Enjoy this list of 20 affirmations to help you tap into your creative flow!

At a time when many people feel like the world is falling apart, especially here on Turtle Island, I am feeling incredibly optimistic about the opportunity we are being given to build anew. 

In this episode I share three unique opportunities I see to create-- the rise in ethical consumerism, the need for community spaces, and demand for organic products. 

I hope this episode inspires an idea for you to create at this critical time.  

Check out: https://passionplanner.com/ 

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Are you interested in exploring how you can make an impact in the world that honors your unique life force? Schedule a consultation call to learn more about my coaching practice at ⁠pauseimpact.org⁠

In this vulnerable episode, I share reflections from my dark night of the soul, where I retreated for months to listen inward.

Some key questions I have been grappling with are:

- How are we allowing the genocide in Gaza to happen? How are we not able to stop it as a collective force?

- How do we embrace humanity and believe that we can do better together, while also having zero tolerance for all forms of oppression? 

- How am I implicated in systems of oppression?

- Is the economic system that we have built honoring life?

I'd love to hear how this episode resonates with you-- drop me a DM @pauseimpact on IG.  

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Are you interested in exploring how you can make an impact in the world that honors your unique life force? Schedule a consultation call to learn more about my coaching practice at pauseimpact.org-- I'd love to explore this question with you!

In this episode, I interview one of my former clients, Lina Barkawi on how coaching helped her build her business. Lina's business has been a source of motivation and connection during the difficult times in Palestine, and she dreams of every Palestinian in the diaspora making their own unique thob (traditional dress) that tells their story.

Takeaways

• Coaching can help overcome limiting beliefs and empower individuals to try new things and simplify ideas.
• Taking action and talking to people about your ideas are important steps in pursuing your dreams.

• Tatreez can be a powerful tool for healing, coping, and connecting with others, especially during difficult times.
• Lina dreams of every Palestinian in the diaspora making their own unique thob that tells their story.

Learn more about Lina's Thob on https://www.linasthobe.com/ and follow Lina on Instagram @linasthobe

Are you building a venture and want some additional support? Join our next cohort of the Impact Circle, which launches on September 4th!

In this episode, I share what it means to have a practice of "enoughness" in a world driven by capitalist greed.

Takeaways

• The concept of enoughness is a radical practice in a world driven by capitalist greed.
• Overcoming greed, illusions, and hate and attaining love and compassion are essential for optimal being.
• Asking ourselves 'Do I have enough?' can lead to transformation and a more balanced way of living.
• Living in harmony with nature and recognizing when we have taken enough can create a more sustainable and equitable world.

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Are you looking to make an impact in the world and feel lighter doing it? Schedule a consultation through pauseimpact.org

Najla Abdellatif shares her personal journey with coaching, from leaving her 9 to 5 job to becoming the creator of Zero Waste Palestine. She discusses the challenges, identity shift, and the impact of coaching on her journey. The conversation delves into the importance of lightness, flow, and overcoming limiting beliefs in the context of social entrepreneurship and following one's calling.

Takeaways

• Coaching can help address limiting beliefs and stay in a state of flow while building a venture.
• Approaching environmental work from a place of inspiration and beauty can be more effective than fear and anxiety.
• Working with a coach who understands the impact scene can provide valuable support and guidance.
• Leaving a 9 to 5 job to follow a calling can be a challenging but empowering decision.
• It's important to remember why we started creating ventures and to find joy and lightness in the process.

Learn more about Zero Waste Palestine.

In this episode, Suha Abdul-Hadi, a mother of three, shares her experience of working with a life coach during a turbulent time in her life. Suha talks about feeling overwhelmed and the guilt she felt as a mother. She explains how she reached out for support and the positive impact coaching had on her life. Suha also discusses her journey as a mother, including moving from Palestine to Brazil, and how coaching helped her stay grounded and trusting during amidst so much uncertainty. She emphasizes the importance of communication, support, and looking at things from a different perspective.

In this episode, Besan discusses the value of coaching and her personal experiences with different coaches. She emphasizes the importance of finding a coach who can help you achieve the results you desire in your life. Besan also highlights the balance between appreciating what we have and striving for more. She encourages listeners to consider investing in coaching as a way to receive the support and guidance they may be seeking. Besan concludes by sharing her approach to coaching and inviting listeners to schedule a consultation call with her.

