Written by Ash Miner, MS, MM, Shamanic Practitioner & Teacher Ash Miner's passions for music and animals resulted in 2 bachelor's degrees and 3 master's degrees before she applied that knowledge to shamanic healing and teaching. A self-published author of the book The Answer to Everything: Earth Wisdom & Beauty, Ash hopes to one day found a healing sanctuary for people and animals who have survived trauma. Welcome, my wonderful readers, to my fourth article, part two of my articles on this ancient healing technique called soul retrieval. If you haven’t read the first article about soul retrieval, I encourage you to do that, preferably from the beginning . Each of my 11 articles builds on the previous one as teaching stories. This is the old way of sharing wisdom that my helping spirits have guided me to follow here at Brainz Magazine. Where we left off, Raven had just received a soul retrieval from Mel, the shamanic practitioner. The essence of Raven’s soul that was returned brought back the gift of loving life so that Raven could recover from the grief of losing her best friend, her dog. Along with this soul essence, a power animal had come to help. This helping spirit appeared in the form of a squirrel and had been keeping the soul of Raven’s dog company ever since she passed. Squirrel felt called to help Raven do the integration work required to live well with this returned soul part. Always when we do a soul retrieval, our first words are to welcome the soul in its newly whole state home to life, as per my training with Sandra Ingerman , who literally wrote the book and pioneered this healing modality in the West. Now that the cure had happened, the soul part that had left during trauma was returned. It was time for the healing to begin. Teaching stories, Part 3 “Welcome home, Raven,” Mel said. “How do you feel?” Raven slowly opened her eyes, the whirlwind of effects beginning to stabilise. She had felt sad, then warm and fuzzy, then absolutely calm toward the end of Mel’s lovely singing. How did she feel now? “I was feeling sad, but then warm and fuzzy, and now I feel so much lighter. And brighter. Is the sun out or something?” Raven answered. Mel chuckled under her breath before responding. “Everything seems brighter and easier when there’s more of you back home in life. Would you like help to sit up, or do you want to listen to what happened while lying down?” Raven considered briefly before replying, “Actually, I want to stay just like this for a little while, if that’s okay. It’s so relaxing and comfortable. I promise I won’t fall asleep or anything.” Mel nodded her approval. And so, Mel recounted her experience to Raven. Rather than say everything verbatim, Mel ensured this was a healing story that Raven would hear. Mel made judgment calls about what to leave out, such as the soul part saying she didn’t come here to lose life, referring to the impending grief process from the death of her dog. That was part of the wound Raven had been feeling anyway, so there was no new insight there. Mel emphasised instead the gift the soul part was returning with, the power to love life so much she couldn’t imagine living without loving it. Mel also shared about the power animal, Squirrel, who came and why, what special connections it had to Raven and her dog, and how Raven could perform a shamanic journey to Squirrel for her homework. It was important for Raven to have her own experience of this returned soul essence, the drops of this new gift and power she now held united in her oceanic body, to help make any needed changes to ensure she would now live a life where this soul part wanted to stay. Mel then offered a lesson to Raven. “So if you like, I will teach you how to journey. You can meet Squirrel and ask, ‘What changes do I need to make in my life so my newly returned soul essence and I can live well together?’ This way, the integration process will have a feeling of direct revelation, something you discover for yourself with the help of your spirits. This is the core of shamanic work. Everything is done with the spirits, not with your mind, and not with someone else telling you what is true or not. How does that sound to you?” Raven didn’t need to pause. She practically choked on her quick inbreath to say, “Sign me up.” Mel snorted unapologetically and said, “Alright then. In a couple of days, after this has had a chance to settle in, come back and we will teach you how to journey. I will guide you to get started, and then you can take it from there, and we will discuss next steps.” Raven smiled widely, excited by this opportunity and comforted to know she wasn’t losing her connection to Mel after all of this deeply healing work. “Are you ready to stand up now, or do you need a minute?” Mel asked Raven, who was still lying on the healing nest she had made on her floor. “I can stand up now. I’m actually sort of feeling like dancing. I feel so joyful and a bit silly.” Mel helped Raven up and spontaneously began to dance beside her, grabbing her drum and providing a beat for them to dance to. “When the soul’s essence returns, we often feel its zest for life in many ways,” Mel explained. “Some want to dance, some to sing, some to eat foods they haven’t had in years, speak to someone they haven’t been around in a while, or walk in a place they haven’t visited in ages. I encourage you to really listen to these cravings, these urges, and when or where appropriate, try to honour them. You may need to negotiate, and we can talk about how to do that when I see you in a couple of days. For now, just enjoy this love for life you’re feeling and let it move you.” The dancing didn’t stop for quite a while until both women, younger and older, burst into giggles and collapsed to the floor. “Here, drink this before you go,” Mel offered. She had a glass of water ready and waiting since before the soul retrieval ceremony started so that Raven could drink up the healing at the end. “I’ll see you soon.” Story teachings of the soul There are several important aftercare elements here, and they apply to more than just soul retrievals. The part of the mind that speaks and uses language shuts down during trauma. No amount of talking afterward is going to be therapeutic in the way clients hope for. What we really need when recovering from trauma is to come back into our bodies, so a healer’s first question after a healing ceremony should always be about how the client feels. We don’t launch into the story of our healing journey right away. First, we see how the client is feeling so they can pair and associate that bodily experience with the healing. Then we tell them a healing story that excludes anything they already know. We share new information that provides a healing perspective to empower the new healing rather than the old wound. Not to discredit the wound, but to not spotlight it either. We then allow time for the swirling-together process to complete, at least a couple of days, before encouraging the client to have their own experience. How I am shown things and how I explain them is guided by the spirits and can be invaluable to the client’s healing process. However, having this direct revelation, as Sandra Ingerman calls it, is incredibly healing and empowering for the client. It also creates the, often first, open line of communication between the client and their helping spirits. Soul retrievals, in particular, are active for a long time, between six months and a year. Giving the client a constant companion in spirit form during that time provides consistent support and insights no human could possibly provide. This often means a client needs to learn how to do a shamanic journey, but not always. It can also be done through journaling, meditation, or walking in nature for clients who are not interested in learning to journey, but the experience is often less potent and less visceral than a journey. We see the roller coaster of feelings that Raven went through, from sad to warm and fuzzy to calm. The sadness can mean many things, and notice Mel did not interpret. We don’t determine a client’s experience for them, we simply allow them to have it fully. We witness, we hold space, we don’t define. The sadness could be remnants of grief, or it could signal fear of an ending of life as Raven knew it, or it could be something else entirely. We don’t know, and it’s not our business to diagnose unless the client asks for help to clarify their experience. We also see the side effects of lightness and brightness, which are incredibly common physical responses to soul healing. Those side effects vary widely, including feeling tired, energised, woozy, or stable for the first time. The list goes on and changes from person to person, healing to healing. Next time, we’ll see how someone can learn how to journey and what further aftercare looks like. Stay tuned for November’s article. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more info! Read more from Ash Miner Ash Miner, MS, MM, Shamanic Practitioner & Teacher Ash Miner's personal journey of healing PTSD led her to shamanism. Despite being a total skeptic, she knew in 1 session this was her path, and had been since she was a very little girl. Ash has spent years studying extensively, completing US training by Sandra Ingerman, as well as with Jonathan Horwitz and Zara Waldebäck in Sweden. She has found her true calling in teaching and offering shamanic healing to human beings, animals, and the Earth. Her extensive background in music education and performance, as well as animal behavior, provides a scientific framework for her soul work. She specializes in healing song and healing story. Her mission is to demystify shamanism to make it an approachable healing modality for all of humanity.

