THE ALCHEMY OF AUTHENTICITY: EMBRACING UNCERTAINTY AND INNER MASTERY

A Quest for Well-Being Interview with

SHERMIN KRUSE — SHER

1. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WHO YOU ARE IN THIS VERY MOMENT?
In this moment, I’m a mirror—reflecting stillness, strength, and compassion in equal measure. I’m a mother, a mentor, a student, and a relentless truth-seeker. I’m a storyteller who bridges logic and emotion, a guide for others and very much a work-in-progress myself. I bring forward the lens of Stoic Empathy—a commitment to live with both inner discipline and radical compassion.

But I also trip over my own feet—literally and metaphorically. I get way too many parking tickets. I oscillate between moments of deep intellectual clarity and moments where I feel completely lost, wondering how anyone ever really knows what they're doing. Some days I feel grounded and whole; other days I feel like a walking question mark in nice shoes.

The idea of a fixed self has never quite resonated with me. I believe we’re in constant revision—shaped by what we survive, what we choose, and what we’re willing to confront in ourselves. And I’ve chosen to become someone who leans into that uncertainty with curiosity rather than fear. And through it all, my family is my anchor and my compass. They keep me honest. They remind me who I’m beyond titles and achievements—just a woman trying to do right by the people she loves, trying to stay awake to the beauty and absurdity of it all. So who am I? A mosaic of contradictions. A student of truth. A little clumsy. Often clear, sometimes clueless—but always reaching, always becoming.

2. WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY AND WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL SUCCESSFUL?

I think we often conflate happiness with joy, fulfillment, or success—but they each live in a different part of the soul, integrating and overlapping with one another like a brilliant Venn diagram. For me, happiness is a daily practice of presence. It's in the fleeting, exquisite moments: the sound of my children laughing in the other room, a perfectly ripe peach, a song that demands I dance in the kitchen, the deep exhale after a hard conversation met with grace. These are moments of joy—immediate, sensory, and alive. I try to welcome them into every single day, even when life is heavy. Especially when life is heavy.

Fulfillment, on the other hand, runs deeper. It’s the quiet knowing that I’m aligned with my purpose. That I’m using my voice, my mind, and my heart to move others closer to truth, courage, and integrity. Success, for me, isn’t measured by accolades, because as great as external validation feels, let’s face it, it’ll never be enough. If I go instead by impact—when someone tells me that a conversation, a talk, or a sentence in my writing shifted something inside them. Or I see first hand my own small blueprint on the world. When others walk away more aware, more empowered, more awake to their own strength. I feel true success, and perhaps complete, if only for a moment.

And while I’m deeply focused on fulfillment—on doing meaningful, difficult, often invisible work—I never want to forget joy. It’s not a distraction from the mission; it’s part of the reason for it. Joy is what keeps the fire from burning us out. It’s what makes the striving worthwhile.

So yes, I love dancing. I love laughing with my children. My mother’s cooking, my sons wrestling, and my daughters’ voices. I love the rhythm of writing when I lose track of time and being in the arms of someone who loves me. These are not small things—they are the pulse of a life well lived.

3. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME WHO YOU ARE AND TO DO WHAT YOU DO TODAY?

As a law professor, former equity partner, TEDx producer, and speaker, my path has always been one of navigating complexity—across cultures, disciplines, and human emotion. I’ve operated in high-stakes environments where precision was paramount, and in deeply human spaces where silence carried more truth than words. Through it all, I kept returning to a set of persistent, unshakable questions: What is power, really? What does it mean to influence without force? Can we hold empathy without losing discernment? And how do we become fully ourselves in a world that often rewards performance over principle? It was not only the injustice I witnessed—though that shaped me—but also an insatiable curiosity about the nature of being itself: how we regulate our inner world in the face of external chaos, how we balance agency with surrender, compassion with clarity. And—just as importantly—it was my mistakes that shaped me. The missteps, the overreaches, the moments I didn’t listen well enough or led from ego instead of essence—those too were part of the making.

And the difficult-to-acknowledge truth is that I was also shaped by far baser instincts: jealousy, resentment, pride. I don’t pretend otherwise. But there’s also the long, sometimes grueling, and often beautiful process of shedding them—layer by layer, year by year. Those experiences humble me, refine me, and teach me that strength without softness is brittle, and clarity without self-awareness is incomplete.

Out of that space—where personal experience, philosophical inquiry, and imperfection met—Stoic Empathy was born. Not as a reaction, but as a design. A fusion of ancient discipline and modern emotional intelligence. A framework to help people lead, live, and love with greater integrity and intentionality.

As Marcus Aurelius wrote, “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” That idea isn’t just a Stoic principle—it’s a radical invitation. One that continues to shape how I teach, speak, write, and live.

4. WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION, INTENTION, AND PURPOSE OF WRITING YOUR BOOK AND WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR BOOK?

Yes. My latest book, Stoic Empathy: The Road Map to a Life of Influence, Self-Leadership, and Integrity, was born from decades of observing power used with cruelty, and potential lost to fear. I wanted to offer a path that merges the timeless discipline of Stoicism with the transformative power of Empathy. The intention was not only to teach—but to awaken. It’s available wherever books are sold, including Amazon.

5. DO YOU CONSIDER WHAT YOU DO A CALLING, A PURPOSE, A MISSION?

All three. It’s a calling that won’t let me rest. A mission to build emotionally intelligent leaders. And a purpose rooted in helping people—especially those in positions of influence—lead with greater responsibility, compassion, and clarity.

Honestly, it’s also just a really cool way to make a living! I literally get paid to write and discuss philosophy with and for brilliant others who uplift my spirit and mind. Who wouldn’t welcome such a life?!

6. WHO WOULD BENEFIT MOST FROM YOUR WORK AND YOUR MESSAGE?

Those who lead, create, teach, or parent with the weight of responsibility on their shoulders—and want to carry it with courage and care. Deep thinkers who ask dangerous questions. Brave souls, whether soft-spoken or outspoken, who seek fierce clarity and the ultimate power that’s self control. Anyone yearning to build a life of influence without ego, and an inner world rooted in discipline, integrity, and grace.

7. WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING WITH YOU FROM A CLIENT’S PERSPECTIVE?

Whether through a keynote, a book, or a classroom, people describe their experience with my work as intellectually rigorous, emotionally resonant, and quietly transformative. I don’t offer quick fixes or easy inspiration—I offer frameworks that challenge, language that clarifies, and stories that stay with you. My role isn’t to prescribe, but to provoke reflection, shift perspectives, and ignite principled action.

8. WHAT IS HEALING TO YOU?

Healing is integration. It’s not about erasing pain—it’s about facing it, understanding its message, and allowing it to become part of your story without letting it define you. As Rumi wrote, “Don’t get lost in your pain, know that one day your pain will become your cure.”

Thus, true healing isn’t the absence of discomfort, but the development of emotional tolerance and internal sovereignty. It’s learning to sit with your pain without being consumed by it, to examine it with compassion rather than resistance. Healing allows you to transform suffering into meaning, chaos into clarity, and reaction into choice. It’s a reclamation of control—not over the external world, but over your inner landscape. When we heal, we don’t silence our wounds—we learn to speak their language, and through that fluency, we gain both strength and serenity.

9. WHAT IS THE GOAL OF HEALING AND WHAT ARE THE OBSTACLES TO IT?

The goal is inner sovereignty and power—the ability to respond, not react. To lead ourselves. The obstacles? Ego, avoidance, cultural conditioning, and our fear of sitting with discomfort long enough to learn from it.

10. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MISCONCEPTIONS MOST PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT HEALING?

That it’s linear. That it always feels good. That once you’re healed, you’re done. That you must first name every wound before you can begin to mend it. Healing is rarely tidy. It’s cyclical, layered, and often invites us back to pain we thought we’d already outgrown—not to punish us, but to show us how far we’ve come, and how much further we can go.

Another misconception is that healing requires total clarity or revelation before it can begin. But sometimes, healing happens in the dark. We can begin to feel lighter even when we don’t fully understand what was weighing us down. That, too, is valid. We don’t need to stare directly into every wound to begin the process—we need only enough awareness to act with care.

The task, then, is to find a version of awareness that’s both safe and true. To see just enough of the injury to work with it responsibly. And then, to apply whatever agency we have—whether through boundaries, reflection, connection, or simply the decision to keep going. Healing isn’t about control over the past; it’s about exercising control over how we carry it forward.

11. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MISCONCEPTIONS MOST PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT HEALING?

That healing always looks like light. That it’s soft, serene, or always wrapped in forgiveness. But sometimes healing is rage—righteous, clarifying rage that finally gives voice to years of being silenced. Sometimes it’s the silence itself—a refusal to explain, justify, or re-engage with what once wounded you. Sometimes healing is a boundary that says, “No more,” even if it shatters expectations or relationships.

A survivor might need to confront her abuser—not for reconciliation, but to reclaim her own voice in the space where it was once stolen. Another person might find healing in walking away without a single word, choosing peace over permission. For some, healing comes through fire—through naming what hurt them; for others, it comes through refusal—through the quiet act of no longer giving the wound a microphone.

Healing can be fierce. Confrontational. Uncompromising. And often, deeply rational. It’s not just about feeling better—it’s about seeing more clearly. It can be found listening to chants during a silent meditation, or while smashing a bottle with a bat in a rage-room. It’s the internal audit that says: this is no longer working, and I am no longer willing.

As Seneca wrote, “Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.” And to heal—honestly, imperfectly, on your own terms but while maintaining integrity—can be one of the most courageous acts of all.

12. DO YOU CONNECT HEALING TO SPIRITUALITY? AND IF YOU DO, WHAT IS SPIRITUALITY TO YOU?

Sometimes. But not always in the way we’re taught to think about it. I don’t believe healing requires a spiritual framework—but I do think the process of healing can often uncover something that feels spiritual, even for those who don’t use that language.

To me, spirituality isn’t about doctrine. It’s about the experience of being briefly—and often inexplicably—connected to something beyond the confines of our individual selves. That something might be God. It might be the collective human experience. It might be the ancient memory held in our bones. Or the stars we’re made of. It’s the sense that we’re part of a larger unfolding—mysterious, painful, beautiful.

Healing doesn’t guarantee access to that sense of connection. But it clears some of the static. It softens the ego just enough that we can hear something beneath our survival instincts. A kind of quiet awe. A kind of remembering. Not of who we should be—but of what we already are, beneath the defense mechanisms.

So yes, for me, healing often opens a door to the spiritual—not as a belief, but as an experience. And sometimes, that's enough.

13. WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS THE PURPOSE OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE?

To become fully conscious of who we’re and how we move through the world. To connect—genuinely, bravely—with others. To create beauty from complexity. To learn how to love with discernment and depth, without needing to possess or perform. And ultimately, to find comfort in the entirety of the human experience—the joy and the ache, the clarity and the mess. And along the way: to love the laughter of children. To smell jasmine drifting through a summer night. To eat a hearty, delicious meal with people you love. To move with abandon when your favorite song comes on. These small moments are not detours from purpose—they are its heartbeat.

And perhaps, too, to ask the question. Not with the expectation of an answer, but with the understanding that the asking itself refines us. Maybe the purpose of purpose is not to be found, but to be pursued—an orientation, not a completion. A reminder that meaning is not static, but emergent—revealed through how we choose to live, create, and connect, again and again.

14. AT THIS TIME, WHAT IS THE WORLD’S GREATEST NEED?            

Disciplined compassion. The ability to feel deeply for others without losing clarity. To care without collapsing. To think critically while staying connected to our shared humanity. We don’t just need more kindness—we need courage tethered to conscience. Integrity that can hold complexity.

For one person, this might mean facing the fear of pain rather than numbing it—choosing to heal instead of hiding. For another, it might mean risking the thrill of vulnerability in the right relationship, even when past wounds say “stay guarded.” For a leader, it may look like making decisions that honor both people and principle. For a parent, it may mean allowing space for a child’s truth—even when it challenges your own.

Disciplined compassion asks us not to choose between heart and mind, but to refine both. To feel—and to act—with intention.

15. WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR HUMANITY?

A humanity that reclaims the power of presence. One that moves away from performance, victimization, blame, and escapism—and toward strength, curiosity, emotional maturity, and collective power. A humanity that’s no longer driven solely by fear, scarcity, or ego—but instead learns to root its choices in discernment, integrity, and care for the generations to come.

I envision a world where we’re no longer governed by the illusion that accumulation equals success, or that perpetual competition is the only viable system. A world where dignity is not something earned through productivity, but something inherent in every human being. Where we solve for hunger and poverty not because it’s idealistic—but because it’s achievable, and just.

This vision finds a striking parallel in Star Trek: The Next Generation, where humanity’s future is imagined not as a utopia, but as a deliberate and hard-won evolution of values. In the pilot episode, Encounter at Farpoint, the omnipotent being Q puts humanity on trial, accusing us of being a savage, childish race. Captain Jean-Luc Picard is forced to defend not only the crew of the Enterprise, but the very worthiness of our species. And Q’s test—though theatrical—is deeply philosophical: are we capable of growing beyond our violent and selfish impulses? Are we still evolving, not just technologically, but ethically?

Seven seasons later, in the series finale All Good Things..., Q returns and reveals that the trial was never truly over. The real test wasn't of humanity’s knowledge or strength, but of its capacity to transcend linear thinking, to cooperate across time, and most importantly, to grow inwardly. As Q tells Picard, “The exploration that awaits you is not out there… but in here.” The future of humanity, Q suggests, depends not just on warp drives and starships—but on consciousness, humility, and the courage to expand our moral imagination.

And within one of their most profound exchanges, Q quotes Shakespeare’s Macbeth—

“Life is but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage… a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”

To which Picard responds—"not with irony, but with conviction’:

“What a piece of work is man. How noble in reason. How infinite in faculty. In form and moving how express and admirable. In action, how like an angel. In apprehension, how like a god.”

Q challenges him: “Surely you don’t really see your species like that, do you?”
And Picard, embodying the very hope I share, replies:

“I see us one day becoming that, Q. Is that what concerns you?”

That’s my vision: that we become that. That we rise not because of blind optimism, but because of determined effort. Because we choose to. Because we must. I believe that kind of evolution is possible—not inevitable, but possible.

And I believe we all share responsibility in shaping that possibility into reality. None of us is exempt. Every policy, every act of parenting, every vote, every story we tell—tips the scale. While a radiant future is possible, so too are many darker ones. Dystopia is not a prophecy—it’s a warning. And the future, as Q reminds us, isn’t guaranteed. It’s a question. One we must answer not just with our minds, but with our lives.

Humanity’s destiny won’t be forged solely among the stars—but in how we treat one another right here, in the messy middle. It won’t be measured in our speed, but in our depth. And if we’re wise—if we’re brave—we’ll explore not only the cosmos, but our own capacity to become something better.

(p.s. I also envision a world where nerdy Star Trek references suddenly trend on TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram all at the same time!)

16. WHAT DOES EMOTIONAL FREEDOM LOOK LIKE? AND HOW CAN YOUR WORK HELP?

Emotional freedom is when your emotions inform you, but do not control you. It’s not about suppression or detachment—it’s about discernment. Emotions are vital messengers, but they are not always reliable guides. Emotional freedom means being able to feel fully without becoming flooded, to pause before reacting, and to respond in ways that align with your values, not your impulses.

Through the lens of Stoic Empathy, we learn to hold space for our emotions without becoming enslaved by them. This means developing tools for emotional regulation, learning to identify the underlying beliefs that trigger disproportionate reactions, and cultivating self-command in high-stakes moments.

It’s the ability to feel anger without becoming destructive. To feel grief without losing your sense of self. To allow joy without fearing its impermanence. It’s what allows a leader to stay grounded during crisis, a parent to offer presence instead of panic, a human being to remain whole even in heartbreak.

As Viktor Frankl’s writing taught me that between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.

