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IMPACT COACHING SPOTLIGHT Impact Coaching Spotlight: Mishawn Williams

INSPIRATION & GROWTH Leadership Lessons The Worst Day Ever Positive Spin The Tapestry of Time Obstacle or Unexpected Gift?

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COACHING AND BUSINESS TOOLS Tools with Purpose The Art of Holding Space

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FEED YOUR SPIRIT The Nine Physical Dimensions The Reality of Being

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PUBLISHERS Natalie Rivera Joeel A. Rivera, M.Ed.

EDITOR Lisa Cedrone

CONTRIBUTORS Darrel Hammon, Jo Mooy, Sandra Whiles, Christina Stäudle, Mary Boutieller, Anthony Tamalge, Owen Waters, Spencer Rouse, Heather Smith and Yanni Charalambous

Impact Coaching Spotlight: Mishawn Williams

Here at Transformation Academy, we are excited to announce this month’s IMPACT Coaching Spotlight—Mishawn Williams! Our goal with this initiative is to recognize and celebrate members of the IMPACT Coaching Collective who demonstrate the heart, leadership and service it takes to be an impactful coach. IMPACT is a community of likeminded, heart-centered life coaches who come together to learn, practice and grow. This article is a modified transcript of an interview between Kimberly Rich, host of The Profitable Coach Podcast, and guest Mishawn Williams. Get 30 days free in the IMPACT Community: https://store.transformationacademy.com/pages/join-thecommunity Listen to this interview on the Profitable Coach Podcast: https://store.transformationacademy.com/pages/ep71mishawn-williams-impact-the-art-of-having-it-all-livingbeyond-limitations-with-mishawn

ABOUT MISHAWN:

Mishawn Williams, Los Angeles, CA https://www.mishawnwilliams.com/ https://www.instagram.com/vinovie.the.wine.life/

WELCOME BACK TO THE PROFITABLE COACH PODCAST. I AM SO EXCITED TO HAVE WITH ME TODAY THE RADIANT MISHA WILLIAMS. WELCOME TO THE SHOW.

LET'S START BY TAKING IT BACK. HOW DID YOU FIRST FIND COACHING, PERSONAL GROWTH, ALL OF IT? WHAT WAS YOUR INCEPTION?

Oh, that takes me back! Landmark Education was one of my first deep dives into personal development. It was an intense and intentional process that completely shifted how I saw myself and my capabilities. Before Landmark, I often felt like I was stuck in this narrative of “this is just the way I am.” But Landmark gave me tools to challenge that belief and expand what I saw as possible for myself and the people I cared about. I also discovered Jack Canfield’s work, particularly his “Success Principles,” a few years ago. His work had such a strong impact because it combined practical strategies with deeper self-reflection. It helped me understand how to structure my goals, shift my mindset, and build resilience. Jack’s work became the bridge that connected my early self-discovery to practical action steps. These two experiences—Landmark and Jack Canfield—created a strong foundation for my growth, and they continue to influence my coaching today. Those insights not only improved my mindset but also helped me realize that I wanted to pass these transformative tools to others. It felt like a natural evolution to go from developing myself to helping other people step into their fullest potential.

WHEN DID YOUR JOURNEY SHIFT FROM PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR YOURSELF Thank you so much, Kimberly. I’m so excited to be TO DECIDING YOU WANTED TO HELP here. It feels like such a full-circle moment because I’ve been following your work for some time, and your insights have OTHERS THROUGH COACHING?

played a huge role in how I shaped my coaching journey. I’m That change happened not long after my Landtruly honored to be here and share my story. mark experience. Landmark introduced me to the power 4

of leadership. Through their programs, I saw firsthand how guiding others through transformative experiences could create ripple effects of growth and impact. I began volunteering as a program leader in Landmark’s Self-Expression and Leadership Program, where I helped participants create projects that made a meaningful difference in their communities. That experience awakened something in me. I realized that coaching wasn’t just about learning strategies; it was about empowering people to break through their limitations and step into new possibilities. Seeing those breakthroughs sparked something within me, and I knew I had to keep doing that work. Over the past decade, I’ve continued developing myself and building coaching programs that align with those values. Every time I guide someone through a personal breakthrough, it reinforces why I stepped into this work in the first place.

FOR THOSE UNFAMILIAR WITH LANDMARK, CAN YOU EXPLAIN SOME OF THE CORE IDEAS AND HOW THEY IMPACTED YOUR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT?

Absolutely. Landmark is all about uncovering the hidden beliefs and narratives we carry about ourselves. Often, these stories are limiting—we tell ourselves we can’t achieve certain things, or that we’re stuck in specific ways of being. Landmark’s process helps participants identify those beliefs and break free from them. It’s a powerful shift that opens up space for new opportunities and a fresh outlook on life. One of the most transformative aspects of Landmark is how it emphasizes leadership as an

e xtension of your growth. As you learn to break free from limiting beliefs, you’re encouraged to expand your influence and lead others by stepping into challenging conversations and creating impact. For me, that meant learning to show up powerfully in groups, speak with conviction, and lead in ways that helped others expand their potential as well. It’s not just about personal growth—it’s about using that growth to create meaningful change in your community, family and work life.

WERE THERE ANY OLD BELIEFS THAT YOU HAD TO RELEASE TO BECOME THE PERSON YOU ARE TODAY?

Oh yes! For a long time, I believed, “I’m just the way I am.” I thought that my personality, habits and capabilities were fixed. I carried this belief that my limitations were set in stone, which made me hesitant to push myself into new spaces. That belief kept me comfortable but stagnant. I stayed in my safe zone, feeling justified in why I wasn’t achieving certain goals or stepping into opportunities. Landmark really shook that foundation. Once I started challenging those beliefs, I realized that growth isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about expanding who you are. I began asking myself, “What if I could be more? What if I could do more?” That mental shift freed me to explore new directions and create new possibilities that had once felt impossible. Today, I carry that awareness into my coaching. I challenge my clients to notice the stories they tell themselves and ask, “What else is possible for you?” It’s powerful work, and I’m grateful I learned to ask that question myself first. 5

CAN YOU RECALL A DEFINING MOMENT WHEN YOU FELT YOURSELF STEPPING INTO A BIGGER VERSION OF YOURSELF?

One moment stands out vividly. I was leading a program, and one of the participants was giving a surface-level answer, holding back from expressing their full potential. I felt this strong instinct that they had more to share—more passion, more honesty, more vulnerability. In that moment, I took a deep breath, stood firm, and said, “I know you have more in you. Let’s go deeper. Try again.” That was a defining moment because I was stepping into an unfamiliar level of leadership. It was uncomfortable, yet I knew I needed to hold space for that person’s growth. What followed was incredible—this participant shared something so authentic that the entire room shifted. People were moved, and that participant had a breakthrough right in front of us. It was in that moment that I realized I had stepped beyond my old comfort zone. By trusting my instincts and challenging someone to be bigger, I felt myself expand as a leader. Moments like that show me the power of being bold and stepping into discomfort. As coaches, we can’t just deliver advice—we must be willing to challenge our clients to unlock the potential they can’t yet see for themselves.

