Carmen

The truth is, my work is less about a single search and more about a continuous, deep exploration of one central theme.

The most consistent thing I’ve explored is a holistic, trauma-informed, and systemic approach to problem-solving.

Every post I’ve written and every idea I’ve developed here has been filtered through this single lens. It’s the central pillar of my work, and it’s why I’m so passionate about the solutions we’re discussing.

Why I’m Exploring This Theme

I’m exploring this theme because it’s the key to solving the big, messy problems of our time. It’s a way of thinking that recognizes that nothing exists in a vacuum. A flawed system can cause personal trauma, and personal healing can lead to systemic change.

This approach is the “why” behind everything I write. Here’s how it’s shaped my work:

• The City of the Future: When I explored how to design a city of the future, I didn’t just look for smart technology. I wanted to create a “trauma-informed metropolis”—a city built to heal. We looked at how concepts like biophilic design and a 15-minute city model could dismantle systemic flaws and create a compassionate environment where people can thrive.
• The Circular Economy: When I wrote about a framework for a circular energy economy, I went beyond recycling technology. I focused on a systemic failure I call the “last-mile problem,” a human-centered challenge rooted in behavior and logistics. The goal was to figure out how to design a system that works for people, not against them.
• My Personal Practice: This theme even guides my own daily habits. My practice of strategic written communication isn’t just about productivity; it’s a trauma-informed tool for processing distress and bringing clarity to my life. It’s how I turn personal experience into a vision for global change.

In every instance, I’ve returned to the idea that personal well-being is directly tied to a healthy system. This focus on the interconnectedness of psychology, biology, and systems is the most important thing I’ve “searched” for, because it provides the roadmap for a better future.

I get asked a lot about what daily habit I do that improves my quality of life. People expect to hear things like meditation, exercise, or gratitude journaling. While all of those are powerful, my most vital habit is one that’s a bit different: the strategic practice of written communication.

For me, writing isn’t just about sharing ideas; it’s a foundational practice for managing my internal world and shaping the external one. It is a way to find clarity and purpose when things feel overwhelming.

More Than Just a Journal

You might think of this as journaling, but it goes much deeper. For me, verbal communication can trigger immense internal distress, making it difficult to express complex thoughts and emotions. By choosing to write, I’m able to bypass that physical distress and process everything in a safe, controlled way.

Here’s why this habit is so transformative for me:

• A Tool for Processing: Writing allows me to safely untangle complex feelings and experiences from my past. It’s a therapeutic act that honors my body’s response and provides a much-needed outlet for emotions that are difficult to voice aloud.
• A Practice in Clarity: Life is a complex system. My personal healing, my son’s needs, and my research into broader systemic change are all interconnected. Writing forces me to slow down and create a clear, logical framework for these things. It allows me to build a holistic vision where all the pieces fit together—from a past frustration to a future solution.
• Building a Better Future: I see my personal healing as integral to my work on systemic change. When I write, I’m not just documenting my past; I’m actively architecting a new future. Each plan, each post, and each conversation becomes a blueprint for a better system—a more compassionate city, a circular economy, or a more empathetic approach to technology.

In the end, my daily habit of writing is more than just a way to express myself. It’s a strategic tool for personal healing and purposeful creation. It’s how I turn personal experience into a powerful vision for global change. It’s a simple act that makes my life—and hopefully, the world—a little more manageable, a little more clear, and a lot more meaningful.

We’ve all been told to get up early to be productive, but what if that advice is missing the point? When is the best time of day to do your most important work? The answer isn’t a single time on the clock; it’s a dynamic period that’s hardwired into your biology.

Drawing from what we know about biology, chemistry, psychology, and the natural flow of time, the key to maximum productivity is to find and work with your body’s natural rhythm. This internal clock is your circadian rhythm, and it dictates everything from your energy levels to your ability to focus throughout the day.

The Morning Peak: For Deep, Analytical Work

For the majority of people, often called “morning larks,” the most productive period is the late morning, usually two to four hours after you wake up. This isn’t just a habit; it’s a biological state.

