Written by Julia Borodina, Fashion Photographer Julia Borodina is more than a fashion photographer; she's a visionary artist with over a decade of experience. Inspired by the timeless works of Chekhov and Bulgakov, her journey behind the lens is a profound calling to capture life's essence. Entering the world of modeling often conjures images of glitz, glamour, and fame. However, beneath this shimmering surface lies a journey marked by self-discovery, dedication, and authenticity. As a fashion photographer, I've ventured into this realm, capturing raw emotions and untold stories from the bustling runways of Paris to the vibrant streets of New York City. Beyond the allure of glamour, it's a path of introspection and artistic expression, leading me to moments of both vulnerability and beauty. Redefining beauty standards: Breaking the mold In today's dynamic modeling landscape, the conventional boundaries of beauty are becoming obsolete. No longer confined by a singular standard, the industry now embraces diversity in all its forms. Here's how evolving beauty standards are creating opportunities for models from diverse backgrounds. Mastering versatility: The heart of modeling Modeling is more than just a pretty face; it's a craft that demands skill, practice, and adaptability. To excel in this competitive field, one must embody versatility, seamlessly transitioning between roles—from the bold icon for brands like Versace to the refined muse for labels like Ralph Lauren. Mastery of posing is paramount, honed through deliberate practice and observation of industry veterans. Each photographer brings a unique perspective, and the ability to flexibly adapt to various styles is essential for success. Adapting to different shoots: Tailoring your pose for every occasion Furthermore, comfort in front of the camera is paramount. Models must discern when to infuse their personality and when to assume a more neutral stance. Adapting to the unique demands of each shoot and delivering the desired outcome with finesse is key. Whether it's a serene catalog session or a high-energy campaign, the ability to strike the right pose for the occasion is indispensable. Nurturing your ultimate tool: Professional body care Your body becomes your professional instrument in the modeling world, demanding meticulous care and maintenance. From maintaining pristine skin to ensuring a consistent appearance, attention to detail is crucial. Before making any changes, such as altering hair color or body size, consult your agency for guidance. By prioritizing consistency and professionalism, you bolster your reputation and enhance your marketability in the industry. Maintaining consistency: The importance of discussing changes with your agency Consistency is key in the modeling industry. Clients expect to see the same person they hired, whether it's for a photoshoot, runway show, or campaign. Any sudden changes in appearance can disrupt this consistency and potentially affect your professional reputation. Therefore, it's essential to communicate openly with your agency about any changes you're considering. Before making any alterations to your appearance, such as hair color, length, or body size, discuss them with your agency. They can provide valuable insight and guidance on how these changes may impact your modeling career. Moreover, updating your portfolio promptly after any changes ensures that clients have an accurate representation of your current look. By maintaining consistency and keeping your agency informed, you demonstrate professionalism and reliability, which are highly valued traits in the industry. This proactive approach not only benefits your individual career but also contributes to the overall success of your agency and the projects you're involved in. Crafting your modeling identity: The essence of professionalism and personal branding Modeling isn't a solitary endeavor—it thrives on collaboration. Whether it's syncing with photographers to capture the perfect shot, harmonizing with makeup artists to enhance your look, or fostering camaraderie with fellow models, teamwork is essential. Cultivating an easy-going, friendly demeanor not only facilitates smooth collaboration but also fosters a positive working environment. By embodying professionalism and approachability, you not only elevate your own reputation but also contribute to the synergy and success of the industry as a whole. Thriving through the journey: Navigating the highs and lows In the vibrant realm of modeling, beauty and creativity abound, yet amidst the glamour lies the dedication and hard work required behind the scenes. It's a world where beautiful moments are crafted, but it's also a realm of disciplined effort and professional rigor. However, it's important to recognize that this journey is not just about striking poses and donning glamorous attire—it's about personal and professional growth. Embrace each experience with humility and resilience, understanding that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Stay true to yourself amidst the whirlwind of fashion and beauty, remaining open to learning and evolving along the way. Remember, success in modeling isn't solely defined by outward appearances; it's about cultivating inner strength, professionalism, and unwavering dedication. As you embark on this transformative journey, let your passion for modeling shine through every step. Approach each day with a positive attitude, knowing that with practice, flexibility, and a commitment to continuous improvement, you can navigate the complexities of the industry and carve out a fulfilling and rewarding career for yourself. Read more from Julia Borodina Julia Borodina, Fashion Photographer Julia Borodina is more than a fashion photographer; she's a visionary artist with over a decade of experience. Inspired by the timeless works of Chekhov and Bulgakov, her journey behind the lens is a profound calling to capture life's essence. Based in Helsinki, Finland, Julia's diverse portfolio spans landscapes and the glamour of fashion, each frame bursting with raw emotion and boundless creativity. What truly sets Julia apart is her unique perspective on beauty – it's not just about appearances, but a multifaceted tapestry woven from individuality, sensuality, and inner strength. With every click of her camera, Julia seeks to uncover the hidden beauty within her subjects, revealing layers of complexity that redefine the very essence of art.

Written by Leif Rasmussen, Mind Skills Trainer Leif is a reverse hypnotist, MMP, NLP, PE, HWT, and ODA expert, delving into love, life, mind, health, and more. He is also a husband, father, and friend, dedicated to protecting secrets while exploring and designing new skills of the mind. Sometimes science rips the carpet away from underneath old myths. In 2018, scientists at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, used high-precision MRI scans to explore brain activity and discovered that every brain is anatomically unique. ¹ Not just slightly different from others, but truly one of a kind. Earlier studies had shown that individual experiences and life circumstances shape the anatomy of our brains. For instance, the brain of a pianist differs from that of a football player, which makes perfect sense. These images are inspired by my own life moments and are AI generated. Your memories and mental pictures will of course be different and beautifully so But what does the scientific fact of you being unique have to do with who “you” are? In fact, it has everything to do with you and who “you” are. Consider this: What were some of the happiest moments in your life? The birth of a child? Getting married? Falling in love? It could be many different things. For you, it might be one of the above, or perhaps it was: When your parents baked your favorite cookies, A moment when your dad or mom hugged you and said, "I love you" and you felt it. Deeply. For sports fans, it might be when their team won a tournament, and they felt "We won" even though they didn’t play. Yes, our brains are interesting that way and these moments are a part of “you” Yet “you” are also more than these individual moments The question “Who are you?” is a great question, but sometimes answering it can be tricky. You can think about it this way. The different moments you have had throughout your life—the good ones, the bad ones, and all the rest had an impact on you and now, slowly, a new understanding of who "you" are, can begin to take shape. You have lived, you have learned, and your experience of a moment was at least a little different than the experience others had, even of that very same moment. It meant something different to you and to them. So “You” are also what those moments meant to you and “you” are what those moments influence you to do today. Bad things happened to “you”? That does not define you For instance, if you had bad experiences when trying to make new friends when you changed schools or if you moved to a new city, you might not be very enthusiastic about trying to make new friends today. But you are not “stuck” with the effect of those moments. ² ³ Even though you might have had bad experiences trying to make friends or finding a partner, you might also realize that you can improve your skills in meeting people. Maybe you learned that you can improve your skills in this through other experiences, or skill training with me. So now this other memory makes you want to meet new people. You might even be excited about the idea of meeting new people. Personally I love meeting new people. “You” are also influenced by how your moments influence other moments of yours. And “you” are changing Over the years you have new experiences. You create new moments, you learn new things, new skills and you behave in new ways. Even within a normal day, you change. You behave a little differently after a night of poor sleep, you behave differently before and after the first cup of coffee, after hearing good or bad news. The world around you shapes “you” and you shape them. The list of things that influence our behavior is long. In an influential manifesto ⁴ from 2004 the distinguished professor of Psychology Peter Molenaar stated, that our behavior varies so much that it makes no sense to describe “you” as 1 personality type or having fixed personality traits and with that, another old myth went “out the door” Yes “You” are changing and that gives you more freedom to be “you” and to shape the future “you” So here it is, the answer Combining all of the above, you can begin to realize that your brain is unique, your life is unique, you are unique and “you” are changing. All the moments you have had and are having create "you." The