Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

Is there life after death? If so, what does that mean for how we should live life today? We explore these questions and more in this revealing interview

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At Best Self, we’re always questioning: How can we live more fully? Are we living with purpose? Is there meaning to our journey beyond our physical existence? So when we learned of Susan Grau’s work as an intuitive medium and her gifts culled from near-death experiences (hers and her clients’), we had to have a conversation! I hope this exchange will spark your curiosity, answer a few of your own existential questions, and inspire you to further align yourself in mind, body & spirit.

Susan Grau is an internationally celebrated celebrity intuitive medium, author, soul healer, and speaker. In addition to working as a professional medium and life path intuitive, Susan’s diverse range of certifications include: Reiki Master, Sai Maa Diksha Practitioner, Karuna Practitioner, and Certified CADC II – Addiction Specialist. Additionally, she is a licensed hypnotherapist specializing in past life regression, a respected professional teacher of the metaphysical arts and an honorary member of the Healing Touch Professional Association (HTPA). Susan specializes in grief therapy, guiding people to healing and recovery. Susan’s upcoming book Infinite Life, Infinite Lessons (releasing on July 16, 2024) published by Hay House, is a deep dive into the soul’s journey, offering insights into healing from grief and the afterlife and is now available to preorder on her website and a variety of retailers in the US. Learn more at susangrau.com

Q: The topic of near-death experiences always piques our Best Self interest; after all, as we work in this lifetime to live consciously and grow and learn…is there a further path or greater purpose for us beyond?

My perspective on near-death experiences (NDEs) and their significance in our spiritual journey is deeply informed by both personal experiences and my work with others. I believe that these experiences, along with our intuitive connections, play a crucial role in understanding the greater purpose of our lives.

From my own near-death experience and the insights I’ve gained through my work, I’ve come to see that there is indeed a path and a greater purpose beyond our physical existence. This understanding is not just about acknowledging an afterlife but also about realizing the profound impact our current lives have on our soul’s journey.

Every experience, challenge, and interaction we encounter is an opportunity for growth, learning, and soul expansion.

NDEs often act as a catalyst for this understanding, offering a glimpse into the profound continuity of our consciousness beyond physical life. They can lead to a deeper awareness of our true essence and a greater connection to the Spirit World. However, one does not need to have an NDE to realize this truth. Through intuition, mindfulness, and spiritual practice, we can all tap into this greater understanding and align our lives with a higher purpose.

Ultimately, our journey in this lifetime is about more than just our physical experiences. It’s about the evolution of our soul, the deepening of our understanding, and the expansion of our consciousness. Each of us has a unique path to walk, and through embracing our experiences and learning from them, we can uncover the greater purpose that awaits us beyond.

Q: What have been your own near-death experiences, and how have these and your clients’ experiences shaped your views regarding life after death — and, importantly, how we should live our lives as we know them now?

My near-death experience, which occurred when I was 4 ½ years old, tipping on 5, has been a life-altering point in my journey. My connection with the spirit world offered me a glimpse of the vibrational difference between this world and the afterlife which changed my soul. Later in life I found my calling through my childhood experience; my interactions with clients deeply shaped my views on life after death and the true meaning of our life journey.

The near-death experience opened my eyes to a reality beyond the physical world. It was a powerful event that connected me more deeply with the spiritual realm. This connection wasn’t something new; rather, it enhanced and accelerated the intuitive abilities I was born with. It made me acutely aware of the continuity of our souls and the existence of a realm beyond our physical lives.

Working with clients who have had similar experiences or who are seeking to connect with loved ones who have passed has reinforced this understanding. These experiences underscore the reality that our physical existence is just one aspect of a much larger, more intricate spiritual journey. They remind us that our souls persist beyond physical death and that there’s an interconnectedness between the physical and spiritual realms.

This understanding influences how I believe we should live our lives now. It emphasizes the importance of living with purpose, compassion, and a deeper sense of connection to others and the world around us. It’s about understanding that our actions, thoughts, and emotions have far-reaching implications beyond our immediate perception.

Life is a journey of growth, learning, and soul expansion. Our lessons, both joyful and challenging, are opportunities for us to evolve spiritually. It’s essential to approach life with an open heart and mind, to learn from our negative and positives, and to grow in wisdom and love. The knowledge of life after death brings a sense of peace and purpose, guiding us to live our lives with greater awareness and intention.

Q: What role can energy cleansing and spirituality play in our modern world — how can these ideas help us better understand ourselves an improve our life experience?

In today’s fast-paced and often tumultuous world, the role of energy cleansing and spirituality is more crucial than ever. These practices offer a pathway to deeper self-understanding, inner peace, and a more harmonious life experience.

Energy cleansing, at its core, is about clearing away the mental, emotional, and spiritual clutter that can accumulate in our lives. Just as we regularly clean our physical spaces, it’s equally important to cleanse our inner spaces. This can involve various practices, such as meditation, mindfulness, or even simple deep-breathing exercises. The goal is to release negative energies, thoughts, and emotions that can obstruct our clarity and well-being. In doing so, we create space for positive energy and experiences to flow into our lives.

Spirituality, on the other hand, provides a broader framework for understanding our place in the world. It’s about connecting with something greater than ourselves, whether we define that as a higher power, the universe, or our higher selves. This connection offers guidance, comfort, and a sense of belonging. It encourages us to look beyond the material and superficial aspects of life and to explore the deeper questions of purpose, meaning, and consciousness.

Incorporating energy cleansing and spirituality into our lives can have several tangible benefits. Firstly, it can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are prevalent in our society. By focusing on the present moment and releasing negative energies, we can achieve a state of calm and balance. Secondly, these practices can enhance our self-awareness, leading to better decision-making and more authentic relationships. When we are in tune with our inner selves, we are better equipped to navigate the challenges of life.

Moreover, energy cleansing and spirituality can foster a sense of gratitude and positivity. By focusing on the present and acknowledging the blessings in our lives, we can cultivate a more optimistic outlook. This shift in perspective can lead to improved mental and emotional health, and a greater overall sense of well-being.

Finally, these practices encourage us to live more consciously and intentionally. In a world that often values material success and external achievements, spirituality reminds us of the importance of inner growth and fulfillment. It encourages us to live in alignment with our values and to contribute positively to the world around us.

Q: Please tell us about your ‘Claire Senses’ and how they serve you and your work as a medium…

An essential part of my work as an evidential intuitive medium is called “Claire senses;” it is a term to describe intuitive abilities. These senses are extensions of the regular five senses, allowing me to receive spiritual and intuitive information in various ways.

Firstly, clairvoyance, or “clear seeing,” is a key aspect of my work. It involves the ability to see images or visions, often in my mind’s eye, which convey messages from the spirit world. These visions can be symbolic or literal and might include scenes from the past, present, or potential future events. They provide valuable insights and evidence for those seeking to connect with loved ones who have passed on.

Clairaudience, or “clear hearing,” is another crucial sense. This involves hearing words, phrases, or sounds in a way that’s beyond the physical hearing. These auditory messages can come in the form of a distinct voice or a subtle whisper, often conveying specific information or guidance that I can share with my clients.

Clairsentience, or “clear feeling,” is about feeling the emotions or physical sensations from spirits or from the spiritual realm. This empathic ability helps me sense the personality, emotions, or physical conditions of spirits, providing a deeper understanding of their messages and affirming their presence to their loved ones.

Claircognizance, or “clear knowing,” is where I receive information or knowledge spontaneously, without any logical explanation. It’s as if certain facts or truths are suddenly impressed upon my mind, offering clarity and insight into a situation or a person’s life.

Lastly, clairalience and clairgustance involve smelling or tasting something that isn’t physically present. While less common, these senses can provide specific and often powerful evidence of a spirit’s identity or past experiences. To put the senses in the simplest of terms: I see, I hear, I feel, I know, I smell, and I taste.

These “Claire senses” enable me to bridge the physical and spiritual worlds, providing comfort, closure, and guidance to those who are seeking answers. They are tools that allow me to validate the continuity of life after death and offer healing to those who are grieving. In my practice, I aim to use these senses with integrity and compassion, ensuring that the messages I convey are respectful, accurate, and beneficial to those who seek my guidance. My goal is to help people find peace in the knowledge that their loved ones are still connected to them in spirit, offering support and love from the other side.

Q: You have a new book, Infinite Life, Infinite Lessons; what’s it all about?

My upcoming self-help book Infinite Life, Infinite Lessons: Wisdom from the spirit world on living, dying and the in-between, is for those who seek to understand the spirit world, healing, and gain a deeper understanding of what awaits us all. This book stands as a unique guide to the souls’ wisdom, blending personal narratives, reflective guidance, and practical exercises. It is designed to assist readers in identifying their fears, navigate through personal challenges, and discover their life’s and soul’s purpose.

