Stillpoint Meditation

04/19/2026

Did you know? Poetry And The Creative Mind Day takes place every year on April 19 to honor the bright minds of poetry and their craft. It is a day that shines a light on how poetry and other creative mediums have helped shape and color many lives throughout history. Whether it be songs, haikus, limericks, sonnets, elegies, or epics, poetry has the power to affect even the hardest hearts and is an example of how far human creativity and expression can stretch beyond its limits.

History of Poetry & The Creative Mind Day

Poetry as a term and medium originated centuries upon centuries ago, starting from folk songs and tales that would later be passed down and developed multiple times into the form that we know today. Through poetry and the arts, people can be open to ideas on what is possible and can shine a light on the state of society. It plays a major role in every culture because of its ability to deliver stories, ideas, viewpoints, and other valuable information in an impactful manner. Poems have been used as tools of revolution, dissidence, and love. Various regimes across history have been challenged and toppled as a result of public reawakening through poetry.

Many of us are exposed to poetry from a young age, whether it be from nursery rhymes, songs, and the poems and poets that we study in school. From the playful stories of Dr. Seuss and the visceral innocence of Shel Silverstein to William Shakespeare’s hefty sonnets and the emotional political prose of Pablo Neruda, poems come in all shapes and sizes. But every one of them can carve a place in our hearts long after we first read them.

However, one can say that every form of art is poetry. Song lyrics are considered poetry in itself as not only do they rhyme, but are an expression of one’s deepest emotions and thoughts. Painting and cinema are forms of visual poetry that convey meaning through their images, methods, and depth. Today, there exists an amalgam of poetic forms and structures, including haikus, sonnets, acrostics, concrete, limericks, songs, jokes, epics, and many others. Poetry And The Creative Mind Day celebrates the creative mind in general, honoring everyone who takes part in an art form, and the spirit of putting this mind into practice.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

04/16/2026

Join us every Thursday - Drop into Mindfulness!
http://www.StillpointMeditation.weebly.com/

An open meditation space with instruction, and guided and silent meditation, Thursdays 6:30–8:15 pm, Mountain Standard time.
These Zoom sessions are free and open to everyone. Feel free to come and go at any time - it isn't necessary to remain for the entire session. For meditation instruction, please arrive at 6:30; guided meditation at 7:00; and silent sitting from 7:25-8:15 (All times MST, GMT-7)
Beginners welcome. Instruction and meditation guidance is always available.
Mindfulness Meditation has its roots in early Buddhism. While some of our discussion draws from Buddhist teaching, the practice of mindfulness is found in some form in most world religions. We are not a religious group, and followers of any faith or of none are equally welcome.
If you wish to donate to support ongoing instruction, you may do so here with PayPal, or use Venmo to -Owen

04/16/2026

Thank you Librarians! National Librarian Day on April 16 is a chance to be thankful for all the knowledge that librarians possess. You may think of them as book-slingers who spend all day cataloging and reshelving, but librarians play a much more important role. From children’s storytime to literacy classes, libraries offer a wealth of free public resources.

Trained in Library Science, professional librarians work with complex cataloging systems to organize books, make purchasing decisions for their library, liaise with local schools and universities, organize events and programming, teach classes, and more. Their role is constantly evolving to adapt to new technology and social needs. Celebrate National Librarian Day with us and say thanks to the awesome librarians that are always on hand to help.

History of National Librarian Day

Stereotyped in pop culture as bespectacled older ladies who constantly shush their teen patrons, librarians are dedicated professionals who perform a variety of tasks to keep libraries running, organize programming, and update their collections.

The first large libraries in the U.S. were mostly privately owned and required entry fees or paid memberships to gain access. The concept of free public libraries took hold by the late 1800s. In the early 20th century, after Melvil Dewey standardized library cataloging with his Dewey Decimal System and other practices, public libraries rapidly expanded with thousands of new branches across the country. By 1900, the scope of libraries also expanded, with many offering reference departments and interlibrary loans. During the Great Depression, libraries served as a lifeline for struggling families seeking a cozy refuge and free entertainment.