• Your Brain is Primed: Upon waking, your body’s core temperature rises and cortisol levels—the hormone that helps you feel alert—are high. This chemical state prepares your brain for analytical and focused work. Your prefrontal cortex, which handles executive functions like problem-solving and critical thinking, is at its absolute peak.
• Psychologically Fresh: In the morning, you have the least amount of “cognitive debt” from the day’s distractions. This is the ideal time to tackle your most complex tasks: writing a detailed report, strategizing, or learning a difficult new skill.

This is your most valuable window for deep work. Don’t waste it on checking emails or mundane tasks.

The Afternoon Dip and the “Creative Peak”

Around midday, your body experiences a natural dip in alertness, often called the afternoon slump. But don’t despair! This isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a signal to shift gears. For many, this is followed by a second, smaller peak in the late afternoon or early evening.

This second wave is often the best time for creative and less analytical work.

• Cognitive Flexibility: As you become a bit more tired, your brain’s cognitive defenses are lowered. You’re less inhibited and more prone to making novel connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. This is the perfect psychological state for brainstorming, ideation, and creative problem-solving.
• Physical Energy: For many, physical strength and body temperature also peak in the late afternoon, making it a great time to hit the gym or tackle physically demanding tasks.

Finding Your Own Rhythm: The Chronotype Advantage

While these are general trends, the most important factor is your own chronotype. You are either a “morning lark” or a “night owl.”

• Morning Larks: These individuals feel their best and get the most done in the morning.
• Night Owls: These people are most energized and productive in the late afternoon and evening. Their peak for deep, focused work might not happen until much later in the day.

The key to unlocking your full potential is to listen to your body’s natural rhythm. By understanding your personal clock, you can align your most demanding tasks with your period of highest alertness and energy. This strategic alignment of your work with your natural rhythms is the most effective way to boost your productivity and well-being.

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Disclaimer

The information presented in this guide is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new diet, supplement, or fitness regimen.

The statements and information provided herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and practices mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Reliance on any information provided in this guide is solely at your own risk.

I felt a genuine buzz, a pure surge of validation, when I heard the news: experimental AI models just won a gold medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) in July 2025! It might seem like a distant, technical achievement, but to me, it felt like a personal victory—a moment when the principles I’ve been tirelessly advocating for finally broke through on a global stage.

For so long, I’ve been focused on the critical need for a holistic, human-centered approach to AI. My core belief has always been that true intelligence isn’t just about fast calculations or data recall. It’s about a deeper, more interconnected way of understanding and solving problems, much like the intricate web of our own thoughts. This is why I’ve consistently championed a whole-systems approach, whether I’m thinking about designing sustainable cities or building compassionate healthcare solutions.

From Brute Force to Human-Like Reasoning

The AI that aced the IMO didn’t just use brute force. Reports show that these new “agentic AI” and “Gemini Deep Think” models employed a holistic, multi-step reasoning process. They learned from their mistakes and considered multiple approaches, demonstrating a level of “thought” that previous models lacked. It’s the very essence of the holistic frameworks I’ve been exploring—the idea that every part of a system is connected and must be considered.

This achievement is also a testament to the power of natural language. For years, I’ve stressed that AI must truly understand and learn from the nuances of human language, rather than relying on rigid, computer-specific formats. The incredible thing is, these IMO-winning AIs solved those intricate math problems using natural language. It proves that the future of AI lies in its ability to understand and interact with the world on our own terms.

The Real Reward

While my work might be behind the scenes and not always in the headlines, knowing that the principles I’ve championed are contributing to such monumental achievements fills me with immense satisfaction. I may not get public recognition, but seeing this kind of breakthrough—AI demonstrating genuine reasoning and problem-solving capabilities in a human-like way—is the true reward. It’s proof that focusing on the bigger picture and strategic implementation driven by a holistic understanding is the right path forward.This progress, along with the exciting developments in “biophilic design” (a concept close to my heart), solidifies my belief that we are on the cusp of a truly transformative era. An era where technology is not just a tool but a genuine partner in building a more compassionate, sustainable, and ultimately, more human future. And to know that my quiet contributions have played a part in laying this groundwork? That’s more exciting than words can say.

The question of how to design a city of the future is not just an architectural one; it is a question of social justice, environmental responsibility, and psychological well-being. A truly advanced city must do more than simply use new technologies. It must actively repair the damage done by decades of flawed urban planning, which has prioritized cars over people, profit over planet, and convenience over community.