This book speaks to the deeper questions: How do I survive life’s challenges? What happens after we leave this existence? Is there a world beyond? Where are my loved ones now and will I see them again? And the deepest knowledge of all, we don’t die.

The content of Infinite Life, Infinite Lessons is deeply enriched by my decades of spiritual wisdom as an Intuitive Medium, Soul Healer and Near-Death Experiencer. My own personal struggles with loss and grief add a layer of depth and authenticity to the book. These aspects of my life have not only shaped my journey but also allow me to connect deeply with the experiences of the thousands of clients I have helped heal over the years.

The book’s powerful narrative uniquely addresses the often-misunderstood aspects of the spirit world, providing readers with comfort, understanding, and practical tools for connecting with departed loved ones.

Infinite Life, Infinite Lessons is more than just a book; it’s a compassionate and insightful guide into the afterlife. It’s tailored for individuals grappling with the loss of a loved one, those curious about life’s greater mysteries, individuals interested in near-death experiences, or anyone looking to deepen their spiritual awareness. The book aims to provide clarity, wisdom, and solace to assist readers on their spiritual journey, helping them to find healing and understanding in the process. It’s a testament to the belief that our experiences in this life and our connections to the spiritual realm are deeply intertwined and meaningful, offering lessons and growth opportunities at every turn.

Q: Lastly, what advice would you impart to the mortal beings among us who fear death?

It’s important to acknowledge that fear of death is a natural part of the human experience. It’s often rooted in the unknown — what happens after we die, the thought of being separated from our loved ones, and the fear of what we can’t control. However, my experiences in the afterlife and work as a medium have shown me that death is not an end, but a transition to a different form of existence.

After spending time in the afterlife with the angels, guides and loved ones, I gained a true understanding that our souls continue beyond physical death. This experience was transformative, not just in how I view death, but also in how I approach life. It’s crucial to understand that we are eternal beings on a journey that extends beyond our physical lives. Our time here is just one chapter in a much larger story.

One of the most comforting realizations from my work and life journey is that our connections with loved ones go beyond physical boundaries. The bonds of love and shared experiences are not severed by death.

This understanding can bring a sense of peace and reduce the fear associated with losing those we care about. It helps to know that our loved ones are only a heartbeat away.

Once we gain a clearer understanding that love never dies, fear of death will no longer hold us back from truly living. By accepting that death is a natural part of the cycle of life, we can free ourselves so as to cherish each moment, and make meaningful connections with those around us.

Learning to utilize spiritual practices and intuition can also provide a clearer understanding of the existence beyond. Whether through meditation, prayer, or other forms of spiritual exploration, connecting with our inner selves and the greater consciousness can offer insights and peace regarding the nature of life and death.

In essence, my advice is to view life and death as part of a continuous journey. Embrace the present, cherish your connections, and open your heart to the deeper understanding that we are all part of something much larger than our limiting beliefs. This perspective can transform fear into a sense of peace and purpose.

Q: Thank you for this conversation; please let readers know how they can learn more.

To learn more, I invite you to visit my website, susangrau.com. Here, you can find detailed information about my work, my book, upcoming events, and the various services I offer.

Additionally, Infinite Life, Infinite Lessons is available for pre-order and is set for release on July 16th, 2024. For the latest updates, insights, and engaging content, you can also follow my social media pages at @susangrauofficial. On my platforms, I share personal stories, reflective guidance, answer Q&A’s and provide practical exercises to support your spiritual journey; helping you connect with the spirit world, and achieve a clearer direction of life’s deeper meaning and purpose.

You may also enjoy reading Dying Every Day: Exploring Life and the Near-Death Experience with Reincarnate Buddhist Lama Mingyur Rinpoche, by Peter Occhiogrosso.

The post Life Beyond: A Q&A with Intuitive Medium Susan Grau appeared first on BEST SELF.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

An accomplished designer steps into his true passion, creating multi-layered artworks with bold color and carefully nuanced composition

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I’ve known Steve Snider for years…decades, actually. As a photographer, I’ve collaborated with Steve on countless book cover projects during his tenures as Art Director at Little, Brown & Co. in Boston and St. Martin’s Press in NYC.

In his designs, he was always keenly aware of composition, cropping and nuanced texture to distill the emotional content of a book down to a single visual story. So I wasn’t surprised to see him bring these qualities to his street photography of urban walls and surfaces (which Best Self Magazine profiled a few years back in an article titled The Wall). What did surprise me was how lit up, even giddy, he would get while shooting, sharing and discussing this body of work…it has become his life’s work in this next chapter for him.

Recently, Steve has embarked on an exciting evolution, now ripping, layering and collaging his photographs into larger, even more textured pieces. In this Q&A with us, Steve dives into his process and inspiration for this next generation of derivative wall art. Be sure to check out the Gallery at the end!

—Bill Miles, Co-Founder and Creative Director, Best Self Magazine

Q: You’ve been creating photographic art from ‘wall art’ — urban walls and surfaces layered with tattered posters, paint, signage, graffiti and the like — for many years now. Tell us about the evolution to this new derivative medium… What inspired you? What is your process?

A: Wabi-sabi is the quintessential Japanese aesthetic that values the beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. This echos my response to the torn and weathered billboards indigenous to cities around the world. I began photographing urban walls many years ago, mostly while traveling, when I would have my camera with me. But at home I found the camera too cumbersome to carry all the time, so despite seeing many walls that I wanted to photograph I rarely returned to shoot them. And then something miraculous happened: the iPhone. Suddenly this little device I could carry in my pocket allowed me the freedom to be spontaneous; I could stop anywhere, get as many shots as I wanted and see them instantly!

And then a second thing happened: Instagram, a platform for sharing photographs. I began posting images, one a day, at stevesnidernyc and calling them #todayswall. I found myself anticipating time out of the office and anxious to leave my desk at lunchtime to wander around looking for subject matter. Something that had always been within me surfaced as a passion, and I realized that I wanted to devote myself to it full-time. So, in 2014, after 50 years in the publishing industry, my new vocation became seeking out and photographing great walls. I began making prints of my images, 21”x21” squares, but after a few years I felt the need to do bigger work. I began making larger prints of my images and then tearing them and reassembling the pieces into collages that are mostly 36”x48” or 40”x40”. I like to think that using my own photographs separates me from others who work in a similar genre, but who collage with actual material torn from walls.

Q: How do you ‘see’ the compositions and color palettes you craft…is there an intention for social commentary or is it your seasoned designer/artist’s eye the guides you?

A: As a designer I have always viewed the world in terms of graphic compositions. My mind insistently frames what I see. When I photograph urban walls, finding “the composition in the chaos” feels natural to me. Sometimes random bits of images unintentionally interact to tell entire stories. More often, in the collages, the narrative in my work is simply about shapes, colors, textures, patterns, and how they juxtapose. It is not social commentary so much as making a record of our times by capturing this transitory beauty even as it is vanishing.

Q: How do you know when a work is ‘done’? When do you know to stop tinkering and exploring more possibilities?

A: That’s is a great question. I’ve always said that it takes two people to make a great piece of art; one to do the work and the other one to tell him when to stop. But the serious answer is that my own process is organic. I begin with a basic composition in mind but after the initial pieces are glued, I sit with it for day or so before adding or decollaging. At that point I experiment with additional shapes and colors until it feels wholly balanced. I can spend hours on a 4” section. When the rhythm feels right I know I’m done. I love the Trompe L’oil aspect; most of the rips, creases and bubbles are in the photographs but others are real. Various light sources exist within the same space but the eye allows it.

Q: You’ve built a bit of a virtual community in the space of ‘wall artists’ — can you elaborate on how that grew and the surprise relationships and joy that that have unfolded for you?

A: There have been famous artists using torn posters as source material for years; Jaques Villegle in Paris, Mimmo Rotello in Rome, even Walker Evans. I shot my first wall photograph in 1973. Today there are a lot of people on Instagram who photograph walls and many of us follow each other. While at times the images may seem interchangeable, everyone sees with their own eye. I feel what separates my work from most others is the cropping, a skill honed through fifty years of designing book covers. As for working in a genre alongside other like-minded artists, I feel no need for competition. Art movements have never been created by a single artist. I have Instagram friends in many different places around the globe whose work relates to mine. I’ve met up with some when they have come to America or when I have been in their countries.

Q: What is your aspiration as an artist at this point in your life? Is there a ‘big picture’ ambition behind your work or is it purely the pleasure, or calling, of creation?

A: What I am doing now gives new meaning to my days. It makes me feel alive and relevant. I hope that others respond positively to the work, that it provides some surprise and joy. Of course I would love to have gallery shows and sales for validation and recognition, but ultimately it is just for my own expression. When I was designing book covers, I would often get so involved that I felt detached from my surroundings, what I described as being “in the zone.” Similarly, my studio is a world where I can get lost in the work. As I approach 80, that’s a great feeling. As they say: you can’t turn back the clock, but you can wind it up again.

