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.

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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.
 
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 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.
 
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 <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.
 
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 <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.

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Jasmee Mudgal

<hr><h3>AN ART ESSAY</h3><hr><h4>JASMEE MUDGAL reflects on her love for Rumi, the much-loved 13th-century Persian poet.</h4><hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/rumi2_067ffbd7c2.jpg" alt="rumi">&nbsp;<hr>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><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/rumi3_8280bdffaa.jpg" alt="rumi">&nbsp;<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/rumi4_458909b545.jpg" alt="rumi">&nbsp;<hr><hr><h4>Illustrations by JASMEE MUDGAL</h4><hr><hr>

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.

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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:50%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/stress_eating2_af2afce10b_1_05031e7199.jpg" alt="stress_eating2_af2afce10b (1).jpg" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_stress_eating2_af2afce10b_1_05031e7199.jpg 171w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/small_stress_eating2_af2afce10b_1_05031e7199.jpg 500w," 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;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/stress_eating3_edde55d21b_1_ec643557d9.jpg" alt="stress_eating3_edde55d21b (1).jpg" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_stress_eating3_edde55d21b_1_ec643557d9.jpg 171w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/small_stress_eating3_edde55d21b_1_ec643557d9.jpg 500w," sizes="100vw"></figure>&nbsp;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:50%;"><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

<h4 style="text-align:justify;">JASON NUTTING shares his reflections on the nature of thoughts, and how to move from a first reaction in any circumstance to allowing space for the heart to speak and wisdom to emerge from within by slowing down, clearing the noise, removing the weight of the past, and connecting and aligning with something greater.</h4>&nbsp;“The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your thoughts.”&nbsp;—Marcus Aurelius&nbsp;But what if the thoughts that shape your life aren’t truly yours?Every moment, a thought arises. It comes fast, automatic, familiar. This is the thought shaped by past experiences, habits, and subconscious conditioning. It’s not a choice; it’s a reflex.Let’s call this your First Thought.But what happens after that?The moment between the first thought and your next move is where freedom lives.&nbsp; That is where transformation happens. That is a space where the heart speaks. The first thought is not necessarily wise, true, or aligned with who you ought to be. It is simply familiar.Your habitual state, your baseline level of energy and awareness, shapes this first thought. It’s how you normally feel, think, and respond to life.But when stress, pressure, or unexpected challenges arise, you enter an activated state, a surge in energy where emotions heighten, the mind speeds up, and old survival patterns take control.This is when fear, self-doubt, and defensiveness arise most strongly.Without awareness, the first thought in this state feels like the truth. But it’s just a reaction.&nbsp;This is why space matters. This is where freedom begins. It is the mind on autopilot, reacting to life based on past programming.<ul><li>You feel resistance before trying something new.</li></ul>First thought: “I can’t do this.”<ul><li>You get triggered in a conversation.</li></ul>First thought: “They don’t respect me.”<ul><li>You set a goal and doubt creeps in.</li></ul>First thought: “I’ve failed before. Why bother?”The first thought often comes from fear, survival, or the ego’s need for control. It is the conditioned self, the closed mind, repeating its old stories. And if you act on it immediately, you reinforce the closed mind.Now, here’s the shift:You don’t have to obey the first thought.Imagine a moment of struggle… perhaps frustration, doubt, or the pull of an old habit.&nbsp; The first thought arises automatically. But then, there’s a pause. A breath. A heartbeat.&nbsp; And from that space, a new voice emerges:“What if I try?” “What if I respond with love?”&nbsp; “What if I trust?”This voice is quieter but deeper… more like a whisper.&nbsp; It does not push or force like the mind. It simply knows. That is the heart speaking. The heart does not rush. It does not react. It does not repeat old patterns.&nbsp; It responds from a place of wisdom, presence, and truth. But to hear it, you must create space.The heart’s wisdom is always present, but most people never access it because they move too fast.They react before they receive.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/when_heart_speaks2_2f09ade53a.webp" alt="when-heart-speaks2.webp"></figure>&nbsp;<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">The heart’s wisdom is always present,&nbsp; but most people never access it&nbsp; because they move too fast.</h4><hr>This is why Heartfulness practice is helpful, as it slows you down so the heart can lead. Each aspect of the practice helps cultivate this awareness:<ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li style="text-align:justify;">Meditation—clears the noise so you can hear the heart.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Cleaning—creates space by removing the weight of negative thinking, and old conditioning.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Prayerful Connection—aligns you with something greater, attuning the heart to wisdom beyond the intellect.</li></ol>Through <a href="https://heartfulness.org/magazine/remembrance-made-simple" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">daily practice</a>, something deeper happens:The Second Thought, the one shaped by awareness, intuition, and deeper intelligence, begins to arise more effortlessly.This is the blooming of the lotus flower within you.&nbsp; And over time, it replaces the first thought. This is the path of transformation. At first, this process requires conscious effort. You must pause. You must listen. You must choose to let the heart lead.&nbsp; But as you practice, the shift becomes natural.One day, you realize:Your first response to a challenge is trust, not fear. Your first reaction to stress is calm, not panic. Your first impulse in relationships is love, not defensiveness.The second thought has become the first.&nbsp; This is the true integration of heart and mind. It is no longer a battle between impulse and <a href="https://heartfulness.org/magazine/emotional-wisdom" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">wisdom</a>.&nbsp; It is harmony.This is the work…Slow down. Clear the noise. Remove the weight of past conditioning. Connect and align with something greater.Each practice helps to recognize the space between thoughts and allows the heart to lead.And over time, the heart’s voice is no longer the second thought.It is the first. We learn how to lead from the heart once again.<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Each practice helps to recognize&nbsp; the space between thoughts and&nbsp; allows the heart to lead.</h4><hr>This is not a theory. It is a practice.&nbsp; The question is:Will you listen?If this resonates with you, take a moment today to pause.&nbsp; When a thought arises, don’t react immediately. Connect to your heartbeat for a breath or two.&nbsp; Create space. And listen.The heart has always been speaking. Slow down, and you will hear it.Ready to experience this shift?&nbsp;

