Written by: Robin C, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Italy has always been a country that fascinates people around the world due to its rich history, captivating culture, and breathtaking landscapes. A beautiful country I can proudly call home. A country where, behind the romantic facade, a complex set of challenges has led to a growing trend of young Italians leaving their homeland. As an Italian myself, who has also made the choice to leave, I grapple with the decision of whether to return to a country of undeniable beauty but with economic and political landscapes that often feel daunting. "Why would you live in X when you could be in Italy?" is a question I often encounter abroad. Part of the answer lies in my craving for new experiences and a desire to explore the world. I've always been drawn to living abroad because of this international lifestyle, the opportunity to speak different languages, and the chance to learn about diverse cultures – all of which are integral to my identity. That unending thirst for learning and curiosity seems to be insatiable. But the other part of the answer lies in deeper sociological reflections. Disclaimer: This article is here to shed light on this, not discourage anyone from following their dream to go to Italy. Economic challenges: The unemployment quandary One of the most pressing issues that young Italians face is the specter of unemployment. Recent statistics paint a vivid picture of this concern. In May 2023, Italy's jobless rate dropped to 7.6%, a seemingly positive sign that belies the underlying reality. This decrease from the previous month's 7.8% might appear encouraging, but the backdrop of an economy still recovering from the shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic tells a different story. This is perhaps one of the largest factors driving the 'diaspora' currently being experienced in Italy. More recently, I have engaged in discussions with other young Italians living abroad, which is what sparked the idea for this article. Most conversations like these revolve around the same roller coaster of emotions. The absence of a clear path to a prosperous and secure future, the decision to leave and learn a new language, the yearning for the wonderful aspects of Italy (lifestyle, food, climate, nature), and yet, these aren't strong enough reasons for us to return. This is due to salaries, jobs, and affording a normal quality of life. Education and foreign lands While the jobless rate is a sobering statistic, an equally significant aspect to consider is the percentage of Italians who hold a university degree. According to 2019 statistics, 55.4% of Italians with a degree fall within the age group of 25-34. This age group constitutes the majority of those leaving Italy: the youth. Forecasts estimate that by 2050, the population will dwindle to 54 million. Italy is among the 'oldest' countries in Europe. "Some 2 million young Italians – many of them educated and skilled – have left Italy since 2008[...]," says in an interview with NPR Nicola Nobile, an economist at the research and analytics consultancy Oxford Economics. The lack of job security at home, coupled with limited career growth opportunities, compels many to seek better prospects elsewhere. The allure of countries with robust economies and dynamic job markets becomes irresistible, offering the promise of professional advancement that may be elusive within Italy's borders. Economic and political landscape Italy'sintricate economic and political landscape casts a long shadow over the decisions of its youth. The paradox of a nation renowned for its artistic treasures, culinary delights, and unparalleled landscapes coexisting with economic stagnation and political uncertainty presents a puzzle that young Italians often find difficult to navigate. Italian politics have frequently made satirical headlines in international media. Unfortunately, racism has also crept in due to recent political changes. This is a phenomenon that extends beyond Italy's borders, and the rise of extreme right-wing parties is not unique to Italy within Europe. It's a cycle of history that demonstrates how neglecting lessons from the past can lead to perilous outcomes. Knowing what a not-so-distant generation from mine went through (our grandparents), reading such news—whether abroad or not— definitely leaves the heart…with a “bitter taste” [un sapore amaro]. For those of us who have left, the decision is not simply about abandoning our roots; it's about finding more opportunities and ‘care’. Places that enable youth, instead of creating roadblocks around it. Personal dilemmas and emotional ties As an Italian who has chosen to leave, I am intimately familiar with the emotional turmoil that accompanies such a decision. The persistent question of whether to return to a homeland that tugs at our heartstrings clashes with the stark reality of economic instability. The internal conflict between the desire to be part of Italy'sbeauty and culture and the practical need for financial security creates an emotional dilemma that many of us grapple with daily. Conclusion The exodus of Italy's youth is a multifaceted issue rooted in economic challenges, education disparities, and the pursuit of better opportunities. Italy's beauty remains undeniable, yet the economic and political landscape can present an uphill battle for those wishing to remain. It's essential to recognize that the diaspora of young Italians isn't abandonment; rather, it's a quest for growth and stability. In a globalized world with increasingly fluid boundaries, the stories of those who depart can serve as testaments to resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of a better life. It's my hope that the homeland we hold dear will evolve into a place where opportunities flourish, drawing back not only its own but also those who have left in search of brighter horizons. I often dream of having a house in my own country someday. A second base or a retirement spot. However, I sometimes wonder if happiness would persist if nothing changes if I would truly 'fit'. After living in many places, one becomes a global citizen—finding a sense of home in various locations and cherishing nostalgic memories of past homes, all while loving there turn to one's home country. Time and life will reveal whether I'll continue navigating dreams or embark on another chapter in Italy that can become a reality. Follow me on Instagram, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Robin C Robin C, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Robin is a Travel Lifestyle Coach and the CEO of Our Connected World. With a background in Psychology and over 5 years of Marketing and Mentoring experience, she empowers women in life transitions to embrace a travel lifestyle of time, location, and financial freedom. As an educator and speaker, Robin draws upon her extensive knowledge to guide clients towards boundless possibilities. With a decade of experience as a student abroad, expat, nomad, backpacker, and immigrant, they understand the challenges and joys of a nomadic life. Through coaching, workshops, and speeches, Robin inspires others to break free from conventional living and create a life of adventure and fulfillment.

Written by Kimberly Ross-Glasper, Author, Transformation Coach & Advocate Kimberly Ross-Glasper is an author, transformational speaker, and emotional healing advocate who helps individuals break generational patterns and reconnect with their authentic selves through inner child work and emotional resilience. Visibility is a transformative tool, especially for women, single parents, and caregivers. It's not just about showing up, it's about stepping into your purpose with clarity and confidence. This article explores how visibility can be harnessed to create lasting change and build meaningful connections. The power of visibility: Why being seen is a catalyst for transformation Visibility is more than exposure. It is more than posting online, showing up to events, or sharing your story. Visibility is a spiritual, emotional, and strategic decision to stop hiding the parts of you that were designed to lead, heal, and influence. For women, single parents, and caregivers, especially those raising children and adults with special needs, visibility is often the missing link between purpose and impact. Many are powerful, gifted, and deeply wise, yet remain unseen because life has conditioned them to shrink, survive, or stay silent. But here is the truth: Your visibility is not about ego. It is about assignments. When you allow yourself to be seen, you give others permission to rise. This article will guide you through how to step into visibility with clarity, confidence, and intention without losing your authenticity or peace. How to harness the power of visibility 1. Start with inner permission Visibility begins long before the world sees you. It starts with the moment you decide you are worthy of being seen. Begin by acknowledging one area where you’ve been hiding. Then ask yourself: What am I afraid will happen if I show up fully? Replace that fear with truth: My voice is needed. My story carries power. Visibility is an internal “yes” before it becomes an external action. 2. Clarify your message People are drawn to purpose, not perfection. To create a powerful connection, ask yourself: What do I stand for? Who am I called to serve? What transformation do I help create? Your message should be simple, authentic, and grounded in your own experiences. When you clearly communicate your purpose and the impact you aim to have, your visibility becomes magnetic, naturally attracting those who resonate with your mission. The clarity of your message is what turns passive viewers into engaged followers. 3. Share your story purposefully, not just publicly Visibility doesn’t demand that you share every detail of your life, it requires you to share what is purposeful and meaningful. Healthy visibility focuses on authentic sharing, where the message adds value and inspires others. Instead of simply showcasing your experiences, frame your visibility around key lessons: “Here’s what I learned,” “Here’s how I grew,” and “Here’s how this can help you.” This approach shifts the focus from performance to leadership. You’re not just presenting your story for the sake of attention, you’re sharing insights and growth to guide others on their own path. 4. Build a consistent presence Consistency is the foundation of trust, and trust is what ultimately builds influence. To establish a strong presence, choose platforms that resonate with your energy and mission. Whether it’s social media, community groups, podcasts, speaking engagements, online memberships, or faith-based or advocacy spaces, select the avenues that align with your values and allow you to make a genuine impact. By showing up regularly, providing value, offering encouragement, and remaining authentic, you create a space where your presence becomes a guiding light. Your consistent visibility will not only attract those seeking guidance but also build a loyal following that trusts you and your message. 5. Create safe visibility boundaries While visibility is essential, it should never come at the cost of your peace. To protect your well-being, it's crucial to set clear boundaries around several key areas. First, decide what you are comfortable sharing, ensure that it aligns with your values and protects your privacy. Next, determine when to share, ensuring you aren’t overextending yourself by feeling the pressure to be constantly visible. It’s also important to define who has access to you to maintain control over your time and energy. Finally, consider how you will protect your emotional and spiritual well-being, ensuring that visibility doesn’t leave you drained. When your visibility is intentional and aligned with your boundaries, it becomes a powerful tool, allowing you to engage with others while maintaining your inner peace. 6. Collaborate and connect Visibility thrives within a strong community. To expand your reach, actively seek out partnerships with like-minded individuals or organizations. Guest features on reputable platforms allow you to share your expertise with new audiences, while interviews give you a chance to showcase your knowledge and insights. Participating in panels provides a space for meaningful discussions, and engaging in cross-platform collaborations helps amplify your message across different channels. When you align with others who share your values and vision, your message naturally expands, often reaching far beyond what you could achieve on your own. Collaboration enables growth without the constant need to push, allowing your impact to spread organically. 7. Let your work speak for you Visibility goes beyond simply showcasing your skills, it’s about highlighting the impact you make. One powerful way to demonstrate this is through tangible examples of your work. For instance, publishing articles can share your insights and experiences with a broader audience, while creating valuable resources adds lasting value to your community. Leading workshops allows you to directly engage with others and make a meaningful difference. Sharing testimonials from those you've helped further solidifies your credibility, and documenting your journey offers an authentic narrative of growth and learning. When you consistently showcase these aspects of your work, you create a living portfolio that reflects your purpose and values. Your actions and contributions speak louder than words, providing a clear picture of who you are and the change you're creating in the world. 8. Embrace courage over comfort Visibility will stretch you. It will challenge old beliefs. It will require you to step into rooms you once felt unqualified for. But courage is not the absence of fear, it is the decision to move anyway. Every time you choose visibility, you break generational silence and create generational possibility. Final thoughts: Your visibility is a ministry Whether you are a mother, a caregiver, a leader, or a woman rebuilding her life, your visibility is not optional. It is part of your calling. When you show up, someone finds hope. Someone feels less alone. Someone discovers their own strength. Someone realizes healing is possible. Visibility is not about being famous. It is about being faithful, and the world is waiting for the version of you that refuses to hide. Join the Raising Resilience SKOOL Community If this message spoke to you, if it reminded you that you are worthy of support, worthy of healing, and worthy of being seen, then I want to personally invite you into a space created with you in mind. The Raising Resilience Skool Community is where women, single parents, and caregivers gather to grow, heal, and rise together. It’s a place where your story is honored, your voice is valued, and your journey is supported with spiritual grounding and practical tools. Inside the community, you’ll find: Weekly soul-care teachings. (Podcast companion lessons, Reflection prompts & healing practices) Supportive conversations with people who understand your world. Workshops, challenges, and upcoming programs designed to elevate your spirit and strengthen your resilience This is more than membership. It’s a movement. A home. A safe place to land and a powerful place to rise. If you’re ready to step into visibility, purpose, and emotional strength with a community that truly sees you, I’d love to welcome you inside. Join the Raising Resilience Community. Your healing has a home. Your growth has a community. Your next level has a pathway, and it starts the moment you say yes. Visit my website for more info! Read more from Kimberly Ross-Glasper Kimberly Ross-Glasper, Author, Transformation Coach & Advocate Kimberly Ross‑Glasper is an Author, Transformation Coach, and Advocate who empowers women, young ladies, and special‑needs families through faith‑centered teaching and practical tools for healing and authentic growth. She leads a SKOOL Community for special‑needs families, creates E‑Learning courses on Teachable, offers coaching and meditation sessions, and hosts the Sacred Healing Podcast. Honored with the 2026 Global Achievement Award in her category, Kimberly is recognized for her unwavering commitment, her impactful leadership, and her dedication to helping others heal, evolve, and walk boldly in their God‑given purpose.