Written by Eljin Keeling-Johnson, Personal Development Coach Eljin is a transformative personal development coach from the Midlands, England, and the visionary behind the Alignment Method programme. For over 16 years, Eljin has guided people to release what’s holding them back, rediscover their purpose, and create life-changing transformation. How NLP, EMDR, and Neurodynamic Breathwork help you finally move on by healing the emotional root, not just managing the symptom. The myth that “time heals all wounds” We’ve all heard the saying, “time heals all wounds.” It’s comforting, the idea that if we just wait long enough, our pain will fade on its own. But in truth, time doesn’t heal emotional wounds, it simply buries them. Unprocessed pain doesn’t dissolve, it becomes part of our unconscious programming. Over time, it shapes our beliefs, behaviours, and even our identity. We might stop consciously thinking about the event that hurt us, but the emotional imprint remains stored in the body and nervous system, influencing how we show up in relationships, how we respond to stress, and how safe we feel in the world. This is why someone can still react with fear, anger, or avoidance years after the original event. The nervous system remembers what the conscious mind forgets. Time alone doesn’t heal trauma, integration does. It’s also vital to recognise that within the subconscious, there is no time. You can recall a memory from yesterday in seconds, just as you can a memory from childhood. The emotional imprint doesn’t fade with the calendar, it remains frozen until it is consciously reprocessed and integrated. Why traditional counselling often isn’t enough I say this with deep respect, after all, I practised traditional counselling for over 16 years, but talking alone often isn’t enough to create lasting change. Traditional talk therapy can be valuable for awareness and insight. It helps people understand why they feel the way they do and gives language to their experiences. However, understanding isn’t the same as healing. The analytical part of the mind, the conscious, rational layer, only accounts for around 5% of our total mental activity. The remaining 95% is subconscious and unconscious, where emotional memories, beliefs, and protective patterns live. Talking about an emotional wound doesn’t necessarily release it from the body. In fact, retelling the same story repeatedly can sometimes reinforce the emotional charge, keeping the nervous system locked in the same loop of stress and meaning-making. To truly heal, we must go deeper, to the level where the wound actually lives, the nervous system, the subconscious mind, and the body. These are the modalities I’ve trained in over the years that consistently create deep transformation, and here’s why they work so effectively. Why NLP, EMDR, and Neurodynamic breathwork work so deeply These approaches go beyond cognitive awareness and access the unconscious programming that shapes emotional patterns. Each one works differently, yet all complement one another beautifully. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) NLP works with the language of the subconscious, the imagery, sensations, and internal representations that shape our perception. Rather than analysing a problem, NLP helps rewire how the mind stores and interprets experiences. This allows the emotional charge of a memory to dissolve and be reframed at a deep neurological level. Think of your mind like a computer. When you save a Word document, it asks you to “save as.” The memory works the same way, it’s stored with a tag, a belief, an identity, and a meaning. That tag creates an emotion attached to it. The emotion will remain the same unless you “save it as” something new. By reframing the linguistic and sensory associations, the emotion can transform instantly. We can also think of this visually. The mind stores memories as internal pictures or movies. The emotion attached to that image only exists while the mind continues to replay it in the same way. By altering the sensory details, such as brightness, size, sound, or distance, the emotional charge shifts. You’ve probably experienced this naturally, hearing one particular song instantly brings back a memory and a feeling. Smelling cut grass or a certain perfume does the same. NLP uses this connection intentionally to release emotions without having to relive the pain. It’s safe, fast, and often permanent. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic or emotionally charged memories through bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, tapping, or sound. This activates both hemispheres of the brain, allowing “stuck” memories to move from the limbic system (the emotional brain) to the prefrontal cortex (the rational brain). In essence, EMDR helps the brain finish processing what time never did. You might notice times when you go from 0 to 100 emotionally in seconds, a reaction that feels out of proportion to the moment. That’s because the present event has triggered an old memory still stored with its original emotional intensity. EMDR transforms these “stuck” memories into adapted ones, so you can remember the event without reliving the emotion. In both NLP and EMDR, we can work with two kinds of memories: Suppressed memories, those you consciously push down. Repressed memories, those your unconscious mind has buried to protect you. The latter are almost impossible to access through talk therapy alone. But through modalities that access the subconscious directly, they can be safely brought to awareness and integrated. Neurodynamic breathwork Breathwork accesses the body’s innate intelligence by using specific breathing patterns to release stored emotion, energy, and stress. It bypasses the analytical mind entirely, allowing suppressed emotions and unconscious material to surface and integrate. From both a scientific and spiritual perspective, emotions are energy in motion, vibrations stored within the body. Every thought creates an electrical charge that generates a physical response. Over time, unprocessed emotions become trapped energy. By consciously connecting with the breath, this trapped energy begins to dissolve. Through continuous circular breathing (done safely with a trained facilitator), we enter a state known as hypofrontality, a shift where the analytical mind quiets and the subconscious becomes accessible. In this altered yet deeply conscious state, repressed memories and emotions can surface to be processed and released. Some traditions call this a kundalini activation, breathing through the chakras, awakening awareness, and rebalancing energy through the pineal gland. Whether you view it scientifically or spiritually, the outcome is the same, emotional liberation and clarity. True healing is integration, not avoidance Healing doesn’t come from waiting for time to pass, it comes from giving the body, mind, and nervous system the chance to complete what was once incomplete. If you once had an argument with someone named Peter, and even years later his name still sparks a physical reaction, the emotion remains unhealed. When you eventually see him again, the unfinished energy will resurface until it’s consciously resolved. Time doesn’t heal, it hides. Suppression, repression, and dissociation are not healing, they are forms of avoidance. When we use tools like NLP, EMDR, and Neurodynamic Breathwork, we don’t just cope better. We change the emotional imprint at its source, freeing ourselves from old patterns and creating space for authentic clarity, confidence, and peace. Time may soften the edges, but only deep integrative work truly heals. And remember – if you have been triggered, it’s a gift. The implicit has simply become explicit, ready to be healed. Follow me on Facebook , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Eljin Keeling-Johnson Eljin Keeling-Johnson, Personal Development Coach In 2005, Eljin walked into therapy battling anxiety, depression, and drug addiction. What began as a search for healing became a profound journey of self-discovery. Emerging with a renewed sense of purpose, he dedicated his life to helping others find their true selves and step into their full potential. Over the past 16 years, Eljin has delivered more than 16,000 hours of transformative coaching, blending conscious, subconscious, and unconscious work to create deep, lasting change. As the visionary behind the Alignment Method programme, his mission is simple yet powerful, to help people connect, grow, and thrive.

Written by Lauren Lea Fenn-Ellis, Agency Founder and Fractional COO Lauren Lea Fenn-Ellis, founder and CEO of OBM Associates, leads a globally trusted business management agency. Named one of the Top 10 Disruptive Entrepreneurs, she helps founders scale with clarity, strategy, and operational excellence. Let’s be honest, the noise around AI right now is deafening. Everyone’s talking about the next big tool that promises to revolutionise your business overnight, and while AI can absolutely transform the way you operate, here’s what most people won’t tell you, AI can’t fix what isn’t already working. If your business doesn’t have clear systems, processes, and accountability in place, adding AI won’t make things smoother, it will just expose the cracks faster. This isn't about being anti-AI, it’s about being intentional. When you layer AI on top of strong foundations, that’s when it becomes a true accelerator, not another distraction. AI is having a moment right now. Everywhere you turn, there’s another tool, another headline, another promise to change how we do business. And it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind if you’re not already using it. But the truth is, success with AI isn’t about being the first to adopt every new system. It’s about having a business that’s ready to absorb it. If your data isn’t clean, if roles aren’t clear, or if your processes live only inside your head, no amount of automation will fix that. AI is powerful, but it can only amplify what already exists. Without strong foundations, it doesn’t create freedom, it creates confusion. When your systems are documented, your team understands their roles, and your operations are running smoothly, then AI can truly help you scale. It becomes a tool that supports your growth rather than something that adds to your workload. So before you jump into the latest trend, start with your systems. They’re what make innovation actually work for you, not against you. Fix your foundations first Trying to implement AI without SOPs, documented workflows, or even a clear onboarding process is like trying to build a house on sand. It might stand for a moment, but the second it rains, it all starts to crumble. Let's take onboarding a new team member, for example. AI can absolutely help. It can answer questions, direct people to the right resources, and even walk them through training. But that only works if your business has a knowledge base for it to pull from. Strong systems look like this: Every recurring task has a documented process or checklist. Your project management tool mirrors how your team actually works, not how you wish it worked. There’s one source of truth for SOPs, templates, and client information. Your team can execute confidently without waiting for you to approve every move. AI can't create structure where none exists. It can only enhance what's already there. Automation vs. AI: What's the difference? Automations and AI often get lumped together, but they're not the same thing. Think of automation as the "if this, then that" logic. Tools like Zapier and ClickUp already use it, and platforms like Dubsado are gradually building in more of that functionality (you’ll notice it in forms and workflows). Either way, the goal is the same, to handle the repeatable stuff so you don’t have to. AI, on the other hand, can interpret data, adapt responses, and even learn over time, but only if it has a system to plug into. Automation AI (Artificial Intelligence) Follows the rules you set Can make choices based on data Handles repeatable tasks Handles tasks that change or need judgement Example: sends invoice reminders Example: suggests payment plans or drafts follow-ups Great for saving time Great for improving decisions Example: an automated invoice reminder that goes out three days before a due date? That's automation. An AI finance assistant that follows up with clients, suggests payment plans, and updates your records in real time? That's AI built on top of solid systems. So before you start experimenting with AI tools, ask yourself, “Have you mastered the simple automations that already exist inside your business?” Because most companies haven’t even scratched the surface of what’s possible with the tools they already pay for. The big myth: AI replaces operations Here's the myth I need you to release. AI isn't a shortcut to operational maturity. It won't replace your systems, your team, or your leadership. In fact, the best-performing businesses use AI to enhance what's already working, not to patch what's broken. If your team still comes to you for every answer, AI won't fix that. Systems and training will because AI can replicate knowledge, not leadership. And that's why your operations still need to come first. AI doesn’t replace your COO or your OBM. It supports them. The goal isn’t to remove the human element but to remove the friction. This can only happen when your humans already have clear roles, resources, and systems to work within. How to know if you're ready for AI Before you start exploring AI tools, check your foundations. Here's a quick reflection list to see where you're at: Do you have SOPs (standard operating procedures) for core processes? Are your workflows documented and implemented with automations? Does your team know where to find answers without coming to you? Are you delegating effectively, or are you still the bottleneck? If you answered "no" to a few of these, start there. That's exactly what we help our clients do, build the structure, the systems, and the clarity their business needs to operate without them being the glue. Once those pieces are in place, AI stops being a shiny toy and starts becoming a real growth tool, one that your entire team can use confidently and consistently. AI as a scaling tool, not a starter pack AI isn’t the foundation. It’s the accelerator. You still need the structure beneath it (the systems that keep your business running smoothly) before it can truly make an impact. Once your systems are in place, that's when AI becomes a game-changer, freeing you to focus on the creative, strategic, and visionary parts of your business. Imagine: An AI onboarding assistant that trains new hires using your documented processes. A content repurposing bot that takes your weekly blog and spins it into social media posts. A client experience assistant that personalises follow-ups using your CRM data. That's AI working with your systems, not against them. And the real win? You get to spend less time reacting and more time leading and doing the work that actually grows the business instead of maintaining it. You're not behind: You're building smart If you're still working on your systems, don't let the AI hype make you feel behind. You're not late to the party. You're building the structure that AI needs to truly thrive. Because the real magic happens when your operations run smoothly, your team feels empowered, and you have the freedom to lead, not manage. That's when AI becomes the cherry on top, not the foundation itself. So before you start adding more tools to your tech stack, start with clarity. Get your systems airtight, your team confident, and your operations aligned. When your business runs like clockwork, AI doesn’t replace you, it amplifies you. If this post resonated with you and you want to build a business with solid systems that actually support AI implementation, subscribe to my newsletter . Get actionable advice on creating the clarity, structure, and processes that let you scale without the chaos. Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Lauren Lea Fenn-Ellis Lauren Lea Fenn-Ellis, Agency Founder and Fractional COO Lauren Lea Fenn-Ellis is the founder and CEO of OBM Associates, a globally trusted business management agency supporting high-growth entrepreneurs. With nearly two decades of operational leadership experience, Lauren and her team partner with visionary founders to scale intentionally through strategic systems, high-performing teams, and operations designed for clarity, efficiency, and scale. Named one of the Top 10 Disruptive Entrepreneurs, her work turns operational friction into focused momentum. For founders who are ready to step out of the day-to-day and into confident, sustainable leadership, OBM Associates builds the structure that sets them free.

