Written by Christine Hall, Life, Health & Wellness Coach Christine Hall is passionate about showing others how to prioritize their health and wellness so that they can thrive in life! She is the founder of Thrive Movement Studio and Christine Hall Coaching, and is a Board Certified Health Coach, Certified PT and a Certified Life Coach. In a world that profits from your self-doubt, being kind to yourself isn't just revolutionary. It's essential for survival. Self-compassion isn't just a trendy wellness buzzword; it's the missing piece in our endless pursuit of happiness and peace. You don’t have to look far to see a world becoming increasingly hostile and angry. Plus, the pressure we put on ourselves to do everything well leads to increased overwhelm, burnout and exhaustion. And if we don’t do it well or perfectly, many of us beat ourselves up and believe we are a failure. It’s all so unrealistic, and we’re compromising our mental health with the incredibly high pressure we put on ourselves.   What exactly is self-compassion? According to Kristin Neff, a world-renowned compassion researcher, compassion comprises three key elements: mindfulness, common humanity and kindness. Kindness This means showing yourself the same compassion as your best friend when they are struggling. Yet when we experience hard times, we are so often quick to judge ourselves, engage in negative self-talk and be so hard on ourselves. As Neff says, “instead of mercilessly judging and criticizing yourself for various inadequacies or shortcomings, self-compassion means you are kind and understanding when confronted with your failings-after all, who ever said you were supposed to be perfect?” Common humanity Recognizing that you are not alone in your challenges. Suffering is part of the shared human experience. Although it can feel very isolating, everyone faces struggles and makes mistakes. Recognizing this can foster a connection with others and make us feel less alone. Mindfulness Is paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment, without believing there is a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to think or feel in a given moment. It means allowing you to acknowledge your emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them. It allows us to be present without thinking about the past or worrying about the future.   Imagine having a best friend who's always there for you – someone who understands your struggles, celebrates your wins (no matter how small), and offers comfort when you stumble. Now imagine that friend is you.   Research shows that cultivating self-compassion isn't just a feel-good practice; it's your brain's secret pathway to lasting happiness. While chasing success, perfect routines, or external validation might bring temporary joy, the game-changing truth is this: your relationship with yourself is the foundation of genuine happiness.   When you trade your inner critic for inner kindness, you don't just feel better – you unlock a natural state of joy that no external circumstance can shake. Let's explore how this powerful connection between self-compassion and happiness could transform your life.   Why self-compassion matters We all have an internal voice that speaks to us, which can sometimes be highly negative and harsh. But when we practice self-compassion, it activates our parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest), lowers our cortisol levels (our stress hormones), releases oxytocin and endorphins (our feel-good hormones) and creates new neural pathways for positive self-talk.   The anxiety spiral we experience before practicing self-compassion looks something like this:   Trigger: Making a mistake at work Thought: "I'm so stupid!" Spiral: "I'll probably get fired → I'll never find another job → I'm a complete failure.” Physical response: Racing heart, tight chest, panic   But with Self-Compassion:   Trigger: Making a mistake at work Pause: "This is a moment of difficulty.” Perspective: "Everyone makes mistakes sometimes.” Response: "How can I learn from this and support myself?" Physical response: Calmer breathing, relaxed body   We need to acknowledge and validate how hard the situation is. We need to be with our pain and notice our struggle. When things go wrong, we often go into problem-solving mode instead of self-compassion mode.   Yes, it takes practice, and like everything, there is no such thing as perfection, only progress. But catching your negative thoughts before they snowball into catastrophic thoughts can change your inner dialogue from: "I'm such a failure, I always mess up" To: "I'm human, and making mistakes is part of growth.”   How self-compassion can lead to happiness Being kinder to yourself creates a safe inner environment, which reduces your constant self-judgment and criticism. You can relax and be yourself without the pressure and anxiety of feeling like you don’t measure up.    Accepting our imperfections may be the first step toward better well-being, satisfaction, and happiness in life.    People who are easier on themselves are less likely to be depressed and anxious and are more prone to happiness and optimism. Self-compassionate people feel more secure.    Over time, you create emotional safety to try new things without feeling that you have to be perfect. You gain trust in yourself and your decisions and become more brave and confident. 5 powerful ways to practice self-compassion 1. The mindful check-in If you have negative self-talk, pause and acknowledge these feelings without judgment. Practice gentle awareness and, instead, use compassionate self-talk. Ask yourself if this is something you would say to your best friend. If it’s not, what would you say instead that is kinder? This does take practice and it may feel quite strange at first. But it 'will' get easier the more you practice!   2. The self-care reset “What do you need?” This is a simple question I ask myself when overwhelmed, and I always seem to get the answer I need. Self-care isn’t a massage or a bubble bath. Setting non-negotiable and regular self-care practices that leave you feeling cared for vs. depleted is essential. Nourishing your body with whole foods and regular exercise is vital. Ensuring that you are prioritizing regular rest and recovery will boost your capacity to deal with challenges as they come up because they will come up!   Setting and honouring boundaries is also crucial to protecting your mental health. We often take on too much because we are afraid to say no or because one extra little thing won’t hurt. But if we keep doing this, eventually, the scales tip from balanced to overwhelmed. Looking at what you value (i.e., family, time, etc.) can help you set necessary boundaries. What matters is that you stick to them once you set them.   3. The friendship method If you don’t have your own back, who else will? Treating yourself like a close friend who deserves to feel great is essential to our overall well-being and mental health. If you catch yourself in negative self-talk, ask yourself how you would speak to your best friend and reframe it into something more compassionate and kinder. Can you have a statement like how you talk to a friend?   It’s also so important to celebrate small wins. We tend to be productivity machines, completing something without acknowledging the hard work and effort it took. We often move on to the next thing because so much needs to be done. But giving yourself a well-deserved shout-out for the hard work and time you put into whatever you were doing is critical. It helps you see progress and gives you recognition that, quite frankly, we probably don’t get enough of.   4. The toolkit In challenging times, a toolkit you create can help you offset stress and anxiety to boost your self-compassion and self-worth.   Affirmations are a great way to shift your mindset into something more positive and help you focus on your strengths. What statement can you use to anchor yourself in kindness when experiencing moments of negative self-talk?   Calming breathing techniques can also move you from stressed and anxious to more relaxed. A favourite of mine is box breathing, where you breathe in for four counts, hold for four counts, breathe out slowly for four counts, and hold for four counts.   Physical self-compassion or self-soothing touch can also calm us. Placing a hand on your stomach or heart while focusing on your breath or saying an affirmation can relax and shift us from ‘fight or flight’ to ‘relax and digest.’ Lastly, writing in a journal can be very helpful, and often, we can gain further perspective as we put pen to paper.   5. The growth perspective Perfectionism often stems from a fear of failure. So, we try to avoid making mistakes, which is unrealistic and so much pressure. Instead, what if you shifted your perspective?   Thinking of mistakes as learning opportunities reflects a growth mindset. Do you remember when you made a mistake? Did anything positive come out of it? What did you learn from it? Chances are, some areas gave you some insights or reflections.   Embracing imperfection and focusing on progress, not perfection, can create peace and eliminate anxiety and stress. You can only control so much, so focusing on what you can control and letting the rest go is a sanity saver!   Self-compassion is like building a new muscle – it strengthens with every act of kindness toward yourself. Each time you choose understanding over criticism, acceptance over judgment, you're not just creating momentary relief – you're crafting a foundation for lasting joy.   Your imperfections aren't obstacles to overcome; they're the very threads that make you beautifully human. In this growth journey, remember that you don't have to earn the right to be kind to yourself. You're already worthy of the same compassion you so freely give to others. Follow Christine on Instagram  and LinkedIn,  or visit her website  for more information! Read more from Christine Hall Christine Hall, Life, Health & Wellness Coach Christine Hall has faced significant challenges, including losing her mom to lung cancer at 13, a brother to suicide, and her father to a stroke, as well as overcoming a serious ski accident that temporarily left her in a wheelchair. These experiences have fueled her passion for prioritizing mental and physical health and showing others that you can not only survive loss but thrive! She has dedicated her life to helping others make their health and wellness a priority, not an afterthought. She is the founder of Christine Hall Coaching and Thrive Movement Studio, helping thousands of women since 2011. Her mission: Embrace every moment and live it to the fullest, feeling great every step of the way!