Today, libraries function as so much more than repositories of knowledge. To keep up with changing technology, library offerings now include audiobooks, e-reader materials, free computer skills classes, and access to free online resources. Many public libraries offer language and citizenship classes, access to useful tools, technology like 3D printers and computers, and free workshops on a variety of hobbies and life skills. They provide a quiet shelter during hot or rainy days at no cost, and they serve as a safe, welcoming hangout for children and teens.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Iñaki del Olmo on Unsplash

March 17, 2026 - Today is St. Patrick's Day, Pack Rat Day, and Evacuation Day in Boston. At National Today, we help you celebrate the most fun, important, and off-beat holidays in the U.S. and around the world. Check out our special deals and contests every day!

04/14/2026

Happy Dolphin Day! National Dolphin Day is celebrated on April 14 every year. On this day, we celebrate dolphins — one of the most intelligent and friendly mammals in the world. Dolphins are cetacean mammals that belong to the same family as whales and porpoises. There have been many representations of dolphins in popular culture through books and films. Most of these popular representations are accurate. Dolphins are extremely social and friendly beings. They love company and have an acute sense of hearing. Yes, they can hear many more frequencies than adult humans. Dolphins can be found in many parts of the world although they prefer shallow waters.

History of National Dolphin Day

About 50 million years ago, certain four-legged land creatures started spending more and more time in the water, and they gradually started evolving. Their bodies became different and they eventually lost the ability to be mobile on land. These creatures are now known as dorudons and, like dolphins, they were aquatic mammals.

About 30 million years ago, squalodons lived in our waters. These toothed whales were not direct ancestors of dolphins as we know them today, but they did use echolocation. Echolocation is the tactic used by dolphins to navigate deep waters using sound waves. The use of echolocation is a key characteristic of both squalodons and dolphins.

About 20 million years ago, during the Miocene era, echolocation developed to be the way we know it today. Aquatic creatures which are now known to be connected to extinct dolphin-like creatures called Kentriodontids had active echolocators and even moved around in schools like dolphins do. Thus, over the years, these creatures have evolved to become the dolphins that we know and love today.

Dolphin numbers are at risk of endangerment due to poaching and hunting. Global warming and climate change are also causing many dolphins to die. In 2009, the American documentary film “Cove” directed by National Geographic Photographer Louie Psihoyos brought to light the many atrocities associated with dolphin hunting practices in Japan. The film won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2010, and helped spread awareness of dolphin hunting and how this affects their numbers.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Pagie Page on Unsplash

04/13/2026

History reminds us of not only what has passed, but it also narrates tales of sufferings and victories, and this is why we celebrate Yom HaShoah, which takes place on Nisan 27. If the 27th is adjacent to the Jewish Sabbath, the date shifts by a day. This year, it begins at sunset on April 13 and ends at sunset on April 14. Yom HaShoah is a Holocaust Remembrance Day when Jews from all over the world stop to reflect on the afflictions their ancestors faced. Many of these Jews are direct descendants of Holocaust victims and survivors. Approximately 11 million people died at the hands of Hi**er and his followers and out of these 11 million people, 6 million were just Jews. In order to not forget about this important part of history, in 1951, the Israeli parliament ruled that Yom HaShoah be held every year.

History of Yom HaShoah

Yom HaShoah translates to ‘Yom HaShoah Ve-Hagevurah’ in Hebrew, meaning ‘Day of the Remembrance of the Holocaust and Heroism.’ ‘HaShoah’ also translates to ‘whirlwind.’ The day was officially recognized on April 12, 1951, in the Israeli parliament. Falling on the 27th of the month of Nisan on the Jewish calendar, the day comes a week after the Passover holiday.

This Remembrance Day began to be commemorated due to the lack of sympathy Israeli youngsters had towards the Holocaust victims who, according to the youngsters, were taken for slaughter like sheep, without any form of resistance. Once authorities came to know about such views, they made it a point of illuminating the heroes who fought against Hi**er and his forces. Stories of bravery and determination began being taught in educational institutions.