Written by Rudo Tsvakai Maritsa, Director Rudo Maritsa is the heart and soul behind Everlight Stories, a service dedicated to preserving memories of your deceased loved ones and ensuring each narrative is a true reflection of their legacy. Rudo is a speaker on navigating grief, bringing a message of hope and healing through the preservation of memories. Grief has no borders, yet it is deeply shaped by where we stand when it finds us. For many migrants, loss is not confined to death alone. It is the quiet ache of distance, the disconnection from familiar rituals, and the longing for a home that no longer feels within reach. Migration brings courage and new beginnings, but it also carries invisible goodbyes to people, places, and parts of ourselves we didn’t know we’d lose. When grief strikes far from home, it can feel as though sorrow has no witness, no community that speaks your language of mourning, no neighbour who understands the stories behind your tears. The world keeps moving while your heart lingers elsewhere, caught between the life you left and the one you’re still learning to live. This article explores how migrants can navigate that delicate space, finding ways to honour their grief, rebuild belonging, and carry love across oceans. Because even in unfamiliar soil, remembrance can still take root. Migration is often celebrated as a story of courage, opportunity, and new beginnings. Yet beneath the triumphs of starting over lies a quieter, often invisible emotion, grief. For many migrants, loss is not limited to death. It is the ache of distance, the disconnection from familiar roots, the loss of identity while learning to belong in a new culture. It is mourning without witnesses, grieving in a place where no one knows the depth of your memories, your language of sorrow, or the people who shaped you. As a migrant, the loss is more than loved ones, it is the loss of community, friends, mentors, neighbours, and teachers, along with the social norms and traditions that once gave life meaning. These feelings are often compounded by unsupportive relatives who question the decision to leave, or by the rising anti-immigrant sentiment that makes belonging feel even harder. As Dr Pauline Baleta of Vision Psychology Brisbane observes, “People often see migration as a journey of opportunity and resilience, yet beneath it lies the grief of all that has been left behind.” Migrants grieve not only people but also places, identities, and parts of themselves that once defined who they were, a sorrow rarely named or understood. The evolving terrain of belonging Leaving one’s home country means leaving behind the comfort of shared language, familiar rituals, and people who understand your history without explanation. In a new land, even the simple act of remembering can feel lonely. There is no neighbour who knows your grandmother’s laughter, no community that recognises the song your father used to hum on his way home from work. In one’s homeland, grief is shared. Neighbours bring food, relatives gather, songs are sung, and stories of the departed are told with tenderness. Even silence carries meaning, a collective stillness that holds the weight of love and loss. For migrants, however, grief often unfolds in isolation. Funerals are watched through phone screens, memorials happen in different time zones, and goodbyes are whispered to the wind rather than to a gathered crowd. Even when the rare chance to return home arises, mourning feels rushed, shaped by the urgency of others to move through the rituals quickly. Flights must be booked, work must be arranged, and bags must be packed. You arrive barely in time to stand at the graveside, breathless from the journey, holding back tears because there is no time to pause. Before the heart catches up to the loss, it’s already time to leave again. The world does not stop because you are grieving. Life demands a return to normalcy, to work, responsibilities, and resilience, even when the soul is still raw. The rituals that once provided comfort, the prayers, songs, or shared silences, feel out of reach, leaving grief suspended between two worlds. Invisible losses no one talks about Psychologist Dr Pauline Boss coined the term ambiguous loss to describe mourning that lacks closure, when someone or something is gone but not entirely absent. Migrants live with this ambiguity daily. It’s the ache of not being there when parents grow old, of missing milestones like weddings and birthdays, and of the smell of your childhood kitchen. It’s the slow realisation that you’re grieving a version of yourself that belonged fully somewhere before the accent changed, before assimilation reshaped your identity. Ambiguous loss is constant in migration. What was once familiar becomes foreign, and what once defined you begins to fade. Identity must be rebuilt from fragments, and parts that no longer fit are quietly tucked away or completely erased. While the world applauds your bravery and success, it seldom sees the invisible labour behind it, the mourning of what was lost without ceremony, and the quiet reconstruction of self that happens just to belong. The mother who once parented in the warmth of an extended family now does so in solitude. The son who once cared for ageing parents now watches their decline through video calls. The migrant heart lives in two worlds, anchored to both, fully belonging to neither. When grief goes unseen Grief that is not recognised or understood can become disenfranchised, the kind of sorrow that society fails to validate. Migrants often experience this invisibility when their pain doesn’t fit the cultural norms of their host country. Expressions of grief may be perceived as “too emotional,” or met with well-meaning but dismissive phrases like “Stay strong,” or “You’ll make new memories.” Yet such responses erase the depth of what has been lost, not just a person, but an entire world of belonging. Without communal support, grief can become internalised, carried silently, and expressed only in private spaces like the kitchen or during sleepless nights. But private grief longs for witnesses. It seeks recognition, understanding, and compassion. The healing power of storytelling Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to bridge the distance between worlds. When migrants share their stories of loss, love, and resilience, they reclaim the parts of themselves that geography cannot erase. Writing, recording, or speaking about a loved one transforms grief into legacy. It gives shape to pain and honours the people and places left behind. Research shows that narrative expression helps people process grief by finding meaning in it. For migrants, storytelling builds continuity, a bridge between what was and what is. It helps restore connection to roots while affirming the new chapters being written. At Everlight Stories, we often witness how telling a story brings healing, how words can turn ache into remembrance, and remembrance into peace. When grief has no witness, storytelling becomes one.   Creating new rituals in a new land Rituals of remembrance need not be grand to be meaningful. Lighting a candle, cooking a family recipe, or planting a tree can root memory in new soil. Such acts anchor the migrant heart, connecting it to both past and present. Some families have begun creating memory books or keepsake projects that blend heritage with new experiences, gentle reminders that “Even far from home, our love still lives here.” By honouring grief through creativity, community, and storytelling, migrants can transform sorrow into connection, keeping their stories alive in spaces that might otherwise forget them. If you’d like to begin crafting your loved one’s story, visit   our website   to start your journey of remembrance. Building culturally sensitive support systems For professionals and organisations supporting migrant communities, understanding cultural grief is essential. Mourning looks different across cultures, in language, ritual, and expression, and acknowledging these differences can make healing possible. Offering inclusive spaces for storytelling, remembrance, and community connection allows migrants to process loss authentically. At Everlight Stories, we create such spaces through our Everlight Gatherings. Check our Facebook and Instagram pages for the next event and follow us for updates. Grief cannot be standardised. It must be honoured in the context of each person’s roots and beliefs. When we create spaces that welcome diverse forms of mourning, we give permission for people to grieve fully, without apology, without translation. Finding witnesses in new places Healing begins when grief finds a witness. This might mean joining cultural associations, faith-based groups, or community gatherings where shared experiences are understood. It may also mean connecting with others through storytelling circles or creative workshops that honour heritage.   When others listen with empathy, they become companions on the road to healing, proof that even in a foreign land, sorrow can be shared, and compassion can still bloom. Conclusion: Carrying love across oceans Migration is an act of courage, but courage does not erase pain. For many migrants, grief is a quiet companion that walks beside them as they rebuild their lives in unfamiliar places. Yet within that grief lies strength, the ability to carry love, memory, and legacy across oceans. To mourn in a place that does not know your story is to plant seeds of remembrance in unfamiliar soil. In time, those stories take root, quietly reminding us that home is not always a place. It is the love we carry forward, wherever life may lead. In fact, research increasingly shows that narrative expression, writing, recording, or sharing personal experiences, supports healing by helping people make sense of their grief. For migrants, it becomes a way to build continuity, a bridge between what was and what is. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Rudo Tsvakai Maritsa Rudo Tsvakai Maritsa, Director Rudo Maritsa transformed her personal loss into a powerful mission to help others preserve the memories of their loved ones through beautifully crafted narrative books. Rudo began her journey after a gut-wrenching experience of losing her 13-year-old son to brain cancer. This profound and life-changing experience ignited a passion for preserving memories, helping others find peace and connection in the enduring stories of those who are dear to their hearts. As Director of Everlight Stories, Rudo is on a mission to ensure the legacies of loved ones continue to inspire and comfort future generations. At Everlight Stories, their motto is "Let's keep the light of our memories shining bright!"

