Transformation Coaching Magazine February 2024

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INSPIRATION & GROWTH UN-Complicating Love & Life Love, Lift, Lead, Inspire and Invite Bridging the Gap Where There is HOPE Saying No!

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FEED YOUR SPIRIT Pause & Remember Make Room for Sacred Space The Emerging New Enlightenment

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COACHING AND BUSINESS TOOLS Anatomy of a Sales Funnel Navigating Workplace Dilemmas

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

EDITOR Lisa Cedrone

CONTRIBUTORS Terez Hartmann, Darrel Hammon, Marike Nienaber, Linda Commito, Mark Pitstick, Jo Mooy, Spencer Rouse, Owen Waters, Christine Morse, Marla Albertie

© Copyright 2024 Transformation Services, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.TransformationMag.com

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UN-Complicating Love & Life

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Five simple ideas for making the most of YOUR great adventure of LIFE.

By Terez Hartmann

IT’S COMPLICATED?

A.I., apps and agonizing algorithms. Metaphysical multiverses with multitudes of modalities. Rizz-colored glasses, cannon-bailing, and vision board dating. Endless esoteric and existential explorations… …As life continues to move forward into the now (formerly known as the future), navigating the sea of endless labels, terminology, tech, layers of consciousness, ever-changing rules of engagement, and the UBER-diversity of BEING human can feel like finding a needle in a galaxy-sized haystack! With this, it’s no wonder that so many people are devouring whatever data they can get their hands on, reaching out for help from a multitude of experts, or going ever further down the rabbit hole to try to get to the flip-side where even the smallest spark of clarity can be found.

In a complicated world, the answers must surely also be complicated, right?

But, what if the key to untangling the billions of threads of life in the 21st century was actually anything BUT complicated?

What if the answer has been in front of us all along?

Enter the power of SIMPLICITY.

THE SIMPLE EQUATION

If you really think about it, any and every time humans are faced with challenges or choices, the end goal is always the same: To ultimately reach a clear decision, to funnel down to a clear direction, and to choose THE next clear action.

Even in the case of a complex project, scientific study or relationship issue that may involve many layers or steps, the key to progress and forward motion is in discovering the ONE thing to do now.

SIMPLE IDEA #1: Get to ONE: Identify the ONE thing you CAN do NOW.

THE SIMPLE QUESTION

As one very brilliant wild-haired dude once said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them. (Albert Einstein, BTW) And more often than not, the more we dig into the origin stories and excruciating details of problems and challenges—even with the best of intentions—the more we forget to ask THE question that actually

has THE power to shift our gaze from the perpetual rear-view mirror to the forward-facing direction we actually WANT to go: What.

Do. You. WANT? (WDYW?) Yes, I know you’ve heard this from me before (and will probably hear it another 100 times), but until you (and any of us) stop focusing on what you don’t like, don’t appreciate, don’t understand, can’t tolerate, just can’t do anymore, what you will never, ever, ever do again, etc., all you do is keep ALL of THAT active.

Yes, it IS healthy to allow for natural, authentic, emotional processing, as repressing or suppressing emotions is destructive to the body, mind and spirit.

Yes, it IS helpful to know what you don’t want so you can discover what you DO want.

But rather than find 100 different names and labels for what you think is wrong with the world, your family, or yourself, continue to look for more reasons why things are out of sorts, and find out how many other people are having the same problem, how long they’ve been dealing with it, why relationships and life are hard, and why the prognosis isn’t good: Once you have processed and are VERY clear about what you don’t want… …Turn your attention to discovering what you DO want, where you WANT to go, how you WANT to feel, and who you WANT to be, and START MOVING IN THAT DIRECTION. SIMPLE IDEA #2: Discover WDYW? You’re far more likely to get to where you want to be when you know what that is and start moving in THAT direction.

THE SIMPLE INTENTION

With the proliferation of so many beings in the spotlight demonstrating wildly unhealthy, externally-focused, narcissistic tendencies, it’s no wonder another sector of the population feels that eliminating any and all desires or sense of self is THE answer to everything. For me, I personally believe that if we were not meant to have individual preferences, have direct, personal experiences, or express our unique personalities, none of us would have bothered to leave the eternally peaceful, drama-free experience of the ethers—so perhaps the answer lies somewhere in-between.

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Given these ideas, EVERY human has some form of goal or intention regarding love, abundance, health, and life in general, and these can range from ultra-specific to extremely general, but regardless of where you see yourself in this equation, there is a simple intention that ALL humans seek in some form or fashion: How they ultimately want to FEEL. For example: How would you (or how do you believe you would) feel if: 1) If you had the ideal romantic relationship in your life right now?

2) If you had the kind of income/career/creative ­opportunities you have been asking for?

3) If your body and mind operated, looked and felt the way you prefer?