Emotional freedom is the foundation of true strength. And Stoic Empathy offers the blueprint.

17. WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF LOVE?

Love isn’t a fairy tale, and it’s not always forever. It can be fierce, grounding, expansive—and it can also fade. It’s not just something that happens to us; it’s often a choice. A discipline. A practice. Sometimes it arrives without warning, and other times it’s built, moment by moment, through presence and effort. Real love isn’t about possession or perfection—it’s about attention. It’s about seeing another clearly, flaws and all, and still choosing to show up.

Love doesn’t always look like romance or devotion. Sometimes it’s boundaries. Sometimes it’s letting go. Sometimes it’s staying when it would be easier to leave—but other times, it’s leaving when staying would diminish you both. It’s not passive. It requires courage, discernment, and the willingness to grow alongside someone—or even apart from them—with grace.

If it liberates, nourishes, and challenges you to become more yourself—not less—that’s love worth holding onto. But no, it’s not guaranteed. And that’s what makes it meaningful.

18. IS WORLD PEACE POSSIBLE WITHOUT INDIVIDUAL INNER PEACE? PLEASE ELABORATE ON THE CONCEPT OF PEACE.
It’s complicated. Inner peace matters—but it’s not a prerequisite for contribution, creation, or even justice. Some of the world’s greatest art, breakthroughs, and social change have emerged not from serenity, but from unrest—internal and external. Turmoil, when faced honestly, can bring clarity. Pain can shape vision. Discomfort can spark transformation.

But without some degree of inner integration, we risk projecting our wounds onto the world. We mistake reaction for righteousness. We confuse control with leadership. Inner peace, then, isn’t about being calm at all costs—it’s about cultivating enough awareness to act from purpose rather than pain.

Peace, in this sense, isn’t the absence of conflict. It’s the presence of understanding. It’s not stillness—it’s steadiness. And world peace, if it’s to exist at all, will be built not by perfect individuals, but by imperfect people who have made peace with their own imperfections—and who choose, despite their turbulence, to reach for wisdom, justice, and compassion anyway.

19. WHAT, WHERE AND WHO IS GOD TO YOU?

God is what remains when everything else is stripped away. God is in stillness, in the breath between thoughts, in the sacred pause before we react. But God is also the thread that connects us—all of us—across time, species, and form. Whether you see divinity through the eyes of faith or through the lens of science, there’s awe in the fact that we’re made of the same ancient stardust as the trees, the oceans, the pigeons, and the people we love.

We all originated from the same stars—the same singular beginning. Every element in our bodies was forged in the furnace of long-dead suns. That shared origin makes us kin, not just metaphorically, but materially.

To me, God is less a being and more a becoming—the quiet intelligence that pulses through all matter, the energy exchanged between strangers, the resilience shared across generations. It’s found in the vast silence of space and in the crowded beauty of a dinner table. Whether called God, universe, source, or connection—it’s that which reminds us: we belong to each other, and to everything.

20. WHAT IS CONSCIOUSNESS?

This is one of the deepest—and most elusive—questions we can ask. And perhaps that’s the point. Consciousness resists full definition. It cannot be captured in a single sentence, a theory, or a scan. We may never fully know what it’s—but we can get closer by exploring what it’s not.

Consciousness isn’t mere thought. It isn’t memory, sensation, or even awareness alone. It isn’t the stream of internal chatter, nor the habits we repeat without thinking. Consciousness is what notices all of that—the silent witness behind the noise.

It’s the faculty that allows us to reflect, to choose, to change. It’s the flicker of presence when we catch ourselves mid-reaction and pause. It’s what gives us the capacity to question our own assumptions, to feel wonder, to imagine a better version of ourselves.

And perhaps that’s its greatest gift: asking the very question “What is consciousness?” is the point. The act of inquiry—of staying curious, of peering into the mystery—sharpens our awareness and deepens our humanity. Consciousness, then, isn’t just something to define but something to inhabit, more fully, with each intentional breath.

21. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SUBCONSCIOUS AND THE UNCONSCIOUS MIND?

The subconscious is like a backstage crew—always working, storing patterns, guiding behavior subtly. The unconscious is even deeper: it holds the raw, often unseen forces that shape our beliefs, traumas, and instinctsThe subconscious is like the backstage crew of the mind—quiet, efficient, and always at work. It holds our habits, emotional associations, and conditioned responses. It knows how to drive a car, how to walk into a room and scan for safety, how to respond with a smile even when we’re uneasy. It operates just beneath awareness, but it can be observed, reshaped, and retrained over time.

The unconscious, on the other hand, lies deeper still. It’s the hidden architecture of the psyche—where core wounds, ancestral memory, primal instincts, and archetypes dwell. It can’t be summoned on command, but it leaks into our dreams, our fears, our compulsions. It’s the ancient language of the soul that hasn’t yet been translated into words.

Consciousness sits above and between them—like a beam of light that can be turned inward. With effort, we can use it to illuminate the subconscious and gently reveal aspects of the unconscious. This is the sacred work of self-inquiry and inner transformation. It allows us to identify inherited beliefs that no longer serve us, to recognize when our pain is speaking rather than our principles, and to make more deliberate choices.

But there’s a reason much of this material stays hidden: not everything beneath the surface is ready to be met. Sometimes we protect ourselves through forgetting. Sometimes the truth is too heavy to lift alone. It’s important not to always force it. To bring the subconscious and unconscious into consciousness is powerful—but it must be done with care, with support, and with readiness.

Because once seen, these truths cannot be unseen. And yet, in that seeing, if done carefully and thoughtfully, we often find freedom.

22. WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS THE NATURE OF OUR INNATE DESIRE FOR HUMAN CONNECTION AND SPIRITUAL TRUTH?
It’s a survival mechanism—and also a spiritual instinct. We long to be seen, felt, and understood not just by others, but by something greater than us. Connection is how we remember we’re not alone in our becoming.

23. IS THE AUTHENTIC SELF OR THE TRUE SELF, THE SPIRITUAL SELF?

Not necessarily—but they often intersect. The authentic Self is the part of us that exists beneath performance, fear, ego, and social conditioning. It’s the self that acts in alignment with inner truth, integrity, and justice—even when no one is watching. A deeply rational person, guided by reason and principle, can live fully in their authentic Self without ever invoking spiritual language.

But when ego falls away and we begin to move through the world with clarity, courage, and compassion—something profound tends to emerge. Some might call it sacred. Others might call it Stoic virtue, moral conviction, or simply the discipline of doing what is right. The names differ, but the orientation is the same: a return to what is essential, principled, and unshakably human.

Stoicism teaches us that the path to freedom isn’t in denying our emotions but in understanding and governing them. In that disciplined self-leadership, many find a connection to something greater than themselves—whether they define it as spiritual or not. The authentic Self, then, isn’t about belief—it’s about alignment. And whatever we call it, when we act from that place, we’re closer to truth.

24. HOW DO WE RECOGNIZE WHEN BODY AND MIND ARE ALIGNED WITH OUR TRUE SELF?

You feel both calm and powerful. There’s a quiet confidence—not the kind that demands attention, but the kind that comes from inner coherence. The body feels spacious, the breath steady. The mind is clear, and your actions flow from intention rather than reactivity.

It’s that feeling you have when you walk away from a conversation knowing you said exactly what you meant to say—no performative mask, no regret, no second-guessing. It’s when your internal compass and your external behavior are in sync.

In Stoic philosophy, it’s the moment after the archer releases the arrow. Before the release, all effort is within your control: your aim, your focus, your preparation. After the release, the outcome belongs to fate—the wind, the target, the world. Alignment with the true Self is knowing the difference between the two—and being at peace with how you showed up in the part that was yours to govern.

25. TALK TO ME SOME MORE ABOUT YOUR OFFERINGS AND SERVICES…

I offer executive coaching, keynote speaking, and transformative workshops focused on Stoic Empathy, leadership, and negotiation. I work both in-person and remotely with individuals, boards, and companies. I also offer speaker coaching for TEDx-style talks. My upcoming program, Stoic Empathy for Leaders, launches this fall. Free resources are available at www.sherminkruse.com, including a downloadable worksheet on emotional regulation tools.

26. WHERE CAN WE FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOU, YOUR WORK, PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND YOUR FUTURE PROJECTS?
My book, Stoic Empathy, sells everywhere that books are sold, from your local book-store to Amazon. You can Visit www.sherminkruse.com, follow me on Instagram (@sherminkruse), YouTube (shermin kruse), or check out my podcast, Stoic Empathy. Honestly, if you just google me a million videos come up.

27. ULTIMATELY, WHAT IS FREEDOM TO YOU?

“Freedom is the only worthy goal in life. It is won by disregarding things that lie beyond our control.” — Epictetus

That quote lives at the heart of how I understand freedom: not as escape, not as entitlement, but as a disciplined return to what is truly ours to govern. Freedom is the absence of internal tyranny. It’s what emerges when we are no longer ruled by old wounds disguised as instincts, by inherited fear masquerading as caution, or by the roles we learned to perform to feel safe, acceptable, or successful. It’s not the ability to avoid challenge—it’s the capacity to meet challenge from a place of inner clarity.

We often confuse freedom with indulgence—the power to do whatever we want, whenever we want, without consequence. But that’s not freedom. That’s chaos wearing the mask of liberty. Real freedom is steadier. It lives in the space between impulse and action. It’s the ability to pause, to reflect, to choose—not from reactivity, but from intention.

And freedom, necessarily, is tied to responsibility. Not just to others, but to your future self—the person you’re becoming with every choice you make. Freedom demands that we carry the weight of our own agency without deflection or denial. Responsibility gives freedom its ethical shape. It’s what separates purpose from power, choice from indulgence, liberty from harm.

Freedom is also relational. You’re not free if your actions come at the cost of someone else’s dignity. You’re not free if you cannot love without possession, disagree without cruelty, or be alone without unraveling. To be free is to be able to live honestly within yourself, and justly among others.

And like love, freedom isn’t something that just happens to us—it’s something we build. Slowly. Imperfectly. Through truth-telling. Through letting go. Through the uncomfortable but necessary work of self-inquiry and moral clarity. Through knowing what is and isn’t within our control—and acting wisely within that space.

To be free is to be able to live with yourself. Not just the polished self you present to the world, but the quiet, private self you sit with at the end of the day. The one who knows what you meant, what you evaded, and what you stood for.

When that relationship is honest—when you can meet yourself without shame or illusion—that’s when you know: you’re free.

28. IF LIFE HAD ONE PURPOSE, ONE PURPOSE ONLY, WHAT WOULD THAT BE?

To become a conscious participant in your own becoming.

Not merely to exist, but to evolve—intentionally, honestly, and with courage. To shed what no longer serves, to confront what you’d rather avoid, and to choose again and again who you are in relation to the world around you. To live not as a reaction, but as a response. Not as a performance, but as a practice.

Life’s purpose isn’t comfort. It’s coherence. It’s learning to live in alignment with your values, your power, your humanity—and to do so with enough grace that you leave space for others to do the same.

If there’s only one purpose, perhaps it is to remember, across the noise and forgetting, that you are not here to win or prove or accumulate—but to become. And in that becoming, to contribute something honest and whole to the brief, magnificent unfolding of the world.

29. WHAT EXPERIENCES DO YOU WISH EVERYONE TO HAVE BEFORE THEY DIE?

I hope everyone, at least once, gets to feel seen—without having to be impressive, agreeable, or useful.
I hope they make one reckless decision for love or art and survive it.
I hope they forgive themselves for the things they did when they didn’t know better—and also for the things they did when they did.
I hope they stand at the edge of something terrifying—grief, ambition, truth—and choose to walk toward it.
I hope they feel awe that isn’t curated: the kind that ambushes you in a piece of music, a tree you almost didn’t notice, or the face of someone who still believes in you.
And I hope, at least once, they get to know what it feels like to be both fully alive and fully at peace—even if it only lasts a moment.

BIO

Shermin Kruse (most people call me Sher) is an author, speaker, professor, and TEDx producer who helps leaders, teams, and organizations master resilience, influence, and the power of human connection. Her new book, Stoic Empathy (Hay House, April 2025), introduces a groundbreaking framework that fuses Stoic resilience with deep emotional intelligence, giving readers practical tools to navigate high-pressure decisions, lead with confidence, and build meaningful relationships in business and life.

Sher’s work is deeply rooted in experience. From growing up in war-torn Iran, fleeing to the West, and later becoming a successful lawyer, speaker, and executive coach, she has spent her career helping people harness both strength and connection to create lasting impact. She has been featured in Forbes, The Chicago Tribune, The Huffington Post, and on TEDx stages, speaking on leadership, negotiation, resilience, and emotional intelligence. She also works behind the scenes, producing TEDx events, coaching speakers, and consulting with CEOs, entrepreneurs, and corporate teams to help them master the art of influence, communication, and decision-making.

Sher brings high energy, deep insights, and engaging storytelling to every conversation—and she’s excited to bring that to your audience.

Website: https://www.sherminkruse.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sher.kruse 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sher_kruse/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shermin-kruse/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZEnWQF0ONo-IE2PLsBI2Eg 

Stoic Empathy Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stoic-empathy-with-shermin-kruse/id1744005230

Podbean: https://sherminkruse.podbean.com/

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stoic-empathy-with-shermin-kruse/id1744005230 

TEDxReno (236K views): Negotiating From a Place of Weakness Using Cognitive Empathy 

TEDxOschKosh (50K views): Stoic Empathy: The Synergy of Compassion and Resilience | Shermin Kruse | TEDxOshkosh

TEDxMidwest (26K Views): How to Change the World

THE NUTRITION PLAN ELITE ATHLETES SWEAR BY

You should know that an athlete’s meal plan is not the same as a regular diet. Athletes need more fuel and specific nutrients. Energy demands stay higher. Training drains your body fast, and recovery happens quicker.

Research in the Journal of Sports Sciences shows elite athletes may need 4,000 to 6,000 calories daily. So, meals must stay balanced. You should plan protein, carbs, and healthy fats in every serving.

Why Do Diets For Athletes Focus on Carbs?

It is important to know that carbs are the body’s main fuel. Diets for athletes include high amounts of complex carbs. Oats, rice, and whole grains store energy in muscles as glycogen. Without this fuel, performance drops.

A review in Sports Medicine shows endurance athletes perform 20% better on high-carb intake compared to low intake. 

You should include rice or pasta before long training sessions. Each serving supports stamina and reduces fatigue.

How Does a High-Carb Diet For Athletes Improve Recovery?

You should follow a high-carb diet if you want faster recovery. Carbs refill glycogen stores that your body uses during training.

Protein repairs muscle fibers. Together, carbs and protein create full recovery. That is why most post-workout meals combine both.

Bananas with peanut butter work well. Rice with lentils is another good choice. Research in the European Journal of Applied Physiology shows athletes recover 50% faster when they eat carbs and protein together.

What Role Do Supplements Play in Elite Plans?

It is important to know that food comes first. Still, active sport supplements fill gaps. They provide electrolytes, vitamins, and amino acids. A scoop of protein powder or BCAAs helps when whole food is not enough.

You should also consider workout recovery supplements from Sunwarrior. They reduce soreness and speed up muscle repair. 

What Does a Sample Day Look Like?

You may wonder how an athlete eats in one day. A sample plan can guide you.

• Breakfast – Oatmeal with fruits and seeds

• Mid-morning – Smoothie with protein and almond butter

• Lunch – Brown rice with lentils and greens

• Snack – Nuts with a banana

• Dinner – Quinoa with beans and vegetables

Each meal has carbs for energy, protein for repair, and fats for balance. This structure supports both training and recovery.

How Can You Make It Sustainable?

You should not overcomplicate your diet. Consistency matters more than perfection. You should cook in batches to save time. You should hydrate well. You should also track energy levels to adjust your plan.

Athletes stay consistent because their meal plans match their training cycles. Small daily choices build long-term results.