Ana is a Holistic Neuroscience & Spiritual Growth Mentor, also known as the ‘FU Guru’ for her ‘Foundational Understanding’ method, integrating science and spirituality to foster better work-life balance. She draws on extensive experience in overworking and burnout from years of leading her international consultancy in construction.   Ana Gioarsa, Holistic Neuroscience & Spiritual Growth Mentor Can you tell us about your journey from working in the construction industry to becoming a holistic neuroscience and spiritual growth mentor? What inspired this career shift? Spiritual practices have been a significant part of my life, fuelling my quest for a deeper purpose beyond the mundane. Over the course of more than decade in the construction industry, I discovered my passion for understanding how workplace initiatives could shape employee well-being. My career began amid an office relocation and implementation of the ‘new ways of working’ initiative which sparked my interest in human behaviour associated with environmental change. As I delivered major projects across the UK and UAE and founded my own international consultancy, I observed an alarming decline in employees' work-life balance and a growing disconnect between well-being and productivity. A couple of years ago, I started questioning the reason behind pursuing my own career. It was unsettling to go from passion to just "rolling with the punches." Achieving more didn't bring back the enthusiasm I once felt. Something was still missing, and the uncertainty of not knowing my next step was daunting. All I knew was that I didn't want to feel anxious and perpetually tired anymore. Thus, I turned inward to reconnect with my intuition. The more I did this, the clearer my path became. It was as if it had always been there, waiting for me. I understood that while systemic change in entrenched industries like construction is challenging, and focusing on individual growth can spark broader cultural shifts. By guiding each individual live a simpler, more grounded life, I believe we can collectively drive meaningful change. How do you integrate neuroscience and spiritual practices to help your clients achieve a work-life balance? Most of my clients spend the vast majority of their time either at work or thinking about it, which chips away at other aspects of their life, personal time, relationships, and overall well-being. I have developed a method called ‘foundational understanding’ which provides the base knowledge about how the brain, the mind, energy and soul coexist and function to enable my clients to build their own framework for growth. While many external factors at work can’t be influenced , foundational understanding fosters inner flexibility, where subtle shifts in mindset create resilience, positively influencing everything from gene expression to everyday interactions. What are some of the most common challenges your clients face, and how do your methods address them? Many of my clients struggle to see how underlying beliefs shape their experiences and decisions. My foundational approach helps them identify patterns within their Default Mode Network (DMN)- brain network tied to habitual thinking, which fuels self-limiting beliefs. By pinpointing archetypes like the Hidden Rebel and the Silent Perfectionist, we uncover these common mental loops. Thus, through the integration of neuroscience and spiritual practices, I guide clients to reprogramme these beliefs, clear emotional blocks, and implement life-scripting techniques, creating lasting transformation and a balanced foundation for growth.   You offer both one-to-one coaching and group workshops, like breathwork & manifestation sessions. What role do these different formats play in helping people reconnect with themselves? Both formats play distinct roles in helping clients reconnect with themselves. In one-to-one sessions, we dive deeply into the client’s specific challenges, exploring the core beliefs and behaviours that are holding them back. Group workshops, on the other hand, bring the collective energy of participants together. Breathwork and life-scripting manifestation sessions in a group setting allow clients to amplify the energetic shifts that occur, promoting both individual and shared healing. The group dynamic provides a sense of connection and shared experience, which can make people feel less lonely in their journeys.   In your practice, you emphasize the importance of breaking cycles of overworking and burnout. What strategies do you use to help your clients recognize and break these patterns? Self-awareness and intuition are key to overcoming work-related stress and burnout. Many clients don’t recognise their patterns, whether it's perfectionism, overworking, or guilt until they’re guided to reflect on their behaviours. I help clients reconnect with their intuition, which is often overshadowed by the mind’s need for control and validation. Through my method of combining science-based and spiritual practices, we calm the brain’s stress responses and rewire thought patterns. A mix of cognitive behavioural therapy and theta healing taps deep into the subconscious mind, embedding the new neural pathways into the conscious state. This creates a deep connection to their intuition and a strong sense of discernment, which in turn leads to better boundary setting and management of expectations with ease, removing the reoccurring loop of overworking and burnout.   You’ve mentioned that you focus on making holistic healing more accessible to sceptics. How do you address scepticism and open the door to these practices? My approach starts with small, science-backed practices like breathwork and mindfulness, showing clients how even subtle shifts can reshape their mental state. I focus on building their foundational understanding of how brain function and energy interconnect, demonstrating firsthand benefits. By aligning spiritual practices with neuroscience principles, I make these methods approachable and relevant, often easing sceptical clients into lasting change.   What are some success stories or transformations you’ve seen from clients who have worked with you? Here are a few highlights from the journeys from a few of my clients: "Ana has helped me shift countless limiting beliefs through Theta Healing, leading to lasting change and a deep sense of inner peace.” – Katherine A. "Ana identified deeply ingrained issues in my belief system from the first session. Her approach bridges science and spirituality, creating a profound impact on my life.” – Natalia M" "Ana’s sessions helped me through difficult times, guiding me towards peace and light. Her flexibility with online sessions made healing accessible.” – Ema A" "Ana’s coaching helped me refocus my energy and achieve major life goals, with her advice on work-life balance being particularly effective.” – Alex M"   Looking ahead, how do you see the relationship between neuroscience, mental health, and spiritual practices evolving? I believe the relationship between neuroscience, mental health, and spiritual practices will continue to grow more interconnected. Neuroscience is already proving the benefits of practices like meditation and breathwork, showing their ability to improve brain function, reduce stress, and promote neuroplasticity. As more scientific research supports these techniques, they will become even more accepted as valuable tools for mental health. Epigenetics will also play a significant role in this evolution as we further understand how our thoughts and emotions influence gene expression. Spiritual practices, such as energy healing, help clear the energetic blockages that affect both mental and physical health, allowing us to shift patterns on a genetic level. By combining the strengths of neuroscience and spirituality, we can create a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to mental and emotional well-being.   Call to action: Check out The Belief Blueprint: Uncover the archetype shaping your reality. Survey , you will get personalised insights about your results and tailored recommendations and practices. Sign up to my monthly newsletter here: AnaGioarsa  to get discounts and check my socials here .   Follow me on Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Ana Gioarsa

When Amanda decided to retrain from a more business-focused environment to natural health, she was drawn to holistic healing and energy work. This decision led her to study Homeopathy, Reiki, and Atua Healing for over 3 years. Amanda became the first homeopathy to graduate in 2021 under the new curriculum from the College of Natural Health and Homeopathy in Auckland. Since then, she has been growing her business, Replenish Healing, based online and in her clinic in Castor Bay, Auckland, New Zealand. Amanda Cowlrick, Homeopath, Reiki Master & Atua Healing Practitioner Hi Amanda! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.  I am a Homeopath, Reiki Master, Atua Healing Practitioner, and Vice-Chair on the Reiki NZ Board. As founder of Replenish Healing and Replenish Healing Retreats, a Holistic Healing company based in Auckland, New Zealand, I have found my true path in life, supporting people to be in the best health they can holistically. I have a background owing companies across a range of industries from a restaurant, a car accessory installation company, to a company supporting SMEs with their overall set-up including administration and accounts. I have brought these skills into my current company, allowing me to oversee all aspects of Replenish Healing. I have also used the skills I learnt over my working career to present at the 2024 Reiki NZ Inc. conference “Setting up a Holistic Health Business in New Zealand”. I am now bringing my lifelong affinity with natural healing and holistic self-care to the fore of my working career and it is very exciting. What is your business name and how do you help your clients? My business is called Replenish Healing®, I also have a company called Replenish Healing Retreat® which is currently not being utilised but is part of a longer-term goal to run retreats as well. Replenish Healing offers a safe place for people to come to that allows them to be themselves in a relaxed, calm, non-judgemental environment. We help our clients by offering Homeopathy, Reiki and Atua Healing.   Can you tell us about your personal journey and what led you to establish Replenish Healing? I have always been drawn to using natural healing since I was a teenager and started using homeopathy at the age of 14. This was when I was told by my doctor that the pain and weakness issue with my wrist was in my head, something I didn’t want to hear as an active sportswoman. It was at this stage I met a woman, Annie Bottcher, who helped my wrist with homeopathy, and I have never had an issue with it since. Annie also became a lifelong family friend. I continued to use homeopathy from this point. In my early 30s, I met Carmel Cochrane through her clinic in Kingsland and did her Atua Healing Level 1. I didn’t do anything with this until I was in my 40s when I decided to follow that desire. This inspired me to make a career change and start my new journey. I started training in 2017 with Atua Healing, completing my Practitioner certificate in Atua Healing by 2018. I commenced Reiki training in 2017 completing my Reiki Master's in 2019. While doing both Atua Healing and Reiki, my homeopathy education started in 2018, finishing in 2021 with a diploma in Chronic (Human) Homeopathy. It was while I was studying my first year in homoeopathy that the name of my company came to me. The name fits my core values and what Replenish Healings' message is about, which is helping people heal by relaxing, refreshing, replenishing, and recharging. In 2018, I set up my company and trademarked the name. It does seem, though, that I can’t keep away from also helping people heal their businesses, as I am currently working with a holistic healer to help her tidy her accounts, streamline her processes, and help bring in more cash flow by doing this. I want to focus my energy on helping people to be the best version of themselves through self-care and good health.   Can you explain the core services you offer at Replenish Healing and what makes them unique compared to other healing practices? What sets Replenish Healing apart is our range of modalities, allowing clients to choose treatments tailored to their needs, such as Reiki, Homeopathy, or Atua Healing. We have some clients who will use Homeopathy and Reiki together or Atua Healing and Homeopathy. We offer the convenience of distance healing for all three modalities, ensuring accessibility for clients regardless of their mobility or location. Our core services are as follows: Homeopathy is a gentle way to help rebalance your health. Remedies are used in minute doses to support wellness in a person as a whole. It works with the body’s innate ability to support itself as it works towards homeostasis. We work alongside each client as every person is unique. Homeopathy is individualised to match each person's characteristics and key symptoms. Remedies are generally made from natural substances such as plants, minerals or animals. Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is a combination of two Japanese words – Rei, which means “Spirit” or “Universe”, and Ki, which is “life force energy”; it is most often translated as “universal life force energy”. Reiki is a natural, vibrational, hands-on healing practice that utilises universal life force energy or Ki/Chi to support the body’s self-healing ability. Atua Healing® is a non-invasive form of energy healing. Within Atua Healing®, we honour the traditions of Te Ao Māori Rongoa, incorporating the Hauora principles of Te Wheke, Te Atua, Te Hau, Te Taha Hinengaro and Te Taha Wairua. Atua Healing® is a complementary modality and we work with other health professionals to deliver measurable results for our clients. How does Replenish Healing incorporate energy healing, mindfulness, and spirituality into the services you provide? Often, before a client arrives, I sit in the moment and go through the process of mindfulness. I have to make sure I am in a good head space to receive my clients. This helps me sit with my clients without judgment of who my clients are or what they may have been through on their journey to where they currently are in their lives. I also need to make sure I don’t interpret what they are saying. I just be myself and build rapport with them so they can feel safe in my clinic to open up to what can be deeply buried emotions, which can take several sessions to come to the surface, or the first session. As each journey is so individual I have to be mindful to let my clients proceed at their own pace, respecting their individuality and their unique journeys. I am enlightened by some of the things people have been through and come out the other side of, often a humbling experience for me. To do this I need to be in the moment with them, this includes stepping back and letting my clients choose the healing practice that they require. It helps that often, our bodies know what energy healing modality they need. I do offer suggestions on what I think may work for a client if they are unsure. I am clear about what each modality is and the time and cost involved in getting a result, as this can differ from client to client. I keep in touch with my clients via phone calls and emails to see how they are doing and if they need any extra support during the time they are seeing me. I continue to learn with Atua healing, Reiki and Homeopathy, a journey that will never be finished. I personally feel you cannot do your job as an Energy healer if you are not connected to your spirituality and with that comes mindfulness.   