James_Clear_in_2010.webp

James Clear

Mastery

Jamie is a natural medium, clairvoyant and clairaudient. She uses her abilities as a mediumship teacher to help people evolve and awaken to their own psychic abilities. In 2011, she created <a href="http://www.withloveandlight.com/">The Center for Love and Light</a>.&nbsp;The Center continues to evolve and host teachers, healers, and lecturers from all over the globe. Her latest venture is <a href="http://www.thelightersidenetwork.com/">The Lighter Side Network</a>.&nbsp;

Jamie Butler.webp

Jamie Butler

<hr><h4>JAMIE BUTLER, healer and medium, founded The Lighter Side Network in 2017. Here she speaks with EMMA IVATURI about consciousness, belief, feeling stuck, growing pains, intuition and synchronicity.</h4>&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/vibrations2_f9a0a247f3.jpg">&nbsp;Q: Can you elaborate on how the brain works as a receptor and filter for the countless vibrations around us every moment?JB: Our brain is not just an organ that runs neurons and sends messages throughout our body. It is also a great transmitter and receiver, much like a radio. In fact, many of our thoughts are not originally ours, but come because of our ability to receive the energy vibrations from all around us. Working this way, our brain can easily be overwhelmed and bombarded with information. Our ability to focus on what we want to attract is how we filter out all the unwanted vibrations on a daily basis. But it is also the way we are able to attract all the things we don’t desire, because we spend time worrying, living in fear and feeling victimized. What you are focused on is what your energy field resonates with. Like attracts like.Let’s say you are pretending to ‘play small’, whether you are pretending to be a mouse or you are pulling in your great charisma to allow someone else to shine. When you do this, you are saying you are willing to receive all the energy around you – from people, from the room, from conversations, from the history of the room, from plants and animals that match this version of ‘playing small’, even though it is not your true nature. The energy you are receiving is going to be the energy you are putting out. We can see now the vicious cycle this can create.We can take this in another direction too. Let’s say you are pretending to be confident, to earn a position at work or to impress a love interest. You adopt a confident posture and spoken language and your energy patterns follow suit. Now, your energy field is vibrating with confidence. All the worry energy in the room is unlikely to vibrate with you any more hence you won’t receive it nor process it.I like this example better. Even reading it allows my energy to fluff up and feel better, however, I have free will and can immediately change this feeling by thinking of all the difficult situations in life and at work. As soon as I begin to focus on all the things going ‘wrong’, I vibrate with things going wrong. I air-quote the word ‘wrong’ because I don’t necessarily believe there is a right or a wrong, but this is the way we use our language to express the situations we don’t want.To help filter and attract the vibrations needed to grow, we must be conscious of our energy. This means being aware of our intent, emotions, thoughts and imagination. What are they expressing? What are they attracting? This simple act gives us insight into the subtle light world around, which is constantly offering information to better our lives.<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Through my decades of working with subtle light energy, techniques are nothing unless we believe in them. It is time to detangle ourselves from being triggered to stay within the same patterns that hold us hostage.</h4><hr>Q: Our conscious experience is but a small bandwidth of what we pick up on. How can we expand our awareness to integrate information we perceive less clearly that would otherwise create a cognitive dissonance?JB: Expanding our bandwidth of consciousness begins with understanding who we believe we are. In this current lifetime, our body is our instrument and our belief systems are the dial to broaden or narrow how we use this instrument. If we want to receive more clarity it is time to get into the gray areas, to step away from right or wrong, black and white, and the learned belief systems that are not working for us.Through my decades of working with subtle light energy, techniques are nothing unless we believe in them. It is time to detangle ourselves from being triggered to stay within the same patterns that hold us hostage.Next time you feel stuck try this:Center your energy into a neutral space. You can do this through a few minutes of steady breathing.Imagine you are without any attachment. Seriously, use that incredible imagination of yours! Imagination and intuition are roommates and share the same space. When you engage your imagination you are creating more room for intuition to use. Once you can imagine that there is any possible outcome, you are allowing new truths to enter into your consciousness.Mantras can help you create a single focus and allow different energies to come into your energy field to create the changes you are seeking.The mantra I use is: deep breath, re-access, change your perspective.Another mantra is: if you want to remain constant, always change.From this space begin to assess the images and messages coming to you. Please keep disciplining the monkey mind to stay in the ‘gray’ and un-triggered by the images and messages. Grab a pencil and paper and start to document what is coming through.Once you are done writing, walk away. If you can go into nature, allow the outdoors to calm and soothe your energy while continuing to hold the flow of ideas expanding your understanding, connection and energy. When you are activating your body with movement, you are helping these energies to merge with your new discoveries and belief systems.When you feel full or done, go back to writing and jot down your discoveries. Be sure to write keywords that will reconnect you with the ‘ahha’ moments. Re-read your notes frequently. This will help you incorporate your discoveries instead of them being fleeting moments.<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">When life presents you with chaos,&nbsp; congested energy, a feeling of being stuck,&nbsp; hitting walls or whatever you feel awful about,&nbsp; reach in and pull out acceptance, kindness and surrender and see where the nudge takes you.&nbsp; I bet you will find there is ease to this enlightenment.&nbsp; I trust you will begin to notice how the world around you is supporting you</h4><hr>Q: Sometimes we misread the growing pains as we outgrow our current circumstances and are pushed into the next level of evolution. Perhaps the next step may not be clear and a leap of faith is needed to let go and surrender to where we’re going. How do you bridge the gap between these life phases?JB: Bridging the gap between life phases requires the art of acceptance, kindness and surrender. Each shift in our evolution is asking for us to change our beliefs. This can be a tremendous burden to the ego and the heart. I have noticed in the last 27 years of being a medium, there are certain ideals to which we hold strong culturally: these include gaining knowledge, loyalty and politeness. These ideals often lead us into shame and dissonance. When we are trained to value these ideals we create suffering and pain when it is time to grow.Let’s look at acceptance, kindness and surrender, and how these three actions can shift our cultural ideals and ease our way while we are becoming enlightened.When we are taught acceptance from a young age, we transcend loyalty to provide self-care, we transcend the need to gain knowledge with the comfort of the unknown, and we transcend politeness to find authenticity over.When we show kindness to ourselves, we find that loyalty is actually an expression of love not discipline, the act of gaining knowledge is an expression of curiosity, and the use of politeness is the desire to create peace.When we surrender, our truth is found. Surrendering allows us to accept not only possible outcomes but also the very real impossible outcomes. It allows us to walk away from loyalty when it was created out of guilt, regret or fear, and break commitments that no longer serve us. Surrendering allows us to stop comparing and contrasting our every move, to understand who we are and look at the very deep inner light for guidance. It also allows us to see that true politeness can be based in honesty and not the lens of praise.&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/vibrations3_a518152a4c.jpg">&nbsp;When life presents you with chaos, congested energy, a feeling of being stuck, hitting walls or whatever you feel awful about, reach in and pull out acceptance, kindness and surrender and see where the nudge takes you. I bet you will find there is ease to this enlightenment. I trust you will begin to notice how the world around you is supporting you.Q: Can you speak about the energies we take on from other people and act out with them in relation to our own character work?JB: When we are in communication with someone else it is natural for us to connect to them empathically. This helps us understand them. Our own energy will mimic what the other person’s energy is vibrating and therefore we will hold their pattern in our energy field. Sometimes people will continue to hold that pattern even after the communication is over. They can even take on other person’s energy.I have seen through the years of working as a medium and healer that we are emotional beings. Our first and foremost ability is to feel emotionally: the rest of life follows suit. Once we can identify that we are emotional beings, we begin to observe the amount of energy it takes to maintain our emotions. Everything we do, think and feel is all empowered by energy. Our chakra system, the energetic highways and byways, contains all the possible energetic vibrations and the way we use our emotions dictates the responses of the chakras. Knowing this we can see how natural it is for us to be empathic, having the ability to connect to how others feel.Empathy is a powerful tool but sometimes misused. When we are feeling what another is going through, we often come to believe it is ourselves feeling this way. Our brain is not trained to ask, “Is this feeling mine?” so we begin to believe whatever we are feeling must belong to us. However, I feel there is no guideline on the kind of work we need to do to evolve. There is no one judging your performance except you. This life is a very personal experience and only you can decide what needs to be done to reach the goals you have aligned for yourself. The only true common denominator I can speak to is our ability to feel emotions and have our needs met.<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Synchronicities pop up in our life when we are agreeing to align ourselves with our truth, that is, when we are ‘in the flow’. For me, synchronicities are not road signs directing us to change directions, but gentle reminders to stay the course.</h4><hr>Q: How can we cultivate a more natural alignment to our intuition?JB: Start building your trust with your intuition through these little activities:THE REAL YES AND NOTake the time to acknowledge how your five senses react to the words ‘yes’ and ‘no’. What color, feeling, location, sensation, taste, sound and more do these words evoke in you? You can use simple yes or no questions to engage your intuition on the myriad of decisions you make on a daily basis.DOCUMENTATION PLEASEWrite down in a list all the intuitive experiences you have throughout the day, even if they are very small and do not seem to be worth much. At the end of the day, go back and put a checkmark next to the ones that played out to be accurate with good insight. You might find it is a full day or week later before you get your validation. Having this on paper allows your brain to see it documented.&nbsp;<img class="image_resized" style="width:602px !important;" src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/vibrations4_4931e8f75f.jpg">&nbsp;WORD ASSOCIATIONPay attention to your words. Most of the time we’re trying to express our intuition, yet our language does not provide accurate words to convey it. Words like ‘lucky’, ‘coincidence’, ‘bright idea’, ‘ah- ha’ are all indicators of intuition. Be confident to share information without knowing the source of its origin. For that is a very intuitive thing!TRUST FALLBuilding trust in your intuition allows it to be stronger. When you find yourself doubting, step back. Claim your intuitive place as a no-doubt zone! When you are doubting, you are not connecting and you are not trusting your experience. Step back, take a breath, and begin to ask very simple yes and no questions about what you are experiencing.BE EFFORTLESSIntuition does not need you. As soon as you insert your voice, you could be wanting to control, compare, contrast and measure your intuition as if it were a logical experience. When you let go and become effortless with answers or intuition, your accuracy level increases.Q: How do synchronicities point us in the right direction in our lives? What are some you’ve experienced?JB: Synchronicities pop up in our life when we are agreeing to align ourselves with our truth, that is, when we are ‘in the flow’. For me, synchronicities are not road signs directing us to change directions, but gentle reminders to stay the course. Synchronicities have helped me create my businesses, especially The Lighter Side Network. I did not have a vision to create an online network, but the universe kept putting people in my path who brought out the creative in me. Once I acknowledged this, I began to see my path clearly. The Lighter Side Network is now over one year old and growing.<hr><a href="http://www.jamiebutlermedium.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.jamiebutlermedium.com</a> <a href="http://www.thelightersidenetwork.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.thelightersidenetwork.com</a> <a href="http://www.withloveandlight.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.withloveandlight.com</a><hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Interviewed by EMMA IVATURI</h4><hr>

Vibrations

Jane Austen (1775-1817) was an English author, who 6 major novels are still some of the most popular in the English language, and have been made into films and TV series. She particularly used realism, irony, and social commentary to highlight the standing of women at the time.