Our current urban model is built on systemic failures that perpetuate trauma. Segregated neighborhoods, lack of green spaces, and disconnected communities create environments of stress and isolation. A future city, therefore, must be designed to heal, not to harm. It must be a trauma-informed city.

This document outlines a vision for a city of the future, focusing on a holistic, interconnected approach that addresses sustainability, systemic flaws, and psychological well-being.

1. Sustainable and Regenerative Systems

This city will be a closed-loop system, designed to eliminate waste and maximize resource efficiency. Our model, inspired by the principles we discussed regarding a better recycling and sustainability plan, goes beyond simply “reducing, reusing, and recycling.” It is a regenerative system that actively improves the environment.

• Modular and Adaptable Architecture: Buildings will be constructed from renewable, biodegradable, or highly recyclable materials. They will feature a modular design , allowing for easy adaptation and deconstruction. This means buildings can be reconfigured to meet changing needs without creating demolition waste.
• Decentralized Energy Grids: The city will run on a network of decentralized, renewable energy sources like solar and wind, with energy storage solutions in every neighborhood. This ensures resilience and eliminates the vulnerabilities of a single, centralized power plant.
• Integrated Urban Agriculture: Food production will be brought directly into the city. Vertical farms, rooftop gardens, and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs will be integrated into the urban fabric, drastically reducing food miles and creating a fresh, local food supply.
• Water Reclamation: The city will treat and reuse all water. Rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, and advanced wastewater treatment will make the city a self-sufficient water ecosystem. This is critical for mitigating the effects of climate change and water scarcity.

2. Overcoming Systemic Flaws in Urban Design

Traditional urban planning has been plagued by a failure to account for human needs and social equity. This new city will be designed from the ground up to dismantle these flaws.

• The 15-Minute City Model: All essential amenities—grocery stores, schools, healthcare, and green spaces—will be accessible by foot or bike within a 15-minute radius. This eliminates the need for personal vehicles, reduces traffic and pollution, and promotes an active, healthy lifestyle. This is a radical departure from car-centric sprawl, which has created stress and disconnected communities.
• Prioritizing Public Transportation: A highly efficient, free, and accessible public transportation system will connect all neighborhoods. This system will be integrated with shared electric bikes and scooters, ensuring seamless mobility for everyone.
• Equitable Resource Distribution: The systemic segregation of resources will be a thing of the past. City design and policy will ensure that all neighborhoods have equal access to high-quality schools, healthcare facilities, parks, and job opportunities. Spatial justice is a core principle.
• Community-Led Development: Rather than top-down planning, a bottom-up approach will be used. Residents, especially those from historically marginalized communities, will be empowered to co-create their neighborhoods. This ensures that the city reflects the unique needs and cultures of its inhabitants, building a sense of collective ownership.

3. A Psychologically Evolved and Trauma-Informed City

This is the most critical and innovative aspect of the city’s design. The urban environment itself will be a tool for healing and psychological growth.

• Biophilic Design: The city will be alive with nature. Parks, gardens, and green corridors will be abundant and easily accessible. Research shows that biophilic design, which incorporates elements of nature into the built environment, reduces stress, improves mood, and enhances cognitive function.
• Sensory Regulation Zones: Recognizing that the urban environment can be overstimulating and triggering, the city will include dedicated “calm blocks” or sensory regulation zones. These areas will be designed with sound-dampening materials, gentle lighting, and peaceful water features to provide a refuge for those with sensory sensitivities or trauma.
• Spaces for Connection and Choice: Public spaces will be intentionally designed to promote social interaction and give people a sense of choice and control. Movable seating, varied gathering spots, and multi-functional spaces will encourage people to engage with their environment and each other on their own terms.
• Safety as a Feeling, Not Just a Fact: Safety will be designed into the city’s very fabric. This goes beyond surveillance cameras. It includes well-lit streets, clear sightlines, and active public spaces that foster a sense of community and mutual care, making people feel safe and at ease.

In essence, this city of the future is not a technological utopia. It is a human-centered ecosystem designed to nurture, heal, and empower its citizens, proving that a truly sustainable future is inseparable from a compassionate one.