VIEW THE GALLERY: CLICK ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE

ABOUT: Steve Snider is a graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. In his 50-year career, Steve owned his own design studio, served as Art Director of The Atlantic, Design Director of Arnold and Company (now Arnold Worldwide), Art Director of Little, Brown and Company, and Vice President, Creative Director of St. Martin’s Press for 18 years, before turning to photography and his personal art full-time. Steve has designed numerous bestsellers and iconic book jackets and has been the recipient of hundreds of design awards including a Gold Medal from the New York Art Directors’ Club, First Place from the Victoria and Albert Museum, and First Place from the New York Book Show. His work has been featured in AIGA’s 50 Books, 50 Covers, Graphis and Communication Arts, and was included in the show Fame After Photography at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. View more of Steve’s work on Instagram @stevesnidernyc

You may also enjoy reading Francisco de Pajaro | Art Is Trash, by Peter Occhiogrosso

The post The Wall 2.0: The Next Generation of Artist Steve Snider’s Textured, Urban-Inspired Works appeared first on BEST SELF.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

When a sudden, thunderous storm knocks out power, a concert is transformed into a spiritual experience

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The most extraordinary experiences are not necessarily orchestrated as such. Sometimes the Universe intervenes to transform a typical event into a transcendent one and we are left looking back, thinking Wow — I’m not quite sure what happened there, but it was amazing!

Recently, I had such an experience.

Jack DeJohnette, pictured above, for those who may not know of him, is a legend in the world of jazz. He’s one of the most brilliant and prolific artists of the genre. Lesser known outside of jazz circles, his name often in the shadows of the other legends he has performed with — Miles Davis, Bill Evans and John Coltrane among them — Jack is wildly accomplished as a pianist and drummer, with a tremendous range that stretches from standards to experimental and even New Age. He also lives in my town of Woodstock, NY and generously offered the community his talents on the piano during a solo performance to benefit the Byrdcliffe Guild.

From the moment I first spotted the concert posters in town, I knew I was going.

The evening was set in a rustic barn, the stage illuminated by strings of tiny lights to draw attention to the piano in the middle. The usual clatter of shifting folding chairs and murmuring guests gave way to passing breeze, a gentle rain — and then kapow! With a deafening crack of thunder and a sky lit brightly by lightning, an epic storm unleashed a torrent and fierce wind which quickly took out the power. Suddenly, all was black. So black, that you could not see the person sitting next to you. No piano, no weathered beams, no anything. I toyed with opening and shutting my eyes and could see no difference at all. These were no concert special effects.

And then, amidst the stillness of the room and the tapering pitter-patter of the rain, the piano came alive.

Jack felt his way to the stage, his fingers onto the keyboard, and he started to play. And the entire room knew that they were witnessing something sublime, something spiritual — a slice of grace. The music was lush and diverse, transitioning from peaceful to arresting, foreign to familiar. But for me, the experience expanded far beyond the exceptional performance.

My late father was a jazz musician. He earned his way through college playing trombone and piano, and then set his passion aside to fall in line, working at the family business, a machine tool shop started by his grandfather and later assumed by his father. Yet, he didn’t completely closet his first love. Our home was filled with music, day and night. Every few months, it would be my chore to organize and put away the hundreds of vinyl albums that had piled up on the floor beside the stereo. And every so often, usually around the holidays, my father would sit me down with him at the piano and teach me the hauntingly lush chords of John Mehegan, who authored a series training books entitled Jazz Improvisation. I loved the sound of those chords, and they comprise my (very) limited go-to repertoire today, if ever I find my self at a piano.

So, as I’m listening to Jack DeJohnette in that dark barn, with seemingly no one around me and no source of the piano I’m hearing, in fact no distractions of any kind at all, I hear my father. He comes and sits next to me — not really in a chair so much as floating a few feet above, but close enough to touch my shoulder. And without speaking, we begin to talk. About music. Dreams. Family pains and immeasurable joys. This was a conversation I didn’t know I needed — but of course I did. I heard things I needed to hear just then, and realigned my purpose and passion in this life. I gained perspective on elements of my past, and equally on my dreams for the future. Our discourse seemed to go on without a beginning or an end, devoid of any sense of the passing of time.

And then I heard applause…the music had ended with artistic precision, my father effortlessly disappeared, and I rose to join the now-standing ovation. As I looked around, I could still see nothing, although a few people began to shine their iPhones toward the stage to shed some light on Jack, who was now standing and laughing — I believe that he, too, was transformed by the show, Mother Nature and all.

Mentally, I reentered this space and these people with a profound shift, as if my spirit had been altered, elevated, enriched. Indeed, it had. It made me think about the distractions in our lives and how they can create a kind of cloak around our awareness.

When we can eliminate distractions, we open ourselves up to receive energy on different levels.

And if we can tune into those quieter frequencies, which I believe are around us all the time — we just don’t hear them — then we can connect with deeper voices. These may be from others, or often, that voice is our own, our intuition.  And we can communicate with others on this same frequency, through prayer, telepathy or whatever name you’d like to call it — a frequency that transcends time and space.

If this sounds a bit woo-woo, know that this energetic channel is more real than our physical communication, which is often laden with bias, untruths, social or political correctness, etc. The problem is, you have to be willing to receive communication with the same tools you use to send it. You can’t send out an energy-gram and expect the reply to come in a text or phone call (although it could). But if you truly listen, you can feel the response — you simply need to develop an openness and awareness of these feelings, and trust in them. Meditation and silent walks or moments in nature are often the most effective ‘environments’ for such communication, as they are free of the louder frequency distractions of our lives.

One of the greatest paths of discovery for me of the last several years is understanding and tapping into this sixth sense (and I’m at the mere tip of the iceberg). It is available and accessible to all of us, and its only limitation is the degree to which we actually believe in its power, or even its existence. The experience of this concert performance provided a reminder to me of how real this all is — and how much more work I have to do to become one with this path of consciousness. But the joy is in the journey — as you start to tap into the power of this energy field, it is truly fun to experience the results. And who doesn’t want more fun and a sense of deeper connection in their lives?

You may also enjoy reading Jazz & Spirituality: The Mindful Music of Jazz DeJohnette, by Peter Occhiogrosso.

The post In the Dark: An Unexpectedly Spiritual Evening of Jazz with Jack DeJohnette appeared first on BEST SELF.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Whatever your circumstances, struggles or traumas, Youheum Son provides a simple, 4-pillar roadmap for holistic healing and growth

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At Best Self, we love all things healing…and when we heard of the work of Youheum Son and her fresh approach to healing our living, we had to learn more. We presented a few questions to her so that she can explain a bit about her work in hopes that you will find ways to take new steps toward healing in your own life. May you find her as inspiring as we do!

First, a little bit about Youheum:

Youheum Son is a creative soul with a passion for sharing and spreading compassion to all living beings. She is the founder and creator of a YouTube lifestyle channel focused on Mindfulness, Sustainability, Minimalism, and Wellness, and also author of Heal Your Living. She is also a free-spirited digital nomad, designer, illustrator, and intuitive coach. Learn more at YouheumSon.com

Youheum, firstly, thank you for taking the time to share with Best Self Magazine. Can you give us a little background on you…where you come from, what influences in your life have led you to pursue the work that you do?

I’m an emotional decluttering coach helping fellow healers let go of inner clutter and manifest spaciousness within and around. I was set on this path after years of dealing with chronic anxiety, which led to destructive habits such as shopping addiction, binge-watching, and stress eating, as a way to cope with emotional instability. For years, I was stuck in the pattern of depending on artificial pleasure and overconsumption to escape unprocessed emotions and pent-up pressure of living a frantic lifestyle. My focus was on pursuing external success, striving for status, and obtaining a higher identity through accumulation. After hitting rock bottom, dealing with severe anxiety attacks, and falling deeper into addictive hoarding, I was set on the path to let go of surface-level clutter, inviting a more mindful lifestyle, and, most importantly, releasing emotional attachments through spiritual work.

What are the circumstances of modern-day life that have led you to create your popular YouTube channel (under your name, Youheum) and now your book, Heal Your Living?

After beginning the practice of Mindfulness, Sustainability, Minimalism, and Wellness that came in the early part of my healing journey, I felt the increasing need to share the message of mindful living with those navigating a consumption-driven lifestyle. I understood how it was much needed for many of those living a modern life as sentient beings, to seek inner nourishments more than the physical. Doing so made it possible for us to focus on higher convictions such as peace, love, and togetherness instead of fixating on individual ownership and positionalities, which eventually resulted in disconnection from our fellow brothers and sisters and our surrounding environment. 

You cite 4 primary areas of your approach: Mindfulness, Sustainability, Minimalism and Wellness. Can you please elaborate on each of these areas, how they play into the healing of our life—and some actionable strategies that we can put to work for us right now?

