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Stillpoint Meditation, Flagstaff, AZ (2026)

03/06/2026

Did you know? The Paralympic Winter Games happen after every four years and the next ones are scheduled for 2026 and will run from March 6 to 15. The game’s venue will be Milan, Italy and it will be overseen by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). The 10-day event celebrates the human spirit, as disabled people from all around the world are invited to compete in sports of their choice. Amputations, cerebral palsy, wheelchair, visual impairment, intellectual disability, and thalidomide-induced impairment are the six categories of disabilities recognized by the IPC. The winners are awarded silver, bronze, and gold medals.

History of Paralympic Winter Games

The Paralympic Winter Games is an international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities. It’s the counterpart of the Paralympic Summer Games. Athletes with one of six IOC-identified disabilities get to compete for medals and international recognition. It is an approximately 10-day long event, held every four years in different countries of the world. Sports for athletes with disabilities have existed since the late 19th Century, but professional competition on a global stage began in the 1950s.

In 1944, the British Government established a special care unit for spinal injuries at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Under the leadership of Sir Ludwig Guttmann, the hospital evolved into a rehabilitation center for competitive sports. After the Second World War, injured soldiers returned home and bonded with other injured and impaired soldiers over indoor and outdoor sports. Strung along these initiatives, the concept of international disability competitions was first discussed.

The Winter Edition of the Paralympics was launched in 1976, two decades after the first Paralympic Games were held in Rome. The Paralympics started with 16 founding countries. Many events across several sports were held in the first Paralympic Winter Games, including skiing. There are many people who paved the way for the Paralympic Winter Games, one of the prominent ones being Sepp Zwicknagl, a double-leg amputee and professional skier who tried skiing with prosthetics for the first time. The International Olympic Committee continues to refine the selection process for the Paralympics, with efforts to put forward a larger representation of people with different kinds of disabilities. The 2022 Paralympic Winter Games will have five sports, namely Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, para ice hockey, snowboarding, and wheelchair curling.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Audi Nissen on Unsplash

03/04/2026

Happy March Forth! March Forth is an annual unofficial holiday celebrated on March 4 to encourage everyone to work towards achieving their dreams. It aims to provide an opportunity for people to take calculated risks towards achieving their goals and developing themselves. It is a special day to take a stand against procrastination or the faux reasons that tend to creep into our heads and discourage us from even trying. The name was made up as a homophone of the day ‘March Fourth.’ It is also the shortened version of the full name — ‘March Forth and Do Something Day.’

History of March Forth

March Forth was born out of the numerous stories of people giving up on their goals due to procrastination and sheer lack of motivation. It encourages support for anyone who may need a little nudge to help kickstart and go full steam on their goals. The holiday is observed for the same reason its name alludes to, marching forth, and it is one of the few unofficial holidays that serve an important purpose of helping to guide our path.

One interesting thing and perhaps an unintended consequence of the date of the holiday is that it comes off the back of some significant holidays celebrated in the months prior to March Forth Day, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is in January, and February’s Black History Month. This is perhaps why some believe the day is an opportune time for Americans to “march forth” towards unity and reflect on the dark history of early human rights struggles to avoid reliving it. To these people, March Forth is a Christian holiday that invites the American populace to begin anew and make an effort to open their hearts and minds to the common goal of unity and the work of racial reconciliation through the love of God.

However, the central purpose of the holiday is for people to make a special effort to improve their lives and “March Forth” toward their dreams and highest aspirations, taking calculated risks, and making the necessary sacrifices.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Ekaterina Novitskaya on Unsplash

03/03/2026

Happy Holika Dahana! Holika Dahan, also called the Festival of Colours, is celebrated yearly in March, and this year, it falls on March 3. The date of the festival varies each year because it is determined by the Indian lunar calendar. However, it is celebrated during the first full moon in March which is usually between March 7 to March 28. The holiday celebrates the triumph of good over evil and commemorates the story of Prahlad and Holika, two characters from Indian folklore. With bonfires and dancing, the holiday is celebrated on an auspicious date in the evening. The celebration continues to the next day with splash play which involves throwing color powder on each other. This is called Holi. On this day, relationships are mended and created as the start of the Spring season commences.

History of Holika Dahana

Holika Dahan marks the first day of the Holi celebration. On this day, pyres are set up around India to prepare for a ritual that involves a large group of people who sing and dance harmoniously around a burning effigy. The fire symbolizes the eradication of an evil spirit and begins in the evening as soon as the full moon is out.