Takeaways

• Coaching is about getting results in your life and finding a coach who can help you achieve those results.
• Appreciate what you have while also striving for more in life.
• Investing in coaching can provide the support and guidance you may be seeking.
• Finding the right coach is important, and it goes beyond certifications. Trust your gut and do your own research.
• Coaching can be beneficial for high achievers who feel a lack of inner peace and satisfaction in their lives.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Personal Experience with Coaching
• 01:55 Understanding the Value of Coaching
• 02:52 Coaching vs. Therapy
• 06:43 The Beauty of the Coaching Industry
• 08:30Investing in Yourself through Coaching
• 11:05Personal Growth and Transformation through Coaching

Julia Firestone is a transformational coach who helps do-gooders unlock their full potential, create meaningful change, and live a more fulfilling life.

In this episode, Julia reflects on how she came to realize the limitations of individual impact and the importance of collective action. She also shares how she personally navigated a big career transition and emphasizes the importance of being present in the in-between spaces and paying attention to what energizes and drains us.

Timestamp Summary

00:00 Introduction and Background

09:20 Understanding Impact and Purpose

19:00 Exploring the Question of Purpose

39:01 Navigating Transitions and Uncertainty

46:59 Future Transitions and Possibilities

51:01 Legacy of Interconnectedness

Learn more about Julia Firestone on her website and follow her on LinkedIn!

In this episode, I share what it means to reclaim your power in today's world.

Key Takeaways:

• Reclaiming power begins with consciously connecting with one's individual energy field.
• A routine practice of calling in your energy can help reclaim power and become the truest version of yourself.
• Oppressive systems and societal norms often restrict our ability to choose life and live in alignment.
• Remembering the transient nature of life and living true to one's soul is a vital aspect of reclaiming one's power.

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Are you looking to make an impact in the world and feel lighter doing it? Schedule a consultation through ⁠⁠pauseimpact.org

Have you found yourself asking: what is my purpose? In this episode I go into depth on my philosophy on the concept of purpose, and the three steps can help you tap into your own sense of purpose, using concepts from energy medicine.

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Are you looking to make an impact in the world and feel lighter doing it? Schedule a consultation through ⁠pauseimpact.org

Do you ever wish that you were making a greater impact in the world through your job? In this episode, I give very unconventional advice as a social impact coach...challenging the concept of making an impact through your job.

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Are you looking to make an impact in the world and feel lighter doing it? Schedule a consultation through pauseimpact.org

In this interview with Meryem Alaoui, a professional dancer and choreographer originally from Morocco, we explore the body's role in the fight for collective liberation and the power of sharing our gifts with the world. Meryem discusses the concept of 'rigorous play'—how she balances discipline in her training with creating space for magic to unfold.

Bio: Meryem Alaoui is a Toronto-based dancer and choreographer from Morocco. Founder and artistic director of Jasad Dance Projects, her work is at the intersection of somatic research using movement and voice, and the exploration of contemporaneity through the reclamation of embodied performance practices, dances and knowledge from her culture as a Moroccan diasporic dance artist.

A 2009 graduate of the School of Toronto Dance Theatre, she has danced for choreographers Amanda Acorn, Peggy Baker, Angela Blumberg, Antony Hamilton (with the company Dancemakers), Karen Kaeja (Kaeja d’Dance), among others.

Her choreographic work has been presented nationally and internationally, notably in SummerWorks in Toronto, Tangente in Montreal and at the Théâtre National Mohammed V in Morocco.

Meryem has received residency support nationally and internationally, and project funding from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario and Toronto Arts Councils.

She is a certified Body-Mind Centering® Somatic Movement Educator and she enjoys facilitating movement explorations for dancers in professional settings and in community and arts-education contexts, such as with Toronto Dance Theatre, Tanya Lukin Linklater, Haneen Women Choir and The Arab Community Centre of Toronto.

Are you ready to connect with your creative life force? Schedule a free consultation ⁠⁠here⁠⁠!

Nora Lester Murad is an activist, writer and educator who has been involved in the Palestinian cause for over 40 years. She has dedicated her life to advocating for peace with justice and has worked with various organizations to promote narrative change and empower local decision making.

