Hi Corinne,

I loved the Land Called Paradise film, and think it ought to be showed on telly everywhere.

You asked:
"I practice looking at other people walking by, and imagine that I am looking at brothers and sisters, grandparents, nieces and nephews - and I suddenly notice connections; a shared smile, a laugh, a moment of intimate interaction with someone I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet. Has anyone else tried this?"

I recently read a book called Buddhism for Busy People, and in it the author, in talking about the concept of reincarnation, explained that according to Buddhist belief, every creature with which we come into contact has at one point been our mother. Even though reincarnation is not part of my theology, just taking a moment to look at this perspective gave me profound pause for thought. How would I react to each living creature if I believed that he/she/it was once a mother that gave me life.

I hope more of us might try this too.

Umm Yasmin