The procession is a re-enactment of the story of Holika and her nephew Prahlad. Prahlad’s father, Hiranyakashyapu, was a great king who received powers from a deity. He could not be hurt or killed by anything. Thus, he assumed the position of a god and demanded everyone worship him. Although the townspeople followed suit, the king’s very own son did not worship his father because he was a staunch devotee of the supreme being, Lord Vishnu.

This blatant disregard caused Hiranyakashyapu great anger, so he sought to kill his son. After many failed attempts, the king decided to ask his sister, Holika, immune to fire, for help. Holika was given the task to lure Prahlad into a burning pyre, leading to Prahlad’s death. To their dismay, the plan did not go as anticipated because Lord Vishnu intercepted. Vishnu rescued Prahlad and Holika burned in the fire, despite her immunity.

This earned Vishnu the title “The Protector of Good” as he protected his devotee from his evil aunt. Holika Dahan is followed by fun festivities the next day, with water splashing, painting with color powder, and snacks. During this holiday, devotees find solace in Lord Vishnu while other participants pay tribute to Prahlad’s sheer bravery and trust.

The day is used to reconcile and reflect on life and relationships. The holiday’s symbolism has traveled across borders as now it is celebrated by Hindus in India and by everyone worldwide. Countries like South Africa, Europe, Australia, and the United States participate in the festivities.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by David Becker on Unsplash

03/01/2026

Did you know? Share a Smile Day is observed annually on March 1, and it’s a day that encourages us to be a little bit more joyful. Created in 1997, this day has inspired people to share a smile with everyone they encounter. Smiling doesn’t just only have emotional benefits — it has a lot of health benefits too. It leads you to feel relaxed and happy. This in turn can reduce your blood pressure and stress levels, increase your endurance, and even strengthen your immune system. So if you don’t have a reason to smile, be the reason that someone else smiles and you might be surprised at how quickly you feel like smiling.

History of Share a Smile Day

Share a Smile Day has been observed annually on March 1 since 1997. Its origins are widely unknown, but it is an amazing day with a great cause, and all you need to do to be part of it is smile.

Primatologists have traced the smile back over 30 million years. The action has its roots in monkeys and apes who would use a sort of smile to portray to one another that they were harmless. The gesture was also used to indicate submission in the presence of more dominant group members.

Although we cannot give an exact evolutionary history of the smile in humans, we can give you a long list of all the ways that a smile can be good for you. When we smile, our facial muscles send signals of happiness or joy to our brains. The brain then automatically assumes that we’re happy and releases more of the feel-good chemical called dopamine — and this makes us even happier! Even when you don’t feel so joyful, cracking a smile can help trick your brain into getting with the program.

Smiling is a chain reaction, and will typically cause those we smile at to smile back at us. This is because the initial smiler releases those feel-good chemicals and these are often felt by the person being smiled at. This simple act can provide a bounty of benefits. Reduced blood pressure, heart rate, pain, and stress, coupled with increased endurance, productivity, and creativity are just a few of the benefits. Smiling can also make your immune system stronger.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
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02/27/2026

Happy Pokemon Day! The Pokemon phenomenon never dies — and it doesn’t fade away, either. Just a few years after the Pokemon craze came and supposedly went, it’s still going strong. National Today has the info you need for National Pokemon Day this February 27. What info do you need? Well, let’s see … You probably need to know the origins of the pocket monsters’ fame, which started way back in 1996. You might also want to know how to celebrate this fun and entertaining observance. Let’s take a deep dive into National Pokemon Day. Are you ready? Let’s do this little thing!

History of National Pokemon Day

“Pokémon” comes from the Japanese term “Poketto Monsuta” or “Pocket Monsters.” Looking at the franchise’s success today, it is unbelievable that, at one point, there was a different title that almost steered the developer Game Freak to bankruptcy. Thankfully, this didn’t happen and “Pokémon” went on to become a cultural phenomenon.

“Pokémon” was created by Satoshi Tajiri, who was born and raised in Tokyo in 1965. From a very young age, he was fascinated by insects and collected them. Tajiri aspired to become an entomologist but this was overridden by his passion for video gaming. Mesmerized by the arcade game “Space Invaders,” his teenage years were spent gaming and learning about the medium. In 1991, Tajiri collaborated with Nintendo on the puzzle game “Yoshi,” and he was already brainstorming a new idea for a game. This game would eventually become “Pokemon.”