Mindfulness is the practice of returning to the present moment by letting go of the need to strive or seek joy elsewhere. By being present, we recognize the miracles already here without pursuit. The most important practices I incorporate are daily prayers and meditative rituals such as contemplation in communion with the Divine presence.

Sustainability is a practice that allows me to embrace the interconnectedness of all beings. It focuses on supporting the environment and being kind to all living beings. Nowadays, I focus not on being strict but on doing as much as possible to support fellow inhabitants in servitude. It is okay to start small such as holding loving thoughts about Earth, being mindful of our waste, and consumption habits within our capacity.

Minimalism is a way of living a simple life by decluttering possessions and being organized with one’s things. For me, minimalism opened the door to letting go of being materially driven to prioritizing inner wellbeing, and later led to deeper practices such as emotional decluttering. It is especially useful for those who feel overwhelmed by too many things because it provides an opportunity to reflect on emotional attachments that lead to possession seeking. For anyone dealing with excessive consumption and addictive habits, it is helpful to ask if we are trying to distract ourselves from what is actually causing stress through the instant gratification of shopping. Once we can do that, we can recognize the need to let go of the inner attachment to things and, eventually, the attachment to the emotion causing stress beyond lifestyle changes.

Wellness is the practice of inviting physical self-care and spiritual tools to support our sentient form and spiritual Self. My practice includes daily prayers, contemplation, reading, and generally maintaining a healthy and wholesome state through proper food, exercise, and relaxation. What is most important to remember is to focus on the inner work, what directly nourishes the spirit, such as meditation, and to bring other techniques such as breathing exercises and stretching as support tools to the primary practice. This way, we create harmony of mind, body, and soul but always prioritize the most important, which is the spiritual.

What advice would you give to someone who feels deeply stuck in their life, to whom these ideas seem abstract, or like a big stretch for them at the moment?

What is most important is to realize that temporary upheavals such as what I experienced, including shopping addiction and mindless habits from emotional struggles, are necessary for inner growth. All are leading to the path of healing, and much is always on the way to support our evolution. I, too, feel that Mindfulness, Sustainability, Minimalism, and Wellness were a much-needed chapter in my life but there is always more waiting on the path of spiritual work. In short, it is okay to start as a beginner to cultivate diverse experiences and experiment through the ups and downs. Embrace your infinite potential!

Lastly, what motivates you on a daily basis…and what are your ambitions as you look ahead in your life?

My greatest motivation is to continue spiritual studies and evolve my consciousness through communion with the Higher Self. Every day I pray and enter into contemplation to reach out to the Divine and be open to receive the directives on what I must do in my ordinary life and as a spiritual being. Nowadays, I feel compelled to fulfill the purpose of helping others through emotional struggles and to assist in their journey of letting go as I continue to do so as well. I am focusing more on inner work than the lifestyle changes discussed in the early stage of my sharing.

You may also enjoy reading Sustainability & Purpose: Living in Concert with Our Ecology and Humanity, by Bill Miles with Leif Skogberg.

The post Heal Your Living: A Q&A with Youheum Son appeared first on BEST SELF.

An Interview with Leif Skogberg

By Bill Miles

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“The journey to create a sustainable world actually starts with individuals.“

—Leif Skogberg

Bill:                 I first met Leif Skogberg during an event this last year and was so impressed by his resounding commitment to sustainability — I had to sit down to chat with him for Best Self Magazine.

Leif is a whole systems designer, sustainability consultant, and a life purpose coach. He has nearly 20 years of experience in holistic living, leadership, and design. He helps his clients save money and achieve greater health, alignment, and resilience through integrated design.

Welcome Leif.

Leif:                Thank you, Bill, for having me!

Bill:                 I’d like to start out with exploring how you first connected to sustainability. What does that term even mean to you?

Leif:                Sustainability has become a loaded term today. It’s often used in different ways: to be sustainable financially or sustainable environmentally. But for me, I see sustainability as a holistic framework for how we create a better world in the future.

A lot of people talk about sustainability as not really being the goal anymore, because the thinking is that if we are ‘sustaining’ what we have right now, we’re still going down a bad path. We’ve already done so much destruction to the planet that we actually need to regenerate nature, we need to restore things, and then we can be sustainable once we’ve repaired the damage.

I think it’s important to understand that sustainability is a balance where we have to restore things to a point at which they’re worth sustaining. We’ve gone to the other end of the spectrum of really disrupting things. So there’s this degenerative and regenerative spectrum. Sustainability is in the middle. It’s that balance point.

Bill:                 You have an interesting story from your youth of how you got connected to this profound interest of yours. Can you share a little bit about that?

Leif:                I grew up as a child in a beekeeping family. So I was actually out in nature a lot, very connected with natural systems. But at the same time, I had a very rough childhood. My adolescent years were pretty challenging. I actually thought that the end of the world was coming before I even would graduate high school. My dad was one of the ‘end-of-days’ preppers, apocalypse-is-coming kind of people.

In my early teens, I was a bit self-destructive because I was being told we were self-destructing our planet. I participated in extreme sports. I partied a lot, did drugs and ultimately, that led me to a place of deep suffering and a profound rock-bottom.

I was considering committing suicide — in a very difficult emotional and physical place. Lots of physical injuries, lots of physical pain, as well as emotional and family pain from parents getting divorced and just seeing a lot of really challenging things as a child.

The turning point came whenI had this experience where I realized that I couldn’t blame anyone anymore for my pain and my suffering, because I was just giving away my power when I did that. I couldn’t get control of my life if I blamed anyone. So, I had this realization that if I wanted to have a future that was positive and healthy and wasn’t riddled with suffering — then I really had to choose wisely. And I had to find truth and understanding if I wanted to live a better life.

That awakening was the catalyst for me heading down a path of seeking and asking: How do I create a better world for myself? How do I become my best self and reduce suffering for myself in the future? And how do I bring that to the world?

Bill:                 I love that you realized that the world is not going to fix your problems; you have to fix your problems.

Leif:                Exactly.

Bill:                 So it’s a story of personal accountability.

Leif:                Yes. I was really angry with my dad and with what I had been told was this God who was going to end the world. I took out that anger on myself. I became self-destructive, because I felt powerless against these big authority figures that were destroying my life before I could even graduate high school.

So yes, it was this self-responsibility, and this threshold that I crossed of letting go of blame, forgiving my dad, forgiving whatever God there may be — forgiving myself for what I had done to my body and my life. That’s really what sparked a curiosity and an interest in sustainability a few years later.

Bill:                 You came to that realization at a pretty young age. I think that you had a certain calling to bring your talent forth and spend as much of your life going forward, influencing for good.

Leif:                It definitely happened for a reason. Ever since that time, I’ve felt very purposeful. As I inspire others from my journey, I become more inspired — and there’s many who continue to inspire me in a very deep way to live even more deeply into my truth.

Bill:                 Amen. As I understand it, your work is split — you have a personal side, where you help as a life-purpose coach for individuals, and then you have a business side, where you’re a sustainability consultant, helping businesses leave a better mark on the planet.

Leif:                That’s right. It is a split in the sense of how we see business in modern times. It’s been hard for people, even myself, to frame it and understand how it all fits together. Because if you are a healer or a life coach, that’s one niche and industry. And then if you’re an environmental and a sustainability activist, that’s a whole other direction. And then there’s a vast area in between. That’s my sweet spot bridging the two.

What I’ve realized is that the journey to create a sustainable world actually starts with individuals. We each need to understand how to be empowered, how to transform our own lives, how to grow, how to design our future, and how to create an innovative design for our life. And to believe in that vision, to believe in a positive future self or a positive future planet. And then to strategically take action to manifest that, to build and implement that design that we want for our life.

The patterns and principles of how to heal and become whole in one’s self are actually very similar to sustainability. Very related, and relevant, and connected to the garden of life.

In my own personal journey towards healing and truth, I started to see the patterns of how we become whole, how we integrate the various aspects of duality, of what people often talk about as the four or five elements — these different quadrants of our life and our existence.

I was seeing these patterns, as I started to study permaculture, sustainability, natural building, ecology, and horticulture — my degree is in Environmental Horticulture Science. I realized: It’s all the same. They’re connected.

And then a few spiritual teachers that came into my life were saying the same thing, that the water of our planet is polluted because the consciousness and the psyche and the emotions of humanity are polluted. And the minds of the collective conscious of humanity are influencing our environment and our world, and our culture is influencing our outer world. There is a symbiotic relationship.

Bill:                 It’s more than a metaphor. It’s actually an energetic synergy.

Leif:                That’s exactly right. As I started to see all these patterns, I wanted to create a model and understanding for myself that maybe I could even share with others about how they all connect. That’s what I created a few years ago. I call it ‘Appreculture Design’.