Written by   Sam Mishra, The Medical Massage Lady Sam Mishra (The Medical Massage Lady) is a multi-award-winning massage therapist, aromatherapist, accredited course tutor, oncology and lymphatic practitioner, trauma practitioner, breathwork facilitator, reiki and intuitive energy healer, transformational and spiritual coach, and hypnotherapist. The human spirit possesses an extraordinary capacity to transform pain into purpose, wounds into wisdom, and survival into service. My life story is proof that our deepest struggles can become the foundation for our greatest contributions to the world. My journey through domestic abuse, sexual assault, chronic pain, complicated grief, and mental health challenges has been anything but linear, but it has shaped me into someone who can offer hope to others walking similar paths. As The Medical Massage Lady, my voice stands out not through its magnitude but through honesty. My work, spanning podcasting, workshops, guides, and community outreach, is built on a foundation of both medical expertise and lived experience. A nurse and midwife by training, I carry with me not only clinical knowledge but also a life marked by profound adversity: childhood disability, abuse, chronic pain, depression, PTSD, and complicated grief. It is from this tapestry of hardship that I have woven a career dedicated to understanding, educating, and above all, healing. While known for my trauma work, my practice cannot be neatly defined by a single word. When I look back at my journey, it is not the victories that shaped me the most, it is the challenges. Growing up in a dysfunctional family dynamic, I learned early how to keep going when resources were scarce and how to hold on to hope even when circumstances seemed stacked against me. That foundation of resilience carried me through school, through a career in the NHS, and ultimately into entrepreneurship as the founder of The Medical Massage Lady, whose mission is helping people reclaim their power. My services are tied to confidence, relationships, health, and the future. When we do not understand, or worse, when we have been told we are not capable of handling life, it can hold us back for years. My mission is to break those cycles and show clients that emotional stability and generational trauma recognition are within reach. In those moments in life when the weight of pain feels too much for words, sometimes all it takes is a hand on your shoulder, a touch that says you are not alone. Healing often begins not with medicine but with care that reaches deeper than the physical. I did not reach this understanding from text or training manuals alone. It came from years spent on hospital wards, from nights supporting women in labour, and from a personal journey marked by both love and unimaginable loss. My story is one of resilience, of finding a way to keep caring even when my own world fell apart. I never grew up with ambition or the thought of becoming a leader. As a child, I was shy, introverted, and often experienced social anxiety, which I still do to this day. It was only in recent years that the impact of childhood became clear. Growing up without a father and with a narcissistic mother meant there was no affection, no words of love or pride, and constant dismissal of opinions. Being deprived of this support had a huge effect on my self-confidence and almost certainly shaped my early relationships. Growing up with a narcissistic parent and another absent, followed by an abusive marriage, left me without a sense of identity. My self-esteem was severely diminished, and confidence in my own judgment became fragile. Messages that I would never achieve anything, that my opinion carried no value, and that no one would want me, shaped much of my twenties and thirties. Although academically strong, I struggled with anxiety and my introverted nature. Now, at forty-nine years old, I have lived with depression for over three decades and with complex PTSD for at least two. These conditions affect my short-term memory, making tasks such as writing articles or teaching far more difficult, even though the knowledge remains. When I faced my own personal battles, chronic pain, childhood disability, grief, and mental health struggles, I never imagined that these experiences would lay the foundation for a transformative career in holistic therapy. Yet, it was precisely these adversities that motivated me to revolutionise therapeutic practices, blending medical knowledge with compassionate care to offer healing not only for the body but also for the soul. Today, my business is a beacon of hope for those who have long been underserved by traditional healthcare approaches. Alongside my broad medical background in nursing and midwifery, I have expanded my massage credentials to encompass aromatherapy, oncology, trauma, Reiki, hypnosis, breathwork, and more. However, my desire to offer a fresh perspective on holistic treatment was born out of my own struggles with chronic pain and trauma. Serving marginalised populations, including children with cerebral palsy, trauma survivors, those with mental health issues, and those having gender reassignment surgery, has become an integral part of my work as a multi-award-winning educator and therapist. My early career in resilience My path to healthcare was not straightforward. After school, I was uncertain about my future. Catering and art both crossed my mind, but life steered me toward occupational therapy. I stayed for two terms before realising my heart lay elsewhere. I wanted to be treating people, not just spending most of my time in assessment. That choice led me to nursing and later midwifery, where women’s health became a field that held my attention. Though officially diagnosed with depression at nineteen, its shadow had been cast across my teenage years, unacknowledged. The diagnosis came during my nursing training, coinciding with my first nervous breakdown and self-harm, in a world that seemed to move forward while I stood still. The shame of mental illness in healthcare was palpable; I could not tell anyone what I was experiencing or reach out for the support that I desperately needed. That breakdown not only forced me out of nursing temporarily but also imparted an important lesson in perseverance. When one path closes, we must find another. I enrolled in a massage course, thinking I was abandoning my medical aspirations forever. Yet, life has a way of weaving seemingly disconnected threads into a meaningful tapestry. I eventually completed my nursing degree, worked as a surgical nurse, and then discovered my true calling in women’s health through midwifery. For three years, I helped bring new life into the world, witnessing the raw power and vulnerability of birth. It was meaningful work that filled my soul, but life had other plans. I married, and after three unsuccessful pregnancies, had two children, one of whom was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Daily routines, the family dynamic, and my career trajectory all changed. Personal adversity and strength The difficult dynamic that I grew up in led to me marrying young in a bid to escape, but behind the façade of a functioning family, a darker reality was unfolding. Believing that marriage would provide protection and care, I instead faced nine years of abuse of every kind, feeling unable to leave despite knowing that life was not meant to be this way. My hopes of finding support and love had become a prison of abuse, although the realisation that it was abuse only came later. After enduring three unsuccessful pregnancies, the arrival of two children finally gave me the strength to walk away, especially when neglect began to affect them. I had endured every type of abuse imaginable while trying to protect my children from the same fate. The isolation was suffocating, nobody knew what was happening behind closed doors. I was too scared to tell anyone, too busy trying to process the reality of my situation to reach out for help. When I witnessed neglect towards my children, I knew I had to act. The courage to leave an abusive relationship is not a single moment of bravery, it is a series of small, terrifying steps towards freedom, each one requiring you to choose hope over fear. My career, however, also shifted when my daughter was diagnosed with a disability. I stepped away, planning only a short pause. One year turned into nine as I devoted myself entirely to my children, and then came the heartbreak no parent should endure, I lost them. The grief left me in darkness for years. After sitting on my floor one night, ready to end it all, I knew I had to get out of the reclusive phase I was in. I left midwifery shortly after my daughter’s diagnosis, thinking I would take a year to manage appointments and get our new reality under control. That year stretched into nine years of being a full-time carer to my two children, navigating the complex world of disability services while simultaneously fighting lengthy legal proceedings with my ex-husband. The legal system, which should have been a source of protection and justice, became another source of trauma. I watched in horror as professionals who were supposed to be objective advocates for children’s welfare were manipulated by someone who had spent years perfecting the art of deception. The very systems designed to protect domestic abuse victims and their children failed us spectacularly. However, personal healing had not yet begun, and another marriage followed five years later. That union was short-lived and ended, coinciding with the devastating loss of both children, altering life forever. The depression that had started in my teenage years and was formally diagnosed at nineteen after a nervous breakdown and self-harm, escalated further. The trauma from my upbringing, compounded by abuse and later the loss of my children, deepened into complex PTSD and prolonged grief that continues to this day. A second nervous breakdown brought thoughts of ending life, with no clear path forward. Ten years ago, I lost my children through this broken system, a loss that defies description and understanding. Complicated grief settled into my bones like a chronic illness, exacerbating the CPTSD that stemmed from both my childhood and my abusive marriage. The suicidal ideation was not just about wanting to escape pain; it was about feeling completely disconnected from any sense of purpose or hope. For four years, I became a recluse. My sofa became my world, and drawing became my lifeline, the only way I could process emotions too big for words. These were not lost years; they were necessary years, a cocoon period where I had to completely break down before I could rebuild. My own struggles with chronic pain and complex grief deeply shaped my understanding of the healing process. By channelling my experiences into my work, I was able to use these obstacles as motivation. My drive to help others was inspired by deep empathy for those who faced similar struggles. I use my own past to fuel my work and give others a chance at healing. The adversity I have faced made me more determined to break down barriers in healthcare. This personal commitment led to the creation of a range of therapeutic services that are rooted in both professional expertise and lived experience. By being open and vulnerable about my own challenges, I have built a therapeutic space where clients can feel seen and heard, breaking down stigmas in a society that often feels uncomfortable discussing trauma and mental health. Time to evolve through resilience Going through such pain with little to no support would either destroy or transform a person. I am still not sure to this day how I did it, but I found a way to rise. The poem ‘Still I Rise’ by Maya Angelou became a source of motivation. “Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops, weakened by my soulful cries? You may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I will rise.” The truth that I did not come to realise until recently is that every feeling you have ever had, even the messy ones, carries a message. Rather than being a sign of weakness, your emotions are a window into your inner strength. Every emotion can be reframed. Joy and sadness give you the gift of empathy. Anxiety and excitement give you an instinct for growth. Anger and compassion give you the power to protect. Guilt and forgiveness give you the strength to heal. Peace and uncertainty make you resilient, giving you the capacity to adapt. Rather than being issues that need fixing, your emotions can be resources that help you transform, regulate, and be resilient. During this delicate stage of rebuilding, it was something from my past that offered a way forward. Years earlier, while on a break from nursing, I had taken a massage course. At the time, it was simply to keep my mind active, but the knowledge stayed with me. Returning to nursing proved far harder than expected after so much time away. The turning point came through a conversation with a friend who mentioned sports massage, a lightbulb moment that connected my past training with my present needs. I remembered how massage had helped my daughter with her cerebral palsy, easing the spasticity in her muscles, relaxing her bowel, and providing comfort during difficult times. So I chose another path, using massage as a bridge between my medical background and my desire to help people. I registered for a sports therapy course. It felt like coming home to myself, a way to use my medical knowledge and training while honouring the journey I had been on. It was more than simply getting my career back on track. Returning to massage allowed me to rediscover who I am, a healer. My brief stint working for a franchise opened my eyes to the massage industry’s significant shortcomings, inadequate training systems, low standards, and most therapists had no understanding of trauma or how to work with survivors. The level of care that clients were entitled to was falling short. Two-thirds of clients were coming in with medical issues or sports injuries. It was not just pampering anymore. People needed more, and they deserved more. Soon, clients began asking specifically for “the medical lady.” They trusted my expertise, and I could see the difference my approach was making. That was when I knew I had to create something of my own. I also had to confront my own biggest physical trigger, being touched around my neck, which I overcame through massage and the realisation that healing does not always come from textbooks, but from genuine human connection. The experience crystallised my determination to offer support for women who had been through similar experiences. The determination to work with trauma, domestic abuse, and childhood disability came from lived experience, coupled with a strong foundation in medical training. Choosing self-employment through massage therapy created space to work in areas that mainstream spas and franchises would not allow. Over time, this independence enabled training in chosen fields and building a professional identity rooted in authenticity. Unlike many, I did not wish to present a purely formal or detached professional front. By being open about personal trauma and struggles, I became more relatable, creating an environment where clients could trust and connect. This made therapy more accessible to those who needed it most. I built my practice around the belief that massage could be more than a luxury. It could be a form of meaningful care. When the pandemic gave me unexpected time, I used it to write training manuals. My goal was clear, to give therapists the depth of knowledge they needed to adapt treatments safely and effectively, no matter the client’s condition. In February 2020, I took the leap into self-employment, a decision based on creating the kind of practice I wished had existed when I needed it most, integrating my medical knowledge with specialised massage services. In the beginning, my work centred mainly on massage and the application of medical experience. Over time, that focus expanded into a much wider holistic practice, including breathwork, hypnosis, transformation