What type of client or individual do you find benefits most from your services, and how do you tailor your approach to meet their needs? Our range of modalities at Replenish Healing can benefit anyone from babies to the elderly and anywhere in between, regardless of their roles in society. Each person’s healing journey is unique, and I honour this individuality by allowing clients to proceed at their own pace. However, this will depend on how symptoms are managed by the client outside the process we have. Building genuine rapport is crucial, as it enables clients to explore deeply buried emotions. We then support their journey using the most suitable modalities, whether it’s Reiki, Homeopathy, Atua Healing or a combination. How do you stay current with trends or new techniques in holistic healing, and how do you integrate them into your practice? I stay up with current trends by attending conferences, online training and being involved with a range of different practitioners and groups in the areas of Reiki, Atua Healing and Homeopathy. From the information I gather from these different events, I then assess or evaluate what would work in my clinic and what might not work. Often, I may hear something that may not be relevant at the point in time, but then I will have a new client book in, and it is very relevant to them. Can you share any success stories or transformations you’ve witnessed in your clients that stand out to you? I had a client come to me for homeopathy who was suffering from severe anxiety and was medicated for it. They had to take an anti-anxiety pill to support them to get to my clinic. They had been unable to work (they were self-employed and loved what they did), they would force themselves to go out with friends but disliked every minute of it, and just wanted to go home. They couldn’t cook or have family over as it was too much for them. I took their case, which took about 1.5 hrs, and went over a lot of different questions from the physical, such as food likes/dislikes, sleep patterns, and other physical elements. We then looked at the mental/emotional picture which can include dreams, plus all the feelings around the anxiety. Once I had gone over the notes I had taken, I spent time finding a remedy that most closely fitted their holistic symptom picture. We had a follow-up 4 weeks later and they bounced into my clinic, they were back working and had cooked dinner for a large group of people. They were also very keen to go out and see their friends again. They said they could feel themselves getting better and stronger each week since they had had the remedy. They had also stopped the medication after consulting their GP. This was such a great success story for the client, they got their old life back.   What role does community play in your work, and how do you connect with others who share your passion for healing and wellness? Currently, the community work that I am involved in is mainly based around the Reiki NZ Inc. Board. The voluntary positions I hold on the board are vice chair, database manager, and web developer. This gives me a connection within the Reiki community, and I attend the Reiki conferences that are held bi-annually as well. Within the Homeopathy community, I host a monthly pod meeting and attend other online gatherings to keep in touch, share ideas, and support each other. I also attend the bi-annual homeopathy conference. I am just starting to work with a holistic healing community group where I will offer discounted Homeopathy support at a drop-in centre in Auckland. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Amanda Cowlrick

Written by Morena Nicoli, Dipl. Yoga & Pilates Teacher /Coach Morena Nicoli, a certified yoga and Pilates teacher, combines depth psychology with yoga philosophy, offering a holistic approach to health and well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, many individuals find themselves yearning for deeper meaning and connection. As a yoga instructor and a proponent of holistic wellness, I believe that exploring archetypal themes can provide profound insights into our lives, guiding us on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Archetypes, as defined by Carl Jung, are universal symbols or patterns found in the collective unconscious. They manifest in myths, stories, and even our everyday experiences. These themes resonate with us on a subconscious level, shaping our identities and influencing our choices. By recognizing and embracing these archetypes, we can better understand ourselves and our place in the world. One powerful archetype is the Hero. The Hero's journey is not just about external battles; it's also about the internal struggle we all face when navigating life’s challenges. As practitioners of yoga, we often encounter our own hero’s journey on the mat, where we confront our limitations and fears. Through regular practice, we cultivate resilience and strength, emerging as our own heroes. Another significant archetype is the Sage. The Sage represents wisdom and knowledge, encouraging us to seek inner truth and understanding. In my classes, I emphasize the importance of mindfulness and introspection. By cultivating a still mind and listening to our inner voice, we can access the wisdom of the Sage within us. This practice allows us to make more informed decisions in our lives, fostering a sense of peace and clarity. The Mother archetype also plays a crucial role in our development. It symbolizes nurturing, compassion, and unconditional love. In the context of yoga and holistic wellness, this archetype invites us to nurture not only ourselves but also those around us. Through practices like meditation and self-care, we can embody the qualities of the Mother, creating a supportive environment for growth and healing. At Yoga Morena, we incorporate these archetypal themes into our sessions, allowing participants to connect with their inner selves and explore their unique journeys. Our holistic approach to wellness includes not only yoga but also workshops on aromatherapy, mindfulness, and personal development, empowering individuals to embrace their full potential. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, understanding and integrating archetypal themes can provide a roadmap for our personal journeys. Whether it’s embracing the Hero’s courage, the Sage’s wisdom, or the Mother’s compassion, we all have the power to tap into these universal qualities. In conclusion, I encourage everyone to explore the archetypal themes that resonate with them. Through yoga and holistic practices, we can embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. By embracing these archetypes, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to the collective consciousness, fostering a more compassionate and harmonious world. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Morena Nicoli Morena Nicoli, Dipl. Yoga & Pilates Teacher/Coach Morena Nicoli is a certified yoga and Pilates teacher, teacher trainer, author, and spiritual coach. With a passion for movement discovered early in life, she found her true calling in Pilates and yoga, particularly AcroYoga. Known for her resilience and positive outlook, Morena combines depth psychology with yoga philosophy in her teachings. She published her first book, “Yoga for Beginners,” in 2019, sharing her love for yoga and providing guidance for newcomers. Morena inspires her students to connect with their inner selves and embrace a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Written by Lisa Schlosberg, Holistic Health Coach and Certified Personal Trainer   Lisa Schlosberg embodies the new paradigm of health and healing from a heart-centered lens. She empowers her clients and global community to use their struggles with food and body image. Many people find themselves struggling with emotional or disordered eating and often feel confused or ashamed by their patterns around food. But what if these eating behaviors are more than a lack of willpower or self-control? Groundbreaking research from the   Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study  has shown us that our early experiences of trauma can have profound, lasting effects on how we cope and self-soothe in adulthood. For many, this includes turning to food as a source of comfort and control.   In this article, we’ll explore why emotional and disordered eating often has roots in trauma and how we can start healing from a trauma-informed perspective, using guidance from ACE-based approaches.   The brain science of coping with food: Why food feels like relief When we experience trauma, especially in childhood, when the brain is highly impressionable, it can fundamentally reshape the way we respond to stress and discomfort. Trauma alters the brain’s architecture, particularly the amygdala (the brain's “alarm system”) and the prefrontal cortex (responsible for regulating emotions and making rational decisions). These changes can make the brain more sensitive to stress, keeping us in a heightened state of alert that seeks comfort, predictability, and safety.   Food, especially foods rich in sugar and fat, has a unique ability to soothe this stress response. Eating can trigger dopamine and serotonin releases, creating temporary relief from anxiety, fear, or numbness. For instance, if you experienced a lot of instability growing up, food might have been one of the few sources of consistency in your life. Now, when stress or anxiety arises, your brain might instinctively seek out food to recreate that feeling of safety and stability. This survival-based response isn’t just about craving or enjoyment. It’s the brain’s way of self-soothing when it perceives a threat, whether that threat is physical or emotional.   The ACE study and how trauma shapes eating behaviors The ACE study, a groundbreaking investigation by the   CDC  and Kaiser Permanente, revealed how childhood trauma significantly affects adult health. The study identified ten types of adverse experiences like neglect, abuse, and family dysfunction that have a cumulative impact on health, with higher ACE scores correlating to increased risk for mental health issues, chronic disease, and risky behaviors, including disordered eating. This includes the full spectrum of “disordered” habits, ranging from binge eating to restrictive eating, which are all valid ways of managing unresolved pain and finding a sense of control. This behavior isn’t just about craving. It’s an instinctive, trauma-rooted response that helps them feel safe.   In fact, the ACE study revealed a strong correlation between high ACE scores (a measure of adverse childhood experiences) and an increased likelihood of addictive behaviors, including food addiction. This helps explain why people with a history of trauma often find comfort in   emotional eating . Their brains have learned early on that food can be a reliable way to ease emotional distress. Over time, this can lead to complex and persistent eating habits that feel almost like survival instincts. Imagine someone who grew up in an environment where their needs weren’t always met. As an adult, this person might feel compelled to keep food nearby ‘just in case,’ even if they aren’t hungry, because their brain has associated food with a sense of survival.   The scale of the struggle: Relating to food as an adaptive response When we understand emotional eating as an adaptive response to trauma, we can see it for what it truly is: a survival mechanism. The brain, in its own wisdom, has learned to use food as a way to self-soothe in the face of overwhelming stress. There’s no shame in this; in fact, it’s proof of the brain’s resilience. However, if our goal is long-term peace and freedom in our relationship with food and our bodies, understanding this connection is the first step. A client I worked with realized that she binged on sweets whenever she felt lonely. Once she understood this pattern, she saw that the food wasn’t truly addressing her loneliness. It was a temporary relief that masked the deeper need for connection. This awareness helped her take steps toward healthier coping mechanisms, like reaching out to friends or journaling about her emotions. Another client of mine shared that when she tried to stop eating emotionally, she felt overwhelmed by sadness and anxiety that she hadn’t felt in years. I explained that this was a form of ‘withdrawal,’ as her brain had been using food to numb those feelings. By practicing mindfulness and   self-compassion , she learned to breathe through those sensations and manage her emotions without reaching for food.   Healing from a trauma-informed perspective: What to do next So, how can you begin to heal a “disordered” relationship with food? ACE-based guidelines and trauma-informed approaches offer us practical steps toward recovery and self-compassion.   1. Recognize your experience as valid and adaptive The first step is to acknowledge that your eating habits have been adaptive responses to difficult experiences. This isn’t a failure on your part; it’s a testament to your brain’s capacity to survive. It’s important to release any self-judgment or shame. You aren’t broken or flawed; your brain and body are doing exactly what they were designed to do in response to threats.   2. Build self-awareness and resilience through self-compassion Resilience-building is key to overcoming trauma and the behaviors it triggers. Practices like mindfulness, self-compassion, and self-reflection can help create a sense of inner safety. Developing a mindfulness practice can help you observe your eating habits and the emotions behind them without judgment. What are you truly feeling before, during, and after eating? Journaling,   meditation , or simply noting your thoughts and emotions can give you insight into these patterns.   3. Consider trauma-informed therapy Trauma-informed therapies, such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), somatic experiencing, or trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, are valuable tools in working through unresolved trauma. Therapy can help you identify and process the roots of your emotional eating, creating space for healthier, more conscious coping mechanisms. Working with a coach or therapist trained in trauma-informed practices can support you through this journey, helping you approach food with a sense of safety rather than survival.   4. Establish new, healthier coping mechanisms Identify alternative ways to cope with emotions and stress that don’t involve food. Practices like deep breathing, meditation, movement,   journaling , or connecting with others are all ways to ground yourself and find comfort. Regularly creating space for self-care, even just a few minutes each day, can be a powerful way to foster emotional regulation and provide the brain with the safety it craves.   5. Remember that change may come with discomfort, not danger As with any addictive behavior, creating a new relationship with food may come with moments of discomfort or even withdrawal. It’s normal to feel anxiety or even fear when stepping away from familiar habits. When discomfort arises, remind yourself that you are safe and supported. Breathe through challenging moments and stay connected to your body. The goal isn’t to avoid discomfort altogether but to learn that you can move through it without harm. Your path to freedom Your relationship with food is an invitation to connect with yourself on a deeper level. By acknowledging the role trauma plays in emotional and disordered eating and by embracing a trauma-informed path to healing, you’re empowering yourself to create a more compassionate, peaceful connection with food and your body.   If you’d like more support in this journey, visit   my website  to learn about coaching programs designed to help you heal from disordered eating in a supportive, compassionate way. You can also listen to   my free podcast  to find additional support for finding peace, freedom, and self-compassion on your journey to a healthier relationship with yourself. Follow me on  Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn  for more info! Read more from Lisa Schlosberg Lisa Schlosberg, Holistic Health Coach and Certified Personal Trainer  Lisa Schlosberg embodies the new paradigm of health and healing from a heart-centered lens. She empowers her clients and global community to use their struggles with food and body image as a path to rebuilding the mind-body connection so that they can access deeper authenticity, exercise personal power, and embody a life of freedom. Having lost and maintained 150 pounds for more than a decade by healing her relationship with food (through emotional healing, somatic experiencing, mindset shifts, and more), Lisa founded Out of the Cave, LLC., where she combines her comprehensive expertise as a Social Worker (LMSW), Certified Personal Trainer, Integrative Nutrition Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Teacher.