Bill:                 You say that, “Appreculture Design is a concept of designing and building an appropriate and appreciation-based world and culture. Henceforth ‘Appreculture’. It uses a simple garden-based framework for creating a sustainable world from the inside out.”

Leif:                Yes. There are these patterns of inner and outer landscapes. I couldn’t ignore the interdependence and the interconnection. As I started to explore them further, I realized there are many other people who have taught and spoken about this.

Rudolf Steiner was one of them. He taught widely on holistic healing, pedagogy and farming — and revealed all these different aspects of how we create balance and harmony in our reality.

The ecology of nature is made up of multiple systems: mineral, water, gas elements and energy — with cycles that flow through and drive the whole system.

The human body is very similar. You have the water, the liquids, both in the vascular system, as well as the lymphatic system that circulate and move nutrients around. And you have the gases and oxygenation — and it’s so important for all the cells to work properly. Then you also have the energy, that spark in our eyes that drives the whole system. We get that from directly absorbing the sun, and also from our food energy.

I’m not the first one to come up with these connections, but I’ve been starting to put them all together to create this easily understood, garden-based, nature-based framework for how we can systematically heal nature, culture, society, economic systems and the individual self that is at the center of it all.

Bill:                 While the idea is not new, perhaps it’s become more prevalent. People tend to live in the moment. They’re not necessarily future-tripping about how their activities are going to affect the world for our children and generations to come. But we’re now at a critical point where we need to think that way.

What can people, as individuals, do in a very tactical way to become more sustainable?

Leif:                To reiterate, they really can address these four spheres in their life. Focus on their personal self-care and their own health, by getting proper food intake, diet, and regular sleep — something I often find challenging, being married with two kids, demands of work, etc.

Getting enough sleep is vital and preferably synched with the cycles of nature. There’s a lot of science to back up that. And then getting exercise, meditating, not being too fiery and busy in the head, and keeping the energy systems in our body balanced and circulating properly.

Self-care is a critical part of creating a sustainable world. When people do that for themselves, not in a selfish or egoic materialistic way, but in a way where people are taking responsibility for themselves — it improves the collective.

And then from there, we can start to look at our financial sustainability, our economic health, and our personal life, which I really see as: What’s the outer purpose of our own individual life? How do we make a positive influence in the world? How do we follow our passion, live our dreams, and then monetize that so that we are reimbursed for what we’re giving in service to the betterment of people and the planet?

Bill:                 Ultimately if we can elevate our consciousness about our self-care, we’re better positioned to be aware of our greater impact. We can also be mindful of our more external practices, like where we spend our money, the businesses we choose to work with and purchase from.

Leif:                Very true. And ask ourselves, What are we investing in? Not only our own time and energy, but our finances as well. Everyone’s probably heard this now, but every time you buy something, you’re casting a vote.

I don’t buy non-organic dairy, or non-organic non-free-range meat, because I don’t think it’s good for my body, but I also don’t like voting for the opposite of my values. I like voting for healthy and responsible treatment of animals.

Bill:                 I also believe there’s an energy associated with food. Healthy plants and happy animals make for energetically positive food for us.

Leif:                There are systematic approaches that we can take with self-care practice, economic investments and sustainability — and by supporting companies that are responsible, and making it known. If you’re leaving a bank because of their practices, make it known why you’re leaving.

And then there are all the social, and cultural aspects of sustainability, where we have to get along. We have to be able to create peace between our loved ones and in our neighborhoods. We need skills to be able to speak with non-violent communication, to have compassion for people — to have empathy for them and their situation, to make room for their perspective.

It’s important to create peace and harmony and connection between humans, even if we totally disagree on something — to respect that perspective and opinion and to see it as something that you might learn from.

Bill:                 In general, when clients approach you, is this new for them? Or are they already of the framework, and what you’re providing is tactical direction?

Leif:                It’s a little bit of both. Usually they align with the vision, and they have a heartfelt intention to live in this kind of way — a desire to be the change they wish to see in the world. They’re interested in going green and taking care of the planet.

They want to understand how to facilitate a better relationship in a community or an eco-village. When people bring me in to help facilitate dialogs, team-building, difficult conversations, integrative design, there’s usually a direct need associated with it. Sometimes it’s diversifying their revenue streams on their property or their farm, or reducing their environmental impact and being more efficient with their utility costs.

I don’t try and dump this whole ‘big earth’ framework on them if that’s not their need. I just meet them where they’re at and help them address the issues at hand. And then I start to evolve the conversation. Have you considered doing some reflection and analysis of the culture in your organization? How do you create synergy and coherence and build a team of trust, and a team of people who are stoked to come to work because they’re working for this amazing organization? Usually there’s a specific gateway to start, and then it becomes a bigger conversation once that relationship evolves.

Bill:                 Do you get involved with school systems? Schools are not known for having a great carbon footprint. Some schools now have their own gardens, and they actually prepare school meals from their harvest, which is extraordinary. Others are still stuck with vending machines filled by Coca-Cola.

Leif:                It can be challenging with some schools. I started as an activist in Santa Barbara, California. I was attending university there and was a student organizer and activist at the Santa Barbara Community College. That direct, hands-on, organizing of teams across many different campaigns, and marketing different classes and initiatives was one of the greatest experiences and best teachers I ever had. I was working with a statewide group of students across California, and our goal was to transform the higher educational institutions to become the largest green enterprise in the state.

Bill:                 Very ambitious!

Leif:                And we were actually quite successful.

It was huge because we had students working at city colleges and California state universities. Combined, those systems had a tremendous buying power, a tremendous influence on policy, and of course, educating the future generations. We passed a number of policies on everything from zero-waste and transportation alternatives, to renewable energy, green buildings, and organic foods in the cafeterias. It was pretty comprehensive.

That was where I got lit up and really engaged in this greater conversation: Not only can we make change, but we can make change on a huge scale.

Bill:                 Any change that’s ever been made at a grand scale started with one person.

Leif:                That’s the essence of Appreculture. A lot of the sustainability models talk about ecology and society and economics. But where’s the individual in that whole model? They’re the ones making everything happen.

So, anyone working in sustainability in any way, whether it’s about personal health and awakening, or social or environmental issues — they’re making a choice to be a leader and to have a ripple effect on their surroundings. That’s what Gandhi and so many other amazing teachers did, and that’s what’s happened for me.

Bill:                 And anybody can do that just by starting with their own backyard. If you can be a change-maker for yourself and for your family, then you’ve done a heroic deed for the world.

Leif:                Exactly. We don’t have to take on the weight of changing all the spheres of our reality. We can pick one and focus on it.

And just because someone is working on a specific issue to make economics more sustainable, it doesn’t mean that they’re any more or less important than another who may be working on environmental sustainability or social issues.

They’re all a part of a whole — it’s important for us to understand that, support people to follow their passion, and connect it with this bigger world framework.

Bill:                 It’s worth noting, however, that economics is what really drives the whole machine. So, if you can tackle the problem through economics, you have the greatest chance of sustaining progress.

I happen to be a big believer in the power of business to impact social change. And I know that you are as well. In Best Self Magazine, we’re always uncovering new businesses and business models that have sustainability as a thread.

There’s a poignant line that you wrote: “Nature is our teacher, and our mirror for our collective consciousness.” I wanted you to touch on our connection to the natural world, something we often lose track of.

Leif:                It’s a big topic. There are many angles to look at it from — but ultimately, the natural world has always been a metaphor for our culture, our lives, and our religions. We were thrown from the Garden of Eden because of this original sin, doing something wrong. And then we have had this relationship for many thousands of years where we are no longer part and parcel of the Garden of Eden; we’re not stewards of it anymore.

This new story that’s emerging is referring to that as a time period in human evolution, a period of adolescence — where we had to psychologically separate ourselves from our creator. We had to separate ourselves from our parents, from Father Sky and Mother Earth and rebel — be a bit disruptive. Sort of like a teenage boy, in some ways. Not always the case, but I know I was that way (and I’m seeing it in my eleven-year-old now).

This new story is actually about being caretakers of the earth. We’re stewards of the garden, and we can have a regenerative impact. Our impact doesn’t have to be negative and destructive.

When we go out into nature it’s a healing experience in and of itself — the exercise, the sunshine, the fresh air. But if we walk in nature with intention and with question, we can be reflected some powerful teachings, whether it’s the patterns from a leaf, or an animal that has some deeper connection with us.

There’s much medicine in nature. I love taking groups on medicine walks in nature, little solo fasts on the land, where we just go out and we sit in ceremony and connect with the elements and the animals, and the plants. For some people it’s a bit too ‘woo-woo’, and for others it’s a wonderful, basic thing.

Bill:                 We’re not different from nature. We’re not intended to dominate it. We are inextricably part of it.