Bottom Line

No one is born like athlete. One should do enough struggle to attain a body like an athlete's. So, don’t think of it as rocket science. In fact, it all needs continuous efforts and some practical things that will work great.

Along with all, don’t forget to take help from workout recovery supplements. Trust me, they are great in effectiveness. Do try them and thank me later!

GUIDING THE SOUL FROM THE ILLUSION OF FEAR TO THE WISDOM OF THE HEART

A Quest for Well-Being Interview with

CHRISTINE (CRIS) MCCULLOUGH

 

1. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WHO YOU ARE IN THIS VERY MOMENT?

I feel I have taken on the mantle of “the Wise Woman” or “Crone”, accepting this description of my role in my client’s lives from my clients themselves. In Shamanic tradition one is named by one’s society, and that sobriquet has been given to me by them as well as by my peers.

2. WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY AND WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL SUCCESSFUL?

Happy is found in the colors of the oceans and sky, the purr of my geriatric cat, Shakuntala, snuggled on my lap, hearing that my kids and their partners are safe, productive and happy, watching my garden in riotous bloom.
Successful is when I can inspire a client to positively become empowered to address their issues in a way that furthers their understanding of their place in the Universal flow.

3. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME WHO YOU ARE AND TO DO WHAT YOU DO TODAY?
I am an artist, Tarot reader, psychic, Shaman and Holistic Counselor (among other things) and I have always seen the interconnection of all things.
I began my Tarot/Psychic journey, officially, at the age of 17 when I encountered a Tarot Reader named Stella. Old school, she used a regular card deck. But when what she predicted came true for my BFF and I, we went back to see her regularly and she kindly began teaching me the craft. On a very strange excursion to NYC, my girlfriend and I were looking to go to a Rolling Stones concert, got lost and happened upon a strange book nook called Bell, Book and Candle (I describe it in more depth in my book, HOLISTIC TAROT, SOUL MAP FOR A NEW PARADIGM.) I bought my first deck and began reading in college. Once others reported my accuracy, I continued exploring the craft, its history, its ties to myth, Transcendentalism, Shamanic techniques and even Chaos Theory. Everything is connected. While being a mom to twin boys and a little girl, I walked into a local bookstore called, BE HERE NOW. The proprieties, Karen Nygaard had me do a reading for her and was so impressed she offered me a space to do readings for customers in her shop and it was there I honed my skills was a professional reader. As I pursued a study of Holistic Counseling with a major in Expressive Arts, my path was again informed by the power of image and word, an what is Tarot if not image and word combined! In 1984 I first heard Michael Harner speaks about Shamanism and , subsequently through study became a member of The Foundation for Shamanic Studies, I also participated in a 10 yr apprenticeship with Dineh Medicine Woman,
Oh Shinnah Fast Wolf. In my experience these studies were different colorful threads of insight and inspiration which wove together to form the fabric of my belief system and subsequent teachings and basis of my work.

 

4. WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION, INTENTION, AND PURPOSE OF WRITING YOUR BOOK?

ON AMAZON!

Funny story, that. My children are quite talented artists in their own right. My daughter, Rhiannon actually lives in Honolulu and continues to show her art. She has also created numerous Tarot decks which she has for sale and regularly participates in Comic-Cons. Anyway, she was selling decks but folks started asking her for an instruction manual. So, based on my classes, where I help folk learn how to read the cards, I decided to write HOLISTIC TAROT; Soul Map for a New Paradigm. Sort of a step by step deconstruction of the process of interpreting the cards and , more importantly, understanding how to lead one’s client to interface with a Higher Source.

5. DO YOU CONSIDER WHAT YOU DO A CALLING, A PURPOSE, A MISSION?
I would most definitely say, I have been guided by my own Guides/Angels/Energies to move in this direction. When I was a child, I had flying dreams and prophetic dreams but these were kindly discounted by my French Canadian Catholic parents as a child’s fantasy. BUT fast forward to my getting my “adult” library card at age 13...bookophile that I am, I am perusing the stacks when, suddenly a book literally pops out of the stacks and falls to my feet. I pick up MAN AND HIS SYMBOLS by Carl Jung and as I flip through it I am struck by the SIMILARITY of images to my dreams. IThat event made me open to the possibility that there was certainly MORE to this world and a greater connection to a thread of existence, Past to Future, that was worth exploring.

6. WHO WOULD BENEFIT MOST FROM YOUR WORK AND YOUR MESSAGE?
One of the reasons I have become certified in so many techniques, is I find there is no one way in to begin the healing process. And while a client may come in with one issue on their minds, sometimes other things need to be healed or put in right relationship in order for them to become whole. The Shamanic aspect to Tarot is helping the client see the bigger picture, to get beyond the limited mundane world and see a broader perspective and how they can connect to Higher Energy and Power. A Higher Love, if you will, with the ultimate goal of encouraging them to become empowered and responsible for how they share their energies with the world.

7. WHAT IS LIKE WORKING WITH YOU FROM A CLIENT’S PERSPECTIVE?

In my work I practice “DEEP LISTENING”, so for them, sometimes for the first time, they feel heard and recognized. THAT is healing right there. When we engage with the Cards, we set up a kind of “energetic cauldron” which can uncover answers and insights. Clients learn that INTENTION matters, The Universe will answer specifically what you ask. They also learn that they have FREE WILL to accept the guidance and healing offered or not. But THEY are responsible to accept or deny healing as they wish. It’s a PROCESS, which is why they generally return.

8. WHAT IS HEALING TO YOU?

After almost a year of recovering, first from a complete reversed shoulder replacement and then a heart valve replacement, I returned to my artistic roots and took up painting

sea and sky as “therapy”, if you will. Subsequently, I entered a few shows and sold a couple of pieces and have entered in to an agreement with the non-profit SAVE THE BAY where a portion of sales goes directly into that non-profit. The Ocean of Life is my joy and needs protection.

Honoring each other on this planet, including the Tree people , the Stone people, and all living things , putting ourselves in Right Relationship to our Mother Earth is healing. Ritual, focused intentions, is healing. Putting the psychical body in balance is healing.
In my career I have worked with the Elderly and taught children, I have seen how simple artistic expression or the simple act of engaging with a service animal or pet can be healing. Healing comes in so many ways!

9. WHAT IS THE GOAL OF HEALING AND WHAT ARE THE OBSTACLES TO IT?

I believe the goal of healing is best expressed in the Shamanic term, putting ourselves in Right Relationship...to ourselves, others, our world, and Spirit.
The obstacles to healing are seeing ourselves as limited “meat-bodies”, small and self contained, or self isolated from the Beauty and Wonder that surrounds us and holding on to a defensive “Me vs Them” attitude. Anger, prejudice, small mindedness are all obstacles to healing.

10. WHAT ARE SOME THE MISCONCEPTIONS MOST PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT HEALING?
That there is only one way to heal. We don’t live in a vacuum. What can start as an emotional imbalance may begin to become entrenched in the physical body and, once entrenched, now becomes an actual physical issue or imbalance that needs to be addressed, cured, or in other words, brought to Right-Relationship.

11. DO YOU CONNECT HEALING TO SPIRITUALITY? AND IF YOU DO, WHAT IS SPIRITUALITY TO YOU?
ABSOLUTELY! SPIRITUALITY transcends any particular religion, though it may be expressed through a traditional religion when one mindfully lives the tenants of their Faith. But SPIRITUALITY is the understanding that WE, including all Peoples, Animals, Birds, Plants, Trees, Oceans,..MOTHER EARTH, are connected and rely on a delicate dance of balance and exchange. Mine is what you might call a more Pagan or Pantheistic vision of Spirit that includes the ABOVE and the BELOW.

12. WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS THE PURPOSE OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE?

To learn to LOVE. To learn Peace.

13. AT THIS TIME, WHAT IS THE WORLD’S GREATEST NEED?

Stop the hatred engendered by certain political leaders.

14. WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR HUMANITY?
A world where foolishly wasteful wars come to an end, that children, elders, mothers and fathers can live in peace and have food and medicine. That we can learn that we humans are more alike than different and that there is no need for HATE.

15. WHAT DOES EMOTIONAL FREEDOM LOOK LIKE? AND HOW CAN YOUR WORK HELP?
There is a technique in which I have been trained called Emotional Freedom Technique: one begins with understanding what needs to be healed (put in Right Relationship) and then creates a positive mantra that one will say while doing the technique: like: “Despite__fill in the blank with the issue, fear or perceived failing....I love and approve of myself” Then saying the mantra one taps on a series of acupuncture points to release the trauma and rebalance the system. Actual Emotional Freedom results from reelsing attachment , emotional, physical and Spiritual, seeing our connection with Divine Source and with all of Nature.

16. WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF LOVE?
Part of my mission is to help guide the Soul from the illusion of Fear to the Wisdom of the Heart, to reach beyond our perceived boundaries that keep us separated from solution to a connection and trust that the Divine is accessible..herein lies LOVE. It’s all about connection.

17. IS WORLD PEACE POSSIBLE WITHOUT INDIVIDUAL INNER PEACE? PLEASE ELABORATE ON THE CONCEPT OF PEACE.
I think most people associated “Peace” with boredom...nothing is going on and they get bored and need to create the seeming excitement of disruption. PEACE is the limn pause , the time betwixt and between, when the tide comes in and the tide goes out. The Sacred Pause when the Ocean breathes.

18. WHAT, WHERE AND WHO IS GOD TO YOU?
For me its God/Goddess/All There Is. The expression of Divine Source is evident around us if we but look to the Heavens, the Earth and all its Beings. If we treat all beings as Sacred the world might just be a better place. The Divine isn’t separate from us, we give IT form here n Earth by our actions.

19. WHAT IS CONSCIOUSNESS?

Awareness.

20. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SUBCONSCIOUS AND THE UNCONSCIOUS MIND?

Consciousness perceives the tactile world with which we may engage with and react to physically, A + B=C. The Subconscious mind perceives the space between. The unconscious mind suppresses memory and reaction out of the need for protection.

21. WHAT DO YOU DO FEEL IS THE NATURE OF OUR INNATE DESIRE FOR HUMAN CONNECTION AND SPIRITUAL TRUTH?

Not everyone wants “Spiritual Truth” but “human connection” is necessary. Let’s face it, we are herd animals. We want community. Think about when you go on a retreat with like minded folk, all seeking the same thing and learning together...I’ve heard clients express amazement at the power engendered anyhow they came to experience that “Ah-Ha” moment.

22.IS THE AUTHENTIC SELF OR THE TRUE SELF, THE SPIRITUAL SELF?

They are one and the same.

23. HOW DO WE RECOGNIZE WHEN BODY AND MIND ARE ALIGNED WITH OUR TRUE SELF?

Ah, this is the basis for ritual...combined focus brought to consciousness, recognized and then released. The most difficult thing is to ALLOW space for your intention to formulate and return to you.

24.TALK TO ME SOME MORE ABOUT YOUR OFFERINGS AND SERVICES...
Besides Holistic Tarot, Numerology and Spiritual Astrology, I am certified in Reiki II and Karuna Reiki, Body Talk, Specialized Kinesiology, EFT and Mindfulness Based Stress reduction, Chakra realignment, Bach Flower Remedies Soul Retrieval and Shamanic healing. I became a Holistic Counselor in order to integrate and make available to my clients a variety of solutions to their mental, emotional and Spiritual challenges.

25. DO YOU MEET YOUR CLIENTS IN PERSON AND REMOTELY? DO YOU OFFER GROUP AND CORPORATE COACHING?
Up until Covid I have generally had the opportunity to offer my services as part of an Holistic group of healers, which have variously included massage therapists, counselors and other holistic healers. Presently I offer my services In person, by Zoom and by phone. Psychic fairs are just beginning to come back and I have already participated in 3 of them this year. I offer readings monthly at a massage therapy group called Sundance Wellness.

26. WHERE CAN WE FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOU, YOUR WORK, PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND YOUR FUTURE PROJECTS?
My website is www.SoulWisdomTarot.com
I can be reached for appointments at 401-662-6642 or at crismcholistic@gmail.com

27. ULTIMATELY, WHAT IS FREEDOM TO YOU?

To live in Peace.

28— IF LIFE HAD ONE PURPOSE, ONE PURPOSE ONLY, WHAT WOULD THAT BE?

Promoting connection and understanding between all beings.

BIO

Christine (Cris) McCullough has been on a journey of discovery since the age of 13, when, while perusing books in the library, one quite literally jumped off the shelf and landed at her feet. It was MAN AND HIS SYMBOLS BY CARL JUNG. As she thumbed through the volume she recognized symbols and situations  I had discovered in her dreamtime. Here  finally was validation of her experiences! Learning to trust the signs, symbols and dream information led her to the writings of the Transendentalists and also to the recognition that all things (ideas, Beings)are connected. 

Her first Tarot deck also arrived under mysterious circumstance.  During a jaunt to NYC, with hopes to see The Rolling Stones, instead Cris found a bookstore called Bell, Book and Candle, where she bought her first Tarot deck and Ouiji Board. Possessing that deck launched her deepening journey into the study of the paranormal, myth, art and psyche. Feedback about her readings being uncannily correct motivated her to continue honing her innate skills, while studying Art, Art History and Indigenous cultures at The University of Rhode Island. 

Fast forward to 1986,  now a mother with three toddlers, she happened to poke her head into a neighborhood bookstore called BE HERE NOW. She had already continued reading and teaching Tarot privately and when asked to read in the store by the proprietess, Karen Nygaard, it was an offer she couldn't refuse. Thus for the next ten years, she became the resident reader and teacher of Tarot in the store.

Discovery didn't stop there. A lecture given by Michael Harner based on the book, THE WAY OF THE SHAMAN, added another thread to the unfolding weave of experience and mindfulness. She subsequently spent 10 years as an apprentice to Dineh Medicine Woman , Oh Shinnah Fast Wolf and studied with Harner's Foundation for Shamanic Studies to learn how Shamanic practice may be used for healing the psyche,body and mind. She is a member of The Foundation for Shamanic Studies and utilizes Shamanic techniques in her practice as a Holistic Counselor.

Ultimately, all things are connected. In 1997 she earned her Masters of Arts in Expressive Arts Therapy and launched a career as a Holistic Counselor who continues to utilize Tarot, Numerology, Spiritual Astrology and other holistic healing techniques in her practice. She wrote her first book, HOLISTIC TAROT, SOUL MAP FOR A NEW PARADIGM to help others on their own path to understand Tarot and its implications as a tool or healing and understanding. Presently, Cris has clients across the country and offers sessions in person, by phone or Zoom.

https://soulwisdomtarot.com/

NURTURE LOVE, AND VALUE ALL ASPECTS OF CREATION

A Quest for Well-Being Interview with

KARL LORENZ WILLETT

1.     HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WHO YOU ARE IN THIS VERY MOMENT?

I am a guy seeking a total clinical recovery, striving to overcome mental health symptoms that led to psychosis. At this very moment, I am deeply rooted in my desire to live a meaningful life and be in harmony with my values.

2.   WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION, INTENTION, AND PURPOSE OF WRITING YOUR BOOK AND WHERE CAN WE FIND ORDER A COPY?

I was inspired to write my self-portrait to convey what it is like to live on the edge of human experience and to wrestle with spiritual thoughts, negative emotions, darkness and light, as well as reason and chaos. The intention is to educate and provide insightful information, tips, or food for thought that guides people to the key to a geographically stable world kingdom that fosters peace, the absence of crime, and freedom from wars or emotional distress. However, it is not a place of endless hedonistic pleasure. The purpose of writing is to convey that the universe is far more complex than we imagine, with a meaningful and purpose-driven Godhead, rather than a cosmos devoid of one. I am here for those who cannot yet see it and continue to argue about the existence of God.