Written by Eva M. Gordon, LCSW, Psychotherapist and Mental Health Consultant Eva Gordon works with individuals, families, and organizations to promote safety, well-being, and self-care. Eva is the founder and director of Life Guide LCSW, P.C., a mental health practice providing psychotherapy and community mental health education. There are several ways to improve our mental well-being and our lives. Some methods include exercising, psychotherapy, healthy eating, sunlight, and sleep. Building on this, it is important to understand that mental health encompasses the well-being of our emotional, psychological, and social lives. The focus is on how you feel inside. Mental health influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. When we manage mental health, it prevents us from having serious mental health issues. In addition to traditional methods, as a psychotherapist, I have my clients use writing at times to enhance their mental health and treatment. Writing allows a person to write without judgment, a dictionary, an academic grade, or anyone else’s opinion. Writing gives us a warm space to be ourselves in a world that feels lonely and cold at times. What is journaling? Journaling allows you to slow down, process your thoughts, and reconnect to yourself through writing. You express feelings or thoughts that need clarity or the release of suppressed ideas. Journaling is great for thinking about moments of gratitude and what is happening in your life daily, weekly, or monthly. It allows for self-reflection of our experiences, sorting out our feelings, and creating self-awareness. Related article: 10 Journaling Prompts for Better Mental Health What is expressive writing? Expressive writing is a technique that allows people to write about stressful experiences. The method is to write for 10-20 minutes a few times a week to release emotions or thoughts that have been replaying in a person’s mind. It is best to do this 3-4 times a week. Related article: Speaking of Psychology: Expressive writing can help your mental health, with James Pennebaker, PhD Now that we have explored the types of writing for mental health, let us explore how writing improves your mental well-being in the next three steps: Writing is good for mental clarity. Writing provides insight for problem-solving. Having more insight improves your confidence and helps you make healthier choices for your life. New perspectives are gained on current or old issues or experiences. Allow yourself to explore your unconscious mind and brainstorm solutions for a problem. Studies show that when people write for 5-10 minutes before a therapy session, they feel more focused and express themselves clearly in sessions. Writing improves your physical health. Writing helps with stress reduction, including your blood pressure and breathing. One study showed that 50% of people with rheumatoid arthritis and asthma had “clinically significant” improvement after using expressive writing for 4 months. Writing can also help boost your immune system. Journaling what bothers you or causes you stress helps reduce the risk of disease or illness. Research states that managing stress can reduce the risk of illness. Writing is a container for your emotions and spirit. There is a cleansing and release that happens as writing gives words and language to a highly stressful state. When you give language to an experience or feeling, a definition is made that makes way for the healing process. It provides a container for your feelings, instead of burdening your spirit. Writing creates a place to release your emotions. The famed psychologist, Ira Progoff, says, “Journaling allows us to savor the beauty and stare straight into the pain.” In my private practice, many of my clients struggle with anxiety, or the “what if” of life. When we focus on our worries too much, it impacts our functioning. Keeping our emotions bottled up can result in depression and anxiety. People who have had traumatic experiences show better health outcomes when they do expressive writing for 10 minutes a day for 4 days. When we think about writing, we often think we must be a novelist or a poet. The reality is that writing belongs to all of us, since we all learn to write as a source of communication. The beautiful thing about writing, mainly journaling or expressive writing, is that you are in control and no one is there to judge you. There’s something powerful about reclaiming your power when you feel it’s been taken away by a highly stressful experience, and your emotions get the best of you. So, whenever you think about self-care, or not feeling well emotionally or mentally, open one of the millionth notepads you receive for your birthday or from your job. Start writing for your heart’s content and not worry about spelling or grammar, but release the load of thoughts you have been carrying. If you would like to learn more about writing or other methods to improve your mental health, schedule a consultation with me and see how we can work together. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Eva M. Gordon, LCSW Eva M. Gordon, LCSW, Psychotherapist and Mental Health Consultant Eva M. Gordon, LCSW, is the founder and director of Life Guide LCSW, P.C., a mental health practice providing psychotherapy and community mental health education in the New York City area. Her focus is on providing mental health treatment to the Black community as a source of healing and hope. She mainly works with Black professional women ages 30 and up who struggle with unhealthy relationships. The goal is to help these women recognize that self-care is their birthright and not a privilege. Eva uses several strategies, including exploring behavioral patterns, emotional management, and understanding how multiple factors contribute to a person’s mental health during their lifespan.

Written by Jamee Culbertson, Senior Instructor, Teacher Trainer Jamee Culbertson integrates Taoist practices, the Alexander Technique, and spiritual healing for transformative experiences. She is a Senior Healing Tao Instructor teaching Tai Chi, Qigong, and Taoist meditations at the Universal Tao Boston School of Taoist Practices. Jamee is a teacher trainer certifying teachers in both disciplines. What if lasting change does not begin with trying harder, but with seeing more clearly? The Alexander Technique offers a practical way to understand how perception, habit, and awareness shape our experience, and how learning to notice these patterns can open the door to profound change. Just recently, I was reminded how quickly habit can shape perception. The other day, I stepped into an elevator on my way to the Gay Pride Parade in Boston. An elderly couple was in the elevator as well, a gentleman leaning against the wall and a woman looking at her phone. She said, “It’s so busy here today.” I spoke up, “Many people are going to the gay pride march in Boston today.” She did not look up from her phone. Upon reflection, I noticed how I immediately thought she held disdain for gay pride, and I felt myself separate from her. After what felt like a very long moment, she looked up from her phone, smiling, and said out loud, “Oh, the gay pride parade is happening in Boston today.” She said it as if she had just read it on her phone rather than having heard me tell her about it. There was no disdain in her discovery or remark. My judgment was totally based on my own past experience and not on the present reality. I’m glad I could recognize that. I felt my body soften, and I returned a smile. We don't see the world as it is, we see it through ourselves Have you ever been convinced someone was upset with you, only to discover later that they were simply distracted? Or perhaps you've tried to improve your posture, speak more confidently, stop a habit, or stay calm under pressure, only to find yourself doing exactly what you intended not to do. Most of us assume that we experience reality directly. We believe we see what is there, feel what is happening, and respond accordingly. Yet F. M. Alexander discovered something surprising: our perception of ourselves is often shaped more by habit than by present reality. He called this faulty sensory appreciation. This does not mean our senses are defective. It means that familiar patterns of thinking, feeling, and reacting can become so normal that we mistake them for truth. What feels right may simply be what feels familiar. Over time, these habits become the lens through which we experience ourselves and the world. The challenge is not that we have habits. The challenge is that we often do not realize we are looking through them. Habit is more than repetition Habit is intelligence that has stopped updating itself to present conditions. What once served us well can continue long after the circumstances that created it have disappeared. What feels right may simply be what feels familiar. When most people think of habit, they think of repeated behaviors. The Alexander Technique points to something deeper. Habit is not merely repeated behavior; it is repeated interpretation. My system is trying to help me using old information. Our nervous system learns to anticipate what experience means before experience is fully present. Eventually, these interpretations become so familiar that we stop recognizing them as learned responses. They become the lens through which all new experience is filtered. A person who has been told for years that they are shy may continue to experience themselves that way long after the evidence suggests otherwise. Another may believe they have poor posture and spend years trying to "sit up straight," unknowingly creating more tension in the process. The challenge is not that we have habits. The challenge is that we often cannot see the assumptions embedded within them. In this sense, habit is intelligence that has stopped updating itself to present conditions. Because perception and action are deeply intertwined, habit is never only physical. It influences how we interpret situations, how we anticipate outcomes, and how we experience ourselves. We do not simply repeat movements. We repeat ways of perceiving. Why trying harder often doesn't work Many of us assume that change requires more effort. If something is not working, we try harder. If a habit persists, we apply more discipline. If we feel stuck, we push. Yet effort alone often produces frustration because it operates within the very patterns we are trying to change. Alexander observed that people frequently use the same habitual responses to solve the problems those responses helped create. Trying harder may strengthen a pattern rather than reveal it. This is one reason genuine change can feel elusive. We are attempting to solve the problem from inside the assumptions that created it. Inhibition: The freedom not to repeat the familiar One of Alexander's most important discoveries was what he called inhibition. The word is often misunderstood as stopping or pausing before action. In practice, it is something more subtle. Inhibition is the ability to notice a familiar response without immediately following it. It is the moment of freedom that appears when we become aware of a habit before fully committing to it. Not stopping. Not suppressing. Not forcing. Simply becoming available to another possibility. This shift may be small, but it changes everything. It allows the nervous system to reorganize rather than automatically repeat what it already knows. The moment we become aware of a habitual pattern without immediately obeying it, something new becomes possible. When interference falls away When habitual patterns are not constantly reinforced, something remarkable begins to happen. Breathing adjusts naturally. Balance recalibrates. Movement becomes easier. Attention becomes clearer. What once felt like effort often reveals itself as unnecessary interference. This does not mean becoming passive or doing nothing. Rather, it means discovering how much intelligent coordination is already present when we stop trying to control every aspect of experience. The Alexander Technique is not primarily about adding something new. It is often about removing what gets in the way. What neuroscience is beginning to confirm Modern neuroscience increasingly describes the nervous system as predictive. Rather than passively receiving information, the brain continuously generates expectations about what is likely to happen next. Perception is not simply taking in reality. It is an ongoing process of prediction and updating. When those predictions remain flexible, we adapt well. When they become rigid, we begin responding to expectations rather than to present circumstances. Seen this way, learning is not merely the acquisition of new information. It is the discovery of where existing interpretations have become mistaken for reality. Consider someone learning the Alexander Technique. They may feel perfectly upright while actually pulling their head back, tightening the neck, and compressing the spine. When they discover a more coordinated way of organizing themselves, it often feels wrong at first. Not because it is wrong, but because their perception has adapted to the familiar pattern. This was Alexander's great insight: feeling by itself cannot always be trusted when habit is involved. Faulty sensory appreciation does not mean our senses are defective. It means our interpretation of sensory information has been conditioned by habit. The system is not malfunctioning. It is relying on an outdated map. The space within action We often imagine that perception comes first and action follows. Real experience is rarely that simple. Perception and action continuously influence one another. The way we see affects how we move. The way we move affects how we see. What matters is not finding a perfect moment before action. What matters is becoming sensitive to the quality of attention within action itself. This sensitivity does not interrupt life. It changes how we participate in it. Taoist wisdom and effortless order The Taoist tradition points toward a remarkably similar understanding. As the Tao Te Ching states: "The Tao does nothing, yet nothing is left undone." This is not a call to inactivity; it points toward action without unnecessary interference. A tree does not strain to grow. A river does not force itself to flow. Living systems possess an inherent intelligence. When excessive control softens, a more natural order often emerges. Change begins with curiosity Most people approach change with judgment. They notice tension and try to get rid of it. They notice a habit and try to fix it. They notice discomfort and try to overcome it. The Alexander Technique invites a different approach. Instead of asking, "How do I fix this?" we begin by asking, "What am I doing that contributes to this experience?" Curiosity often reveals possibilities that effort cannot. Learning to see anew Perhaps the greatest gift of the Alexander Technique is not improved posture, reduced tension, or greater ease of movement, although all of these may occur and are a welcome benefit. Its deeper gift is the possibility of seeing ourselves more clearly. Most difficulty arises not from a lack of intelligence but from interference with it. Much of that interference comes from interpretations that have become so familiar we no longer recognize them as interpretations. We mistake our conclusions for reality, our expectations for perception, our habits for ourselves. The good news is that perception can be educated. We can learn to notice our assumptions. We can learn to recognize when habit is speaking louder than present experience. We can become curious about reactions we once took for granted. In Alexander's work, this is not achieved through force or self-improvement. It begins with observation. The moment we become aware of a habitual pattern of being without immediately following through with it, something new becomes possible. We discover we are not condemned to repeat the past. We can learn to see anew. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Jamee Culbertson Jamee Culbertson, Senior Instructor, Teacher Trainer Jamee is a Senior Instructor at the Universal Tao Boston School, teaching Tai Chi, Qigong, and Taoist meditation. With nearly 40 years of experience, she integrates Taoist practices, the Alexander Technique, and spiritual healing. She is an internationally certified Alexander Technique Instructor and teacher-trainer at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Jamee has taught at Harvard University, Mass General’s Home Base program for veterans, and community wellness events like Rosie’s Place. Her work blends ancient wisdom and modern techniques to support healing, balance, and self-awareness.