Written by Robert Carruthers and Ashleigh Berry, Pilates Practitioners Ash Berry and Rob Carruthers are highly regarded Pilates Practitioners in Australia. Through their explorations of alternative health practices, they've been able to create an incredible community of curious movers seeking to improve their overall health. Pain is a universal experience that can range from a mild, temporary sensation to chronic discomfort that affects daily life. While we often consider pain as something to avoid, it plays an essential role in alerting us to potential harm, helping protect us from further injury, and guiding healing processes. However, to understand how pain works, it’s important to explore its biological, neurological, and emotional dimensions.   What is pain? The sensation of pain is actually a chemical reaction in relation to real or perceived threats to tissue damage. The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) describes it as a subjective sensation that can vary greatly between individuals. Pain not only depends on the intensity of a physical stimulus but also on how the brain interprets it, factoring in past experiences, emotions, and mental states.   Pain can be categorized into two primary types:   Acute pain: Typically a short-lived, intense sensation in response to injury, such as touching a hot stove or twisting an ankle. It usually resolves as the injury heals. Chronic pain: Lasting beyond the expected healing period, chronic pain can persist for months or years and may become a condition in its own right, often requiring specialized management.   The pain pathway: How pain travels through the body The pathway of pain begins with receptors in the skin, muscles, and other tissues known as nociceptors. These specialized sensory receptors detect potential damage or harmful stimuli, such as heat, cold, pressure, or chemical changes. When these nociceptors are activated, they send signals along sensory neurons until finally, the signals reach the brain, where they are interpreted as pain. The brain not only identifies the pain’s intensity and location but also attaches an emotional response, affecting how we react.   How the brain processes pain The brain plays a critical role in determining how pain is felt and how we respond to it. When pain signals reach the brain, they pass through several structures, each of which influences the pain experience:   The thalamus: The central hub that relays sensory signals to other parts of the brain. The somatosensory cortex: Responsible for determining the exact location and intensity of pain. The limbic system: Involved in processing the emotional aspects of pain, which affects our feelings of fear, anxiety, or anger in response. The prefrontal cortex: Engages in evaluating the pain, planning responses, and managing the cognitive aspect of pain.   The role of emotions and context in pain perception Pain is more than a physical sensation; it is deeply connected to emotions, and the intensity can vary on the day depending on the person’s resources at any given time. Research shows that pain perception can be influenced by:   Past experiences: If someone has been through a similar pain before, the brain might be more (or less) sensitive to future pain of the same kind. Emotional state: Anxiety, depression, and stress can increase pain sensitivity, while relaxation and positive emotions can reduce it. Social and cultural influences: Pain tolerance can also vary based on cultural upbringing or societal expectations, as different communities have unique beliefs about pain.   Understanding this complex, biopsychosocial aspect of pain can be especially useful in managing chronic pain, as psychological and social factors are as important as physical ones. For example, if the exact same injury action were to be carried out on two different people from different backgrounds and different injury responses, the response would be very different due to their emotional and psychological backgrounds. Secondly, if the same exact injury were to occur to the same person after the initial injury is healed, there is no guarantee the pain they would experience would be the same due to emotional reactions associated with fear, expectation of pain, or implications of the injury to their lives.   Types of pain Pain can be further categorized based on its origin, helping guide effective treatments. Some major types include:   Nociceptive pain: Triggered by tissue injury and includes pain from cuts, bruises, or inflammation. This is usually acute pain. Neuropathic pain: Caused by nerve damage or dysfunction, such as with conditions like diabetes or shingles, often described as shooting or burning. Visceral pain: Originating from internal organs, this type of pain may be diffuse and difficult to pinpoint, like abdominal pain. Somatic pain: This pain comes from the skin, muscles, or bones and is usually easier to locate.   Pain modulation and the body’s natural painkiller The human body has a remarkable ability to modulate pain using naturally occurring mechanisms:   Endorphins and enkephalins: These are natural opioids produced by the body in response to stress and pain. They help reduce pain perception by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, producing an analgesic effect. The gate control theory: This theory suggests that the spinal cord contains a neurological "gate" that controls the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Non-painful input, like rubbing a sore area, can close the gate, reducing the perception of pain. This explains why techniques like massage, heat, or even movement can help alleviate pain.   Chronic pain and central sensitization In some cases, the nervous system becomes overly sensitive to pain signals, a phenomenon known as central sensitization. This can occur after a prolonged injury or as part of chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia. In these cases, the body’s pain pathway becomes hyper-reactive, meaning even light touch or minor stimuli can trigger intense pain. Central sensitization represents a challenge in pain management, as it involves retraining the brain’s pain perception mechanisms.   Managing and treating pain For a long time, Pain management has been heavily dominated by Pharmacological treatments as a means of limiting the perception of pain despite often significant negative side effects. In the last decade, though, more focus has been made on therapeutic, non-pharmalocial-based treatments to modulate and reduce the impact of chronic pain in particular. These treatments encompass the diverse nature of the persons’ lives and can include but are not limited to:   Physical therapy and exercise: Regular movement and specific therapeutic exercises can help improve circulation, flexibility, and strength, reducing pain associated with conditions like arthritis or muscle strain. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This psychological approach helps people manage chronic pain by reframing negative thoughts about pain and teaching coping strategies. Alternative therapies: Techniques like acupuncture, massage, yoga, and mindfulness meditation have gained popularity in pain management, as they offer non-pharmacological ways to control pain and improve quality of life.   Conclusion Pain, while often unwelcome, is a complex and essential aspect of human experience. By alerting us to injury and encouraging healing, pain plays a protective role. However, when pain becomes chronic or disproportionate, it can significantly impact the quality of life. Understanding how pain works, from the initial sensory response to brain processing, is the first step in managing it effectively. For those living with chronic pain, a comprehensive approach involving medical, psychological, and physical strategies can offer relief and empowerment. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Robert Carruthers and Ashleigh Berry Robert Carruthers and Ashleigh Berry, Pilates Practitioners With Rob's blend of sports science and Functional Neurology training and Ash's Dance and Somatic Movement Therapy training, their Pilates sessions are always multi-faceted and multi-dimensional and cover a broad range of health interests that go beyond simply stretching and strengthening our bodies. Their combined knowledge based has facilitated many life-changing journeys for their clients, and has resulted in being recognised names across the Australian Pilates scene. Their work also extends to facilitating world-class yet affordable professional development opportunities to Pilates Practitioners across Australia and online.

Written by Alissandra Moon, Priestess, Spiritual Alchemist, Soul Coach Priestess Alissandra Moon is a Spiritual Alchemist, Soul Coach & Mentor for Witches. She has co-authored an international best seller and is a regular guest on Radio, TV and Podcasts. Founder of Raven Moon Academy of Magick, she is on a mission to heal the world. The idea of a spiritual awakening, of walking a deeply personal and transformative path, calls to many, but not everyone hears it, and fewer are still willing to answer it. Those who do step into this journey, however, often encounter a powerful pull toward serving something beyond themselves, something sacred. For some, this calling takes shape in the form of priestesshood (or Priesthood), a role that is romanticized and misunderstood in equal measure. While in modern Wicca and many other spiritual circles, titles like "Priestess" may be adopted with a self-declared ritual and a whispered vow, the reality of embodying this role requires a commitment that goes well beyond a title. The true essence of a priestess is rooted in profound inner work, unyielding service, and a lifelong devotion to spiritual principles that shape not just one’s practice but one’s entire being. It is a soul-deep contract between you and the Divine.   Spiritual awakening: The path that chooses you At its heart, spiritual awakening is less of a choice and more of a summons. It can be a gentle beckoning, an undeniable pull, or even a life-altering rupture that breaks down illusions and calls you toward a different way of living. Unlike popularised depictions that focus on peace, love, and light, (or farting rainbows and pooping glitter, as I like to joking say) true awakening also reveals the shadowed parts of ourselves and of life itself. It is not about instant bliss but about stripping away what is untrue. It asks us to let go of who we think we are to become who we are meant to be.   When a person begins to see through the veils of illusion and touch their soul’s purpose, they may find themselves drawn to service. This is a significant step because spiritual awakening isn't just an internal experience. It manifests outwardly through our choices, our relationships, and, for some, through roles that allow them to guide others. Priestesshood can be one such calling, but this role demands much more than adopting a name; it demands that one become a vessel for the Divine in a grounded, compassionate, and humble way.   The true role of a priestess: Service, not status In Wiccan circles and beyond, the title of "Priestess" is often casually embraced, sometimes after a weekend course, a handful of rituals, or a personal “initiation” ritual. While the enthusiasm is real and sincere, there is a tendency to focus more on the aesthetics and symbolism of priestesshood rather than its deeper responsibilities. This creates a superficial experience, where the title becomes an identity and badge of honour rather than a responsibility. A true priestess is one who has submitted herself to her spiritual journey as a lifelong path. She is not seeking recognition, power, or validation. She serves not only her Gods and Goddesses but also her community, often in unseen, humble ways. To embody Priestesshood means to be a bridge between the mundane and the sacred, not simply in rituals and ceremonies but in everyday interactions, in quiet moments of self-discipline, and in tireless acts of compassion. A Priestess feels a deep responsibility to her path, to the energies she invokes, and to those she leads. She knows that the title is secondary; the work is primary.   The inner work: Shadow, ego, and self-transformation To be a Priestess, to truly be called to this path, means undertaking deep inner work that goes far beyond casting spells or invoking deities. This work begins in the shadow, the unlit parts of ourselves where our fears, insecurities, and unconscious biases reside. True transformation does not happen through light alone; it is born of the willingness to confront, understand, and integrate our shadows. It is also understood that nothing can be all “love and light,” and in fact, it is unhealthy to expect as much.   Shadow work requires courage and strength that not everyone possesses. It demands vulnerability and the ability to question ourselves honestly, as well as the willingness to experience and unpack the painful emotions and fears that have been buried deep for many years. As one sheds ego-driven desires, whether for power, control, or admiration, the path of the Priestess becomes clearer. When we strip away the layers of who we think we are, we open to embody the wisdom and energy that Priestesshood requires. This path is rarely easy; it is a stripping away of illusions that demands humility and a willingness to be broken open again and again. It can be a terribly painful and sometimes terrifying experience and that is why there must be a solid foundation and high level of emotional intelligence there to begin with. Having a trusted mentor or coach to help you through it is highly advisable. (All things we do at Raven Moon Academy)   Responsibility to the sacred and to the community Another often overlooked aspect of Priestesshood is the responsibility of true service. This isn't just about showing up in ritual spaces adorned with crystals and robes; it’s about offering oneself in service to both the Divine and the community. A priestess does not perform rituals for her own glory; she performs them to channel energy, healing, and guidance to others. She becomes a steward of spiritual energy, a caretaker of sacred spaces, and a guide for others on their own paths. This may include performing end-of-life and funerary rites, being there in times of grief for the family and many other roles that would not be considered ‘fun’.   