decisions you make, the feelings you feel, the way you treat people—it is all "you." "You" is an ongoing process. "You" are a unique individual. “You” are you... and that is a beautiful thing. How to find your own answers to “who are you?” When you hear the question “Who are you?” your Mind will typically give you an answer. My advice here? Don’t force the answer. Just let the question flow through your Mind and “something” will typically come up. Even if the answer is surprising, but somehow “feels” correct, that is a good start. This can be something like “I take care of the people I love” Maybe the answer is “I am a mother, I am a father” or something else. The answer you get also depends on your current situation, the person who asks the question and many other elements. And finally, do remember, that the answer you get is not all that you are, but it can be a part of “who you are” and that is a great starting place to explore more about “you” Explore “you” and experience your uniqueness When you want to explore and experience more about “Who you are” and “who you can become”, contact me. Experience the true beauty and strength of you. Read more from Leif Rasmussen Leif Rasmussen, Mind Skills Trainer Some want to put you into a small box and label you. I want you to explore just how wonderful your life can be and I will give you the skills to do that. Useful links and further reading: You can read more about how your mind and brain works in this article: The Extraordinary Mind I also recommend the book "How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain" by Lisa Feldman Barrett, the leading neuroscientist in this area. Available here. References: [1] Every person has a unique brain anatomy – Science University Zürich [2] Are memories reliable? Expert explains how they change more than we realize – The Conversation [3] When Memories Are Remembered, They Can Be Rewritten – Memories and Science [4] A Manifesto on Psychology as Idiographic Science: Bringing the Person Back Into Scientific Psychology, This Time Forever – The Manifesto

Written by Danny Bader, Keynote Speaker, Author Danny Bader is a near-death survivor, keynote speaker, best-selling author and podcast host. Danny brings a unique perspective and powerful message to his audiences, drawing from his own experiences to support, inspire and influence them on their life’s journey to greater levels of fulfillment and resilience always. As the Kentucky Derby kicks off the Triple Crown Race Series—the Preakness and Belmont Stakes follow—I am reminded of one of the all-time great lines I’ve heard. It came from my brother, Tim, an avid horse racing fan. He knows I like to bet on the longshots, the horses who the “experts” believe have a low chance of winning. Tim smiled and winked as he placed his arm around my shoulder and said, “Brother D, a horse doesn’t know his odds.” Hmmmm. I say this is one of the greatest lines because it can be of value to us humans. I believe your “life is lived between your ears.” I’ve come to understand the thoughts, beliefs, and self-talk you have elicit your emotions and feelings, and these drive your action—or procrastination—which produce your outcomes and results. I believe your thoughts and self-talk are one in the same. I mean, try right now to have a thought about something without words (self-talk) attached to it. See, right? I googled to see if horses have self-talk and the only information about self-awareness was a study suggesting horses can recognize themselves in a mirror. I’m guessing a horse’s break from the starting gate is an instinct/habit developed through training. I do believe a horse can respond to the words and non-verbal’s of its owners, trainers and jockeys. If you’re a horse person I’d welcome your thoughts in the comments. So, what can you take away from this? Well, have you ever been in the so-called starting gate in life? Perhaps you were entering a new relationship, new job, getting ready for a competition of some sort, or had just graduated and were pondering your next chapter of life. It’s been my experience and that of many people I’ve coached and spoken with that we often make ourselves a longshot, we think of all the things that could go wrong, we imagine failure and are filled with anxiety and self-doubt. This is usually the result of something called the negativity bias, where our focus is always on the lookout for threats to our survival…and threats are always negative. The opposite of the longshot is the odds-on favorite, the horse the experts believe has a strong chance for victory. Below are three things I’ve come to understand will support you to overcome this bias: Hold Useful Thoughts – This is what I call “H.U.T.” with my clients and children and anyone else who talks with me about staying positive. You want to be keenly aware of your self-talk, catch the ones which produce negative emotions (fear, anger, etc.) and weak feelings. Then reframe them into positive and encouraging thoughts. Be Still – Stillness is a powerful state for two main reasons. The first is it supports number 1 above and allows you to be aware of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. The reason you want this awareness is best captured by the late NBA star Kobe Bryant when he spoke of being still. He said this about your thoughts and feelings, “The important thing is to accept them all, and embrace them all, and then you can choose to do with them what you want versus being controlled by emotion.” You can see the clip here. The second reason stillness is powerful is your Spirit resides in stillness…and your Spirit only wants what is good for you. Take Action – There is no progress without action. After doing the first two steps above it is vital to take an action or two to move you toward what you want to achieve. It’s this taking of action that anchors a more positive mindset and is strengthened via repetition. How about the next time you begin something and are feeling negative, or are confronted with one of life’s inevitable challenges or struggles, you stand tall, take a deep breath, and hold the mindset of a racehorse…just trust you have the insight, intelligence, support, experience, determination and perseverance to produce the outcome you seek. Then make yourself the odds-on favorite to win! Read more from Danny Bader Danny Bader, Keynote Speaker, Author Danny Bader is a sought-after speaker whose message is simple: live with a radical reverence for YOUR life. An electrocution accident left Danny and his friend both dead...only Danny came back to life. Through stories, science, Spirit and humor Danny inspires and influences people to always do the work needed to create a life of fulfillment and resilience.

Written by Ken Pierce, Psychologist, Human Behaviour Expert Ken Pierce is a board-certified clinical psychologist and CEO of The Pierce Institute of Psychology Inc. He has authored many psychological works including seven books and 400 case study web-posts. Ken is considered a human behaviour expert having worked in business, education and private practice for over 40 years. The old saying goes like this, “Everyone Makes Mistakes!” But are there mistakes or accidents in a universe that is so old and so successful at surviving? What if, you have never made a mistake in your entire life? What if, each mistake or accident made you smarter and stronger in specific ways you needed for your part in the success of this universe? To find out what is going on, read on. “In a universe that’s an intelligent system with a divine creative force supporting it, there simply can be no accidents. As tough as it is to acknowledge, you had to go through what you went through to get to where you are today, and the evidence is that you did. – Wayne Dyer, psychologist “But, Lance was kind of a wild child.” Lance was 23 years old, bright, handsome…one of those nice guys. He was the youngest of three with two devoted but older sisters. His parents were divorced but kept their relationship cordial and stayed close to all their children. But, Lance was kind of a wild child. His family doted on him. He was their ‘baby boy‘ with a bright future ahead of him. Lance loved fast cars and playing the edges of the drug scene. He wasn’t what you would call reckless. But, he was naive and easily got caught up in the risky behaviours of others. His parents cosigned the loan for his high-end, cherry-red, sports car with which he collected several speeding tickets from the local police. He was polite when stopped by them but reluctant to adjust his approach to his driving or his life. And, Lance had a girlfriend, Lora, also 23, who shared his enthusiasm for the fast lane. They had been dating for two years and it was serious. They hadn’t talked about marriage yet, but, it was just a matter of time once they both finished their education. Lance was studying the hard sciences, engineering, while Lora was focused on the soft ones in education. “…I have only one question for you…” Everything changed in a big way because of a small patch of black ice on a winter road late at night. Lance’s car skidded into a deep ditch and flipped over. It took Lora’s life and left Lance in hospital for over six months with multiple injuries. Lance arrived in my office still struggling to sit in a chair, getting up periodically to ease his back pains and deeply depressed about all his losses in life. His referral noted his mental state was so poor, it was slowing down his physical recovery. Lance seemed to be still in a state of shock. There were no visible scars to be seen, but his demeanour was distant, disinterested and very down. When I asked him how I could serve him he replied, “I don’t think you can!” “Lance, if you believe that, then, what was it that got you to come here this morning?” I asked. “My insurance company was somewhat persuasive when they referenced ‘the strings and timeline’ on their support,” he said, a hint of anger in his voice. “I can work with that! Since you decided to come here today and given what I read in your file, I have only one question for you, Lance.” “Well, if you read my file then you already know I’ve lost everything!” he said sullenly. “You have certainly lost a lot, Lance. But, not everything! I’m wondering what you thought you were entitled to before your collision occurred?” I asked to see if he was open to learning about his sadness. “Belief systems thrive in circumstances of collision. They are energized by their opposites.” – James P. Carse, historian “Do you want to feel better fast?” “Before January 27, I was entitled to everything. And, I was on the road to everything I wanted. I had someone who loved me, a career strategy, a loving family, good