From 1951 onwards, people have been honoring the occasion by lighting special wax candles that have the star of David in them. Recognized as a national holiday in Israel, Yom HaShoah also sees Jews visiting synagogues for their holy book recitations and to share stories, etc. On the day, at 10 am, sirens also ring through the streets for 2 minutes, and everyone is required to stop for the entirety of the sirens to remember the Holocaust atrocities. Any vehicles running on roads also stop. Every aspect of life on Yom HaShoah is geared towards the recognition of Jewish heroism and resolve during the hard times of the Holocaust from 1933 to 1945.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Julia Taubitz on Unsplash

04/10/2026

Did you know? Created in 1996 and taking place on April 10 this year, Day of Silence is a campaign that seeks to shed light on what many LGBTQ youth experience daily. Initially intended to focus on this problem within the school system, it has since expanded into workplaces, university campuses, and sporting events. Yearly, millions participate by staying silent for the duration of their day, representing the silencing of LGBTQ students.

History of Day of Silence

Day of Silence was created by a University of Virginia student named Maria Pulzetti. She felt that LGBTQ youth were consistently silenced and ignored by parents and administrators, and that their concerns and complaints were falling on deaf ears. Inspired by this, Maria created the Day of Silence as a one-time event held during the University’s LGBTQ pride week. She believed the day would promote awareness amongst those who might not have been tuned into these issues, by surrounding them with a silence they couldn’t help but notice.

In 1997, one year after the day’s creation, it went national, with over 100 institutions participating. In 2000, GLSEN, one of the largest LGBTQ education networks in the country, adopted the Day of Silence as one of their official projects. Today, students at all levels participate in the day. Many participants choose to wear tape over their mouths or Xs on their hands to further call attention to the movement.

At the end of day, the silence is typically broken with a rally or speaking event, allowing all participants to end their vow together. Although some school districts oppose the day, considering it disruptive, most support it, actively encouraging participation through the school’s LGBTQ alliance clubs. Today, there are over 10,000 institutions registered as participants in the day of silence. All 50 states are represented in this number, as well as a number of other countries, including Singapore and New Zealand. Day of Silence continues to grow, as more and more people become aware of the issues facing LGBTQ youth. You can participate in this year’s Day of Silence by registering on the GLSEN website.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Kristina Flour on Unsplash

04/08/2026

Did you know? International Feng Shui Awareness Day is celebrated on April 8 every year. This is a traditional ancient Chinese practice that uses energy to harmonize people with their environment. Many people in Asia and the West believe in feng shui, and consult specialists hoping to improve their wealth, life, happiness, and family. Some will even turn to feng shui when building a house or making an important purchase. But what is feng shui exactly, and how does it work? International Feng Shui Awareness Day exists to help people understand this better.

History of International Feng Shui Awareness Day

It’s hard to say when feng shui originated, and there’s a lot of debate about it. Before the Chinese invented the compass as a tool for divination, feng shui was used in astronomy to try to find correlations between humans and the rest of the universe. According to the Yangshao and Hongshan cultures, the earliest known evidence of the use of feng shui was in 4000 B.C., as the doors of the houses in Banpo were aligned with the asterism ‘Yingshi,’ after the winter solstice, which made it possible for the houses to absorb heat through solar gain. Also, a grave at Puyang from around the same age that contains mosaics of a Chinese star map is oriented along a north-south axis; plus, the presence of both square and round shapes in the grave and Hongshan sites seem to suggest that the gaitian cosmography existed here before appearing in the Zhoubi Suanjing text.

The oldest instruments used for feng shui were liuren astrolabes (also known as ‘shi’), two-sided boards with astronomical sightlines that were used to determine the position and altitude of the stars, and for divination. The earliest shi were found inside tombs that date between 278 B.C. and 209 B.C. The markings on them are nearly identical to those found in the first magnetic compasses.

