First, an announcement: published poet and contributor Tao Yucheng would like to host and judge a poetry contest open to all readers of Synchronized Chaos Magazine.

Synchronized Chaos Poetry Contest

We seek short, powerful, imaginative, and strange poetry. While we welcome all forms of free verse and subject matter, we prefer concise work that makes an impact.

Guidelines: Submit up to five poems per person to taoyucheng921129@proton.me. Each poem should not exceed one page (ideally half a page or less). All styles and themes welcome. Deadline for submissions will be in early March.

Prizes: First Place: $50 Second Place: $10, payable via online transfer. One Honorable Mention. Selected finalists will be published in Synchronized Chaos Magazine.

A second announcement: poet and regular contributor J.J. Campbell has a new book out, to live your dreams.

From the back of the book: J.J. Campbell’s work is an unflinching look into a life spent alone with the bottle and the page readily at hand. It is raw, honest, and uncompromising in every sense of the word. You are keyed into the fact that this is a writer who doesn’t sugarcoat a single line to ever soften the blow. Campbell’s work is perfect in that sense, and in this newest collection, you are getting a writer at the top of his form.

Now, for our first issue of 2026. This issue explores what makes us who we are, physically and psychologically, as individuals and as communities and nations.

Nicholas Gunther explores what makes him human, where in his body his consciousness might be located. Kassandra Aguilera also speculates about her consciousness, considering what makes her feel alive.

Xudoyberdiyeva Mohiniso explores some Eastern and Western philosophical conceptions of what it means to live a conscious human life. Morley Cacoethes’ haikus also explore where and how we find inner wisdom and knowledge. Nilufar Mo’ydinova outlines themes of free will and the search for truth through experience in Goethe’s Faust.

Brian Michael Barbeito crafts a lyrical winter meditation on a person’s holding onto nature and his identity in an alienating new world. Satimboyeva Risolat echoes the importance of maintaining one’s personal values. Mahbub Alam urges people to draw on the wisdom they possess to make the world more just and healthier. Türkan Ergör considers the unpredictable nature of our lives and the need to choose kindness. Zeki Celic reminds us to make the most of the limited time we each have on earth as Stephen Jarrell Williams depicts characters choosing freedom, peace, and love.

Aliyeva Aziza Utkirovna points to the eyes as a place where humans reveal their inner feelings. Nurbek Norchayev’s evocative piece celebrates the power of poetry to convey emotion and sensibility. Aliyeva Zulaykho highlights the role of breath in vocal expression while reading texts.

Chloe Schoenfeld delves into Walter Gramatte’s painting of German artist, art historian, and social activist Rosa Schapire. She wonders how much of the craft of creating a likeness is about the subject and how much is about the associations the artist draws on to help them imagine and understand the person.

Shomurodova Dilafro’z Bahodir qizi explores approaches to Uzbek linguistics that focus more on the people creating texts rather than merely on the texts as isolated objects. Fayziyeva Hafiza Alisher qizi also looks at human life and culture’s influence upon languages.

J.K. Durick reflects on the seasons of life where we are observers, contemplating those around us or what has happened. Taylor Dibbert considers his own role in the dissolution of his marriage. Bill Tope’s short story depicts family pulled apart, then back together, then apart again.

Dr. Jernail Singh urges parents to let their young adult children learn and work for their own dreams in life. Also, he reminds us to consider the legacies we leave behind for the rest of the world once we become successful enough to care for ourselves and our families. Tolqinova Marifatoi Shavkatjon qizi outlines research into approaches to social and vocational training for young adults.

Lan Qyqalla recollects his romance with his late wife as Adalat Eroglu versifies about a tender romance and Özcan İşler urges his love to remember him. Nasser Alshaikh Ahmed Arabia’s poetic mind wanders through the jasmine-scented depths and alleyways of love. Ramona Yolanda-Montiel considers an old and warm poncho as a sign of her family’s love. J.J. Campbell writes his way through another lonely, disillusioned holiday, wishing he had love and a close family.

Aleksandra Soltysiak wonders at gentle miracles at Christmas, within nature and within families. Gabriel Bates reflects on the ways he distracts and enjoys himself during holiday celebrations. S. Afrose sings of the joys of the Christmas season. Til Kumari Sharma highlights the beauty and value of the Christian faith at Christmas as Maja Milojkovic expresses gratitude to the archangel Michael. Kalipada Ghosh celebrates life, faith, love, and joy at the holiday season. Sardar Makhmudova’s short story shares how a little girl’s brave adventure lets her discover the meaning of the season, sharing love with others. Dr. Prasanna Kumar Dalai goes into poetic rapture about romantic love, world peace, and personal stillness.