coaching, Reiki, aromatherapy, and a range of other treatments. I also conduct workshops, with trauma healing and transformation coaching emerging as a central part of my work. Various motivating forces continue to guide and inspire this path. My oncology training was transformative in unexpected ways, teaching me a gentler approach to bodywork that does not overstimulate the nervous system and steering me towards breathwork, another powerful tool for releasing trauma buried in the subconscious. The breath is our most immediate connection to the present moment and our most accessible tool for nervous system regulation, exactly what trauma survivors need. This realisation led to the development of my trauma massage technique, adapted from oncology principles. Trauma survivors are often stuck in survival mode, their nervous systems dysregulated and easily overwhelmed, and so require a calming approach. Further training with renowned trauma experts deepened my understanding of how trauma lives in the body, and Gabor Mate’s work on trauma resonated deeply with my own experiences. I expanded my toolkit to include vagus nerve toning, breathwork, regression Reiki to address trauma at its energetic roots, hypnotherapy for deeper subconscious healing, and transformative workshops. As my reputation for trauma work grew, I began collaborating with local charities, domestic abuse services, rape crisis centres, and mental health organisations. Overwhelming need created long waiting lists for counselling services, leaving survivors in limbo during their most vulnerable time. Having navigated my trauma with virtually no support, I felt a deep responsibility to ensure other women would not face the same isolation. So many times, clients say to me, “I wish someone would have told me this sooner,” and this is why education is the focal point of everything that I do. Business is about creating a foundation for growth, not merely services on a daily basis. When you have clarity, you walk differently. New opportunities present themselves that you were not previously aware of. If there is one lesson I have learned, it is that wealth is not just about money, it is about mindset and habits. You do not need to have it all figured out to start building. Small, consistent steps compound over time, and I may not have believed that back then, but I certainly do now. Follow me on  Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Sam Mishra Sam Mishra, The Medical Massage Lady Sam Mishra (The Medical Massage Lady), is a multi-award winning massage therapist, aromatherapist, accredited course tutor, oncology and lymphatic practitioner, trauma practitioner, breathwork facilitator, reiki and intuitive energy healer, transformational and spiritual coach and hypnotherapist. Her medical background as a nurse and a midwife, combined with her own experiences of childhood disability and abuse, has resulted in a diverse and specialised service, but she is mostly known for her trauma work. She is motivated by the adversity she has faced, using it as a driving force in her charity work and in offering the vulnerable a means of support. Her aim is to educate about medical conditions using easily understood language, to avoid inappropriate treatments being carried out, and for health promotion purposes in the general public. She is also becoming known for challenging the stigmas in our society and pushing through the boundaries that have been set by such stigmas within the massage industry.

Written by Danielle Hall, Functional Medicine Practitioner Danielle Hall is an expert in women's health and the founder of Bodhi Method - a private Functional Medicine practice dedicated to helping women restore balance and reconnect with their mind-body relationship. Change is constant, arriving quietly or with force. We cannot choose its timing, but we can choose our response. Growth is a decision. It calls for active engagement, self-awareness, and the courage to face yourself. You can resist change, seek comfort in the familiar, or face it directly with open hands, curiosity, and courage. Too often, we drift on autopilot, letting life happen to us instead of through us. Transformation begins when you claim your path, when you remember you are the author of your experience. Choosing to lean in When you adopt change, you step into your power and affirm, “I trust myself enough to face the unknown.” This growth is not about perfection or certainty. It is about intent, the willingness to examine the patterns, habits, and stories that restrain you, those subtle blind spots that obscure your potential. Leaning into change helps align mind, body, and spirit, and brings you back to your truest self. The beauty of resistance Do not fear resistance, honor it. Resistance is life’s way of sculpting you, asking you to delve deeper, breathe slower, and rise higher. Discomfort, uncertainty, and moments that test your patience are all part of the process. When you apply intentional resistance, actively setting challenges for yourself through discipline, focus, or committed goals, you spark adaptation. You begin to expand, growing stronger in response to the pressures you face. You learn to meet pressure not with fear but with grace and steadfast determination. That is where your power is reborn. Reflection and realignment Ask yourself: Where am I resisting what is trying to grow me? What areas need more intentional resistance, offered from love, not force? How can I meet pressure with faith, focus, and softness together? Because growth is not about striving, it is about allowing. Growth is repeatedly showing up for yourself in the process of becoming. It means greeting change with openness and trusting that each step, even the uncertain ones, guides you back to alignment. When you meet life with presence and intention, you shift from surviving to expanding. Change will always come, but it is your willingness to grow through it that transforms everything. Follow me on Instagram and visit my website for more info! Read more from Danielle Hall Danielle Hall, Functional Medicine Practitioner Danielle Hall is a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and Women's Health Coach. Danielle began her career in the fitness industry as a personal trainer, inspired by her own struggles with an eating disorder and depression during her teenage years. Exercise and holistic health became her path to developing a stronger mind-body connection and greater self-awareness, igniting her desire to help other women transform their health.

In today’s landscape, the strongest brands aren’t just built on visuals or messaging, they’re built on people. Katie Smetherman Holmes, Master Brand Strategist, CEO & Founder of Brand Studio Creative, and Executive Contributor for Brainz Magazine, shares her perspective on how mentorship and leadership development can become powerful strategy tools.   From promoting internal alignment to building authentic brand ambassadors, Katie reveals how coaching emerging leaders helps businesses grow from the inside out. Katie, why do you believe mentorship is so essential for modern brand strategy? I’ve always believed that a brand’s strength mirrors the people behind it. When leaders invest in mentorship, they’re not just developing individuals, they’re nurturing culture, creativity, and long-term vision. Mentorship creates alignment between personal purpose and brand purpose. When your team feels empowered to lead, think strategically, and make decisions that reflect the brand's values, your business becomes more consistent and trustworthy in the market. It’s one of the most authentic forms of brand building.   How does coaching emerging leaders directly impact brand growth and strategy? Emerging leaders are often the pulse of innovation. Coaching them allows brands to harness new perspectives, creativity, and adaptability, all of which are essential for growth. I like to think of it this way. Every emerging leader you mentor becomes an extension of your brand voice. They carry your messages, values, and energy into every client conversation, meeting, or project. That ripple effect builds brand consistency and emotional connection far beyond what any marketing campaign could achieve. When your team embodies the strategy, your brand evolves organically, with purpose and momentum. What’s one mistake you often see brands make when it comes to leadership development? Many brands focus heavily on external perception and forget that brand integrity starts internally. You can’t have a strong external brand without strong internal alignment. If your emerging leaders don’t feel seen, supported, or empowered, the disconnect shows in communication, decision-making, and even client experience. True brand strategy isn’t just about visuals and messaging, it’s about creating an ecosystem where leadership and culture reinforce your mission every single day.   What advice would you give to entrepreneurs or business owners who want to begin mentoring their teams? Start with empathy and curiosity. Ask your team what they need to feel more confident, creative, and aligned with the brand vision. Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal, it can look like open office hours, collaborative brainstorms, or guided reflection sessions. And remember, mentorship is reciprocal. You’ll often find that your emerging leaders challenge you to see things differently, helping your brand stay relevant and connected to evolving markets. That’s the magic of it, it’s growth on both sides. The more you empower others to lead, the more your brand evolves into something dynamic, resilient, and deeply human.   How can mentorship contribute to a more purpose-driven brand identity? Purpose-driven brands lead with intention, and mentorship is one of the purest expressions of that. It’s about building others up, creating impact, and ensuring that your brand’s purpose outlives you. When you mentor with authenticity, you’re reinforcing the emotional fabric of your brand. You’re showing that your company doesn’t just exist to sell, it exists to empower, connect, and lead with heart. That’s what today’s audiences crave. People want to support brands that invest in people, not just profit, and mentorship is one of the clearest ways to embody that purpose.   Finally, what’s one key takeaway you want leaders to remember about mentorship and brand growth? That mentorship isn't just a “nice-to-have” tool, it’s a growth strategy. Coaching your emerging leaders is how you future-proof your brand. When people feel invested in, they show up with more passion, creativity, and ownership, and that energy translates directly into stronger brand loyalty and sustainable success. It’s the bridge between vision and longevity, because when leadership development becomes part of your brand NDA, you’re not just building a business, you’re cultivating a legacy. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn   for more info! Read more from Katie Smetherman Holmes

Written by Audace Rafiki Muhoza, Personal Trainer With over 5 years of experience coaching high-performing professionals, AM Culture founder and executive coach Audace Muhoza shares proven strategies for ambitious men and women who want to build strength, boost energy, and stay lean, without sacrificing their careers, social lives, or sanity. What if your greatest leadership advantage isn’t your title, experience, or strategy but your self-discipline? Many leaders chase productivity systems and mental frameworks, yet overlook the physical foundation that makes them sustainable. In this article, you’ll discover why training your body isn’t just a wellness choice. It’s the hidden engine behind clarity, consistency, and authority in leadership. True influence starts from within, and it begins with how you move, recover, and lead yourself. Why leadership starts with the body, not the boardroom True leadership is less about authority and more about influence, energy, and consistency. The best leaders don’t just manage teams, they manage themselves. Through structured fitness routines, they build the discipline, vitality, and mental sharpness that define high-performance decision-making. As I shared in my previous Brainz article, Why Your Energy Is Your Edge , energy isn’t a by-product of success. It’s the driver of it. The link between physical conditioning and leadership performance Modern neuroscience and performance psychology confirm what many elite performers already know, physical training enhances emotional regulation, focus, and resilience. Structured strength and conditioning builds more than muscle. It cultivates neurological resilience, the ability to stay calm, confident, and creative under pressure. Here’s how fitness mirrors leadership: Discipline: Regular training reinforces reliability and self-trust, cornerstones of effective leadership. Vitality: Increased energy boosts presence and the capacity to inspire others. Self-leadership: Those who command their body can command a room. Why fitness is the foundation of leadership consistency Inconsistency kills credibility. Leaders who neglect their health eventually experience burnout, cognitive fatigue, and emotional volatility, all of which erode influence. High-performing executives who commit to fitness routines gain the one advantage that cannot be delegated, sustainable energy. At AM Culture, I coach professionals to treat fitness as a leadership system. When energy and structure are aligned, leaders operate from control, not chaos. For a deeper dive on maintaining consistency, explore Brainz’s feature on The Science of Sustainable Habits . The AM Culture framework for leading from within Pillar What it builds Why it matters Strength Physical presence & resilience Leadership requires endurance under pressure Conditioning Energy systems & focus High performers think clearly and recover faster Recovery Reflection & restoration Prevents burnout and maintains clarity Accountability Integrity & reliability Consistency builds trust in leadership When fitness becomes part of your identity, discipline becomes effortless, and leadership becomes magnetic. The inner shift: From managing people to mastering yourself True leaders don’t just direct others. They direct their own state. Training builds more than physical strength. Each rep, each run, is a micro-rehearsal in emotional control, patience, and follow-through. This inner leadership is what sustains performance when external motivation fades. As Brainz contributor Dr. Karen Doll writes, “self-leadership is the foundation of psychological safety and team trust.” Fitness trains that mindset daily. Practical ways to align fitness and leadership Treat workouts like meetings, non-negotiable appointments with your best self. Use training to practice leadership: focus, adaptability, and calm under stress. Track recovery metrics (sleep, HRV, nutrition) for data-driven resilience. Begin each day with one act of physical discipline, it sets the tone for the day’s decisions. Small actions compound. The same habits that build your physique also build your influence. From self-mastery to impact When your energy, discipline, and focus align, leadership becomes natural. Fitness is not separate from leadership. It’s the system that sustains it. The more you master your physiology, the more effortlessly you lead others. To learn more about building high-performance habits, visit AM Culture . Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Audace Rafiki Muhoza Audace Rafiki Muhoza, Personal Trainer Audace Muhoza is the founder of AM Culture, a high-performance coaching brand for ambitious professionals who want to look, feel, and perform at their best, without burning out or giving up the life they enjoy. With over 5 years of experience, he specialises in efficient, results-driven training that fits around busy schedules. His coaching blends science-backed methods with real-world practicality. When he's not coaching clients, Audace shares insights to help driven men and women unlock unmatched strength, energy, and confidence. Follow his work for no-fluff advice that actually fits your lifestyle.