Jane Austen.png

Jane Austen

Being with trees

default

Jane Goodall

Each one of us

What you do makes a difference

Dialogue

Janine Burke And Mirta Valdes

Janmarie is the CEO of a construction company. A wife, mother and grandmother, Janmarie has spent her adult life bringing heart into predominately male spaces. It’s a continual journey of exploring the heart’s capacity to open, uplift and transcend life’s circumstances. She enjoys seeing this unfold through her volunteer work serving underprivileged Latino youth, and in her work as a certified trainer with the Heartfulness Institute.

Janmarie-Connor.jpg

JANMARIE CONNOR

<div class="post-single-content">
 <h4>
 <hr class="vertical-space1" />
 </h4>
 <h4>
 JANMARIE CONNOR explores some practical
 ways to create harmony and balance where there is tension, conflict and
 disagreement. How can polar opposites coexist?
 </h4>
 
 <hr class="vertical-space1" />
 
 
 Years ago, I facilitated a weekend workshop with a group of Catholic
 Sisters. They were having great difficulty envisioning a way forward for
 their religious community. From their vantage point, the world they knew,
 including the Church and their place in it, was on its head. Their capacity
 to meet the needs of the inner-city population they served was strained. The
 Sisters’ advancing age and shrinking numbers made it increasingly difficult
 to fulfill their mission. And their mission was bound to their reason for
 being – their purpose in life.
 
 
 The complexity of the situation and the chaotic circumstances around them
 had taken a toll on these dedicated women. Fractures began to appear within
 the group, resembling the fractures in the community they served, and in the
 broader societal landscape. Individual perspectives on how or how not to
 advance had become hardened and polarized. Even simple decisions, like where
 to have lunch, required facilitation. By their own account, the group
 members were feeling isolated, angry and sorrowful.
 
 <h4 style="text-align: justify">
 Sound familiar?
 </h4>
 
 The sisters might have been channeling the voice of our present collective
 experience. You don’t have to go far to find an angry disagreement on just
 about anything under the sun. Rigid perspectives and emotional outbursts are
 no longer confined to topics on religious, economic and political power,
 although they remain root culprits. For example, an online forum of
 neighborhood birdwatchers that I previously enjoyed is now off my list after
 several group members came to verbal blows. Was it a Black-headed Grosbeak
 or a Spotted Towhee? It wasn’t a battle over the birds, per se. It was a
 battle of who was right and who was wrong, and neither side would relent.
 Whichever side you were on depended on your vantage point – quite literally.
 
 <h4 style="text-align: justify">
 How have we come to this?
 </h4>
 
 We are under an extraordinary amount of pressure as a society, with problems
 so big they boggle the mind. No need to name them as we can all fill in the
 blanks. If left unchecked, this sort of pressure short-circuits our ability
 to stay grounded and make space for a variety of perspectives which are
 needed for creative problem solving. The greater the pressure or complexity,
 the more polarized the reaction.
 
 <hr class="vertical-space1" />
 
 <hr />
 
 <h5 style="text-align: center">
 If left unchecked, this sort of pressure short-circuits our ability
 to stay grounded and make space for a variety of perspectives
 which are needed for creative problem solving.
 The greater the pressure or complexity,
 the more polarized the reaction.
 </h5>
 
 <hr />
 
 
 <hr class="vertical-space1" />
 <img
 alt="zero-balancing-point2"
 class="w-100 lazyload"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/zero_balancing_point2_f3764c524c.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T12:55:26.202Z"
 />
 <hr class="vertical-space1" />
 
 <h4 style="text-align: justify">
 Fortunately for us – an expanded vantage point on polarity
 </h4>
 
 It is our good fortune that there is a principle inherent within polarity
 that eases the pressure and provides a bridge which unites divergent poles
 and perspectives. When we think of a polarity, we think in terms of
 dualistic pairs: up-down, good-bad, right-wrong, etc.
 
 
 Polarity can be described as two sides possessing a high degree of contrary
 tension, as in the positive and negative poles of a magnet or the
 Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In cases of extreme polarity, it is easy to
 believe that polar opposites cannot co-exist. But the integrative principle
 is operative at every level, until such a high level is reached where
 opposites no longer exist. Nature provides endless examples.
 
 
 We find it easy to accept tension in contrast when appreciating color or
 pairing flavors in a recipe. Opposing colors on a chromatic wheel are called
 complementary contrasts. Our sensory perception heightens the contrast while
 our brain works to unify it, resulting in a coherent experience. It’s a
 hard-wired response.
 
 
 According to The Art of Color, by Johannes Itten, “Two such colors
 make a strange pair … they require each other. They incite each other to
 maximum vividness when adjacent; and they annihilate each other, to
 gray-black, when mixed – like fire and water.”
 
 
 <hr class="vertical-space1" />
 <img
 alt="zero-balancing-point3"
 class="has-img-center lazyload"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/zero_balancing_point3_fd40f0b08a.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T12:55:26.133Z"
 />
 <hr class="vertical-space1" />
 
 
 Bringing water to the fire is a nice analogy for finding balance in our
 polarized world. From this expanded vantage point, we can have faith in our
 and others’ inherent ability to integrate what presents as fixed positions
 and polarities. In the material realm, we are crossing the bridge from
 reaction to response.
 Now we have possibilities for a more balanced way forward.
 
 <h4 style="text-align: justify">
 Even greater fortune awaits us
 </h4>
 
 Even greater fortune awaits us when we begin exploring this same inherent
 principle, but now in the subtler realms. Take another look at the color
 wheel. Consider again that opposites require one another when divining a
 more holistic and balanced life flow. Now look at the gray circle at the
 center and consider it as the heart of the wheel. And the white space around
 it as the field that supports the wheel. Has the gray circle in the center
 been formed by the opposing color pairs, or vice versa? And could the color
 wheel even exist without the field?
 
 
 Dr. Joe Dispenza beautifully describes this:
 
 
 “The heart serves as our connection to the unified field and represents the
 union of duality or polarity. It is where separation, division, and
 polarized energy merge to become one – where opposites unify.”
 
 
 The heart waits patiently for us to shine the light of our attention on it.
 When we do this, through heart-focused meditation, we begin to experience
 the union of polarities that Dr. Dispenza describes. And when we approach
 the heart with humility and an openness toward what we might discover, our
 union can take us to indescribable heights. It’s as if the loving light of
 our attention is mirrored in the heart, and the heart shines back on us.
 
 
 From this vantage point, balance is very real, and practical. We are
 released from the play of action and reaction. We are given divine resource,
 allowing the heart, the field, and all of the contrast to carry out their
 unified purpose.
 
 
 <hr class="vertical-space1" />
 
 
 <img
 alt="zero-balancing-point4"
 class="w-100 lazyload"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/zero_balancing_point4_89ae8fe029.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T12:55:26.245Z"
 />
 
 <hr class="vertical-space1" />
 
 
 <hr />
 
 <h5 style="text-align: center">
 “The heart serves as our connection to the unified field
 and represents the union of duality or polarity.
 It is where separation, division,&nbsp;and polarized energy merge&nbsp;to become one – where opposites unify.”
 – Dr. Joe Dispenza
 </h5>
 
 <hr />
 
 
 <hr class="vertical-space1" />
 
 <h4>What happened to the Sisters?</h4>
 
 You might wonder what happened to the Sisters. Me too. I can tell you this
 much. They came to the weekend with pressure to consider ten vital questions
 and to make movement in some direction. We spent the first half of our
 weekend in silence, standing side by side on a masking tape line. The line
 represented Zero. It was the position in the room without a position. It
 held the heart, the field, and the Sisters. It was where they were silently
 reacquainted with the Essence of their mission – their reason for being. It
 was the place where they stood together, with open hearts, tenderly
 receiving come what may.
 
 
 And from this line, vantage point zero, they moved. There were ten lines in
 front of zero and ten lines behind. They allowed their hearts and bodies to
 move them to the place on the scale which matched their degree of resonance
 with the question. And between each question they returned to vantage point
 zero. Not long after the weekend, I received a letter from one of the
 Sisters. She ended by saying she would carry the experience with her for the
 rest of her life.
 
 <hr class="vertical-space1" />
 
 <hr />
 
 <h4 style="text-align: center">
 Article by JANMARIE CONNOR Illustrations by ANANYA PATEL
 </h4>
 
 <hr />
 
</div>

The zero balancing point

Jasmee is a graphic designer with Heartfulness Magazine, and she is also a Klayzen potter. She aspires to open a studio where underprivileged women from the villages can make art and support themselves.