The magnetic compass was first invented as early as the Han Dynasty and Tang Dynasty, around 206 B.C. The traditional feng shui compass still used to this day is known as the ‘luopan,’ though even a common modern compass can be used as long as you understand the differences. The needle points at the south magnetic pole, not the geographical one, and a practitioner uses it to determine the precise direction of a structure, place, or item, and it contains many formulas and information regarding its functions.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash

04/06/2026

For cat lovers, April 6 is the ‘purrfect’ day. It’s National Siamese Cat Day. This is the day we celebrate these most elegant cats. Siamese cats, also known as “Meezers,” are one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. We love these gorgeous creatures, and we know you do, too. The best way to celebrate? Give your cat an extra cuddle or two today!

National Siamese Cat Day Activities

Adopt, don’t shop
The day was created by a cat lover named Jace Shoemaker-Galloway. She was hoping to encourage people to adopt these beautiful cats from animal shelters. Unfortunately, over two million animals are euthanized at animal shelters each year.

Spread the love
If you have your own fur baby, buy him or her some new treats or a new toy! Don't have a kitty of your own? Buy a treat for neighbor's cat or drop off a care package at a local shelter.

Watch cat videos
What a great excuse to watch cat videos online! Everyone loves watching cute kittens doing crazy things, and today is the perfect excuse to do it. Pull up some old favorites or browse the web and find a new fav!

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Alex Meier on Unsplash

04/05/2026

Happy Good Deeds Day! Good Deeds Day takes place annually on a chosen Sunday in April — this year, it falls onApril 5. This initiative seeks to promote people giving back to their community however they can. You can volunteer, donate to a charity, or help people in your area whichever way you see fit. The beauty of Good Deeds Day is that there’s no set way to celebrate it. The goal is to help others and do good for your community, fostering a sense of kindness and compassion around us. Acts of charity are never forgotten by their recipients. Spread the love on this holiday.

History of Good Deeds Day

Good Deeds Day is the brainchild of Shari Arison, a U.S.-born Israeli businesswoman, and philanthropist. She came up with this holiday in 2007 to serve as an example to others. By going out of our way to do good deeds, we can inspire others into doing the same. This simple principle has proven successful, as each year, more people have joined this noble cause. Good Deeds Day is run by Ruach Tova, which is Hebrew for ‘Good Spirit.’ Ruach Tova is a non-profit organization promoting volunteer work in Israel. It’s part of the Ted Arison Family Foundation — the group’s philanthropic branch.

The importance of doing good cannot be stressed enough. We live in a world with increasingly polarized relations between the haves and the have-nots. It’s our responsibility to bridge this gap in whatever way we can. One act of kindness can make all the difference in a person’s life, and drive them to help others whenever they are in a position to do so. Good Deeds Day takes this mission to a global scale, involving millions of people and thousands of organizations that dedicate themselves to helping those who can’t help themselves. There’s no greater service for a human being than uplifting their fellow man, and that’s what this holiday is all about.

Through its network of volunteers, event organizers, and resource mobilizers, Good Deeds Day raises awareness of the power of charity work and community development efforts. The movement continues to grow and the future of this holiday grows ever brighter.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Ismael Paramo on Unsplash

04/03/2026

Did you know? Armenian Appreciation Day is marked every year on April 3. This day pays tribute to Armenians in celebrating history and culture and recognizes the community’s struggle for inclusion. The Armenians have for centuries lived between larger, warring powers and as minorities within larger states. Most Armenians do not live in Armenia but are scattered across the globe. Despite geographic distances and having absorbed numerous influences from diverse and often dominating cultures, the Armenians have maintained a distinct culture. They take pride in their language, religious faith, and beautiful, mountainous homeland.

History of Armenian Appreciation Day

Ancient Armenia suffered constant foreign interference and finally lost its autonomy in the 14th century. Over the centuries, Ottoman and Persian conquerors ruled the region and threatened the very existence of the Armenians. Russia annexed Eastern Armenia during the 19th century, while western Armenia remained under Ottoman rule.

On May 28, 1918, the region of Armenia that had previously been a part of the Russian Empire proclaimed its independence. However, in 1920, Soviet Russia and Turkey employed force to invade. From 1894 to 1897, the Armenians were brutally killed in the Hamidian massacres. Sultan Abdul Hamid II was responsible for ordering the killings. About 100,000 to 300,000 fatalities and an estimated 50,000 children were orphaned.