Written by Aleta St. James, Energy Healer and Life Coach Aleta St. James is a globally renowned energy healer, intuitive, bestselling author, and transformational coach. Known as the “Indiana Jones of the Soul,” she has spent decades helping people achieve greater success, vitality, abundance, and purpose through her pioneering energy transformation methods. For decades, society has taught us to fear aging. The stigmas facing us as we get older are everywhere. We are told vitality fades. That our best years are behind us. That after a certain age, life somehow becomes smaller, quieter, or less meaningful. It’s become a subconscious fact of life, getting older is a tragedy, but does it? As the woman who famously gave birth to twins at 57, making worldwide headlines in 2004, and who is busier and more vibrant than ever at 78, I do not believe that. I believe in winding up, not down. It’s my vision, my purpose, and passion to bring this message, energy and reality to the masses. To be sure, I have faced plenty of naysayers in my life. One recent example truly shocked me. I was rocking the crowd at a recent “Own Your Worth” conference in Las Vegas, with my signature Chakra Balance activation, where I channel high frequency energy and personally guide everyone through a release, clear, and recreate meditation with light, drumming, movement, and positive affirmations, designed to release trauma, shatter limiting beliefs, and align them with their highest self. As the rhythm built, the room was electric, people were feeling a sense of unlimited possibility, making breakthroughs, and experiencing a sense of agelessness and empowerment. But nothing prepared me for what came next. A colleague who had witnessed the life-changing energy in that Vegas ballroom was so moved that she shared a video of the event with a well-known therapist, a woman in her seventies. Expecting a rave, this was the woman’s response, “She’s dangerous. She’s afraid to get old and die.” My colleague, who had seen countless breakthroughs in my work and in her own life, was stunned. When she told me the story, the words hit like a thunderbolt. When I had my twins at fifty-seven, I endured plenty of naysayers. What unsettled me this time was the realization of how fiercely our culture clings to the belief that aging equals decline. What one woman interpreted as dangerous, thousands in that ballroom experienced as liberating, imagine that. The result was that this made me even more determined to embody my message of agelessness, empower others, and shatter societal stigmas. People often ask me, “How is it possible to live agelessly?” My answer is always the same. Agelessness is not a number. It is a mindset that creates a higher frequency. Here’s what I mean by that. Everything in life carries energy, our thoughts, emotions, beliefs, relationships, environments, habits, and the stories we tell ourselves every single day. Over time, many people unconsciously absorb frequencies of fear, stress, resentment, limitation, disappointment, hopelessness, and emotional exhaustion. These energies affect not only the mind but also the body, vitality, relationships, confidence, creativity, and overall well-being. But at any age, a setback can come in many people’s lives when they begin to disconnect from themselves, their passions and joys, and surrender to the negative feeling that it’s all over. I have seen people in their thirties who already feel emotionally defeated, uninspired, disconnected, and old. I’m sure that some of you can relate. One woman in her mid-30s recently came into my healing studio in Manhattan for a session, saying she wanted to realize her dream of marriage and children, but she was already too old. I broke the ice by laughing and saying, “Hey, I had twins at 57, and now they’re old enough to drive! You’re 35, you’re still a baby!” She looked at me for a moment, then she laughed, and said, “You don’t look your age at all!” I replied as I always do, “And I never will.” During our session, I scanned her energy and identified the issue. She had a trauma around a life tragedy, her mother dying of cancer in her late 20s. So this woman unconsciously identified herself as already too old for marriage and children. But the subconscious blocks are not logical, but they’re 90 percent of how we function. Through the healing light energy I channel, breath, and emotional release work, I helped her let go of that trauma and sadness from her heart center. Then I asked her to imagine “what else is possible?” She released that vision of being too old, and started to believe she could attract the life she wanted, with a husband and children. Over the weeks, I worked with her to magnetically attract the perfect partner, which ultimately led to marriage and the birth of an amazing child. In my work, I have found that many people are not truly exhausted because of age, they are exhausted because they have disconnected from their life force, which is fueled by living in a reality of joy, love, and gratitude. So many people live entirely inside stress and survival mode that they forget how healing creativity, beauty, music, laughter, movement, nature, spirituality, meaningful connection, and passion can actually be. Here’s a powerful way to connect with your life force energy. Right now, I’d like you to jump in and experience one of my quick shift exercises. Imagine a gold sun six inches above your head. If you can’t see the color, imagine something that’s the color gold. The power of gold light is that it transforms energy and you will connect with it. Take a deep breath and feel that this gold light is connecting with the breath, and coming in through your nose, to the count of four. Now hold anything that’s stressful or negative, then breathe it out through your mouth for the count of six. Do that until you feel calm and clear. Then say to yourself, “Isn’t it wonderful that now I am.” and add whatever joy and self-loving thing you want to focus on. This immediately gets you into a more optimistic, high-frequency place and elevates your mood. It puts you immediately into that “anything is possible” joy. Agelessness is not about pretending to be younger than we are. It is about remaining connected to your vital life force of curiosity, creativity, openness, purpose, inspiration, emotional aliveness, and the ability to continue evolving at every stage of life. It is about refusing to surrender your spirit simply because society expects you to. I look forward to sharing more of these insights, success stories, and the latest in longevity breakthroughs and ancient practices combined with neuroscience, so you can learn the secrets of living an ageless life. If you’ve ever wondered whether your best years could still be ahead of you, I promise you, they can. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Aleta St. James Aleta St. James, Energy Healer and Life Coach Aleta St. James is a world-renowned energy healer, intuitive coach, and author who helps people transform their lives from the inside out. For over 30 years, she has guided clients to attract love, enhance fertility, grow their careers, increase financial flow, and embody ageless living and vitality at any age. Aleta embodies the rare ability to awaken, balance, and transform energy fields at the deepest level. Her unmatched vibrancy is living proof of her mastery in energy work and longevity.