Leif:                When we go out and we connect with these elements, it awakens an ancient language within us — a way of connecting and communicating. It is us.

But as I was saying earlier, as we begin to awaken and blossom as a species, that is being simultaneously reflected in how we build buildings, how we design our infrastructure and our roads — and how well we care for the natural systems that are the foundation of all life.

Bill:                 I hope that the trend continues.

You did mention at one point that the future of business is about social responsibility, and that the profits will become secondary.

I would like to believe that. Yet, I’m a little too jaded to believe that the profits becoming secondary is actually going to happen. I think being profitable, while having a sustainable model is going to be the hybrid. A business must be profitable and must seek profits to continue to do what they do, however sustainably conscious it is.

Leif:                I agree and yet, from all I’ve heard from corporate directors, sustainability is smart business.

If you don’t have a sustainability department you’re declining. There’s been a huge awakening of how supply chains are dependent on natural systems. How the quality of our products is dependent upon people. How carbon emissions are creating an insecure environment for crops and foods, and materials and fibers — all the elements that big corporations rely on for production.

Bill:                 And that philosophy doesn’t always serve short-term profits, which is what shareholders in public companies are driven by.

Leif:                Yes, and that is the model that is going to have to shift.

Bill:                 All the new, hot emerging companies you hear about — Warby Parker and so forth — they’re all built on a sustainable model.

Leif:                Exactly. Consumers are now demanding it, just like with organic food and healthy products and healthy homes. More and more people — such as you and me and all of those listening to this — are demanding this kind of awareness in corporations. Corporations that don’t have sustainability programs are having a hard time recruiting millennials. They’re having a hard time getting people to fill their labor force.

People want to work for companies that do good. That’s what I mean about this shift to a purpose-driven economy, as opposed to solely profit-driven. People are wanting to work for and buy from companies that are having a meaningful impact, and not just, “Yeah, we donate to this charity,” but rather, it’s a part of their organizing principles.

Bill:                 I want to touch on B corporations, or ‘benefit corporations’. Would you explain briefly what that is, and why that’s a useful insignia, or certification for a customer to look for in a company they might purchase from?

Leif:                The B Corp model is great. I think it’s been around officially for five or six years. Several hundred companies have signed on. It’s basically a way of organizing your corporation and the bylaws of the company, to explicitly say that we are in business to benefit the planet and people.

There’s a systematic review process that everyone who holds the B Corp certification has to go through. Many classic, sustainability-minded companies jumped on the bandwagon right away.

Bill:                 Patagonia was the first one.

Leif:                Yes. They’re based out of Ventura, California; I worked with them a while back. Companies that are jumping on that bandwagon are seeing it increase their growth. Patagonia once created an ad for a holiday magazine that had the headline, “Don’t buy this jacket.”

Bill:                 It was a famous ad. The idea was, Do not buy this if you don’t need it. Because we don’t need another jacket going into landfill.

Leif:                And it worked. “Don’t buy this because you probably have enough.” Turns out, more people bought it than if they would have said, “You should really buy this because of x, y, and z.”

Bill:                 It also had a subliminal message that their products are built to last and not wind up in landfill. It was a brilliant ad.

Another example is when REI, an outdoor retailer, a few years ago on the day after Thanksgiving (the biggest shopping day of the year in the U.S), initiated their ‘opt-outside’ campaign. They actually closed every store — even online. When everybody else was flocking to the mall for their special Black Friday deals, REI said, “We’re going to shut the door. We want you guys to go outside instead.”

Leif:                That’s great.

Bill:                 They obviously lost some business in the short run on that, but they drew a whole lot of fans in the long-run…and we’re still talking about it.

Leif:                Absolutely. And it’s all about taking responsibility — responsibility for their self, for their organization and it’s trickledown. Again, it’s that individual entity making a decision that is then influencing economy and culture and the environment.

Bill:                 That’s the full circle of this conversation.

For me, this dialog gives me even greater hope for the world, because, although I see the problems, I also see a lot of possibility for solutions. And this planet is amazingly powerful at restoring itself when given an opportunity.

Leif:                Absolutely.

Bill:                 Where can people find you if they want to connect with you?

Leif:                To find out about all the different things that I offer, visit my main webpage. They can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram

The last thing I’ll say is, we all have to start on the journey of understanding sustainability — somewhere. Just start.

For me, it’s important that we don’t judge people for being ‘bad’ or un-sustainable. They just might not be educated. They might not be aware of the impact that they’re having. I think we need to be honest with people — and at the same time, compassionate and loving with them, and not be self-righteous, super-eco arrogant people.

Bill:                 That’s a great point. You want to inspire without judgment.

Leif:                Exactly. A big part of this Appreculture design framework — the appreciation piece — is appreciating everyone for who they are, where they’re at, and then coming to a conversation about sustainability and creating a better world by first appreciating them as a human being, as someone who has family and friends, and a product of their environment, whoever they are.

And then from that place, having curiosity around whether or not they are interested in becoming more integrated, aligned, coherent and sustainable with the direction that the future is going.

I found that in my activism work, as a student in college and then later as a consultant over the years, it’s especially important to approach people with a non-judgmental, compassionate mindset.

We all need to be educated about something. I may do something on occasions where someone who’s very eco-savvy might think, “How dare he use that straw at this restaurant?” I usually don’t use straws, but I might forget sometimes. We just need to see the humanity in each other.

Bill:                 …and always be a student.

Leif:                Absolutely. Always maintain that curiosity. If we lose curiosity in our fellow human beings, in our loved ones, and in how we can become a better person — then I think we lose a vitality and an innocence that is divine. It’s like a child’s light that we all hold onto as we grow older.

Bill:                 Thank you very much for joining in this conversation.

Leif:                Thank you and your whole team at Best Self Magazine for reaching out to people and having conversations like this one — and sharing knowledge and information.

The post Sustainability & Purpose: Living in Concert With Our Ecology and Humanity appeared first on BEST SELF.

Girls Who Invest founder Seema Hingorani

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Seema Hingorani is on a mission. Seeing the percentage of women involved in managing investment funds plummeting to under 10% nationwide, she founded the nonprofit organization Girls Who Invest to educate and support young women seeking a career in the financial investment sector. To her, it’s about more than increasing employment opportunities for women, it’s also about instilling strength and respect in an industry that has tremendous potential for good, but that potential is not actualized, mitigated by shrouds of secrecy, insulation, public distrust — and patriarchy.

Since introducing Girls Who Invest, Hingorani has been met with a groundswell of support from investment and academic communities alike. Why now?

• Gender diversity is good for business, providing more balanced decision-making and a stronger inclination toward social good.
• The percentage of women in the investment sector is at an all-time low, so there is a great opportunity to shift the male-dominated industry.
• The number of female candidates is small, due to lack of awareness and role models. Girls Who Invest will increase the candidate pool through advanced training, networking and connection with employment opportunities.

There are many ways to get involved with Girls Who Invest, as a partner, donor, volunteer, or an applicant for their program. Let’s invest in shifting perceptions, protocols and preconceived notions. Let’s invest in our girls.

Learn more at GirlsWhoInvest.org.

You may also enjoy reading CauseBox | Chic Goodies with a Social Mission by Kristen Noel

The post Girls Who Invest (Something Worth Investing In) appeared first on BEST SELF.

Darkness Fuels A Mission Of Hope For Artist Alix Lambert

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There are films. Plays. Photographs. Sculptures. Books. Illustrations. Music. Cartoons. The list goes on… How does one make sense of the wildly diverse talents of Brooklyn-based artist Alix Lambert? I will admit, it took me a bit of time to get my head wrapped around it all. Her work had been on my radar after first being introduced to it by friend. As I initially researched this complex body of work I was sure I had been misdirected to multiple artists; that something was clearly lost in translation. The confusion was in my not recognizing that Alix Lambert is simply to be deemed a great storyteller. And to that point, a great storyteller has many ways to tell a story. As it turns out, her multi-disciplinary approach is a natural product of her broad-spectrum training in art school…that and her own brand of creative genius, of course.

Sketches from criminal trial courtrooms. Click an image to view larger:

When I finally connected with Alix on Skype, I was immediately drawn to her passion, vibrancy and youthful light-heartedness — a stark contrast to her moody, sometimes seemingly ‘heavy’ art. To her, the varied mediums are neither disconnected nor arbitrary. In fact, the opposite is true — she mindfully chooses the medium that best communicates the story she is crafting. In some cases, Alix will even choose multiple mediums in order to meet the audience where their comfort level lies. For example, she is currently producing a multi-dimensional project that will include a book, an app, and a documentary — each telling the same story, but with a different emphasis within each medium.