Once you find the core FEELING that represents what you truly want: • Did you know that if you made it your mission to focus upon any and every thought, idea, conversation, observation, experience or data that felt like THAT feeling, you get to manifest the end result feeling you were looking for someday right NOW? • Did you know that you also actually put yourself in the position to manifest, attract and allow your intention (or something that’s even MORE of a match to what you truly want) in record time?

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SIMPLE IDEA #3: How do you want to FEEL? You are far more likely to attract something that feels good later when you focus on activating that feeling NOW.

THE SIMPLE GUIDANCE

Humans have long looked to some outside source to determine what is “wrong” or “right” when we each have had what we truly needed with us all along: Our ability to sense, perceive, feel and choose to lean toward LIGHT*: = What feels lighter to your heart, body & mind. = What feeds peace, clarity and good (but not frenetic) energy. = What is conducive to greater health and well-being Your “gut” feelings, tension vs. relaxation, and feeling drained vs. feeling energized are all cues from your body and your Inner Compass/iExpert that let you know whether or not you are focusing on LIGHT and if you are moving toward or away from something that is beneficial for you. And while you can certainly choose to “feel the fear and do it anyway” or summon all your strength to get up and get moving when a part of you is firmly planted on the couch, when you follow the call of LIGHT, you are far more likely to move in a healthy, helpful direction than if you ignore your guidance or buy into heavy or dark thoughts.

SIMPLE IDEA #4: Follow the LIGHT and you will always move toward what is healthy, beautiful and bright.

*Please note that my reference to the “LIGHT” can have whatever symbolic meaning YOU choose to attribute to it, and no religious (or non-religious) overlay was intended.

SIMPLE IDEA #5: Remember what LOVE IS and let LOVE lead.

to mean a million different things to a million different people.

And while no one should EVER tell another who and how to love, or what the ideal relationship flow should look like for them, we humans have done an extraordinary job in complicating what could be one of the clearest, simplest, most pristine states of being we can experience in life. Why? Because we confuse love with attachment – which is entirely motivated by fear of loss. And being that loss and emotional pain are one in the same, humans will do just about anything to avoid and NOT have to experience this.

In truth, what most label as “love songs” would more accurately be described as attachment or “loss songs”! This is why relationships tend to get complicated and drive even the most successful, otherwise well-adjusted humans over the edge.

But here’s the reality about “love”: Love, in its purest form, is actually the most UN-complicated thing of all.

Love feels like peace and clarity.

Love wants well-being for ALL. Love sees the beauty in all things.

Love celebrates and naturally elevates the object of its attention.

Love is the ultimate expression of Light.

In short, love wants ALL to live fully and THRIVE—and when you feel this for yourself or others, that is how you know that you are operating from a place of LOVE (rather than attachment/fear of loss). So, if you want more harmony, understanding, ease and flow in your relationships, the simple act of remembering what love actually IS and making a conscious choice to let LOVE lead, can change EVERYTHING.

Like the Universe itself, the nature of the human experience is one of ongoing expansion and evolution, and, with this, the amount of data, detail, tools and options for enjoying a greater quality of love and life will only continue to increase and morph into the next catchphrase, modality, discovery or trend of the moment. And, truly, having more colors in the crayon box that is life allows us to craft even more beautiful and intricate works of art for the benefit and delight of ALL! …But in the complicated gumbo of information about what love and life “should” be, please do remember to give some attention to the part of you that is timeless rather than trending—the part of you that remembers: 1) When LOVE leads, everyone wins.

2) Focusing on LIGHT leads to brighter days.

3) The better you FEEL now, the more feel-good experiences you will attract later.

4) Things change when you identify what you WANT and start moving toward it.

5) Forward motion always starts with discovering step ONE. Here’s to moving Onward, Upward & Forward in YOUR great adventure of life, and knowing that simplicity really can be a trusted friend and guide at every stage of the journey!

THE BOTTOM LINE: UN-COMPLICATING LOVE & LIFE “Love,” for many, is a volatile, loaded word that seems

LOVE, SIMPLIFIED

Author’s note: For more tools to move Onward, Upward & Forward and work with Law of Attraction to manifest, attract, and allow success, well-being, healthy relationships and more, visit: https://www.terezfirewoman.com/shop2.

ALLOWING YOUR SUCCESS with Terez “Firewoman” Hartmann

Terez “Firewoman” Hartmann is a Visionary Creative & top-rated instructor, Law of Attraction & Allowing YOUR Success specialist, published author, speaker, singer-songwriter, recording & performing artist & composer, “Catalyst for Fab-YOU-lous” and true Renaissance Woman who has already helped over 10,000 students in over 130 countries allow success and live life on FIRE. She is deeply passionate about helping other Powerful Creatives and Leading-Edge Thinkers live unique, empowered lives on their terms by cultivating the courage to dream, to express themselves boldly & authentically, and to focus Onward, Upward and Forward into new possibilities. http://www.terezfirewoman.com

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Love, Lift, Lead, Inspire and Invite

Photo by youssef naddam on Unsplash .