“Pokémon” was first titled “Capsule Monsters,” but this was changed due to a copyright infringement. It was first renamed to “CapuMon,” and then “Pocket Monsters.” Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto was intrigued by the designs for “Pokémon,” and it didn’t take long for the idea to be greenlit. Generation I Pokémon Red and Green officially launched the whole franchise.

In 1997, “Pokémon” was animated into a T.V. series in Japan. The story follows a boy named Satoshi, who sets out to become the greatest Pokemon master, along with his companion Pikachu.

In 1998, Pokémon cards were released, creating one of the biggest fads of the 1990s. Fans obsessively collected these cards and traded them to complete their collection.

As part of the franchise’s 20th-anniversary celebrations, the virtual game “Pokémon Go” was released, once again captivating the masses.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Thimo Pedersen on Unsplash

02/25/2026

Shhh! It's Quiet Day! Quiet Day is observed every year on February 25. As the name suggests, Quiet Day is about taking a pause and appreciating the sound of silence. Noise is everywhere — be it on the train, in a busy office, in the pub, in the classroom, or even at home! Modern life is noisy; it seems like there is simply no way out of it. Being in the constant presence of noise can be overwhelming and it is important to take a break every once in a while. We know that quiet is good for both the body and the mind. Peace calms us down and helps us re-center ourselves.

History of Quiet Day

For the longest time, quietness has been a form of praying and meditating. Most religious sects advocate for quiet and the wonders it can do for one’s emotional and physical well-being. Our voices and active interaction with others have served to keep us spiritually silent and separated from the world around us, and in some odd ways from the very people we interact with every day. Quiet Day was established to remind us to slow down and give silence a chance.

In India and many other Asian countries, there are meditation retreats where time is spent in quiet contemplation sometimes for as long as 10 days. These are ‘vipassana’ retreats, a term meaning ‘to see things as they are.’ This is an ancient Buddhist practice that is popular even today. While Quiet Day is just one day, the principles included in these retreats can be applied to your daily life too.

Surrounding ourselves with peace and clarity can open our minds to new experiences and inspire us to lead more meaningful lives. Every day we are surrounded by the chatter of T.V., the radio, and our loved ones. Quiet Day is the day to engage in a little quiet contemplation, give our vocal cords a rest, and simply listen to the world around us and connect with it. On this day, take a little time off for yourself and listen to the wise voice inside your head.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Andraz Lazic on Unsplash

02/23/2026

Orthodox Lent is observed from Clean Monday to the evening of Holy Saturday and leads up to Easter Sunday, which runs from February 23 to April 8 this year. When we think of Easter, what comes to mind are Easter eggs and those fun games played before getting an Easter egg. However, there is a serious side to this religious festival — known as Orthodox Lent or Great Lent — observed by followers of the Christian faith. Celebrated before Easter Sunday, it is a six-week celebration for believers to prepare for Easter through abstinence, prayer, and fasting.

History of Orthodox Lent

The 40 days of Lent mark the period between Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Jesus spent 40 days in the desert fasting and praying — this was the event that inspired the final length of Lent. Early Christian customs varied across the Roman Empire. Weekly fasting on Wednesday and Friday till mid-afternoon was typical. Also, supplicants and clergy would fast before the ceremony, commonly held at Easter. Various Christian communities conducted a 40-day fast before the three holiest days of the year: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.

From the sixth through the 12th centuries, Lent extended across Western Europe. Only a few Lenten days were “black,” meaning no food was to be consumed during the entire day until sunset. Daily fasting was gradually reduced. Meals at noon became common towards the end of the Middle Ages. During Lent, no meat or animal products, dairy, or eggs were allowed, even on Sundays, according to bishops and theologians, specialists in church law. The objective was to avoid indulgence during this season of repentance. Marriage ceremonies were also forbidden during the Lenten season.

On Lent Fridays, Catholics and some other Christians still refrain from meat, and on two days of the total fasting period, they eat only one meal with two smaller snacks. They also give up something during Lent. Like smoking or watching T.V., or often a favorite meal or drink. The elderly, ill, and pregnant women are exempt from fasting. In keeping with the spiritual and self-disciplined theme of Lent other activities are encouraged, including making peace with estranged relatives and friends, spiritual reading, and community work. While some traditions have altered, Lent remains a time of silent introspection and spiritual discipline.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Thays Orrico on Unsplash

02/21/2026

Did you know? We are observing Language Movement Day on February 21. It is a day dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of those who fought for their language. The day is a national holiday in Bangladesh. It is also called Language Movement Day or State Language Day. The celebration commemorates the Bengali language movements and their martyrs. The day is observed globally to celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity. Also, West Bengal, an Indian state sharing borders with Bangladesh, celebrates the day. Shahid Dibash, or Bhasha Dibas, as it is known, has the same level of reverence and dedication in West Bengal too.