Jelle Pieter van der Tas is the founder and CEO of AIVAS, a Singapore-based AI infrastructure company building the interaction layer that enables machines to see, hear, and understand humans in real environments. Noisy food courts, busy airports, multilingual hospitals. Having moved from the Netherlands to pursue his vision in APAC, he is on a mission to solve what he calls AI’s three fundamental blind spots: environmental failure, emotional blindness, and identity fracture. In this interview, Jelle Pieter shares why today’s AI falls apart the moment it leaves the demo room, how AIVAS’s AI Interaction Model (AIM) gives any AI the social skills it’s missing, and what it takes to build technology that truly adapts to humans rather than forcing humans to adapt to it. Jelle Pieter van der Tas, Founder, AIVAS, Conversational AI Solutions Can you share the story behind how discovering generative AI inspired you to leave your corporate career and start AIVAS? I always had this problem where I’d come up with a new business idea every week, but never had the resources to actually build it. When vibe coding was born, I suddenly had the ability to make the visions I had a reality without needing a team of devs. So I started using my spare time to build and didn’t stop till I had something I felt proud showing. I started asking for feedback and it came to a point where I thought to myself, why wait? I had made a promise to myself that year: “I would live a year without fear.” So I made the decision to quit my job and move to the other side of the world. No safety net, no promises, just me, my laptop and a good amount of discipline. I started out in Vietnam, worked in the middle of the rice fields of Hoi An and had a great time. Then, through a mutual acquaintance, I was invited to meet a potential investor in Singapore. Without any guarantee or prior conversations, I just packed my stuff and flew over for a meeting. That meeting changed my life. They liked what I’d built and decided to invest in me. Together, we founded AIVAS. What sets AIVAS’s AI Interaction Model (AIM) apart from other AI systems, especially in environments that are unpredictable or multilingual? Currently, all the big players are focusing on making AI smarter. We are trying to make it more human by giving it the senses and social skills it lacks. The problem I had was that whenever I wanted to show someone a conversational AI solution that I’d built, I had to ask everyone to be quiet because it doesn’t understand who is talking and when. It just listens if it hears someone talk, and as soon as there is some silence, it thinks it needs to respond. This isn’t human at all and is exactly the problem we are solving. Our AI can not only hear but also see you and understand who is talking and when. We do this by giving it eyes, ears and interaction intelligence. These three things combined allow our model to perform in any unpredictable environment. It can be loud and messy. The AI understands who is trying to speak with it by mimicking human behaviour. Is the person looking at me? Are their lips moving? Do I hear the person speak? Our AI knows when it’s being addressed, when it needs to respond, and when it needs to shut up. It can do this in any language, for any application and any environment. If there is a human trying to interact with AI using their voice, there is a need for AIVAS’s AIM model. We are the layer that sits in front of LLMs, which makes us model agnostic. As LLMs get better, we get better. How do you envision the future of AI evolving in physical spaces like hospitals or airports, where traditional systems struggle? AI adds a lot of value in busy airports, hospitals, schools and other unpredictable, loud environments. But these are exactly the environments where the current stateless, emotionally blind, noise-sensitive AI fails. The next five years will look like this: AI moves from being a new way to Google stuff to helpful, humanlike friends. You will build relationships with AI that come eerily close to the ones you have with humans. Imagine you’re walking around a big shopping mall looking for a good restaurant. You see a robot and walk up to it. It sees you approach, understands you want to ask it something and greets you: “Hey there, can I help you?” You say: “Yeah, I’m looking for a good restaurant.” The robot replies: “Anything you’re craving?” You respond: “I could go for some good pizza.” The robot says, “Mamma Mia has some great pizza, want me to walk you there?” You agree, and together with your newly made friend, you walk over to the restaurant. But it doesn’t stop there. While walking, it asks your name and where you’re from. You have a little chat, and after arriving at the restaurant, you say goodbye. Now, the following week, you happen to be in a different mall to check out Apple’s latest MacBook. You see another robot, and to your surprise, when you walk up to it, it greets you by name. It even asks how the pizza was. Confused, you ask how it knows. The robot explains that the AIM model it runs on can remember and recognise faces. No matter where you are or what product you interact with, as long as it runs AIM, it remembers you. AI is often critiqued for being too rigid in understanding human emotions. How does AIVAS integrate emotional awareness to create more authentic interactions? We train our model on hundreds of thousands of interactions. The current models focus on the voice sounding human, but not on actually being human. Because we train our model on how we talk and not on how we sound, it becomes much more natural and empathetic. Just like us, our AIM model uses all vocal and visual cues to understand not just what you are saying but how you are saying it. This makes it able to understand if you are being sarcastic or serious, whether you’re saying something in a sad way or an angry one. Our AI has learned all the small nuances that we humans have evolved to understand. This allows it to be much more emotionally aware than the current models. In what ways does AIVAS address the challenges of working in diverse, multilingual environments across APAC, especially with languages like Singlish and Hinglish? APAC is the hardest place in the world to build voice AI, and that’s exactly why we built here. In a single food court in Singapore, a customer might order in Singlish, switch to Mandarin for the aunty behind the counter, and check with their kid in English. All in one sentence. Most global AI is trained on clean, mostly Western data. It breaks the moment you introduce real Singlish, Hinglish, or any of the hundreds of dialects that actually live across this region. Our approach has two parts. First, because we are model agnostic, we can support 100+ languages, including the ones that rarely get first-class treatment. Second, and this is the part that compounds: every kiosk we deploy feeds real-world, noisy, multilingual data back into the model. Every frustrated customer, every aunty, every rushed order makes AIM better. By the time a Western competitor realises APAC matters, we’ll have years of training data from environments they never even attempted. As someone who’s moved from the Netherlands to Singapore to pursue your entrepreneurial vision, how has that international experience shaped AIVAS’s approach to AI solutions? Being an outsider makes you see things differently. This can work for you and against you. But in my experience, even though there are small nuances everywhere in habits and customs, humans tend to be the same everywhere. This is also baked into AIVAS. “What makes us human is not defined by language, it’s how we interact with one another.” This is why we focus on interactions instead of language. We believe that the way we communicate is much more than the words we use. That’s why we focus on making our AI both emotionally and culturally aware. An AI that communicates in a Western way might feel very out of place when you put it in an Asian food court. Our AI adapts. You’ve mentioned that privacy is a right, not a luxury. How does AIVAS ensure privacy while still delivering seamless, human-like AI interactions? In a world where privacy can no longer be guaranteed and companies are hard to trust, AIVAS wants to be transparent. We don’t store audio or video. We translate everything into numbers and train our models on a combination of metrics that is completely anonymous. But in our vision, we do want AI to recognise you for your own convenience. This, of course, needs your consent as a user. So as long as you haven’t agreed to us creating a personalised profile, we won’t store any data. What personal growth habits do you rely on to stay grounded, and how have they influenced your leadership at AIVAS? My most important habit is hitting the gym. Even though it’s hard to stay consistent when your life is anything but consistent, it’s the thing that will always keep me grounded, gets rid of my cortisol and keeps me healthy. It also motivates me to keep my diet in check, and whenever I do let go for a bit, I don’t have to feel guilty. Besides the gym, continuous learning and staying curious are two of the most important things to improve yourself each day. I tend to take long walks and listen to audiobooks, read and watch a lot of YouTube. This keeps the mind sharp and open to new ideas. Finally, journaling before bed is an amazing habit, and having a clear set of values and rules you live by keeps you stable and sound whenever you have to make decisions or deal with difficult situations. You have to program your computer, a.k.a. your brain, so that it can follow a script and you don’t have to overthink everything. That allows for living a life with a lot less stress. Looking ahead, what’s the one takeaway you’d like to share with entrepreneurs or tech leaders about building AI solutions that truly make a difference in people’s lives? The most important thing is asking yourself why. Why are you doing what you’re doing? If you had to do it for the coming 20 years, would you still do it? Then there are all the other W questions. Who are you solving it for? What does it solve? When do they want it? Where do they want it? Then, when you have an answer to why, who, what, when, and where you’re building, and you’ve decided you still want to do it, the most important thing is to focus. I think one of the most common mistakes of entrepreneurs is not focusing on the right thing. But most importantly, sometimes you get a client who wants something you could offer, but it’s not what you’re trying to build. Too many founders pivot because they want to make money and leave their vision behind. “Sometimes you must do the hard thing and say no.” Keep your focus on the original vision if you believe it’s the right one. For me, this has worked. For others, the pivot is what saved them. But then you’ve got to ask yourself: was the original idea even sound? I think as an entrepreneur, you have to have the natural gift of knowing when and how to change strategy and when to stay the course. But if you don’t believe your vision, no one else will. Follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Jelle Pieter van der Tas

Written by Nelia Camara Pereira, Founder, Carnelian Heart™ Nelia Camara Pereira is the founder of Carnelian Heart™ and creator of the Soul-First™ philosophy. Drawing from her own journey through loss, reinvention, and personal transformation, she writes about identity, conscious leadership, authentic living, and what it means to remain human in an increasingly AI-driven world. There’s a particular kind of exhaustion that doesn’t come from doing too much. It comes from doing it as someone you’re not entirely sure is you. If you’ve ever felt strangely invisible inside a life you worked hard to build, you’re not alone, and you’re not broken. You may simply have been performing a role for so long that you forgot there was another option. We were shaped before we could choose Childhood locked away my soul and I wore survival as a costume. It took me a lifetime to understand what that sentence meant, and longer still to stop wearing it. Most of us were never asked who we were. We were asked to be good. To be quiet. To be grateful. To be appropriate. To be what the room needed us to be. We learned (very early, before we had words for it) that belonging meant compliance. That love had conditions. That the self was something you managed, not something you expressed. We were not broken by cruelty. Most of us were shaped by ordinary life by families doing their best inside their own fears, their own unmet needs, their own inherited roles. But the effect was the same. We learned to perform before we learned to exist. The role arrives before the self does There is a role waiting for most of us before we are born. The responsible one. The peacekeeper. The achiever. The invisible one. The one who holds it together. The one who causes no trouble. We did not choose these roles. They were assigned, through expectation, through silence, through the things that were praised and the things that were not. Because we were children, because belonging felt like survival, we wore them. We wore them so consistently, so completely, that eventually we forgot they were costumes. Psychologists have long understood that identity formation in early life shapes the foundation for adult functioning. What’s less often acknowledged is how many of us built that foundation around a role we were handed, not one we chose. Developmental psychologist Erik Erikson described identity formation as one of the central tasks of human development. In his theory of psychosocial development, the stage of Identity vs Role Confusion explores how individuals begin forming a sense of self separate from external expectations. Yet for many people, that process becomes entangled with the roles they learned were necessary for belonging. The achiever. The caretaker. The peacekeeper. Over time, adaptation can become so familiar that it feels like identity itself. Sociologist Erving Goffman suggested that much of human interaction resembles a performance. In his dramaturgical theory, people learn to present versions of themselves that fit the expectations of the environments they inhabit. While these performances help us belong, they can become so familiar that we forget they are performances at all. What began as an adaptation can slowly become an identity. This is not a childhood wound story. This is a human story. Because the roles do not end when we leave home. They follow us. Into our relationships. Into our careers. Into the way we show up in rooms where we feel we must earn our place. Into the decisions we make from fear of judgement rather than from the truth of who we are. The obedient child becomes the adult who cannot disappoint. The invisible one becomes the professional who over-delivers and under-speaks. The peacekeeper becomes the one who holds everyone together while quietly disappearing from their own life. The world rewards this. That is the difficult truth. The world gives trophies to people who perform their roles beautifully. The achiever becomes the person who mistakes exhaustion for purpose. The responsible one becomes the person everyone depends on, but no one asks about. The good one becomes the person who can sense everyone else's needs while remaining disconnected from their own. The verdict disguised as concern I became a mother at nineteen. Before I had time to find my footing, the opinions arrived. You’ll never get anywhere now. What will people think. What will people say. These were not questions. They were verdicts. Delivered with the particular confidence that comes from people who have never had to question their own assumptions. Something in me knew (even then, even young) that I refused to become only what that moment said I was. But refusal is not the same as freedom. You can resist the role the world assigns you and still be trapped inside the roles you assigned yourself long before that. I did make something of my life. By many measures, considerably. But some things took longer. Not because I wasn’t capable. Because I didn’t yet know which parts of me were truly mine and which parts were performances I had rehearsed so many times they felt like identity. Survival is not a soul There comes a moment (for many of us, it arrives through loss, through stillness, through a life event that strips the noise away) when the question surfaces that we have been outrunning. Who have I been? Not who am I. Who have I been? It is a different question. Quieter. More honest. It asks you to look back at the roles, the performances, the choices made from fear, the sacrifices made for belonging, the voice you lowered so others could feel comfortable. It asks you to consider the possibility that what you called strength was sometimes survival. That which you called selflessness was sometimes self-erasure. That's what felt like your personality was sometimes a costume you had been wearing so long you forgot there was something underneath. This is not about blame. Not of the people who shaped you, not of yourself. This is about recognition. Because you cannot unlearn what you have not first seen. Research published by Wood, Linley, Maltby, Baliousis, and Joseph (2008) in the Journal of Counseling Psychology found that self-alienation, the experience of feeling disconnected from one's true self, is consistently linked to lower self-esteem, reduced life satisfaction, and poorer psychological well-being. Conversely, people who report living authentically demonstrate measurably higher well-being across both subjective and psychological dimensions. The research is unambiguous: the distance between who we are and how we live is not neutral. It has a cost. The work is not what you think People hear the word unlearning and assume it means dismantling. Tearing things down. A painful excavation of everything you thought you were. It is not that. Unlearning is the quiet, courageous act of returning to yourself. Of asking (gently, honestly, persistently) which parts of how I live actually belong to me. Which choices come from my own truth and which come from the fears of others that I absorbed so young I mistook them for my own. It is learning to trust yourself as a source. Not the expectations of the room. Not the verdict of people who have never had to sit with your particular life. Not the inherited beliefs that were handed to you before you were old enough to question them. It is choosing, perhaps for the first time, to live from the inside out. A question worth sitting with I am not asking you to abandon your life. I am asking you to look at it with honest, compassionate curiosity. Which roles are you still performing? Not because you chose them consciously. But because they were there when you arrived, and you have never stopped to ask whether they still fit. Whether they ever fit. Your soul was not lost. It was not broken. It was set aside quietly, necessarily, in the way children do when belonging feels more urgent than becoming. The work of a lifetime is not achievement. It is not success as the world defines it. It is finding your way back to what was always there. Waiting. Patient. Underneath everything you were told to be. Find a quiet moment You don't need a journal. You don't need a structured process. You need ten minutes where no one needs anything from you. Sit with the question below and let it surface whatever it surfaces. There is no wrong answer. Ask yourself one question Which version of me shows up most often, and did I choose them? Notice what comes up. Not to judge it. Not to fix it. Simply to see it. Recognition is where everything begins. Stay with what you notice If something shifts in you as you sit with that question (a tightness, a sadness, a quiet relief) that is not a problem. That is information. Your nervous system has been holding this for a long time. You are simply giving it space to be acknowledged. You don't have to do anything yet Unlearning is not urgent. It does not ask you to dismantle your life or make dramatic decisions. It only asks you to begin seeing (clearly, honestly, without self-blame) what has been true for longer than you realised. That seeing is enough for today. If something in this article felt familiar That recognition (the quiet discomfort of seeing yourself in the roles, the performances, the cost of them) is not something to scroll past. It is the beginning of something. The Unlearning™ is a book about exactly this. About the survival identities we form before we know ourselves, and the slow, courageous work of returning to who we actually are underneath them. It releases on 1st July 2026. If this is the conversation you've been waiting to have with yourself, it's almost time. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Nelia Camara Pereira Nelia Camara Pereira, Founder, Carnelian Heart™ Nelia Camara Pereira is the founder of Carnelian Heart™ and creator of the Soul-First™ philosophy. Following the death of her mother in 2017, she began a profound journey of self-discovery that would inspire her writing, teaching, and life's work. Today, she writes and speaks on identity, personal transformation, conscious leadership, and authentic living. She is the author of Seeker of Light, Soul-First™, and The Unlearning™, and is passionate about helping people reconnect with who they are beneath the roles, expectations, and survival patterns that shape their lives. Her mission is simple: to help others remember who they were before the world told them who to be.