friends, even a nice car…I had it all!” he replied, defiantly. “Lance, with all due respect to you and what happened to you, that suggests to me you were very naive about what life is really about!” “Are you trying to tell me I wasn’t entitled to those things, Ken?” he asked, shock covering his face. “In my experience, we are only entitled to one thing in life…an opportunity to live a life. Every other thing must be worked for and paid for…without exception!” “Are you trying to tell me I’m supposed to feel lucky I’m alive?” “Lance, let me present it another way. Do you want to feel better fast? It is simple and works!” I said. “I sure would! I’m so tired of people telling me to get on with my life. They don’t know how things look from my side!” he said, depressing himself again. “It sounds like you are focused only on your losses. What about your gains?” “I suggest you go and take a seat in the waiting room of the oncology department at our hospital. Just sit there and observe the people who are waiting for their chemo treatments. It may help you learn how lucky you are to have your challenges instead of theirs.” He paused for a minute to process this thought and image, before saying in a quieter voice, “I suppose there is some truth to that, isn’t there?” “Lance, if you went to sit in that waiting room at the hospital, you would be just broadening your perspective on your life. I can help you do that for any perspective you have about anything in your past, present or future. Would that interest you?” “I’m not sure, Ken! Everything seems so dark. I don’t see any light at all!” he said, his voice now getting husky with emotion and his eyes watering. “It sounds like you are focused only on your losses. But, what about your gains, Lance?” “Gains? What gains? I don’t see any gains!” he replied, frustration and anger spreading across his youthful face. “I don’t believe in accidents. There are only encounters in history. There are no accidents.” – Pablo Picasso, artist “The first one is a willingness to learn…consider old ideas from new perspectives.” “Lance, tell me the biggest losses you are seeing.” “Ken, the three biggest are Lora, my health and my independence! I’ve become a lonely, sickly, dependent cripple!” “Lance, I can help you if you agree to two things. Do you want to know what those two things are?” “I don’t think anyone can help me. I will listen…but skeptically!” he said. “Cool! Skeptics ask the tough questions to accelerate their learning…which serves my work well. The first is a willingness to learn…to consider old ideas from new perspectives. Will you agree to do that Lance?” “What old ideas are you talking about, Ken?” he asked, demonstrating his caution. “Life, death, loss, gain…ideas of that sort.” “After my recent experiences, I think about those things a lot more…so I guess I can agree to that Ken,” he replied. “The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances.” – Aristotle, philosopher “Focusing on feelings de-powers you while focusing on thinking em-powers you... “Ok! The second one is to focus on what you think, instead of, how you feel.” I said. “Why would I do that? I don’t want to not feel, what I want to do is not think so much!” “I need you to focus on what empowers you. Focusing on feelings de-powers you while focusing on thinking, empowers you. It is our biology…how our mind works!” “Ken, are you suggesting to me if I focus on what I think instead of what I feel, I will be able to get past where I am right now?” his skepticism staring at me again. “You have got it exactly, Lance! I will never, repeat never, ask you how you feel about anything…I don’t care because if you decide to focus on how you think instead, you can learn quickly how to move forward in your life. Does that interest you? Do you agree to do that in our sessions?” “I guess I should give it a try, eh?” “You’re seriously telling me I can learn to get back to some sort of life if I will work with you on my thinking?”, disbelief covered his face as he stood up to relieve his back pain by moving. “Yes, I am, Lance! Are you game for this? Because we can start right now if you are!” I said. “I guess I should give it a try, eh?” he said. “My best guess would be that Lori would want you to…would she not?” I asked, to see if he was ready to talk about what had happened to him. He gave me a look of surprise but nodded in the affirmative. And this is where Lance began his journey back to his life and his future. We started with the grief he carried for his loss of Lori, then his time in recovery and then, his direction in his future. “…taking nothing for granted and appreciating everything and everyone!” When he understood the natural law of balance and then had proven to himself it applied to him, he started looking carefully for what he had actually gained since his collision. They were there, as they always are, but finding them was transformative for Lance. As he described the loss of Lori’s devotion, he noticed and started appreciating, its new forms in his family and friends’ support to him since. The year he thought he lost in recovery, he noticed he had gained a new appreciation for his need to take care of his health and safety. And, his lost direction in life he realized was now a more specific direction in the form of environmental engineering. As he continued his journey over the next few months, Lance’s physical recovery was also enhanced. His new pain management skills enabled him to focus on what he controlled, rather than, what he didn’t. This reduced his stress and gave him more energy and motivation for planning and implementing his new future. In our last session five months after we met, Lance had returned to his previous summer’s job at a local takeout and was planning on resuming his studies. He had moved out of his parent’s house where he had been living since his collision and was now thinking it was time to start dating again. One of his last comments to me when I asked how he was thinking about his future now, went something like this, “Ken, once you understand the law of balance, you become less fearful and more careful…taking nothing for granted and appreciating everything and everyone!” “Accidents happen and all of that, but it’s how we pick ourselves up from the accidents that matters.” – Aquaria, writer Points to ponder and remember The latest research from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) indicates our universe is at least 40 billion years old. To last that long indicates everything in our universe has a purpose to play in its continued successful existence. That means every event, including the events of our life, is purposeful to contribute to the ongoing survival of our universe. Therefore, there can be no mistakes in our lives, only opportunities to learn to contribute more consciously, and less unconsciously, to the ongoing universe. What Lance perceived as an accident or a mistake was his opportunity to learn, more clearly and consciously, how he could contribute to the evolution of this universe. Accidents serve each human being in this way to ensure the universe continues. When you can see this going on, repeatedly, in your life, you will have gained the awareness (wisdom) to appreciate each moment you have to live. This wisdom rebuilds the self-esteem and self-confidence needed for the future that you had at your birth. This wisdom reveals the appreciation for life that you can see in many our elders. This wisdom unleashes the energy, focus, creativity and inspiration each of us carries to design our destiny. Read more from Ken Pierce Ken Pierce, Executive Psychologist, Human Behaviour Expert Ken Pierce is a board-certified, evolutionary psychologist, human behaviour expert and CEO of The Pierce Institute of Psychology Inc.(TPI) Ken has authored 14 psychological works including seven books and created 400 case-study-based web-posts. He has worked in business consultation, education and private practice for over 40 years serving thousands of people of all ages including individuals, couples, leaders, teams and organizations.daughters and three grandsons. Ken's interests vary widely from quantum theory to energy efficiency to building stone walls.

Written by Rahim Paul Nanos, The Modern Spiritualist Rahim Nanos is a multi-disciplinary spiritual teacher and practitioner with over ten years of experience in modalities such as martial arts, Sufism, divination, and contemporary shamanism. He teaches classes on manifestation, healing the inner child, and healthy energy body cultivation. Collectively and individually, the stories we tell make or break us. As contemporary people, we’ve ventured far past the oral tradition of storytelling, and even beyond the printing press. American lives are inundated with a flood of streaming options, more movies and shows than anyone could watch in a lifetime. Most of us have social media apps cued up to fill every single space in our day with more content, more story. We can access endless pictures, videos, blogs, podcasts, etc. Humans are obsessed with stories. The role of the storyteller in our lives Story is how we make meaning of our lives. It’s how we make sense of the world and its limitless context. Back in times of oral tradition, stories were intentionally framed by elders and community members to help children make sense of themselves, their community, and the world they live in. Often these stories were held by a shared cosmology among the culture. This enabled the children to rely on a consistent structure through which they had the freedom and safety to weave their personal mythologies. In our time, stories have become fragmented and oversaturated. We’ve lost the original intent and purpose of story even though we all seek to find meaning through them. Most Hollywood stories are sloppy, trite, and repetitive. The Gen Z era of TikTok offers infinite echo chambers of performative positionality. Stories are being generated without the full consideration of their meaning. The more fragmented we become, the more problematic our teaching stories become. The more fragmented our stories become, the more fragmented we become. Consider a story that had a major impact on you as a child and continues to impact you today. Then, consider why that story has had such a profound impact on your life. Often, good teaching stories explore common themes among humanity: birth, love, coming of age, sex, loss, courage, integrity, betrayal, and death. Big themes require big answers, and every individual has a unique way of making meaning. These stories work because they help us tap into our felt sense of universal experiences in a personal way through the exploration of character, symbolism, and metaphor. Life