Being in service means stepping aside from personal gain. It means being an anchor, a healer, a keeper of traditions, and sometimes a quiet, unseen pillar within a community. In times of crisis, a true priestess does not seek to lead for the sake of ego. Instead, she rises to the occasion because she knows it is her responsibility to hold space and offer support, guidance, and strength. However, this does 'not' mean that we don't also use magick and ritual to help ourselves and to manifest our desires in our own private time. Magick is here to be used, but when it comes to the role of Priestessing and being a leader in this space, it means that it is not done for the glory.   This dedication often goes unappreciated in a culture that emphasises self over service. But for those truly called to the path, there is no need for external validation. Their reward is in fulfilling their purpose, in the knowledge that they are walking a path that brings them closer to their soul’s truth.   Priestesshood beyond titles: A sacred journey The allure of Priestesshood is real and powerful, but the modern ease with which one can adopt the title often detracts from its depth. Priestesshood is not a role that can be bought or even learned in a series of classes. It must be earned through devotion, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to one’s spiritual path. True priestesshood is demanding and requires ongoing growth, humility, and an intimate relationship with both light and shadow.   For those who feel the call, it’s essential to remember that the journey is not about titles or appearances. To be a Priestess is to embody love, compassion, wisdom, and strength. It is to walk the world as a channel for Divine energy and to serve others with an open heart. It is a role that transforms not only the self but the lives of those it touches. And in this, a true Priestess finds her fulfilment not in recognition but in reverence and service. Sometimes, this means being the “bad guy” in someone else's story in order to protect the greater community. Yes, there are times when it is mighty difficult and painful, but it is also rewarding.   Answering the call If you feel the call toward Priestesshood, let it be a true calling. Take time to sit with it, to feel it within your spirit, and to ask yourself if you are ready to make the sacrifices and undertake the transformation it requires. This path is not about grandeur; it is about humility. It is a sacred path of service and deep inner work. It is for those who are ready to surrender their ego to become a vessel of the Divine, those who understand that Priestesshood is not a badge of honour but a life of commitment and grace.   The role of the Priestess is ultimately a journey to the self, a path of deep, abiding reverence, and one of the most beautiful callings a soul can answer. But it is not to be entered into lightly, for it is a sacred duty that, once embraced, becomes not just a part of who you are but the very core of your life’s work. We at Raven Moon Academy take the training of Priestesses very seriously and in truth, not everyone makes it. Those who do are of the highest degree and walk their talk.   One of RMA’s long-term students, Karnie, aka Priestess Silver-Moon Dragon, will share with you her journey: “The path of the Priestess is not for the faint of heart. It’s a pre-ordained contract with the Divine that calls, unceasingly to your Soul, welcoming you, enticing you into a world of MAGIC, Mysticism, and deep growth.   You will be tried, tested, challenged, and evaluated to the depths of your capacity to transmute and transform, and seriously, if you answer the call, you’d better be ready!   Priestess Training requires one to be authentic, honest, raw and vulnerable; it’s a deep dive into the essence of potential. Expansion and Ego death are daily constants. It is wonderful, exciting, and magical, but simultaneously, it will test every single belief you have about yourself and force you to genuinely know yourself, your triggers, your gifts, your talents, your deepest darkest shadows, and your programs intensely. Where you do allow yourself to shine and where you shrink your light back, limiting yourself.   Acknowledgement is a key component of Priestess Initiation, after all, how can one transmute and go beyond the programming and fears that they can't recognise? Knowing Thyself holds enormous power and potential; it is deep shadow work. However, this very work also allows the initiate to develop their capacity to protect and nurture themselves. When we understand our own ‘Achilles heels,’ it’s hard for people to use this against us.   My journey with Alissandra into the Sacred Rites and Arts of Priestesshood has been a phenomenal adventure into reclaiming my truth, indeed, absolute truths. Ironically, of course, once you know these things, once you’ve seen parts of yourself that need to be addressed, you can’t un-know them. Those ‘icky’, murky shadow parts of self that long to limit one’s potential, need to be exhumed and all of those inner dragons, slain or befriended. It’s necessary to be tenacious, and incredibly courageous, and that is simply not for everyone.   But for those who choose to answer the call of the Goddess, to surrender into Divine communion with her, the gifts, the magic, the unfolding, the synchronicities and the superconscious connections, and the divination gifts which unfold and enhance are incredibly sacred, delicious gifts, that should be cherished intensely as one steps deeper and deeper into the authentic power. I have learnt so much through working with Alissandra and the Miracles just keep on coming!”   For those of you who resonate with what has been shared here, I invite you to begin exploring this for yourself. Start by ‘Self-Priestessing,’ Working on your own sovereignty and advocacy for yourself. Working on your boundaries and practising self-compassion, but also knowing when to call yourself on your BS. Dig into self-reflection and journaling exercises to really get to know yourself beneath the conditioning of society and then start integrating the parts of yourself you have denied.   You don't have to dive headfirst into the deep end and make massive changes, though; I actually discourage that because it is not sustainable and is likely to cause more stress. Small changes like asking yourself if you really mean what you say or feel a certain way, making adjustments to what you watch and read, including social media. All these things greatly affect your vibration, and the music you listen to is one of the biggest influences because you affirm the words you sing and program your subconscious. I highly recommend checking out songs by Qveen Herby for that modern-day empowered Witch vibe. She promotes positivity but also self-sovereignty and ambition from a sexy, feminine place.   Able Heart is another positive spiritual artist, as is Mayra Stark. Do some digging to find a style and artist that works for you. Some other artists on my “Power Priestess” playlist are Lizzy Jeff, Ayla Nereo, Samantha Leah, Peachkka, Devon Cole, and Anna Diorio. To name a few. I would love to hear about your favourite songs and artists, so feel free to reach out on Facebook.   When you are ready to claim your power, check out our courses here  and use code BRAINZ24 to get 20% off. Follow me on Facebook or visit my website! Read more from Alissandra Moon Alissandra Moon, Priestess, Spiritual Alchemist, Soul Coach Priestess Alissandra Moon is a world-renowned Healer, Coach, and witch who specialises in Shadow Work, Magickal Mentorship, and transformational Coaching. Obsessed with personal and spiritual development, she has more qualifications than any one human needs! Alissandra is extremely passionate about Animal Welfare & Raven Moon Academy is the official Supporter of Animals in Australia. Determined to make Magick & Paganism mainstream, with self-awareness, empowerment, healing, and compassion becoming the new normal. Alissandra calls for the lightworkers to unite for a common cause- To make the world a better place!

Written by Greg Singleton , Special Guest Writer and Executive Contributor The societal pressure to reproduce has always been a lynch pin to legacy. However, in today’s fast-paced digital world, taking on the identity of a father or mother is no longer a lifelong goal for many. Historically, women had little choice in having children, and men were often expected to carry on the family name. Now, the pendulum has swung toward CHOICE, offering a counterbalance to what so many lacked in the past. Prioritizing personal growth and pursuing your own dreams—rather than the expectations of previous generations—is fueling the rise of a child-free lifestyle. This choice deserves to be equally valued alongside the decision to have children. Here are 10 reasons why making the choice that truly fulfills you can lead to a calmer, more intentional life! Having children vs. childless  Before we begin, I want to shed some light on this topic from the perspective of a man who always dreamed of having children. Growing up, I thought I would be the one to carry on my family name (as the only boy among four siblings). For as long as I can remember, I viewed having a family as the most important goal in life. After my divorce, however, I experienced the culture shock that opened my eyes to a different way of seeing the world. I had never considered the possibility of a life without children. Having experienced both sides of societal pressure, I can honestly say that either choice is valid—as long as it aligns with what truly fulfills you. Keep reading to discover 10 insights that I, along with many others, have found lead to a calmer, more intentional life without children. Freedom and flexibility Without the responsibility of children, individuals have greater freedom to travel, pursue hobbies, and make spontaneous decisions without the constraints of childcare. The opportunities to explore parts of life that excite you become more tangible. Child-free individuals can pursue multiple careers or change fields entirely without being limited by the need for stability that comes with parenting. This not to say that you can be irresponsible with your actions, but this to say that your ability to be flexible becomes much more attractive.  Maybe you want to be an entrepreneur? Or travel the world? Or try multiple careers at once? The freedom and flexibility of a child-free life will always allow you the opportunity to try new creative projects and pursue the things that aid in your personal growth.  Financial independence Raising children is expensive—period. This is one of the biggest challenges many people face when it comes to parenthood. We want to provide for our children in the best way possible, often putting our own needs second to ensure they are well taken care of. Without the costs of raising children, individuals have the opportunity to build a nest egg for the future, take larger investment risks that may pay off, or feel more inclined to help those in financial need. Once you reach your threshold of “enough,” you’re more likely to give to those who are less fortunate. Helping others alleviate their financial burdens feels incredibly rewarding. It doesn’t have to be large amounts, but knowing you can pick up the check without hesitation while out with great friends or family—that’s a bill I’m always happy to pay. Stronger relationships Child-free couples often have more time to nurture their relationship, engage in shared interests, and maintain deeper emotional connections. Raising children can sometimes lead to disagreements or conflicts in relationships, but without children, couples may avoid many of these common sources of tension. Additionally, child-free individuals often have more time for friends, social events, and building connections outside the home. When you have the time to work on yourself, you’re more likely to be part of the support system that many parents need. There’s a saying: “It takes a village to raise a child.” By being child-free, you can become that much-needed support, helping others reclaim a few moments of sanity when they need it most. Living child-free allows you to give back in ways that may not be possible when family dynamics demand so much of your time. Stronger relationships will always result in a lighter, happier life!  Self-discovery & personal growth In my opinion, this is the most important topic of the ten being discussed. Self-discovery is the key to living a life driven by purpose. You begin by gravitating toward what brings you joy. That joy, in turn, gives you a sense of fulfillment, and fulfillment is what ultimately leads you to discover your life’s purpose. It’s never an easy path, but a child-free lifestyle does offer the time and flexibility needed to truly find yourself. Personal growth is something we all experience as we evolve and change. In a family structure, multiple people must grow and adapt together, often trying to move in the same direction. A child-free life, however, requires only you to explore what works and what doesn’t, as life presents its highs and lows. A solid, authentic confidence in who you are becomes the foundation from which you build the life you desire. Living without children allows for more time to focus on personal growth, self-care, and the pursuit of individual passions and dreams. Without the demands of child-rearing, individuals can dedicate more attention to their mental and physical well-being. Quality sleep Sleep is one of the most important things for our mental and physical health. Studies have shown that getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep  improves health, memory, emotional intelligence, recall, reduces brain fog and much more. A new born baby disrupts the sleeping patterns of the parents which in turn disrupts the patience the parents exhibit. Children will always test our patience and create unhealthy sleeping habits because they require undivided attention.  Without the demands of children, couples can develop healthy sleeping habits, leading to better overall health and well-being. The sleepless nights worrying about if you are doing things right, or what the future holds, or what school your child will go to lead to stress, anxiety and fear. With less futures to worry about, we give ourselves a chance to rest peacefully.  