When the heart speaks

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.

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Jay Thimmapuram

<hr><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>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><hr>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.<hr><hr>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><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/alone_butnot_lonely2_img_ac4537eecf.jpg" alt="alone-but-not-lonely"><hr>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><hr>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><hr>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>REFERENCES:<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4225959/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mushtaq, R. et al, 2014.</a> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25870400/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hawkley, L.C, &amp; J.P. Capitanio, 2015.</a> <a 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 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 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><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.

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Jayaram Thimmapuram

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Jean-Paul Sartre

Nothingness

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.

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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.


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Jeremy Gilley

<h4>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>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>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><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/space_transformers3_760b70e025.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-07T10:58:28.137Z" alt="space_transformers3"><hr>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><hr><h4>If there is an annual experience at the end of every year,&nbsp; an experience that culminates from thinking&nbsp; through the seasons and reflecting on the year&nbsp; as we prepare for the next season,&nbsp; it is a very exciting thought.&nbsp; I’d like all those experiences to grow,&nbsp; because narrative is everything; storytelling is everything;&nbsp; informing, inspiring, and engaging is everything;&nbsp; it’s the best thing we can do.</h4><hr><hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/space_transformers4_700x393_0f4f490372.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-26T07:35:48.282Z" alt="space_transformers4"><hr>

