By Jan 
Illustration: The world of news, seen through the eyes of inner clarity and humor.
Today’s headlines speak loudly—about a newly elected Pope from the U.S., the chaos of war zones, trade deals, and stolen art. But what if we could read these headlines not just with our minds, but with a deeper inner sense? Not for the drama, but for the mirror?
Welcome to “The Smile of the Observer.”
The New Pope: From Chicago to the Vatican
A Pope from the U.S.—a milestone in Church history. But is it truly about geography, or about the slow crumbling of old paradigms? Perhaps it is the gentle arrival of a new archetype: not a ruler, but a witness.
Let’s not mistake this for a political win, but rather an invitation. The gesture of his hand in blessing—maybe that’s the real headline.
The Ongoing Wars: Gaza, Kashmir, Ukraine
Wherever conflict erupts, we see not just geopolitics, but the outer reflection of inner fragmentation. Nations shouting are like thoughts colliding—fearful, defended, and hoping to be “right.”
Yet, behind every war is a misunderstood longing for unity. Maybe peace doesn’t come from ceasefires, but from ceasing to fire our judgments first.
A Tree Felled, A Painting Stolen
In England, the symbolic felling of the Sycamore Gap tree. In the Netherlands, ancient treasures disappear in the night. What is being taken? What roots are being severed?
Maybe we’re not losing things, but being asked to look again. To see what can never be taken. Meaning is not lost; it’s simply being relocated—perhaps to the heart.
Economics, Trade & The Illusion of Scarcity
News of new deals and trade pacts dominate headlines, promising jobs and security. But aren’t these also just stories we tell to soothe the fear of not-enough?
When seen through inner calm, “economy” becomes something else: the flow of giving and receiving in balance, in trust. Maybe the best deal isn’t written in Washington or London, but in our everyday generosity.
Conclusion: The News as Mirror
Don’t believe the news. Read it.
Not for information, but for revelation.
The world is a stage. The actors change, the scripts vary. But behind every headline, there is only one true author—your inner clarity. And if you can smile, even slightly, you’ve already changed the world.