Geographical freedom Child-free couples can simply move around more freely. There are consequences of uprooting a family, changing schools, or worrying about the stability in different cities or countries. A child-free lifestyle often provides the luxury to travel frequently, explore different cultures, and live a more adventurous life without the complexities of the family structure.  A child-free life allows for complete control over one’s choice of geographical location, with no need to prioritize a child’s needs above personal desires or goals. Less societal pressure The societal expectation of having children has long influenced many to take the leap into parenthood. When we succumb to external pressures, we often make decisions that don’t align with our true purpose. Choosing not to have children creates space for individuals (like myself) to block out the external noise and listen to the inner voice that quietly guides us toward where we truly want to be. Some couples experience less pressure to conform to traditional expectations when they choose a child-free lifestyle, allowing them to live more authentically. We all put enough pressure on ourselves to perform at a level that meets our personal expectations of success. When we stop allowing society to define what success or failure looks like (such as having children or not), we regain the power to sit down and truly define success on our own terms. Time The biggest gain for those without children is time, the most valuable commodity we have. The freedom to narrow or expand your focus on any given subject allows you to align with what serves you during the current season of your life. What many people don’t realize is that the prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain responsible for executive function and informed decision-making) doesn’t fully integrate with other parts of the brain until the mid to late 20s— sometimes even later.  As we grow older, time and the decisions we make become more significant because we are better equipped to determine what aligns with the direction we want our lives to take. Time is relative; we all experience it differently. It dictates deadlines, stress, fear, anxiety, and overthinking. Whether child-free or raising children, we cannot escape these effects of time. However, the emotional residue of these experiences are more manageable in a life without children. Adapation Whether in life with or without children, adaptation is a key skill we must all learn. Career shifts, health challenges, or other major life changes are often easier to manage when decisions are made in the couples best interest, rather than in the interest of a child or family. In a child-free life, your ability to pivot provides clarity, allowing you to make decisive decisions rather than multiple ones based on the needs of children. Lower emotional burden The ebb and flow of emotions are very different in a child-free life compared to a life with children. We experience less emotional burden because we aren’t carrying the weight of another’s happiness, sadness, joy, contentment, or anger. Emotions drive our responses, so when we limit exposure to the emotional dynamics of children, we can make calmer, less reactionary decisions. Parents often bear the weight of a child’s emotions due to the child’s dependency on them. It’s challenging enough for any of us to understand the origins of our own emotions, let alone manage the added pressure of soothing a child who is struggling to regulate theirs. Mastering yourself becomes far less complicated when you can focus solely on your own emotional growth. Is life without children the right choice for you? In conclusion, making decisions that align with your life outlook is crucial for maintaining your well-being and happiness. By better understanding these 10 points, you can protect yourself from potential harm and make informed choices about your future. Remember, your emotional health is paramount; without it, each of the reasons above will be affected. Reach out for guidance  and support as you navigate the challenging decision of whether a life with or without children is right for you. Your perspective and mindset matter greatly, so ensure they are as clear and defined as possible before adding another life into the mix. Follow me on Instagram ,  and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Greg Singleton Greg Singleton , Special Guest Writer and Executive Contributor Greg Singleton is a certified NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) peer-to-peer leader, and his coaching guides people with the correct perspective and mindset to overcome imposter syndrome, build confidence, and embrace a healthier mindset. He has dedicated the last 10 years to helping others overcome their fear and embrace their inner confidence to become who they strive to be. He is the CEO of CSB Coaching. His mission: Celebrate others, don't Alienate others.

Written by Alison Zeidler, Wholistic Wellness Facilitator Alison Zeidler empowers chronically stressed. anxious and overwhelmed women live fulfilling lives with passion, power, and confidence. Women cannot be at their best if they are trapped in frustration, anger, despair, trauma, sadness, or apathy. She is an author, speaker, mentor, and healer, making it her mission to help her clients rediscover their zest for life. Worry and anxiety are normal human emotions, but when they start to dominate our thoughts and become chronic, they can become overwhelming. These emotions impact every aspect of our health. While it might be easy to tell ourselves not to worry, that’s usually ineffective. Nor does it help to suppress these emotions. Doing so leads to more anxiety and worry, along with deeper mental health concerns, physical illnesses, isolation, and losing our connection to others and our own hearts. While suppressing these “negative” emotions can lead to temporary relief, it is not a suitable coping mechanism. On a physical level, constantly ignoring and pushing down these feelings can cause inflammation in the body, chronic pain, tight muscles, exhaustion, digestive issues, a lowered immune response, heart disease, disrupted sleep cycles, and poor coordination. Emotional and mental health concerns include feeling numb, isolating oneself, depression, panic attacks, or constantly feeling sad, frustrated, or angry. People may experience higher incidences of general anxiety disorder, PTSD, panic disorder, or phobias. Emotions are neither good nor bad, they provide us with information. Sometimes we are completely justified in our anger, sadness, or frustration. The issue arises when we remain stuck in feelings that drain our energy such as anger, worry, fear, frustration, and depression. While traditional therapies have their place in teaching us to manage these emotions, including medication and counseling, holistic therapies also have their place in teaching us to access emotions that increase our energy such as gratitude, love, and compassion.   Holistic modalities empower us to take more control of our well-being. And I’m all about at-home tools we can use in the moment! I don’t know anyone who can afford to see their counselor every day or see a massage therapist every few days. I teach my clients tools they can use at home to help relieve chronic worry and anxiety. Practical, holistic tools to manage worry and anxiety There are many holistic approaches to reducing, managing, and relieving the effects of chronic worry, anxiety, and overwhelm. Some more common tools include mindful breathing, meditation, physical exercise, and energy healing sessions to help you maintain emotional balance, but here are a few others. The importance of identifying your emotions When we are stuck in draining emotions, being able to identify the specific emotion we are feeling is an incredibly powerful tool. For example, my ‘go-to’ emotion was always anger. That was the only emotion I could feel. I didn’t realize there were emotions underneath that anger. Sometimes I felt insignificant, or disrespected, or pressured, or disappointed. By identifying the specific emotion I was feeling, I could work through why I was feeling it, and what steps I could take to address the situation and release them. There are many feeling or emotion wheels you can find on the internet. HeartMath®  HeartMath® offers tools to increase our heart coherence, which occurs when our emotions, breathing, heart rhythms, brain rhythms, and hormonal responses, are in sync with each other. While this may sound very complicated, HeartMath® teaches us an easy way to move from feeling overwhelmed, anxious, frustrated, or worried to calm and more peaceful. Did you know that our emotions affect our bodies more than our thoughts do? Here’s the basics of the Quick Coherence® Technique: keeping your eyes open or closed, focus your attention on your heart or chest area imagine your breath flowing in and out of your heart or chest area, breathing a little slower and deeper than usual (try a 5-second inhalation and a 5-second exhalation) find an easy rhythm that’s comfortable  as you continue this breathing pattern, make a sincere attempt to experience or re-experience an uplifting feeling such as appreciation, compassion, gratitude, love (for a person or pet), a place in nature that filled you with awe or peace, a fun experience you had in the past continue breathing and re-experiencing that emotion for 30 seconds to 3 minutes The Quick Coherence® Technique can be done when you first wake up in the morning, in the car while stopped at a light (keep your eyes open!), before a difficult conversation, or when you are worrying about something you can’t do anything about. What this simple exercise does is reduce the impact of anxiety and stress on your body and help to counteract any emotional reaction in the moment. You can find some free resources here. Emotional Freedom Technique® (EFT) EFT is a form of energy healing, also called tapping, that combines principles from traditional Chinese medicine with modern psychology. By tapping on specific points on the body, EFT helps reduce the intensity of anxious feelings, calms the nervous system, and allows the mind to focus. Meridians are energy channels in the body used by acupuncturists for thousands of years, and each meridian corresponds to organs, emotions, muscles, and more. EFT allows the body to release trapped emotions and stuck energy, stopping the cycle of stress, worry, and anxiety. To begin, rate the intensity of an emotion you are experiencing when you think of an event in your life, from 1 to 10 or 1 to 100. While the entire sequence is a bit more than can be covered here, a quick, short version of EFT is to tap with two fingers on specific points on your head, face, and torso, while verbally or silently acknowledging and accepting the emotion you are feeling. An example could be “Even though I’m feeling very anxious right now, I love and accept myself”. A quick tapping sequence is the: top of the head the inside of both eyebrows outside of both eyes under the eyes on the cheekbone under the nose below the lower lip in the crease just below the collarbone between the first and second rib on both sides of the body both sides of the body about halfway between the waist and armpit Continue to repeat the statement and the tapping for a few minutes, or longer, and as you continue to tap, you’ll often notice a reduction in the intensity of your feelings. You may need to repeat this sequence several times to feel calmer and less anxious.  It’s important to know that this is not the entire sequence, but this is a quick version that can help. If you are drawn to this, you can check out EFT in greater detail at Emotional stress release points  Touch for Health® uses a form of manual muscle testing (biofeedback) to find imbalances and stress held in the body and then assesses how best to release that stress. One easy-to-use technique is utilizing the Emotional Stress Release (ESR) points on the forehead. To use, firstly rate your level of anxiety, worry, and frustration on a scale of 1 to 10, or 1 to 100. Then with a very light touch, take the first two fingers of each hand and place them about an inch above your eyes on your forehead (known as the frontal eminences, the bumps on the forehead). A light touch on these reflex points can often act within a few minutes to restore a sense of calm, increase your focus and attention, and positively affect your parasympathetic nervous system. You can combine an affirmative statement with this, such as “I am calm”, “I am safe” or “I am feeling peaceful”. You can even review the situation or event that occurred and imagine how you wish it had unfolded. Hold these points for between 30 seconds and 5 minutes, or until a light pulse is felt under the fingers. And then rate the emotional level you are feeling afterward. This technique does not change the memory of an event but it can lower the intensity of the emotions around that event.  Integrating holistic tools into your daily life The key to managing our emotions is to make these practices part of our daily routine. Starting our day with a few minutes of Quick Coherence® Technique and practicing the ESRs or tapping when we become overwhelmed with worry and anxiety gives us the power to be in more control over our emotions. Feelings of anxiousness, worry, fear, anger, and frustration don’t have to control our lives. With tools like ESRs, EFT, HeartMath®, and other holistic practices, we can learn to move through our day with greater ease and balance, living with more freedom and grace. Follow me on Facebook , LinkedIn and website for more info! Read more from Alison Zeidler Alison Zeidler, Wholistic Wellness Facilitator As an adult child of an alcoholic, Alison Zeidler struggled with anger, depression, and an overwhelming need to please combined with an inability to express herself. Through trial and error,and hard work, she found the tools that shifted her life. Her mission is to empower others to transform their lives, discover balance, reconnect to their hearts and wisdom, and reclaim their joy for life.

