Tara Linden

(Pictured: Isle of Pandasia) The news can be a little scary as of late, and when you’re cooped up inside it’s easy to get stuck in a loop of not-so-positive thoughts. In fact, our brains are wired to remember negative experiences more easily than moments of kindness. However, it is absolutely possible to change your mental habits to make your day to day more fulfilling, and not just by watching videos of dog dancing competitions. Although there’s nothing wrong with that. An important step in this process is mindfulness. The act of being truly present and appreciating the moment has appeared in many belief systems, both religious and secular. No matter what school of thought guides you, we all have beating hearts that get tired from working overtime due to stress. Meditation has been proven to reduce anxiety and even improve your physical health. It’s important to take care of yourself, not just for your benefit, but also so you can be around the people important to you for as long as possible. If you’d like to take a moment to be still in nature or quietly contemplate, there are many soothing locations in Second Life for a virtual meditation session. We hope these places can help you feel free from worry. Chinook Rockies 3SL: A mountainous region dappled with lush patches of trees and waterfalls to help you take some deep breaths. Isle of Pandasia: This surreal cluster of small, mossy islands is a great place to admire birds, lily pads, and glittering rock bridges. You might even see a giant floating fish! Botanical: For the avatars with green thumbs, Botanical is a great place to take a peaceful walk surrounded by a variety of plants or get ideas to cultivate the garden of your virtual world dreams. Star Journey: If you’d like to take your “me time” with a side of cosmic splendor, this stunning collection of sky galleries is truly otherworldly. Saddles Art Gallery & Ballroom: Take a stroll through this enchanting garden adorned with artwork that is complemented by the sound of wind chimes and birdsong.

While many localities are now in the process of carefully reopening certain businesses, many of us will likely be telecommuting for a few more months. Some companies are even giving their employees the option of permanently working from home if they prefer. Whether you’re itching to get back into your routine or pleased about not having to deal with You-Know-Who leaving dirty dishes in the break room (every workplace has one!), we wanted to present a way to add a little flair to your video chats. With an abundance of gorgeous regions to choose from, why not set a screenshot from Second Life as your Zoom virtual background? The Destination Guide has a photo for each entry, and you of course have the option of snapping a picture inworld. Impromptu video call making you panic about that laundry pile? Place yourself in an immaculate virtual living room. The category Photogenic Spots is a great place to start out, and the Art section has some immersive and surreal environments that are visually stunning. You could have a Mediterranean cliffside for your meeting at 2:00 and a disco dance floor for a hangout with friends at 5:00! With so many options, it’s impossible to choose just one. Just don’t turn yourself into a potato! (Photo by Elenna Dagostino)

Celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back alongside the largest community of cancer-fighting avatars at the annual Relay For Life of Second Life, which opens today. This prominent grassroots fundraiser takes place year-round in all kinds of locations, including our very own virtual world. The proceeds go towards helping people at any stage of cancer as well as prevention: screening, research, and even providing rides to chemotherapy. Almost $4 million USD has been raised in Second Life for the American Cancer Society across the many inworld fundraising events since they started in 2005. There is a full day, night, and morning of activities scheduled, so get that coffee brewing! Unfortunately, just about everybody knows someone who has been affected by cancer, but in times of duress, the community can be a game-changer. Second Life has been defined by people open to connection, so come meet other residents who want to tell this disease to hit the road. If you’re curious about past inworld RFL fundraisers, check out our wiki page, which also details how Dr. Gordy Klatt started this event about 35 years ago. You can also watch an interview with the organizers behind the Second Life event on our YouTube channel. Better yet, teleport to American Cancer Society Island to join the event this weekend!

(Photo by Patch Linden) Today is the kickoff for Second Pride, and as we all know, things are going to be a little different this year. In the wake of many canceled celebrations in the physical world, we hope to make this Pride Month extra special, because the dignity in representation is priceless. Pride celebrations have become more and more inclusive over the years, going from gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender representations to a broader spectrum of gender expression and orientations. The phrase “Silence is Complicity” has appeared on many banners over the last week, and that sentiment certainly rings true with us. In recognition of intersectionality and the importance of allyship, the organizers have declared that this year’s theme is “together.” We all face different challenges, but standing up for each other provides the strength to keep going. Come help us put the unity in community ❤️ There are so many awesome events scheduled to celebrate love and equality. In addition to Second Pride, be sure to visit several of the simultaneous Pride celebrations going on across the grid including London Pride, Burrow Pride Fest, Pride Festival SL, and SL Pride at Home. Check out our LGBTQ+ and Pride community pages to see even more featured regions.

Pictured: Machu Picchu At this point you may have organized your whole house, binged an entire series, or had a moment where you forgot what day it was. It’s no easy feat staring at the same walls everyday, but we’re chugging along. It’s totally natural to feel a little squirrely and bummed out that our 2020 travel plans might not work out the way we had hoped. We curated a list of real life locations that have been replicated in Second Life so you can adapt to a virtual vacation. Overpack all you want, there are no extra baggage fees to worry about! Machu Picchu: Get your steps in by climbing the labyrinthine Inca citadel in the mountains of Peru. Named one of the new 7 wonders of the world, the view from the top is incredible. You might even see a baby llama! Oahu Vacation Resort: One of the larger islands of Hawaii, Oahu is home to Honolulu, the state capital, numerous beautiful beaches, and Pearl Harbor. Fun shopping, scenic overlooks, and white sand await. Kowloon: Based on a portion of Kowloon Walled City, the intricately developed streets are lit by a characteristic neon glow. The concrete architecture and dark lighting give off a slight cyberpunk vibe. The Grand Canyon: Grab your visor, it’s gonna be a scorcher. Explore this vast natural marvel carved by the Colorado River millions of years ago. There are also fun activities like horseback riding and games. Stay hydrated. Temasek: Temasek boasts beautiful recreations of the mangroves that serve a pivotal role in the local ecology. This region also has educational posts with fun facts about Singapore’s culture and history. Eiffel Tower: Located in Paris, France, the Eiffel Tower has come to symbolize French culture and is the most visited paid monument in the world. The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is the perfect place for a romantic stroll. Guadalajara, Mexico: Enjoy the colorful atmosphere of one of Mexico’s most famous cities. It also has a region dedicated to the coastal city of Puerto Vallarta for an extra summery feel.