Written by Jessica Townsend, Neurofeedback Clinician Jessica Townsend is a neurofeedback practitioner specializing in qEEG-guided brain mapping to optimize brain function, support emotional regulation, and promote cognitive balance. Behind the walls of correctional facilities lies an overlooked opportunity for transformation. Advances in neuroscience now allow professionals to understand and even retrain the brain patterns that contribute to impulsivity and poor decision-making. Neurofeedback, an evidence-based intervention grounded in brainwave regulation, is helping incarcerated individuals rebuild cognitive control and emotional balance from the inside out. Understanding the neural roots of dysregulation Research in cognitive neuroscience has long connected the prefrontal cortex to executive functions such as impulse control, emotional regulation, and judgment. When this region is underactive or dysregulated, people are more prone to acting without thinking, struggling with empathy, and repeating harmful behaviors. For many incarcerated individuals, these deficits are not rooted solely in willful misconduct but in measurable disruptions of neural function. Studies by neuroscientists Michael Koenigs and Joseph Newman have shown that damage or dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex can impair moral reasoning and foresight. Behavior often labeled as defiant or antisocial may actually reflect a neurological imbalance. When viewed through this lens, rehabilitation becomes not only a matter of psychological support but also of neurological restoration. The science behind neurofeedback Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach individuals how to self-regulate. By measuring electrical patterns through quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG), clinicians can identify irregularities in the brain’s communication patterns and help clients train their brains toward optimal functioning. In practice, this involves placing sensors on the scalp that record brainwave activity while the individual engages in computer-based tasks. When the brain produces desired patterns, such as increased focus or calm, the system provides positive feedback through visual or auditory cues. Over time, the brain learns to sustain these healthier patterns naturally. For incarcerated populations, this technology offers a unique advantage. It is noninvasive, measurable, and deeply personalized. Each training session targets specific brainwave frequencies associated with impulse control, attention, and decision-making. The result is a gradual strengthening of neural pathways that support prosocial behavior and emotional balance. Why incarcerated populations benefit from neurofeedback Many individuals in correctional settings present with trauma histories, substance use disorders, or developmental challenges that have altered brain function. Traditional talk therapy alone may not fully address the neurobiological factors driving impulsivity or aggression. Neurofeedback bridges that gap by working directly with the brain’s regulatory systems. Through consistent sessions, participants often report clearer thinking, fewer emotional outbursts, and an increased ability to pause before reacting. These self-reported changes are supported by measurable shifts in qEEG data, showing improved balance between slower theta waves and faster beta waves, a sign of greater prefrontal stability. Moreover, the experience of seeing one’s brain improve on a screen can be profoundly empowering. In an environment where control is often stripped away, neurofeedback provides tangible evidence that change is possible from within. It aligns with trauma-informed principles of safety, collaboration, and empowerment while fostering accountability and self-awareness. Integrating cognitive-behavioral strategies While neurofeedback trains the brain, cognitive-behavioral techniques help translate those neural gains into practical skills. When paired together, these approaches form a powerful synergy. Participants learn to recognize emotional triggers, apply self-calming strategies, and make deliberate choices in moments of stress. This integration ensures that progress extends beyond the training room. A participant who learns to regulate neural activity associated with anger, for instance, can apply that self-regulation when communicating with staff or peers. The combined approach of neurofeedback and cognitive-behavioral training turns abstract neuroscience into lived rehabilitation. Evidence of change Emerging studies within correctional and clinical settings have demonstrated promising outcomes. Quantitative analyses reveal that individuals who complete neurofeedback programs often show reductions in impulsivity scores and improvements in executive functioning. Follow-up assessments indicate better participation in rehabilitation programs and fewer disciplinary infractions. Qualitative feedback from both participants and correctional staff adds human depth to these findings. Participants describe greater emotional awareness and the ability to pause and think, while staff report calmer behavior and more consistent engagement. These observations suggest that neurofeedback not only supports neural healing but also strengthens the therapeutic alliance between participants and professionals. Ethical considerations and implementation Bringing neurofeedback into correctional environments requires careful ethical planning. Informed consent must be clear and ongoing, ensuring that participation is voluntary and free of coercion. Confidentiality is paramount, as is cultural sensitivity in explaining procedures and interpreting results. Programs must also provide equal access across demographics, maintaining fairness regardless of gender, ethnicity, or offense type. Collaboration among neuroscientists, mental health professionals, and correctional administrators is essential to preserve participant dignity while maximizing the intervention’s effectiveness. The broader implications for rehabilitation If the brain can change, so can behavior. This simple truth reframes rehabilitation as a process of neuroplasticity rather than punishment. By addressing the biological roots of poor decision-making, neurofeedback aligns with a more humane, science-based model of justice, one that prioritizes healing and long-term societal safety. Facilities implementing qEEG-guided neurofeedback have the opportunity to move beyond behavioral management toward genuine transformation. When self-regulation improves, the ripple effects touch every level of the system, reducing infractions, improving staff morale, and achieving better outcomes after release. Moving forward Future research should explore long-term outcomes, including whether neurofeedback-based interventions reduce recidivism after release. Large-scale trials across multiple facilities could refine protocols, identify which individuals benefit most, and evaluate cost-effectiveness. Continued investment in training and technology will be key to making this approach sustainable. Partnerships with universities and mental health agencies can support ongoing supervision, data collection, and innovation. Each advancement brings us closer to integrating neuroscience into standard correctional care. A call to rethink rehabilitation The evidence is clear. Neurofeedback offers a window into the mind’s capacity for change. Restoring prefrontal regulation and decision-making ability gives incarcerated individuals a second chance at self-control and self-awareness. For professionals working in corrections or behavioral health, it challenges the field to expand its understanding of rehabilitation, not as a moral correction but as a biological and psychological rebalancing. If you are a practitioner, policymaker, or advocate interested in exploring how neurofeedback can enhance rehabilitation and public safety, consider connecting with a certified provider or research initiative in your area. Transformation begins with understanding the brain. Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Jessica Townsend Jessica Townsend, Neurofeedback Clinician Jessica Townsend blends eight years of mental-health experience with expertise in qEEG-guided neurofeedback to help others ascend to higher levels of focus, regulation, and performance. Through advanced brain mapping and evidence-based training, she empowers individuals to strengthen self-awareness and reach their peak potential.