Written by Cecile Masquelier, Wellness and Happiness Coach Cecile Masquelier is the founder of The Joyful Me, offering wellness and happiness coaching programs to individuals and corporate. Traveling is often advertised as a way to boost happiness. Picturesque sunsets, fascinating cultures, and unique adventures fill our feeds, inviting us to believe that a trip can provide instant joy. But does travel genuinely create lasting happiness, or is it just a temporary escape?  This article explores both sides of the debate. 1. Traveling creates happiness It breaks routine and enhances well-being Daily routines can lead to a sense of monotony or even sometimes burnout. When occupied with repetitive tasks, our mental engagement and creativity can suffer, which may reduce our overall well-being. Traveling introduces us to other environments, new sights, and adventures, breaking us out of our usual patterns and infusing new experiences into our lives. The mental benefits of these new experiences go beyond simple distraction. Studies have shown that new and stimulating experiences activate the brain’s reward center, releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and motivation. This release gives us a natural “high,” lifting our mood and reducing feelings of stress. From exploring lively markets to hiking scenic trails, these settings reset our minds, helping us return to our routines with renewed energy and a refreshed outlook. Traveling fosters connections and social bonds Social connections are a crucial component of happiness, and traveling is an ideal environment to build and strengthen these bonds. Whether exploring with loved ones, meeting new friends, or engaging with locals, travel offers unique opportunities for meaningful interactions. When traveling with friends or family, shared experiences create memories that strengthen relationships, providing a shared history to appreciate and revisit. These experiences deepen our sense of trust and connection, which are fundamental to long-term happiness. Solo travelers also frequently find opportunities to connect with locals or other travelers, often forming friendships that surpass borders and cultural differences. Such connections fulfill a basic human need for belonging, offering us a sense of community, understanding, and shared experience that contributes significantly to happiness. It boosts personal growth Travel often places us in unfamiliar situations that require adaptability and problem-solving, pushing us beyond our comfort zones. Whether navigating a new city, speaking a foreign language, or tackling logistical challenges like missed flights or lost luggage, these experiences foster resilience and flexibility. Each challenge we face on the road builds confidence in our ability to handle the unexpected, which is an influential contributor to lasting happiness. In addition, exposure to different cultures and ways of life broadens our worldview, fostering empathy, open-mindedness, and curiosity. This growth enhances self-esteem and helps us develop a more positive and resilient outlook. This experience equips us with valuable skills in our personal and professional lives. It increases appreciation and gratitude Travel offers us a fresh perspective on life, often inspiring a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude for what we have. When exposed to new environments, lifestyles, and cultural practices, it’s common to gain a more profound appreciation for aspects of our lives that we may have previously taken for granted. For example, visiting a remote village with limited access to modern conveniences can remind us of the comforts of home, while being in nature-rich destinations may inspire gratitude for our planet’s beauty and resources. Such reflections foster a deeper appreciation, which research indicates is strongly linked to greater happiness and well-being. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, reinforcing positive emotions and helping us appreciate the most of each day. This mindset nurtured by travel can persist long after the trip ends, making us happier in our daily lives. 2. The other side: Why traveling may not always lead to lasting happiness The “vacation blues” Returning home can feel difficult after a trip filled with adventure and excitement. The energy of travel—the anticipation of discovering new sights, sounds, and flavors—brings an almost euphoric “vacation high.” But once we’re back, the thrill fades, sometimes leaving a feeling of “vacation blues.” Daily routines, work demands, and chores may suddenly feel less inspiring, even mundane. This feeling of disappointment often arises from the brain's adjustment back to typical levels of stimulation and engagement. While travel fills our days with fresh stimuli, returning to familiar surroundings may temporarily feel unfulfilling. This emotional drop can lead to what some refer to as the “hedonic treadmill,” where the happiness of a new experience quickly fades, and we begin seeking another trip or thrilling experience to bring back that high. As a result, post-travel life might feel “less than,” making it harder to find satisfaction in everyday activities and potentially diminishing longer-term happiness. Financial strain and stress Travel can be expensive, especially to remote destinations or popular tourist hotspots. The costs of flights, accommodation, dining, local transportation, and sightseeing activities add up quickly. Many people may splurge on trips to maximize enjoyment, leading to unexpected credit card expenses or the need to cut back on other areas of life once they’re back. This can create a cycle of financial strain that overshadows the pleasure gained from travel. Beyond financial strain, the pressure to have the “perfect” vacation can also be a source of stress. As social media encourages pursuing idealized travel experiences, some feel compelled to spend more to keep up with these expectations. Ultimately, when the worry of paying off bills overshadows the relaxation of a trip, The trip's effect on happiness may lessen, becoming a burden instead of a relief. The ‘escape’ trap For some, travel is an escape from challenging aspects of life, like a stressful job, family conflicts, or other personal issues. While a change of scenery can temporarily relieve these pressures, it doesn’t resolve the root causes of unhappiness. As the trip progresses, unresolved issues might re-emerge, and the happiness gained from traveling can feel like a mere distraction. When travel becomes a recurring method of escape, there’s a risk that other aspects of life are neglected or suppressed. Happiness sourced from travel, in this case, tends to be momentary, as the underlying problems persist. Without addressing these core issues, the need for frequent travel to “escape” may grow, creating a pattern where the fulfillment sought from travel is both fleeting and unsustainable. Environmental impact and guilt With the rise of climate awareness, many travelers are more conscious of their trips' environmental impacts. Air travel is one of the most significant contributors to carbon emissions, and the tourism industry, with its heavy use of resources and waste generation, also leaves a sizable footprint. The ethical dilemma of “travel versus environmental impact” can weigh heavily on environmentally-conscious individuals. Guilt related to environmental harm can offset the joy of a trip. For some, the knowledge of their carbon footprint can lead to internal conflict or feelings of hypocrisy, especially if sustainability is a core personal value. This guilt can persist long after the trip ends, tainting the memories and leading some to reduce travel or seek “greener” options like eco-tourism or low-impact destinations. 3. The verdict: Does travel create happiness? Travel can certainly bring moments of joy, foster personal growth, and create memories that last a lifetime. However, whether these effects translate to sustained happiness depends on the individual mindset and approach to travel. Individuals who travel mindfully, engage with locals, and seek to learn tend to get deeper satisfaction and longer-lasting happiness from their experiences. In contrast, those who travel as an escape or without intentionality may find happiness short-lived and momentary. For me, travel is a true source of happiness. Despite occasional challenges and the costs involved, I always plan the next adventure as soon as I return from one. Here are a few tips to help you make travel a lasting source of joy and fulfillment. 4. How can you make travel a true source of happiness Travel with purpose Traveling with purpose transforms a trip from simple sightseeing to a journey of personal discovery, fulfillment, and meaning. Instead of racing through a list of must-see landmarks, take some time to consider what you truly hope to gain. Is it the desire to immerse yourself in a new culture, reconnect with nature, escape stress, or explore a passion? Setting a purpose for your travels can bring intentionality to your experiences and enhance your enjoyment, focus, and memories. For example, if learning about a new culture is your goal, you might seek authentic local experiences, like staying in a family-run guesthouse or joining a community cooking class. These encounters provide a much richer understanding of the place you’re visiting and offer genuine insights that you’re likely to treasure. Defining your purpose helps create a meaningful, memorable trip that resonates deeply with your values. Mindful experiences over material In an era where souvenirs and photo opportunities are abundant, it’s easy to get caught up in material keepsakes. However, prioritizing experiences over material items can make travel memories more significant and meaningful. Instead of collecting things, consider investing in unique activities that offer authentic, hands-on experiences. A cooking class in Italy, a tea ceremony in Japan, a hike through a scenic national park, or a local art workshop—these experiences immerse you in the culture and landscape in a way that material goods rarely can. Such experiences create lasting memories and allow you to form personal connections with people and places, giving your journey a richer texture and a sense of accomplishment.  Savor the journey, not just the destination Modern travel often emphasizes checking off destinations, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of rushing from one place to the next. However, some of the most rewarding travel moments come from appreciating the journey. By slowing down and immersing yourself in the present, you open opportunities for deeper experiences and connections. Try taking lesser-known paths, exploring quiet streets, or stopping for a spontaneous conversation with someone at a café. Embracing a slower pace allows you to fully cherish each moment, reducing stress and helping you cultivate mindfulness. This approach enriches your travel experience and leaves you with a sense of fulfillment that doesn’t hinge on reaching the next big attraction. Ultimately, travel can be an excellent tool for cultivating happiness if done with intention and self-awareness. But it’s essential to recognize that happiness doesn’t come solely from where you go, but from how you experience each moment, wherever you are. Follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn , or visit my website for more info! Read more from Cecile Masquelier Cecile Masquelier, Wellness and Happiness Coach Cecile Masquelier is the founder of The Joyful Me offering wellness and happiness coaching programs to individuals and corporate. Her mission is to empower individuals to embark on their own transformative happiness journey.