Written by Lara Cawthra, Paediatric Chiropractor and MNRI Core Specialist Lara Cawthra is a Paediatric Chiropractor and MNRI® Core Specialist who supports infants and children with gentle, neurologically focused care. She’s passionate about helping kids build strong foundations for movement, learning, and regulation while empowering parents every step of the way. You know your child better than anyone. If something has been telling you that the difficulty they have with focus, attention, or learning is more than just a phase, you are probably right. As a paediatric chiropractor and neurodevelopment specialist with 30 years of experience working with children and families, one of the most common things I hear from parents is some version of the same sentence: “I just don’t know what’s going on with my child, they can’t seem to focus.” "I know something is going on. But nobody has been able to tell me what, or what to do about it." If that resonates with you, this article is for you. Before anyone reaches for a label or a diagnosis, before anyone decides what your child can or cannot do, there are some remarkably simple observations you can make at home or in the classroom that reveal a great deal about what is actually happening in your child's nervous system. None of them requires specialist equipment, none requires a clinical appointment, and none are pass or fail. They are simply information. Information is the first step toward actually being able to do something. Why focus difficulties are rarely what they seem When a child cannot focus, the instinct is understandably to look at the mind. Is it ADHD? Anxiety? A learning difficulty? These are all reasonable questions. But what is far less commonly asked is: what is happening in the body that might be making it harder for the brain to do its job? After 30 years in practice, I can tell you that focus and attention difficulties almost never exist in isolation. They are almost always part of a wider pattern a pattern that, once you know what to look for, becomes remarkably consistent and recognisable. That pattern often traces back to the nervous system, specifically to the way it has developed from birth, and whether certain foundational movement patterns, known as primitive reflexes, have fully integrated the way they should. Before we get into the deeper science, let me show you what this looks like in practice. The five observations below are something any parent or teacher can do and what they reveal is extraordinary. Five simple observations and what they tell us Each of these observations takes less than two minutes. You can do them at home or share them with your child's teacher. What you are looking for is not perfection, you are looking for patterns. 1. Standing on one leg Ask your child to stand on one leg for ten seconds, then swap sides. Observe whether they can hold it at all or topple quickly, and whether there is a significant difference between the left and right leg. Notice if their arms flail or if their whole body tenses up to compensate, and whether their eyes dart around searching for a fixed point to maintain balance. What this tells us: Balance is a window directly into the cerebellum and vestibular system, two of the most important structures for sustained attention. A child who cannot balance well is a child whose brain is working overtime just to stay upright, leaving very little neurological capacity left for learning and focus. A retained Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) or Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) can show up clearly in this simple test. 2. Finger tapping in sequence Ask your child to tap each finger to their thumb in order: little finger, ring finger, middle finger, index finger, and then back again. Have them do it with both hands simultaneously. Watch whether they can sequence the movement smoothly or get muddled. Notice if one hand struggles significantly more than the other, if their eyes follow their fingers the whole time instead of moving automatically, or if their tongue or facial muscles tense up with effort. What this tells us: Sequential finger tapping requires both hemispheres of the brain to communicate efficiently across the corpus callosum. Difficulty here often points to challenges with bilateral integration, the brain's ability to coordinate left and right sides simultaneously. This same skill underpins reading, writing, and following multi-step instructions. It is also linked to retained hand and finger reflexes that should have integrated in early childhood. 3. Eye tracking, follow my finger Hold a finger approximately 30 centimetres from your child's face and move it slowly left to right, up and down, and in a figure of eight. Ask them to follow it with their eyes only, keeping their head still. Observe whether their eyes move smoothly or jump and skip, whether they lose track at any point (usually around the midline), and whether their head moves instead of just the eyes. What this tells us: Smooth, efficient eye tracking is essential for reading across a page and copying from a board. When the eyes jump or stall at the midline, it is almost always a sign that the two hemispheres of the brain are not communicating as efficiently as they should be. This directly impacts reading fluency, the ability to hold attention on written material, and the capacity to stay on task in the classroom. 4. Cross-pattern walking Watch your child walk naturally or ask them to walk in a straight line toward you. Notice whether the opposite arm and leg swing together naturally (right arm with left leg, left arm with right leg), or if they walk with the same-side arm and leg moving together in a more rigid, soldier-like pattern. Also, observe whether their arms barely swing at all. What this tells us: Cross-pattern movement is one of the most fundamental signs of neurological organisation. When the opposite arm and leg do not swing naturally together, it often indicates that the two hemispheres of the brain are not integrating efficiently. This has a direct and significant knock-on effect on focus, emotional regulation and learning stamina across the school day. 5. Pencil grip and posture at a desk Ask a teacher to observe your child quietly during a writing task, without drawing attention to it. Watch for slumping, leaning heavily on the desk, or propping their head in their hand. Notice whether their pencil grip is tight, awkward, or uncomfortable, whether they tire quickly compared to peers, and whether they frequently lose their place on the page. What this tells us: Poor posture and grip at a desk are almost never laziness or lack of effort, they are the nervous system compensating for poor core stability and retained reflexes. A child working this hard just to sit upright and hold a pencil has very little neurological energy left over for the actual learning. The effort they are expending to manage the physical demands of the desk is invisible to the teacher, but it is very real for the child. What to do with what you find Finding any or all of these patterns in your child does not mean something is wrong. It simply means their nervous system has developed in a particular way, and that development can be supported and changed. The brain is extraordinarily plastic, particularly in childhood. The right movement input, delivered consistently, can genuinely shift these patterns over time. This is not a life sentence — it is a starting point. You are not looking for a single result. You are looking for patterns. When several of these observations point in the same direction, they create a neurological picture that guides where to focus support. A note on retained primitive reflexes Many of the patterns these observations reveal connect back to retained primitive reflexive automatic movement patterns that develop in the womb and should integrate into the nervous system in the first years of life. When they do not integrate fully, they continue to run in the background, quietly interfering with balance, coordination, attention, emotional regulation and learning. They are far more common than most people realise and far more responsive to the right support than most people are told. What these observations mean in the classroom One of the most important conversations I have with parents is about how these neurological patterns appear to teachers. They are almost always misinterpreted. The child who cannot sit still is not being disruptive, their nervous system is seeking proprioceptive input, but it is not processing efficiently. The child who seems not to be trying with their writing is not lazy, they are working extraordinarily hard just to manage the physical demands of sitting at a desk, leaving little energy for the task itself. The child who stares out of the window is not daydreaming, their visual system may be struggling to track across a page or refocus between distances, making sustained reading genuinely effortful rather than automatic. Understanding this changes everything for parents, teachers, and anyone working with children who are not reaching their potential. When we understand the neurological root of what we are seeing, we stop asking the child to try harder and start giving the nervous system what it actually needs. A word about labels Labels such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism are not the enemy. For many families, they bring relief, validation, and access to support. I do not dismiss their value. However, a label describes a pattern of behaviour, it does not explain the neurological mechanism driving it. Without understanding the mechanism, it is very difficult to know where to direct support. The five observations in this article are not a diagnostic tool, they are a neurological lens. In my experience across 30 years and hundreds of children, beneath almost every focus or attention difficulty is a nervous system that has been working incredibly hard with tools that were never fully developed. This is not a failure, it is a starting point with enormous potential. You know your child best and your instincts matter If you have read this article and found yourself nodding, recognising your child in these observations, feeling that familiar mix of relief and “I knew it,” please trust that. Parents are the most important observers their child will ever have. Your consistency, knowledge of who your child is across every context, and willingness to keep asking questions are irreplaceable. The science of neurodevelopment is giving us an increasingly clear picture of how the nervous system shapes everything from focus, learning, behaviour, emotional regulation, sleep, and even gut health. The more parents understand that picture, the more powerfully they can advocate for their children and support them at home. That is exactly why I do what I do. It is why I want to share as much of this as I can, in language that is accessible, practical, and genuinely useful for real families. Join the conversation, it is free, and you are very welcome If this article has resonated with you, I invite you into a community I have created specifically for parents and practitioners who want to understand primitive reflexes, child development, gut health, and how these connect to the children we love and work with. The Rebalance community on Skool is a free space for education, discussion, and connection. I post regularly, answer questions personally, and share clinically grounded, parent-friendly content, including free guides, checklists, and resources you can use straight away. It is warm, evidence-informed, and built entirely around one goal: helping children reach their potential by understanding the nervous system that shapes everything they do. Come and join us, we would love to have you. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Lara Cawthra Lara Cawthra, Paediatric Chiropractor and MNRI Core Specialist Lara Cawthra is a Paediatric Chiropractor and MNRI® Core Specialist who loves helping kids grow, move, and thrive. She works with babies, children, and their families, using gentle tonal chiropractic care and MNRI® techniques to support healthy neurological development. Lara has a particular interest in supporting children with developmental delays, sensory challenges, and neurodivergent needs, always focusing on what each child needs to feel safe, regulated, and confident in their body. Known for her warm, down-to-earth approach, Lara is passionate about empowering parents with knowledge and practical tools so they feel supported every step of the way.