Key Takeaways:

• Times of crisis present both opportunities and challenges for making an impact and creating narrative change.
• Giving during a crisis should be done with an understanding of the systems and constraints that affect how the resources are used.
• Liberatory giving involves supporting organizations working towards liberation and self-determination, rather than just providing immediate aid.
• Consistent and ongoing support is more impactful than one-time contributions.
• Individuals can contribute to the cause by using their voice, networks, and resources to spread awareness and advocate for change.

Resources:

• Personal Website: noralestermurad.com
• Book Chapter titled Aiding Liberation in Our Vision for Liberation: Engaged Palestinian Leaders and Intellectuals Speak Out edited by Ramzy Baroud & Ilan Pappé. Clarity Press and The European Centre for Palestine Studies, 2022
• Beyond Humanitarian Aid: Supporting Palestinian Organizations Working to Dismantle the Occupation and Shift the Narrative by BuildPalestine
• ⁠Local Palestinian Organizations Responding to the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza⁠ by BuildPalestine

It is October 23, 2023 and I share how I am caught between immense hope and immense pain these days. The term "decolonization" has been my North Star and on a personal level, I am reminded that the path to healing is one of decolonization.

Dear Decolonization,
no one knows your real name
but I know
it was you
who led me back to my body
and I trust my body
to lead me back to you
to our lands
rock, and roots …
all the way back
to no beginning
like transformation
you have no origin
no one knows your real name
but for now, I’ll call you Decolonization
all the same
Tomorrow perhaps, that will change …

Decolonization Unnamed: Echoes of Healing and Refusal in the Face of Dehumanization and Alienation by Devin G. Atallah and Urmitapa Dutta

Questions to reflect upon:

1. What does decolonization mean in your own life?

2. How are you a colonizer in your own life?

3. How do you call for the decolonization of your own way of being?

The past week has been a lot. In an effort to move through the pain, I recorded this episode for my own healing.

Caitlin Clarke is a somatic coach and healer who specializes in working with highly sensitive, ambitious women who are struggling with stress and burnout. She is a certified Hakomi practitioner and has a background in creative marketing.

In this episode, Caitlin explains the principles of somatics and how it involves tuning into the body's wisdom and intelligence. Rather than merely talking about somatics, we do a short demo together! She also provides tips for connecting with the body and finding inner peace, such as focusing on the breath and tuning into the back body.

Connect with Caitlin ⁠here⁠.

In this episode, I share how gratitude can be used as a tool to shift your state almost instantly thanks to the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. Instead of telling yourself "I should be more grateful" ask yourself "what am I grateful for in this moment?" The former has this expectation that you should simply be grateful, while the latter realized it is a tool that we exercise.

The three practices I share to help you practice gratitude are (1) spontaneous gratitude lists (2) guided meditations that bring into awareness subtle things to be grateful for (3) random thank you notes to people in your life.

Guided meditations on gratitude to try:

- 10 Minute Morning Meditation for Gratitude and Positivity to Start your Day

- Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude with this 15 Minute Guided Meditation

Danish Munir, healthcare entrepreneur and founding partner of Gray Matter, discusses his journey in the mental health industry and the need for a systems-level approach to improving the entrepreneurial journey for future founders. He shares his personal connection to mental health and the importance of destigmatizing the conversation. Danish highlights the current state of the mental health sector, the shift towards holistic well-being, and the revolutionary work being done by companies like Home Away Health in providing compassionate care for individuals in crisis. He emphasizes the need for societal awareness and intentionality in addressing mental health and creating a more supportive and inclusive world.

Timestamp Summary

4:43 Leaving Microsoft to launch a mental health company

7:11 Advice for younger self on making big life decisions

13:47 Evolution of mental health industry in the US.

18:00Need for a holistic understanding of mental health

21:19Wellness as prevention and human potential actualization

22:21Home Away Health's revolutionary crisis respite model

31:03The power of using our voices for positive change

"What is more reckless than not following your dream or to living a life that is not true to yourself?" - Danish Munir

Are you following your dream and looking for someone to support you on this journey? Curious about what it would look like to work with a social impact coach? Learn more at pauseimpact.org

In this episode, I talk about the practice of committing to lightness. We can do the exact same thing, but have two very different experiences, depending on our state. I reflect on what shifts with on the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels when you commit to lightness.