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LEADERSHI Leadership Lessons

IP LESSONS Twenty ways to stand out as an exceptional leader in challenging times. By Darrel L. Hammon Over the years, I have had opportunities to observe all kinds of leaders— good ones, not so good ones, emerging leaders, ones who have forgotten what it means to be leaders, and exceptional ones. You can usually tell the difference within a short period of time where a leader falls as you work with them. Amazingly, we all possess some level of leadership. Yet, some try to avoid leadership roles because they often carry a burden of responsibility that many do not want. Others shy away from it completely and hide their talents. Some dabble with leadership, thinking that in time they can become leaders, while many are leaders because they support other leaders. Some strive diligently to be leaders in everything that they do. Whatever leadership category you align with—or wish to align with— the following 20 summaries of leadership qualities in challenging times may help you enhance your leadership skills, propel you to become more effective, and motivate you to become a trailblazer no matter where you are. 1) Make leadership a priority in your life. I chose to make leadership a

priority, and you have that choice, too. It seemed, though, that throughout my life, beginning in first grade, I leaned into leadership; I became the captain of our play army on the school grounds. I even read the biographies of the U.S. presidents in 4th grade. Although I don’t think I knew much about what a leader was, I paddled along in the current flowing downstream, picking up speed and dexterity as I maneuvered along the way. It was when I started my college life at age 23 that I made leadership a priority. 2) Be a forward thinker, a visionary that allows you to see afar. Exceptional leaders are always forwardthinking beings—yes, even visionaries! You must be looking at both the past, present and future when working to become a leader. 3) Develop a mindset of willingness and improvement. True leaders are always willing to evolve. Improvement does not necessarily mean enrolled in college courses or degrees. Rather, it means growing through learning, reading, serving,

teaching, facilitating, meditating and helping others. 4) Be present in all that you do. What does “being present” actually mean? It means “being engaged” in the moment. I have been to many community functions, including political events, where people greet you and attempt to have a conversation, but their eyes wander around the room, looking for someone else to talk to. The “being present” people look you in the eye and are engaged with you and your conversation. They listen and pay attention. 5) Always look at the whole picture and become holistic. Just looking beyond the end of your nose will not cut it in leadership. You must see the holistic picture, so you see the whole and then break it down in pieces. It is a challenge, but if you do, you will see things you may never have seen before and do things you didn’t think you could ever do. 6) Share what you know with others, particularly your vision and mission. As a leader, you are

more prone to be successful if you understand your personal vision and your organization’s vision. You understand the goals and strategies of the mission and strive to make them happen by helping others to also see the big picture and put all the pieces together, so you move along as a great team. 7) Develop an agile mind and a propensity to change. You must be ready to change even before change happens, meaning you must prepare yourself and understand that change will happen—with you or without you. Leaders are change agents,

ready and willing to lead the way forward and participate in the process. 8) Have a hunger and a motivation to learn. Learning is a beautiful thing, especially if you use it appropriately to help others and yourself to become better and achieve great things. Having a hunger and a motivation to learn demonstrates to others that you are an emerging leader who seeks learning to enhance the way you do business in positive and robust ways. 9) Populate your mind with positive ideas and thoughts. This world wrecks negativity, contention and

anger. It is easy to get caught up in the negative debris and lose your way. Thus, populating your mind with positive outlooks will propel you out of the darkness of negativity into the light of positivity. You will be happier, feel less burdened, and be more willing to reach out and help others through their challenges. 10) Join the right team. Those who have played sports, played in bands, sung in choirs, or been a part of any team effort understand that to be on the right team and, especially play as a team, will reap more benefits than you can imagine. This

means that you are a team player. Sometimes you are the leader; other times you are the supporter; other times you are the motivator; and often you are all three. 11) Set your course, focus on your goals, and work to achieve them. Plan, get into action and move forward. You can help clients and yourself by setting a course and goals and then implementing strategies to achieve them. Continue to lean forward and develop plans to overcome the obstacles and then do what needs to be done to accomplish them. 12) Communicate effectively. Perhaps nothing is more important than communicating with others in an organization and your family. Lack of communication is one of the major causes of divorce, break ups and ineffective teams. Learn how to communicate effectively and harmony will prevail. 13) Have a sense of urgency. Leaders have a bit of ingrained hustle and urgency in their steps. It doesn’t mean that you are in a hurry. Having a sense of urgency gives you the momentum to move forward in judicious ways. 14) Practice responsibility and accountability. Sometimes the “me” in all of us prohibits us from taking responsibility and being accountable for our actions. There are

so many people, things or events that you can blame and offload responsibility. The key is to become responsible and accountable for your own choices and actions and understand that each choice has a consequence. 15) Gain a diversified knowledge. Gaining a working knowledge of many things and how they align with each other is important. A diverse knowledge allows you more flexibility in the workplace and any community in which you live and/or work. 16) Become an excellent listener. In today’s society of “so much chaos and confusion about so many things,” it is imperative to be a good, active listener, one who pays attention in a conversation, not trying to dominate any exchange of ideas. Listen and learn. 17) Use the resources and gifts that you have been given. I am a firm believer that you have been given gifts that you must utilize and improve upon. For example, I served a mission for my Church in southern Chile. I learned Spanish and felt it was a gift. Thus, I made it a goal in my life that I would keep up my Spanish. I read books in Spanish. I tried to speak Spanish wherever I went. I learned vocabulary. While I may not be a true native speaker, I do well in most settings.

18) Be committed. One of the biggest challenges I see today is the sway towards being n oncommittal. It seems that many people feel that if they do not commit to something or even someone, they will not have to be disappointed. Yet, b eing committed to something only enhances your ability to move f orward with courage and hope. 19) Be trustworthy and trusted. There are few leadership qualities that are more important than being trustworthy and trusted. Back in my father’s time, a handshake was good enough for anything. My father was trustworthy, and people trusted him to do so many things. It is one of those qualities that he often talked about. You should strive to be trusted at your word. 20) Love, lift, lead, inspire and invite. Exceptional leaders love, lift, lead, inspire and invite others in and out of an organization to be better. They just exude goodness and create opportunities for people to want to be better in everything that they do. Do you embody this energy? While leadership is an art form, it lies fallow within us until we realize that we already possess leadership skills and qualities that can be nurtured and enhanced. Be intentional in learning and teaching these skills to others. If so, your own leadership skills will be enriched.