Written by Sabine Bierenstiel, Business & Life Coach Sabine Bierenstiel, a dynamic Business Coach and Spiritual Healer, synergizes her expertise to guide individuals towards transformative growth and profound self-realization. Empathic individuals with tendencies toward love addiction may sacrifice their personal success and growth by remaining in toxic environments that demand constant over-giving and approval-seeking. This article explores strategies to overcome these patterns, set healthy boundaries, and focus on self-empowerment. 1. Overcoming the first core poison: Fear and external control Love-addicted empaths often fear rejection and disappointment, leading them to adapt excessively to other's needs and stay in unfulfilling environments. The desire to avoid conflict or maintain harmony may cause them to sacrifice their own success and personal growth. Examples: Friendship: An empath might cling to a long-term friendship that no longer serves them, staying out of loyalty despite feeling drained and held back. Partnership: In a romantic relationship, they might avoid setting boundaries with a partner who discourages or even sabotages their career or personal goals, fearing it would drive the partner away. Work relationship: In the workplace, an empath may stay in a position that limits their career growth, fearing that speaking up or pursuing new opportunities will disappoint a supervisor or team. Solution: Self-empowerment: Define your goals, values, and ambitions independently of others’ opinions. Setting personal benchmarks, like learning a new skill or taking on a project for personal growth, can reinforce this focus. Setting healthy boundaries: Start by setting small, clear boundaries around your time and energy. Here is an example: with a friend who drains your energy, try saying, “I need to focus on some personal goals but would love to catch up every other week.” Setting these boundaries gradually reinforces your commitment to personal growth. 2. Resolving the second core poison: Manipulation and codependency Love-addicted empaths may remain in toxic environments because of manipulation, sacrificing their ambitions to “fix” or “help” others, feeling it’s their responsibility to maintain harmony. In toxic work or social environments, this can mean allowing others to undervalue them, hindering their professional or personal growth. Examples: Friendship: An empath may constantly offer support to a friend who doesn’t reciprocate, feeling valuable only when they’re helping — even at the cost of their own goals, health, and fortune. Partnership: In a relationship, an empath might stay with a partner who is dismissive or unsupportive of their ambitions, hoping to eventually “change” or “fix” the situation by giving more. Results can lead to loss of Balance and poverty consciousness. Work relationship: An empath might stay in a role where they are overburdened and underappreciated, taking on tasks that go unrewarded, fearing they will let their team down if they leave or assert their needs. Solution: Challenge limiting beliefs: Reframe beliefs like, “I am only worthwhile if I’m helping others,” to statements like, “I am deserving of environments that support my growth.” Affirmations and regular reflection can reinforce this shift. Set boundaries without isolation: In relationships, set boundaries that affirm your goals without detaching entirely. For example, tell a friend who expects constant help, “I need to focus on my own projects right now, but I’m here to listen when I can.” At work, politely decline tasks that don’t serve your goals, while offering alternative solutions that respect your growth trajectory. Strengthen identity: Take time to invest in activities and relationships that support your authentic goals. For example, prioritize networking with colleagues who appreciate your contributions or friends who motivate you to grow. This builds a life that aligns with your genuine self, making it easier to resist manipulative environments. 3. The third core poison: Dissociation and shadow integration To meet others’ needs, love-addicted empaths often deny or suppress their ambitions and goals, leading to dissociation from their true potential. They may even stay in toxic environments that don’t encourage their growth, suppressing their aspirations to avoid upsetting others. Examples: Friendship: An empath might avoid talking about their achievements or goals with friends who seem unsupportive, out of fear that they’ll appear “selfish” or disrupt group dynamics. Partnership: In a romantic relationship, they might minimize their career aspirations to avoid conflict, focusing instead on their partner’s goals and dreams. Work relationship: An empath may stay silent about promotion opportunities or innovative ideas, worried they’ll disrupt the team or offend colleagues who resist change. Solution: Shadow integration: Embrace your ambition, independence, and unique aspirations as strengths rather than something to hide. Acknowledge any “shadow” parts of yourself that you’ve repressed, like your competitive drive or desire for recognition, which are natural and healthy aspects of self-growth. Healing past wounds: Patterns of self-neglect often stem from early experiences of conditional validation. Therapy, coaching, or mindfulness practices can help address these wounds, reinforcing the belief that your growth and success are valid and deserve a place in your life. Mindfulness and self-connection: Engage in activities that reconnect you to your inner self. Regular meditation, journaling, or creative outlets can help you stay grounded in who you are and resist the urge to suppress your desires in favor of others’ expectations. Conclusion: Empowerment, authentic relationships, and personal growth Breaking free from love addiction and hidden codependency requires empathic individuals to center their growth, validate their ambitions, and set boundaries that honor their true selves. By challenging limiting beliefs, setting strong boundaries, and embracing all parts of themselves, empaths can foster environments that celebrate their success rather than diminish it. With these practices, empaths can pursue personal and professional growth without compromising their own well-being, creating balanced relationships that support their authentic journey and goals. Follow me on  Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Sabine Bierenstiel Sabine Bierenstiel, Business & Life Coach Sabine Bierenstiel blends her knowledge from the realms of business and spirituality, catalyzing transformative experiences in others. With a background in both economics and spiritual practices like Akashic Records and Seashell Healing, Sabine embodies resilience and perseverance. Her mission is to unlock the highest potential within individuals, making it tangible through her coaching and teachings, ultimately guiding them towards profound self-realization.

Written by Kurt D. Bruckmann Sr., Core Energy Dynamics Master Kurt D. Bruckmann Sr. is a Master in Core Energy Dynamics being one of a few in the world. He provides the understanding of how our mind-body-energy connection operates delivering solutions for optimized outcome. Founder of Continuum Core Coaching and an Internationally acclaimed best-selling author of "Ready Connect Grow" Anthology published in 2023. Core energy is the total amount of energy available at any given moment. Having had the fortune of working with clients throughout regions of the world, there is a common theme for all people to achieve desired outcomes through the execution of trusting their process while in transition to achieving sustainable growth. It is within your purpose and understanding of goals, which create sustainable confidence enabling resilience with trust to bounce back from any perceived setback. Like a light switch, from darkness to light, transitioning from issues in the moment to outcomes to be determined. Having faith in your current plan and working that plan to excellence while embracing the ability to give 100% of your energy at any given moment. There is nothing in the universe that says you cannot fulfill your own dreams and create the life you want to live. On the contrary, the universe actually invites you to step into who you were created to be, offering your unique skills to others only in ways you can. Whether you’re an established business mind, entrepreneur embarking on your next business idea, visionary, or simply wanting to start a new quest in your personal life, you don’t need to wait around for an opportunity to present itself. What is core energy dynamics? Core Energy Coaching connects inner purpose and passion to outer goals and strategies that deliver sustainable superior outcomes. Understanding working from the inner influences to outer influences leads to more fulfillment in all areas of life. Focusing on getting to the base, core of your challenges by identifying inner thoughts, beliefs, and emotions that are preventing success and creating stress 6 energy influencers Environmental - relating to the natural world arising from a person's surroundings and the impact of human activity on its condition. Social - who you interact with and how can greatly impact how you perform in whatever you’re doing. Physical - things that allow your body to move and work in the way you want while nurturing your physical needs. Mental - access your full brain power carried out or taking place in the mind. Emotional - a barometer which helps awareness when stress is rising or falling, shifting emotional states arousing intense feelings. Energy in motion. Spiritual - a sense of purpose and meaning creating fulfillment while executing your authentic self. Trusting your process Trusting personal growth with acceptance means always doing the best you can. This is executed within the four core energy concentrations in your leadership, well-being, performance, and transition, which all people have. Understanding your potential for self-mastery, applying your conscious choice with presence of mind, and using all your tools in your toolbox of experience. You choose how you think and react. This comes from having faith in yourself. Being the best you can. Your core energy strives for synthesis, joy, intuition, creative genius, vision and innovation which will foster power. Feeling connected to everyone and everything else with no judgment. Living in a state of awe, wonder, and curiosity without trying to figure things out. Change = awareness + understanding" “mastering your core energy Life is an opportunity allowing the experience of time changing and shifting constantly in continual motion. A continuum. This energy is anabolic, filling and constructive. Here you feel fearlessness and oneness with the ability to access intuition to focus on the whole. Developing a sense of oneness. Seeing everyone and things as themselves with growth while moving your process through transition creates the desired outcome. It is here in the moment of transition that we find the ability to be open for empowering opportunities for growth. Opening new possibilities for action. When in mind, everything is happening now. In the transition, opportunities are present all around you. By identifying and stepping into them, you create an advantage for the desired outcomes. Core disciplines Awareness - physical, spiritual, emotional consciousness. What am I saying to myself? Acceptance - own your acceptance of what is and what is past without judgment. Validation - the act or process of making something official, acceptable, or approved. Opportunity - a good position, chance, or prospect for advancement or success. Conscious Choice - you are always at choice. Conscious response with choice and purpose vs. reaction, no choice with fear. Trust Your Process - faith in yourself, you know more than you think you know. Patience being in your moment. Fearlessness, confidence with courage. Transition - when we move from where we are to where we want to be. Making change by connecting thoughts, energy and ideas into action. While there are many scientists who have been credited with amazing energy-related discoveries, Einstein’s formula, E=MC2, expresses it most eloquently. Everything is energy.* Neuro-Linguistic Programming plays an important role in core energy dynamics. Psychology Today Staff. Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a set of principles and techniques aimed at enhancing self-awareness, increasing confidence, building communication skills, and motivating positive social actions.* More tools NLP teaches that you can develop successful habits by amplifying helpful behaviors and diminishing negative ones. Positive change can come when one carefully reproduces the behaviors and beliefs of success with desired outcome and sustainable growth. By learning to speak kinder, more impactful, and empowering words to yourself, providing a productive language for your mind, body, and energy connection enhances productivity and performance. Replacing words like goal with intention can help alleviate stress. A goal implies something that must be met, while an intention is simply a directive. If our intention is not fully met, we still find success as success is in the moment, not just the final product. Giving 100% of our energy in all we do at any given moment is good enough. According to the Core Energy Construct of iPEC, (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching) there are basically two types of energy within each of us: Anabolic and Catabolic.* Anabolic energy is collaborative, constructive, expanding which fuels creativity and productivity. Catabolic energy is destructive, breakdown, and draining, which tends to distract you and pull your focus away from what you are doing, creating stress. A bit of behaviorism Behaviorism is a psychological study that focuses on how controlled environmental changes affect behavior. It's a systematic approach to understanding the behavior of humans and other animals. Behaviorism focuses on objectively observable, quantifiable events and behavior. Behaviorists believe that all behaviors are the result of experience. It is your experiences that bring forward energy. It is within your ability to execute conscious choice creating anabolic energy which will empower you into sustainable growth with desired outcome in all you do. Embrace your continuum Time is your friend, for it constantly changes moving forward. When people embrace this understanding and shift with the continuum of time without force, you find your zone with flow. It is in this zone that you are able to execute all your understanding and experiences, knowing that you are never stuck in any particular issue and that, with time, you will step into your expanding growth without fear. Be your authentic self with passion and undeniable desire. Here lies your peace and power.” Albert Einstein Wikipedia NLP Physiology Today iPEC “From impossible to i’m possible.” Follow me on Facebook , and LinkedIn , or visit my website  for more info! Read more from Kurt D. Bruckmann Sr. Kurt D. Bruckmann Sr., Core Energy Dynamics Master Kurt D. Bruckmann Sr. is a leader in the understanding of Core Energy Dynamics. As a child, he experienced several untimely tragedies in the loss of his father and other family mentor figures. He turned to his teachings for them to embrace nature and its ever-guiding lessons of continual growth while in a continuum of change. As his life evolved Kurt went on to build and establish his own company while becoming one of the world's top precious metals traders on the floor of the commodities exchange in the World Trade Center. He is a two-time survivor of WTC attacks. He delivers his expertise of energy as the founder of ContInuum Core Coaching. Kurt teaches and guides people in understanding their core energy. "From Impossible To I'm Possible"