Written by Mahvish Hasan, Heaven on Earth Strategist Mavi Hasan is a Reiki Master, Breathwork Facilitator, and Soul Strategy Guide. Through her brand Amor by MaviB, she helps individuals heal from trauma, release emotional blockages, and embody higher consciousness. Her mission is to guide humanity in remembering Heaven within, one heart at a time. In a world driven by speed and noise, the mature woman leads not through force but through frequency. Mavi Hasan shares how divine feminine leadership anchors peace amid chaos. The return of the woman who remembers Across the world, something ancient is stirring in women. We are remembering who we are, not the role we were told to play, but the frequency we came to embody. In a time when chaos, polarity, and uncertainty seem louder than peace, a new form of leadership is rising. It’s not about leadership based on hierarchy, dominance, or perfection. It’s the leadership of energetic maturity where the woman leads through vibration, intuition, and grounded love. The divine feminine is not here to compete with the masculine. She’s here to heal the imbalance within both. Her power is not in control but in coherence, in her ability to stay centered when the world is spinning, to choose softness where others choose armor, and to return again and again to truth when ego tries to make her forget. What it means to lead the frequency To “lead the frequency” means to lead through energy before words, through presence before performance. It means realizing that your energy teaches louder than your mouth ever will. A woman who leads the frequency understands that her inner harmony becomes the template for her outer reality. When she regulates her nervous system, breathes deeply into her body, and listens to her intuition, she becomes a transmitter of peace. Those around her naturally attune to her vibration. This is leadership through resonance, not resistance. Divine feminine maturity is when the woman no longer seeks validation through chaos or attention. She no longer needs to prove her worth or convince others of her light. She simply is the light, steady, radiant, and self-sourced. Softness is not weakness Many women have confused softness with weakness. But in truth, softness is the highest form of strength. It takes immense courage to keep your heart open in a world that taught you to close it. Softness is not passivity. It’s emotional intelligence. It’s the ability to hold pain without projecting it, to listen before reacting, to respond from love instead of fear. This is what the mature feminine does. She no longer fights energy with energy. She transmutes it. In a world full of reaction, she becomes reflection. In a world of noise, she becomes silent. In a world of scarcity, she becomes overflow. The feminine and chaos: A sacred relationship Chaos is not the enemy of the feminine. It’s her initiation. Throughout history, women have been the ones to hold the center in times of collapse. Whether in families, communities, or collective shifts, the feminine energy naturally brings order through compassion and creation through surrender. We see this in the body itself, every birth requires a moment of chaos before new life emerges. The contractions are intense, unpredictable, and painful, yet they are the pathway to rebirth. The same is happening now on Earth. The collective chaos is the labor pain of a new consciousness being born. The mature woman recognizes this and doesn’t panic when things fall apart. She understands that breakdowns precede breakthroughs. She doesn’t rush the process, she breathes through it. From validation to embodiment The immature feminine seeks validation, the mature feminine seeks embodiment. In my own journey, I’ve witnessed this shift after years of seeking love, approval, and belonging through others. When I began to heal the parts of me that felt unseen, I realized I had been performing love instead of receiving it. True leadership begins when a woman stops outsourcing her worth. When she no longer needs the world to mirror her beauty or success because she’s found it within. This is the alchemy of self-love, when you stop chasing energy and become the source of it. This embodiment radiates through every aspect of life, your relationships, your business, your creativity, and even your presence in a room. You begin to magnetize what matches your frequency, rather than chasing what drains it. Tools for embodying the mature feminine Breathe consciously: Each conscious breath reconnects you to the source. The mantra is “I breathe myself back into peace.” Regulate the nervous system: Before responding, pause. Place a hand on your heart. Feel your body. The mantra is “My calm is my power.” Honor your cycles: The feminine flows in seasons of creation, rest, release, and renewal. The mantra is “I trust the timing of my becoming.” Stay rooted in the body: Leadership through energy requires embodiment. The mantra is “I am safe in my body, and my body is sacred.” Lead from love, not fear: Love harmonizes chaos. Fear amplifies it. The mantra is “Love is my leadership.” The woman of the new earth The woman of the new earth doesn’t wait for permission. She’s not trying to fit into old systems that were never designed for her brilliance. She’s here to create new blueprints, communities rooted in compassion, workplaces that honor soul purpose, and relationships built on divine reciprocity. She leads not by demanding attention but by becoming a sanctuary of presence. She is not louder than the storm. She is the calm that quiets it. When a woman leads her own frequency, she doesn’t just transform her life, she transforms the collective field. Her healed energy becomes medicine for the world. A closing transmission Beloved sister, you were never meant to follow chaos. You were meant to transmute it. Every time you choose softness over defense, truth over performance, and peace over panic, you are leading the frequency of the new world. Your energy is your legacy. Your love is your leadership. And your maturity is the bridge between Heaven and Earth. May every woman who reads this remember, "We are the calm within the storm. We are the bridge between worlds. We are the women who lead the frequency." Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Mahvish Hasan Mahvish Hasan, Heaven on Earth Strategist MaviB is the founder of Amor by MaviB, a spiritual wellness brand devoted to helping women heal generational wounds, reclaim their voice, and rise into sovereign embodiment. As a Soul Strategist™, energy alchemist, and channel for divine guidance, she weaves ancient healing with modern leadership. Her work integrates Reiki, breathwork, intuitive coaching, and quantum energy work to support conscious transformation. MaviB’s mission is to co-create Heaven on Earth, one soul at a time. She specializes in guiding South Asian women and spiritual visionaries into alignment, purpose, and deep inner peace.

Written by Aaron Eschenburg, Ayahuascero, Astrotheologer Aaron Eschenburg is an Ayahuascero and Astrotheologer. He is the Founder and creator of Ancestral Herbs, a natural plant medicine company, and MiTranscendance Entheo Religious Society. There’s a lot of buzz around Ayahuasca ceremonies and natural plant medicines these days, as there should be, and there’s a good reason why. The oldest known Peruvian medicines were found in the Chavin de Huántar, from about 2,800 years ago, with traces of bone tubes with tobacco and vilca, a psychedelic substance. The Chavin art was also highly influenced by the San Pedro cactus, a known visionary and heart-opening psychedelic. The Norte Chico civilization, around 2,600 years ago, had recordings of herbal medicines for healing as well as psychoactive substances used in ceremonial rituals. “The Chinese Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine”, written around 2,500 BC, includes extensive information about herbal medicine, just as “The Ebers Papyrus”, an Egyptian medical text from approximately 1550 BC, is a medical text that provides more than 800 “prescriptions/treatments” with herbal medicines. Archaeological evidence suggests that Neanderthals used plants and herbs for over 60,000 years to heal and recover from various injuries and ailments. Our species has survived by ingesting not only water and food, but also plants and herbs that have healed us throughout our entire history. Conversations around the multiple benefits of Ayahuasca ceremonies have been the talk of inner circles, Podcasts, and celebrity interviews for some time. The Ayahuasca vine is only half of the ceremonial brew, which by itself is not psychedelic. Microdosing pure Ayahuasca  is similar to the neuroconnectivity of microdosing psilocybin mushrooms, but better, as it’s legal in all 50 states and there’s no chance of taking too much to induce a psychedelic trip. Pure B. Caapi vine is a natural anti-anxiety, antidepressant that helps regulate serotonin and melatonin levels, as well as a natural mood stabilizer. It reacts in similar ways to Adderall or an SSRI. Pure B. Caapi Vine microdose Adderall SSRIs Mechanism RIMA - slows breakdown of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine Stimulant - releases dopamine + norepinephrine Blocks serotonin reuptake - raises serotonin levels over weeks Onset 30-60 min 30-60 min Several weeks Duration 4-6 hrs (microdose: subtle, not trippy) 4-8 hrs Continuous (daily baseline shift) Cognitive effects Calm clarity, deeper focus, dreamlike creativity (less “speedy”) Intense focus, productivity, alertness May indirectly improve focus if mood/anxiety improves Mood effects Gentle uplift, mood stabilization, emotional release, reduced anxiety/depression Mood lift but can increase anxiety, irritability Mood stabilization, less anxiety/depression Body effects Relaxation, mild warmth, sometimes digestive cleansing Increased heart rate, jitteriness, and appetite suppression Can cause lethargy, sexual side effects Addiction potential Very low High (psychological + physical dependence possible) Low (but withdrawal symptoms common if stopped abruptly) Long-term effects Possible neuroprotective, antidepressant, promotes dream activity Possible cardiovascular strain, sleep disruption Possible blunting, weight gain, emotional flattening Micro-dosing Pure vine won’t give the same burst of energy or sharp stimulant-like focus as Adderall. Some people with ADHD like symptoms who are looking for a natural alternative may prefer the calm, centered focus instead of an amped up drive. Pure Vine is much more similar to an SSRI. Microdosing can act as a natural antidepressant and anxiolytic, often without the emotional flattening of SSRIs. Some users report a sense of emotional processing and release, not just suppression. SSRIs Inhibit reuptake of serotonin into presynaptic neurons, increasing serotonin availability in the synaptic cleft. Require 2-6 weeks to reach clinical efficacy. Do not directly increase dopamine or norepinephrine. B. caapi (pure vine) Harmala alkaloids act as reversible MAO-A inhibitors, slowing the breakdown of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Immediate onset (30-60 minutes). Provides multimodal neurotransmitter support (serotonin + dopamine + norepinephrine). Enhances REM sleep and dream recall, engaging subconscious processing. Pure B. Caapi Vine microdose SSRIs Mood Immediate mild uplift, emotional release, enhanced resilience Stabilizes mood over weeks, may cause emotional blunting Anxiety Calms without flattening, increases insight into root causes Reduces baseline anxiety but may flatten affect Cognition Promotes calm clarity, intuitive creativity Indirect improvement via mood Sleep Improves dream activity, supports restorative sleep May cause insomnia or drowsiness Emotional processing Facilitates catharsis, grief release, trauma integration Suppresses negative affect, sometimes blocks deep processing Dependence/ withdrawal Very low dependence, minimal withdrawal Discontinuation syndrome common Onset of relief Immediate to hours Weeks Side effects SSRIs Common: weight gain, sexual dysfunction, emotional blunting, gastrointestinal upset, and insomnia. Risks: serotonin syndrome (esp. with polypharmacy), withdrawal upon discontinuation. B. Caapi vine microdose Common: mild digestive cleansing, slight fatigue, intensified dreaming. Rare: hypertensive reactions if combined with contraindicated drugs/foods. Risks: serotonin syndrome if combined with SSRIs or serotonergic medications. Long-term outcomes SSRIs Effective in symptom suppression may require indefinite use, with possible neuroplastic dampening over time. B. Caapi