Darrel L. Hammon has been dabbling in writing in a variety of genres since his college days, having published poetry, academic and personal articles/essays, a book titled Completing Graduate School Long Distance (Sage Publications), and a picture book, The Adventures of Bob the Bullfrog: Christmas Beneath a Frozen Lake (Outskirts Press). He also was the editor of the Journal of Adult Education (Mountain Plains Adult Education Association). Most of his essay/article writing has focused on topics about growing up, leadership, self-awareness, motivation, marriage/dating, and educational topics. Some of these articles/essays are in Spanish because Darrel is bilingual in Spanish/English, having lived in Chile, Dominican Republic, and southern California, and having worked with Latino youth and families all of his professional life in higher education. He has two blogs, one for personal writing at http://www.darrelhammon.blogspot.com/ and one for his consulting/life coaching business (http://www.hammonconsults.blogspot.com/).

The Worst Day Ever

When an event dramatically upsets your equilibrium, it’s important to recognize that it can become YOUR personal low point in life. By Jo Mooy While scrolling through a cooking group on social media, a post stopped me. A young woman named Jennifer was baking a casserole when the glass dish in the oven broke, sending shards throughout the food she was preparing. Bemoaning the event, she reported that it was “the worst day ever.” Was a shattered Pyrex dish filled with food really the worst day ever in Jennifer’s life? What qualifies as “the worst day ever” in someone’s mind? The most famous opening line in a book was that of Charles Dickens’ Tale of Two Cities. He began the book with, “It

was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Then he goes on to write: “It was a season of light and a season of darkness. It was a spring of hope and a winter of despair.” The book was about the French Revolution. Without trial, 30,000 people were executed or died in prison during the Revolution’s Reign of Terror. In my mind, that tops the list of the “worst day ever” over a lost casserole. A woman named Laura related her visit to Paris on Instagram. Laura and her daughter Emma were going down the long stairs in the Metro. Emma, like many younger people, was not paying attention to her surroundings because she was laser focused on whatever story

was happening on her iPhone. A couple of shady men going up the stairs saw their golden opportunity. One of them grabbed the expensive phone and the other snatched Emma’s purse before both of them disappeared in the crowd. With iPhone and passports gone, the mother, in a too-broad generalization, complained to the world that Paris was full of pickpockets and the police were no help in resolving their problem, and that it was their “worst day ever.” Other “worst days ever” come to mind. The year is 536 AD. Imagine waking up one morning and seeing what was described as a “weird fog” outside. The sun was barely visible,

and the temperature had dropped significantly from the previous day. Darkness fell over the world. Continuing for five years, the temperatures ranged between 34 degrees and -36 degrees Fahrenheit, causing a major natural disaster where crops failed and drought was everywhere on earth. The lack of growing seasons resulted in a full-scale famine where millions died. The economy of Europe collapsed, plague ravaged the land, as the disaster continued to 640 AD. Not until the 1990s did scientists discover that volcanoes had erupted all over the world cooling the planet, plunging crops into darkness, and causing a disaster that wiped out 55 percent of the human population and most species. Roman chronicles referred to 536 as “the worst year to be alive.”

The French Revolution’s Reign of Terror and the year 536’s incredible geological collapse would surely qualify as some of the worst days ever in world history. But it’s not fair to only use the size of the impact as a qualifier. Nor should we use numbers of deaths to be the qualifier. Those two events had massive impacts. Nor should we diminish Jennifer’s casserole explosion, which turned out to be her worst day ever. If you’ve been in Laura and Emma’s shoes where you lost your passport and all your money and had to figure out how to navigate home, it too might qualify as the worst day ever. So, who judges what is or isn’t the worst day ever? It depends. About 10 years ago I was introduced to S.N. G oenka, who was the world-renowned founder

and teacher of the Vipassana Research Institute in India. I attended his 10-day silent Vipassana retreat. Every evening, he gave a teaching lecture. One lecture has stayed with me for the 10 years since first hearing it. I called it The Rolex Lecture, and it goes to the heart of this article. Sri Goenka told the story of the man who owned a gold Rolex. He was very proud of the Rolex, showing it off to everyone he met. It was his prized possession. Then one day the man came to the temple bellowing, “My Rolex, my Rolex, I lost my Rolex. It’s gone. It was my most precious possession. What am I going to do? How could this terrible thing happen to me? This is the worst day of my life.” Sri Goenka continued by saying that most people heard the man’s story. They were sorry for him. But no one was terribly invested in the loss of his Rolex. It was his Rolex, and it happened to him, not to them. So, they really didn’t care. He paused a long time before continuing. He said, “Now, if it’s my Rolex (emphasizing MY Rolex) that I lost, well then that would be the worst day ever, wouldn’t it? It’s not the Rolex, or the casserole, or global crop failure or plague. When something happens to someone else, we listen, detach and step back. We even make a judgment about the event as to whether or not it’s really the worst day ever. But in the end, it’s THEIR worst day ever not yours. However, here the story turns. If an event dramatically upsets your equilibrium, then it becomes very personal. When that happens to YOU, it definitely becomes YOUR worst day ever.

Conscious Living with Jo Mooy

Jo Mooy has studied with many spiritual traditions over the past 40 years. The wide diversity of this training allows her to develop spiritual seminars and retreats that explore inspirational concepts, give purpose and guidance to students, and present esoteric teachings in an understandable manner. Along with Patricia Cockerill, she has guided the Women’s Meditation Circle since January 2006 where it has been honored for five years in a row as the “Favorite Meditation” group in Sarasota, FL, by Natural Awakenings Magazine. Teaching and using Sound as a retreat healing practice, Jo was certified as a Sound Healer through Jonathan Goldman’s Sound Healing Association. She writes and publishes a monthly internationally distributed e-newsletter called Spiritual Connections and is a staff writer for Spirit of Maat magazine in Sedona. For more information go to http://www.starsoundings.com or email jomooy@gmail.com.

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TOOLS WITH WIT Tools with Purpose

H PURPOSE How to embrace the thoughtful use of coaching tools to help clients discover insights, focus and find clarity. By Sandra Whiles, PCC Coaching is all about connection—not quick fixes. But the right tool, used with purpose, can open up powerful thinking and support insight, trust and growth. I once asked during a group coaching session: “Imagine you are torn between staying in a familiar role or stepping into something new. Both options look good on paper. If each option were a piece of furniture, what would they be?” They lit up. “Staying feels like a solid oak desk, sturdy, reliable, but heavy and fixed,” someone said. “The new role? More like a modular sofa, flexible, creative, something I can shape,” another added. Their energy shifted. They connected with what they needed—more space, more possibility. The metaphor helped them move from thinking to knowing. And they made a decision—the modular sofa. It wasn’t the coaching tool that gave them the answer, it was the space to feel what was right. What helped was presence, trust, and the space to follow a powerful image that emerged. That’s the soul of coaching for me.

THE MAGIC OF A COACHING TOOL, IF THE TIME IS RIGHT Tools don’t lead the way in coaching, intuition does. But the right tool, at the right moment, can help a client see through the haze.

