Aisha Bakri
Columnist, Mind & Ritual
Holding a Ph.D. in Sociology from the London School of Economics, Aisha's research focused on the role of ritual in secular societies. She spent several years conducting ethnographic research on modern communities, from wellness retreats to digital covens. Finding a passion for public scholarship, she began writing her column 'Modern Rites,' which quickly gained a devoted following for its blend of academic rigor and gentle introspection. Her book, 'The Secular Sacred,' was a notable exploration of how individuals forge their own sense of the sacred in a post-religious world. Aisha’s writing challenges readers to look at their daily routines and find the potential for ceremony and deeper meaning.
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Latest Articles

Mid-century design principles shape brick homes for future appreciation
The Asher Residence, a Rodney Walker-designed mid-century modern gem in Sherman Oaks, is now listed for $3.
Jun 28, 2026 · 3 min read

Yoga and mindfulness offer stress relief, but evidence is limited.
A single standard deviation increase in mindfulness was associated with a 0.
Jun 20, 2026 · 6 min read

Screens Are Making Us Worse Readers, Evidence Shows
Students who use computers more than six hours daily score a staggering 66 points lower on PISA assessments than nonusers, revealing a hidden cost of digital immersion.
Jun 17, 2026 · 4 min read

7 Hours of Sleep: The Science-Backed Habit for Brain Health
Sleeping just one hour more or less than seven hours a night can significantly decrease your cognitive performance, according to a Nature study of nearly half a million individuals.
Jun 16, 2026 · 5 min read

Herzog & de Meuron reimagines 56-meter Titlis antenna tower sculpture
Perched over 3,000 meters above sea level, a 56-meter-high antenna tower, once a purely functional mid-1980s structure, now hosts a 140-seat restaurant designed by Herzog & de Meuron.
Jun 11, 2026 · 3 min read

New Animated Film Explores Counterproductive Forces of Incarceration
While incarcerated, Marvin Wade not only obtained his GED and learned conflict resolution but also discovered a profound love for writing, according to This Is Colossal .
Jun 9, 2026 · 2 min read

What Are Gratitude Mindful Activities for Well-being?
Just 15 minutes a day, five days a week, of practicing gratitude can significantly enhance mental wellness, according to UCLA Health .
Jun 8, 2026 · 4 min read

What are mindful exercises for seniors and why do they boost wellbeing?
Just 30 minutes of daily mindfulness meditation can increase gray matter in the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory and learning, even in older adults, according to seniorlifestyle.
Jun 7, 2026 · 5 min read

AI Storytelling Risks Eroding Art and Authorship, Raising Ethical Concerns.
When stories are introduced as AI-generated, readers are significantly less likely to become deeply transported into the narrative world, according to studies in nature .
Jun 7, 2026 · 4 min read

AA Danto Unveils New Tile Series with Global Designer Collaborations
AA Danto's latest tile series isn't just new; some re-edited collections are explicitly designed to last for the next one hundred years.
Jun 6, 2026 · 2 min read

Digital platforms rewrite folklore, organizations lose control
In 2026, before official corporate statements or traditional news reports emerge, online communities routinely add context, criticism, and interpretation to public events.
Jun 4, 2026 · 2 min read

The Fitness and Wellness Industry's 2026 Hyper-Specialization Shift
Nearly 78% of Fortune 500 companies now invest in employee health coaching, according to Eciks .
Jun 4, 2026 · 3 min read

Mil Studios completes design of Jungle's Madrid HQ
Mil Studios completed the design of creative agency Jungle's new Madrid headquarters in 2026, signaling a significant investment in a physical space tailored to foster creativity and brand identity.
May 31, 2026 · 2 min read

Hims & Hers boosts subscriber perks with new partner benefits
Hims & Hers subscribers now receive their first three months of AI coaching through iFIT for free, a significant move beyond traditional telehealth.
May 29, 2026 · 2 min read

Fine Arts Commission Approves Arc de Trump Design for DC
A 250-foot triumphal arch, nicknamed the 'Arc de Trump' and featuring a Lady Liberty-like figure and gilded eagles, has been unanimously approved for Washington D.
May 22, 2026 · 2 min read

Handmade Heritage is Key to Mindfulness and Cultural Identity in 2026
In 2026, Vesterheim joins a nationwide movement: the Handwork 2026 Celebration.
May 15, 2026 · 3 min read

Spring Artisan Markets and Craft Fairs in 2026
This Mother's Day weekend alone, over 35 artisan and craft events are scheduled across New Jersey, from student-led businesses to winery picnics.
May 14, 2026 · 3 min read

Brazilian artisan crafts replica World Cup trophies, selling over 3000
In a small Rio de Janeiro workshop, artisan Jarbas Meneghini has personally handcrafted over 3,000 plaster replicas of the World Cup trophy.
May 12, 2026 · 2 min read