Ahmed Miqdad laments the cold winter endured by Palestinian refugees in a call for global peace and justice. Pat Doyne reflects on the United States’ gun violence epidemic and the lack of progress to tackle it. Also, she speaks to the political chaos in America and its negative effects on consumer prices. Giulia Mozzati Zacco mourns the deaths of children in school shootings through the ancient form of the ghazal. Ziyoda Muradilova reflects on cultural pressures that social media has placed on the craft of journalism, to be fast, interactive, and appealing to readers, and how that poses challenges to the task of delivering truth.

Eva Petropoulou Lianou reminds us that true freedom is a society where people can live safely together, not merely the chance to serve ourselves at others’ expense. Dr. Jernail Singh reminds us that what goes around, comes around, both in terms of the legal system and the religious concept of karma. Duane Vorhees points out that concepts such as justice and poetry and perception should not remain purely abstract but carry practical meanings in the real world.

Abdulrazaq Godwin Omeiza considers how formal education taught him the facts of history, but poetry showed him how to survive it. Ruqaya Mehran, interviewed by poet Eva Petropoulou Lianou, discusses her work as a museum guide, influencer, and historian of ancient Egypt. Dylan Lloyd speaks to the emerging, burgeoning magic of creativity. Taro Hokkyo’s short story illustrates the power of self-belief in overcoming oppression and obstacles. Zaxina Tohirova highlights the lessons we can learn from failure and perseverance. Aziza Xasamova urges us through piercing prose not to give up, whatever happens in our lives.

Ahmed Farooq Baidoon revels in togetherness and merriment at the New Year. Kujtim Hajdari expresses high hopes and dreams for the New Year as Imran Khan moves forward into 2026 with optimism and Jacques Fleury tosses in his New Year wishes for all of our readers. Bruce Roberts contributes a splash of whimsy in his Wacky New Year poem. Valentina Yordanova’s poetry, translated by Yoana Konstantinova, reflects on the joy of Christmas and the self-reflection encouraged in the New Year as Dr. Ratan Bhattacharjee marches forth into 2026 with hope and strength. JoyAnne O’Donnell renews her hopes and dreams as time marches forward. Argentinian poet Graciela Noemi Villaverde takes joy in her December 21st birthday, the summer solstice where she lives, and Fernando Jose Martinez Alderete reflects on nature’s rest and preparation for regrowth during winter.

Elza Hansen celebrates the maternal and paternal love at the heart of the Christmas holiday. Abu Rayhan Beruni connects the importance of strong families to a strong nation.

Dildora Khojyozova highlights the cultural renaissance of the nation of Uzbekistan as Diyorbek Elmirzayev looks at Uzbekistan’s increasing government debt as an outgrowth of economic growth and investments in modernization. Lolaxon Sodiqxonova highlights the importance of gender equality and initiatives to empower Uzbek women in economics and education. Dilshoda Nodir qizi Nurboboyeva presents strategies for educating and raising children without gender stereotypes. Priyanka Neogi urges women around the world to move forward with self-respect, creativity, and independence. Ashraf Al-Mismar provides a literary analysis of gender, identity, and migration in his novel Soul Shards.

Communication is integral to intercultural understanding and migration. Shaxriniso Savranboyeva outlines various approaches to translating idioms across languages and cultures. Saminjon Khakimov points to how language instructors can harness the phenomenon of code-switching, reverting to one’s native tongue, in the classroom. Abdurashidova Sabina Eldarovna highlights teen code-switching, from normal language to chat-speak and slang. Eshpo’latova Xilola highlights the role of audiovisual teaching aids in enhancing students’ foreign language acquisition. Ruziyeva Sitora outlines why and how English is still considered a global language as Ubaydullayeva Saodat discusses the role of English in international travel.