There’s something magical about watching a great coach at work. They tune in, listen deeply, and co-create space without pushing a method. As Kim Morgan says, they’re “comfortable dancing in the moment.” They’re not rushing to fix or advise. They’re holding space and sometimes offering a tool that gently unlocks something new. Coaching tools are powerful when used with care, creativity and consent. They can help clients untangle, imagine or refocus—but never replace the relationship between the coach and client. The magic is in how, when and why we use the tools, and who we are when we do. That’s why I created The Coaching Tools Compendium, a new resource guide that to help coaches grow with confidence. It’s a source of possibility, not a prescription. Something coaches can reach for when it feels right—practical tools to help shape a practice that’s truly their own. Following are some things I learned along the way that can help you embrace and use coaching tools as you move forward.

A TOOL ISN’T A SUBSTITUTE FOR A RELATIONSHIP No tool can replace the relationship we shape with our clients. Trust, psychological safety, clear contracting, presence— these are the foundations of any coaching conversation. The tools are simply one part of the dance. We bring a raft of skills into the coaching space—listening, summarizing, challenging, supporting, sensing, reflecting,

and knowing when to stay quiet. Our role is to help clients find their own way. Discover insights. Reconnect with confidence. Define success and actions in their terms. We’re not there to pull out diagrams and worksheets just because we can. The best tools in the world will fall flat if they’re not offered with empathy, timing and connection. When I was creating The Coaching Tools Compendium, I kept coming back to three themes that underpin a confident coaching practice: • Settle—building solid foundations, grounding our work in values, clarity and care. • Shine—leaning into our strengths, presence and personal style.

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Stretch—being brave, trying new things and growing into what’s next.

CHOOSING TOOLS WITH CARE AND CONFIDENCE In the wider world, some tools are specialized, such as an apple corer—great for one job, coring apples, but doesn’t do much else. Others are multi-purpose, more flexible, such as a Swiss army knife—a screwdriver, bottle opener, scissors, mini saw…all in one. One tool, loads of uses, depending on the situation. The same applies to coaching tools. We might adapt one to help a client explore values. Use another to build a team’s shared

vision. The point is, we get to offer what suits our style, the client’s needs and the situation at hand. Here are some important considerations when it comes to using tools: 1) Ask Permission to Experiment. “There’s an approach that might help here; are you comfortable with trying something a bit different?” Briefly explain what the tool involves (e.g. movement, drawing, working with a model) and make it clear that it’s okay to say no. When clients feel respected and in charge, they’re more likely to engage value the learning. 2) Be Realistic with Time. Some tools need more space than a single session allows. Think ahead about how much time you have, and whether the tool will deepen thinking or create a rushed feel. It’s often helpful to offer tools as invitations for reflection between sessions, especially for clients who enjoy processing alone. 3) Start with the Client’s Needs, not Yours. It’s tempting to want to try out something new, but our excitement shouldn’t lead the process. Keep the focus on what the client needs. 4) Consider Trust and Timing. Some tools are emotionally evocative. I avoid using those in early sessions until trust is well established. It’s not about being over-cautious, more about recognising that, for some clients, it takes a while to build the trust to go deep. Knowing when a client is ready to be offered depth, challenge, or something more creative, is part of our art as coaches. 5) Your Presence is the Real Power. Ultimately, tools work best when used alongside our core coaching skills—presence, listening, sensing energy, reflecting language, and helping clients make their own connections. The tool might be the prompt—but you’re the space-holder.

WHEN TOOLS MISS THE MARK Not every tool will land every time. Sometimes, you’ll sense that a client isn’t engaged, the energy shifts and you

r ealize this isn’t what they need. If you’ve created the right kind of coaching relationship, that’s okay. There’s learning in that too. Ask yourself: • Did I get caught up in my preferences rather than tuning into the client’s? • Was I clear in how I introduced the tool? • Was I holding onto the tool rather than letting the client lead? The answer might be as simple as wrong moment, right intention. And, in most cases, the conversation that follows will be just as valuable as if the tool had landed perfectly. And great learning for the coach.

PRACTICAL PLAY: CHOOSING TOOLS TO FIT Mies van der Rohe’s classic design mantra “less is more” applies beautifully. We don’t need to use a dozen tools to be effective. Often, offering one well-timed visual, one fresh metaphor, or one reframed model is enough to open something new. Keep it simple. And let your presence do the rest. In my own practice, I’ve found that using fewer tools, but using them with care and curiosity, makes a bigger impact. The real transformation lies in how our clients make meaning of the conversation, not in how many templates we share. Let’s end with a simple reflection exercise that’s a useful check-in whenever we want to feel more grounded in who we are and how we work. • What is my True North—the heart of my work? What do I hold to be true about coaching and the kind of space it creates? • What challenges me, and how do I stretch beyond it? • What fuels my passion for my work? • What helps me stay grounded and keep learning? Take some time to reflect. Notice what stands out. What does this say to you about you as a coach and where you want to journey next? Whether you’re an experienced coach or just starting out, my hope is that you use tools not to “do coaching right” but to coach your way—thoughtfully, confidently and with soul.

Sandra Whiles, PCC is a leadership coach and facilitator based in the UK, and the author of The Coaching Tools Compendium: A Journey of Discovery and Growth. With a background in leadership and a passion for helping coaches grow in confidence and community, Sandra offers tools, space and support to help coaches shape their own path. The Coaching Tools Compendium, is a practical resource to help coaches shape their practice with courage, creativity and trust. Available in early June 2025, it contains 56 coaching tools and a wealth of information and insight to help you on your journey as a coach. Learn more at https://www.sandrawhilescoaching.com or connect with Sandra on LinkedIn.

The Art of Holding Space

As a coach, confidence in holding space grows through deep clarity, trust in the process and an unshakable presence. By Christina Stäudle

HOW DO YOU HOLD SPACE IN PRACTICE?