doesn’t have easy answers and we confront choices that are difficult to make. These stories help us apply meaning to major themes in life so that we can dance through our life processes with more inspiration and wisdom. While we don’t have total control over what happens to us, there are so many ways to perceive every situation, for better or worse. Stories help us shift our perception. We don’t always have control of the cards we’re dealt (as good stories have already told us), but regardless of the challenges we’ve been given, the way we weave stories around those challenges has a major impact on how we feel and behave. Thankfully, if we’ve lost a healthy connection to our Inner Storyteller, that is something we can repair. Energy body clearing Connecting with our inner storyteller and using it to re-weave and take control of our personal story is something that I teach in my 8-week class, Energy Body Clearing. In this class, we confront our relationship with the stories we’ve been telling. Often, young trauma survivors weave their stories around trauma as a method of coping with it, which can have disastrous results in later contexts throughout their lives. Another common reason for losing touch with our Inner Storyteller is simply because the stories we’ve been handed down by our family and culture keep us stuck, confused, or unhappy. We don’t have to stay here. We can craft new and more powerful stories. A kind of alchemical magic exists in the right story, and if we access this magic, we can carve deeper meaning from our personal experiences. This deeper meaning can enrich what it means to be alive and allow us to take more purposeful actions that impact our environments in ways that felt unreachable before. In other words, it allows us to make meaning of our inner story and empowers us to risk actions that shift the screenplay of our lives. We are no longer victims of our stories, but the makers of them. This mindset shift literally changes lives - yours and the lives that benefit from the impact of your story. Suddenly we’re no longer stuck in the same repetitive patterns, but we initiate enough creativity to actually shift out of phases of our lives and into completely new ones. Manifestation theory Why? On a manifestation level, what’s happening? From a grand-scale standpoint, everything is energy. Energy shows up in different forms, but all energy is simply energy. On this level, we are not separate from anything else in life. We are small, but intrinsic and vital parts of the cosmic system. From my cosmological perspective, I believe that energy itself is conscious and intelligent. When energy takes on physical form, I call this “manifestation.” Because of mankind’s ability to think about itself, I believe that energy as consciousness gains a unique pleasure out of manifesting as humanity. I believe mankind manifests simply for the joy and awe that conscious energy can experience through thinking about itself in the way that only a human can. And I believe that humans are manifesters as a result. Man thinks, “I Am,” and in this way, man creates his, her, or their reality. The human in question may or may not believe that their creative power is the same inherent creative power of the whole universe. But whether a human believes this or not, they have the power and free will to make choices and are actively creating reality from those choices. Practical manifestation If what I said above isn’t proof enough for you, that’s okay! Here’s a more concrete example of our power to create reality based on our stories. Clinical psychologist Alia J. Crum conducted a study to explore if our perception of the foods we eat plays a detectable physiological role in how our bodies process food. Her study, Mind Over Milkshakes, tested the effects of Ghrelin production. Ghrelin is a hormone that has multiple functions essential to food digestion. Two separate groups were given the same 360-calorie milkshake. One group was told that the “indulgent” milkshake had 620 calories. The other group was told that the “sensible” milkshake only had 140 calories. The results showed that Ghrelin production was dramatically more stable for the group that had been given the “sensible” milkshake. They concluded that mindset may play a valuable role in determining our physiological responses to food. If the stories we tell about the consumption of our food can have this much impact, imagine the impact on your stories in every other aspect of your life! For more background info on this study, check out this NPR article. The power of story in cause & effect relationship Now, let’s look at another example of manifestation from a practical perspective. We have a human protagonist. Let’s call him John. John has taken on a belief. The belief is that John is inherently bad. John believes he is inherently bad because his father heavily drinks and his mother is so lost in her grief about her husband’s behavior that she forgets to ever pay any attention to John. The reader knows that this childhood upbringing says nothing about John. John is not responsible for his father’s behavior. John is not the reason that he is ignored by his mother. But growing up, John’s childhood mind could not comprehend the fact that his parents weren’t parenting because of their own failures. The only conclusion that little John could make was that he was ignored by his parents because there was something fundamentally wrong with him. He must be inherently bad. Because John holds this belief, the actions that he takes in life reflect this belief, manipulating his outcome. John grows up. John meets Jane. John wants to ask Jane to go on a date with him. But John believes he is inherently bad. Because of this belief, it affects the way John asks Jane. John approaches Jane. John is reasonably attractive, but he wears ill-fitting clothes and it’s clear John doesn’t take great care of himself. This is because he doesn’t believe he is good, so he doesn’t believe he deserves to take better care of himself. This is strike one for John in trying to woo Jane, not because he’s inherently unattractive, but because he is unkempt, giving him the appearance of being unattractive. John could have made a different choice here which would impact the outcome, but John doesn’t see any other choice. He believes he is inherently bad. Unkempt John approaches Jane. As he gets closer, Jane takes him in. John keeps his head down and slopes his shoulders. He doesn’t make eye contact. When he finally gathers the courage to ask, “Will you go on a date with me?” he is convinced she’ll recognize his inherent badness and say no. He asks her so fast he barely gets the words out. The words are slurred and slightly panicky. He’s still not making eye contact. His feet aren’t turned towards Jane. They are turned away as if he’s in danger and preparing to run. This is because John doesn’t want Jane to see his badness, so he creates an exit strategy that keeps him from fully connecting with Jane. Jane is confused. Jane has no idea what John just said or what he wants. She’s getting anxious from his approach, but she doesn’t assume she’s in danger. She simply asks, “What did you say?” because she didn’t hear him the first time. John takes this response as an outright rejection without understanding that she didn’t hear him. John runs away. John doesn’t get the girl. Not because of his inherent badness. John doesn’t get the girl because of the choices he made out of his belief in his inherent badness. This is the power of story. Now let’s see what could have unfolded instead. John grew up in a chaotic household. His father was a heavy drinker. His mother ignored John because she was too busy playing damage control with her husband’s behavior. In this scenario, little John could have understandably developed a belief about his inherent badness… but he didn’t. John had an elementary school teacher who knew the power of story. John’s teacher ensured that John knew he was lovable. As a result of this, John grew to trust his teacher. John told his teacher about his trouble at home. As an adult in John’s world, John’s teacher contextualized the situation for him. She explained why his parents might be ignoring him without excusing their behavior. She affirmed him and then told him stories about protagonists like John who felt isolated and unloved, but found a way through. As a result of this loving relationship, John sees a window of opportunity to develop a different belief instead. Instead, John grew up to believe: “Life can be complicated, but I am inherently loveable and capable of bringing myself through challenges.” John grows up. John approaches Jane. John knows his father screwed up with his mother. However, he recognizes his power and choice to write his own story. John holds his head high as he approaches Jane. His eyes are bright and full of hope. He is dressed well and Jane notices how attractive John is. John asks, slowly, strongly, and clearly, “Would you like to go on a date with me?” Jane feels comfortable with John’s clarity. John’s excitement and hope are contagious, making Jane feel hopeful too. Jane says yes. Same John, different story, different outcome. Reclaiming the inner storyteller For better or for worse, whether our stories build us up or tear us down, our stories are very powerful. Our stories are how we choose to decide how the world works. It’s how we make predictions that impact our behavior, whether they are truthful predictions or not. Our stories determine how we assume the behavior or intent of others. It’s how we make sense of neutral expressions and determines how empowered we feel to meet challenges. It determines how creative we choose to be. It determines which opportunities we can see and which ones we are blind to. The more we allow trauma to fuel our stories, the more we repress and marginalize our Inner Storyteller. The more we repress our Storyteller, the more we weaponize our Storyteller. Many humans, as a result of sterilization and domestication of our culture, put their Storytellers fully away in the dark recesses of their minds. This unconscious Storyteller then drives our beliefs and actions from a place so buried that we are either completely numb to our own lifeforce energy, or we act out in extreme ways that we regret later. Because the Storyteller is so powerful even from a place of deep repression, it is still using up a bunch of energy in distorted ways. We can become extremely fatigued because our Inner Storyteller is stuck in a trauma, playing it out over and over in our bodies well after a traumatic event occurred. It uses up all the lifeforce by looping in the same pattern over and over again. We become fixated on the