Space Transformers Live, December 21

<h4>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>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><hr><h4>I think the quality of “looking at failure as success”&nbsp; is also pretty important. The idea of celebrating falling down,&nbsp; of knowing that you learn most about yourself&nbsp; when you fall down, is something that we can appreciate more.&nbsp; When it gets dark it gets interesting. When it gets dark,&nbsp; if you can find the light it’s a really great thing,&nbsp; because it makes you who you are. In every moment of now,&nbsp; I’m only here because of the darkness,&nbsp; not the light. Success is okay,&nbsp; and everybody saying “yes” is okay,&nbsp; but when it’s really dark and you’re getting “no,”&nbsp; that’s when it’s most interesting.</h4><hr><hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/empowering_young_people2_409586afdb.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-09T04:19:31.622Z" alt="empowering-young-people2"><hr>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><hr><h4>It is quite amazing when you see beautiful things happening,&nbsp; when people are very determined, climbing the mountain.&nbsp; Especially if you love the mountain so much that&nbsp; you’re just never going to stop climbing,&nbsp; irrespective of whether you get to the top or not.</h4><hr><hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/empowering_young_people3_fce1495ac7.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-09T04:20:18.738Z" alt="empowering-young-people3"><hr>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>

Empowering young people

<h4>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>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><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/inform_inspire_engage2_700x467_3ca632ab78.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T07:21:36.830Z" alt="inform-inspire-engage2"><hr>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><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/inform_inspire_engage3_700x467_4b7c911b44.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T07:23:38.030Z" alt="inform-inspire-engage3"><hr>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><hr><h4>If you know it’s going to be Peace Day,&nbsp; I hope you reconcile your differences,&nbsp; pull your family together&nbsp; in a moment of unity,&nbsp; and with that unity comes hope&nbsp; and strength.</h4><hr><hr>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><hr><h4>To those who helped manifest darkness in the world,&nbsp; instead of wanting revenge,&nbsp; be grateful to them and thank them&nbsp; for the experience they’ve given you.&nbsp; It’s making you who you are,&nbsp; and there’s a lot in that.&nbsp; If you can look at life that way,&nbsp; it’s liberating.</h4><hr><hr>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><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/inform_inspire_engage4_700x467_f9905900cd.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T07:24:15.262Z" alt="inform-inspire-engage4"><hr>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.

Inform, inspire, engage

Jignesh is the founder of Sarvangi Life Solutions, creating &amp; imparting training on holistic health. He has been practicing Heartfulness Meditation for 30 years.

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Jignesh Shelat

<h4 style="text-align:justify;">JIGNESH SHELAT shares his experience of how to remove negative thinking patterns and create an abundant future.</h4>Everything in our universe is energy.&nbsp; I have heard my Guide hinting many a time that human beings are just energy arranged in a certain pattern, and so I felt it was very important to listen with the ears of my heart, absorbing the essence of the science of the flow of energy.Here are a few simple examples:When I say, or you say, “I don’t want war,” we are giving our attention to war; where we give our attention our energy will flow there.Our thoughts attract and match our energy with that where we give attention, and that will bring it into our three dimensional reality.So instead of saying, “I don’t want war,” I can say, “I want peace.” Then my attention is on peace. Now I am giving my energy to peace and the universe will match my energy with peace. My life will be peaceful.My Guide has hinted many times that this universe works on vibrations.So it is very necessary to change our statements. The key element I discovered from all his hints is that it has to be from the core within.This is the key element for utilizing the potent energy of the universe in my favor: it should not come from the logical thought process of the brain, but from the core within.Instead of saying, “I don’t want to fail,” say, “May I succeed.” Instead of saying, “I don’t want to be fat,” say, “May I be slim.” Instead of saying, “I don’t want to struggle in my job,” say, “May I have a happy and exciting job.” Instead of saying, “I don’t want to fight with my better half,” say, “May I have a happy relationship with my spouse.”]<hr>By connecting to the core source within,&nbsp; we will create patterns that will help us&nbsp; channel our core energy and our life will change accordingly.<hr>These are some general examples. Now I will share something that has always worked for me. When anyone asks me, “How are you?” I use it as an opportunity to place an affirmative request to the universe, while consciously tuning with the inner universe. For example, I might say, “I am in a joyous state.” Believe me, the universe has always granted any such wish.I have understood that thoughts are very powerful. They are filled with potent energy, which is always transmitted, whether I am conscious of it or not.So, if I connect my thoughts to the core and speak about exactly what I need, I will be successful in attracting that.If I allow the flow of thought and word to be directed towards what I actually don’t want, I will attract what I never want to have. So, after understanding this simple principle of our universe, I have learnt to stop talking and thinking about what I don’t want, and change my vocabulary.Words flow from thoughts, thoughts have an online connection to feelings, feelings are connected to the vibrations flowing from the universe, vibrations have an eternal connection with the core within.So, always sync your thoughts from within and talk about what you need or want, and what you don’t want will gradually vanish from your life. I have removed a few words from my dictionary: depression, hatred, failure, illness, disease, war, fights, anxiety, struggle, debt, enemies, terrible, accidents. When we are able to change our thought patterns, our words will change. By connecting to the core source within, we will create patterns that will help us channel our core energy and our life will&nbsp;change accordingly. Believe me, it will create a future with an abundance of happiness, joy, peace and prosperity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Energy flows where attention goes