Holding space is both an inner state of being and Andrew sat still, anchoring himself in his breath as an outer way of engaging. Here’s how to develop it: Kasper’s words slowed into silence. 1) The Inner Work: Becoming the Container Kasper’s eyes flickered with hesitation, his hands tightening on his lap. The weight of his unspoken fears Your ability to hold space depends on your selfhung between them. Andrew felt the familiar pull—to re- awareness, healing and personal growth: assure, to fill the quiet with solutions. But he knew better. • Own Your Journey—Your struggles, breakthroughs Instead, he softened his own posture, letting his and pain have shaped your capacity to hold space. presence whisper: You are safe here. You don’t have to rush. Transformation isn’t about your story—it’s about Inside, Andrew held space not just for Kasper, but understanding what it feels like to navigate change. for his own wisdom—everything life had taught him about • Embody Compassion and Truth—Compassion pain, uncertainty, and the quiet strength found in simply meets people where they are. Truth means resistbeing witnessed. He had learned that transformation rareing the urge to sugarcoat or rescue. ly comes from answers but from having a place to unravel • Regulate Your Nervous System—If you remain calm, without judgment. steady and grounded, you create safety for the client. Kasper exhaled, his shoulders easing. A truth sur• Let Go of the Need to Fix—Holding space is witfaced, not forced but discovered. Andrew simply nodded. nessing, not solving. Deep reflection, not quick Yes. There it is. solutions, leads to real change. He didn’t need to say a word. The space had 2) The Outer Work: Creating Transformative Space done the work. • Be Fully Present—Slow down. Let go of distractions. Listen not just to words, but to tone, breath and WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HOLD SPACE? unspoken emotions. • Allow Silence—Don’t rush to fill pauses. Trust the Holding space is the practice of creating a safe, process. Ask open-ended questions. Instead of compassionate and non-judgmental environment where advising, guide with: someone can process their thoughts, emotions, and experio “What does your body feel right now?” ences without pressure, interruption or judgment. It means: o “What is your heart whispering?” • Being fully present: not mentally elsewhere, not o “What feels true for you in this moment?” waiting to respond. o “If you weren’t afraid, what would you say?” • Allowing them to be as they are: not rushing • Validate their Experience—Offer reflections like: their process. o “I hear you. That must be incredibly challenging.” • Trusting their inner wisdom to find the right path. o “It makes sense that you feel this way.” • Offering a container of stability and clarity, even in o “You are not alone in this.” confusion, pain or transition. • Hold Complexity and Paradox—People can • Recognizing that transformation does not come feel grief and relief, love and anger, hope and from your advice but from your presence, listening and reflection without an agenda. fear all at once. Holding space means allowing 21

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these c ontradictions to exist without rushing to resolve them. Trust their Wisdom—Even if they don’t see it yet, your belief in their capacity empowers them. Transformation often looks like confusion before clarity.

HOW YOUR LIFE EXPERIENCE MAKES YOU A POWERFUL SPACE-HOLDER

Because you have lived through hardship, breakthroughs and transformation, you bring: • A Deep Well of Compassion—Struggle teaches empathy. You meet clients with kindness, not judgment. • Truth Without Illusion—Real transformation isn’t about quick fixes but deep, lasting shifts. • Embodied Wisdom—You don’t coach from theory. You coach from lived experience.

•

The Ability to Hold Darkness and Light—You aren’t afraid of pain, grief or uncertainty because you’ve walked through them.

PRACTICAL ENERGETIC PRACTICES TO HOLD SPACE MORE EFFECTIVELY 1) Before the Session: Preparing Yourself & Your Space Visualization—Creating your inner safe space. • Breathe deeply. Become fully present. • Picture a sacred, invisible container around you, holding compassion and wisdom. • Imagine placing all your own worries into a safe vessel—a box, chest, or jar. • Visualize a calm, steady flow of strength and peace within you—this is the energy you will coach from.

3) Somatics and Body-Based Awareness Emotions are stored in the body. Somatic practices strengthen presence and connection. Deepen your understanding: • Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine • The Mindful Body by Ellen Langer 4) Spiritual and Philosophical Perspectives on Presence Inner stillness allows deeper, unattached presence. Deepen your understanding: • The Way of the Heart by Henri Nouwen • Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl 5) Trauma-Informed and Nervous System- Sensitive Coaching Trauma-Informed Communication is Counterintuitive—Pushing deep emotions can cause re-traumatization. Deepen Your Understanding: • Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness by David Treleaven FIELDS OF EXPERTISE THAT DEEPEN • The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk CONFIDENCE IN HOLDING SPACE 6) Coaching Ethics and Professional Boundaries Clear distinctions between coaching and therapy Holding space is strengthened by six disciplines: prevent overstepping scope. Deepen Your Understanding: 1) Psychology and Human Behavior • Ethical Guidelines for Coaching Professionals by ICF Understanding attachment, emotions, trauma • Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend and subconscious patterns creates a strong foundation. Deepen your understanding: FINAL THOUGHTS • Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller • The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk Confidence comes from embodiment; it’s not 2) Neuroscience and Polyvagal Theory just knowledge. Confidence in holding space grows Understanding the nervous system’s role in emo- through deep clarity, trust in the process and an untional safety helps you co-regulate with clients. Deepen shakable presence. Always remember: Holding space isn’t about doyour understanding: ing—it’s about being. When that is mastered, transfor• The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy by Deb Dana • How Emotions Are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett mation happens naturally. Set an Intention—Whisper to yourself: “I am here to hold space with love, presence and trust.” 2) After the Session: Releasing and Recharging Visualization Letting Go—How to refill your cup. • Imagine the session’s energy dissolving into light— It was never yours to carry. • Breathe deeply and step out of the energetic container you created. • Return to your own sacred space—Grounded, whole and reconnected. 3) Replenish Your Energy Between Sessions • Pause in silence before moving on. • Drink water or tea mindfully. • Step outside, breathe fresh air, and reconnect with nature.

Christina Stäudle is a trauma-informed psychotherapy practitioner, TA Master Transformation Coach, and founder of Mission Transformation International. Known as Mrs. Antifragility, she equips individuals to break free from toxic cycles, build authentic purpose, and grow through adversity with grace and strength. Her work blends self-leadership, resilience, and soul-deep transformation—empowering emerging leaders to move from survival into sustainable impact. Christina is based in Germany and East Africa. You can connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-stäudle-mt.

POSITIVE

SPIN Positive Spin

What we see with our eyes and feel with our heart are decisions we get to make each and every day. By Mary Boutieller Have you ever heard yourself when you are talking with others? Did you notice the tone, the intent, the energy infused in what you were saying? I ask this because, during a recent walk around the neighborhood with my darling, I noticed, more clearly than usual, how many negative things, like messy yards and run-down homes, we were pointing out. Occasionally I would catch myself and comment on a beautiful tree or landscaping I liked, but we seemed to default back to noticing the things we didn’t like or thought could be different. The very next day, I spent time with a friend and listened as he pointed out all the negative things he’d encountered with people, work, life…and I noticed how it made me feel. Several times, I tried to spin the observations toward the positive, but he was having none of that. The Universe, it seemed, was sending me a message and asking me to take a look. I realized how much I had been weighed down with discontent and dissatisfaction about the way things seem to be. What’s interesting, of course, is that energy is contagious. If all I spout is negativity (so easy to do these days), then