past and unable to access the reality of the present moment. Only by bringing this into our awareness and taking steps to repair our relationship with our Inner Storyteller can we open up a true pathway to freedom. This is what my class, Energy Body Clearing, gives us a protocol to do. Reclaiming the Inner Storyteller takes real work. Above all, the work is about being able to come into honesty and integrity within yourself. It means acknowledging where you lie to yourself, where your blind spots are, and what stories you crafted to protect yourself from a reality you couldn’t deal with at the time. This is a kind of reclaiming that doesn’t happen overnight. Eventually, the magick does happen. But not without consistency, accountability, and the persistence necessary to make real changes. Habits are very powerful and our oldest habits win. Changing these things at first feels like working a muscle that has been sedentary for a very long time. The hardest part of weight training is the beginning. Eventually, as you strengthen, you build enough momentum and practice that it gets easier to exercise a certain muscle group. It’s the same thing with habit forming. Persistence is key until the changes you’re making to your story build momentum and fully integrate with all parts of you. In Energy Body Clearing, there’s an energy component, an emotional component, a mindset shift, and a concrete action in your life that exists as proof that you fully changed a story. Without all these components, dismantling an old story and building a new one is incomplete. Falling in love with your inner storyteller Your Inner Storyteller is just as clever as you are! We come by our stories and attitudes honestly. In childhood, we’re looking to our environment to learn. We learn not just through being actively taught, but through covert messaging in our families and communities. We learn just as much through the unconscious stories that our communities are carrying. The best way to work with your Inner Storyteller is by acknowledging things as they are. You are carrying the stories that you’re carrying for a reason. You came by them honestly. You were told these stories in overt and covert ways growing up. You created your own unique stories to make sense of your life and challenges. These stories protected you, but many may be outdated or harming you now. Your Storyteller isn’t a villain, but they need guidance too. Creating space for this kind of vulnerability and contradiction allows you to address the wounding that your Inner Storyteller carries. As that wounding begins to unwind, your Inner Storyteller can unveil itself in a new light, and it can tell the story of your life in ways that are more uplifting, more meaningful, more hopeful, and more authentic to your natural sense of self, the one you came with before cultural conditioning began. Ultimately, falling in love with your Inner Storyteller and acknowledging its true power and impact on your life is the biggest shortcut to true change. The reason why that’s difficult is because we have to choose to no longer be in denial over the ways we used our stories to cause harm to ourselves and others. If we can acknowledge this kind of harm within the context of coming by it honestly, and having the power to change it if we take responsibility for it, we reach a new height of what accountability to oneself really means. It no longer has a negative connotation, but a sobering and empowering one. It’s what enables us to meet great challenges and overcome them. It’s the moment in The Lion King when Simba stops saying “Hakuna Matata,” and changes his story to “I’m the rightful King and it’s my responsibility to restore balance to the Kingdom. It’s one of the most profound and uplifting moments in the whole movie. It’s the moment he takes his power back. If you’re ready to restore balance to your inner kingdom, I offer several services in which you can begin to access, meet, and reconcile your Inner Storyteller. Energy Body Mastery is my 8-week class that helps people re-establish a healthy connection between their mind and body. This allows us to open up to the stories coming directly out of the Earth. In the following 8-week class, Energy Body Clearing, we meet and reconcile our relationship with our Inner Storyteller. This allows us to craft better stories to re-contextualize our lives in more inspiring and empowering ways. In my 8-week manifestation program, we start making these new stories a reality to deepen, enhance, and succeed in making our life’s dream a reality. I also offer tarot readings, astrology readings, and one-on-one per session spiritual coaching. If you are interested in scheduling something with me, please email me at modernspiritualisttarot@gmail.com. If you are interested in pursuing the source of these teachings, visit the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing. Read more from Rahim Paul Nanos Rahim Paul Nanos, The Modern Spiritualist Rahim Nanos is a spiritual visionary with roots deeply embedded in ancient spiritual lineages. Originally a student of psychology, Rahim's experience of chronic childhood abuse caught up with him in forms of anxiety and depression that prevented the further pursuit of his studies. He began seeking other modalities of healing through authentic spiritual lineages and quickly healed through them. During his healing journey, he noticed disparities within both the psychological and the new age framework of healing that felt counterintuitive to the true core of healing work. From there, he dedicated his life's work to bringing holistic modalities of healing into people's lives as an alternative to reliance on broken or incomplete systems.

Written by Marc Jarrett, Disruptive Game Changing Virtual Power Networker Award Winning Superconnector who operates more than 500 WhatsApp groups full of some of the world's leading thought leaders and entrepreneurs. As the world continues to embrace remote work and digital communication thanks in part to the pandemic, the traditional methods of networking have undergone a significant transformation. Enter new tech platforms, poised to revolutionize the way we connect, engage, and collaborate in virtual spaces. Embracing innovation I wholeheartedly welcome new platforms that allow us to engage in the ubiquitous socioeconomic activity known as networking. Gone are the days of crowded conference rooms and endless handshakes. Today, business networking has transcended geographical boundaries, thanks to the power of technology. From virtual events and webinars to specialized networking platforms, the options for connecting with like-minded professionals are limitless. Shining examples I am the founding ambassador of Remo.co which I fondly refer to as ‘Zoom on Steroids’ which I helped launch some 4 million events ago. Think of it as a large breakout room. It comes into its own with large events of 100+ people. US Platform Lunch club facilitates one-to-one conversations that last 40 minutes. It is free and invite only. You can accept my invitation by clicking on the link. And I have teamed up with virtual networking platform meeow to allow members of my ‘always open’ virtual power networking 500+ WhatsApp group community to meet 5x each week whilst allowing others to learn more about it. You are welcome to join by clicking here. Breaking down barriers One of the most significant advantages of new tech platforms is their ability to break down barriers to networking. Whether you're an introvert hesitant to attend in-person events or a busy entrepreneur juggling multiple responsibilities, virtual networking platforms offer unparalleled accessibility and convenience. With just a few clicks, you can connect with professionals from around the globe, expanding your network and unlocking new opportunities. Fostering meaningful connections While the virtual environment may lack the intimacy of face-to-face interactions, new tech platforms are bridging this gap with innovative features designed to foster meaningful connections. From AI-driven matchmaking algorithms to interactive networking sessions, these platforms prioritize engagement and facilitate authentic interactions. Whether you're exchanging ideas in a virtual breakout room or participating in a live Q&A session, the possibilities for connection are endless. Driving business growth Beyond the inherent value of networking, new tech platforms are driving tangible business outcomes. By connecting professionals with complementary skills and expertise, these platforms facilitate collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing. Whether you're seeking potential clients, partners, or investors, virtual networking platforms provide a fertile ground for cultivating meaningful relationships that can fuel business growth. Adapting to change As the business landscape continues to evolve, so too must our approach to networking. By embracing new tech platforms, professionals can stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the changing dynamics of the digital age. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a budding entrepreneur, harnessing the power of technology is essential for staying relevant and competitive in today's fast-paced world. Looking ahead The future of business networking is undeniably digital. As new tech platforms continue to innovate and evolve, the opportunities for virtual networking will only continue to expand. By embracing these platforms and harnessing their potential, professionals can unlock new avenues for growth, collaboration, and success in the digital era. With this in mind, I have teamed up with freedomee to help heart-centred entrepreneurs, consumers and investors use their professional, social, personal and financial consumer power to do ethical business and diversify their financial income. Frequent networking events will expedite the process of getting to know one another. Your network is your net-worth The power of new tech platforms to help virtual business networking cannot be overstated. From breaking down barriers to fostering meaningful connections, these platforms are revolutionizing the way we connect, engage, and collaborate in virtual spaces. As we look ahead to the future of networking, one thing is clear: the possibilities are limitless. So, let's embrace innovation, adapt to change, and unlock the full potential of virtual business networking. Read more from Marc Jarrett Marc Jarrett, Disruptive Game Changing Virtual Power Networker Award Winning Superconnector who operates more than 500 WhatsApp groups full of some of the world's leading thought leaders and entrepreneurs. Endorsed by Meta and the United States Presidential Service Center.