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Jodi Picoult

Crisis

Joel, aka A Soul Called Joel, is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter who grew up singing gospel songs with his seven siblings. In 2022 he released his new album, Love and Liberation. In addition to his musical career, Joel is a certified meditation teacher, a life coach, poet and author of the R.I.S.E. journal.

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Joel Cross

<h4>JOEL CROSS, aka A Soul Called Joel, is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter. He grew up singing gospel songs with his seven siblings. In 2022, he released his new album called Love and Liberation. The well of his creativity and passion is deeply spiritual. In addition to his musical career, Joel is a certified meditation teacher, a life coach, poet and author of the R.I.S.E. journal. He is interviewed by JANMARIE CONNOR.</h4><hr><h4>How’s your heart feeling today?</h4>Q. It’s wonderful to finally speak with you. Someone sent me a link to your Instagram feed with the instruction, “Check this guy out!” I did and immediately knew what inspired her to share. Shall I tell you my 30-second experience on Instagram as I recorded it in my journal?JC: Yes, please do.Q: A lovely man with a wide-brimmed hat, bright smile, peaceful presence, surrounded by mountains, trees, azure sky, and birdsong greets me, and thousands of his followers.“Hello, beautiful souls. How’s – your – heart?”My soul, surprised at being directly addressed, cooperates. I move my attention inward to assess. He does the same. With eyes closed, he takes a deep breath, places hand on heart, and he waits, waits, waits. I feel an inner impulse, a wave of energy, lightness. A slow, contagious smile spreads across his face, and mine. At that moment, I’m reminded of something my mentor and Guide often said, “The heart speaks!” And on cue, I hear a rich, baritone voice:“May you be open so that you may heal. And may the fruits of love, compassion, and peace grace your lips – always.Much love and light.”Can you describe what’s happening when you pause and tune into your heart? You seemed to be having a nice chat with it.JC: I get that question a lot, but I haven’t really answered it publicly yet. What I’ve discovered in my own meta-meditation, connecting with my heart center, is that the heart is always speaking. But we are rarely listening.As I ask the question, “How’s your heart feeling today?” I connect to a space within that I’ve grown quite familiar within my practice. When I close my eyes, I can literally see my heart in bloom. Often, I see it as a flower – I see it open. I can feel its energy, its love exuding from its center. And then I hear very clearly whatever the blessing is for that moment. I also get asked, “Do you prepare these blessings in advance?” No, never. It’s as you describe it. I can feel it, which is a beautiful thing.<h4>My story</h4>Q. Most people don’t arrive at the kind of depth you’re expressing here without a story. Can you share a little of your story with us?JC: I definitely have a story. I’ve come to recognize that the greatest wisdom is always experience.I was raised in a big family with seven siblings. My parents were very religious, from the Christian tradition, and my dad is a Baptist preacher. The common question in our household was, “What is spirit saying?” So, there was always this query to connect and tap in.<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/flow2_b1c59a175e.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-13T10:56:42.772Z" alt=""><hr>As I got older, there were some things in that tradition that were challenging and troubling for me, that didn’t resonate with who I felt like I authentically was. There was a disconnect from my family for a while, as I was reconnecting to my truth. They didn’t understand my departure from their tradition. One of my greatest fears was not to be accepted by my parents. I was considered the perfect son, the baby boy, right? I felt like an outcast for a long time, as we were all trying to figure each other out. There was a lot of turmoil.Until one day. I remember standing in the kitchen, and I surrendered my need for suffering. I surrendered my need to be a victim. I surrendered my need to be superior to anybody else. And I surrendered my need to see any other being as anything less than divine. In that moment, even though I experienced some heavy hurt, I felt so light. I started experiencing joy.