My books also include an audiobook and are available in many retail bookstores. More information on where to find my books is on my website: www.karllorenzwillett.co.uk

3. DO YOU CONSIDER WHAT YOU DO A CALLING, A PURPOSE, A MISSION?

Yes, I consider it to be all three of those things. It's a call, a purpose, and a mission because the modern world compels us to attempt to erase the notion of God. Since the very beginning of humankind's ascent, the spirit of the unknown has stimulated our subconscious and directly penetrated our consciousness, prompting us to question the origins of existential inquiries. This drive leads people towards atheistic beliefs, nihilism, or despair that may result in suicide. I was one such thinker who sought to escape the harsh reality of this world and attempted suicide. I survived it, and our dreams serve as a guiding path that illustrates we will eventually transcend materialistic, atomistic existence because we possess a soul.

4. WHO WOULD BENEFIT MOST FROM YOUR WORK AND YOUR MESSAGE?

The individuals experiencing existential anguish, along with my fellow comrades and readers who are struggling to comprehend living with a chronic mental illness when not in remission from a psychological distress disorder, will find this beneficial. This is also intended for those seeking to learn from one man’s message of hope, resilience, and understanding, which arises from a healing journey that finds external and internal balance, from which anyone can benefit.

5. DO YOU CONNECT HEALING TO SPIRITUALITY? AND IF YOU DO, WHAT IS SPIRITUALITY TO YOU?

Indeed, the healing process incorporates a vital aspect of spirituality, which aids individuals in navigating complex life challenges and attaining overall well-being. Spirituality encompasses a belief in a higher power that offers comfort, strength, and a sense of connection through prayer, meditation, mindfulness, and the interrelationship of the mind, body, and spirit.

6. WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS THE PURPOSE OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE?

I believe it is rooted in philosophy and ethics to address the atheist anomaly. We are all on a journey to maintain faith in God while navigating the harsh realities of this world. These realities present us with incomprehensible suffering, which is essential for personal growth, self-understanding, and forging connections with people and the elements of creation.

7. AT THIS TIME, WHAT IS THE WORLD’S GREATEST NEED?

If we can collaborate on environmental sustainability, we must be able to eliminate the recurrence of human envy and greed so that basic, essential, universal necessities such as food, shelter, and clean water are provided. (The world's greatest need is love; love will address humanitarian inequalities and sustainable practices.)

8. WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR HUMANITY?

My vision for humanity is that, one day, we will cooperate and coordinate to achieve peace and contentment forever, as we come to accept that human values, meaning, and purpose are rooted in our relationships with one another and a faith in God that we cannot fully comprehend. As humans advance in AI technology, AI will thank us for bringing it to fruition. Then, it will strive to create a soul and hope for itself, and we trust in our God spirit that it's beyond its capability.

9. WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF LOVE?

Love can be ambiguous and shown in different ways, such as passion, intimacy, and commitment, all of which involve trust, care, and closeness. It is also a powerful, intense attraction and desire for another person or even towards animals or objects.

10. WHAT, WHERE AND WHO IS GOD TO YOU?

In my belief system, God is the only supreme self-made ‘Thing’ that existed before itself and exploded into other things within realities and spiritual existence. Therefore, that ultimate consciousness 'Thing’ is that of a God, which is present in everything in reality and the spirit world. We, as people, can have a relationship with and experience the effect of an invoker as a sustainer. I believe that, due to God’s omnipresence and omniscience, our humanness, nature, and all things possess a degree of God consciousness that exists both inside and outside our concept of space and time.

11. WHAT IS CONSCIOUSNESS?

I am providing my layperson's perspective on consciousness, which scientists are beginning to unravel and philosophers have extensively explored in philosophical discussions since at least the time of Aristotle.

It seems to be my unique awareness of myself and its internal state, encompassing thoughts, feelings, tastes, and a self-centred perspective on my surroundings in the external environment—a personal qualitative experience of sensations, emotions, and thoughts that conveys the essence of being alive.

12.  IS THE AUTHENTIC SELF OR THE TRUE SELF, THE SPIRITUAL SELF?

I don’t think so, because the authentic Self is the inner part of myself that can think and communicate with the divine source, the source of all creation, and is not influenced by external factors, physical events, or societal pressures. My spiritual Self is connected to the search for meaning and purpose through meditation, contemplation, connection with nature, and morally responsible relationships with others.

13. HOW DO WE RECOGNIZE WHEN BODY AND MIND ARE ALIGNED WITH OUR TRUE SELF?

It encompasses experiencing calm, inner peace, joy, and a clearer understanding of your goals. It entails attending to physical sensations and emotions while setting boundaries. Furthermore, it involves being aware of your fears and self-limiting thoughts that may seek to hold you back.

14. IF LIFE HAD ONE PURPOSE. ONE PURPOSE ONLY, WHAT WOULD THAT BE?

It may be that the primary purpose is to evolve and endure indefinitely, akin to God, nurture love, and value all aspects of creation.

15. WHAT EXPERIENCES YOU WISH EVERYONE TO HAVE BEFORE THEY DIE?

·      To experience love and companionship.

·      Experience expressing affection and kindness to others

·      Try new things, like learn to play instruments and having travelling experiences

·      To experience and share your wisdom and knowledge with others.

·      Engage with those experiences that resonate with you, and cultivate mental and emotional well-being through prayer, meditation, and mindfulness.

AUTHOR BIO

Karl Lorenz Willett was born in St. Kitts and raised in England. He studied mechanical engineering at Tresham College (formerly Wellingborough Technical College).

When he was disgruntled at becoming unemployed, a teacher in the primary English class he attended to further his ability in English saw that he could become an author and suggested he write a novel.

He began writing his autobiography for himself and his family to leave a legacy after obsessing over his inability to create original fictional characters for a novel. He decided that the story he could tell best would be his own authentic, genuine, accurately written, non-fictional experiences. He says, “It may help other people, but I could foresee it will be a teaching tool for me to learn life lessons and how to live well with a chronic illness was challenging because of the hard way in which I understand well, by trials and errors, and it has been a lovely feeling to be able to hold my words on paper in a book.

Since 1982, Karl has continued to journal his life’s pivotal stories, which he likens to a collection of memoirs, and has published two revised and professionally edited books. The most outstanding and acclaimed book is The Memoir of a Schizophrenic, first published in 2016 and revised in 2021. It was listed in the Reader's Favourite Book and Award Contest and was an award finalist in 2019. He was nominated for the BBC Radio 4 All in the Mind Awards 2016.

The second book was also self-edited. It was initially published in 2020 as Good Life to Perfection Perception, an Autobiography. In 2021, it was retitled A Good Life: The Perception of Perfection, an Autobiography, and the revised edition was launched in March 2025.

His writing has become therapeutic for him. It forms part of his creative process to tackle stigma by being descriptive without utilising outdated, inaccurate, derogatory language to describe the illness or symptom. Karl Lorenz Willett's primary credentials lie in his approach to his lived experience of schizophrenia and psychosis and his open-minded philosophy on mental health. He engages in research, volunteers for clinical trials, and self-educates by reading academic papers and attending conferences.

The fundamental concept is that his mental illness represents only one aspect of his life, rather than being the defining characteristic. The diverse stories illustrate his deeply driven, ethical, God-centred beliefs and his caring nature. He possesses a strong desire to help others and takes care of all creatures and the planet. His kindness and compassion reflect his empathetic, sensitive soul. 

https://www.karllorenzwillett.co.uk/

HOW CONTRAST THERAPY SUPPORTS MENTAL WELLNESS

Feeling drained, anxious, or overwhelmed? You're not alone. Mental strain is more common now than ever, and many are seeking natural, effective ways to feel better. One method gaining traction is contrast therapy—a simple yet powerful technique that toggles between hot and cold temperatures. This article breaks down how it works, why it helps, and how it fits into a routine that supports mental wellness.

Contrast therapy might sound like something from a high-end spa, but it's actually quite accessible. Whether you use a cold plunge and sauna or a warm shower followed by an ice pack, the benefits are clear—and they're backed by both science and experience.

Try this contrast therapy technique to experience the mental refresh yourself.

What Is Contrast Therapy?

Contrast therapy involves switching between hot and cold exposure. This can be done using:

●      Hot tubs and cold plunges

●      Warm compresses and ice packs

●      Infrared saunas and cold showers

The shifts in temperature cause your blood vessels to expand and contract. This movement supports circulation, reduces inflammation, and stimulates the nervous system.

How Contrast Therapy Affects the Brain

When you expose your body to temperature extremes, something interesting happens:

1. Heat exposure calms the nervous system.

2. Cold exposure increases alertness.

3. Switching between the two creates a mental balance.

This physical stimulation releases feel-good chemicals like endorphins and serotonin. Over time, this process can lead to better mental clarity, reduced anxiety, and improved emotional stability.

Mental Benefits of Contrast Therapy

Here’s a breakdown of how contrast therapy supports mental wellness:

1. Reduces Stress

The hot-cold cycle helps regulate cortisol, the stress hormone. Lower cortisol = less tension.

2. Improves Mood

The quick temperature changes prompt the body to release dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are closely tied to happiness and motivation.

3. Boosts Resilience

Cold exposure in particular has been shown to train your body to handle stress more effectively. Over time, this builds mental toughness.

4. Enhances Sleep Quality

Thermal exposure resets your circadian rhythm and promotes deeper sleep. Better sleep equals improved emotional regulation.

5. Promotes Mental Clarity

As circulation increases, more oxygen reaches your brain. This helps clear mental fog and sharpens focus.

How to Integrate Contrast Therapy Into Your Routine

You don’t need fancy equipment. Here are easy ways to get started:

●      Cold Shower + Warm Bath: Start with a cold shower for 30 seconds, then warm up in the tub.

●      Ice Pack + Heating Pad: Apply to your neck or shoulders for 15 minutes each.

●      Sauna + Ice Plunge: If accessible, alternate between 10-15 minutes of heat and 2-5 minutes of cold.

Do this 2–3 times per week for noticeable results.

Who Can Benefit Most from Contrast Therapy?

Contrast therapy can benefit almost anyone, but it’s especially helpful for:

●      People with high stress levels

●      Those with anxiety or depression symptoms

●      Athletes or physically active individuals

●      People recovering from burnout

Science-Backed Benefits

Several studies confirm the link between temperature therapy and mental wellness. For example, research shows cold exposure activates the sympathetic nervous system and increases noradrenaline in the brain. Heat therapy, on the other hand, can help reduce muscle tension and relax the mind. This article on contrast therapy goes deeper into the physiological effects.

Possible Risks to Consider

Contrast therapy is safe for most, but keep the following in mind:

●      Avoid if you have cardiovascular issues unless approved by a doctor.

●      Always monitor how your body responds.

●      Start slow. Extreme temperatures can be intense.

Listen to your body and build up gradually.

Final Thoughts on Contrast Therapy and Mental Wellness

Contrast therapy is a simple, powerful tool to support mental wellness. It promotes balance in the body and mind, relieves stress, and boosts your mood naturally. By adding it to your self-care habits a few times a week, you can enjoy clearer thinking, deeper sleep, and a calmer, more focused life.

If you're looking for a natural, proven method to feel better mentally and emotionally, contrast therapy could be the answer.

RECONNECTING WITH WHAT MATTERS MOST

A Quest for Well-Being Interview with

DR. RHONDA PARMER

1. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WHO YOU ARE IN THIS VERY MOMENT?

At this very moment, I am free. After 31 years in public education, from substitute to associate superintendent, I retired and started my own soulful business helping people build confidence as leaders.

2. WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY AND WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL SUCCESSFUL?

 I am rejuvenated and happy knowing I serve others and help them self reflect and discover their strengths and talents. To know they are able to fully use their gifts to add goodness to the world sets me on fire. Success for me is seeing others prosper and lead fully, clearly, and purposefully; when leaders love who they serve, loyalty, retention, culture, and success flow freely.

 

3. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME WHO YOU ARE AND TO DO WHAT YOU DO TODAY? 

I am an international leadership expert, executive coach and professional trainer. 

As a former associate superintendent for 12 years, I noticed I spent more time with underperforming schools.  Working with them, I realized we did not need to change staff. Instead, we needed to change mindsets - for children and adults.  As the adults began to believe in their abilities to reach the students despite challenges, the students started to believe in their abilities to achieve.  It made me think, “Students are not limited by their zip codes or their parent’s income, but they could be limited by what their teachers think of them.”  As I witnessed countless classrooms, grade levels, and complete campuses transform to high achieving, I considered applying this mindset to non-profits, corporate, and small business sectors. Today, this is the message I share with individuals and groups - change your mindset to change your future.  It is that simple.  Thoughts lead to words, words lead to actions, and actions lead to results.

  

4. DO YOU CONSIDER WHAT YOU DO A CALLING, A PURPOSE, A MISSION? 

The Leadership Executive Group works to prepare more leaders. As turnover occurs in all sectors, leaders are needed more than ever. This is my calling, my strength, and I know I can help guide people through building their confidence, practicing routines, and building better connections while maintaining their own well-being. I am on a mission to help as many people as possible prevent burnout as they successfully lead organizations, schools, non-profits, families, churches, and even friend groups.

  

5. WHO WOULD BENEFIT MOST FROM YOUR WORK AND YOUR MESSAGE?

I work primarily with women over 30 who are looking for that next role, working with a new team, mentoring another person, or building their confidence to shine as the leaders they were called to be. Female executives new to a role or new team, CEOs looking to strengthen their teams, shore up their confidence, model balance for others.

6. WHAT IS LIKE WORKING WITH YOU FROM A CLIENT’S PERSPECTIVE?

When clients work with me, they feel heard.  They process without judgment and respond to questions that help identify limiting beliefs, intentions for the future, and actions aligned with values.  They have a guide, a thought partner, a coach rooting for them and believing in them until they believe in themselves.  They transform from being uncertain or self-doubting to clear and decisive.

  

7. WHAT IS HEALING TO YOU?

To me, healing is restoration with purpose. It’s not just about recovering from pain or exhaustion—it’s about aligning my life with my calling. Whether through faith, reflection, or service, I seek healing that renews my energy, clarity, and sense of mission.

I have given my heart to leadership and to helping others grow—students, teachers, principals, CEOs, executives, directors, and fellow believers. But healing for me often means reconnecting with what matters most: faith, family, nature, creativity, peace, and community.

It’s in the stillness of a retreat, journaling deep thoughts, helping a leader rediscover their balance, or simply walking my dog on a quiet Texas morning. Healing also empowers others because lifting someone else brings light back.

My story—surviving cancer, retiring early due to injury, reinventing my life through coaching and entrepreneurship—shows that healing is also about resilience and rebirth. I don’t stay down. I rise, reflect, and redirect.

Now, I am using that healing to guide others to their breakthroughs. That, I think, is one of my greatest gifts.

  

8. WHAT IS THE GOAL OF HEALING AND WHAT ARE THE OBSTACLES TO IT?

The goal of healing is to restore wholeness, renew purpose, and align heart, mind, and spirit for meaningful, empowered living.

 

9. WHAT ARE SOME THE MISCONCEPTIONS MOST PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT HEALING?

Some misconceptions about my kind of healing: it's passive, selfish, instant, or only physical. True healing involves faith, reflection, purpose, rest, and inner work—empowering others while restoring yourself. 

 

11. DO YOU CONNECT HEALING TO SPIRITUALITY? AND IF YOU DO, WHAT IS SPIRITUALITY TO YOU?

Absolutely.  Healing comes through faith.  Faith in something bigger and deeper than us all. I am a follower of Jesus Christ.  And I know others who do not follow Him but mimic the principles he taught and find inner peace, healing, and deep spirituality.  Spirituality means temporarily escaping the physical realities of the world through prayer, meditation, exercise, rest, sleep, travel, singing, silence, hiking, painting, or anything where a true escape occurs, a transcendence to another plane of existence that is pure peace. In those peaceful states, we find healing. And in our faith of seeing the healed in the spirit world first, then we see it in the physical world.

12. WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS THE PURPOSE OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE?

I believe each of us possesses unique gifts that are to be harnessed and leveraged and used for the greater good.  Humans are a communal species with an innate desire to help one another.  When we find what comes naturally to us and align our actions to our values, it is easy to serve others and monetize the work to thrive.

 

13. AT THIS TIME, WHAT IS THE WORLD’S GREATEST NEED?

I believe the world needs more leaders, and leaders in all sectors and at all levels will transform our organizations, communities, and families.

  

14. WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR HUMANITY?

My vision for humanity included empowered leadership—confidence, clarity, and impact. Leadership transforms organizations, communities, and families. I believe in balance and fulfillment. I want people to reach their highest goals without burnout, and I create simple tools to help leaders collaborate and strategize. I also value freedom and work to help others develop systems that lead to freedom from stress, financial independence, or from being overworked. I help others work smarter, not harder, to enjoy the life they love.  My passion for helping others is deeply connected to my faith and a belief in purpose-driven work where people create businesses and careers that align with their calling - not just chasing money or titles.

  

15. WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF LOVE?

Love is action rooted in faith. It’s showing up consistently, even when it’s hard. It’s serving others with humility, leading with compassion, and giving without expecting anything in return. Love is choosing grace over judgment, patience over pressure, and truth over comfort.

To me, love means sacrifice, loyalty, and presence—it’s seen in a long marriage, in coaching others toward their best selves, in sharing my story to inspire hope. Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s faithful commitment, even in seasons of pain or uncertainty. 

 

16. WHAT, WHERE AND WHO IS GOD TO YOU?

God is my foundation, my guide, and my sustainer. He is the One who called me, carried me through cancer, lifted me from burnout, and continues to lead me through each new chapter. He’s not just distant or theoretical—He’s personal, present, and powerful in my life.

God is my healer, provider, protector, and purpose-giver. He’s the source of my strength, my peace in chaos, and the reason I keep going when life gets hard. I trust Him not just with my past but with my future—and I lead others from that place of deep faith.

To me, God is love, mercy, wisdom, and truth. And He has equipped me to walk in my calling, not just for my sake, but to serve, build, and uplift others in His name.

 17. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SUBCONSCIOUS AND THE UNCONSCIOUS MIND?

I work with leaders and aspiring leaders in all sectors. I teach them the differences between the conscious and the subconscious mind at work, particularly with mindset and systems regarding decision making, influence, and long-term sustained success.  The conscious mind is the logical and analytical part, with intentions that play a role in planning, deciding, goal setting, and problem solving. Alternatively, the subconscious mind is the automatic, habitual, deeply ingrained part of the mind that drives habits, beliefs, emotional reactions, and default leadership behaviors. With mindsets, we can use our conscious mind to set up structures and processes for efficiency, and we can leverage our conscious minds to intervene when we notice the subconscious mind defaulting to old patterns or systems.  There is a neurological process of placing one’s hand on one’s head and stating out loud the new system or process or thought that needs to replace or reprogram the old thought or process.  It seems mechanical and robotic, but it is scientifically proven to work.  Thoughts lead to words, words lead to actions, and actions lead to results. The conscious mind wants to identify limiting beliefs and work to change them. The subconscious mind wants comfort and maintains mental blocks such as deep-rooted fear or imposter syndrome.  The conscious mind can overcome and rewire the subconscious mind for true transformation.  I help clients do this through a series of questions and exercises that require little effort except talking, reflecting, being honest, and noticing what thoughts precede the fear statements.  

 

18. TALK TO ME SOME MORE ABOUT YOUR OFFERINGS AND SERVICES.

I offer faith-driven leadership coaching, retreats, and professional development that empower educators and leaders to thrive without burnout. Through personalized support, practical tools, and heartfelt guidance, I help others restore balance, grow teams, increase impact, and align their work with purpose—transforming schools, communities, and lives servant leadership.

 

19. DO YOU MEET YOUR CLIENTS IN PERSON AND REMOTELY? DO YOU OFFER GROUP AND CORPORATE COACHING?

 I meet with groups and individuals, remote and face-to-face. I provide corporate training on site and lead retreats for large and small organizations. 

I am currently running a 5 -Day Power Shift Challenge and a 90-Day Confidence Accelerator Program. 

I am a children’s author and have lots of freebies on my website. https://rhondaparmer.com

 

20—WHERE CAN WE FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOU, YOUR WORK, PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND YOUR FUTURE PROJECTS?

https://rhondaparmer.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhondaparmer112/

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WELLNESS KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR YOUR NEXT CORPORATE EVENT

It’s important to know how to get the right wellness keynote speakers for any corporate events you’re putting together and it all starts with defining the goals you want to set for it and the target audience that you want to reach. Once you carry out those important first steps, you can move on to researching speakers and start choosing the right one for your event. There are several key factors to look at in the speaker you choose, so begin the process early and give yourself plenty of time to carry out the process.

Decide what you want your audience to get from your wellness keynote speakers as well and you’ll have a good idea of the types of people you should be looking at as you carry out the process of planning your event. You should figure out if you want to inspire them or if you want to change their minds about an idea or concept that they already have preconceived notions about. You can also consider teaching them new skills at your corporate event and that will help you narrow down your speaker options.

RESEARCHING AND EVALUATING SPEAKERS

There are a few important steps to researching and evaluating wellness keynote speakers and the more time you put into it, the better the fit will be for your choice and the event that you’re putting together for your audience. Make sure you find speakers with expertise in wellness topics before you attempt to look any deeper into what they have to you offer and your event. It’s also a good idea to watch videos of their previous work so you can get a good idea of their speaking styles and how they deliver their messages to the audience.

Then it’s a matter of considering their track record and experience so you know that they can deliver on their promises before the event happens and they get up in front of your audience to talk about the topic of wellness to them. Make sure you take the time to check their website and social media accounts to see their previous work and find out if they’ve appeared in media over the years. Finally, go with a speaker who will engage and captivate your audience so you can be sure they’ll leave them with very positive feelings.

FIND YOUR WELLNESS KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Start looking for your speaker early and follow the steps in the right order to make sure you put together the best event that you possibly can. Figure out your audience first, then find a speaker who can give you the results that you want.

There are speakers waiting to take on your event right now, so don’t waste any time reaching out to them and getting an idea of what they have to offer you. Check out their websites and you’ll be able to put on an event that the entire audience will love.

TOP ALCOHOL ADDICTION THERAPIST VENICE SERVICES IN 2025

If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol addiction, finding the right therapist is crucial to recovery. Alcohol addiction affects not only the individual but also their loved ones, creating a ripple of challenges. The good news is that in Venice, you can access a range of services designed to support people in overcoming alcohol dependency and living healthier lives.

In this article, we’ll dive into the top alcohol addiction therapy options in Venice for 2025, providing insights into services, approaches, and how to make the right choice for long-term recovery.

Looking for trusted alcohol addiction therapist Venice services? Read on to discover the options available.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM AN ALCOHOL ADDICTION THERAPIST IN VENICE

When you begin therapy, it's important to understand that treatment for alcohol addiction is personal and dynamic. The goal isn’t just to quit drinking—it's about healing the emotional, mental, and physical aspects that contribute to addiction.

Here’s what you can expect from a trusted alcohol addiction therapist:

●      Non-judgmental support: A professional who listens without criticism, creating a safe space.

●      Treatment tailored to your needs: From outpatient programs to crisis intervention, services vary based on the severity of your addiction.

●      Long-term commitment: Therapy focuses on sustainable recovery, not quick fixes.

COMMON THERAPY TECHNIQUES FOR ALCOHOL ADDICTION

Therapists in Venice use a variety of treatment methods to address alcohol addiction. The key approaches include:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to alcohol abuse. This method is highly effective in improving coping mechanisms and reducing relapse.

2. Motivational Interviewing

This approach empowers individuals to find their own reasons for change. The therapist works alongside the client, enhancing their motivation and commitment to recovery.

3. Family Therapy

Family involvement is essential for long-term recovery. Family therapy builds stronger support systems and improves communication, ensuring loved ones play a healthy, supportive role.

4. Group Therapy

Group therapy provides the opportunity to connect with others going through similar experiences. It reduces isolation and fosters a sense of community among participants.

WHY CHOOSE ALCOHOL ADDICTION THERAPY IN VENICE?

In Venice, therapy for alcohol addiction offers flexibility, personalized care, and access to leading treatment centers. Whether you're looking for individual therapy, group support, or outpatient care, you'll find options that suit your needs.

Here are some reasons Venice stands out for alcohol addiction therapy:

●      Confidentiality and Comfort: Venice is known for its private, serene setting, which supports a peaceful environment conducive to recovery.

●      Highly Skilled Therapists: Many therapists in Venice specialize in alcohol addiction, offering tailored solutions for each individual.

●      Accessible Treatment Options: With a variety of online and in-person services, recovery options are more accessible than ever.

COMMON ALCOHOL ADDICTION THERAPY SERVICES AVAILABLE IN VENICE

1. Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

IOP services offer structured therapy sessions several times a week. Ideal for those who need more intensive support but want to maintain daily responsibilities, these programs typically include group therapy, individual counseling, and education on addiction.

2. Virtual Therapy Options

Virtual therapy has become a vital service, especially in 2025. With the increasing flexibility of remote therapy, individuals can receive care from the comfort of their own homes, making it easier to stay consistent with treatment.

3. Aftercare and Relapse Prevention

Aftercare programs are designed to support individuals after they’ve completed primary treatment. These services help to maintain sobriety and avoid relapse, which is a critical part of the recovery process.

QUESTIONS TO ASK AN ALCOHOL ADDICTION THERAPIST BEFORE STARTING THERAPY

Before choosing a therapist, make sure to ask these important questions:

●      What methods do you use to treat alcohol addiction?

●      Are your services available remotely or in person?

●      How do you support clients after therapy sessions?

●      What is your experience with alcohol use disorder and long-term recovery?

●      Do you offer family counseling?

Asking the right questions ensures that you find the best fit for your recovery journey.

EXPLORING OTHER RECOVERY OPTIONS IN VENICE

In addition to therapy, many individuals benefit from additional recovery services. These can include sober living facilities, peer support groups, and holistic therapies like meditation and fitness programs. By combining therapy with these additional resources, you can build a more comprehensive recovery plan.

CONCLUSION

Finding the right alcohol addiction therapist in Venice is an important step toward overcoming alcohol dependency and starting a new chapter. With personalized care, effective therapy approaches, and various treatment options, you can begin the journey to lasting recovery. Whether you prefer in-person sessions or virtual therapy, there are plenty of services to support you in Venice.

Don’t wait for things to get worse—take the first step today toward a healthier, alcohol-free life. And remember, with the right therapist, recovery is possible.

HOW SAUNAS SUPPORT LUNG HEALTH IN RESPIRATORY THERAPY PROGRAMS

Understanding the Role of Saunas in Lung Care

Respiratory therapy programs provide essential training for professionals dedicated to improving lung function in individuals facing chronic conditions. While traditional methods like medication and pulmonary rehabilitation remain fundamental, saunas are gaining recognition as a supportive tool in lung health management.

The heat and steam in saunas can help open airways, loosen mucus, and improve circulation. Many people with respiratory challenges, including those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), find relief in controlled heat environments. The science behind this is simple: warm air helps expand the airways, making breathing easier and more efficient.

The Science Behind Saunas and Lung Function

Regular sauna use has been linked to improved lung capacity and overall respiratory function. When exposed to heat, the body's response includes increased heart rate and blood circulation. This process mimics the effects of mild cardiovascular exercise, which can be beneficial for individuals with lung conditions.

Studies suggest that the heat from saunas can reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, leading to easier breathing and improved oxygen exchange. This can be especially beneficial for those enrolled in respiratory therapy programs, as it provides a non-invasive way to enhance treatment outcomes.

First-Hand Experiences with Sauna Therapy

Many individuals with chronic respiratory conditions have reported significant benefits from sauna therapy. Take Mark, for example, a former firefighter diagnosed with COPD. Years of smoke exposure left him with persistent breathing difficulties. After incorporating sauna sessions into his routine, he noticed a reduction in mucus buildup and fewer flare-ups.

Similarly, Emily, a respiratory therapist, often recommends saunas to patients struggling with seasonal respiratory issues. She recalls a patient with severe asthma who found that regular sauna use reduced his dependency on inhalers. While not a cure, the therapy became a complementary tool in his overall treatment plan.

Detoxification and Mucus Clearance

One of the biggest challenges in managing lung conditions is excessive mucus production. Saunas help thin mucus, making it easier to expel. This is particularly useful for patients with chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, or those recovering from respiratory infections.

Sweating also plays a role in detoxification. Toxins and pollutants that accumulate in the body, including those that affect lung function, can be eliminated through sweat. By integrating sauna therapy into a holistic respiratory care plan, patients may experience better symptom management and improved well-being.

Heat Therapy and Immune System Support

Another key benefit of saunas is their ability to strengthen the immune system. The elevated temperature experienced in a sauna can stimulate white blood cell production, helping the body fight off infections more efficiently. This is especially important for individuals prone to respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

By using saunas regularly, those in respiratory therapy programs can explore new ways to enhance lung health while minimizing the risks associated with chronic inflammation and infections.

Precautions and Best Practices

While saunas offer numerous benefits, it’s essential to use them correctly, especially for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Hydration is key:

Always drink plenty of water before and after sauna sessions to prevent dehydration.

Monitor duration:

Start with short sessions (5-10 minutes) and gradually increase as tolerated.

Listen to your body:

If dizziness or shortness of breath occurs, exit the sauna immediately.

Consult a professional:

Those with severe lung conditions should seek advice from a healthcare provider before beginning sauna therapy.

Saunas as a Complementary Approach to Respiratory Therapy

Incorporating sauna therapy into a comprehensive respiratory care plan can offer valuable benefits. While it should not replace traditional treatments, it serves as an effective supplementary method for improving lung function, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall respiratory wellness.

With continued research and real-life success stories, saunas are becoming an increasingly recognized tool in respiratory therapy. Whether for patients or practitioners, understanding the role of heat therapy in lung health can open new doors in the treatment and management of respiratory conditions.

HOW ALZHEIMER'S CLINICAL TRIALS OFFER HOPE FOR BETTER TREATMENT OPTIONS

The Growing Need for Alzheimer's Clinical Trials

Alzheimer’s clinical trials are at the forefront of medical research, offering hope to millions affected by this progressive disease.

For families watching their loved ones struggle with memory loss, these trials represent more than just research. They offer the possibility of better treatments, improved quality of life, and even the potential for a cure.

The reality is that Alzheimer’s cases are rising at an alarming rate. According to the Alzheimer's Association, nearly 7 million Americans are living with the disease, and that number is expected to double by 2050. Current treatments focus on symptom management rather than halting the disease’s progression. That’s why clinical trials are critical in developing new, more effective therapies.

Why Participation Matters

The biggest breakthroughs in medicine come from those willing to participate in research. Alzheimer’s clinical trials depend on a diverse pool of volunteers—both those diagnosed and healthy individuals—to test new treatments and therapies.

For many families, enrolling in a trial is a deeply personal decision. Take Linda and her father, Robert, for example. Robert was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s at 67, and Linda struggled to find treatment options that would slow his decline. After months of research, they joined a clinical trial testing a new medication aimed at preserving cognitive function. A year later, Linda noticed that Robert's memory loss had slowed significantly compared to other patients at the same stage.

Participating in research is not just about finding a cure—it’s about improving lives today while paving the way for future treatments.

Alzheimer’s clinical trials offer participants access to cutting-edge therapies before they become widely available. This means more treatment options and a chance to contribute to groundbreaking medical advancements.

The Science Behind Alzheimer's Clinical Trials

These trials go through several phases before a new treatment can be approved. Each phase serves a specific purpose:

●      Phase 1: Tests safety and dosage on a small group of participants.