not only does it affect me, it also affects those around me. Same goes for positivity. Is it really so much harder to see all the good around us? I think not. Writer and photographer Gabriel Grove said, “Whatever we continuously feed our souls, we subconsciously become! Every day we wake up, we’re given another opportunity to become our best selves.” I know this to be true and yet, lately, I find myself drawn into the fray. Evolutionarily, we were programmed to look for danger so that we could survive. Those events were mostly limited to life-and-death circumstances. We would respond to the threat and, once it was gone, we would go back to grooming or resting. These days, a simple trip to the store can have me commenting (mostly to myself) about terrible drivers, long traffic lights, the crazy weather….you get the picture. No wonder we feel the way we do! Luckily, I’m aware that this is of my own choosing. What I focus on is up to me. What I see with my eyes and feel with my heart are decisions I get to make each and every day. I was reminded of this recently. First, I participated in a 5K walk for our local food bank and was heartened by all the

people who came out early in the morning to support this amazing cause. In the afternoon, I attended the official opening of the Embracing Our Differences art exhibit at a local park in Sarasota, FL. It includes a collection of large artworks with quotes depicting diversity, kindness, inclusion and more. There were so many kind hearts doing their part to make our town a better place. And I thought, “This too is true.” Sometimes, I can feel so high on life one moment and so low with dread in another. As I’ve said before, the world seems awfully upside down right now. Yet, I know in my heart that I can stay informed AND remember all the good that is happening all around me. There was a quote on one of the beautiful artworks at the exhibit that really touched my heart. It was by Judith Pauling of Nokomis, FL. It said, “If kindness earned its weight in gold, would you be wealthy?” It’s an incredible gift to realize that we can be part of the problem or part of the solution. There is real power in knowing that each time we act, we can opt for kindness and understanding. We can choose our words and know that the energy we put out there will come back our way. Let’s choose wisely.

The Yoga of Life with Mary Boutieller Mary Boutieller is a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance. She has been teaching yoga since 2005. Her work experience includes 22 years as a firefighter/paramedic and 10 years as a Licensed Massage Therapist. Mary’s knowledge and experience give her a well-rounded understanding of anatomy, alignment, health and movement in the body. She is passionate about the benefits of yoga and the ability to heal at all levels through awareness, compassion, and a willingness to explore. She can be reached at: SimplyogaOm@gmail.com.

The Tapestry of Time

Photo by Dave Hoefler on Unsplash.

What if every moment is already part of the eternal now— with past, present and future all there simultaneously? By Anthony Talmage Many scientists think it is possible that time is not a straight line going from yesterday to today, through to tomorrow, but is something more like a big picture or a landscape where every moment exists simultaneously. Think of watching a movie on Netflix: the beginning, middle and end of the film already exist, even though you’re watching one scene at a time. Time might work the same way—with past, present and future all there simultaneously. Physicists call this idea the “Block Universe.” Einstein’s famous Theory of Relativity backs this up. He discovered that time is flexible and, depending on how fast you move, it can speed up or slow down. This means that everything exists everywhere all at once and isn’t the same for everyone. This concept is embodied in what ancient traditions and spiritual philosophy call the Akashic Record—a massive, invisible library containing all knowledge, past, present and future, of every person, animal and event ever. If such a record exists, it fits perfectly with the idea that every moment is stored somewhere, ready to be accessed. Sometimes people experience things that support this idea. For example, déjà vu—that weird feeling of having seen or experienced something before. Or perhaps dreaming about something happening in the future that then really happens.

This is called precognition, and there are masses of such experiences—just Google it! Then there’s retrocognition, precognition’s opposite, where people can clearly sense things from the past that they couldn’t know. These experiences suggest the human mind can somehow tap into a “timescape” that’s eternal. Quantum physics shows even stranger things. In quantum entanglement experiments, two particles can instantly affect each other, even if they’re millions of miles apart—like invisible communication without any time delay. To get my head round this concept, I see it as the particles being at either end of a steel rod; turn the rod and the particles move simultaneously, however far apart they are. This confounds Einstein’s contention that the speed of light is the fastest speed in the Universe. Nothing can beat it. But we now know, yes it can be exceeded. Quantum entanglement crosses millions of miles instantly. If science can show us this, perhaps time really is all connected, and we’re only experiencing one small part of something much bigger. And if particles can behave this way, maybe our minds can sometimes access information from different points in time, too. Also, when people have neardeath experiences, they often report seeing their entire life flash before their eyes. They sometimes even feel the emotions of everyone they’ve ever known, as

though time no longer matters. How could this be? How can a lifetime’s experiences be perceived in seconds? Just like looking at all the pages of a book at once instead of one page at a time. Another way of looking at this phenomenon is to imagine life like a Spotify playlist: all songs exist at once, but you can only hear one at a time. You can skip forward or go back, but every song—just like every moment—is already there. It’s our minds that experience tracks one at a time, confirming the view of a linear world that goes from the past, into the present and on to the future. The Block Universe theory is powerful because it explains mysterious things like intuition, déjà vu, and dreams about the future. If time isn’t just a straight line, perhaps we really can tune into different parts of the past, present and future without realizing it. Maybe one day we’ll fully understand the magic of time, not just as something that passes—but as an exciting universe where everything is connected, waiting to be explored. As we navigate the mysteries of life, this perspective offers a profound reminder: that every moment is already part of the eternal now. And that we should live mindfully and make choices that we’ll be proud of, knowing they’re part of something eternal. What story will each of us weave into the tapestry of time?

Anthony Talmage is author of five books in his Psychic Mind series: Dowse Your Way to Psychic Power, In Tune with The Infinite Mind, Unlock the Psychic Powers of Your Unconscious Mind, How to Crack the Cosmic Code and Mindfulness and The Pendulum all available in Kindle, printed and audio versions from Amazon and all good online bookshops. You also can check out his free podcast at: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1742930.

Obstacle or Unexpected Gift?

When developing a pattern of prayer and meditation for life balance, it’s wise to concentrate on your goals to help find the opportunities in unexpected disruptions. By Spencer Rouse How often have you planned a tight schedule, only to encounter a simple miscommunication or an unexpected roadblock that prevented you from making your first appointment on time? As a result, your day may have continued to unravel. You might have lost your rhythm, and nothing seemed to fit well afterward. How did you handle it? Were you frustrated? Angry? Perhaps panicked if you were up against a deadline? You might have returned home that night, resolved to forget about the day as you relaxed. Alternatively, you may have felt burdened by the pressures of life. Did you chalk it up to a fluke that couldn’t be helped, or did you continue to feel the weight of the day’s difficulties? This challenging day concealed an unexpected gift: an opportunity to introduce more ease and flow into your life. It’s easy to say that no one could have anticipated the roadblock—“It wasn’t my fault; there was nothing I could have done.” However, consider this: there are no “accidents.” Subtle energy always seeks its vibrational match, even when we are unaware of it. Spiritual teachers, gurus, and even social media posts often advise starting the day with prayer and meditation (presumably after feeding the cats). When we pray, we elevate our energy to a higher, lighter dimension. Our conscious goal is to align vibrationally with a Higher Power. Even if we don’t explicitly ask for a day without obstacles, we are opening ourselves to a broader range of vibrations. We might pick up on an energy of obstruction in our path or something similar enough to catch our attention—or we might not. We could also sense a vibe to cancel part of our plans, but would we be inclined to listen?