Jasmee-Mudgal.jpg

Jasmee Mudgal

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<h3 class="text-color" style="color: #aa1a1a">AN ART ESSAY</h3>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<h4>
 JASMEE MUDGAL
 reflects on her love for Rumi, the much-loved 13th-century Persian
 poet.
</h4>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<img
 class="has-img-center lazyloaded"
 alt="rumi"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/rumi2_067ffbd7c2.jpg"
/>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 Rumi’s poetry has always touched my heart. Every line has some deep meaning,
 which also resembles my life. It looks simple, but every aspect reveals
 something real and mystical, and that’s what I am also looking for.



 I decided to paint Rumi, and I envisioned him as a colorful being. When I
 think about spirituality, I want to paint all the colors in my palette onto
 the canvas.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<img
 class="has-img-center lazyloaded"
 alt="rumi"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/rumi3_8280bdffaa.jpg"
/>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<img
 class="has-img-center lazyloaded"
 alt="rumi"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/rumi4_458909b545.jpg"
/>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h4 class="text-center">Illustrations by JASMEE MUDGAL</h4>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

Rumi

Jason is an exercise and nutrition expert, who began in the US Air Force, evolving into a certified coach specializing in fat loss, performance, and nutrition. Co-founder of ONE GYM in Greenville, SC, and creator of the Living Lean Blueprint, his work emphasizing personalized fitness solutions.

jason-nutting.webp

Jason Nutting

<h4 style="text-align:justify;">JASON NUTTING explores the benefits of mindful eating, and takes it to the next level by introducing a core principle of Heartfulness to bring about physical, mental, and spiritual well-being at mealtime.</h4>&nbsp;In a world where the pace of life seems to accelerate with each passing day, the ancient wisdom of Indian sage Patanjali offers a beacon of light, guiding us toward the virtues of mindfulness and moderation. Patanjali, revered for his Yoga Sutras, emphasized the importance of harmony between the body, mind, and spirit—a concept that feels more relevant now than ever, especially in the context of eating and well-being.<h4 style="text-align:justify;">The foundation of mindful eating</h4>Mindful eating is not just a practice but a philosophy. When embraced, it can transform our relationship with food. It’s about engaging all our senses, recognizing our responses to food, without judgment, and acknowledging our emotions and physical cues. This approach stands in stark contrast to today’s fast and often mindless eating habits, which contribute to weight gain and also detach us from the joy and nourishment food is meant to provide.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:53.32%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/eating_slowly2_15ba877e28.webp" alt="eating-slowly2.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_eating_slowly2_15ba877e28.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_eating_slowly2_15ba877e28.webp 400w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/eating_slowly2_15ba877e28.webp 400w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h4>Patanjali’s teachings and modern research on the art of eating</h4>Patanjali taught the importance of Sthira (steadiness) and Sukha (ease) in our practices, which can be beautifully applied to the act of eating. Eating slowly and with intention encourages a steadiness of mind and body, allowing for a deeper appreciation of each meal, promoting better digestion, and satisfying us with smaller portions.Research echoes these teachings, showing that slower, more mindful eating can lead to weight loss and improved health. A study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that people who eat slowly tend to consume fewer calories, experience increased fullness and, ultimately, see a reduction in weight. Slow eating allows the body time to signal fullness, reducing the likelihood of overeating.<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">It’s about creating a moment of calm in our otherwise hectic day, turning a simple meal into an opportunity for meditation and reflection.</h4><hr><h4 style="text-align:justify;">Mindfulness and Heartfulness: a harmonious blend</h4>Mindful eating is deeply connected with the principles of Heartfulness, which include conscious awareness and heart-centeredness. One of the key Heartfulness principles advises us to eat in a state of inner connection, inviting us to tune in to our food and our bodies. It’s about creating a moment of calm in our otherwise hectic day, turning a simple meal into an opportunity for meditation and reflection.<h4 style="text-align:justify;">Ways to eat slowly and mindfully</h4><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/gratitude_5700896aab.webp" alt="gratitude.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_gratitude_5700896aab.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_gratitude_5700896aab.webp 300w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/gratitude_5700896aab.webp 300w," sizes="100vw"></figure>Begin with gratitude:&nbsp; Before eating, take a moment to express gratitude for your meal.&nbsp; This can help center your mind and prepare you for a mindful eating experience.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/use_senses_cc99d3fcf3.webp" alt="use-senses.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_use_senses_cc99d3fcf3.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_use_senses_cc99d3fcf3.webp 300w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/use_senses_cc99d3fcf3.webp 300w," sizes="100vw"></figure>Use all your senses:&nbsp; Observe the colors, smell the aromas, and savor each bite. &nbsp;This not only enhances the experience but also slows down the pace of eating.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/chew_thoroughly_1ffacb52e0.webp" alt="chew-thoroughly.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_chew_thoroughly_1ffacb52e0.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_chew_thoroughly_1ffacb52e0.webp 300w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/chew_thoroughly_1ffacb52e0.webp 300w," sizes="100vw"></figure>Chew thoroughly:&nbsp; Make a conscious effort to chew your food multiple times.&nbsp; This aids digestion and gives your body time to recognize when it’s full.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/put_down_utensils_716364901c.webp" alt="put-down-utensils.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_put_down_utensils_716364901c.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_put_down_utensils_716364901c.webp 300w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/put_down_utensils_716364901c.webp 300w," sizes="100vw"></figure>Put down your utensils:&nbsp; Between mouthfuls, put down your utensils.&nbsp; This simple act can help pace your eating and encourage mindfulness.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/eliminate_distractions_ab7f37d91e.webp" alt="eliminate-distractions.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_eliminate_distractions_ab7f37d91e.jpg 241w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_eliminate_distractions_ab7f37d91e.webp 300w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/eliminate_distractions_ab7f37d91e.webp 300w," sizes="100vw"></figure>Eliminate distractions:&nbsp; Turn off the TV and put away your phone.&nbsp; Eating without distractions encourages you to focus on the meal and your body’s cues.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/pause_bad3ad0a69.webp" alt="pause.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_pause_bad3ad0a69.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_pause_bad3ad0a69.webp 300w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/pause_bad3ad0a69.webp 300w," sizes="100vw"></figure>Check in with yourself:&nbsp; Pause periodically during the meal.&nbsp; This helps prevent overeating and promotes satisfaction with less food.<h4 style="text-align:justify;">Reflective questions to deepen your practice</h4><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">What emotions or thoughts arise when I eat slowly and without distractions? How do they differ from when I eat quickly or mindlessly?</li><li style="text-align:justify;">How does the practice of expressing gratitude before meals change my eating experience?</li><li style="text-align:justify;">In what ways can I incorporate the principles of Heartfulness into my daily eating habits?</li></ul>By integrating these practices into a daily routine, we embark on a journey not just toward weight loss, but toward a deeper connection with our food, our bodies, and ultimately, our inner selves. This mindful approach to eating, inspired by the wisdom of Patanjali and the principles of Heartfulness, offers a path to a healthier, more harmonious life.<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Illustrations by LAKSHMI GADDAM</h4><hr>