Evidence (early studies + ethnomedical reports) suggests neuroprotective and neurogenic effects (harmine stimulates neurogenesis in vitro), potential long-term restoration of emotional balance rather than mere suppression. Pure B. Caapi Vine microdose demonstrates several advantages over SSRIs: Immediate effects (vs. delayed onset with SSRIs). Multimodal neurotransmitter action (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine vs. serotonin only). Emotional processing rather than suppression, allowing trauma/grief integration. Fewer long-term side effects, lower dependence risk. Potential neuroprotective/neurogenic properties absent in SSRIs. *While the vine may be superior in tolerability and depth of healing, it carries interaction risks (notably with SSRIs, stimulants, and certain foods). Controlled studies in humans remain limited, and medical supervision is advised. The return back to plant medicines Today, 99% of pharmaceutical medicines contain petrochemicals. Thankfully, there is a huge curiosity and push to explore the benefits of natural plant medicines, and companies like Ancestral Herbs exist that offer us a line of organic, potent extracts from the Amazon Rainforest. B. Caapi ayahuasca – P ure being Mood elevator, dopamine regulator, anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, reduces oxidative stress, repairs & creates new neural pathways. See here. Cats' claw – Pure immunity Immune support, autoimmune issues, mild anti-inflammatory. See here Instead of just boosting the immune system, it balances it. Acting as an immunomodulator to help regulate the immune system, it both stimulates the immune system while also calming overactive immune responses, and helps to prevent autoimmune reactions. Beneficial for both infections and autoimmune conditions, it contains alkaloids and polyphenols that help stimulate white blood cells and neutralize free radicals like turning on the “Bat-Signal” to activate the white blood cells to get to work and be on alert to eliminate bacteria, harmful organisms, viruses, parasites, and infections. This potent concentrated extract is the go-to all-natural, anti-viral against the common cough and cold, the Flu, and COVID-19. Traditionally used to treat gastritis, ulcers, inflammatory bowel conditions, IBS, Crohn’s, Colitis, and soothes the gut lining. It’s an anti-inflammatory that reduces TNF-alpha (inflammatory molecule), and is shown to ease symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis, reducing joint pain and improving mobility. Early research suggests neuroprotective effects that protect cells from oxidative stress, reducing beta-amyloid plaque and oxidative damage, which are linked to aging conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. On top of all that, it enhances the body’s ability to repair breaks in damaged DNA strands, which makes it unique among other herbal medicines. Truly a pharmacy in itself. Chuchuhuasi – Pure Vitality Back pain, joint pain, muscle cramps, rheumatism, arthritis, and healthy libido. See here. Often called “Tree of Strength” or “Trembling Back”, this traditional medicine is drank as a daily energizer, endurance & stamina booster, pain reliever, and aphrodisiac. Widely used for back pains and joint issues, it helps ease muscle tension, body aches, chronic inflammation, arthritis, and rheumatism. Considered an adaptogen, helping the body handle stress and fatigue, it contains triterpenes and alkaloids that help regulate immune response and help prevent seasonal illness. Helps with bloating, stomach aches, and digestion. It’s also traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and fertility aid for men and women alike. Pinon Blanco – Pure clarity Detox, gut health, parasite cleanse, intestinal cleanse, and supports mental clarity. See here . The gut is often referenced as the second brain. Clear gut = Clear mind The pure white light “anti plant”… Anti-parasitic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory. Traditionally used to eliminate intestinal worms and parasites and clear toxins from the gut, as well as a blood cleanse and detoxifier. Bobinsana – P ure Heart Emotional healing, heart opening, heart health, ease of pain, menstrual support, sleep, calming, mild anti-inflammatory. See here . The heart-opening medicine of the Amazon is known to awaken compassion, empathy, and emotional healing from grief and heartache. Blossoming open our hearts like it’s beautiful pink and white puffy flowers, Bobinsana is considered a master plant teacher that guides us through a heart-opening journey of inner healing, spiritually and physically. Offering support for arthritis, rheumatism, bone and joint pain, it helps reduce swelling and stiffness. Helps calm anxiety and stress to relax, as well as helps with sleep. Uvos Colorado – Pure moon Alleviates muscle spasms, menstrual cramps, menopause pains, cramping, and bloating, helps regulate period cycle, and restores blood health. See here . A natural antispasmodic, known to relax uterine muscles, alleviate muscle spasms, reduce bloating and water retention, restore circulation, and relieve menstrual cramps. Traditionally used to build and cleanse blood after menstruation, it strengthens blood and replenishes lost nutrients, as well as helps regulate cycles. Pinon Colorado – Pure dreams Sleep support, Lucid Dreams, helps blood circulation and is a Mild joint and muscle relaxant. See here. This traditional plant teacher helps us tap into our dream world and inner song and voice. It can help aid deep sleep and lucid dreaming without the heavy weighted grogginess of common sleep remedies. This plant is also often used by vocalists and musicians to connect with the spirit of song, intuition, and creativity within. These plant medicines are made from only one ingredient, vines or the bark of a tree or shrubs, and cooked in an old-fashioned way that makes a highly concentrated formula that is up to 40x stronger than a traditional 1:1 tincture. Preserved with 100% Gluten Free Cane Sugar Alcohol and made with a whole lot of love, from the ground up. Visit Ancestral Herbs  for more info. Follow me on Instagram for more info! Read more from Aaron Eschenburg Aaron Eschenburg, Ayahuascero, Astrotheologer Aaron Eschenburg is an Ayahuasca Shaman and creator of the natural plant medicine company Ancestral Herbs. Being hit by a drunk driver at 21 spiraled him into a journey of exploring alternative medicines to get away from the side effects of pharmaceuticals. Astrotheology and plant medicines then came into his life at the same time, creating a better understanding of humanities relationship with our living planet solar system, and Universe. He now dedicates his life to helping others explore the options of natural healing, entheogenic practices, and embracing the Aquarian Age.

Written by Neil Streets, Founder and Managing Director Neil Streets is Managing Director of Alphafish and a global leader in real estate delivery. With 20+ years’ experience, he has led £10B+ capital programmes for UHNWIs, developers, and Fortune 500 firms, known for turning around complex projects and aligning organisations with regulatory and strategic goals. Many corporate fit-outs fail not because of design or budget, but because they don’t align with how organisations truly operate. Alphafish bridges that gap by integrating governance, culture, and delivery from day one, ensuring every project is compliant, efficient, and people-centred. The result is a new standard for corporate real estate, fit-outs that fit people. The fit-out paradox Across the corporate real estate world, businesses invest millions in office fit-outs designed to inspire collaboration, attract talent, and enhance productivity. Yet many projects fail to deliver the expected results, not because of design or cost, but because the process doesn’t fit the organisation it serves. Too often, the delivery model is driven by a consultant’s proprietary method rather than the client’s own governance, systems, and standards. The result is slow approvals, compliance gaps, and frustration for internal stakeholders. At Alphafish, we take a different approach. We believe the most successful corporate fit-outs start with deep alignment between governance, culture, and delivery. Understanding how organisations really work Our value lies in understanding the inner workings of our clients. We partner with corporate occupiers to map out their: Corporate governance frameworks Procure-to-pay (P2P) processes Legal, IT, AV, and security policies Workplace and design standards These are not side considerations. They form the operational DNA of every business. By integrating them into our delivery model from the outset, we build bespoke project frameworks that are fit for purpose from day one. Where traditional project management and cost management firms apply rigid, one-size-fits-all methodologies, Alphafish tailors each process to the client’s structure. This ensures every sign-off, tender stage, and reporting milestone aligns with how their business actually operates. Governance as an enabler, not a constraint In most projects, governance is treated as red tape. We see it differently. Governance, when embedded intelligently, creates speed and confidence. When a project is aligned with internal compliance, data security, and financial controls, decisions move faster and risk is reduced. IT and AV strategies can be integrated early, not retrofitted at the end. Security protocols align with global standards. Legal teams can approve contracts efficiently because documentation matches internal templates and policies. That’s the invisible layer where project momentum is either made or lost, and where Alphafish adds measurable value. People, process, and purpose Every project is ultimately about people, the teams who deliver it, the stakeholders who govern it, and the employees who will inhabit it. Our mission is to help people coexist better in spaces that enable collaboration, creativity, and wellbeing. We combine strategic insight with creative intelligence, ensuring the end product is not only compliant and cost-effective but also deeply human. Our delivery framework balances three imperatives: Governance alignment, embedding client standards into every step. Design and experience, creating spaces that express brand and culture. Commercial performance, achieving value through transparent, competitive tendering. Aggressive tendering, real value While alignment is our foundation, value for money remains central to everything we do. Alphafish runs aggressive, transparent tendering processes supported by deep market intelligence and benchmarking data. This means we don’t just secure the lowest price, we secure the right price for the right outcome. Every pound is traceable, every variation justified, every contractor benchmarked. The outcome is a space that performs financially as well as functionally. Fit-outs that fit people Real estate advisories and consultancies often lead with their own delivery systems. At Alphafish, we believe your systems are the starting point. We design governance-led delivery that enhances your internal processes, not competes with them. Our clients trust us to be an extension of their organisation, not just another vendor. That’s what we mean when we talk about fit-outs that fit people. The future of corporate real estate delivery As the workplace evolves with hybrid models, ESG imperatives, and AI-enabled design tools, the need for governance-integrated fit-out delivery will only grow. Businesses will demand partners who understand their data structures, compliance frameworks, and technology ecosystems as deeply as their design aspirations. At Alphafish, we’re building that future now, one where governance enables creativity, technology supports collaboration, and delivery is as human as the spaces it creates. Follow me on  Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Neil Streets Neil Streets, Founder and Managing Director Neil Streets is a recognised leader in strategic real estate and infrastructure delivery. He is the Managing Director of Alphafish, a specialist consultancy advising UHNWIs, developers, and global firms on capital programmes exceeding £10 billion. With over two decades of international experience, Neil has held senior roles at Cazoo, Dow, and Amazon. He has directed landmark developments including a £5B new town regeneration and a £2B luxury masterplan in Albania. Known for turning around complex projects and aligning organisations with regulatory reform, Neil is also an expert in high-risk buildings legislation and agile delivery.