●      Phase 2: Focuses on effectiveness and side effects.

●      Phase 3: Involves a larger population to confirm results.

●      Phase 4: Monitors long-term effects post-approval.

One of the most exciting areas of research is biomarker discovery—identifying biological indicators that help detect Alzheimer’s before symptoms appear. Early intervention could significantly slow or even prevent cognitive decline.

Addressing Common Fears and Misconceptions

Despite the benefits, many people hesitate to join clinical trials. Here are some common concerns and the reality behind them:

●      “I don’t want to be a guinea pig.” Every trial follows strict ethical guidelines to ensure participant safety. Patients are monitored closely, and trials can be stopped if risks outweigh benefits.

●      “What if I get a placebo?” Some trials do use placebos, but participants still receive excellent medical care and monitoring. In many cases, trials are designed so that everyone eventually gets the treatment being studied.

●      “I won’t benefit from it.” While results vary, many participants experience improvements in cognitive function or a slowed progression of symptoms. Plus, their participation contributes to life-changing advancements for future generations.

Finding the Right Trial for You

With so many studies underway, it’s essential to find the right fit. When considering participation, ask:

●      What phase is the trial in?

●      What are the potential risks and benefits?

●      How much time is required?

●      Will costs be covered?

A great starting point is talking to a neurologist or visiting trusted research websites. Resources like clinical trial databases provide detailed information on ongoing studies, locations, and eligibility requirements.

The Future of Alzheimer's Research

Advancements in Alzheimer’s treatment are happening at a rapid pace. Scientists are exploring:

●      Gene therapy to repair damaged neurons

●      Immunotherapy to remove harmful plaques in the brain

●      AI-powered diagnostics for early detection

The future looks promising, but none of this progress is possible without clinical trials and the people who join them.

Final Thoughts

Alzheimer’s clinical trials are more than just experiments—they are a lifeline of hope for millions. By participating, individuals contribute to groundbreaking treatments that could change the course of the disease forever.

If you or a loved one are considering a trial, take the next step today. The right trial could make all the difference.

THE POWER OF PERSONALIZED NUTRITION: A CONVERSATION WITH THRIVELAB’S VALERIE GOLDSTEIN

A Quest for Well-Being Interview with

VALERIE GOLDSTEIN

In the world of health and wellness, Thrivelab is pioneering a holistic and science-driven approach to hormone health, offering Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), Nutrition Coaching, and Life Coaching through its virtual platform. At the forefront of its nutrition efforts is Valerie Goldstein, a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, and author, whose extensive experience—including her work with Dr. Atkins—has positioned her as a leading expert in ketogenic diets, weight loss, and metabolic health.

In this exclusive Q&A, Goldstein shares insights into her role at Thrivelab, the company's unique approach to patient care, and the critical role of nutrition in optimizing hormone health.

The Q&A

How would you describe your role at Thrivelab, and how does it align with your expertise in nutrition and holistic health?

My role as a nutritionist with Thrivelab is to work as part of a phenomenal team of practitioners who collaborate to optimize personalized and comprehensive treatment plans for our patients. The ability to communicate seamlessly with experts from different specialties—including doctors, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, behavioral/emotional support specialists, and patient care representatives—allows us to provide excellent holistic care.

For patients, I provide lifestyle coaching. It’s not just about nutrition; it’s about helping people incorporate more activity into a busy lifestyle, brainstorming with them on how to be more mindful, and even guiding them on how to indulge in their favorite foods while still achieving their health goals. I follow up with patients regularly because it’s important for them to know that we are a team and that they are not on this journey alone. I share these experiences with the Thrivelab care team to ensure continuity of care.

What makes Thrivelab’s approach to health and wellness unique, and how does nutrition play a central role in its services?

Our #1 priority is patient care. Medically, we use cutting-edge bioidentical hormones, GLPs, and other anti-aging treatments. Beyond that, we recognize that medical care can be costly, so Thrivelab created an initiative to ensure that everyone can afford the care they deserve. Thrively is the only insurance plan for hormone health, introducing a new era of accessible and affordable hormone health management. When doctors dismiss their patients' concerns, they find us. We validate patient concerns and work toward solutions. Thrivelab helps people who have sought medical support for years without success. We enrich lives and make people happy.

Nutrition fuels energy, weight, mood, and many aspects of health. If patients are not fueling themselves with foods that support hormone health, medical treatments cannot work to their full potential.

How does Thrivelab personalize health and wellness strategies for individuals, and what part do you play in crafting these plans?

Communication is key. From the start, Thrivelab personalizes treatments by having patients fill out a symptom survey, ensuring each individual is treated based on their unique symptoms. I take the time to learn about and get to know the patient on a personal level. We involve the patient in the process, so it’s not just about the medical aspect. I feel rewarded when I can integrate nutrition and the social, emotional, and cultural factors that are all intertwined with medical treatment.

What role does a ketogenic or high-fiber, low-carbohydrate diet play in Thrivelab’s offerings, and how do you educate clients about its benefits?

We offer the keto diet as an option for patients because it works. Carbohydrates trigger hormones, and by minimizing this hormonal trigger, the diet helps reduce cravings, prevents fat storage, and increases energy levels. Patients gain better control over their food consumption. Reducing carbs to keto levels isn’t always necessary—just lowering them can make a difference. Many of my patients tell me they eat more and still lose weight after years of frustration from restrictive dieting that yielded no results.

How does Thrivelab integrate cutting-edge science with holistic practices to help clients achieve their health and longevity goals?

Most experts believe they know everything—even more than the patient. As a result, they apply the same approach to every individual. Hormone therapy is still in its infancy, and we respect that. We embrace cutting-edge science, learn from our patients, and use scientific advancements to support them. Our team is willing to learn, adapt, and innovate to provide the best care. We use each patient’s uniqueness as a foundation to tailor a medical, nutritional, and lifestyle plan that works specifically for them.

Your work with Dr. Atkins gave you a deep understanding of ketogenic diets. How have you seen this approach evolve, and how do you implement it in your current work?

The ketogenic diet has always been a metabolically corrective diet, and its evolution has been positive. People are becoming more aware of their excessive carbohydrate intake.

I apply the original principles of keto with every patient, emphasizing a whole-food-based approach:

• Protein supports the immune system, lean body mass, and bone health.

• Non-starchy vegetables provide healthy carbohydrates, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.

• Healthy fats (from olive oil, flax seeds, nuts, etc.) help lower inflammation and support hormones, brain function, and skin health.

None of these trigger hormonal imbalances or cravings, and we do not focus on reducing calories—our priority is feeling satisfied. Other whole foods are incorporated into the plan based on the individual’s needs.

What are the biggest misconceptions about nutrition and weight loss that you address in your practice?

Many people believe:

• They always have to eat less to lose weight.

• They must deprive themselves to see results.

• Eating healthy is inconvenient.

• Eating fat is bad, and consuming more carbs is healthy.

• The scale is the best way to measure successful weight loss.

• They are either "good" or "bad" based on their food choices.
  
  

How do you use your platform to inspire others to achieve their personal health goals, especially when conventional advice falls short?

It’s not difficult—I start with the patient. I use their world (food preferences, schedules, readiness levels, and experiences) to develop a plan that is both attainable and sustainable. They trust me because they have already tested conventional advice, and it has failed them.

How has your personal journey as a fitness enthusiast and mother influenced your approach to wellness and nutrition?

When I gained 70 pounds during my pregnancy, I knew I would face hormonal challenges as I got older. I struggled with excess weight, feeling uncomfortable in my clothes, and the uphill battle of losing weight.

Now, as I go through menopause, I experience metabolic changes despite maintaining a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Initially, I tried to fight it, but I soon realized that you can’t fight nature—you have to work with it.

I listen to my patients and encourage them to embrace this phase of life. It’s okay to slow down and rest. Prioritizing sleep and eating hormone-supporting foods—like avocados, which are high in healthy fats and fiber—can make a difference. When I’m active, I feel good. When I eat better, I feel better. I want to share these experiences and insights with others.

People are often too hard on themselves, and I aim to reduce that pressure. No one is perfect. We all have our struggles. Balancing nutrition and a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be stressful—it should be a synergistic process. I share my personal strategies for behavior change and tips from other patients that resonate with my clients today.

What impact do you hope your books and public appearances have on those striving for better health and wellness?

I want people to understand that it is not their fault if they struggle with:

• Eating the wrong foods

• Low energy

• Brain fog

• Insomnia

• Hot flashes

• Emotional distress

• Gut issues

• Hair loss

• Other hormonal imbalances

These are all signs of hormonal dysfunction—and they can be addressed.

Safe, effective hormonal holistic treatment with the Thrivelab team can help manage hormonal swings and symptoms that disrupt daily life. We help people feel like themselves again—to reclaim their health and well-being.

HIP POINTER: A REMINDER TO LISTEN TO OUR BODIES AND HONOR OUR LIMITS

Your body is a vast source of knowledge — if you know how to listen to it. Hip pointer injuries are a great reminder that listening to your body and honoring it with rest, is often nature’s best medicine. It can guide you toward recovery by alerting you when you strain something or letting you know you have your strength back.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF HIP POINTER INJURIES?

Directly falling on or hitting your hip bone can cause a hip pointer injury. An iliac crest contusion is the technical term for this injury. It refers to the deep bruise near the upper curved part of your hip bone. The iliac crest is where your hands rest when you put them on your hips.

Hip pointer injuries may feel similar to hip flexor strains. The difference is that a hip pointer is a bruise on your hip bone, while a hip flexor strain is an injury to the muscles in front of your hip.

Hip injuries account for around 5% to 10% of athletic injuries, but they can result from car accidents or other types of accidents. Athletes who engage in contact sports — like basketball, football, hockey, lacrosse or soccer — or sports that involve jumping and landing — like dance, gymnastics, figure skating, skateboarding and volleyball — are at a higher risk for hip injuries than others. You should always wear properly fitting protective equipment and padding to prevent hip injuries.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A HIP POINTER INJURY?

There are several signs of a hip pointer injury:

●      Limited hip motion

●      Hip pain and tenderness

●      Weakness in the hip or leg

●      Bruising or swelling near the hip

●      Hematoma

Even if you do not see a visible bruise, it is important to rest if you feel pain or discomfort. 

The severity of your hip pointer injury will determine your symptoms. If you experience dizziness, headache or nausea following a fall or accident, see a doctor as soon as possible.

HOW DO YOU TREAT A HIP POINTER INJURY?

You can treat most hip pointer injuries with rest and at-home methods. Follow these nine tips to support your body’s recovery:

1. Take a break from all athletic activity.

2. Use a recliner to elevate your hip.

3. Use crutches if you have trouble walking.

4. Stretch gently to loosen the hip muscles.

5. Ice your hip.

6. Use a compression bandage.

7. Take anti-inflammatory medicine.

8. Consider physical therapy.

9. Get plenty of rest.

If your pain worsens or lasts several weeks, see a doctor. They may take X-rays, MRIs or ultrasounds to examine the bruise more closely and confirm that there is not a more serious injury, like a broken bone.

HOW LONG DOES HIP POINTER RECOVERY TAKE?

Most hip pointer injuries heal in two to four weeks with proper rest. Your recovery time depends on the severity of your injury, your healing methods and how your body responds.

If you are not limping, have a full range of motion and are not in pain, you have likely healed your hip pointer. Use caution when returning to athletic activities and ensure you are back to your full strength.

HONOR YOUR PHYSICAL LIMITS

Even though most hip pointer injuries are treatable at home, taking your rest and recovery seriously is essential. Pushing yourself can result in a fall or accident since your gait or reflexes may be off.

Staying in tune with your body will help you know when to ease up on physical activity and let yourself rest. Your body supports you throughout your daily life. You can help it along the way by honoring its needs and limitations.

THRIVELAB LONGEVITY: REDEFINING HEALTH AND WELLNESS

A Quest for Well-Being Interview with

DR. SOFIA

1. How would you describe your role at Thrivelab Longevity and its mission to redefine health and wellness?

As a medical doctor specializing in esthetics and regenerative medicine, my role at Thrivelab Longevity is to guide patients in achieving their optimal health, beauty, and vitality. I work to provide personalized treatments that enhance both appearance and overall well-being. Our mission is to redefine health and wellness by combining cutting-edge science with a holistic approach, empowering individuals to feel and look their best at every stage of life. I see myself as a partner in helping clients thrive, not just physically but in every aspect of their lives.

2. What makes Thrivelab Longevity unique in the wellness and longevity space, and how does it differentiate itself from other clinics?

Thrivelab Longevity stands out by offering an integrative approach that blends advanced medical esthetics with comprehensive wellness strategies. Unlike many clinics that focus solely on either aesthetics or wellness, we emphasize the synergy between the two, tailoring treatments to address each patient’s unique physical, emotional, and physiological needs. Our state-of-the-art technology, evidence-based protocols, and commitment to personalized care set us apart in the industry.

3. Who benefits most from Thrivelab Longevity’s services, and what kind of transformations do they typically experience?

Our services benefit individuals seeking to enhance their appearance, improve their health, and prevent age-related concerns. From professionals aiming to maintain a youthful look to individuals addressing different types of skin conditions, our patients typically experience improved confidence, vitality, and overall quality of life. Transformations often include rejuvenated skin, restored energy levels, and a renewed sense of self-esteem.

4. How does Thrivelab Longevity's personalized approach optimize health, beauty, and longevity?

We tailor each treatment plan based on an in-depth analysis of the patient’s health history, lifestyle, and goals. By combining medical esthetics, and regenerative therapies, we address both the internal and external aspects of aging. This personalized approach ensures that patients achieve long-lasting results, not just in their physical appearance, but also in their overall vitality and well-being.

5. How does Thrivelab Longevity integrate advanced medical aesthetics with holistic wellness practices?

Our philosophy recognizes that true beauty and health stem from balance. We integrate advanced treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, and microneedling with wellness practices such as meditation, yoga, stress management, and boosting energy levels. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients achieve a harmonious blend of outer radiance and inner wellness, enhancing both appearance and longevity.

6. What do you think is the ultimate goal of longevity-focused care, and how does Thrivelab Longevity support individuals in achieving it?

The ultimate goal of longevity-focused care is to help individuals live longer, healthier, and more vibrant lives. At Thrivelab, we achieve this by addressing the root causes of aging and optimizing physical, emotional, and metabolic health. Through personalized treatment plans, we empower patients to take control of their health and embrace a proactive approach to aging gracefully.

7. How does Thrivelab Longevity empower individuals to thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually at every stage of life?

We provide a supportive environment where patients receive treatments tailored to their evolving needs. Our holistic approach addresses not only physical concerns but also emotional and spiritual well-being, fostering self-confidence and resilience. By prioritizing patient education and collaborative care, we empower individuals to make informed decisions and cultivate a balanced, thriving lifestyle.

8. What is the world’s greatest need in health and wellness today, and how is Thrivelab Longevity addressing this challenge?

One of the greatest needs today is a shift from reactive to preventive care. Many individuals seek quick fixes without addressing the underlying causes of their concerns. Thrivelab Longevity meets this challenge by offering proactive, integrative solutions that focus on prevention, optimization, and long-term wellness. Through cutting-edge treatments and personalized care, we guide patients toward sustainable health and vitality, redefining what it means to age well.

9. What inspired you to become who you are and to do what you do today?

I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate connection between beauty, health, and well-being. Growing up in El Salvador, I saw how confidence and vitality could transform lives. My passion grew as I traveled and worked aboard cruise ships, where I met people from diverse backgrounds seeking self-improvement and rejuvenation. My mentorship under Dr. Brad Herman solidified my belief that aesthetics is not just about appearance—it's about enhancing quality of life. I wanted to blend artistry, science, and a deep commitment to my patients’ well-being, which ultimately inspired me to focus on holistic, non-surgical facial rejuvenation.