Eating slowly

<h4 style="text-align:justify;">JASON NUTTING calls upon his experience as an exercise and nutrition specialist and a meditation practitioner to offer 3 strategies for breaking the cycle of stress eating. You may not have heard of them before, but his unconventional approach works!</h4>&nbsp;We’ve all been there. Staring down a bag of chips or a pint of ice cream, feeling the weight of the day’s stress pressing down. It’s almost as if that food is the answer to all your problems, even if just for a moment. But here’s the thing—while it might feel good in the short term, stress eating often leaves you feeling worse in the long run.As someone who’s been coaching clients on nutrition and wellness for over 15 years, I’ve seen first hand how common emotional eating is. In fact, more than 60 percent of my clients say they struggle with it. And that was before the world turned upside down with a global pandemic. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, sadness, boredom, or grief, turning to food for comfort is understandable. Food is more than just fuel—it’s tied to emotions, memories, and comfort. But when we start using it as a crutch, that’s when the cycle of stress eating begins.Stress eating is like putting a Band-Aid on a wound that needs stitches. It might cover up the problem temporarily, but it doesn’t heal it. And worse, it often makes us feel guilty afterward, perpetuating the cycle. So, whether you’re trying to help a friend or you’re looking for solutions for yourself, here are three strategies that might help. These aren’t your typical “just eat healthier” tips. They’re a little unexpected, but they just might be the key to breaking the cycle.<h4 style="text-align:justify;">Strategy 1: Permission to Overeat (Yes, Really)</h4>This might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. Our brains love patterns, and when we stress eat, it’s often an automatic response to certain triggers—a stressful phone call, a difficult conversation, or even just a tough day at work. These triggers set off a chain reaction in our brains, leading to overeating without us even realizing it.Here’s a wild idea: Give yourself permission to overeat. Instead of trying to fight the urge, lean into it as a learning experience. When you allow yourself to overeat without judgment, you start to pay closer attention to what’s really going on. You might notice that every time you talk to a certain person, you reach for a snack. Or that you’re more likely to overeat when you’re bored or anxious.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/stress_eating2_af2afce10b.jpg" alt="stress-eating2.jpg" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_stress_eating2_af2afce10b.jpg 171w," sizes="100vw"></figure>By treating it as an experiment, you can start to identify your triggers. Once you know what’s causing the overeating, you can begin to address the root of the problem. And often, just giving yourself permission to overeat takes away the urge. When something isn’t forbidden, it loses some of its power over you.<h4 style="text-align:justify;">Strategy 2: Create a “Nourishment Menu”</h4>One of the most effective ways to break the cycle of stress eating is to create a “nourishment menu.” This isn’t a list of foods to eat—it’s a list of actions to take before you reach for that snack. Think of it as a way to interrupt the automatic response of stress eating.Here’s how it works: Before you reach for food, pick an action from your menu. It could be something as simple as taking three deep breaths, drinking a glass of water, or going for a short walk. The idea is to give yourself a moment to pause and check in with yourself. Are you really hungry, or are you just trying to soothe your emotions?&nbsp;<img class="image_resized" style="width:75%;" src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/stress_eating3_edde55d21b.jpg" alt="stress-eating3.jpg" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_stress_eating3_edde55d21b.jpg 171w," sizes="100vw">Your nourishment menu should include actions that align with your values and goals. For example, if you value your relationships, calling a friend could be one of your options. If you value your health, maybe a quick workout or a few stretches would be a good choice.The key to making this work is to keep it simple and doable. Your menu should include options that take no more than 15 minutes—and ideally, you should have one or two options that take a minute or less. Keep any materials you need handy, like a water bottle or a notepad, so it’s easy to follow through.If you’re looking to connect more deeply with yourself and clear your mind, consider incorporating a mini Heartfulness Cleaning practice. Heartfulness Cleaning is a simple yet powerful technique to cleanse your mind of any accumulated stress, heaviness, and emotional burdens. It’s a way to reset and refocus, making it easier to address your true needs rather than reaching for food as a quick fix.Here’s how you can try it: Close your eyes and sit comfortably. Imagine that all the heaviness, impurities and complexities within you are being removed and leaving your system from your back, from your tailbone to the top of your head. Visualize them leaving your body in the form of smoke or vapor, dissolving into the atmosphere. This practice can take just a few minutes, but it can have a profound impact on your state of mind.To learn the whole process of cleaning, go to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrBojZA8YbA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrBojZA8YbA.</a><h4 style="text-align:justify;">Strategy 3: Practice Self-Compassion</h4>We’re often our own worst critics, especially when it comes to eating. Negative self-talk can be a powerful trigger for stress eating. “Why did I eat that?” “I’m such an idiot for finishing the whole bag.” Sound familiar? This kind of thinking doesn’t just make us feel bad—it can actually reinforce the cycle of stress eating.Here’s where self-compassion comes in. Instead of beating yourself up, try being kind to yourself. Acknowledge that stress eating is something many people struggle with, and it’s okay to have setbacks. When you approach yourself with kindness and understanding, you’re less likely to fall into the “screw it” mentality that leads to overeating.Self-compassion isn’t about giving yourself a free pass to eat whatever you want. It’s about recognizing that you’re human and that you’re doing your best. It’s about seeing the big picture and treating yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/stress_eating4_b25076e51e.jpg" alt="stress-eating4.jpg" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_stress_eating4_b25076e51e.jpg 157w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/small_stress_eating4_b25076e51e.jpg 500w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h4 style="text-align:justify;">Putting It All Together</h4>Stress eating is a complex problem, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But by developing awareness, creating new habits, and practicing self-compassion, you can start to break the cycle. Remember, this isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Each time you pause before eating, choose an action from your nourishment menu, or practice self-compassion, you’re taking a step toward healthier habits.It’s also important to remember that your behavior around food doesn’t define you as a person. You are more than what you eat. So the next time you find yourself reaching for that snack out of stress or emotions, take a moment to check in with yourself. What do you really need? Is it food, or is it something else?By taking the time to understand your triggers, nourish yourself in other ways, and be kind to yourself, you can begin to change your relationship with food. It’s not an easy process, but it’s one that’s worth the effort. After all, the best way out of a difficult situation is through it. And you’re strong enough to make it through.<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Stress eating is a complex problem, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But by developing awareness, creating new habits, and practicing self-compassion, you can start to break the cycle.&nbsp;</h4><hr>

3 strategies for breaking the cycle of stress eating

Dr. Jayaram Thimmapuram is an academic hospitalist in internal medicine at Wellspan York hospital. He has a special interest in research and has several articles published in medical journals. He is a recipient of Gold Humanism award, outstanding teacher of the year and resident of the year awards. He has completed several research projects on Heartfulness meditation and its effect in lowering stress levels and burnout and improving sleep. He regularly conducts stress management workshops using Heartfulness meditation techniques for health care professionals and patients. He is a TEDx speaker.

Jay-Thimmapuram-img.jpg

Jay Thimmapuram

<hr class="vertical-space1">
<h4>DR. JAY THIMMAPURAM explores the science of loneliness and how it impacts our
 health and well-being. He also shares some simple things we can do in order to feel better about being alone without
 having to feel lonely.</h4>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
Loneliness is a painful sense of isolation, a lack of belongingness and an absence of
 social contact. It refers to a discrepancy between social needs and their availability in the environment. Though
 humans are fundamentally wired to be social, we are slowly but surely drifting into the zone of loneliness. This
 perception of loneliness has been increasing with successive generations. Generation Z, our younger generation, are
 reportedly lonelier than any of the previous generations. It is also a fact that we are more digitally connected
 with people than any other time in the past, which seems to be a paradox.
The consequences of loneliness are many. It poses a significant health problem for a
 sizeable sector of the population, leading to increased risks of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, behavior
 and health care utilization. There is also an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, and even Alzheimer’s
 disease. The odds of mortality go up significantly. Some studies suggest that the health consequences are almost
 equal to smoking 15 cigarettes per day. The data are striking. According to recent studies, more than 40 percent of
 the population feel lonely and left out. And the actual statistics may be higher, as loneliness is perceived as a
 stigma and often goes unmentioned. The 19th Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has pointed out
 that loneliness is an epidemic and has mentioned how he felt very lonely as a child and reported an associated sense
 of shame.
This takes us to a much deeper aspect. Loneliness is often influenced by our
 relationship to our own self. When we feel lonely, we often erect a barrier around ourselves. This not only prevents
 others from coming to us, but also prevents us from stepping out of the barrier. As it is a self-created barrier,
 breaking it is rather difficult. The only way is to dissolve it! This barrier lies at the foundation of our own
 ideas of ourselves. We may be bogged down by feelings of inferiority or carried away by feelings of superiority.
 Both are ideas that we create for ourselves. It stems from a fundamental state of not being comfortable with
 ourselves in our current state. When we are not comfortable with ourselves, it is difficult to be comfortable with
 others, and for others to be comfortable with us. How do we get over this? A simple awareness of how we feel may
 help us recognize the issue. Attention to our well-being starts from there.
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<hr>
<h5 style="text-align: center;">Loneliness is often influenced
 by our relationship to our own self. 
 When we feel lonely, we often erect a barrier around ourselves. 
 This not only prevents others from coming to us, 
 but also prevents us from stepping out of the barrier. </h5>
<hr>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
Inner well-being is a state of contentment, joy and having a positive outlook on life.
 Simple needs, when fulfilled, can yield excellent results. Sleep plays a significant role in our well-being and even
 our perception of loneliness. A study conducted recently shows that lack of sleep actually causes loneliness. When
 sleep is disturbed, we are usually not in the best state of mind. Such a mind does not like to socialize. A good
 night’s rest is the foundation on which our day’s activities are based. Without this strong base, our day is not
 optimal. In addition, sleep may also contribute to our personality. Going to bed in a state of calm, and resting our
 attention on the inner intrinsic goodness of the heart, can help us mold our personality.
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<img class=" lazyload has-img-center" alt="alone-but-not-lonely" src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/alone_butnot_lonely2_img_ac4537eecf.jpg" />

<hr class="vertical-space1">
When physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness are taken care of, they act as
 antidotes to loneliness. They create a good foundation for positive interactions and yield fruitful results. Another
 simple solution is to train the mind to give it a good direction, and meditation is one way to do this. As we keep
 meditating, we begin to experience a change in the inner landscape and a feeling of self-acceptance develops. We
 become more comfortable and accepting of ourselves, and that lays the foundation for social interaction in a
 positive way.
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<hr>
<h5 style="text-align: center;">As we keep meditating, 
 we begin to experience 
 a change in the inner landscape 
 and a feeling of self-acceptance develops. 
 We become more comfortable 
 and accepting of ourselves, 
 and that lays the foundation 
 for social interaction in a positive way. </h5>
<hr>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
Day-to-day challenges, stresses and strains often play a role in loneliness. When we
 encounter blows in life, our state of mind is not congenial to socialize. An evening practice of <a
 href="http://www.heartfulness.org">Heartfulness Cleaning</a> is a remedy. It helps us to remove the emotional
 sediments that have accumulated within our system. A mind that is cleared of the emotional burden is in an ideal
 state for social interactions.
With a peaceful inner disposition, even when we are alone we are not lonely, for there
 is always an inner state of calmness, contentment and joy. In such a state, when we do interact with others, we will
 affect them in a positive way and uplift those who feel down or lonely.
<hr class="vertical-space1">
REFERENCES:
<a style="color: #ad6818;" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4225959/"
 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mushtaq, R. et al, 2014.</a> 
 <a style="color: #ad6818;" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25870400/"
 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hawkley, L.C, &amp; J.P. Capitanio, 2015.</a> 
 <a style="color: #ad6818;"
 href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4941164/" target="_blank"
 rel="noopener noreferrer">Holt-Lunstad, J. &amp; T.B. Smith, 2016.</a> 
 <a style="color: #ad6818;" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-05377-0"
 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ben Simon, E. &amp; M.P. Walker, 2018.</a> 
 <a style="color: #ad6818;" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20668659/"
 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Holt-Lunstad, J., T.B. Smith &amp; J.B. Layton,
 2010.</a> 
 <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/S15324834BASP2304_2" target="_blank"
 rel="noopener noreferrer">Pinquart, M. &amp; S. Sorensen, 2001.</a>

<hr class="vertical-space1">
<hr>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">Article by DR. JAY THIMMAPURAM</h4>
<hr>

Alone but not lonely

Jay is an academic hospitalist in internal medicine at Wellspan York hospital, who has published several research articles on the effect of Heartfulness Meditation on lowering stress and burnout, and improving sleep. He has received numerous awards and regularly conducts stress management workshops. He is a TEDx speaker.