Key Takeaways:

1. Lightness in actions can be achieved by bringing awareness to the physical body and releasing tension.
2. Embracing the full spectrum of emotions without judgment or shame brings emotional lightness.
3. Mental lightness is attained by accepting the present moment and not striving for constant achievement.
4. Lightness on a spiritual level involves experiencing religion, spirituality, and nature with a sense of ease and trust.

"You don't have to give up the goal. You just have to find a path there that is filled with lightness."

Show Notes:

• The Guest House by Rumi

Ready to make an impact in the world and feel lighter doing it? Schedule a consultation pauseimpact.org

Negar Razavi is a political anthropologist. Her work brings a critical feminist lens to studying national security, expertise, gender, race, humanitarianism, and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. Drawing on over two years of ethnographic research in Washington, D.C., Negar’s research specifically examines the role of policy experts and think tanks in shaping U.S. security policies towards Iran and Egypt.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of expertise, but also the need for diverse perspectives and voices in shaping policy. Negar encourages individuals to recognize their own expertise and contribute to the conversation, while also leaving themselves open to constructive critique to improve our collective knowledge and ability to tackle structural challenges of our time.

Key Takeaways:

• The experts who shape U.S. security policies towards the Middle East are often individuals who understand how Washington works rather than deep-level regional experts.
• Experts from the region need to create their own spaces and alliances to have a voice in shaping policies.
• Expertise should be recognized at different levels, including personal experiences, in-depth research, and technical subject matter knowledge.
• Individuals should contribute their expertise while remaining open to critique and review.

Curious about what it will look like to work with a social impact coach? Check out pauseimpact.org

In this episode I share my own reflections on motivation, which include knowing oneself and knowing the science. Listen for some tips for how to get something done that you are struggling to do.

Resources:

- Motivation Meditation

- Hope Theory by C.R. Snyder

Looking to strengthen your mental fitness? Curious about what it will look like to work with a social impact coach? Check out pauseimpact.org

This episode shares a tool I have developed from my work with clients called the Social Impact Wheel (adapted from the Wheel of Life). It identifies the 8 most important areas for people to find joy and balance on their social impact journey.

Download your guide to the Social Impact Wheel here.

In this episode, I sit down with Mayra Yadir, a talented mixed media artist, creative writer, and illustrator. Mayra reflects on her journey from spending 30 years as a corporate designer to pursuing her MFA and a master’s in media psychology. Together, we delve into the impact of AI on our creative life force and discuss what this means for the future of humanity.

Learn more about Mayra Yadir here.

Resources:

Guardian article on former Facebook employees in Kenya taking legal action How Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) Differs from PTSD

Are you ready to connect with your creative life force? Schedule a free consultation ⁠here⁠!

Themrise Khan, an independent development professional and researcher with over 25 years of experience in international development, joins us to talk about the issues around how international aid is practiced and the responsibility we have as indviduals.

Themrise is currently based in Pakistan and her work focuses on social policy, aid effectiveness, gender, and global migration. Themrise actively speaks, writes and advises the global community on notions of decolonisation, North-South power imbalances in development, race relations, immigrant citizenship and integration and most recently co-edited the book White Saviorism in International Development. Theories, Practices and Lived Experiences.

And if you are curious about what it might look like to work with a social impact coach, check out pauseimpact.org

In this episode, I ask the question: What is it that only you can create in the world? And why is it a good idea to create a social impact venture?

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” -Pablo Picasso

Curious about what it will look like to work with a social impact coach? Check out pauseimpact.org

Diana Yáñez, a Certified Financial Planner and Money Coach, joins us to talk about the role of money in our lives. She shares her own Goldilocks journey to find a career path that has just the right amount of people, numbers and values. Together, we unpack current money practices in the nonprofit sector and dream about a world where we are all connected.

Resources:

• The Seven Stages of Money Maturity: Understanding the Spirit and Value of Money in Your Life by George Kinder
• Money and the Meaning of Life by Jacob Needleman
• Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
• Decolonizing Wealth: Indigenous Wisdom to Heal Divides and Restore Balance by Edgar Villanueva and Berrett-Koehler Publishers

In this episode I share what coaching is and why I truly love it. I explain the difference between coaching and therapy, and share the three components that make a coaching container feel magical.