While Alix’s work can feel dark, it is not a reflection of her outlook; rather it is a reflection of the realities of the plights her subjects face. She has tackled the accused (whether rightly or wrongly), the incarcerated, and even the nearly extinct. The city of Cincinnati enjoyed a bittersweet 15 minutes of fame in 2014 when Martha, the last passenger pigeon on the planet passed away in the Cincinnati Zoo. In response, Alix produced and illustrated a short film entitled Martha, in collaboration with animator/editor Brian Young and musician Michael Friedman.

View the short film, Martha:

Her most recent project, The Mark Of Cain (a biblical reference to the branding of the first murderer), is both a riveting photography book with an essay by Scott Macaulay, and a re-release of an investigative documentary film she shot 15 years ago, which is included with the book on a DVD. The work explores the lives and vanishing tattoo art within some of Russia’s most notorious prisons. It is remarkable in itself that Alix could gain such intimate access to these prisoners — a testament to her resolve when it comes to a pursuit of passion. Devoid of judgment, her work not only showcases the tattoos for their cultural significance, she portrays the inmates as humans worthy of compassion.

A preview of the first 9 minutes of The Mark Of Cain:

Another project, Crime: The Animated Series, is a collection of animated short films, each depicting the personal stories of a criminal, or someone affected by crime, whom actually narrates the film. The films convey a visceral context of the environments surrounding the subjects and occasionally, the psychology behind the crimes. The animated treatment lightens (somewhat) the difficult subject matter, making it a bit easier to digest.

View one of the series of Crime: The Animated Series:

In yet another body of work, a photographic portfolio entitled Rwanda, Alix turns her lens on a women-run coffee bean farm, celebrating the sustainable and empowering work of these remarkable women, who are beating the economic odds in an embattled microcosm of Africa.

Click an image to view the Rwanda portfolio gallery:

One example of Alix’s multi-media approach is her exploration of inner-city boxing culture. Inspired by the ‘training tools’ of the sport, she created ceramic sculptures of a speedball and gloves, and also composed a piece of music which incorporates the rhythmic sounds of the gyms, created by these same tools. Listen to this song, The Liberian Boxing Team, which is part of Alix’s eclectic album Running After Deer, created with Travis Dickerson:

So — how to make sense of all these seemingly disparate endeavors? After talking with Alix and hearing her motivations for each, it became clear: The singular thread that weaves her work together is the evolution of humanity. Alix strives to be a voice of those who cannot express their own voices — those who have been silenced, shunned, imprisoned, or marginalized by society. And she does so with great hope that with a modicum of compassion and understanding, perhaps we may all become a bit less judgmental and more proactive for social change, and that those that may otherwise follow the destructive paths of some of her subjects, might find a more productive path before it is too late.

You may also enjoy Architecture and Humanity | The Conscious Urbanism of Kunlé Adeyemi by Bill Miles

The post Alix Lambert | The Unspoken Voice appeared first on BEST SELF.

Bob Cooley, creator of the 16 Geniuses and founder of The Genius Of Flexibility, is revolutionizing optimal physiology with resistance flexibility training.

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It’s all about the fascia!

Fascia [fash-ee-uh]: a band or sheet of connective tissue fibers, primarily collagen, that forms beneath the skin to attach, stabilize, enclose, and connect muscles, ligaments and other internal organs.

I’ll be the first to admit that 6 months ago, I had never even heard the word before. That was until our ageless goddess, Dr. Christiane Northrup, ran upstairs to her bedroom to change into workout clothes following our Best Self Magazine cover shoot. You see, Dr. Northrup was literally giddy with excitement to share the work of Bob Cooley, and before I knew it she had me down on the floor stretching and contorting my limbs.

So — what does fascia have to do with it all anyway? If you have a pet, you’ll quickly realize they are already totally hip to the jive. Have you witnessed how your cat or dog will take pause and indulge in a downward dog-style stretch before doing anything else? Take note.

This is the world according to Bob Cooley, founder of Genius Flexibility, with locations in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Boston, and soon, NYC.

The fascia is the connective tissue which sheathes your muscles and organs, an otherwise unremarkable (and often overlooked) element of our anatomy. But during a session with Bob Cooley, I learned that the fascia holds far more value, and we are only at the beginning stages of unlocking its enormous potential to utterly transform our lives. Fascia may be a physical component of our being, but it is also deeply connected to all aspects of our lives — our mind, our emotions and our soul.

In general, we accept this notion that scar tissue develops as a result of some type of physical trauma; however, have you ever considered that we additionally build up emotional, psychological, and even spiritual trauma? These traumas can create scar tissue in the fascia, which accrues throughout our lives.

This scarring impairs the functioning of our internal immune and endocrine systems, which can lead to pain, incomplete healing, and even constrained thought patterns. The good news? It’s possible to breakdown and even eliminate fascial scar tissue, thus facilitating incredible, and permanent, gains in pain relief, injury recovery, athletic performance, and physiological and mental functioning — even improving upon pre-trauma levels.

I’ve experienced it firsthand. And so have the kings, princes, CEO’s, celebrities, Olympic athletes and other folk who have walked through Cooley’s doors, seeking a different solution to their physical limitations, addictions, viral afflictions, artistic blocks and more. Recently, even Oprah joined his legion of devout followers (you can read more in the January 2016 issue of Oprah Magazine and Oprah.com).

What makes Cooley an expert? Years of on-the-job training, being his own guinea pig.

When faced with the limitations of traditional therapies following a brutal accident as a young man, he was forced to find his own solutions to repairing his shattered body. He astonishingly survived after being struck on foot by a car traveling 70 mph, but was left with a decades-long quest to restore his physical, psychological and spiritual health. And while he eventually achieved a high level of fitness, his body was not fully functioning until he stumbled upon the concept of Resistance Flexibility (RF).

While I won’t pretend to properly convey the nuances of RF, the essence is this: When a muscle is being stretched under resistance, the muscle reflexively contracts and the fascia resists, re-orients itself, and scar tissue breaks down, to be later eliminated by the body’s lymphatic and vascular systems. The result is a deep, therapeutic stretching of the muscles and connected tissues, with improved flow of energy along the body’s meridians, increased flexibility, elimination of pain, and higher functioning of the brain — yes, it not only changes how you feel, but can shift how you think.

Bob will release Cooley’s Resistance Flexibility 1.0 on January 15th, 2016, wherein he explores his theories and techniques in detail. Further, he has studied the genetic origins of his findings, and has created an archetypal map of human biology, which he explains in a forthcoming book entitled The 16 Geniuses – Sixteen Personality Types 1.0 to be released March 30th, 2016.

As I enter the Boston Center, I am greeted by Cooley and a team of enthusiastic, youthful trainers. The vibe is more communal than I had envisioned — not only do the trainers methodically circulate among clients, the clients are occasionally called upon to help stretch one another. Organic, healthful foods emerge from the kitchen, Bob is wearing organic cotton, and the center itself has been eco-renovated. His building in Santa Barbara is the greenest in the city. These are the values he brings to his practice — mindfulness, self-respect, and environmental consciousness, clearly weaving them throughout the very tenets of his business.

I am treated to a few stretching sessions — by one, two, or at times three trainers at once.

When I finally stand, my body experiences a profound shift, after even a short session.

I stand taller, feel lighter — almost gravity-defying, and pesky pains that I have become so accustomed to on a daily basis, simply dissolve away. My mind feels open and alert. I see before me new possibilities on myriad levels.

Beside me lays one of Cooley’s regular clients, a world-renowned geneticist, who was thrown from an ATV and suffered a near-fatal fall down 15 feet of boulders. Three months later, completely defying the predictions of her medical community, she is slowly walking again — she attributes her recovery to the 4 years of prior RF work, which kept her body in optimal health, and the focused protocol the team has been administering since her accident.

There are no shortages of similar stories — and Cooley’s ambitions are nothing, if not audacious: He aims to create a sort of utopia where people can immerse in pure foods, unblocked thinking, and physical wholeness — and create lasting, healing impact for themselves and the world at large.

Though I have only experienced the tip of the iceberg, I can see what all the fuss is about. There is no wonder Dr. Northrup (and Oprah) are so excited about the transformative nature of this work. Bob Cooley is a man on a mission, and the vision of The Genius of Flexibility is spreading like wildfire — primarily because it works, while awakening a profoundly empowering concept: We can heal ourselves — often in spite of ourselves, and with a little help from others.

To learn more about Bob Cooley and Genius Flexibility, visit thegeniusofflexibility.com and also thebodyismedicine.com.