Jay-Thimmapuram.jpg

Jayaram Thimmapuram

JEMINA WATSTEIN has taught art all over the world, including Thailand, Germany, and the United States. She encourages all of her students—and now us—to lean into our innate creativity, sharing three simple activities that help us connect with our inner artist and feel more connected to ourselves.

jemina-watstein.webp

Jemina Watstein

<h4 style="text-align:justify;">JEMINA WATSTEIN has taught art all over the world, including Thailand, Germany, and the United States. She encourages all her students, and now us, to lean into our innate creativity, sharing three simple activities that will help us connect with our inner artist and feel more connected to ourselves.</h4>&nbsp;All too often I hear people say, “I can’t even draw a stick figure,” and my heart hurts a little because yes you can! And when you do, you probably smile and laugh a little at what you drew. That is the power of art-making: you feel good even if you aren’t an artist, although I would argue we are all artists in some capacity. If you give yourself the grace of taking a break from the daily grind, even for five minutes, to dabble with some art-making, you will feel good inside.I know what you are thinking: “This author is crazy. I’m not an artist.” Sorry, my friend, you are sadly mistaken. You are an artist and it is time to embrace your growth mindset and give it a try. Be curious!Here are three simple creative activities you can try at home:<h4 style="text-align:justify;">Start the journey</h4>Pick up a pen and paper. Keep it simple. Start with a spiral. Around and around you go. Take a mindful breath while you do it. Not so bad, right?Now make another spiral. Try overlapping them or use a different colored pen. You don’t like it? Throw it away and try drawing circles tomorrow. Be persistent. Set a timer. Five minutes every day and you will feel the positive benefits.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/3activities_calm_mind2_829dd1006c.webp" alt="3activities-calm-mind2.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_3activities_calm_mind2_829dd1006c.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_3activities_calm_mind2_829dd1006c.webp 600w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/3activities_calm_mind2_829dd1006c.webp 600w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h4 style="text-align:justify;">Embrace those mistakes</h4>Get yourself a sketchbook and a favorite pen. Perhaps you will have to buy a few pens to find out which is your favorite. Embrace your mistakes and learn from them. After a few days of spirals and shapes, you will be ready to kick it up a notch. It’s time to bust out of your comfort zone.Draw what you see. Where’s a great place to start? The cup you are sipping from as you read this article. Is it terrible? Turn the page and try again tomorrow. You will improve with practice and having all your sketches in one place will prove this to you over time.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/3activities_calm_mind3_fcd14f1d66.webp" alt="3activities-calm-mind3.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_3activities_calm_mind3_fcd14f1d66.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_3activities_calm_mind3_fcd14f1d66.webp 600w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/3activities_calm_mind3_fcd14f1d66.webp 600w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h4 style="text-align:justify;">10 for 10</h4>Along with drawing from observation, there are many prompts to kick up the creativity and have fun. One is 10 for 10—10 drawings for 10 seconds—each using the same object or random shapes. How does each drawing change? Which one do you like the best?&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/3activities_calm_mind4_8436ffed2d.webp" alt="3activities-calm-mind4.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_3activities_calm_mind4_8436ffed2d.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_3activities_calm_mind4_8436ffed2d.webp 600w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/3activities_calm_mind4_8436ffed2d.webp 600w," sizes="100vw"></figure>&nbsp;There are numerous drawing prompts on the internet. Channel your feelings, experiences, and dreams for inspiration. Ready to tackle your self-awareness? Draw something that makes you smile whenever you think about it. Self-management? Draw a worry dragon that holds your concerns. Want to be silly? Draw yourself with your superpower.Drawing is meditative and great for the brain; you will also feel good inside. So many other media will too. My current favorite is weaving. I recently taught a fiber arts class and all the students commented how much they enjoyed the relaxing qualities of weaving. It is fun, and the fibers feel so soft in your hands. Weaving fosters mindfulness; through the repetition-over under, over under—you will feel calm and focused. It is easy to fix mistakes, or perhaps you will embrace them and consider them happy accidents.Making art is good for the soul. It gives us the opportunity to understand ourselves, our thoughts, and our actions.&nbsp;

3 activities to calm the mind

After a successful career as an actor and filmmaker, Jeremy founded the non-profit organization Peace One Day. Because of his efforts, in 2001 a UN General Assembly resolution was unanimously adopted establishing September 21 as an annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence. Today, billions of people have been exposed to the peace message, resulting in millions behaving more peacefully. Jeremy is also an author and has received significant recognition for his inspiring promotion of peace around the world, including the Africa Peace Award, the Lennon-Ono Grant for Peace, the Carnegie-Wateler Peace 'and': Prize, and the Geneva Cinema Vérité, and many other awards.


Jeremy-Gilley.jpg

Jeremy Gilley

<h4
 id="h-jeremy-gilley-is-a-british-director-and-actor-who-founded-the-non-profit-organization-peace-one-day-in-1999-peace-one-day-successfully-led-the-campaign-that-resulted-in-the-unanimous-adoption-by-the-united-nations-member-states-of-the-first-ever-annual-day-of-global-ceasefire-and-non-violence-with-a-fixed-calendar-date-september-21-the-un-international-day-of-peace-since-then-peace-one-day-has-been-working-to-raise-awareness-and-instigate-action-resulting-in-a-large-scale-decrease-of-violence-annually-on-peace-day"
>
 JEREMY GILLEY
 is a British director and actor, who founded the non-profit organization
 Peace One Day in 1999. Peace One Day successfully led the campaign that
 resulted in the unanimous adoption by the United Nations member states of
 the first-ever annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence, with a
 fixed calendar date – September 21 the UN International Day of Peace.
 Since then, Peace One Day has been working to raise awareness and
 instigate action, resulting in a large-scale decrease of violence annually
 on Peace Day.
</h4>

<h4
 id="h-jeremy-s-creativity-was-sparked-early-in-life-and-he-has-spent-over-twenty-years-serving-humanity-he-is-passionately-committed-to-peace-sustainability-equality-justice-diversity-inclusion-climate-action-and-the-mobilization-of-youth-he-is-the-producer-and-director-of-four-annual-global-digital-experiences-anti-racism-live-climate-action-live-peace-day-live-and-right-now-he-is-preparing-for-peace-one-day-s-newest-event-space-transformers-live-on-december-21-an-experience-for-young-changemakers-with-his-signature-enthusiasm-and-humor-he-shares-his-vision-for-this-event-with-judith-nelson-of-the-heartfulness-institute"
>
 Jeremy’s creativity was sparked early in life, and he has spent over twenty
 years serving humanity. He is passionately committed to peace,
 sustainability, equality, justice, diversity, inclusion, climate action and
 the mobilization of youth. He is the producer and director of four annual
 global digital experiences – Anti-Racism Live, Climate Action Live, Peace
 Day Live, and right now he is preparing for Peace One Day’s newest event,
 Space Transformers Live on December 21 an experience for young changemakers.
 With his signature enthusiasm and humor, he shares his vision for this event
 with
 JUDITH NELSON of the
 Heartfulness Institute.
</h4>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 Q: Hello Jeremy. How did Space Transformers come about?



 JG: Space
 Transformers came about because Peace One Day&nbsp;evolved from doing just one
 experience a year. That one experience is Peace Day, on September 21st
 unanimously adopted by every member state of the United Nations exactly 20
 years ago, and led by Sir Jeremy Greenstock, Chairman of Gatehouse Advisory
 Partners, Former Chairman of the UNA UK, and Special Advisor to the NGO
 Forward Thinking. We have been raising awareness to institutionalize it,
 because when a lot of people know about a day of peace their behavior changes
 and they are more peaceful.



 The marketing and the awareness manifest action, and action decreases
 violence. It’s seriously profound the impact that a day of peace has,
 especially if you are one of those women or children who had been bullied or
 abused. The positive impact of that day in our homes, communities, schools,
 and places of work is phenomenal, incredible. And it’s why I work immensely
 hard every day, because if you tell 10 people, or you tell 10,000 people a
 day, then a percentage of those people are going to behave very differently on
 the day of peace. Wow, amazing!



 Then we realized that March 21 is the International Day for the Elimination of
 Racial Discrimination, another day unanimously adopted by every member state
 of the UN. So, we approached the Office of the United Nations High
 Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and we now have the good fortune and
 privilege (which I’m very humbled by) to be the producers of the content in
 association with them for this International Day for the Elimination of Racial
 Discrimination. It is a day where raising awareness of diversity, inclusion,
 equality, and justice, which are so immensely important to humanity’s
 survival, will bring behavioral change.&nbsp;



 Now, September 21 and March 21 are on the equinoxes, six months apart, so that
 left two very important dates in the calendar – June 21 and December 21 the
 solstices, marking the change and the end and the beginning of new seasons.
 Four incredible dates, and on many different levels very interesting moments
 of transformation into a new energy. So, I thought that we should do things on
 those two days as well.



 Given that we were covering diversity, inclusion, equality, and justice on
 March 21, and peace and sustainability on September 21 it was obvious that we
 needed to cover the climate issue, so we created a show on June 21 called
 Climate Action Live. Basically, if we don’t protect resources, one sure thing
 is going to happen before we heat up or can’t eat – we’re going to fight over
 what’s left. So, no climate action, no peace. To think that we’re going to be
 evolved and do it differently is a lovely thought, which I’ll get up every day
 and believe in, but history tells us that the way human DNA functions is
 manifested in what we see today.



 I’d like to think that we will evolve, that there will be a shift in the level
 of consciousness around the fundamental issues that humanity faces, and I want
 it to happen, but I’m not going to hang on to the idea that it’s going to
 happen. So, as a person who wants to generate content that is constructive and
 transformative, we are doing Climate Action Live.