Interested in experiencing coaching? Book a free consult at www.pauseimpact.org

On today's episode, I share my own definition of impact for this container, which is: the result of intentional effort.

Curious about what it will look like to work with a social impact coach? Check out pauseimpact.org

In this episode, I share one of my favorite tools to help people stay motivated motivation, it's called the impact of ONE.

Curious about what it will look like to work with a Social Impact Coach? Check out pauseimpact.org

In this episode, I ask the question: what is stopping you from creating what you are being called to create in the world?

You'll hear my 3 reasons why, as well as tips to help you overcome them.

Curious about what it will look like to work with a Social Impact Coach? Check out pauseimpact.org

This is a short guided meditation to help you connect with the deeper wisdom of your body. Please listen to in a quiet place without distractions.

In this episode, I share my own personal philosophy about how you can make an impact in the world: it starts with asking the question: "what makes me come alive?" We then introduce the Ikigai framework-- a Japanese concept that translates to "reason for being" Four questions to reflect on if you are looking to find a job that makes you jump out of bed in the morning:

• What do you love?
• What are you good at?
• What can you be paid for?
• What does the world need?

Learn more: pauseimpact.org

In this first episode of Lighter Impact, I start by reflecting on the quote by Rumi, "Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”

And through this, share my personal journey in the social impact space, and how I hope to create a space that empowers people to make an impact in the world, and feel lighter doing it.

Learn more: pauseimpact.org

This is a 12 minute guided meditation to help you connect with your higher self and receive guidance on how you are being asked to show up at this moment. Not from a place of guilt or obligation, but from a place of allowing life to flow through you.

Hope this helps you kickoff 2025 strong and in alignment!

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Are you looking to connect with your purpose and create what you are being called to create in the world? Schedule a FREE 30 minute consultation: pauseimpact.org

Welcome to "Lighter Impact", the podcast that explores how to make a positive impact on the world while being more mindful and centered. In this show, we dive into the idea that by bringing more awareness to our state of being, we can achieve just as much, if not more, when trying to make an impact in the world. Join us as we explore the power of mindfulness, somatics, and spirituality in the creation of meaningful and impactful work. Whether you're an entrepreneur, activist, or simply someone looking to make a difference, this podcast will provide you with insights and tools to do so more intentionally. With expert interviews, personal stories, and actionable tips, "Lighter Impact" is the perfect companion for anyone looking to make an impact in the world and feel lighter doing it. So sit back, relax, and let's see where this journey takes us. 

How does your work contribute to the fight for our collective liberation? This is the question I have been asking myself for the past few weeks and it has given me so much fuel to continue to show up in my full power ️‍🔥

I hope this episode helps you do the same!

I'd love to hear how this episode resonates with you-- drop me a DM ⁠@pauseimpact⁠ on IG.  

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Are you interested in exploring how you can make an impact in the world that honors your unique life force? Schedule a consultation call to learn more about my coaching practice at ⁠pauseimpact.org⁠

In this episode, Besan has a conversation with Anam Raheem, a creative writer with a background in international development. Anam shares her transition from international development to full-time writing, emphasizing the power of storytelling and personal connections. She reflects on her transformative experiences in Gaza, the emotional toll of witnessing violence, and the importance of personal relationships in making an impact. Anam also discusses her project, Gaza Champions, which connects global allies with individuals in Gaza, fostering personal connections and support amidst ongoing violence.

What We Discuss:

Anam's Journey in International Development (00:02:38)

Storytelling as a Political Act (00:11:38)

Love as a Sustainable Motivator (00:20:19)

Embracing Identity as a Writer (00:36:05)

Navigating the Writing Economy (00:41:37)

Episode Resources:

liminal fuzz substack

Gaza Champions | Website

Gaza Champions | Instagram

Anam Raheem | Instagram

Are you ready to connect with your creative life force? Schedule a free consultation here!

Why do we create? To the artist, this might be a very intuitive question, but it is something we all deserve to be asking ourselves. I share a perspective from the healing arts as it pertains to creativity.

And for a limited time, you can book a 75 minute PURPOSE CLARITY CALL with me! This could be the perfect holiday gift. Learn more here.