During World War I, the Ottoman Empire orchestrated the systematic destruction of the Armenians and their identity. They committed mass murder of around one million Armenians during death marches to the Syrian Desert. Armenian women and children were subjected to forced Islamization. Between 1915 and 1916, Talaat Pasha, an Ottoman politician, ordered that Armenian women, children, and elderly or infirm people be sent on death marches through the Syrian Desert. An estimated 800,000 to 1.2 million people went through this horrific treatment. The Armenian genocide destroyed more than two millennia of Armenian civilization. However, the Turkish government defends the deportation of Armenians as a legitimate action and denies that it was genocide. Despite these troubles, the Armenians are a proud and prosperous people today.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Ani Adigyozalyan on Unsplash

04/01/2026

Did you know? Assyrian New Year is celebrated on the first of April every year. This year, it takes place on . It is known as ‘Akitu’ and commonly referred to as ‘Kha b-Nisan.’ The holiday not only marks the beginning of a new year but also the beginning of spring. As the weather becomes warmer, plants start to flower, tree leaves begin to grow and young animals are born such as chicks and lambs. Thus the holiday is seen as a new beginning by many Assyrians.

History of Assyrian New Year

Assyrian New Year is a celebration of the link between ancient and modern Assyrians. It’s one of the oldest-known religious festivals in the world. It originates from the ancient Sumerian civilization of southern Mesopotamia and it was celebrated throughout the ancient Assyrian Empire for several years.

In ancient times, the Assyrian New Year was celebrated grandly for 12 days, one day for each month of the calendar year. The year was formerly divided into two seasons, summer and winter, and these were marked by two agricultural festivals, the sowing of barley in autumn and the cutting of barley in spring. It was obvious that agriculture played a key role in their celebrations.

Assyria is home to the Assyrian people in the Kingdom of Northern Mesopotamia and it was later known to be the center of a great empire in the middle east. It was located in what is now known as Northern Iraq and Southern Turkey. Assyria was not always an independent state and only gained its autonomy in the 14th century B.C. During the past century, most Assyrians have relocated to other parts of the world such as Europe, Australia, Russia, and North America. This move was influenced by different tragic events such as the massacres of Diyarbakir by the Ottoman Empire and the Kurdish tribes during World War I, the Simele massacres in 1933 in Iraq, and the Iranian Revolution in 1979.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Evgeny Lazarenko on Unsplash

03/31/2026

Happy Mahavir Jayanti! Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated 13 days after the waxing (rising) half of the Hindu month of Caitra, which normally occurs in late March or early April in the Gregorian calendar, and it is the most important religious holiday in Jainism. This year, it falls on March 31. Join us as we celebrate right here at National Today!

History of Mahavir Jayanti

Mahavir Jayanti honors the birth of Mahavira, the Buddha’s contemporary, and the 24th and final Tirthankara (great sages). Jainism is said to have been founded by Lord Mahavir. He was born in the month of Chaitra, in the year 599 B.C. in Kshatriyakund, Bihar. He was the Tirthankar’s 24th and final incarnation (teaching god who preaches dharma).

Mahavir was born to King Siddartha and Queen Trisala, and his parents named him Vardhaman. He was born into a royal family, but he despised royalty and the high life. He was always looking for inner serenity and spirituality.

Vardhaman took a profound interest in the essential beliefs of Jainism in his early years and began meditating. He left the throne and his family at the age of 30 to discover spiritual truth. Before reaching ‘Kevala Jnana,’ or omniscience, he lived as an ascetic for more than 12 years, practicing rigorous penance and great discipline.

Lord Mahavir’s idol is placed on a chariot and displayed in a procession known as ‘Rath Yatra.’ Religious rhymes (stavans) are sung along the way. Mahavir’s statues are anointed during a ceremony known as the ‘abhisheka.’ The Jain community engages in prayers and charitable acts to celebrate this holiday.

Nuns and monks host lectures to promote the virtuous path defined by Jainism. Charitable missions receive donations as part of the celebration. Age-old temples in India usually record a high number of visitors coming to pay respect and enjoy the day’s ceremonies.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Arham Jain on Unsplash