 That leaves only one area in terms of humanity’s survival as far as I’m
 concerned, and that is the mobilization of youth, to inspire and hear their
 voices. And that’s where Space Transformers comes in. So, on December 21 at
 the end of the year, all the themes that we have discussed during the year in
 the other three events – diversity, inclusion, equality, justice, climate
 action, peace, and sustainability – will be put into an arena for the new
 generation, the very people who are going to save us (should we be saved).
 They are the people who are transforming the space around them, for sure.



 The phrase itself was something that I read in a letter from Valerie Keller,
 who works with Paul Polman at
 <a href="https://imagine.one/">Imagine</a>: Business as a force for good. I
 saw this phrase “Space Transformers” in the letter and thought it was such a
 beautiful phrase. I was really into the idea of “Let’s have a show called
 Space Transformers just for young people.”&nbsp;



 Q: How old do you have to be to be part of the event?



 JG: You have to
 be under the age of 30, so I can’t be involved [laughs]. Actually, that is a
 lovely thing, because as I’ve gotten older, and as Peace One Day has been on
 the road for the last 22 years, I’m trying more and more to pull myself out of
 what’s going on. I’m much more interested in generating content now for other
 people to be space transformers. I really want this next chapter of my life to
 be about raising the profile of others whose message is so key to humanity’s
 survival that I want to create amazing content about them.&nbsp;



 Q: What can young people expect on the day?



 JG: I’m really
 excited that we’ll see young people from every continent of the world. We’ve
 identified a young man and a young woman who are transforming space within
 each continent, and we’re giving them a voice to tell their stories. I’m going
 to make those films in the most beautiful way I can. As we hear the stories of
 those twelve or more Space Transformers, we will also hear from young actors
 who recreate the words of young people throughout history, and singers who
 perform and share their beautiful art. There will also be a series of panel
 discussions, and we will give Space Transformers Awards to a young woman and a
 young man somewhere in the world.



 It’s the first time we’ve ever attempted anything like this. We’ve never done
 a show that focuses purely on young people, and I’m genuinely massively
 excited about it. If people have got it right, then perhaps we have 250 years
 left here. Some would say, “Hey, what a crazy thought,” and I don’t really
 know, as I’m not a scientist but an ordinary geezer with no qualifications
 who’s just had an idea and gone on that journey forever. Do you know what I
 mean? I don’t want to get off that train, as Cat Stevens-Yusuf Islam said, the
 peace train.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<div class="block-image">
 <figure>
 <img
 alt="space_transformers3"
 class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/space_transformers3_760b70e025.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-07T10:58:28.137Z"
 />
 </figure>
</div>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 So, that’s the zone I’m in. If we have a limited time left, if we’re not
 extremely careful it will be because of some major decisions that will happen
 in the next decade. Why would we think that we are more evolved to make big
 decisions in these ten years than the leaders who were talking about the same
 crucial problems thirty years ago? I’ll hang on to the hope that they can do
 it, but if they can’t, we’ll hear Greta say, “All I’m hearing from leaders is
 blah, blah, blah.” What an amazing thing she did! That speech, that young
 person! It’s her perception of what is happening. I saw her say, “You talk
 about all these things, blah, blah, blah, but you’ve completely let us down.”
 She also said, “Are you going to change? It’s just words, blah, blah, blah.”
 There was something about the way she delivered that speech that made me go
 “wow!” And the truth is that we really are at an absolutely critical, crucial
 moment. If in the next few years, we don’t do something fundamentally
 different, the suffering that’s going to come our way will be terrible,
 irrespective of whether we survive it or not. And that’s the sad reality. It’s
 just what is. I’ve traveled for 22 years in 133 countries, and I’ve seen the
 results of human behavior. I wish I hadn’t seen it. It’s a very, very serious
 time, so I’m really into what Space Transformers can do.&nbsp;



 Q: Many young people feel like they aren’t being heard, so your initiatives
 are certainly providing them with an opportunity to be heard.&nbsp;



 JG: I think
 that’s why I’d like Space Transformers to be a success. I’d like there to be
 good numbers and I’d like the experience to work. If there is an annual
 experience at the end of every year, an experience that culminates from
 thinking through the seasons and reflecting on the year as we prepare for the
 next season, it is a very exciting thought. I’d like all those experiences to
 grow, because narrative is everything; storytelling is everything; informing,
 inspiring, and engaging is everything; it’s the best thing we can do.



 Q: What can the younger generations teach the older generations?



 JG: I think Greta
 Thunberg summed it up quite nicely with the words, “Blah, blah, blah,” didn’t
 she. What a legend, what a woman! My goodness. That’s what the young people
 are teaching the older generation. And let’s hope the older generation makes
 some very crucial decisions at this point. That’s very, very important.&nbsp;



 We do see some great changes. There are extremely constructive, positive
 things&nbsp;going on, and things are transforming. The question is whether
 they can transform fast enough. The academics tell us that the window of
 opportunity is now. That’s the conundrum, that’s the issue. Can they do it
 fast enough? Have they got the courage? Can they look beyond their own
 borders?&nbsp;



 Q: How can people sign up, and will there be any activities leading up to
 the event?



 JG: Four to six
 weeks before December 21 we’ll announce who’s going to be there. We hope that
 many young people will tune in to watch the show live at
 <a href="http://www.peaceoneday.org">www.peaceoneday.org</a> or @PeaceOneDay
 on Twitter. I hope that we will all watch it together.



 It’s a moment to hear and reflect, and be inspired to act, leading to
 engagement. I think the action is going to be people tuning in and listening
 to young people’s voices, so that everyone can support them, and be inspired
 by them, and then go on their own journey. It’s a really beautiful and
 creative thing to give them a voice and showcase these films for their social
 media. I really love the idea of being a broadcaster of great people’s
 thoughts and stories. How beautiful, what an honor.&nbsp;


To be continued.

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h4 class="has-text-align-center">
 If there is an annual experience at the end of every year, an experience that culminates from thinking through the seasons and reflecting on the year as we prepare for the next season, it is a very exciting thought. I’d like all those experiences to grow, because narrative is everything; storytelling is everything; informing, inspiring, and engaging is everything; it’s the best thing we can do.
</h4>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<div class="block-image">
 <figure>
 <img
 alt="space_transformers4"
 class="lazyload w-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/space_transformers4_700x393_0f4f490372.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-26T07:35:48.282Z"
 />
 </figure>
</div>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

Space Transformers Live, December 21

<h4
 id="h-jeremy-gilley-is-a-british-director-and-actor-who-founded-the-non-profit-organization-peace-one-day-in-1999-jeremy-s-creativity-was-sparked-early-in-life-and-he-has-spent-over-twenty-years-passionately-committed-to-peace-sustainability-equality-justice-diversity-inclusion-climate-action-and-the-mobilization-of-youth-he-is-the-producer-and-director-of-four-annual-global-digital-experiences-anti-racism-live-climate-action-live-peace-day-live-and-space-transformers-live-an-experience-for-young-changemakers-with-his-signature-enthusiasm-and-humor-in-part-2-of-this-interview-shares-his-vision-for-enabling-young-people-with-judith-nelson-of-the-heartfulness-institute">
 JEREMY GILLEY
 is a British director and actor who founded the non-profit organization
 Peace One Day in 1999. Jeremy’s creativity was sparked early in life, and he
 has spent over twenty years passionately committed to peace, sustainability,
 equality, justice, diversity, inclusion, climate action, and the
 mobilization of youth. He is the producer and director of four annual global
 digital experiences – Anti-Racism Live, Climate Action Live, Peace Day Live,
 and Space Transformers Live, an experience for young changemakers. With his
 signature enthusiasm and humor, in part 2 of this interview, shares his
 vision for enabling young people with
 JUDITH NELSON
 of the Heartfulness Institute.
</h4>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 Q: Jeremy, you’ve mentioned that you’re keen to help and
 empower young
 people in light of the problems we currently face. Do you think that young
 people today face more challenges than previous generations and perhaps need
 more support? If so, what kind of support?



 JG: Yes, young
 people today definitely face more challenges than we faced. I have a
 ten-year-old daughter and she just spent two years in a house. That’s
 different. Now we’re queuing for fuel and people are panicking. If I were a
 young person seeing the way we’re running out of resources, we’re heating up,
 the icecaps are melting, and there’s disease, I’d be looking around going,
 “What a very strange place I live in.”



 I want to make it not so frightening. We can inform, inspire, and engage.
 Content and storytelling throughout history is crucial to change. Everything
 that’s on the periphery, on the edges, eventually becomes mainstream; and it
 becomes mainstream because people on the edges shout about it. I want to be a
 part of that edge, to help it move into the center.



 When I went on my journey around the world, the first people I spoke to were
 young. I went into schools talking about this stuff. I’ve been on the road
 speaking to hundreds of thousands of young people, so I probably hold one of
 the largest archives of young people’s thoughts in the world. I’ve been
 immensely committed to this and I like the idea that we provide educational
 materials for them to be the driving force behind the vision of a united and
 sustainable world. Peace One Day has provided those materials for twenty-two
 years; and I think we’ve really got to equip young people with the necessary
 information and tools to take on the great challenges around diversity,
 inclusion, equality, justice, climate action, and peace. We’ve had hundreds of
 thousands of young people using those tools – I think there are 33,000
 teachers currently using them, they are in schools all over the place. I’d
 really like to provide tools, inspire, and inform. That’s it.&nbsp;



 Q: What kind of qualities do you think young people need in
 today’s
 world?