Abdullayeva Feruza suggests visual activities that help accentuate young children’s learning. Yusupov Otajon Ulug’bek ogli outlines various creative approaches to teaching and learning foreign languages. Gulsevar Amirqulova encourages teachers to practice and develop their own creativity as part of professional development. Jo’ranazova Dilobar Dilmurod qizi highlights different ways to teach young children their mother tongue. Nasulloyeva Feruzabonu expounds on the value of science and technology education for society in ways that go above and beyond the practical. Dr. Jernail Singh Anand urges society and our educational system to teach wisdom and the humanities rather than simply focusing on speeding up students’ financial success. Bahora Akmalova considers approaches to teaching preschool children social skills in a classroom setting. Rupa Rao interviews writing mentor Balachandran Nair about his work with emerging authors.

Eva Petropoulou Lianou interviews Dr. Reda Abdel Rahim, inspector of Egyptian antiquities at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, about his work with artifacts of his nation’s past. Jeffrey Spahr-Summers’ digitally altered photographs glimpse a more recent past, giving homes and street scenes a hazy, nostalgic feel.

Sayani Mukherjee’s imagistic work explores nature, love, loss, and the concept of home. Natasha Leung draws on oceans and canoes as a metaphor for a couple who are separated all too often. Eleanor Hazel Hill reflects on physical mementos of summer fun. Yusufjonova O’gilxon revels in the chill pleasantries of winter. Soumen Roy looks to a river metaphor to express consistent flow, purpose, humility and resilience. Kujtim Hajdari highlights ecological themes in his review of Eva Petropoulou’s poetry. Axmadqulova Sapuraxon shares ideas for educating preschool children about the environment. A group of youth in China submits various short poems inspired by natural scenes. Alan Catlin patters out imagistic pieces inspired by various Japanese words for rain as O’rinboyeva Zarina speculates on life on a planet where rain is a rarity. Robert Beckvall reflects on his life’s winding path and how it deposited him on the lush big island of Hawaii. Mesfakus Salahin looks to the longer-lasting natural world for absolution from his complex memories. Riley Winters laments human exploitation of animals and the wilderness.

Mykyta Ryzhykh evokes the inextricable natures of life and death. Alyssa Trivett graphically renders the aftermath of a car accident. Nilufar Yoldoshova outlines similarities and differences between Uzbek and Korean funeral customs. Tea Russo’s work dramatizes the soul-killing effects of grief, loneliness, and shame. Gabriel Kang’s work exposes exploitation disguised as progress and love. Robin Beernaert outlines the psychological impact of a griever’s journey through poetry and prose.

Jessica Vanderwall composes an emotionally complex love letter to herself. Daniela Chourio-Soto reflects on the power of dreams to express and warn us about feelings in our waking lives. Joshua Obirija paints a lower-case portrait of the grief and lostness driving his writing.

Adrina Esparas-Hope crafts a graphic image of visceral love that could be a metaphor for creative pursuits. Brian Barbeito lets go of the need to understand everything before he can experience beauty and mystery. Texas Fontanella’s work revels in color and improvisation, reminiscent of jazz and electronica. Mark Young artistically alters geographical maps of checkerboards and Australian regions. Grant Guy intentionally erases parts of painted and typed texts as an artistic experiment. Zamira Moldiyeva Bahodirovna encourages readers and students to take up a refreshing and creative hobby. Federico Wardal explores the career and casting decisions of artists’ manager Adriano Aragozzini.

More practical fields can be creative as well. Shahlo Rustamova explores the role of discrete mathematics, particularly combinatorics, in understanding biological structures. Farangiz Musurmonova urges Uzbek accounting frameworks to match those of international professional standards. Medical student O’roqova Nargiza outlines the importance of salivary glands in the human body. Normurodova Salina Saitkulovna discusses how the medical field prepares for pandemics. Ahmedova Dilorom Mahmudovna highlights the progress of medical therapies for cancers caused by human papillomavirus.

We hope that this issue will inspire your creativity!

THE PHILOSOPHICAL CONNECTION BETWEEN HUMAN BEINGS AND EXISTENCE

Annotation:

This article analyzes the philosophical connection between human beings and existence. It examines the place of humans in being, their relationship with nature and society, and the interaction between consciousness and matter from a philosophical standpoint. The article compares the views of Eastern and Western thinkers on the relationship between the human and existence with modern philosophical concepts, substantiating the idea of harmony between human thought and being.

Keywords: human, existence, philosophy, consciousness, matter, thought, being, nature, spirituality, Eastern and Western philosophy.

Introduction

The philosophical connection between the human being and existence has been one of the central themes of philosophy since ancient times. Humans, as a part of existence, are also the beings who perceive, transform, and give meaning to it. Therefore, understanding the role and position of the human in existence has been a significant subject in every era of philosophical thought.