Motivated by her challenges with business ownership and burnout, Megan Winkler, The Good Business Witch, is always looking for better ways to do business. She’s captivated by the intersection of business strategy and spirituality and is determined to help as many women build their businesses as possible – without burning out. Megan shares her love of the power of proper energy management and the science of business with her community through the written word and in her programs. Megan holds a master’s degree in military history and an MBA focusing on women in leadership. Her near obsession with strategy translates to powerful roadmaps for her clients and her upcoming book, Breaking Up With Burnout, which focuses on helping women overcome the many types of burnout we face daily. Megan Winkler, Business Coach for Creatives Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better. I’m a creative business owner, an inexhaustible intellectual, and a modern witchy woman focusing on helping other women build the businesses of their dreams. I live just outside Dallas, Texas, and grew up there. In fact, the only other city I’ve lived in is Tokyo. I actually don’t know how to NOT live in a big city. I love the arts and going to live shows. When I travel, a local museum is always on the list of places to visit, and I love experiencing the everyday life of the locals – from the food to the music. You just can’t beat it! Your approach to business coaching seems quite unique, blending practical strategy with elements like Internal Family Systems, Reiki, and astrology. Can you share how you developed this holistic approach and the impact it has had on your clients? I never present a strategy to my clients without trying it myself. A few years ago, I began studying Internal Family Systems (IFS) with my coach. I took a few classes, devoured a few books, and realized how much I used it in my everyday life. The same is true for astrology and Reiki. So it made perfect sense to bring them into my business coaching approach. I believe the best way to guide someone else through a business challenge is to tap into their stories, astrology, and strengths, and use them to our advantage. A cookie-cutter approach just doesn’t work for creative business owners. Instead, we’ve got to address who they are as people first. Then, we can develop a strategy based on their strengths and talents. What inspired you to focus specifically on coaching creative women entrepreneurs, and what do you believe sets them apart in the business world? I started serving this group of women almost by accident. When you first go into business, you say “yes” far more than you say “no,” so in my case, my client focus kind of defined itself. I looked at what my clients all have in common, and I realized that my creativity and soulful approach to the more “masculine” business strategies resonated with them. So, I really dived into helping this specific niche. Creative businesswomen think outside the box and do things differently in their businesses. They’re really driven by their purpose and crave freedom from their work so that they can achieve that coveted work/life balance. There’s so much innovation and exploration when working with creative businesswomen, and my Aquarius self just loves it. The way creative women interpret the world around them, engage in problem-solving, and connect with others is unlike any other niche I’ve seen before. Could you walk us through a typical coaching session with you? How do you tailor your guidance to address the individual needs and challenges of your clients? My coaching sessions are short and sweet, at just 30 minutes each. I keep them short so we can remain focused on the challenges ahead, and my clients can access me between our sessions. So, if anything comes up between calls, we can address it right in the moment. We start by breathing together and setting the intention for the call. Then, we dive into the week’s challenge. In my programs, I give clients clear roadmaps to help them reach each point on their journey. It really helps creative, more right-brained people stay organized. It also gives us smaller goals to accomplish regularly. Those dopamine hits are so valuable! At the end, we close the call by breathing together. It’s a supportive container that brings a little ritual into the calls. You emphasize helping your clients conquer self-doubt, master marketing, and close sales with confidence. How do you incorporate mindset work into your coaching process, and why do you believe it's essential for entrepreneurial success? Marketing and sales are such a mindset game. We have to guard our energy, make sure we know the line between vulnerability and TMI for ourselves and believe in our work beyond a shadow of a doubt. Bringing mindset work into your business is absolutely a must-have for success. Without it, you’ll be tempted to give up too quickly, take on other people’s energy, or completely burn out without ever making the impact you want to make in your business. Beyond financial success, you mention a belief that when women entrepreneurs thrive, the whole world benefits. Can you elaborate on this philosophy and share any examples of how you've seen it play out in your work? Studies show women invest more money than men in local economies, small businesses, and charitable organizations. When women entrepreneurs thrive, they give back to others significantly. For instance, one of my clients can run an anti-racist book club for free, and another client donates her time and money to a local organization. Outside of your coaching practice, you mention a passion for supporting local artists and animal rescue groups. How do these interests influence your approach to coaching, if at all, and how do you balance your personal passions with your professional endeavors? Every musician, artist, or performer began as a local artist. I love supporting the local arts scene because I truly believe we all thrive when we support each other. The same is true for animal rescue groups. I’m in awe of fosters who take animals in from the street or high-kill shelters and make room for them in their homes. I’ve adopted two rescue pups myself, and welcoming these animals into our homes helps them and us immensely. If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? I’d toss all the “bro marketing” strategies out there. They give marketing and sales a bad name. Marketing is about connection, and sales is about having a conversation. Most business owners are really good at both already, even if they don’t realize it. We don’t need to be standing in front of a gym mirror to sell a coaching program unless you’re a fitness coach. Instead, we just need to be ourselves. Read more from Megan Winkler

Written by Elizabeth Margaret Chanter, Classical Homeopath, Shamanic Reiki Master & Creatrix Elizabeth Chanter of Honour Being is a Creatrix, Classical Homeopath and experienced shamanically trained Reiki Master in The Golden Reiki Way. She offers in person and Remote Reiki Treatments, Attunement and Training, Honour Sacred Art Workshops and Retreats (Dreaming Your Inner Child) and conducts regular Moon Ceremonies in person and online. You arrived in this world with the expectation that you would be loved. You were programmed to love in return. So, what went wrong…? There are many phrases and “buzzwords” being thrown around on social media. Loving yourself is one of those phrases. Toxic thinking is another. But just how do you love yourself in a healthy manner? How do you shift toxic mindsets? And what is the connection between the two? “The greatest love of all is easy to achieve… Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.” (Whitney Houston) The key is to understand the causes. Then you can begin to experience what it feels like to nurture yourself. You can find emotional release and well-being in balance with mental well-being (no, they are not the same!) You can experience growing self-worth, self-esteem, and self-belief. As these vital affirmations of self are put into place, letting go of any toxicity in your life becomes easy. You find a place of ease with yourself. As you truly begin to love yourself, the beauty within you shines outward into the world. You are a complex being, being comprised of the physical, emotional, energetic, psychological and the spiritual. Any aspect can go out of balance because of the emotional wounds and hurts you may have passed through in childhood. This is well-recognised and documented (The Effect of Childhood Trauma on Adult Attachment Styles). The patterns of childhood then repeat throughout your life interwoven with generational patterning, unless there is a healing intervention. The most destructive effect of emotional trauma is damage to self-worth, upon which toxic self-beliefs are based. Life can then rise to meet those expectations and to confirm them, trapping you in a negative spiral of repetition. Healthy self-worth is linked to higher levels of happiness and lower levels of stress. The following series of 7 vital steps are offered as a way to break out of this self-defeating pattern of lack of self-worth and toxic thinking by increasing your self-awareness. The step to self-worth: A healthy foundation “No matter what you have done, or left undone, you are worthy of love.” – Nithya Shanti Self-worth is affected most deeply by the nurture and love you have received from your mother or by its absence. It is also affected by the degree to which you felt protected by your father. When either or both of these is lacking, you become more easily affected by the pressures of society to look, act and behave in a certain way to be acceptable or worthy of love and protection. A variety of circumstances may have taught you as a child to doubt you are loveable. Causes can vary. Your mother may simply have been absent through busyness, illness or post-natal depression. She may not have known how to show love, because of a pattern of lack of nurture handed down by her maternal line. In turn, this will have affected your ability to receive the very love that is your birthright. If you doubt that you are loveable, that you are unworthy of being loved, your self-worth has become deeply damaged. Because you subconsciously believe you are not worth loving, you may then have developed a sense that you have been abandoned, rejected, neglected, blamed or betrayed. This is a pattern that can then be repeated in relationships you form in later life, and ultimately hand on to your own children. In your search to feel worthy as you grow up, you may have come to believe that you have to conform to external pressures, and to people please to gain love and approval. In its most extreme form, this can lead to abusive and sometimes narcissistic relationships. The first step towards creating a healthy foundation of self-worth is by recognising that your inner child is in need of gentle healing. The step to emotional healing: Releasing the wounds “When you feel joy, all the circuits are open, so the Life Force can be fully received. When you feel guilt, blame, fear or anger, the circuits are hindered and the life force cannot flow as effectively.” – Abraham Hicks The wounds and hurts of your inner child become deeply buried in your unconsciousness, and yet your expectations and beliefs about life arise from this place. Your emotional experiences then create the negative beliefs you have about yourself, about the potential that lies within you, and the expectations you have of yourself, life and the world around you. These can then give rise to anxiety, addiction, insecurity, depression and form toxic mindsets. Unreleased emotional patterning reinforces generational patterning. Conversely, released hurts and wounds positively change family patterns and relationships. A sign that healing is happening is when you return to playfulness, joy and trust