Sunday Edition | September 28, 2025 | Decency
- Olga Nesterova
- Sep 27
- 7 min read
Because life is more than politics — and kindness still matters.
This week, let’s focus on DECENCY.
I’m not talking about upscale norms and customs — but rather the decency to stand for what’s right, whether this is in the love and care you gift yourself and your loved ones, the moral responsibility to find the backbone to speak up, or the decency to be the wonderful human you were born to be.
See, decency isn’t something we get for granted. It’s also not something someone easily acquires. It often includes an introduction to something indecent, so you can understand this isn’t what you desire — to be, to see, or to be around. We all have our own experiences, points of view and opinions, shaped by where we’ve been, where we are, and where we come from. But I would hope there are norms we all can agree upon — and decency is one such. So let’s explore how we can amplify decent treatment: of ourselves, those we love, and even those we don’t. Decency is a “verb” — let’s see how we can activate it.
Shall we?
🎥 VIDEOS
Since this week I didn’t have the opportunity to record a new Curating Culture episode, I’d love to invite you to catch up on the ones we’ve already released.
Nicholas Roerich Museum — exploring the art and philosophy of one of the most influential painters and peace advocates.
Malcolm X & Human Rights Legacy — reflecting on his enduring impact on justice and dignity.
United Nations Headquarters Walkthrough — a behind-the-scenes look at the art, sculptures, and hidden corners of the UN in New York City.
Each of these episodes celebrates cultural treasures and human stories — perfectly in line with this week’s theme of decency and respect.
🎭 CULTURE SNAPSHOT
Instead of talking about celebrities, concerts and gossip, this week I want us to dive into real stories of kindness and decency — ones that actually happened in September 2025, somewhere in the world.
5 Stories of Kindness & Decency from September '25
In Toowoomba, Australia, during the local flower festival, a 96-year-old visitor fell while exploring the gardens. Paramedics who came to her aid didn’t just rush her to the hospital: they wheeled her through the grounds for nearly an hour, allowing her, per her request, to enjoy the floral displays and even take photos, turning a moment of distress into one of gentle care.
At Vadodara’s Maharaja Sayajirao University in India, students and faculty celebrated World Gratitude Day by handing out handmade gratitude cards and flowers to staff and leadership, and organized a gratitude walk across campus. It was a collective reminder: gratitude and kindness are values that bind communities.
A teacher in Pennsylvania revived the “$20 Kindness Challenge” in her class: each student was given $20 and asked to spend it intentionally on acts of kindness, then document what they did. Over time, this small challenge grew into a tradition, encouraging empathy, giving, and the ripple effects of generosity.
In Liverpool, the “Network of Kindness” newsletter highlighted how local volunteers and community members shared stories of small everyday kindnesses— from neighbors offering meals to immigrants, to local youth mentoring others — as part of building a culture of mutual respect and care.
In a more modest but meaningful gesture: on September 12, recognized as the National Day of Encouragement in the U.S., people across the country intentionally offered uplifting words—“You’ve got this,” “I believe in you”—to others, including strangers. The day served as a reminder of how words lift spirits.
🧘 FOR THE BODY
Decent treatment of our bodies and minds is what we owe ourselves. This fall, let’s lean into movement and flexibility — no fancy equipment needed.
5 Easy, Free Ways to Get Cardio
Walking briskly — choose a nearby route, park farther away, or walk during errands.
Stair climbing — use stairs in your home, apartment building, or public spaces (safely).
Jog or run — even 10–15 minutes can boost your heart rate.
Dancing — turn on music and dance in your living room, especially when you need a mood lift.
Jumping jacks, high knees, or skipping in place — short bursts of these can count as cardio intervals.
5 Flexibility & Stretch Exercises
Cat–Cow stretch (from yoga) — alternate arching and rounding your spine while on hands and knees.
Seated hamstring stretch — sit on the floor and reach toward your toes.
Child’s Pose / Forward fold — gentle forward bend to stretch your back and hips.
Butterfly stretch — sit with soles of your feet together, gently pressing knees toward the floor.
Shoulder & chest opener — clasp hands behind your back and lift arms, or gently pull one arm across your chest.