Eastern thinkers such as al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, al-Biruni, and Alisher Navoi considered the human being a creature striving toward moral and spiritual perfection. Western philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Hegel, and Kant emphasized the active role of human reason in comprehending existence. In contemporary times, the issue is interpreted more deeply through the lenses of ecology, technology, and ethical values.

Main Part

The Philosophical Essence of the Concept of “Existence”

The concept of existence encompasses everything that is present — nature, society, humans, and consciousness. Philosophically, existence is the general form of being, the unity of everything that exists or may exist.

Materialist philosophers such as Democritus, Epicurus, Marx, and Engels argued that the foundation of existence is matter. According to them, consciousness is a product of matter, and humans, being part of nature, comprehend and transform it.

Idealist philosophy, on the other hand, regards the foundation of existence as an idea, spirit, or God. Plato maintained that true being exists in the realm of ideas, while the material world is only its shadow. Hegel explained existence as the process of the “absolute spirit” knowing itself.

The Place of the Human Being in Existence

A human is a conscious being capable of understanding, transforming, and valuing existence. The role of humans in being is twofold:

1. On the one hand, humans are inseparable from nature as part of it;

2. On the other hand, thanks to consciousness and intellect, humans comprehend being in a conscious and reflective manner.

Ibn Sina stated that “a human understands himself through understanding existence.” Al-Farabi wrote that “the path to happiness lies in knowing existence and living in accordance with it.”

In the modern world, the balance between humans and existence is reflected particularly in ecological issues. Although technological progress enables humans to transform nature, preserving the natural balance of existence has become a philosophical and ethical necessity.

Human and Existence in Eastern and Western Philosophy

Eastern philosophy views humans in harmony with existence, emphasizing spiritual purity and moral perfection. Navoi’s concept of the “perfect human” connects the human role in being with ethical and spiritual development.

Western philosophy, by contrast, focuses on the active cognitive role of the human being — understanding existence through reason, logic, and experience. Kant described the human as “a being who understands the world through experience,” while Hegel considered the human “a spirit analyzing existence through reason.”

Thus, Eastern philosophy emphasizes spirituality and harmony, whereas Western philosophy prioritizes intellect and cognition. Both perspectives complement each other in explaining the deep philosophical connection between humans and existence.

Conclusion

The philosophical relationship between the human being and existence remains an eternal subject of human thought. A human is part of existence; yet, at the same time, the only being capable of understanding and transforming it. To comprehend existence is to comprehend oneself.

Therefore, the moral development of the human, the freedom of thought, and ethical responsibility are inseparable aspects of understanding existence. In today’s age of globalization and rapid technological change, harmonious coexistence between humans and existence — protecting nature and fostering spirituality — becomes an essential philosophical direction for the future of humanity.

Thus, the philosophical connection between human beings and existence represents one of the most fundamental questions of human thought. Humans, as both part of being and its conscious interpreter, form a unified, mutually dependent system with existence.

References

1. Hegel G.W.F. Philosophy of Spirit. Moscow: Mysl, 1977.

2. Ibn Sina. Kitab al-Shifa. Tashkent: Fan, 1980.

3. Al-Farabi. The Virtuous City. Tashkent: Yozuvchi, 1993.

4. Kant I. Critique of Pure Reason. Moscow: Nauka, 1994.

5. Alisher Navoi. Mahbub ul-Qulub. Tashkent: G‘afur G‘ulom Publishing, 1983.

6. G‘afurov B. Fundamentals of Philosophy. Tashkent: Uzbekistan, 2010.

7. To‘xtasinov A. Philosophy of Human and Existence. Samarkand: SamSU Press, 2021.

Xudoyberdiyeva Mohiniso was born on May 22, 2006, in Denov district, Surxondaryo region. She is currently a second-year student at the Faculty of History, Denov Institute of Entrepreneurship and Pedagogy.

When will I accept that I feel alive, if that ever happens?

One consuming tenderness flickering between fear and warmth, feel alive.

Two who enrapture my time, my being, my heart, I feel alive.

Collecting words I consume as wisdom while

cycling back to old conversations helps me feel alive.

Voluntarily measuring variations of matching visions

verify the mass between my shoulders, making me feel alive.

On the isolated islands above, I interpret my wrongings

and believe the design lied about my tendency to feel alive.