in yourself and in life to bring you good things – and you begin to truly love and value all aspects of yourself. You no longer need to be the “good” girl or boy to be acceptable to yourself. As emotional healing happens, mindsets organically begin to shift and change. Expectations become more positive and life rises to meet those expectations, thereby creating positive emotional experiences which affirm you, further influencing your positive mindset. The step to de-toxification: Listening to what is right for you “Listening to the heart offers the knowledge that we cannot receive through any other means.” – Felicity Warner How often do you listen to your heart, rather than to the voices of others? How comfortable are you in your relationship with yourself? This determines how at ease you are in your relationships with others. How healthy is your self-esteem? Self-esteem relies on a healthy sense of self-worth. Are you able to release yourself from damaging and toxic relationships? Do you value yourself enough to be able to say no? If not, ultimately the stress of being in a toxic relationship can lead to depression and inflammation in the body. Damaging and toxic relationships rely on a low sense of self-worth. When you have an inner knowing that you are enough just by being in existence, when you truly love yourself, it becomes easy to enable such toxicity to fall away. Then you can step out of any victim, rescuer and bullying behaviours that may have been dominating your life. Then you create space in which to attract those who love you unconditionally and do not play control games. But you have to be willing to step out of those roles too! The step to changing a toxic mindset: Self-forgiveness and dropping self-judgement “What we can or cannot do, what we consider possible or impossible, is rarely a function of our true capability. It is more likely a function of our beliefs about who we are.” – Anthony Robbins Damaged self-worth affects your self-belief and your beliefs about life. You can adopt the unhealthy beliefs of others. You can begin to judge them as well as yourself. When you point at others, you place yourself in the role of victim and give your authority away. When you harshly judge yourself, you can impose impossible standards of perfectionism. When you perceive you are “failing”, you can direct anger against yourself. This can ultimately generate inflammatory auto-immune illness, literally attacking the self on a physical level. Auto-immune illnesses are on the rise, and the majority of sufferers are women (National Library of Medicine). Women are much more likely to internalise their emotions and blame themselves than men. Auto-immune illness can become self-perpetuating as the tendency is to become one’s own victim. Emotional healing and release is crucial to changing your mindset and mental well-being as mentioned above. Then you begin to value all of your feelings, thoughts, ideas, hopes, wishes and dreams. It is vital to then begin to forgive yourself and to drop your self-judgements and self-blame, knowing that you were never to blame for the experiences you passed through as a child. You were intended to be nurtured as a child, not to become the nurturer. You were intended to be protected, not become the protector. Those were the intended roles of your mother and father respectively. As your mindset changes, as you forgive yourself, so you can begin to experience and express gratitude for all that life has been teaching you so far. The step to seeing the bigger picture: Infinite possibilities “If we learn to quiet the mind the soul has a way of painting the bigger picture for taking the right action into growth.” – Matthew Donnelly As your emotional wounds heal, your self-worth increases. As you allow toxicity to fall away and practice self-forgiveness, your perspective begins to shift further. You are now beginning to transform, evolve and grow. As you step out of the bindings of low self-worth and toxic thinking, so you begin to see that there are an infinite number of possibilities open to you. You can begin to dream of and write a different future for yourself. The step to releasing the past: Valuing experience “I have great respect for the past. If you don't know where you've come from, you don't know where you're going” – Maya Angelou As part of this process, it is vital to take your experiences and grow more wisely, recognising that you are the sum of all that you have passed through. You can acknowledge there is a common humanity which binds us all. As you give yourself permission, to share your story and to be vulnerable, so you gift the same to others you meet along the road of life. And your story begins to change. Once you value your experiences for the teaching they offer you, so it becomes natural to feel an increasing sense of gratitude and to wish to inspire others by your example. Your sense of self-worth continues to grow as you are affirmed in the mutual sharing of positive experiences, and your empathy and ability to love others unconditionally as well as yourself increases. The step to inner peace: Self-compassion and creativity “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” – Dalai Lama As your self-worth and your self-esteem blossom, you can discover a sense of serenity within combined with a growing sense of expansiveness. When there is expansiveness, there is spaciousness for the flow of creative living to channel through you. Through practising self-compassion, you learn to love and value yourself unconditionally. You come to a place of ease, knowing you have nothing to prove either to yourself or to others. All toxic thinking is left behind, and you find it easy to be in love with life and with yourself… Conclusion These 7 vital steps to generating self-worth are fundamental to healing the deep and unconscious patterns affecting your ability to love and value yourself. As you move through them with growing self-awareness, toxic patterning falls away and you can create a place of ease with yourself. As you truly begin to love yourself, the beauty within you shines outward into the world. As the light within you glows, so you inspire and give permission to others to do likewise. Honour Being exists to pay attention and offer healing to every aspect of your being, physical, emotional, energetic, psychological and spiritual, so that well-being is created in a balanced manner. The steps outlined above have been simplified for this article, but are fundamental to the way Elizabeth works with her clients. She does this by offering space and time for exploration, followed by the gentle healing of Golden Way Reiki and Dreaming Your Inner Child Soul Work. Treatments and sessions are always tailored individually according to client needs and preferences. Sessions are offered both in person and via Remote Healing both in the UK and overseas. Start your healing journey today Ready to begin your Golden Way Reiki journey? Book for a free Discovery Session or for a nurturing and releasing first Reiki Treatment to honour your emotional healing by sending an email or going to the Honour Being Website. Read more from Elizabeth Margaret Chanter Elizabeth Margaret Chanter, Classical Homeopath, Shamanic Reiki Master & Creatrix Elizabeth Chanter is recognised as a leader in her chosen field of healing, energy medicine and Golden Way Reiki. Since 2004, she has been assisting others to make transformational change in their lives, leading to positive, lasting and sometimes extraordinary results. She is passionate about helping her clients to evolve and grow into the bright, beautiful beings they were always intended to be. Having passed through many personal dark nights of the soul, she combines empathy, deep compassion and understanding with many years of professional expertise in her field. She believes in the regenerative power of hope, listening and healing touch.

Written by: Athena Todd, Guest Writer Have you ever wondered how personal branding and AI technology can revolutionize the pursuit of change, such as for Women's Basketball Players toward Equal Pay? In this article, I will share how AI-powered personal branding can amplify the voices of women basketball players, drive change, and propel the quest for fairness both on and off the court. Understanding the gender pay gap The gender pay gap— the differences between men and women's earnings, represents an opportunity for improvement in society, gradually narrowing over the past two decades. Despite progress in gender equality, women earn approximately 82% of what men do, emphasizing the potential for further advancement. University research extensively examines the causes and implications of this gap, offering insights into its persistence and the opportunity for positive change. Leveraging AI-powered personal branding In the context of women's basketball, AI-powered personal branding offers a potent tool for advancing equal pay advocacy. Just as AI transforms various industries, its integration into personal branding strategies can empower players to amplify their voices and drive change. Here's how: 1. Crafting a compelling narratives As women basketball players advocate for equal pay, sharing compelling personal stories becomes empowering. Players leverage their platforms to highlight the value they bring, emphasizing their resilience and determination in the face of challenges. By intertwining their experiences with the broader narrative of the wage gap, players create inspiring narratives that resonate with audiences and emphasize the importance of addressing the issue promptly. AI algorithms analyze data to identify compelling narratives resonating with audiences, enabling players to craft authentic stories that inspire action. 2. Enhancing visual identity A strong personal brand is pivotal in championing equal pay in women's basketball. From selecting unique color palettes to curating fonts embodying individual personalities, each aspect of visual identity amplifies the player's presence and advocacy for equal pay. Whether through captivating imagery on social media or sleek designs on promotional materials, a cohesive visual identity leverages personal branding to drive change. AI-powered design tools empower players to elevate visual storytelling, enabling the creation of visually stunning content that enhances image and video quality, making messages more compelling. Leveraging AI technology, players communicate their brand, reinforcing commitment to the equal pay movement. From dynamic social media graphics to immersive virtual experiences, AI-driven enhancements amplify players' voices, raising awareness for equality in women's basketball. 3. Personalized fan engagement Players can strategically use personal brands to foster connections with fans, recognizing engaged communities' role in raising awareness for equal compensation. Actively engaging on social media, responding to comments, and offering glimpses into daily lives, players cultivate spaces where supporters feel valued and heard. Strengthening personal brands, players mobilize passionate advocates driving change on and off the court, amplifying equal pay advocacy. AI-driven sentiment analysis provides insights into fan sentiments and preferences. By harnessing technology, players tailor engagement strategies, fostering deeper connections and mobilizing support with precision. Whether through personalized interactions or targeted outreach campaigns, AI enables players to understand fan sentiments accurately, empowering advocates for meaningful change in equal pay advocacy. The future of women's basketball Through compelling narratives, vibrant visuals, and fan engagement, players lead a movement that transcends the court. Navigating sport and societal change, players reshape narratives, turning personal brands into symbols of empowerment and advocacy. With AI solutions, players streamline brand development, amplifying messages and mobilizing support efficiently. The synergy between personal branding and AI becomes a powerful engine, paving the way for equality in women's basketball. Athena Todd, Brainz Magazine Guest Writer With over 16 years of cross-cultural expertise, Athena has become a trusted advisor for esteemed organizations worldwide. Her unique approach blends Eastern and Western perspectives, offering clarity and strategic insight. Co-founder of Launch Lab Academy in 2018, she has empowered over 1000 new coaches globally, integrating AI-powered marketing strategies that save 60% of time. Athena's dedication has earned her prestigious recognition, including the 2009 Notable Networker Award, the 2016 Difference Maker of the Year, and the 2024 Global Recognition Award. Her inclusion in the 2025 Marquis’s Who’s Who in America further deepens her impact. As an expat entrepreneur, Athena has transcended limited resources, creating a personal brand that attracts rare opportunities. Today, she is committed to guiding expat entrepreneurs and new coaches, inspiring them from the impossible to the possible. Follow Athena Todd on Facebook, LinkedIn, and visit my website