See — these things are free. They only require a bit of curiosity and the willingness to begin. Once you get active, you won’t regret it!
🍲 LET’S COOK
Decency also involves caring about nurturing yourself. Here’s a recipe for a cozy fall dish that’s both healthy and nourishing:
Autumn Harvest Lentil & Sweet Potato Stew
Serves 4–6
Ingredients
1 cup dried green or brown lentils (rinsed)
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (no salt or low salt)
4 cups vegetable broth or water
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Pinch of cinnamon
Salt & pepper, to taste
Olive oil (1 tbsp)
Fresh spinach or kale (optional, handful)
Fresh parsley to garnish
Instructions
In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon; cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant.
Add the sweet potato, lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Cover and let simmer for about 25–30 minutes, until lentils and sweet potato are tender, stirring occasionally.
If you like, stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes to wilt it.
Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
This stew is warm, hearty, fiber-rich, plant-based, and full of fall flavor. It’s perfect for making ahead and reheating.
🌿 DID YOU KNOW?
Here’s something to ponder:
Did you know that practicing small acts of decency—even in private or unseen—can reshape your neural pathways toward empathy and generosity?
Neuroscience tells us that repeated kind actions tend to strengthen the brain circuits for compassion, making kindness more “automatic” over time. Over months and years, decency becomes a habit, and you become the kind of person who sees others—not just as bystanders, but as fellow travelers worthy of respect, dignity, and care.
💭 FOR THE MIND
Our minds are powerful — they store memory, make sense of our experiences, and shape who we become. Cultivating a strong, sharp memory is part of living decently: remembering names, caring gestures, promises, lessons, and joys.
Here are 5 ways to improve your memory — because a decent memory is an essential tool for a well-fulfilled life:
Use spaced repetition — revisit information periodically rather than cramming.
Chunk information — break data into manageable bits (like phone numbers into segments).
Use visual imagery & associations — link what you want to remember with a strong image or story.
Teach or explain to someone else — when you have to articulate it, your brain reinforces it.
Sleep, nutrition & brain breaks — rest is crucial; avoid overloading without giving your brain downtime.
Decent memory is a must for a well-fulfilled life: it helps you keep promises, honor relationships, recall lessons, and remain grounded in your own history.
🌎 FOR THE SOUL
Our souls hunger for meaning, connection, and dignity—both given and received. Decency for the soul is about the quiet integrity behind our choices, the way we hold space for ourselves and others, even when no one is watching.
Book Recommendation:
“The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World” by the Dalai Lama & Archbishop Desmond Tutu (with Douglas Abrams)
This book explores how joy, kindness, and moral strength can persist even in suffering. The authors model decency in dialogue, empathy, and commitment to goodness.
3 Movies / Documentaries on Decency, Resilience & Respect
“The Pursuit of Happyness” — Based on a true story, this film shows the struggle of Chris Gardner, who maintains dignity, hope, and decency even in homelessness as he cares for his son. It’s a testament to human resilience and the power of inner decency.
“A Man Called Otto” — This film (adapted from A Man Called Ove) highlights how a curmudgeonly man’s decency is awakened via small acts of kindness, respect, and letting people in. It’s a reminder that beneath gruff exteriors, humans often yearn for connection and care.
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” (documentary) — A documentary about Fred Rogers and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. It explores how decency, kindness, and respect were fundamental in his life and work, and how those values can still resonate in today’s world.
Each of these films reminds us that decency isn’t weakness—it’s courage in everyday form, shown through respect, empathy, consistency, and care.
😀 HAPPY MOMENTS
Videos guaranteed to make you smile.
🕊️ CLOSING WORDS
Decency is not passive; it’s a daily commitment to act—to choose respect over cruelty, compassion over indifference. This week, let’s not wait for grand moments. Let’s live small kindnesses, speak truth gently, care for our bodies, nurture our minds, and honor our souls. Let decency be your compass.
Until next time, take care of yourself — and in caring for yourself, you strengthen your ability to care for others.
As always—Stay ONEST.
O.N.
Happy Sunday—And remember, life is more than politics.
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