 JG: I think they
 need a lot of courage. There was a good interview with Steve Jobs where he was
 asked, “Why did you make it when others didn’t?” He said, “One word –
 passion.” Just look at those who excel. It’s because they fell in love with
 something, and the passion drove them through. Steve Jobs is right. It’s all
 about finding your passion.&nbsp;



 I think the quality of “looking at failure as success” is also pretty
 important. The idea of celebrating falling down, of knowing that you learn
 most about yourself when you fall down, is something that we can appreciate
 more. When it gets dark it gets interesting. When it gets dark, if you can
 find the light it’s a really great thing, because it makes you who you are. In
 every moment of now, I’m only here because of the darkness, not the light.
 Success is okay, and everybody saying “yes” is okay, but when it’s really dark
 and you’re getting “no,” that’s when it’s most interesting.&nbsp;



 I think you need a lot of courage, determination, tenacity, and passion.
 You’ve got to be respectful, you’ve got to be loving, you’ve got to be
 peaceful, you’ve got to be willing to reconcile your differences, to forgive.
 I’m not sure intelligence really comes into it [laughs]. No, intelligence
 does come into it, but qualifications don’t. If you’ve got the love,
 the passion, and the drive, then come and sail with me. I don’t need to know
 that you went on some course to know how to sail. Let’s get on a boat and
 let’s get it moving.&nbsp;



 Q: What about awareness? Do you think awareness comes into
 this as
 well?



 JG: Yes, I think
 you’ve got to be aware of where the holes are. You’ve got to know where the
 cliff edge is, otherwise you’re going to walk over it because you don’t know.
 That’s a waste. Know where the edge is.&nbsp;


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h4 class="has-text-align-center">
 I think the quality of “looking at failure as success”
 is also pretty
 important. The idea of celebrating falling down, of knowing that you
 learn most about yourself when you fall down, is something that we can
 appreciate more. When it gets dark it gets interesting. When it gets
 dark, if you can find the light it’s a really great thing,
 because it makes you who you are. In every moment of now, I’m
 only here because of the darkness, not the light. Success is okay,
 and everybody saying “yes” is okay, but when it’s really dark
 and you’re getting “no,” that’s when it’s most interesting.
</h4>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<div class="block-image">
 <figure>
 <img decoding="async" width="700" height="469" alt="empowering-young-people2" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/empowering_young_people2_409586afdb.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-09T04:19:31.622Z" />
 </figure>
</div>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 Q: Do you have any sense of how we can help young people deal
 with the fear
 many of them are feeling?&nbsp;



 JG: I think we
 can give constructive programming and narrative to the world. Currently we
 have the concept of “If it bleeds, it leads” when you turn on the news. The
 number one story is really horrible. They love it. But look at what we’ve
 manifested – look at the weapons, look at the starving people, look at the
 poverty, look at the way we’ve treated this place with a total lack of care
 and love of Nature. It’s disgusting.&nbsp;Let’s try to inform, inspire, and
 engage young people. Let’s put very constructive well-thought-through
 information that really empowers them rather than disempowers and frightens
 them. Because that’s what the media on the whole do.



 You can test it easily. When you say to a big media company, “It’s the day for
 the elimination of racial discrimination, it’s voted by every country as a day
 of diversity, inclusion, equality, and justice, will you cover this story?”
 they say, “No.” “It’s a day of peace voted by every country of the world, it’s
 a day of ceasefire and non-violence, and if more people who find out about it
 they will actually end up changing their behavior, will you cover it?” they
 say, “No.”&nbsp;



 So, there lies the essence of what’s going on. But will you choose to be
 disempowered by the fact that the media don’t want to cover constructive days
 that can have an impact on their own children? You have to think, “That’s the
 way the world is, selling arms, looting fossil fuels, treating animals badly –
 things that our very nature and our very existence depend on.” To think that
 certain sectors would behave any differently is a bit silly, really. This is
 how we are; this is what we are. And we must deal with it. It’s tough.



 Actually, I don’t think humans really want to accept it. We want to think
 we’re something different; otherwise, how do we function? How do you talk to a
 young person about why nuclear weapons exist? How do you explain why they
 dropped a bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki? How do you explain it? It’s
 disgusting. Tough stuff this.&nbsp;



 Q: You really put your heart into this work, and when you put
 your heart
 into something, it’s incredible what can be achieved.



 JG: Yes, it is
 quite amazing when you see beautiful things happening, when people are very
 determined, climbing the mountain. Especially if you love the mountain so much
 that you’re just never going to stop climbing, irrespective of whether you get
 to the top or not. That’s amazing, being in the grip rather than the view;
 every grip is exciting. And the falls are amazing, like “I now know that I
 can’t operate in that way. I have to find another way. Okay, let’s go a bit
 higher tomorrow.”&nbsp;Then your wisdom comes. You can see a mountain and can
 almost see the right route,&nbsp;because you’ve climbed so many and fallen so
 many times that you get better at spotting the route, even from the ground.



 I quite like the journey, and life, and how it teaches you certain things that
 make it a little more interesting. And what makes the difference between
 somebody who gives up and somebody who doesn’t? As Steve Jobs said, it’s
 passion.&nbsp;



 Look at what Ury and Fisher said in the book Getting to Yes: Don’t
 worry about the yes, look at the no, and when you get a no, turn it into a
 yes. And love the no. That’s very cool.&nbsp;They spoke about BATNA (Best
 Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement). Go into every meeting thinking that
 you’re going to get a no, so what’s the alternative? As soon as a no comes,
 what are you going to ask for? Have it ready. These are not my thoughts; they
 are Ury and Fisher’s thoughts. They are legends.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h4 class="has-text-align-center">
 It is quite amazing when you see beautiful things happening,
 when
 people are very determined, climbing the mountain. Especially if you
 love the mountain so much that you’re just never going to stop
 climbing, irrespective of whether you get to the top or not.
</h4>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<div class="block-image">
 <figure>
 <img decoding="async" width="541" height="536" alt="empowering-young-people3" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/empowering_young_people3_fce1495ac7.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-09T04:20:18.738Z" />
 </figure>
</div>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 In the early days, I’d almost tempt a no, because&nbsp;having said no once,
 they would feel a bit difficult about saying no twice, so I would aim to get a
 yes for the second request! [laughs] Everything’s a negotiation, isn’t it? And
 it’s fun! That sounds manipulative, but I don’t think Ury and Fisher were
 suggesting manipulation. They were simply saying: If you’re going to do
 something good, get it done! Don’t worry about whatever comes your way. That’s
 just how it is. And what makes the difference between somebody who gives up
 and somebody who doesn’t? Again, passion.&nbsp;



 Q: Is there any message you would like to give young
 people?



 JG: I hope that
 what I’ve said during our conversation will be positive to young people. The
 future is clearly in their hands. They are charged with an incredible job and
 obviously we wish them well on that journey. And if we can be there to assist
 in any way, inform them, inspire them, and engage them, then that’s what we’re
 going to do. We will do that every single day.



 People can find more information at
 <a href="https://peaceoneday.org/Main/">peaceoneday.org</a>. They can meditate
 and do all sorts of things to equip themselves for the challenges they’re
 going to face. It has been lovely to connect with Heartfulness for
 <a href="https://heartfulness.org/en/international-day-of-peace/">Peace Day</a>
 and Space Transformers Live, and I’m really grateful.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

Empowering young people

<h4
 id="h-jeremy-gilley-is-the-founder-of-peace-one-day-because-of-his-efforts-september-21-is-an-annual-day-of-global-ceasefire-and-non-violence-22-years-on-jeremy-is-even-more-passionate-about-bringing-peace-to-the-world-despite-the-current-uncertainty-and-unrest-here-he-speaks-to-elizabeth-denley-about-taking-peace-one-day-to-the-next-level">
 JEREMY GILLEY is
 the founder of Peace One Day. Because of his efforts, September 21 is
 an annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence. 22 years on,
 Jeremy is even more passionate about bringing peace to the world,
 despite the current uncertainty and unrest. Here he speaks to
 ELIZABETH DENLEY
 about taking Peace One Day to the next level.
</h4>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 Q: Hi Jeremy, it’s good to connect again. Peace One Day has
 built so
 much awareness over the past two decades about peace and the need for
 ceasefires. So what next? Where are we heading with all this?



 JG: Well,
 there are two things. First, where are we heading as a global community,
 and second, what kind of impact are the Peace One Day campaigns having?


<h4>
 Our Global Situation
</h4>


 JG:
 Where we’re heading as a global community is obviously of serious
 concern. It’s extremely worrying, frightening, and tragic. There are
 really no words to describe the way we are operating at this particular
 point.



 We admitted a while ago, as people like Paul Polman and Mary Robinson
 said, that this decade is incredibly crucial. We needed to make the
 right decisions in relation to humanity’s survival, and now everything
 we’re doing is the opposite of what we should be doing. We’re seeing an
 increase in violence between countries and in our communities. The way
 in which we’re treating resources… I’m upset and angry about the whole
 thing.



 When you look at the evolution of humans, should I be that surprised? We
 can have an intellectual conversation about how everything’s got to
 change, but the truth is, can we actually change the DNA of a human
 being to be capable of protecting anything beyond itself? I think
 history probably proves the answer to that question.



 If we look at some of our great achievements, there’s some beautiful
 architecture (dependent on the resources that we used to build it),
 amazing music, beautiful art, and amazing poetry, etc. There are also
 some very complex weapons. There are examples of heinous destruction.
 That is what we are. Look at the evolution of the human species in
 relation to destroying each other, and destroying what gives us life.
 That is the result.



 So, we can have a nice conversation about beautiful things and
 spirituality, but it’s really niche when I look at what we’ve done, who
 we truly are, the manifestation of our actions. Do we have the ability
 to do something different? Have we only just realized that we
 have to behave differently? Of course not. We’ve known for ages that we
 needed to behave differently. And have we been capable of behaving
 differently? The answer is no.



 That’s the reality. Will there be a shift in consciousness? Unlikely.
 What will life be like beyond 250 years, if indeed it exists?
 Unpleasant, to say the least. Many would say we’re in the final chapter.
 We were told by the great contemporary thinkers of our time that this is
 the decade for fundamental change and we have failed!