Written by Sandra Ehlers, Self-integration and Awakening Guide Sandra Ehlers is a Self-Integration & Kundalini Awakening Guide, Trauma Informed Yoga Meditation Teacher, Event Facilitator, Reiki Master, and Writer. Her work is dedicated to inner union – not only through expanded awareness, but as a lived, embodied experience of wholeness in the world. The key to experience yourself as one with life, and to embody divine love, is to deeply understand the role of desire and passion in your life. What is self-alignment? Uncovering original passion It's easy to fall into polarities of what self-alignment can be. Many of us see self-alignment as letting go of all that we are not. The societal conditioning, the trauma, the misconceptions about ourselves and the world. It's the yogic idea of unpeeling the layers: If I am not this, and not that, what is left? Who am I? The more we unpeel, the more we discover our actual freedom and limitlessness. Others view positive experiential states as aligned. When we feel a natural bubbling joy and excitement about life. When we can hold the people around us with unconditional acceptance. When we can love our own humanness, and feel lovingly connected with our own body. When we feel driven by passion and purpose, and guided by our own inner truth. Coming into alignment includes the fullness of these polarities of releasing and claiming. Releasing our fears and limiting self-concepts, so that we may own and experience all that we truly do desire. However, self-alignment also goes beyond these polarities. Fundamentally, it is deeper than our life circumstances, bringing us all the way back to the origin of all life. True role of desire for self-alignment In the tantric perspective, desire is the driving force of all life. If not for desire, what would move you to take another breath? There is a desire to live. A desire to experience. A desire to become intimate with life, and to love. And while we connect it to our human body, desire is even more fundamental. It exists beyond the body, just as the experience of consciousness that you call the 'soul'. In human life, desire comes with tension. You want something, you don't yet have it. Even when it's very close, like touching someone you love, desire can appear as the experience that you feel somewhat removed. The more you love someone, the more the desire to touch even more intimately; to merge into another. If you can release the tension; the feeling of lack or separation; the resistance or inhibitions; and fully allow the present moment experience to flow and be absorbed in it, then we call it pure passion. We desire to experience the state of passion, because then we feel the most intimate with life. Desire tugs us back towards pure passion for life – towards love. Towards full intimacy with life as it transcends body and personality; a direct experience of divine love flowing through our body and being. Passion moves us to experience ourselves as life; no longer separate from its source. It has us embody life force – shakti – our essence. And from then on, we see nothing as separate from love. Passion keeps our devotional fire burning in service of life. In the body, this passion is felt as the physical experience of our essence. It can be felt and channelled in countless ways – however we channel it, the commonality is an expression of pure loving devotion towards life. Part of us knows this true intimacy, and constantly yearns to bring our full awareness to it, so that we may experience it again. The tantric path recognizes this original passion, and allows it to be what it always was: our guiding light home. How to invite passion and embody your essence In our human experience, desire alerts us to the ways in which we give that power away. To the ways in which we need a "you" and a "me," a "this" and "that" to experience life. Crucially, we must recognize that desire is not the villain of the human story. It drives us onward to explore ourselves, to become aware of our lack and our fullness, gradually uncovering true passion within. In order to allow desire to transform our life experience into one of pure passion, one of pure life embodied, we need to accept and own the entirety of our desire as it is. We are not only allowed to transform our life experience to fit our true needs and joys – we are meant to. That transformation begins internally, by understanding how worthy you are of what you truly desire. This involves releasing all that isn’t true aligned desire, in the phase we usually call "healing". But internal work isn't enough – the transformation can complete only with worldly action. By owning your desire fully, you can learn to allow the fire of devotion to become unconditional. You learn to act unconditionally, without insisting on any particular outcomes. Desire has a way of leading us into all kinds of experiences that we need in order to know ourselves. Experiences that may feel sweet or challenging – it’s up to each of us to remember how it all simply shows us more about ourselves and our attachments. They reveal the truth about our relationship dynamics, our areas of lack, how our natural self-expression may be held back, and many more things. Owning all this fully, along with the choice to continue to act on our desire, is what gradually allows what isn't aligned to fall away. As you move away from trying to make things work for you, towards allowing the pieces to fall into place as they need to, releasing all clinging, you'll begin to allow pure passion to express through you. And when you feel in your body and being how passion is the most natural, innocent, pure expression of who you are, you’ve entered your own stream of self-alignment. Paradoxically, only by surrendering to the innocent truth of your desire and passion, while also surrendering the expectations of how things must be; only then will you become able to see the true power you hold over your experience. Read more from Sandra Ehlers Sandra Ehlers, Self-integration and Awakening Guide Sandra Ehlers is a Self-Integration & Kundalini Awakening Guide, Trauma Informed Yoga Meditation Teacher, Event Facilitator, Reiki Master, and Writer. Her work is dedicated to inner union – not only through expanded awareness, but as a lived, embodied experience of wholeness in the world. The focus is on transforming and integrating all levels of conscousness; physical, emotional, mental, energetic and spiritual – creating a foundation for deepened present-moment awareness, equanimity, aliveness, and ultimately, bliss. Alongside workshops, classes and retreats, Sandra offers 1:1 support to self-alignment through the Completion Process and other modalities.

The CEO of beleaguered fitness venture, Peloton, has announced he is stepping down. The news came alongside the announcement that the company is to cut 15% of its workforce worldwide. This is due to a slump in demand for fitness equipment post-Pandemic and the cost of living crisis. CEO and president of Peloton, Barry McCarthy, released a statement on the company’s website in which he stated: “By now you’ve heard or read the news that I’m stepping down as CEO of Peloton and that we’re reducing headcount again. You’ve often heard me talk about the importance of dealing with the world as it is and not as we want it to be. This is one of those moments.” A former executive of both Netflix and Spotify, McCarthy said that the company had to make the tough call to cut jobs in order to successfully refinance its debt. It has, however, produced a positive free cash flow for the first time in three years. He added: “Investing in hardware, software and content innovation is the lifeblood of the business, and the key to reversing the decline in revenues and restoring the company’s growth.” McCarthy acknowledged that his tenure had been tough. In his time as CEO, he had pushed for the company to rebrand as a software-focussed venture; developed relationships with third party retailers and changed bike prices. He wrote: “I once described turnarounds as a full contact sport; intellectually challenging, emotionally draining, physically exhausting, and all consuming, the decisions never more consequential, the urgency ever present, the teamwork never more central to the mission.” Reuters reports that Peloton “…expects connected fitness members for the full year to be between 2.96 million and 2.98 million, lower by 30,000 members from prior forecast.” Peloton is now on the search for a new CEO.

A spate between two giants of the music world has finally been resolved. TikTok and Universal have come to an agreement after months of wrangling over music royalties. The argument saw millions of songs owned by Universal Music’s artists pulled from TikTok. These included Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd and Ariana Grande. Indeed Universal owns a third of the world’s music, claims BBC News. In a first, Universal announced its intention in January publishing an "open letter to the artist and songwriter community". In it, it claimed that "…ultimately TikTok is trying to build a music-based business, without paying fair value for the music". It stated that it wanted "appropriate compensation for [its] artists and songwriters” but was also concerned about "protecting human artists from the harmful effects of AI, and online safety for TikTok's users". It then stopped licensing its content to China-based TikTok on 31st January. TikTok responded with a statement. In it, it wrote: "It is sad and disappointing that Universal Music Group has put their own greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters. Despite Universal's false narrative and rhetoric, the fact is they have chosen to walk away from the powerful support of a platform with well over a billion users that serves as a free promotional and discovery vehicle for their talent.” Although sketchy on details, the two parties have now reached a deal on remuneration. Taylor Swift had already come to an agreement with TikTok as she owns her own music. Universal's boss Sir Lucian Grainge told his staff: "Under the new agreement, artist and songwriter compensation will be greater than under our prior TikTok deal." He added that the new deal will also give more power over AI-generated music. He stated: "TikTok has now addressed the primary concern we expressed in our open letter that AI generated content would massively dilute the royalty pool for human artist." TikTok’s Head of Music Business Development, Ole Obermann, added: "We will work together to make sure that AI tools are developed responsibly to enable a new era of musical creativity and fan engagement while protecting human creativity.”