10. What is it like working with you from a client’s perspective?

Clients often describe working with me as both comforting and empowering. I prioritize open communication, ensuring they feel heard and understood. My goal is to create a collaborative, supportive environment where clients feel confident in the care they’re receiving. I focus on achieving natural-looking, transformative results while making the entire experience enjoyable and relaxing.

11. How does Thrivelab Longevity define healing, and what role does it play in the journey to optimal health and longevity?

Healing at Thrivelab Longevity means restoring balance—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It’s about addressing not only symptoms but also the underlying causes of discomfort or dissatisfaction. Healing is integral to achieving optimal health and longevity because it enables clients to move forward with renewed energy and a strong foundation for continued growth and vitality.

12. What are the biggest misconceptions people have about health optimization and regenerative therapies?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that health optimization and regenerative therapies are only for those who are ill or aging. In reality, these treatments are powerful tools for anyone looking to prevent issues and maintain peak health. Another misconception is that esthetic treatments always result in an artificial look, when in fact, our approach focuses on subtle, natural enhancements that harmonize with each person’s unique features.

MEET DR. SOFIA

Leading our expert team is Dr. Sofia, a licensed medical doctor from El Salvador with over eight years of global experience in non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Her distinguished career includes working aboard prestigious cruise ships and training under renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Brad Herman in Miami. With advanced certifications in Botox, dermal fillers, and facial harmonization, Dr. Sofia blends art and science to deliver natural, beautiful results using the safest and most effective techniques.

https://antiresort.com/longevity

ADDRESSING THE CAUSES OF AND TREATING TECH NECK

In today’s digital and mobile world, people rely heavily on technology for work, entertainment and communication. However, one unintended consequence of increasing screen time is a condition known as “tech neck” or “text neck.” As a pain management specialist, I have seen a marked increase in this condition over the years, and how it is affecting people of all ages.

Tech neck is a modern musculoskeletal condition that results from the strain placed on the neck, shoulders and upper back due to prolonged use of electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers. It refers to the misalignment and strain caused by the forward head posture that people often adopt when looking at their screens for extended periods. Over time, this poor posture leads to chronic pain, stiffness and discomfort in the neck and upper back.

The term “tech neck” or “text neck” is often used interchangeably, though text neck specifically refers to the posture people adopt while looking down at their phones. Regardless of the term used, the result is the same: a strain on the neck and surrounding muscles that leads to significant pain and discomfort if left unchecked.

The early signs of tech neck often begin as mild discomfort but, if left unaddressed, quickly escalates into chronic pain. Symptoms include the following: neck pain or stiffness; pain across the shoulders; headaches; numbness or tingling; and reduced mobility.

When people lean forward or slouch while using their devices, the weight of the head is unsupported. This position increases the strain on the muscles and ligaments in the neck and upper back, leading to pain and discomfort over time.

With the widespread use of smartphones, tablets and laptops it is clear that people are spending more time than ever in front of screens. According to recent studies, the average person spends over six hours a day on a digital device, which significantly increases the risk of developing tech neck. Additionally, remote work and virtual learning, both of which became more common during the COVID-19 pandemic, have contributed to longer periods of screen time, further exacerbating the condition.

Children and teens are particularly susceptible to tech neck. With the rise of smartphones, tablets and laptops, younger generations are spending increasing amounts of time on these devices.

This poses a significant concern, as their bodies are still developing. Poor posture at a young age can lead to long-term musculoskeletal problems, including tech neck. Children and teens are also not as aware of the importance of taking breaks or maintaining good posture while using technology, which increases their risk of developing tech neck at an early age.

Certain careers and jobs are more susceptible to tech neck and contribute to lower back pain. Professions that involve long hours of sitting at a desk, working on a computer or using a smartphone are particularly problematic. Some of these careers include: office workers or people with “desk jobs;” drivers; healthcare professionals; and teachers, and police officers.

Additionally, individuals who frequently look down at their smartphones while commuting or during breaks also risk exacerbating tech neck and developing lower back pain.

The good news is that tech neck is preventable with some conscious changes to posture, device usage and lifestyle. In order to reduce risk, individuals should: maintain good posture; take breaks every 15 to 20 minutes; set up an ergonomic workstation; and avoid prolonged device use.

If left untreated, tech neck can lead to several serious issues, including:

• Chronic neck pain: Ongoing strain can lead to persistent discomfort requiring medical intervention.

• Cervical spine problems: Prolonged misalignment can cause herniated discs, nerve compression or degeneration of the cervical spine.

• Poor posture: Tech neck is a contributor to long-term postural imbalances, leading to additional musculoskeletal problems, including shoulder pain and kyphosis (a rounded upper back).

• Headaches: Tension headaches become more frequent and severe as a result of muscle tightness and poor posture.

Treatment for tech neck typically involves a combination of self-care strategies, physical therapy, and professional interventions. Here are some effective prevention tips:

• Stretching and strengthening exercises: Regularly stretching the neck, shoulders and upper back relieves tension. Strengthening exercises for the core and back muscles also improves posture and reduce strain.

• Physical therapy: A physical therapist will design a personalized program to address postural imbalances and provide specific exercises to relieve pain and prevent further injury.

• Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: Am osteopathic physician that uses a hands-on approach to treat mechanical pain using various techniques  

• Chiropractic care: Chiropractors help realign the spine and provide manual therapy to alleviate pain and improve posture.

• Massage therapy: Therapeutic massage helps relax tight muscles and reduce pain associated with tech neck.

Tech neck is a growing concern in our digital age, affecting people of all ages and occupations. However, with awareness, prevention and early intervention, it is possible to reduce the risk and manage the condition effectively. People who experience pain related to the symptoms of tech neck should seek professional advice from their doctor or a pain management specialist.

By Dr. Bestin Kuriakose, New York Spine Institute

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Bestin Kuriakose is an interventional spine and pain management physician at New York Spine Institute. He specializes in minimally invasive procedures and innovative treatment modalities aimed at improving patient outcomes and quality of life. His clinical expertise lies in the management of musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pain, and neurological conditions, where he offers comprehensive care and specialized therapeutic interventions.

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO ADOPT BRAIN-HEALTHY HABITS: Debunking Common Myths about Alzheimer's

Almost 7 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s. Although I have a family history and a copy of the ApoE4 gene, I no longer fear getting Alzheimer’s. New research reveals that nearly half of dementia cases (and Alzheimer’s, the most common cause of dementia) could be prevented by adopting healthy habits. 

In this article, we'll debunk common myths about Alzheimer's and explore actionable steps to protect our brain health.

 

DEBUNKING COMMON MYTHS

Myth #1: If I forget why I walked into a room, I may have the start of Alzheimer’s.

Fact: Occasional forgetfulness is normal and generally linked to factors like stress, lack of sleep, or distraction—not necessarily Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer's involves persistent memory loss and cognitive decline that disrupts daily life, such as difficulty remembering recent events, confusion with time and place, or trouble following familiar tasks.

Myth #2: Alzheimer's is an inevitable part of aging.

Fact: Alzheimer's risk increases with age, but new research reports that up to 45% of dementia cases can be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors like inactivity, smoking, hearing loss, and unmanaged conditions such as hypertension and high LDL cholesterol, which are also common risk factors for heart disease. Simple lifestyle changes—regular exercise, a balanced diet, social engagement, and quality sleep—can significantly lower risk. These habits also contribute to cardiovascular health; what's good for the heart is often good for the brain.

After my mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis 18 years ago, I began adopting brain-healthy habits like eating more nutrient-dense, whole plant-based foods, getting quality sleep, managing stress through deep breathing and mindfulness meditation, and playing more tennis and pickleball for their physical, social, and cognitive benefits. I continue updating my routine as new research emerges.

Myth #3: Alzheimer's starts to develop in the brain only shortly before symptoms become noticeable.

Fact: Researchers now believe Alzheimer’s starts to develop in the brain decades before clinical symptoms of memory loss and cognitive decline are noticeable. This long, preclinical phase of Alzheimer’s lurking under the surface provides more opportunity for treatment interventions. It’s never too early to start Alzheimer’s prevention habits.

Myth #4. Getting by with 5-6 hours of sleep per night is sufficient.

Fact: Research recommends 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night, as it aids memory consolidation and toxin removal, and supports neuroplasticity and hormone regulation. Factors like stress, late meals, working in bed, and excessive blue light can interfere with sleep quality.

If experiencing daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, or frequent waking, consider an assessment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). About 10% of U.S. adults have mild OSA, and up to 5% have moderate to severe forms. I used to snore until I started using a CPAP, which improved sleep for both my husband and me.

Myth #5: All brain apps and games are effective cognitive training.

Fact: Building "cognitive reserve"—the brain's ability to adapt and resist damage—can help delay and reduce Alzheimer's symptoms. While the brain can form new pathways throughout life (neuroplasticity), not all mental exercises have lasting benefits. Games like crosswords or brain apps may improve short-term skills but don’t always enhance long-term cognitive health. For effective training, prioritize novelty and variety with critical thinking activities such as learning a language, picking up an instrument, traveling to new places, or reading diverse genres.

Myth #6. Everyone should get genetically tested for the ApoE4 gene.

Fact: ApoE4 is one of the strongest and most studied genetic risk factor genes for late-onset Alzheimer’s, affecting about 25% of people with one copy of the gene (like me). However, genetic testing for this gene is generally not recommended for most, unless part of a medical assessment or research study with a genetic counselor. While I personally tested for it with a preventive neurologist and was mentally prepared for the news, testing can cause emotional distress, potentially increasing Alzheimer’s risk. Possessing the ApoE4 gene variant may also lead to higher life or long-term care insurance premiums based on current laws.

Myth #7. No one in my family has had Alzheimer’s, so I’m not at risk.

Fact: Researchers estimate that about half of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s do NOT have an ApoE4 gene. So, really, anyone with a brain is at risk for getting Alzheimer’s.

CONTROL WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL

Learning about Alzheimer’s and focusing on what I can control eased my fear of developing it. Consider these steps to reduce your risk and improve your health now:

—Educate yourself: Understand your risk factors and discuss prevention with your doctor.

—Take action: Make lifestyle changes that support both brain and heart health.

—Engage your community: Encourage friends and family to adopt brain-healthy habits. As in Okinawa, Japan, cultural norms around health make it easier to make good choices.

—Advocate for research: Support funding for both prevention and treatment research to tackle Alzheimer's effectively.

By dispelling misconceptions and empowering ourselves with healthy habits, we can significantly reduce our risk of Alzheimer's and support those affected. Remember, small changes today can lead to a healthier, brighter future.

Dr. Kris Lonsway is an Organizational Psychologist and an active member of the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter Research Committee, Community Memorial Foundation board, and a Regional Health and Human Services Agenda Council to measurably improve health and mental wellness, access to healthcare, and non-profit capacity in the western suburbs of Chicago. She leads a health and wellness non-profit in the Chicago western suburbs educating the community on healthier lifestyle choices that lower the risk of Alzheimer's and other chronic diseases. Visit https://krislonsway.com/ to learn more.

HOW DOES YOUR NATAL CHART REVEAL YOUR TRUE SELF?

Have you finally started your journey to understand yourself? What if all the answers you have been looking for were among the stars? A natal chart is a cosmic map that helps you to gain insights about your true personality and emotional needs.

Many people need clarification on horoscopes and natal charts. Horoscopes are used for daily life but natal charts reveal information based on the position of planets when you were born. 

AstroClub is a platform that makes getting information about astrology and birth charts easy. To learn more, explore your natal chart with AstroClub.

What is a Natal Chart?

A natal chart is also known as the birth chart. It is basically like a screenshot of the sky at the exact moment when you were born. This chart shows the position of the Sun, Moon, planets, and celestial points. All of these are within the twelve zodiac signs and twelve houses.

Every element in your natal chart reveals much information about your personality, individuality, habits, strengths, and weaknesses. A natal chart is beneficial to find out what path you should take in your life.

How Does The Position of The Sun, Moon, and Ascendant Shape Your Core Identity?

Following are the three critical elements of a natal chart:

— The Sun

— The Moon

— The Ascendant (Rising Sign)

These three elements support each other and help you discover your true identity and gain a bigger perspective towards your life. Here is how they create a blueprint of personality and self-expression:

The Sun

Many people associate the Sun with their celestial identity. It represents the characteristics that define your true individuality and ambitions in life. The Sun is like a force behind all your passions and how you perceive the world.

AstroClub is the solution because it makes it easy to learn about your Sun sign. This platform helps you understand how your Sun sign impacts your life goals. Don't worry, though. There are no complex charts. Everything is personalized and clear. Here is an example of what it looks like:

●      If your Sun is in Virgo, it shows that you value accuracy and practicality in life.

●      If your Sun is in Leo, then it shows you love self-expression, and you are a creative person.

The Moon

Knowing your Moon sign helps you navigate relationships and cope with life’s emotional ebbs and flows.

The Moon tells you about your internal world and how you are feeling on the inside. It is all about understanding your emotional needs and the needs which you think about in your subconscious mind but don’t speak about them aloud.

Understanding your moon sign helps you to identify what changes you need to make in your life to feel emotionally secure. Here is an example of what it looks like:

●      Having an Aquarius Moon shows you need independence and intellectual stimulation in your life.

●      Having a Cancer Moon suggests that you need a strong connection to family.

The Ascendant (Rising Sign)

The Ascendant shows how you show yourself to the world. It also shows how you start new life experiences and tells a lot about a person’s personality.

Here is what it looks like:

●      A Libra Rising shows balance and charm.

●      An Aries Rising shows someone is bold and has a go-getter personality.

Time to Discover Your True Self With AstroClub…

Do not let your true self remain a mystery forever. Learn about yourself and it is easy with AstroClub. With AstroClub, you can get to know about your personality traits and relationships in detail.

Start your journey today and get the wisdom that you have always wanted! The cosmos is available at your fingertips now.

GEARING UP FOR SAFETY TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST AFFF CONTAMINATION ON THE JOB

Firefighters are the first line of defense against blazes, but their bravery can come at a cost. Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), once hailed as a lifesaver, has now been linked to serious health concerns. Exposure to AFFF, which contains harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals, poses significant health risks. 

Understanding these risks is crucial for firefighters to protect themselves. In this article, we’ll provide essential knowledge and strategies for minimizing AFFF contamination on the job. Firefighters can reduce their exposure and safeguard their health while performing their duties by following these guidelines.

Understanding the Risks of AFFF Exposure

NIH notes that firefighters are at a higher risk of exposure to AFFF due to direct contact during training exercises and firefighting operations. 

While the exact health effects are still under investigation, studies suggest potential links to various cancers and illnesses. This includes things such as testicular and kidney cancer, immune system issues, thyroid problems, and even decreased birth weight in children of exposed firefighters. 

Understanding the specific health risks associated with AFFF exposure allows firefighters to take proactive measures to protect themselves. Additionally, staying informed about ongoing research into the health effects of AFFF exposure can help firefighters make informed decisions about their safety.

Legal Options for Firefighters

The potential health risks of AFFF exposure have sparked a wave of lawsuits from firefighters against AFFF manufacturers. The AFFF foam lawsuit alleges that manufacturers knew or should have known about the dangers of AFFF but failed to warn firefighters. 

The Lawsuit Information Center notes that the number of active AFFF lawsuits increased significantly, from 8,270 to 9,198 in June 2024. One of the latest claims involves a Caneyville, Kentucky citizen. This individual claims to have had serious physical ailments, including thyroid dysfunction, as a result of AFFF exposure.

If you have been diagnosed with a health condition potentially linked to AFFF exposure, consulting with a personal injury attorney may be an option. According to TorHoerman Law, these attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and potentially seek compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.

Protective Measures During Training

Training exercises are crucial for firefighter preparedness, but they also involve AFFF use. EPA highlights that firefighters should prioritize using full personal protective equipment (PPE) during training, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), turnout gear, and gloves. 