History of Language Movement Day

Language is a powerful tool that enables us to communicate easily with others. The bulk of our communication is done through verbal means. Thought to be as old as 1.8 million years, the early forms of language were primitive and action-based. Back then, communication was mainly intended to coordinate hunting, sharing food, finding mates, and collecting herbs. But as humans evolved, our intelligence improved dramatically. The language developed along with human civilizations. Spoken language began to flourish around 50,000 years ago. Although we can never be sure, as words do not leave any fossil records.

By around 3000 B.C., the first written languages were developed. Sumerian is generally considered the oldest written language in the world. Other ancient civilizations also witnessed the development of written languages like Egyptian, Sanskrit, Tamil, and Hebrew. These languages further developed into new regional dialects as human politics spread across the Asian and European continents. The Bengali language was derived from Magadhi Prakrit, a spoken language in 1000 A.D.

With over 300 million native speakers, Bengali is one of the most spoken languages in the world. After the end of the colonial era, the British were forced to leave the Indian subcontinent. Britain partitioned India into three dominions: India, East Pakistan, and West Pakistan. East and West Pakistan were once a single entity, with political power concentrated in West Pakistan. They had few ties with the Bengali language, whereas it was the major language of East Pakistan. Tensions between the two units erupted over the matter of official language. The Bengali Language movement started to resist the idea of Urdu as the only national language. Subsequent riots and conflicts resulted in police killing student protesters. The movements succeeded and paved the way for a nationalistic feeling that ultimately led to the formation of Bangladesh.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Hannah Wright on Unsplash

02/20/2026

Happy Comfy Day! This National Comfy Day on February 20, you have been granted permission to get as comfortable as you please! This means you get to wear comfy clothes, be a complete mess, eat comfort food, and embark on any activity that allows you to be cozy and lazy. All you have to do is find your favorite spot in your abode and relax for the next 24-hours. And yes, this is a must for everyone who usually has a super busy work schedule. Celebrate the day by giving yourself a time out and getting comfortable in your skin! Happy National Comfy Day!

History of National Comfy Day

While National Comfy Day may seem like an occasion where you are simply supposed to get comfortable, the history behind it is more intriguing than it may appear. The day was founded by The Comfy Bros, the team behind ‘The Comfy’. For those who may not know, this is one of the world’s first wearable blankets that have become a hit. ‘The Comfy’ was invented in 2017 by Michael and Brian Speciale. “How?” you ask.

The story is simple yet super sweet at the same time. One chilly day, Michael woke up to see his nephew on the couch with a sherpa blanket behind him. His arms and knees on the other hand were pulled into an old sweatshirt. This is when the duo began brainstorming on ways they could make an outfit that was a comfortable mixture of a blanket and a shirt. and voila, ‘The Comfy’ was created.

Of course, it took a lot of experimentation and prototypes to finally formulate a design and texture that was wearable. However, once the idea became a reality, the partners set out to make their dream a hit for the masses. The first step they took was to audition to be on “Shark Tank” in Denver. It wasn’t long before their comfy outfit became a hit and they were spotted advertising their wearable blanket to clients. They finally closed a deal with Barbara Corcoran, and ‘The Comfy’ went on to become a super famous product. Today, the product is available in over 100 countries.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Victor Otero on Unsplash

02/18/2026

Did you know? Losar, or Bhutanese New Year, is a festival that takes place on February 18 this year. The holiday is observed on a variety of days, depending on local customs (Bhutan, Tibet, India and Nepal). The observance is a new year’s festival that is celebrated on the first day of the Tibetan lunisolar calendar, which coincides with February/March in the Gregorian calendar. The Nepalese version of the event is called Lhochhar, and it takes place around eight weeks before the Tibetan Losar.

History of Losar

Bhutan is a landlocked nation in Southeast Asia, located in the Eastern Himalayas. Bhutan is a fascinating country that appears to exist in a parallel universe. It is enchanting to many people and appears to be right out of a storybook.