In this episode, Sundus Abdul Hadi, an artist and writer of Iraqi origin, shares her journey, discussing how the Iraq War shaped her political consciousness and artistic practice. The conversation delves into the role of art in social change, the importance of community, and the challenges within the North American art world. Sundus emphasizes the need for persistence over resistance and the significance of creating inclusive spaces. 

Timestamps

Guest Introduction (00:01:26)
Introduction of Sundus Abdul Hadi, highlighting her background and artistic contributions.

Understanding Impact (00:03:49)
Sundus reflects on how her understanding of making an impact has evolved over time.

Transformation of Impact (00:09:39)
Sundus explains her journey from loud activism to a more calculated approach for lasting impact.

Art as Resistance (00:12:09)
Discussion on defining resistance and the importance of persistence in activism.

Culture Over Commerce (00:15:51)
Sundar emphasizes prioritizing culture and systemic change over capitalist approaches.

Student Engagement (00:23:58)
Comparison of student engagement in art and social change courses between Iraq and North America.

Awakening Through Art (00:27:18)
Discussion on the importance of art in revitalizing life and addressing societal pain.

Cultivating Spaces for Community (00:35:01)
Sundus shares her views on the significance of community spaces in fostering connection and identity.

Creating Safe Spaces (00:44:50)
Sundus reflects on the complexities of safety in community spaces and the responsibility to maintain inclusivity.

Creative Life Force and Burnout (00:47:26)
Sundus shares her struggles with creativity and burnout, emphasizing the need for self-care and ritual in daily life.

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Sundus Abdul Hadi is an artist and writer of Iraqi origin. She was raised and educated in Tiohtià:ke/Montréal, where she earned a BFA in Studio Arts and Art History and a MA in Media Studies. Articulated through her artistic practice, writing and curation, Sundus’ work is a sensitive reflection on trauma, struggle, and care. She is the author/illustrator of Shams, a children’s book about trauma, transformation and healing. Her book titled “Take Care of Your Self: The Art and Cultures of Care and Liberation” (Common Notions, November 2020) is a non-fiction book about care, curation and community.  She is the cofounder of We Are The Medium, an artist collective and culture point. In 2022, she founded Makaba Bookshop in the old port of Montreal.

Episode Resources:

Sundus Abdul Hadi: Personal Website

Maktaba: Website | Instagram

If you are curious about what it would look like to work with a social impact coach, reach out to me on pauseimpact.org

I am so excited to announce the launch of Season 2 where we explore the CREATIVE LIFE FORCE. 

As we orient towards our collective liberation, staying connected to our creative life force has never been more vital—it is the energy we need to birth transformative projects into the world.

This season, I will be bringing on artists, writers, and filmmakers, who are actively imagining the new through creative projects so we can learn from their process. 

Some questions you are invited to reflect on:

- How does the creative life force manifest in your life?

- Can you recall a moment when you felt deeply connected to it?

- Who do you become when you fully embody your creative life force?

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Are you curious about how you can make an impact in the world while honoring your unique creative life force? Let’s explore this question together. Schedule a consultation call to learn more about my coaching practice at pauseimpact.org. I’d love to support you on this journey!

In this episode with Coco Madari, we talk about decolonizing creativity and what it looks like to authentically create.

Coco Madari is a vision-led, neurospicy, and multi-passionate coach, visual artist, music producer, singer-songwriter, and comedian living in beautiful Vancouver Island, BC.

Key Discussion Points

✨ The Multi-Passionate Identity: embracing diverse talents and rejecting societal pressures to "choose one path."

✨ Decolonizing Creativity: how rest, play, and authentic expression contribute to one another.

✨ The Role of HSPs and Neurodivergence: unique challenges and strengths of highly sensitive people and their contributions to creativity.

Follow Coco on her creative journey and learn more about her coaching services through Instagram.

In this episode, I talk about the importance of taking action when on a journey of transformation. What will it take for you to take action? I share some tips from my personal experience and that of clients.

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Are you feeling stuck in life and like you are capable of more? Schedule a consultation call to learn more about my coaching practice at ⁠⁠pauseimpact.org⁠

In this episode, I share the inspiration behind Creative Flow for Liberation—an 8-week group program designed to help you bring a soul-aligned idea to life.

We explore what it means to create from a place of purpose rather than pressure, why this moment in time is asking for new visions, and how you can move through self-doubt to take aligned action. Whether you’ve been sitting on an idea or feeling creatively stuck, this episode is an invitation to remember your power and plant the seed.