Watch the video below to learn more about Bob Cooley’s philosophy; at about 5 minutes, two elite trainers demonstrate some exercises you can do yourself:

You may also enjoy reading Bendable Body | True Flexibility Training for the Mind, Body and Soul, by Mara Peters

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If Starbucks has become the de facto headquarters for the office-less entrepreneurial startup set, then Krash is quickly becoming their residence. The co-housing spaces, founded by Phil Freemont-Smith and his wife Jennifer in 2012, take communal living out of the post-hippie era and into the modern world of business. Krash has properties in Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C., with more coming as they push their model westward. While each property is unique, they all offer clean, minimal sleeping spaces paired with comfy common areas, fresh linens, a fully stocked fridge, and the company of other up-and-comers who seek a deeper networking experience than a mere lunch or cup of coffee. Typical stays range from 3 to 6 months, although a “K2” membership gets you the keys to all the Krash pads for as long as you like. Weekly family-style meals and regular presentations from various business leaders add a warm and inspirational vibe. Learn more at Krash.io.

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We normally reserve this space for shiny new apps, initiatives, and product offerings that are aligned with an excellent social mission. So it may be a bit of a surprise that we are calling out a huge manufacturer here, but Intel is truly taking a stand for humanity with its resolve to source raw materials from conflict-free mines.

Microprocessor production requires gold, tin, tantalum, and tungsten – minerals largely mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – the profits from which have financed brutal conflict and resulted in the deaths of millions of innocent people. Carolyn Duran, Intel’s supply chain director, has responded by leveraging their enormous buying power to encourage transparency programs for the smelting plants regarding where they source their raw materials. Five years later, nearly half of the world’s smelters of these materials now pass conflict-free audits, shrinking the market for illegally traded minerals and reducing warlords’ profits. Duran hopes to declare Intel’s entire product line conflict-free by 2016, and inspire companies in other industries to do the same. [source: Fast Company]

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Read Indeed is a nonprofit literacy organization and the vision of Maria Keller, a book-loving 15-year-old who wants to make the world a better place—one book at a time. Maria began Read Indeed when she was 8 years old and her original goal was to collect and distribute one million books to kids in need by the time she turned 18. She accomplished that goal before the age of 13! Now Maria wants to distribute books to all 50 states in the U.S. as well as every country in the world. Having donated more than $4 million in books, Maria has touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of children. Beyond just our youth, Maria’s initiative serves up inspiration for us all!

Read Indeed founder, 15-year old Maria Keller

Learn more here.

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Empowering women in need through responsible employment

Thread Works is a new online shop for textile home goods, with social purpose woven into their DNA. The brainchild of interior designer Nicole Ashey of Burlock Interiors, Thread Works looks to employ survivors of domestic violence to make ecologically and socially conscious home goods.

The current product line is an assortment of stylish, limited-edition pillows made from fabric remnants and off-cuts, which most companies would find unusable and toss into landfill. Thread Works will bring new life to these textiles, while its employees work on building something new for themselves.

This two-pronged approach of addressing women’s issues and environmental sustainability while producing lovely products sets a high bar for responsible business practices. This is shopping you can feel good about!

Learn more here.

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Goldie Hawn’s Hawn Foundation puts mindfulness into practice where it matters most – in our schools and with our youth. Its mission statement: “The Hawn Foundation transforms children’s lives by providing vital social and emotional learning programs to reduce stress and aggressive behavior, improve focus and academic performance, and increase resiliency for success in school and in life.”

Goldie Hawn, despite her ebullient charm, has also suffered from panic and anxiety. Applying tools of mindfulness and meditation, she has learned to manage the fear and pain, and now considers it a life mission to help others, especially children, do the same. MindUp, a signature school program specifically designed to complement a child’s regular curriculum, brings in mindful techniques such as two-minute “brain breaks” and gratitude circles to help them stay more focused on their work, relieve stress, and elevate optimism. Note: The techniques work equally well on adults!

The Hawn Foundation

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I take great joy in bikes — always have. I recently sold both my high-end road bike and mountain bike to try a new breed — Kona’s Rove — a go-anywhere crossover that can handle potholed-city streets, dirt roads and touring with ease. Pairing an old-school steel frame with new-school geometry and components, Kona has crafted a comfortable, stable, and responsive ride, all in one rugged package. My Rove makes me happy – ‘nuff said.

konaworld.com

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Photographer Michael Tischler Tackles the Urban Landscape With an Equal Passion for Art and Precision

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To state that Michael Tischler, a dentist and photographer, has a dual passion would only partially portray the character and motivation behind this man. Equal parts craftsman, artist, and champion of technology, Michael leads a life of passion in every waking moment. An avid reader, seeker, student, teacher, and meditator, he sets himself a high bar for living life fully.

I am a photographer — and have been so for my entire career. Michael is my dentist. When I first entered his offices, I was struck by the beautiful, large-scale landscape photography that graced his walls. Developing an immediate bond, we proceeded to discuss the nuances of lighting and equipment, albeit with my mouth open wide and my tongue dodging the dental apparatus poking about. Nine years later, little of that scenario has changed during my routine visits, but Michael’s work certainly has. It has evolved, reflecting the parallel evolution of his spirit and the technology with which he works. Michael is now exploring landscapes with more intimacy, more courage, and more risk, and it has truly been an inspiration for me on many levels.

Dentistry was in Michael’s blood from an early age. The son of a beloved dentist in a hamlet of New York’s Hudson Valley, Michael embraced the same career and established his own practice in the same town, synthesizing the creative influences that surrounded him with his highly sought-out expertise in his field. When he’s not tending to clients, publishing, or speaking about advancements in dentistry, he is likely to be working on his photographs.

Photography’s magical grasp endured the decades, having been first sparked at the age of 13, during a family road trip when his father let him play with his Kodak camera. Michael now approaches the medium with the same surgical precision as his dentistry. Indeed, to him, they feel somewhat analogous — except for the tools in hand — requiring both zen-calmness and laser-focus.

Nature provides Michael’s dominant muse — his lush panoramic landscapes are fresh, artful, and technically flawless. More recently, however, he’s turned his lens on the urban landscape, exploring the myriad textures that infuse his images with a sense of the surreal. He compares the ever-changing environment of Times Square to that of nature — each visit to a familiar spot brings a new experience, a new inspiration. With this next generation of work, Michael envisions a second career, selling fine-art prints through galleries and purveyors of corporate art. And given his proven ability to manifest his desires, there is little doubt his vision will be realized.

Click an image below to view the gallery:

Learn more at MichaelTischler.com

You may also enjoy The Wall | Exploring Urban Media Through Photography by Steve Snider

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Photographer Bill Miles’ Journey to Cill Rialiag, a Remote Artists’ Retreat along Ireland’s Rustic Coast

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If ever there were a Leap of Faith fairy tale, it might start with the triumph of Noelle Campbell-Sharp, a colorful and commanding patron of the arts, and owner of Dublin’s Origin Gallery.   In the remote and spectacularly rugged village of Ballinskelligs, Co Kerry, Ireland, exists a collection of ancient ruins dating back to the sixth century.   In the 1980’s, the government initiated a plan to rehabilitate the primitive Bolus Road, which winds along adjacent cliffs, to accommodate modern tourist busses. Learning of this, Noelle set her determined mind to defend the magnificent landscape against such an affront. Her solution was to acquire and restore the ruins into a retreat for artists…

“an essential oasis for the world’s best creative minds, who will see it as a beacon of light in a troubled world,” she passionately describes her vision.

Overcoming bureaucratic and financial obstacles too burdensome to catalog here, Noelle succeeded in thwarting the tourism development, and opened the doors to Cill Rialaig in 1991. In the years since, over 3000 artists from every corner of the globe have found their way here — seeking either monastic refuge, or communal inspiration — both are possible. What they didn’t find, is a website. In an effort to preserve its isolation, entry to Cill Rialaig, which is free, is granted by long-hand application (email cillrialaigarts@gmail.com) often months or years in advance. However, one can checkout the nearby, extraordinary Cill Rialaig Art Center for an online taste.

I had the amazingly good fortune to be able to stay at the Cill Rialaig retreat. While on assignment in Ireland, I became enamored with the landscape and elected to extend my trip to pursue some personal photography.

I was in a creative crisis at the time, questioning my artistic worth, uncertain of the viability of my career of 20+ years.

I longed for an opportunity to immerse myself in my work and explore my deeper connection to photography beyond its waning ability to pay bills. And then I learned of Cill Rialaig, from a friend of a friend who had once taken residence there. In what can only be regarded as a divine alignment of the Universe, a labyrinth of referrals and phone calls led me to Noelle herself. I began explaining my story to her; after only a few words, she cut me off and offered me one of the cottages, which had an unlikely vacancy beginning the next day. With a crude map and white knuckles (have you ever driven in Ireland?), I found my way to this magical village, and spent the next several days photographing the artists-in-residence, locals, and landscape in a giddy state of awe. I could have stayed for weeks, but I was immensely grateful for the brief moment of artistic healing I was gifted. I left with a rejuvenated soul and a fresh love affair with my camera and its possibilities.

Click an image below to view the gallery:

View more of Bill’s work at billmiles.com

You may also enjoy The Wild Inside: The Importance of Imagination and Nurturing Your Creative Spirit by Marilyn Hagar

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