Losar, the Bhutanese New Year’s celebration, is held in February or March, according to the lunar calendar. This festival is characterized by ritual dining and family gatherings, as well as thanksgiving and good luck offerings for the coming year.

Losar celebrations vary from region to region in Bhutan, as well as from Losar celebrations in nearby Tibet. Losar food, its preparation, display, consumption, and cultural significance are all essential traditional rituals that serve to strengthen community relationships and Bhutanese culture and way of life.

The modern-day Losar festival in Bhutan began in 1637 when Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594 to 1651), Bhutan’s unifier, held an inaugural celebration to commemorate the construction of the renowned Punakha dzong temple. Bhutanese people traveled from all over the country to deliver tributes of produce from their different regions. The great variety of dishes used during the ritual Losar dinners reflects this tradition.

Losar celebrations frequently feature a traditional morning meal scheduled to coincide with the rising sun, a midday meal, and an afternoon treat. Traditional foods include tshos (fried biscuits), diced sugar canes, mandarins, changkoi (fermented rice), various soups, cheeses, and porridges, as well as multiple teas and shudre (sweets). Green bananas and sugarcane are regarded as auspicious foods, and their inclusion helps to guarantee a prosperous New Year.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Unma Desai on Unsplash

02/16/2026

Carnival Monday is celebrated yearly on the Monday before Ash Wednesday, which is February 16 this year and is recognized as a festival that is flooded with music, dance, and food. And yes, the day is a public holiday, so people of all ages can get their groove on!

History of Carnival Monday

Like other cultural festivals, the Carnival also has a unique history. The tradition is said to have started in St. Vincent; hence, whoever settled in the region ended up adapting to the celebratory tradition, and spreading it across the globe. The original Carnival festivities were also modified. For instance, when the Kalinagos settled in St. Vincent, they ended up merging their festivals with the Carnival. Yet the sole purpose of the festival remained to indulge in delicious food and hold activities that expressed the joy felt by people.

Soon, lands were conquered by individuals of varying backgrounds, and new people started to join in on the tradition of the Carnival. In fact, the festival continued to be held even after the British gained power. New practices such as wearing a mask during the event were introduced in Rome in 1494. This, too, was a tradition that came from Africa.

These celebrations spread after slavery was abolished. In fact, the Africans used the festival to put their culture and traditions on display. This angered the colonizers, who were bent on eliminating the identity of the slaves. During the 17th century, a ban was put on the slaves celebrating the Carnival, and as expected, this led to turmoil. In 1899, the slaves revolted and celebrated the festival despite the ban.

Today, the festival is a holiday that pulls thousands of people back to their homes — even if they have migrated to other countries. Every year, Carnival Monday is celebrated with large parades, music, and extravagant decor.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Ugur Arpaci on Unsplash

02/15/2026

Did you know? Love Reset Day is marked every year on February 15 which is the day after Valentine’s Day. For many, the day of love can be a rude awakening, when they realize that traditional romance is not as fulfilling as it seems, leading to a journey of self-discovery and self-love. The Love Reset Day started as a 30-day challenge that gives people the opportunity to evaluate the quality of their relationships and identify areas that require nurturing for sustainable and long-lasting relationships. It is a day that calls for deep introspection with the aim of making relationships fulfilling.

History of Love Reset Day

“Be worthy love, and love will come.” This is a famous quote from Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel “Little Women,” and it is very much applicable today. It is very easy to project one’s expectations and repeat patterns in relationships, which is why it is important to focus inward and be compassionate to yourself. It must be said, though, that self-love doesn’t always mean dramatic changes or healing; sometimes it is just to be kind to yourself and not devalue one’s worth, especially when it comes to romantic relationships. Ironically, this realization hits often after Valentine’s Day. It is common for relationships to go haywire or fall apart on Valentine’s Day when expectations are at their peak. Perhaps it is because one is looking for love in all the wrong places?

Love Reset Day was created on February 15, 2018, by Carla Lynn Hall, owner of the DatingRelating.com blog. Inspired by romance and its elements, Carla has spent most of the past decade coaching women about relationships. She is also a moderator for the Facebook group Secret Feminine Magnetism. After witnessing an increase in wedding engagements amongst women in the Facebook group in 2015, Carla realized that many women joined the group because they needed a safe space to regulate their romantic feelings.

According to Carla, Love Reset Day is right after Valentine’s Day because that is when many face upheavals in their love lives. She believes that a Love Reset Day is just what is needed for a person to take back their power and improve themselves to make better romantic choices.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Everton Vila on Unsplash

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