<hr><hr><h4>I surrendered my need to see any other being&nbsp; as anything less than divine. In that moment,&nbsp; even though I experienced some heavy hurt,&nbsp; I felt so light. I started experiencing joy.</h4><hr><hr>I followed my intuition and went for a walk. Did you ever read Neale Donald Walsh’s book, Conversations with God? During that walk I felt like I had my own version of that, except for me it was a conversation with B.O.B., a playful acronym for the Big Ole Beautiful, which is nature for me. I felt like I was communing with nature. I had a bird’s eye view of our existence. And from that vantage point, I recognized that we’re all just trying to find grounding from our hurt, from our misunderstandings in this world, so that we can find clarity. And from that comes healing, transformation, transcending patterns, and evolving into a more heart-felt experience.<h4>The R.I.S.E. Journal</h4>Q. I understand that journaling has played a big part in your personal transformation. So much so that you’ve developed and published the R.I.S.E. Journal. Can you tell us about that?JC: Growing up, I was a decent student. I didn’t have to study much. Then I got to college and I was a horrible student. A friend of mine, whose nickname was Chief, said, “Joel, all you must do is write it down. Copy it from the book until you can recite it from memory.” So, I would just write and write. A few years later, I was in a moment of deep heartbreak with a girl I was seeing. It ended abruptly and I was hurt. Sleepless nights for months. And finally, intuitively, in the middle of the night, I got up, grabbed my college notebook and began to write everything that I was feeling. About an hour and twenty pages later, I had a perfect night’s sleep for the first time. I was like, “I don’t know what this journaling thing is about, but I’ve got to investigate this.”My R.I.S.E. Journal process has four parts. It starts with R, which stands for Release. I just let everything out, all that energy I was feeling or thinking, to clear my canvas. Next comes I, which is connected to all the heart questions. The foundational question I ask is, “How’s your heart?” But there are so many other heart questions: What am I longing for? What am I afraid to hear myself say?&nbsp; My heart would speak and so I would write it down. Which leads to the S for Self-awareness, through the real wisdom right at our core, that scared space. I didn’t want to end this journaling process with any heaviness. That’s where the E comes, which stands for Empowerment. I learned about intentions and affirmations through Louise Hay and that remains a strong part of my practice. It’s been 15 years now and the R.I.S.E. journaling process has changed my life.<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/flow3_0e9cafd596.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-13T10:58:03.102Z" alt=""><hr><h4>Love and liberation</h4>Q. I’m part of the Heartfulness Institute. Each night at 9 p.m. local time, we align our hearts with people all over the world with a beautiful intention for peace. The intention establishes lightness and peace within ourselves, and then radiates this lightness and peace outward into the world. When I listened to your new album, Love and Liberation, it had an enchanting quality and effect, like that9 p.m. intention. It’s clearly coming from deep within your soul. Where has this inspiration come from?JC: My heart and my higher self. That is where my inspiration comes from. Around 2020, I felt there was a shift happening in my life. Much of my process has been about surrender. So, I left New York City and went to Texas, stayed with family and worked through some of the disconnect I mentioned, to do some deep healing. In the process, I knew I was supposed to travel the country and record in nature. I told my friends, I think I’m going to get a field recorder and find remote locations with great energy. When I feel the call, I’m going to hit record and play.<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/flow4_2d75108e78.