Written by Dawn Sanders, Performance Coach Dawn Sanders, Director of WinWell, is a trusted and respected Performance lifestyle. Wellbeing, career, and transition coach, having worked in elite sport for over 20 years. Want to stop losing your top talent? It’s time to change the career development playbook. In high-performance sport, an athlete’s career development needs and transition support needs aren't treated as afterthoughts. They are viewed as critical pillars of sustained, elite performance to retain talent and enable them to thrive as people as well as performers. When athletes feel they can manage the life demands placed upon them, they feel they are taking proactive steps towards their future career and are clear on their identity beyond the performance arena, they perform better in the present, show greater leadership capabilities, and feel able to be a part of a high-performance environment for longer. Research by David Lavallee in the Australian National Rugby League found that athletes who engaged in career transition planning demonstrated longer team tenure and longer playing careers, alongside improved performance outcomes, reinforcing the value of career development as a retention strategy rather than a distraction from performance. If businesses want to retain their best people, it might be worth considering the approach in supporting the career development of elite athletes. Employees don't leave just for higher salaries, they leave because they can no longer see a future where they are currently standing and want managers and leaders to support their life and career aspirations and goals. To build a powerhouse retention and career development strategy, here are the core lessons business leaders might want to borrow from the world of high-performance athlete career development support. 1. Be intentional about career development The biggest challenge I have seen managers have, and as a manager myself, I have made this mistake too, is trying to squeeze career conversations into the end of an annual performance review. When these meetings have formal processes surrounding them, time is limited and tethered to a formal assessment of past output, employees naturally look backward and try to outline how they have met their KPIs. It often feels like a ‘‘let's think of something to add to my development plan’’ conversation that is driven by the manager rather than the employee, as they look to put something in that box. If you are intentional about career development, it needs to have as much weight in the conversation as any performance objectives and outcomes and have as much time and space to talk about it as technical skills and competencies. It’s about making career development an intentional conversation. Think about dedicating some recurring time and space purely for growth, completely divorced from KPIs, ratings, and salary discussions. 2. Build absolute psychological safety If your team members don't trust why you want to have a career development conversation, they will tell you what they think you want to hear ("I love my current role and want to climb this specific ladder") rather than what they actually want ("I'm feeling stagnant and want to explore project management"). The ability to enable someone to bring their whole selves to the conversation can only happen if a psychologically safe space is created free of judgment, preconceived ideas or repercussions from what is heard. Creating this safe space enables freedom for your employees to share their hopes, dreams, and goals for the future. So, before even thinking about having a career development conversation with someone in your care, explore how you will create psychological safety above all else. What conditions will you create to enable this to happen? How will the contract for this conversation ensure that someone who comes into this meeting knows the intention of the discussion? I would also suggest that, as a manager, you will need to think about how you want to normalise career pathways and outline the fact that they aren't always linear, and actively reward honesty when employees express a desire to pivot or try something new. 3. Ask, don’t solve Many leaders avoid career conversations because they feel immense pressure to have all the answers. They worry that if an employee wants a promotion or a new challenge they can't immediately provide, they worry the conversation will fail. But great coaches don't dictate an athlete's career path, as the outcomes are never truly known, they guide it. If you take more of a coaching approach to your career development conversations, it frees you up as a manager to feel you must have all the answers and empowers your employee to feel they are resourceful to be able to take action towards the next right step in their own career development journey. You might want to think about using powerful, open-ended questions that force the employee to self-reflect: "What does the ideal next chapter look like for you?" "What strengths are going to help you get there?” “What’s currently stopping you from getting there?” "If you could shadow any other person or department, which would it be?" “How can I best support you to get there?” Your job isn't to hand them a pre-packaged career solution, it's to help them discover it, as this will serve them well throughout their life and their career, as this form of self-awareness and self-guidance can be a skill for life. 4. Coach the "whole self" (look for the clues) Anyone who supports high performers knows that it’s important to help them develop a broader sense of self-worth and identity beyond their sport’s identity, so winning and losing don’t define them. Or if an athlete is having challenges in their personal life, their sporting life can be impacted too. The same goes for your employees. Don't be afraid to ask broader questions about their whole self, rather than just their current "work self." When you limit the conversation to the parameters of their current job description, you limit their thinking about what careers might impact life and vice versa. Many elite athletes have so many different passions and interests outside of the sporting role that you see on your TV screens. From passions and interests in sustainability, music, arts, and financial management to mentoring young people. Your staff might also have talents that are hidden from their working environment because they haven’t yet had the opportunity to let these skills shine in their current role. What if someone had a hidden creative talent you were unaware of that could really help your social media campaign? Without asking or facilitating these wider, holistic conversations, you may not know what talents are already there within your team. So as part of that coaching conversation, be confident to explore their passions, side projects, and outside interests. If they aren't sure what their broader passions are, help them look for clues. Ask them: "What kind of content do you naturally gravitate toward or scroll through on social media when you have free time?" What someone consumes when nobody is paying them to do so is a massive clue toward their intrinsic motivators. A finance analyst who spends hours scrolling through architectural design accounts or behavioural psychology articles is giving you a blueprint of where their mind wants to grow. Bring those insights into your career development conversations. 5. Uncover and transfer "super strengths" Elite athletes often struggle to see how their highly specialised skills can translate outside of their specific sport into a career beyond the world they can currently see. Employees face the exact same cognitive bias, and people can’t often see what is possible and where their strengths may add value to a business beyond what they currently know. They might pigeonhole themselves based on their current job titles and let self-imposed barriers or imposter syndrome block their growth. I have seen this ever more present in supporting women in career development conversations. As a manager a wonderful gift that has been given to you is to enable people to understand and connect to these strengths and from there begin to grow and flourish to a way of thinking where so many more career opportunities feel possible and within reach. In recognising these strengths, it is important to help people connect to the how as well as the what they have achieved, as the people I have managed often downplay the part they play in making things happen, especially when it’s about something that doesn’t feel like a technical skill. Coaching career development, you have a wonderful opportunity to identify and connect to their unique "super strengths", those innate capabilities like high emotional intelligence, rapid problem-solving, exceptional crisis management, or helping other people feel heard and supported. These need to be backed up by real-life examples where you or your employee has deployed these strengths to make it feel real and tangible and not just philosophical. Show them how these strengths are highly transferable to different roles and work together to dismantle the real or perceived barriers holding them back from taking the next step. 6. Make growth bite-sized For athletes, a massive five-year career plan can often feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable process goals that are actionable, realistic, and can fit around life, training, and competition commitments makes it feel more achievable. Athletes often get limited time for personal development around the demands for elite sport, so it's understanding what and how career development, learning, and holistic growth can realistically be integrated on top of the ‘day to day’ demands. It’s about giving bite-sized things a go, networking with people and hearing about their career pathways, trying short courses, shadowing people, getting as much experiential learning as possible, but constantly reflecting on these experiences and what they have taught the person in your care. Break learning and growth down into digestible, bite-sized opportunities. Instead of a massive training course, suggest a short micro-learning module, a 15-minute mentorship chat, or a small stretch assignment. I often recommend giving the free Open Learn courses a go, as there is such a great range of bite-sized topics for people to try and then ask someone to self-reflect on what they have learned about their career needs as a result of that experience. Quite often it is about giving something a go, ruling it out, and exploring why it doesn’t meet your needs. Crucially, provide regular moments for reflection. When employees can pause and consciously connect the micro-steps they are taking today with their ultimate long-term aspirations, momentum builds rapidly. 7. Make it motivational The more motivational you can make any career conversation, the better. Inspire people to want to engage with learning and development and a rewarding and purposeful career journey. There will be great career pathway stories you can share about the things people have gone on to achieve, including yourself, to act as role models to inspire others about what is possible if you take the first right step. People are more likely to engage if they can see efforts will be rewarded, as learning and development takes time, bravery, vulnerability, and energy to think about what's next, moving beyond the secure known world of the present. 8. Make it purposeful Regardless of what someone’s career aspirations might be, as people in a growing technological world, we want to know that the work we do has meaning and purpose. As a manager, it is important to connect people’s strengths, values, and objectives to the wider goals, vision, and ambitions of the company. Everyone wants to feel that they play a small part in the jigsaw of making things better for the company and for other people. I would also consider how you go about coaching people to better understand their personal values, as for me, this hugely aligns with a sense of purpose. Teams and leaders often create time and team development sessions to build organisational values, but may not spend the time working with individuals to understand their personal values. When someone feels there is a strong alignment between their personal values and the organisation’s values, they can genuinely connect to the company's why and will want to engage and be motivated by what the company wants to achieve. But how much do you know of that individual’s values? Coaching individuals to identify and articulate their personal values is one of the most impactful things a manager can do. It's the foundation of sustainable performance, so take the time to ask yourself how well you actually know the values of the people you lead, and if there are any gaps, how can you use some of the coaching tools to create a better sense of awareness? The bottom line When people can see a clear, supported, and psychologically safe future within your organisation, one that values who they are as a whole person, the strengths and values they bring to the aspirations of the business, they have absolutely no reason to look for it somewhere else. By having great intentional and impactful career coaching conversations, you aren't just helping them grow you are ensuring they keep winning for themselves and for your team and will be your future leaders to establish a culture that thrives for years to come. The best retention strategy starts with a different kind of conversation If you are ready to create the psychological safety, intentional growth spaces and coaching skills your team needs to thrive long-term, I’d love to help you bridge the gap. Email me at dawn@winwell.org.uk to discuss how we can adapt these elite sport principles to fit your unique business. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, for more info! Read more from Dawn Sanders Dawn Sanders, Performance Coach Dawn Sanders is a leader in coaching the lifestyle, wellbeing, career development, and transitions needs of elite performers, having supported Great Britain's Olympic and Paralympic athletes for over 20 years. She is passionate about developing the person behind the performer to enable them to thrive in high-pressure, high-risk, high-reward environments.