Learn more at creative-liberation.com
Registration closes May 9.

It is an art to strike the balance between "flow" and "structure". Many clients I work with say things like:

- I have too many ideas

- I need a structure

- I need to focus

In this episode I offer a structure that allows you to create from flow-- even from seemingly irrelevant ideas.

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Are you feeling stuck and looking to reconnect with your creative life force? Schedule a consultation call to learn more about my coaching practice at ⁠⁠pauseimpact.org⁠

In this episode, Brooklyn-based filmmaker and writer Maryam Mir shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from a consulting career to filmmaking. As a Kashmiri-Canadian born in Germany, raised in Bahrain, with Kenyan ancestry, Maryam finds inspiration in the warmth, joy, and gentleness of her many communities.

She explores the powerful intersections of identity, storytelling, and social impact, emphasizing how filmmaking can create a sense of belonging and possibility. Maryam reflects on the discomfort of being a beginner in creative endeavors, the collaborative nature of filmmaking, and the importance of nurturing one’s creative life force.

We dive deep into the process behind her acclaimed short film Sweet Refuge, which has been screened at over 40 festivals and won multiple awards. Maryam takes us through the entire journey—from the initial spark of inspiration for the story, to the careful selection of actors, the challenges of filming over five days in Brooklyn, and the joy of sharing the film at festivals around the world.

Watch Sweet Refuge here.

[Bio]

Maryam Mir is a Pillars Artist Fellow ‘24 (founded by Riz Ahmed x Netflix), Gotham Marcie Bloom Fellow ’23, NYFA Artist Awardee ’22 and Asian American Writers' Workshop Fellow '19.
Her narrative short, “Sweet Refuge”, screened at 40+ festivals, won several awards, including a Directors Guild of America Jury Award and was acquired by AMC+ as part of their "Future of Film: AAPI Rising Stars". Her latest narrative film, "Grandma Swim", set in Bahrain, is currently in post-production, with support from the Doha Film Institute. She also recently produced "Sarah Thankam Mathews: After All This" for PBS' American Masters and is currently producing another documentary short in partnership with REI and The Redford Center. She holds an MFA degree from NYU Tisch’s Graduate Film Program, where she was an Ang Lee Scholar and concentrated in writing and directing. Prior to film school, she worked in consulting for half a decade in New York and Dubai, where she helped Fortune 50 organizations strengthen their culture through storytelling and design.

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Are you ready to connect with your creative life force? Schedule a free 30 minute consultation ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠!

In this episode, we delve into the intricate relationship between desire and willpower, exploring how they influence our behaviors and decision-making processes. We discuss the limitations of relying solely on willpower to resist temptations and the importance of connecting with our desires as a pathway to flow.

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Are you feeling stuck and looking to reconnect with your creative life force? Schedule a consultation call to learn more about my coaching practice at ⁠pauseimpact.org⁠

In this interview with Rula Khoury, an art curator living in the city of Haifa, we talk about the role of Palestinian artists in the movement and how art is leveraged to convey a political message. When is dialogue constructive and when is dialogue destructive? And how do we embody the creative life force?

Bio: Rula Khoury is an art curator, historian and critic. In 2011, she received a Masters degree in Art History from Haifa University, and an additional Masters degree in Writing Art Criticism from the New York School of Visual Arts in 2017.

Khoury was the General Director of the Arab Culture Association in Haifa. Her curating experience includes: It’s as if, O Badr, we never came and never left in Haifa in 2018, Sensorial Immunity in Ramallah in 2017, A Black Hole in the Sun in Jerusalem in 2016. Moreover, Khoury curated a street exhibition in Haifa titled Wisdom of the Crowd. In 2014, while holding her position as the Artistic Director of Khalil Sakakini Culture Center in the same year. Within the Qalandiya International Biennale (2014), she managed and curated two major projects: Manam exhibition in Haifa, and Mapping Procession a happening in the streets of Ramallah. 

Additionally, Khoury has published critic pieces for Independent Online Art Magazine, Tohu Magazine, Arab 48, and Tribe Photo Magazine. She has also been an instructor and advisor in higher education institutions since 2010, teaching at Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem, International Academy of Art in Ramallah.

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