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<div class="block-image">
 <figure>
 <img width="700" height="467" alt="inform-inspire-engage2" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/inform_inspire_engage2_700x467_3ca632ab78.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T07:21:36.830Z" />
 </figure>
</div>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 And we haven’t even talked about the 4 billion people who are really
 hungry, and about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. “Sorry, I want
 to feed my kids. You want to talk about 17 goals with me?” That’s where
 we are, that’s who we are, and who we are is what we’ve manifested.



 So what’s the point of getting up? Well, there is a point. I’ve got a
 little girl, and I need to take care of her, and I need to do everything
 I can to protect her future as best I can, so that’s exactly what I’m
 going to do. And then my daughter will have children, and my daughter’s
 children are really going to be in the heart of the fire.



 Therefore, I’m going to get up and dig deep every day. And I’m going to
 work my absolute socks off, to do three things that are crucial to
 humanity’s survival. It’s not just me, there are thousands of people
 doing it. We need to create narratives that are constructive, with just
 three words: inform, inspire, engage. Not inform and freak
 someone out! There’s no point in pretending this whole thing is okay,
 but that doesn’t make any difference to the way I’m going to operate on
 a daily basis. In fact, it fuels my desire to work even harder.



 I think we’ve got to look back at history, whether it’s the slave trade,
 women having the vote, or the incredible LGBT+ community, and the
 amazing breakthroughs that we see in all sorts of diverse, inclusive,
 just, and equal ways. They were people on the periphery who were
 shouting and screaming, being creative and constructive, and informing,
 inspiring and engaging, and who eventually made the status quo. Well,
 guess what? Individuals on the outskirts who are marginalized, who
 aren’t the mainstream, will be the status quo! And that’s a beautiful,
 exciting, inspiring point; that’s how history unfolds.



 And technology and science are going to be fundamental to our human
 fight for survival. We can make a difference – all of us trying to make
 a contribution, individually, collectively, doing extraordinary things –
 and science and technology will kick in as well. It’s a fascinating
 situation!


<h4>
 The Impact of Peace One Day
</h4>


 JG: And
 the impact of Peace One Day? Well, it’s 22 years, 138 countries. The
 International Day of Peace is September 21, a day of ceasefire, of
 nonviolence, unanimously adopted by every government in the world. It
 has also been passed through the US Congress as the Day of Peace. That
 was a lot of hard work by Kofi Annan and the incredible men and women of
 the United Nations, and others, including corporations, actors and
 singers, and civil society. The day is manifested; that’s my starting
 point.



 We saw what happened in Afghanistan with a ceasefire – children were
 vaccinated and there was a 70% reduction in violence, so we saw
 improvement in the most complex place in the world. A cynic would say
 that one day of peace is only symbolic and meaning less, but they’re
 wrong; this mountain is climbable. You can only say it’s not climbable
 if you have a fear of climbing it yourself. Two billion people are aware
 and more people are thinking about peace than on any other day of the
 year – that is a great thing. As a consequence of that collective
 thought there is a behavioral change. September 21 is the most peaceful
 day of the year, so we know the impact is there.



 We’re moving into the next chapter, becoming like a “Netflix for Good.”
 We do 4 shows a year–for the elimination of racial discrimination, for
 climate action, the world’s Day of Peace, and Space Transformers. That’s
 a lot of inspiring and engaging narrative. Next year, we will do 12
 shows, the 4 big ones and one every other month – 90 minutes specials
 around issues like poverty, terrorism, education, marking key dates in
 every month. As a consequence, you’ll see content creation quadrupling,
 amplifying, and that means more engagement and more narrative created by
 us to inform, inspire, and engage globally.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<div class="block-image">
 <figure>
 <img width="700" height="467" alt="inform-inspire-engage3" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/inform_inspire_engage3_700x467_4b7c911b44.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T07:23:38.030Z" />
 </figure>
</div>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 Over the next five years or so, I would like to see POD become a
 destination, where you go to see programming around peace,
 sustainability, climate justice, equality, diversity, collaboration,
 cooperation, innovation, spirituality, etc. I’m very excited about the
 future. We’re fired up.



 We’re surviving, and it’s the yin and the yang, isn’t it, the dark and
 the light. I know darkness. Having known darkness is what allows me to
 see the light, find the light. So, it’s the first part of the answer to
 your question about really examining what we’ve actually manifested,
 what our evolution is manifesting. Darkness is actually what creates and
 ignites a passion and a desire to do something constructive.



 Q: And whenever evolution happens, it comes in quantum leaps.
 So,
 there’s always the possibility, that something’s going to leap out of
 the stratosphere and go somewhere else. And we never know when that’s
 going to happen. If we don’t do anything, it’s not going to happen. If
 we do something, it may or may not happen, but there’s a chance it
 will.



 So, what’s happening on September 21?



 JG: We are
 creating an experience on September 21.People can get information by
 watching any of the social media channels, including Peace One Day,
 Jeremy Gilley, and International Day of Peace. We’re going live from
 London and New York this year on World Peace Day. We will have
 contributions from unbelievable individuals from the world of music and
 performance art, thought leaders, panel discussions, interviews, and
 we’ll broadcast live to various locations around the world.



 We’ll be telling the stories of remarkable women and men who are working
 daily to save humanity. And I hope that informs and inspires and engages
 others to do the same. If you don’t know about Peace Day, and you come
 across that work, it will hopefully inform, inspire, and engage you to
 action. If you know it’s going to be Peace Day, I hope you reconcile
 your differences, pull your family together in a moment of unity, and
 with that unity comes hope and strength. By working together, we can
 have peace one day, in our families, in our communities, in our places
 of work, in our places of worship, and in our schools and universities.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h4 class="has-text-align-center">
 If you know it’s going to be Peace Day, I hope you
 reconcile
 your differences, pull your family together in a moment of
 unity, and with that unity comes hope and strength.
</h4>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 If we want to live in a peaceful world, and we know the day of peace is
 September 21,but we don’t do anything ourselves, then don’t question
 government leaders. That’s the whole point, isn’t it? If we want to live
 in a more peaceful and sustainable world that protects our children’s
 children, we are all going to have to play along.



 So, to those who know about September 21, I hope you have a beautiful
 day. You don’t need to organize the biggest event that’s ever happened,
 you just need to reach out to your family, your friends, your loved
 ones, and your work colleagues, or just strengthen those relationships
 and the sense of commitment that, “Let’s do some real good here. ”Follow
 us on social media and tell us what you’re doing. For those who don’t
 know, I hope you watch the show and find out more.



 Q: Thank you. That’s inspiring. Are you still as visionary and
 inspired as you were 22 years ago?



 JG: I think
 I’m probably scarred. I’ve got a lot of wounds, but those wounds are
 interesting. And some of the darkness that I’ve experienced is like a
 climber who falls down halfway, after taking three years to get to that
 point, and now they’ve got to go another couple of years. You can look
 at it two ways: I’ve fallen down and I’m never going to make it; or I’ve
 fallen down and hurt myself, but I’ve got to get up and work another
 couple of years to get to the top of that mountain.



 To those who helped manifest darkness in the world, instead of wanting
 revenge, be grateful to them and thank them for the experience they’ve
 given you. It’s making you who you are, and there’s a lot in that. If
 you can look at life that way, it’s liberating. It actually does fuel
 passion. Turn around what’s dark, what brings you down, and say, life is
 a series of chapters, life is things that you just have to learn and
 tools to equip yourself with. It’s that mental approach where you see
 the glass half full rather than the glass half empty.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h4 class="has-text-align-center">
 To those who helped manifest darkness in the world,
 instead of wanting revenge, be grateful to them and thank
 them for the experience they’ve given you. It’s making you
 who you are, and there’s a lot in that. If you can look at
 life that way, it’s liberating.
</h4>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 How am I feeling? Pretty scarred but passionate, probably more
 passionate. I’ve got more energy now, after 22 years on the road, than I
 had at the beginning. I have equipped myself with skills that I never
 had before. That gives me the ability to think really big, paint any
 picture, dream of anything, just go for it. That’s really exciting!



 Also, people take you more seriously the older you get. Years ago, I
 remember looking at big producers like Kevin Wall, and now I think to
 myself, “Wow, you’ve done a lot of producing, Jeremy. ”I’m not
 suggesting I’m anywhere near Kevin, but life is quite beautiful in that
 way. It enriches you and rewards you, and the rewards come as a
 consequence of your ability to know and see things as achievable. I feel
 great, I feel ready, I feel energized, I’m up for another five years of
 really interesting work.



 Q: Peace be with you, it’s fantastic talking to you.



 JG: I love
 speaking with you and am always really grateful for all the amazing work
 that you are all doing, it’s incredible. We’ve just got to keep going.



 Q: At Heartfulness, we’re doing a lot of environmental work
 now, with
 forest planting of rare and endangered species – across India,
 millions of trees. And water projects with governments to re-irrigate.
 I agree with you, the SDGs aren’t going to happen unless we make them
 happen.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<div class="block-image">
 <figure>
 <img width="700" height="467" alt="inform-inspire-engage4" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/inform_inspire_engage4_700x467_f9905900cd.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T07:24:15.262Z" />
 </figure>
</div>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 JG: The
 SDGs are wonderful signposts, wonderful pieces of art. They have a very
 important role to remind us of the mountains we need to continuously
 climb. The key with having a finite period of time is that we can
 perceive it as a failure when we don’t achieve them within the15-year
 window. But the truth is, they’ve already been a success in relation to
 those who have seen them, which of course, is limited. I’ve drawn a lot
 from them personally. I love thinking about them. Those who have the
 privilege to be able to look at them and talk about them, which is very
 few, have a crucial role. If you can look at them, you can probably eat.
 So, good on the teams that have been working tirelessly, like the SDG
 Action Campaign. Brilliant, brilliant work.



 Q: Well, thank you so much, and all the best for September
 21.



 JG: Have a
 wonderful Peace Day. It’s lovely to see you.



 Q: You too. All the best.

Home› Contributors