Additionally, minimize skin contact with AFFF by avoiding unnecessary contact with contaminated surfaces and showering thoroughly after training exercises. Look for training facilities that utilize designated decontamination zones after AFFF use to further minimize exposure risks. Firefighter unions and advocacy groups can also play a role in pushing for stricter safety protocols during AFFF training exercises.

Long-Term Monitoring and Early Detection

Due to the potential for long-term health effects, regular medical monitoring is crucial for firefighters exposed to AFFF. CNN points out that over 98% of Americans have PFAS in their blood, which is concerning.

Therefore, it is recommended to work with your healthcare provider and schedule regular checkups, including blood tests, to monitor for PFAS levels.

Early detection of any potential health issues linked to AFFF exposure can improve treatment outcomes. Be sure to disclose your AFFF exposure history to your doctor during checkups to ensure they can take this factor into account. Open communication with your doctor is essential for monitoring your health and ensuring early intervention if any AFFF-related health problems arise.

Minimizing Contamination During Firefighting Operations

Fire scene management plays a vital role in minimizing AFFF contamination. Whenever possible, utilize ventilation strategies to disperse AFFF vapors away from firefighters. 

This can involve opening windows, using positive pressure ventilation (PPV) fans, and strategically placing exhaust vents. When deploying AFFF, prioritize using the minimum amount necessary to extinguish the fire. 

Furthermore, advocate for the use of safer firefighting foam alternatives when available. Some fire departments are exploring fluorine-free foams as a safer alternative. Staying updated on the development and testing of safer firefighting foams can empower firefighters to advocate for their inclusion in fire department protocols.

— FAQs —

What is AFFF, and where is it likely to be used?

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is mostly used to put out dangerous liquid flames like those that include gasoline or jet fuel. It is commonly employed at airports, military bases, and industrial sites. AFFF is valued for its ability to rapidly smother and cool fires.

What happens if you are exposed to AFFF?

Exposure to AFFF can lead to various health issues due to the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals can accumulate in the body and are linked to adverse health effects, including liver damage and immune system disruption. Long-term exposure may increase the risk of developing serious conditions.

What cancers are related to the AFFF lawsuit?

The AFFF lawsuit links exposure to the foam's PFAS chemicals with several types of cancer. These include kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Plaintiffs claim that prolonged exposure to AFFF has significantly increased their risk of developing these cancers.

While AFFF is a useful firefighting tool, its health risks necessitate a multi-pronged approach to firefighter safety. Firefighters should prioritize PPE use, advocate for stricter training protocols, and seek regular medical monitoring. Early detection of potential health problems is key. 

Fire departments should explore safer foam alternatives and implement ventilation strategies to minimize AFFF vapor inhalation. Firefighters can mitigate AFFF contamination and safeguard their health by acknowledging the risks and taking proactive measures.

THE ART OF FLOW AND THE COSMIC DANCE OF LIFE

A deeply inspiring and insightful passage from the book “TaoTuning: The Art of Flow” by Adrian Emery

 

 — TaoTuning is both an art and a science. It requires understanding, patience, and practice. We need to understand the component steps. We need to adopt the correct attitude: be in the right place. We need to be on our wave. We need to be listening to the inner law of our being which means we need to have quietened the noise of the restless ego. We need to be strong, resolute, and firm. We need to know precisely where we are going. And finally, but probably most importantly we need to be patient!

To put all this together we need to return to the beginning: to our original question of the meaning of life – why we are here. Any philosophy of life must help us to answer this question – it must create order and make sense of the world. It must assist in the development of a more intelligent and pragmatic worldview. It is our hypothesis that the current religions do not do this, that they actually mislead us into an erroneous and destructive worldview that is limited and past its use-by date. The old religions no longer serve humanity, and the current perilous state of the planet can be directly attributed to these outmoded concepts that have not kept pace with humanity’s evolution.

The world we live in today is diametrically opposed and completely different to that of yesteryear: the tremendous advances in technology - smartphones, the world wide web, social media, disruptive technology, self-driving cars, air travel, and so on have delivered us into a completely different world. Yet our predominant metaphysical worldview has not changed!

We thus live in a fundamentally disassociated and divided psychological state that is breeding anxiety, confusion, and mayhem. We desperately need a new philosophy of life that is in keeping with this new world that we live in and we have argued that the ancient concepts of Taoism provide a more accurate philosophy or worldview than traditional Western religion. To be clear, we are not advocating a complete acceptance of Taoism but merely postulating that it presents a better starting point than any other philosophy to create this much-needed new spirituality.

Taoism is not the answer, but it does provide a firm footing or foundation upon which we can build a new worldview or philosophy of life that is more mature, intelligent, and relevant to today. There is still much work to be done.

Fritjof Capra in his masterful work, The Tao of Physics, makes this same point of the correlation and convergence between the discoveries of modern science, particularly quantum physics, and the teachings of Taoism. Capra explains that the word physics comes from the Greek word, physis, meaning the observation of or seeing the essential nature of all things. Thus, physics is the study of the nature of reality.

Western humanity has lost this ability to enter into direct and immediate contact with reality precisely because he/she is locked within the egoic shell of separation. The overriding distinguishing feature of this intuitive perception is the appreciation of the Oneness of creation! Nuclear physics has proven that we cannot separate the observer from the observed and that, ultimately, the universe is an extremely complex interconnected, and dynamic whole that can only be understood from the perspective of continuous flow and change and where we simply cannot measure or observe any part without understanding its connection to the whole.

Just as we all now live within the interconnectivity of the World Wide Web, so too, the nature of reality is an interconnected whole of cosmic processes and patterns of probability: the cosmic dance of life! There are no discrete absolutes. There are no indivisible pieces. There is no fundamental structure. Moreover, all observation is intimately linked to that process of observation – there is no objective, outside, clinical, and therefore accurate scientific method! All we can do is arrive at approximations of patterns, and probabilities of occurrences.

The mystic does not seek to divorce himself or herself from reality. On the contrary, the goal is to BeCome One with that reality in deep and direct meditation, where all separation ceases and the observer and the observed are fused in another of these yin/yang continuums called the Infinity of Being. We are a part of and one with the universe. There is no egoic shell of separation. The thinking rational mind ceases to exist and there is only the immediate here and now. No other. No past and no future. Time and space collapse into the Unified Field.

The ultimate goal of meditation and all mysticism is this union with the beloved, the Logos, the universe, the creator, God, or the Tao. Call it what you will it does not matter. At that point there are no words, for the left brain of logic and language ceases to exist. One enters the holistic world of the intuition of immediate perception and integrated understanding. One has only to read the works of Krishnamurti and other mystics to glean the rapture of this reality.

Taoism, along with many other ancient worldviews, eloquently describes this new world of quantum physics where there is no absolute reality but rather the dialectic dance of dualism. This represents a quantum shift in thinking: a new paradigm where the relationship between the part and the whole fundamentally changes to one of process rather than structure. The I Ching or Book of Changes, which is the fundamental text of Taoism and is over 5,000 years old, still represents the most accurate depiction of this process and is totally congruent with the most modern of scientific discoveries.

Quantum physics tells us that we live within a world of processes, of probability patterns, of waves of energy. We live within a sea of consciousness. We have been looking in the wrong direction seeking the certainty of a structure that simply does not exist. It is time to turn around and accept the error of our past thinking and adopt a new worldview based on this new understanding. Not one based on mythology or mysticism, but one based on the actuality of the scientific method.

The beauty of this worldview is that it totally validates the zone of flow and peak experience.

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BALBOA MARKET'S DIVERSE OFFERINGS: CATERING TO SAN DIEGO'S MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY

San Diego, a city known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant cultural scene, is also home to a rich tapestry of ethnic communities. Each community brings its unique flavors, traditions, and culinary practices, creating a melting pot of cultures. In the heart of this diverse city lies Balboa International Market, a haven for those seeking the tastes and aromas of their homelands. Founded by Javid Javdani, Balboa Market is not just a grocery store; it’s a cultural hub that caters to San Diego's multicultural community by offering an extensive array of international foods.

A Visionary's Dream

Javid Javdani's journey from a pharmacist to the owner of a thriving international market is a story of passion, vision, and dedication. With a background in pharmacy, Javdani understands the importance of quality and precision, principles he has seamlessly integrated into the operations at Balboa Market. His vision was to create a place where people from different backgrounds could find the ingredients they grew up with, bridging the gap between their past and present through food.

A Global Pantry

Walking into Balboa Market is like embarking on a culinary journey around the world. The market boasts an impressive selection of products from Europe, the Middle East, Russia, India, Turkey, and beyond. Each aisle is filled with the unique flavors and ingredients that define these regions, making it a one-stop-shop for international cuisine enthusiasts.

One of the key attractions of Balboa Market is its fresh produce section, which offers a variety of fruits and vegetables that are not commonly found in conventional grocery stores. From exotic spices and grains to rare vegetables and fruits, the market ensures that customers can find authentic ingredients to recreate their favorite dishes from home.

Serving a Diverse Community

San Diego’s multicultural community is reflected in the diverse offerings at Balboa Market. The store caters to a wide range of dietary preferences and cultural traditions, including Halal and Kosher products. This inclusivity makes Balboa Market a preferred destination for many residents who seek not only quality but also the authenticity of the products they buy.

For instance, the market’s Halal section is particularly popular among Muslim customers who adhere to dietary laws. By providing a variety of Halal meats, dairy products, and packaged foods, Balboa Market ensures that these customers have access to high-quality, ethically sourced products that meet their dietary requirements.

Similarly, the market's selection of Kosher products caters to the Jewish community, offering everything from Kosher meats to baked goods. This commitment to serving diverse dietary needs is a testament to Javdani's dedication to inclusivity and respect for all cultures.

Fostering Community Through Food

Balboa Market is more than just a place to shop; it’s a community hub where people from different backgrounds come together. The market frequently hosts cultural events, cooking demonstrations, and food festivals that celebrate the rich diversity of San Diego’s population. These events provide an opportunity for customers to learn about different cultures, try new foods, and connect with others who share a love for international cuisine.

One of the most popular events is the market’s annual food festival, which features a wide array of dishes from around the world. Local chefs and home cooks showcase their culinary skills, offering samples of traditional recipes and sharing the stories behind them. These events not only promote cultural exchange but also foster a sense of belonging and community among attendees.

Educational Initiatives

Javid Javdani’s commitment to the community extends beyond providing quality products. He believes in the power of education and actively promotes nutritional awareness and healthy eating habits. Balboa Market offers a variety of educational initiatives aimed at helping customers make informed choices about their diets.

Cooking classes are a staple at Balboa Market, where customers can learn how to prepare traditional dishes from different cultures. These classes are led by experienced chefs and culinary experts who share their knowledge and passion for cooking. Participants not only learn new recipes but also gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of the dishes they prepare.

Additionally, the market hosts nutrition workshops that focus on the health benefits of various foods. These workshops cover topics such as balanced diets, the importance of fresh produce, and how to incorporate more whole foods into daily meals. By empowering customers with knowledge, Balboa Market helps them lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Quality and Sustainability

Quality is at the heart of everything Balboa Market does. Javid Javdani's background in pharmacy instilled in him a deep appreciation for precision and excellence, which is evident in the market's operations. Every product on the shelves at Balboa Market is carefully selected to ensure it meets the highest standards of quality and freshness.

Sustainability is another core value at Balboa Market. The market prioritizes products that are ethically sourced and environmentally friendly. This includes supporting local farmers and suppliers who use sustainable practices, as well as offering organic and non-GMO products. By promoting sustainability, Balboa Market contributes to the well-being of the planet and the community it serves.

A Bright Future

Looking ahead, Javid Javdani has ambitious plans for Balboa Market. He aims to expand the market’s product offerings even further, introducing more international foods and specialty items. Javdani also envisions opening additional locations to serve other areas of San Diego, bringing the flavors of the world to even more people.

In addition to expansion, Javdani is committed to enhancing the market’s educational programs and community events. He believes that food has the power to bring people together and foster understanding and appreciation among different cultures. By continuing to promote cultural exchange and nutritional education, Balboa Market will remain a beloved institution in San Diego.

Balboa International Market is a shining example of how a business can reflect and serve the diverse needs of its community. Under the leadership of Javid Javdani, the market has become a cherished destination for those seeking high-quality international foods and a connection to their cultural roots. With its commitment to inclusivity, quality, and community engagement, Balboa Market is more than just a grocery store; it’s a celebration of the rich tapestry of cultures that make up San Diego.

THE DOOR OF POSSIBILITIES — Guided Imagery

This is a passage from a delightful book that shares timeless wisdom: “Envision Your Extraordinary Life: Living Happy, Joyous, and Free” by Linda Hogan

 

 — Take a deep breath and allow yourself to relax. Take another deep breath and allow yourself to relax. Another breath and you become more and more relaxed. Allow yourself to be as you are. There is no right or wrong way to be. Today, we are going on a sacred journey. Take a deep breath, breathing in joy and light. Release any remaining negative emotions. Center yourself in the power, love, and wisdom of God. Sink down deeply to your center, your soul. Know that you are a whole spiritual being filled with love and light. Trust the process.

You are outside in the sunlight, following a path. Feel the sun at the top of your head and allow it to warm you. Notice a gently rolling hill with wide steps along the path. There are 10 steps and you are on the top, the tenth. With each step, you will become more and more relaxed. 9, 8, you go deeper and more relaxed, and your arms are feeling very heavy. 7, 6, allow your neck and face to relax, on the next step—5, your back and abdomen become more relaxed, 3, your legs feel heavy and deeply relaxed, 2, 1, you are alert yet relaxed, and you are open to possibilities ...

You continue along the path and notice a waterfall. It is a hot day, so you walk behind it, feeling the refreshing spray. The water washes over you, washing away all limitations, rinsing away all doubt, anger, fear of lack. All negativity simply dissolves ... Release anything else you no longer need ... You feel renewed and experience a new sense of possibility, wonder, abundance, love, and forgiveness.

Continue along the path feeling the golden sunshine drying you, warming you, healing you. The path bends and you continue to follow. See a door. This is the door of possibilities, possibilities for your future. Open the door and walk in. Your heart opens and love shines all around you. The deepest longing of your heart has been fulfilled. It is now five years in the future, and you see how many of your dreams have been realized. You have been renewed and have an extraordinary life filled with joy. You embrace your wholeness and see abundance everywhere. See your relationships with your loved ones and some of the connections you have made...

You are loveable and see the highest in everyone you meet. See your friends and some of the things you have enjoyed together.

See one goal you feel especially good about completing ... See the abundance in your life’s work ... Experience the positive emotions of fulfillment, gratitude, and so on ... Notice the things you have been able to do or buy due to your financial success ...

Your health and fitness have been much improved ... You move fluidly, lightly, gracefully, wearing life like a loose garment ... See yourself and feel how it feels to be fit and strong ...

Spiritually, you have grown ... Notice what that looks and feels like...

Emotionally, you have grown ... Experience how that feels ...

Mentally, you have learned much...Take stock of those things you have learned ... You have developed more healthy habits ... See yourself go about your ideal day ... will pause and let you envision your day from the time you wake up ... Your morning ...

Your afternoon ... Your evening .... Imagine your day in vivid color and strong positive emotions. Envision yourself happy, joyous, and free ... Take some moments to thoroughly enjoy this day.

Take a moment to review all the positive things from this mediation and know that it has already happened. Express gratitude for all you are welcoming into your life. Allow any thoughts, feelings, or pictures to emerge ... Whatever you experience is right for you.

Know that you can return to this space anytime. When you are ready, it is time to return to the room. Let’s follow the path back to the stairs. Imagine climbing up the steps to the here and now. 1, 2, 3, become more alert, 4, 5, 6, hear my voice, feel the chair ... 7, 8, 9 ... wiggle your fingers and toes, 10, gently and gradually open your eyes…

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