When we pray, we create an opening for our guides to communicate with us through signs or messages. Expressing gratitude further opens our heart chakra, enabling us to receive and offer help in various loving ways. Take a moment to breathe and express gratitude; you can feel the difference. Meditation can have various goals. Any style can help enhance insight and intuition, but focusing on specific insights for your day ahead may be more beneficial than a broad approach. Over time, established patterns can reveal clearer and more informative insights relevant to your needs. Regular patterns of prayer and meditation can help balance your life overall. You may become more organized and efficient, simplifying your daily activities. But what happens when we encounter obstacles while pursuing our goals? As you develop a pattern of prayer and meditation, it’s wise to concentrate on your current and future goals. As you practice, insights about your goals will come to you, along with potentially new ideas. Sometimes, intuitive “hits” may prompt you to reassess some of your plans. What you desire may not align with who you are or what you want to achieve. Why do we set goals that don’t align with our true selves? We live in a world influenced by diverse ideas, thought patterns and beliefs. We may be following our family’s patterns or feeling that one particular path to accomplishment is more esteemed than others. What resonates with our souls may be far removed from external expectations. We might conform to be accepted rather than risk stirring the pot. Where does this leave us? Unfulfilled, for starters. Possibly unhappy, too. We may feel out of sync with life. [Cut sentence] But, what if that morning’s

r oadblock—a small delay—ultimately spared us from a more serious incident later? This is an obstacle to what we want, but we may not have the whole picture just yet. Patience… Allowing subtle energy into our consciousness can work in our favor. When we rely solely on our conscious thinking and ego to navigate the world, we often close ourselves off to readily available help. This support comes from our souls, universal consciousness, and is accessible through guidance

from our angels, guides and master teachers. This assistance exists for everyone, regardless of its name in different cultures. As stated in Matthew 7:7, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” When an obstacle—large or small—blocks your path, it is wise to reflect on its purpose rather than become frustrated or angry. More often than not, it is a blessing— a gift in disguise.

Elemental Wisdom with Spencer Rouse Spencer Rouse has been a professional psychic and intuitive reader, energy healer, life coach, and lecture/workshop facilitator for more than 20 years, working one-on-one in counseling sessions, in groups, and at psychic fairs and other events. She works primarily through the gifts of claircognizance—an inner knowing—and clairsentience—the ability to sense information through feelings and emotions. Spencer also connects with the different layers of the human energy field (the aura) using color and sound to help balance and invigorate life force energy. Visit her online at http://www.SpencerRouse.com or email PsychicSpencer.com.

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The Nine Physical Dimensions

Exploring the framework of Creation that makes all things possible. By Owen Waters Each physical object in the universe has properties or measurable attributes that we call dimensions. One inch or one meter is a measurement of the dimension of space. One second is a measurement of the dimension of time. We are familiar with the idea of space and time being measurable dimensions, but what about the other dimensions in Creation? Dimensions are attributes or properties of physical objects. For example, an object can be located in a certain place and is, like all of us, passing through time, but what other attributes make its creation possible? What about the energies that make up the object’s atoms? Big objects are made of small atoms, so let’s look at the small and the big will look after itself. First, consider the framework of Creation that makes all things possible. The Creator made the universe out of one ingredient—consciousness—so you can’t leave consciousness off the list. In fact, all things are composed of consciousness, so what combination of thought and feeling makes an atom what it is? The universe was created by the One Creator employing three aspects of divine consciousness— Thought, Feeling and Motion. Then, to create the nine physical dimensions, each of the original three

aspects were further expanded into three sub-aspects. The resulting nine physical dimensions can be seen in three groups of three.

THE THOUGHT (ENERGY) DIMENSIONS GROUP

1) Etheric (yang) energy—life energy, prana or chi 2) Magnetic (yin) energy—the fabric of space or the Field 3) Electric (physical) energy While etheric energy is strange to materialistic science, it is known to many as vital life energy, chi/ qi or prana. Traditional Chinese medicine has used it to maintain the health of patients most effectively for several millennia. The Field was originally called the Luminiferous Aether, a term that now causes confusion with an entirely different energy, Etheric Energy. The Field is a subtle magnetic fluid, filling all space and intensifying around physical objects causing the effect of gravity. Light energy is widely known to be electromagnetic. What isn’t widely known is that, while it travels at light speed through free space, it has an additional energy component. Etheric energy surrounds each photon of light and energizes it to travel

through space, right up until it collides with a solid barrier. The impact strips away the etheric sheath, which carries right along traveling like a ghost passing through a wall, leaving the physical r emainder to travel its new path. The electromagnetic remainder is then capable of being seen as visible light by physical eyes.

THE FEELING (SPATIAL) DIMENSIONS GROUP

4) Space—or size, measured in three directions 5) Feeling—as with all forms of consciousness, objects have feelings 6) Location—where an object belongs. Notice that Space is one of the nine dimensions, one that has three sub-aspects or three directions of measurement. Contrast this perspective to that of modernday physics, which considers the total lineup of possible dimensions to be three space dimensions and one additional dimension of time. When you love, or at least actively like, a machine such as a car, it runs a whole lot more reliably than it would for someone who routinely yells at it. As another example of Feeling, even in the densely material halls of mechanical engineering miracles can be found. I once studied under a Materials Science professor who thought it highly entertaining to point out a seemingly inexplicable phenomenon. If you cut through a bar of steel, a microscope will reveal stress marks in the cut. But, if you first soak the steel in a liquid anesthetic, it will then produce no stress marks. Imagine that—the energy of the anesthetic affects

the steel bar, just like it would a human, and it avoids feeling the pain and stress of being cut. Location is the attribute that lets an object know where it belongs in the universe. In the future, when we have recorded the subtle signature tones of various locations, we will create teleportation vehicles which, when isolated from the magnetic fabric of space, can change their location energy signatures and then re-materialize at a new location.

THE MOTION DIMENSIONS GROUP

7) Structure of an atom as a chemical element 8) Identity of a body (its unique signature tone) 9) Time (physical motion) Structure refers to the component energies of an atom as a chemical element, primarily the numbers of electrons, protons and orbital layers of the atom. Your soul has a unique signature tone. Not just a frequency, but also a combination of elements of thought and feeling. Every energetic particle in the universe has its own unique signature tone because Infinite Being created infinite variety. This is why you are a unique person—someone whose soul purpose is to contribute to the variety of life in the universe in your own special and unique way. Time, too, has three varieties—linear time (the clock on the wall type), experiential time (as in, time flies or drags), and timelines, potential alternatives which your soul can explore in parallel to your central, active timeline.

iNFINITE BEING with Owen K. Waters Owen Waters is author of the Indie award-winning book, Spirituality Made Simple and a cofounder of the Spiritual Dynamics Academy and InfiniteBeing.com, where a where a free spiritual growth newsletter awaits you at https:// www.InfiniteBeing.com. He is an international spiritual teacher who has helped hundreds of thousands of spiritual seekers to understand better the nature of their spiritual potential. Owen’s life has been focused upon gaining spiritual insights through extensive research and the development of his inner vision. He has written a spiritual metaphysics newsletter since 2004 which empowers people to discover their own new vistas of inspiration, love and creativity. Spiritual seekers enjoy his writings for their clarity and deep insights. Contact Owen via email News@InfiniteBeing.com.