Written by Elizabeth Day, RTT® Therapist & Coach Elizabeth Day specialises in working with both individuals and companies, eliminating both emotional and physical issues, enabling peak performance, both personal and professional success. Working with a range of issues from eating disorders and addictions to autoimmune disease and repetitive negative relationship patterns, achieving rapid results. You know the relationship is hurting you. Your friends can see it. Your family has pleaded with you to leave. Yet somehow, despite the lies, manipulation, criticism and emotional exhaustion, you still find yourself drawn back in. Why? The answer often lies not in weakness, but in something far more powerful, a trauma bond. Created through a cycle of intermittent reinforcement, emotional highs and devastating lows, trauma bonds can leave even the strongest, most independent people feeling trapped in relationships that erode their confidence, identity and sense of reality. Understanding the hidden dynamics of narcissistic abuse is crucial, shedding light on the tactics narcissists use to create dependency, from love bombing and gaslighting to future faking and hoovering, and crucially, why walking away is often far harder than outsiders imagine. Here, we explore the psychology behind trauma bonding, the signs you may be caught in its grip, and the practical steps that can help you break free and reclaim your life. If you've ever asked yourself, "Why can't I just let go?", you're not alone. One of the most confusing aspects of narcissistic abuse is that leaving is often not the hardest part. Staying away is. Over the last decade, the concept of trauma bonding has gained widespread attention through the work of experts such as Dr. Ramani Durvasula, whose research and educational resources have helped millions understand the hidden dynamics of narcissistic abuse. Her work highlights how cycles of idealisation, devaluation and intermittent reinforcement create powerful emotional attachments that can keep victims psychologically tethered long after the relationship has become damaging. Readers interested in exploring this topic further can find more of her work through her books, such as It's Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People. She has published papers on this topic for the American Psychological Association and is Professor of Psychology at California State University, LA. As an RTT Therapist and Life Transformation Coach, I work with individuals who are navigating the aftermath of emotionally abusive relationships. Time and again, I see intelligent, capable and successful people questioning their own judgement because they cannot understand why they still miss someone who hurt them. The answer often lies not in weakness, but in the powerful psychological mechanisms underpinning trauma bonds. In my previous Brainz Magazine article, "How To Heal And Thrive After Life With A Narcissist", I explored the journey of recovery after narcissistic abuse. This article takes a deeper look at one of the biggest barriers to that recovery, understanding why trauma bonds form, how they keep us stuck, and most importantly, how we can break free. Why can’t I just leave One of the most common questions survivors ask is, "If I knew it was unhealthy, why didn't I leave sooner?" The truth is that trauma bonds are not built on logic. They are built on emotional conditioning. In healthy relationships, love tends to be consistent. In narcissistic relationships, affection, approval and validation are often unpredictable. The relationship becomes characterised by emotional highs and lows that create a powerful psychological dependency. The narcissist studies your reactions to every situation, be it affection, threat or confusion, and builds an emotional map, learning how to manipulate using a combination of tactics, including confusion, distraction, fear and love bombing, to control you. When moments of kindness, affection or hope are repeatedly followed by criticism, withdrawal or emotional punishment, the brain begins chasing the return of those positive moments. Over time, this can create an attachment that feels incredibly difficult to break. What is a trauma bond A trauma bond is a strong emotional attachment that develops through repeated cycles of reward and distress. It often begins with intense connection, affection and attention. The relationship may feel exciting, passionate and unlike anything they have experienced before. Gradually, however, criticism, control, manipulation or emotional neglect begin to emerge. Rather than ending the relationship, many people become increasingly invested in regaining the version of their partner they first encountered. Just as the survivor begins to feel exhausted, hopeless and pull away, the narcissist will create hope by showing affection and what appears to be interest and care to pull them back in. Or, when they feel the victim has begun to completely disconnect, they will use every tactic in their armoury, from loving affectionate behaviour, playing the victim, anger, invoking fear, emotional withdrawal and gaslighting, causing you to question everything and keeping your nervous system in dysregulation. This is known as hoovering. The result is a cycle in which hope and disappointment become intertwined. The red flags most people miss Trauma bonds rarely begin with obvious abuse. Instead, there are often subtle warning signs: Love bombing and excessive idealisation Moving the relationship forward unusually quickly Future faking and making grand promises Lack of accountability Boundary violations disguised as affection Extreme sensitivity to criticism Controlling behaviours framed as concern Cycles of affection followed by withdrawal Because these behaviours often emerge gradually, they can be difficult to recognise until the relationship has become deeply established. When love feels like addiction Many survivors describe the experience of leaving as feeling similar to withdrawal. This is because the emotional highs and lows created by intermittent reinforcement can trigger powerful reward pathways in the brain. After separation, survivors often miss not only the person but also the hope, fantasy, and possibility attached to the relationship returning to the loving phase. This stage was an illusion. It can create intense urges to reconnect, even when they know doing so is unlikely to result in lasting change. During the relationship, the energy and focus are on the narcissist and seeking out the reward of the positive behaviours they have shown toward you. It becomes difficult for survivors to imagine life without the narcissist. Maintaining their needs and happiness has become their identity, and you lose yours in the process. Understanding this process helps remove self-blame and allows survivors to approach recovery with greater compassion. Gaslighting, self-doubt and the erosion of reality One of the most damaging aspects of narcissistic abuse is gaslighting. Over time, survivors may begin to question their own memories, instincts, and perceptions. They become increasingly reliant on the narcissist's version of events and lose confidence in their ability to trust themselves. This erosion of self-trust is often what keeps trauma bonds alive long after the relationship should have ended. Why smart, successful and strong people become trapped Narcissistic abuse does not discriminate. Many survivors are highly intelligent, accomplished, empathetic, and resilient individuals. In fact, qualities such as loyalty, compassion, optimism, and a desire to see the best in others can make someone particularly vulnerable to remaining in unhealthy relationships longer than they otherwise might. The issue is not a lack of strength. It is often the presence of qualities that have been exploited to boost the narcissist's own fragile ego and self-image. Are you in a trauma bond? Key signs to look for You may be experiencing a trauma bond if: You repeatedly return after deciding to leave You minimise harmful behaviour You feel responsible for fixing the relationship You struggle to imagine life without the person You crave their approval despite their treatment of you Friends and family express concerns you dismiss You feel emotionally addicted to the relationship Recognising these signs is often the first step toward recovery. Breaking the cycle: The first steps towards freedom Breaking a trauma bond requires more than physical distance, it often involves creating emotional distance as well. This may include limiting contact, strengthening support networks, educating yourself about narcissistic abuse, and developing healthier coping strategies that reduce dependency on the relationship. Managing the withdrawal no one talks about Many survivors are surprised by the intensity of grief they experience after leaving. They may feel sadness, anxiety, loneliness, guilt, and even longing. These feelings do not mean the relationship was healthy, they simply reflect the breaking of a powerful emotional attachment. Recovery is rarely linear, and understanding this can help survivors remain committed to their healing journey. The narcissist will also do everything within their power to maintain the connection. They cannot conceive that the other person has seen who they really are, that they cannot control them, and may truly believe that the other person cannot exist without them. This is often when the behaviour becomes particularly destructive and is a dangerous point for the victim, even if the abuse has not been physical to this point. Rebuilding trust in yourself Healing begins when you start reconnecting with your own voice. Learning to trust your instincts, honour your boundaries, and validate your own experiences is essential. This process takes time, but it is one of the most empowering aspects of recovery. Creating boundaries that protect your peace Boundaries are not about controlling others, they are about protecting your wellbeing. Whether through limited contact, no contact, or stronger emotional boundaries, creating clear limits allows survivors to reclaim their energy, confidence, and sense of self. From surviving to thriving Recovery is about far more than escaping a toxic relationship, it is about rediscovering who you are beyond it. Many survivors emerge with greater self-awareness, stronger boundaries, deeper resilience, and a renewed appreciation for healthy relationships. In finding space to discover who they are, they are able to flourish and thrive as individuals. The most important truth to remember The goal is not to understand the narcissist, the goal is to understand yourself. The more energy we spend trying to decode another person's behaviour, the less energy we have available to heal. With a narcissist, it is an impossible task. Who they present themselves as is a construct, not a reality. Freedom begins when we stop asking why they did it and start asking what we need in order to move forward. As an RTT Therapist and Life Transformation Coach, I help clients identify the unconscious beliefs, emotional patterns, and trauma responses that keep them stuck in unhealthy relationship cycles. Through rapid transformational techniques and mindset work, it is possible not only to break free from trauma bonds but to rebuild confidence, self-worth, and a future that is no longer defined by the past. Healing is possible. Recovery is possible. Thriving after narcissistic abuse is possible, too. I have a unique understanding of what it is to go through this journey, having escaped an abusive relationship of over 30 years. I use my experiences to help others identify their situation, see a way out, heal, and thrive. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Elizabeth Day Elizabeth Day, RTT® Therapist & Coach Elizabeth Day specialises in working with women with trauma from abuse, burnout and limiting blocks to achieving their goals, building self-confidence and guiding them to reinvention and success. Her own background is one of abuse, having escaped a 30-year relationship with an abusive partner and rebuilt her life and reinvented herself. Her experience of working with corporates for over 25 years has led to her to use both this experience and her own trauma to heal and coach clients and achieve ultimate success. Relevant articles: How to Heal and Thrive After Life with a Narcissist How RTT® and Personal Transformation Help You Overcome Trauma – An Interview with Coach Elizabeth Day

Written by Kellie Winzinowich and Kelly Whelan-Enns, Active Embodiment Coaches Kellie and Kelly are the founders of the Academy of Embodiment Arts and hosts of the Soul Discovery podcast. They combine Qigong with meditation and energy mastery to guide people to embody new frequency through transmutation and transformation for lasting change. We are born onto the Earth plane, which means our energy is manifested in the physical. Our physical body is an interface with our spirit and the physical world. Therefore, the physical world is a tool for our spiritual growth and self-awareness. This means we have the capacity to embody frequency. We have often been led to believe that the spiritual and physical realms are separate. When we embody this belief, we give power to the thought that the material world has power over our Spirit, yet it does not. When we flip this script, we realise that our Spirit has more power over our physical selves and the world around us, thus giving us the power to create our reality. Our physical body has the ability to regulate itself without our conscious awareness. It already does. However, if we tune in and become a conscious creator with our physical body, we discover even more of our true power. We have much more control over our body’s processes than we have been led to believe, and yet most of us do not know the basics of how our bodies work on a physiological level, never mind an energetic or spiritual one. One of the ways we can begin to affect our energy in a positive direction is to ask ourselves the following questions: When you are ill or injured, do you have compassion and tell yourself it will be alright? Do you send love to the part of you in need of support? Or do you get angry and berate your body for not being the way you want? Do you chastise yourself for every little thing? Do you focus on what feels bad, or do you ever tell yourself things will all be okay? The longer you consciously hold onto a negative thought, the more you give power to the belief behind it. Your body reacts accordingly and will continue to do so until you replace the belief. The more harmonious and compassionate you are, the more your body will respond in kind. Your cells regenerate every one hundred days. This means that we grow a new body all the time. Yet our scars remain, our illnesses stay, and our physical conditions may not improve. So, what messages are we unconsciously sending to our body that are not allowing for change? Each cell, every electron, is listening and reacting to what you are saying to yourself. Essentially, they are waiting to embody more Light. When we embody more Light, we have the ability to heal ourselves emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Each of our organs has an energetic process as well as a physical function. Caring for our physical body is important for our physical and spiritual growth. A strong, healthy body is important in order to embody frequencies. To do this, we must master our physical processes and understand ourselves and our energy bodies on the Earth plane. On the physical plane, there are four lower bodies we need to keep energetically clear: the physical body, the etheric body, the mental body, and the emotional body. All of our energy is interconnected. Therefore, when one is blocked in some way, it blocks the others. For brevity’s sake, we give short explanations here. You can learn more in our Energy Self Mastery Course. The physical body The physical body is composed of many atoms. Atoms are comprised of electrons swinging around a central core. They form the cells of the physical body, including all organs and tissues. As the electrons swing within their atoms, they are either expanding their light or they are closed by discord. The etheric body The etheric body keeps a record of your experiences and translates this energy into physical reality. It is closest to the surface of the skin and has some of the densest energetic information in it, as your energy field translates that information into your reality. The physical matter of the organs, tissues, and fascia is anchored to this energy matrix. The cells of the fascia system grow along the lines of the etheric body. The mental body Mental processes, ideas, and thoughts are found here. The belief in your mind is the thought in your mind. The subconscious responds to the thought in your mind. The belief brings about the results. We can project our thoughts outward onto someone or something else. Subsequently, we can adopt the projected thoughts and beliefs of others through the mental body, which imprints as history to the etheric body and sends signals to the physical body. The emotional body Emotions are energy in a constant state of motion. Emotion equals energy in motion. Feelings are the energy brought forward by thought into form. Disharmony between our expectations and assumptions, thoughts and beliefs, and what is happening in the outside world is a reflection of our subconscious. Emotions are also expressed physically through tears, yelling, shaking with rage or laughter, and much more. It is a process to learn to listen to the subconscious messages of the body. Through Qigong and Neigong exercises, you can learn what tension is being held in your tissues. When you have spent a lifetime listening to others tell you about your body, it takes time to get in tune with it. We have shared techniques in our other articles. You can also do the following meditative exercise to get more in tune with your body: Sit or lie down in a quiet room. You may play any soothing, calm music you wish. Once you are relaxed and comfortable, bring your awareness to any part of your body that may be causing you pain. You may put a hand on that body part as a soothing gesture to your body that you are supporting it at this time. Allow any thoughts to come and go. Allow the mind to relax. Allow your body to relax. You may see colours, shapes, or guides that come with you. Rest assured that your body will reveal what it wants to tell you, even if it does not happen during the meditation session. Often, you will gain an insight as to what is stuck in your tissues at a random moment during your day. The point of the above exercise is to set aside time to begin tuning in with you. You are able to create your reality far more easily than you have been led to believe if you take the time to learn about the physical body and all of its energy layers. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more info! Read more from Kellie Winzinowich and Kelly Whelan-Enns Kellie Winzinowich and Kelly Whelan-Enns, Active Embodiment Coaches Kelly Whelan-Enns is a master of Shaolin Qi Healing, Qigong, and the internal art of Baguazhang. Plagued by asthma and hypoglycemia in his youth, Kelly's journey of healing and self-mastery has spanned over 35 years, training with master teachers and studying Taoist, Zen Buddhist, and Tibetan meditation, teaching many along the way. Kellie Winzinowich is a former elite gymnast whose journey brought her to Qigong and the study of internal alchemy. Now a Certified Hypnotherapist, she helps others navigate personal transformation. Together, Kellie and Kelly guide others to embody lasting change through physical, emotional, and spiritual self-mastery.