I decided for the first ten years of my life

to drink my spit and hide so I wouldn’t feel alive.

Since the sunflowers started speaking towards the sun,

I’ve struggled to fully feel alive.

Seeing myself surrounded by bloomers saying similar statements

to each other, I don’t associate with them, those who feel alive.

Even if we may agree, I battle between the truth

or continuing to drink my spit, denying that I feel alive.

There is nothing wrong with others who do, not to mention

I do feel sorrow for those persecuted who feel alive.

Honestly, I don’t want to endure any more of the

exhausting longing that stems from the way I feel alive.

Kass is only an example of a field of sunflowers who wilt internally,

those who hate themselves the hardest, feel alive.

When November Won’t Whistle

When will November find the way back home?

Why won’t the withered waters

Evaporate leaving me to suffocate

In the widely arranged wrath of

Eleven months complete with wronging.

I place a droplet of stone cold

Designing a pure perfect painting

Pointing to the people of the compass

West stitching on skin, North drawing on tongue,

East missing, South poorly printed red.

Pouring out of my nose, feeding onto what is left

So I roll and I reek in remnants

Until it stops raining, though quickly,

Where I am left to wait through the months wail once again.

First Sonnet

I love writing as a personal ability

I can use it and make whatever I want as I see fit

It feels enlightening, and has the capacity to be frightening

There is no way I will use the term “lit”

No, there are no terms to describe it for me

I use it every day, or at least think about it, I am not obsessed with it

Coming up with such ideas is always good with a cup of British tea

For my level of skill despite being only above average I do not contest it

Creations Encompassed

Singular, I am one singular being?

I disagree, I am many, and many am I

That belief always sways while I flip a dime

“Will these thoughts change with enough time?”

There is no one to answer but myself

The mind both does and does not have such wealth

I hear the silence as music

Although off-topic, I peer through the darkness

The light shines through and I am in a world of white

Too bright, then too dark

It is no walk in the park

This is my mind, why not have a look inside

I disagree with me being one

I live in all of my creations who will not be undone.

The Interconnection of Family and Society in Uzbekistan

Abu Rayhan Beruni

Urgench State University Faculty of Socio-Economic Sciences

Field of Study: Jurisprudence

Abstract: This article analyzes the essence of the close interconnection between family and society in Uzbekistan, as well as its social, spiritual, and legal foundations. The family is the fundamental unit of society and a sacred institution. The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan emphasizes that the family is under state protection. The stability of society, the upbringing of a morally mature generation, and the preservation of national values are directly linked to the strength of the family institution.

Conclusion: The role of the family in society is invaluable. Strong, harmonious, and value-based families ensure social stability and sustainable development.

Bakeame: Rain in the sunshine

after the downpour

white blossoms

falling from damaged

tree limbs

softer than a dream

lover’s skin

…………………………………………………….

Fuchikunun: Rain that comes inside

A glimpse

of nothingness:

an empty

mirror reflects

interior rain

…………………………………………………..

Mifu San-U: Merciless rain and wind

Like Sinead

singing in the rain

the voice of

an angel

besieged by

demons

Pipipiri: A little light rain

Light Spring

rain:

recalling all

those who

passed before

us

………………………………………………………………

Wakabu Ame: Rain falling on new leaves

Early morning

Spring rain

on new leaves:

a festival of

white

………………………………………………………………….

Oniwaaarai: Rain after a religious festival

After the outdoor

wedding

rain consecrates

the union

Deiu: Rain mixed with ashes

So much

black rain

                                           !

How many

people have

died

      ?

………………………………………………………………….

Zanteki: Remaining raindrops after rain

Lingering drop

on bare

new budding

branch

about to

fall

………………………………………………….

After the funeral

incessant

rain on a tin

roof

A Coat of Gratitude

When the cold
becomes intense and
the temperature drops,

to the refuge of home
and family…
I take down the poncho
of gratitude
and wrap myself in it.

That poncho is embroidered
with memories…
that return time and time again.

Thank you, God.

Thank you, life.

For so many winters.

Ramona Yolanda Montiel
Writer, Retired Teacher and Social Worker.

Born in Mercedes, Corrientes, Argentina. Living for twenty-five years in Barranqueras, Chaco, Argentina.

Member of several literary groups, including the Together for Letters Working Group.
Participant in anthologies, various publications, and activities related to reading and writing.