The Reality of Being

How to gain a conscious awareness of your spiritual identity.

By Heather Smith and Yanni Charalambous Understanding the spiritual truth of what’s really here… and what isn’t. Say out loud: “Everything I experience through my senses has no Absolute Reality.” At first, this seems a most surreal and unbelievable statement. Yet, all the mystics claim it to be so. A Course in Miracles, Herb Fitch, Joel Goldsmith, Ramana Maharshi, to name but a few: They encourage us to look deeply into the experience of humanhood to determine whether the world we perceive around us is actually there. Those who’ve been ardently invested in using spiritual teachings to create a more fulfilling and meaningful existence may balk at the idea of putting aside affirmations, mental visualizations, mantras and breathwork to simply rest in the awareness of Consciousness. “What about manifesting my dream life?” they might ask, or “Keeping up with everyone else?”, “What’ll happen if I simply let go?” We’re not encouraging you to do this without first deeply examining who the “I” that I claim “I am” actually is. And then, by de facto, who all the “others” are, and what actually constitutes our daily existence. To do that, we take the first step of understanding the reality of Being and from there gain a conscious awareness of that Inner Presence. In Truth, Consciousness is all that’s here; it’s all you ever experience—Consciousness…the Life Force… the Light of the Soul—and we’ll explore a practical exercise to do just that. But before we do, pause in your reading and join us for a very brief meditation. One minute is enough. As you’ll see in another article of this threepart series, time is an illusion, so when you pause, please know we are right here with you, meditating as well. When you close your eyes, simply become aware of your Inner Silence. For those who are new to meditation, being still can often feel slightly

uncomfortable at first because you’re not used to being fully present, watching thoughts arise rather than engaging with them. In which case, invite yourself to just to be still in any way that has meaning for you. You might like to contemplate a word such as peace, love, stillness…or simply listen within to the “hum” of your Inner Vibration. We’ve said that Mind (Consciousness) is all that’s really here. The space of awareness where thoughts, sounds, colors, etc. arise and then dissolve, all by themselves. Our invisible Life Force— the infinite and eternal substance of our Being—is all we witness. And that’s quite a statement, isn’t it, when we seem to experience a whole myriad of things separate and apart from us? However, if all you ever experience is your own Consciousness, then there’s never anything or anyone external to your Self. In the collection of spiritual wisdoms in Joel Goldsmith’s book, The Infinite Way, he writes: “Consciousness lives Itself; you do not live it.” This is reminding us that our Mind, our field of Consciousness—this Inner Invisible Presence—is the substance and law of our entire experience. However, we perceive this pure state of Being through the lens of the senses and thereby overlay Reality with a patina of beliefs. We see thoughts pictured. But there is no me and my body—no me and my world. It’s all Me, my Consciousness… You are the substance of everything. It’s exactly the same as being the substance of every character in your dreams. If you’ve ever had a lucid dream, you’ll know that you can witness a dream and, at the same time, be consciously aware you’re not actually in it. Spiritual Awareness gives us the same clarity of discernment. That takes us to the next revelation: Our Spiritual Essence is also your spiritual Essence; we are one and the same Spiritual Identity. We are created of the same substance—Spirit, Life Force.

If the word Consciousness doesn’t resonate with you, replace it with a word that does. But remember, the limited human mind can’t conceptualize Consciousness, which was why Joel Goldsmith preferred to use the term “Infinite Invisible” when he was referring to Spirit. Either way, our focus is on that which looks out through our eyes, and this is the same self/Spirit that looks through yours. At the moment, this may seem all rather theoretical, even if you grasp the ideas and words intellectually. However, gaining an awareness of your Self is the first step to examining how to navigate the world of thoughts appearing as forms on a daily basis. So, now, let’s explore how to be a living witness of your own Inner Presence. Joel Goldsmith suggested meditation as one way, and he wrote a whole book titled The Art of Meditation. Another approach is to look at your reflection in a mirror and then, rather than focusing on the image presented to you, turn your focus within and become aware of who, or what, is looking out through your eyes. You’ll come to see that who you really are is a vast expanse of Invisibleness. You can’t see (with your human eyes) what’s really there; you can only discern this empty space where the head appears to be. You could also try this exercise when you’re outside in nature or in a large open space. It then becomes easier to perceive the One who’s looking, witnessing everything that’s arising in the moment. Everything your senses present is a mental image in thought. Totally transitory and “substanceless.” Contemplate this every time you look in a mirror, or when you see your reflection in water or a window. Learning to become aware of the one who’s looking out through your eyes at that image is the first step to creating greater peace in your world.

Suggested reading: The Infinite Way by Joel Goldsmith The Art of Meditation by Joel Goldsmith Zero Limits: The Secret Hawaiian System for Wealth, Health, Peace, and More” by Joe Vitale and Ihaleakala Hew Len

JOIN THE ONLINE CLASS This three-part article series is based on a special online course designed to bring healing and positive change into your life. It explores the art of living from “Zero State” Mind, letting go of thoughts that serve no purpose, gaining inspiration, taking right action and finding lasting inner peace. Drawing on the spiritual wisdom of Joel Goldsmith’s Infinite Way teachings together with the love and forgiveness principles of “Ho’oponopono,” authors Heather Smith and Yanni Charalambous presented the first class in April, and you still can join the second and third classes online: May 31 and June 28, 2025. Audio recordings for each class are available (by donation) either as a compilation of the whole course or as individual recordings. One-on-one private consultations also are available throughout the course and beyond. To register and for more information, contact Heather via email at: mysticalmeditation@yahoo.com.

Dr. Heather Smith is the Founder of “Mystical Meditation,” an online platform used to share Joel Goldsmith’s work. She has been studying and practicing The Infinite Way teachings for over 30 years, and hosts spiritual talks, meditation groups and events online and in person, in London and America. Contact her via email at: mysticalmeditation@ yahoo.com. Find out more at: https://www.linktr.ee/mysticalmeditation.

Yanni Charalambous is a clearing the mind expert and life coach who has dedicated the past nine years to guiding and empowering people through inner stillness and positive thinking. He also draws from his extensive research and practice of the Ho’oponopono teachings.Contact him via email at: yannimindbodyandspirit@gmail.com. Find out more at: https://www.linktr.ee/yannicharalambouscoaching.