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-13T10:59:18.132Z" alt=""><hr>I got a camper, and ended up in Maine. One early morning, I felt called to follow a remote trail. I ended up on a beach where the energy was palpable. I set up my camera and my guitar, and all I heard was “play.” This was the shift which gave birth to a new direction and the song, Flow.<hr><hr><h4>I recognized that we’re all just trying to find&nbsp; grounding from our hurt, from our misunderstandings&nbsp; in this world, so that we can find clarity.&nbsp; And from that comes healing, transformation, transcending patterns,&nbsp; and evolving into a more heart-felt experience.</h4><hr><hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/flow5_96444d651c.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-13T11:01:03.668Z" alt=""><hr><hr><h4>I surrendered my need to see any other being&nbsp; as anything less than divine. In that moment,&nbsp; even though I experienced some heavy hurt,&nbsp; I felt so light. I started experiencing joy.</h4><hr><hr>Q. You introduce the album by speaking of the power of self-love and surrender, and ask us to “connect with something deep within ourselves and as we listen, to open our hearts, quiet our minds, go inward and rise upward.” I don’t know of any other artist that helps the listener in such a beautiful way to receive what you’re pouring out from your heart. How did this come to you?JC: About 7 years ago, I’d had a beautiful guided meditation, and I was in that flow state. I had a very clear download: “What if there was a meditation that didn’t have a linear guide. What if the listening of the music immediately brought you to that space where you could listen and connect to your own inner guidance?”I held that intention, which inspired the phrase, “poetic resonance meditation,” which paints a picture for you to climb into, and you can connect to your own flow, your own self-love experience. Also, not long after, I had that moment with B.O.B.I had a divine inner knowing that the next step of my healing was to help support the healing of others in a very intentional way.It’s been affirmed by so many people entering that heart space with me, whether it’s on Instagram or through the music, we all feel that presence. It’s at the core of our humanity. As an empath, once I learned to ground myself, I learned that I could also emanate. That’s something that’s very important to me with the music.<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/flow6_e8b4ad0dcd.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-13T11:19:31.905Z" alt=""><hr><h4>Global harmony</h4>Q: Since we’re meeting together on this important International Day of Peace, in a world with so much chaos and strife,&nbsp;how do you make the connection between the illumination of self-love and its essential relationship with global harmony? &nbsp;JC: Self-love gets a bad rap sometimes, because it’s assumed that it’s a synonym for selfishness. Self-love isn’t about me over you. It’s recognizing that I see the world as I see myself. So if I’m dealing with a lack of self-worth, unworthiness, or even self-hatred, I’m going to receive the world that way.The energy that you hold is the energy that will unfold, which is why there is so much discord in the world. I’ve discovered as I love myself more, and I’m able to recognize, “Okay, I’m triggered right now by this person in my life. Let me tend to me first, and figure out why this situation brought up feelings of anger, frustration, discord, turmoil,” that usually it’s an old story, which isn’t serving me well.It’s ready to be let go of. Peace really must start here [points to heart].I say it like this in my poem,<h4>I’m the Love of my Life</h4>For my purpose is not to outshine another. My purpose has always been to do my share, in the shining of us all. For as one shines so does another. And as I am able to see myself more clearly, it becomes far easier, to see you too. &nbsp;<hr>&nbsp;<hr>You can watch and listen to Flow at <a href="https://www.heartfulnessinstitute.org/peaceintention">https://www.heartfulnessinstitute.org/peaceintention</a>.You can find Joel and listen to his music on his website, <a href="https://www.asoulcalledjoel.com/">https://www.asoulcalledjoel.com/</a>.<hr><h4>Illustrations by JASMEE MUDGAL</h4><hr>

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