Written by Paul of Venus, Mount Shasta Spiritual Guide and Healer Paul of Venus is the author of “The Sacred Rays of God” and founder of Mount Shasta Spiritual Tours. He serves as a bridge between dimensions, offering retreats, activations, and transmissions from the heart of Mount Shasta. One misty morning near Panther Meadows on Mount Shasta, something stepped out from between worlds and stood in front of me. Its crystalline horn spiraled with rainbow light. Its presence carried a frequency so refined that my knees buckled and my eyes filled with tears before my mind had time to form a single thought. A unicorn. Standing on volcanic soil. Real as the trees. Real as my own heartbeat. More real, perhaps, because this being existed simultaneously across multiple dimensions while I was still learning to hold awareness in two. It spoke. Not in words. In frequency. A transmission that my cells decoded faster than language ever could. What it communicated rearranged my understanding of why I am on this Earth and what is arriving to help humanity through the most delicate passage in nineteen million years. The unicorns are here. They have come from the highest realms of God to help humanity ignite heaven inside the physical body. They did not come alone. The dragons are with them. The ancient guardians of Earth’s sacred fire, the keepers of the living flame that burns at the heart of creation itself. This is a love story. The most tender one I know. Where the unicorns come from The unicorns carry the frequency of heaven in their very essence. They are not mythological remnants of a culture that needed fairy tales to explain the mysteries. They are celestial beings whose primary existence spans the higher-dimensional realms where separation has never existed. They inhabit rainbow worlds, entire realms of living prismatic light where consciousness and color are the same thing, and love is the atmosphere itself. Many of these magnificent beings carry Venusian frequency. Venus, the planet of love, holds dimensional realities that operate at the frequency of unconditional creation. The unicorns move between these Venusian realms and the Earth plane, bridging frequencies that would otherwise be too refined for the human nervous system to absorb. Their crystalline horns function as living antennae, modulating the Sacred Ray frequencies into forms that human cellular intelligence can decode without overwhelm. They are my allies. My greatest friends across all lifetimes. I have ridden with them on missions across multiple star systems and dimensions. Our connection is not an Earth story. It spans the galactic record. Now, as humanity moves through its transformation, the unicorns have come in greater numbers than any living human has witnessed. They are here because the passage is narrow, the frequencies are intense, and the human body needs help holding what is arriving. When I guide people through the sacred sites of Mount Shasta, the unicorns are often present. Most people feel them before they see them. A warmth in the chest. A sudden gentleness. A feeling of being held by something invisible and immense. Then the tears come. Then the remembering. Because the unicorn frequency is heaven’s frequency. When it touches your cells, your body remembers what heaven feels like, not as a concept, as a lived state, as the truth of what you are. The white dragon of love at Castle Crags Across the valley from Mount Shasta stands Castle Crags Mountain, and deep within its ancient stone body dwells the white dragon of love. A native elder from Peru once told me the story of this last white dragon, a guardian who has maintained watch over this region since Lemurian times. I listened with my whole being, knowing that one day I would meet this dragon face to face. That day came during a transmission at Castle Crags. In a state of expanded awareness, I encountered the dragon’s vast consciousness, not just local to this mountain but spanning dimensions, its body composed of living light pulsing with the frequencies of divine love. It showed me how it works with the Pink Ray of Divine Love, distributing that frequency throughout the ley lines and vortex points of the entire region. Dragons are the keepers of Earth’s sacred fire. They guard the divine flame that burns at creation’s center. They have been waiting for humanity to reach the frequency where direct communion becomes possible again. That frequency is now. Why they are here at this moment Nineteen million years. That is the length of the prophecy cycle that is completing in our lifetime. We are at the end of a human cycle and the beginning of a new one. This is not a gradual shift. It is a fulcrum point, a hinge. The celestial realms have sent their finest to assist. The unicorns are here to ignite heaven inside the human body. Their frequency activates the heart-pineal coherence that allows the fifth-dimensional perceptual field to stabilize within the cellular matrix. The dragons are here to guard the sacred fire of this transition, to keep the ley lines clear and the vortex points calibrated so that the planetary grid can hold the increasing light without destabilizing. Together, they form a celestial support system that most humans cannot see, but every sensitive heart can feel. When you walk in nature and something ancient stirs in your chest, when you stand near water and feel a presence that seems to hold you, when the air in a forest becomes so alive with intelligence that you forget you were ever anything other than this, that is the unicorn and dragon frequencies touching your field. They are touching it because you are ready. I want to be clear about something. I did not seek these beings out. I did not conjure them through ritual or intention. I surrendered. I surrendered my mission, my will, my need to understand, my desire to control the outcome of my life. I surrendered everything to God’s will. In the space that surrender created, the unicorns walked in. The dragons spoke. The Ascended Masters became daily companions rather than distant ideals. Surrender is the doorway to everything. Ignore the brain, listen to the heart Your brain is not your friend in this passage. I say this with tenderness because the brain has served you loyally in the survival realm. But the mind is a receiver, and right now, it is receiving frequencies it was never designed to interpret. The thought-programs of fear, separation, anger, loneliness, many of these are not even yours. They are transmissions broadcast through the collective field, designed to keep you reactive, designed to keep you in your head, designed to prevent you from dropping into the heart space where your true intelligence lives. Do not listen to your thoughts. Do not follow the reactions. Do not obey the inner voice that tells you something is wrong with you, that you are behind, that you are not enough, that the world is ending in the way fear imagines it ending. These are programs. They are not the truth. The truth lives in your heart, in the stillness beneath thought, in the present moment that has no opinions, no reactions, and no fear. In the place where God whispers and the unicorns sing, and the dragon fire warms you from the inside out. I open infinity inside each temporary moment on Earth. It’s eternal. It's one of my favorite things to do on Earth. The way a single breath can hold the entire universe if you let it. The way a mountain can speak to you before dawn and rearrange your cellular structure with nothing more than silence and starlight. Shambala has emerged Shambala, the mythical city of light that every wisdom tradition has pointed toward as the promise of what humanity can become, was never a physical location. It was always a frequency, a vibrational state, a dimension that opens within the collective field when enough hearts hold the coherence of unconditional love. On Mount Shasta, I have witnessed this field emerging. The unicorn and dragon frequencies are part of it. The Ascended Master transmissions are part of it. The Sacred Rays are part of it. Most importantly, you are part of it. Every conscious breath. Every moment of surrender. Every time you choose the heart over the brain, love over fear, presence over reaction, you are building Shambala in the living field of this planet. Shambala Retreat | June 26-29, 2026 | Mount Shasta, California | $1,888 Register here. Four days on the mountain in the living field of the unicorn and dragon frequencies. Direct Ascended Master transmissions. Ceremonies at Castle Crags and the upper meadows. The Sacred Rays are activated through breath and presence. This retreat is a doorway into the Shambala frequency that is forming right now around this sacred mountain. All offerings at here. Sacred Rays of God Sound Activations Course, 16 transmissions, $144 21-Day Venusian Nervous System Reset, $44 Mt Shasta Remote Grid Library, $33 EMERGE, 3-day virtual retreat 5 Steps into the 5th Dimension, digital course The Sacred Rays of God (book) Call of the Mountain (documentary), on Gaia Private guided spiritual tours on Mt Shasta, year-round The unicorns and dragons do not come to save us. They come because we have risen high enough to meet them. They come because the prophecy is completing. They come because the heart of humanity has begun to remember. I am so in love with this moment, with this Earth, with the way God moves through every form when we stop resisting and simply allow. The rainbow worlds are opening. Can you feel it? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Paul of Venus Paul of Venus, Mount Shasta Spiritual Guide and Healer Paul of Venus is the author of "The Sacred Rays of God" and founder of Mount Shasta Spiritual Tours. As a spiritual teacher and channeler, he serves as a bridge between dimensions, bringing forth divine wisdom and activations from ascended masters, including Saint Germain, Sanat Kumara, and Lady Venus. Based at the sacred vortex of Mount Shasta, California, Paul facilitates transformative retreats, ceremonies, and transmissions that guide lightworkers and seekers into deeper states of consciousness. His work focuses on anchoring higher-dimensional frequencies and supporting humanity's collective awakening. Through his teachings, Paul offers a pathway to embody divine love and reclaim one's sacred essence.