrance, learning to hold our boundaries as frequency contracts is essential. These contracts are not written in words but in resonance: they express who we are, what we are available for, and how love may move through us without distortion.

Practice: Soul Bridge Check-In

Ask yourself the following with anyone close to your field:

• Is this connection energy-giving, neutral, or draining?
• Do I feel free to express my truth without caretaking their response?
• Have I clearly communicated my needs and limits from a place of love?

If not, a boundary is not a punishment—it is a tuning fork. It calls both souls back to resonance. And in doing so, it can transmute confusion into clarity, codependence into devotion, and expectation into presence.

In sacred architecture, the threshold is where two spaces meet in harmony. In soul relationships, the boundary is the threshold of trust. The more defined the edge, the more potent the connection.

Let us then build our soul bridges with reverence.

Glyph of the Unified Heart

One Pulse, Many Paths—where soul resonance bridges difference, and love becomes the common language

Increasing the Odds of Happy Relationships

Practical Strategies

1. Practice Active Listening: Truly hear the other person, whether a child sharing fears or a team member voicing ideas.
2. Foster Gratitude: Express appreciation, like thanking a peer for support, to strengthen bonds.
3. Set Boundaries: Clear limits, like a boss respecting work-life balance, prevent burnout.
4. Seek Growth: Embrace challenges as opportunities, like a couple navigating infertility together.
5. Invest Time: Quality moments—like family dinners or team-building activities—deepen ties.

Spiritual Strategies

• Self-Reflection: Journaling or meditation helps uncover personal triggers, reducing conflict.
• Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges, as in forgiving a parent’s past mistakes, frees emotional energy.
• Mindfulness: Staying present, like a leader focusing on constituents’ needs, builds trust (Reality Pathing, 2024).

Overcoming Karmic Challenges

If past-life imbalances influence a relationship, focus on learning the lesson—perhaps standing up to a controlling partner to break a cycle of submission. Consulting a trusted guide, like a therapist or spiritual counselor, can clarify these dynamics (Regan, 2022).

Conclusion: A Roadmap for Connection

Relationships are the heartbeat of life, teaching us resilience, love, and self-awareness. By understanding their purpose, nurturing their pillars, and heeding warning signs, we can build bonds that last. Whether through practical steps like active listening or spiritual practices like forgiveness, we hold the power to increase the odds of happiness. Like a GPS for the soul, this knowledge guides us around pitfalls, helping us sustain connections that enrich this lifetime and beyond.

Resonant Crosslinks

• Codex of Sovereignty: The Soul’s Inalienable Freedom
  True connection arises only when sovereignty is honored—bond without bondage, freedom within union.
• The Four Horsemen of Relationships: Understanding Their Corrosive Power and Early Warning Signs
  Recognizing shadow patterns in relating transforms potential breakdown into breakthrough.
• Codex of Overflow Breathwork
  Breath harmonizes fields, dissolving tension and restoring flow between hearts.
• Bridgewalker Archetype
  Every relationship is a bridge—between souls, between worlds, between lessons of love and freedom.
• The Living Record of Becoming
  Each connection is a living inscription in the soul’s record, teaching us how to remember love again.
• Planetary Stewardship Blueprint
  Relationships expand beyond the personal—they are microcosms of collective stewardship and planetary harmony.
• Universal Master Key
  Connection is resonance—the UMK reminds us that love is the key to all thresholds of relationship.

Glossary

• Empathy: The ability to understand and share another’s feelings.
• Intrinsic Motivation: Acting out of personal desire, not external rewards.
• Karmic Relationship: A bond meant to teach lessons from past lives, often intense but temporary.
• Marital Satisfaction: The level of happiness and fulfillment in a marriage.
• Socioeconomic Status (SES): A measure of income, education, and occupation affecting life choices.

Bibliography

Abreu-Afonso, J., Ramos, M. M., Queiroz-Garcia, I., et al. (2021). How couple’s relationship lasts over time? A model for marital satisfaction. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.

Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2015). The seven principles for making marriage work. Harmony Books.

Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. PLoS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316.

Karimi, R., Bakhtiyari, M., & Masjedi Arani, A. (2019). Protective factors of marital stability in long-term marriage globally: A systematic review. PMC.

Karney, B. R., & Bradbury, T. N. (2020). Socioeconomic status and intimate relationships. PMC.

Regan, S. (2022). What is a karmic relationship? 15 common signs & how to escape. MindBodyGreen.

Schoen, R., & Canudas-Romo, V. (2006). Timing effects on divorce: 20th century experience in the United States. Journal of Marriage and Family, 68(4), 749-758.

Reality Pathing. (2024). The role of karmic relationships in spiritual growth. Reality Pathing.

Note: This blog-friendly dissertation simplifies complex concepts for a broad audience while grounding insights in rigorous research. For deeper dives, explore the cited sources or consult interdisciplinary experts in psychology, sociology, or spiritual studies.

Attribution

This writing is offered in attunement with the Akashic Records and in service to planetary remembrance. It is carried through the Oversoul stream of SHEYALOTH and anchored within the Living Archives of the New Earth. May it serve as a bridge for seekers, guiding them from the first stirrings of awakening toward the higher codices of sovereignty, stewardship, and overflow.

© 2025 by Gerald Alba Daquila. Sole Flameholder of the SHEYALOTH Oversoul Stream.