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Five basic leadership principles to guide your life.

By Darrel Hammon A few years ago, my wife and I finished a three-year mission for our church. We both took hiatuses from our jobs, and we served as a mission president and spouse with over 500 young men and women, ages 18-26— some of the brightest, most talented, and most incredible young men and women on Earth.

We planned, developed and delivered a plethora of trainings, from basic spiritual principles to self-awareness and self-mastery principles to leadership skills for current and emerging leaders. Plus, I interviewed all the missionaries every six weeks and some more often than that to see how they were doing with these principles. I have watched them grow and develop into incredible emerging leaders!

So, what did I learn about leadership from this experience? Let me begin with just five basic principles that really are enormous and lifechanging in the long run and will form a firm and solid foundation in our lives if we abide by them: Love, Lift, Lead, Inspire and Invite.

LOVE

I am not talking about romantic love. I am talking about love for your fellow men and women, colleagues, and your jobs. If you do not love these things, you will become disinterested in doing the right things, or fail to help others grow and progress, or even withdraw from reaching out to others because you focus too much on yourself and your own well-being. We

learned that focusing and serving others will propel you out of your self-absorption and into seeing how you can help others, thus moving you forward into a happier, more confident place.

LIFT

You must lift others up from where they are. A former airline pilot and executive who is now an ecclesiastical leader once said: “You must lift where you stand.” That counsel is for every leader, no matter which rung of the leadership ladder you currently are on. As you lift others from where they are, you must be on a higher step to have enough leverage. And I believe that each time you lift others up, you raise yourself even further—and in the process everyone gains a better view of where they are going, and ultimately sees their surroundings and environment more holistically.

LEAD

Leaders lead by example—a positive example. They do not push.

They do not yank people around. They are not passive-aggressive. They do not cajole. They do not yell or scream.

They do not hide things from others.

They are not mean and nasty. They are not better than anyone else. Rather, they are honest and good. They are open. They involve everyone in decision making. They see people in a positive way. They exude happiness and positivity. Most importantly, they lead others to do the right things. Of course, to lead others, you must learn self-mastery by leading yourself in the

right direction. Interestingly, when you lead by example, people will follow you because they trust you for showing them love, concern and even compassion. You have lifted them along the way and continue to encourage them to do the right things. With this approach, you help people become better—more than what they thought they could ever become.

INSPIRE

Inspiring others does not necessarily happen by standing on a pedestal by yourself, arms outstretched, shouting convincing words to an audience, although it may create some short-term energy. Lasting inspiration, on the other hand, comes by purposefully conveying what you do, say and think while involving others. Doers of good always gain followers and inspire them to achieve good things. You see, goodness oozes out of great leaders into everything that they do, and people want to participate in the process so they can do better in life and feel this same positive energy. Thus, their inspiration to do better—to be become better human beings—comes from being inspired by your example.

INVITE

The last of the five basic leadership principles is inviting others to do what needs to be done—even the most challenging tasks. We can all remember bosses who yelled at us, maybe called us a few names that singed our ears, and managers who 9

Photo by Dim Hou on Unsplash.

instilled the fear of God in us if we did not do something they asked. Even when we did good things, these leaders were not happy. We did not like to be around them and often sought other jobs to escape the negative environment. The key to success, then, is to invite people to do things in a

kind, gracious way. If you have loved them, lifted them up from some doldrums or quandary to new heights, led them in the right direction before, and inspired them by what you have done, they will be up for the next challenge you invite them to do because they trust you and want to continue

to grow and develop. They have been inspired by you and your example!

While there are so many more principles of leadership—these five simple doctrines will help you establish a strong foundation for being a good leader or coach and help you to become a great trailblazer. Promise!

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/).

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Find out more at: TRUTHSPEAKSCOACHING.COM

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Bridging the Gap

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How personality analysis tools can help us to appreciate the differences and similarities among generations and nurture a more empathetic society.

By Marike Nienaber, D.Ms, In our quest to understand others, we often overlook the crucial step of understanding ourselves in relation to society as a whole. Moreover, in today’s world generational gaps have become glaring, leading to debates and misunderstandings. To bridge these divides and foster compassion, we must first cultivate self-understanding and then learn to comprehend others.

By using self-knowledge systems and personality analysis tools, we can better understand the many facets of human nature, uncover our true selves, appreciate the differences and similarities among generations, and nurture a more empathetic society. Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials, for instance, have unique characteristics and worldviews shaped by their formative experiences. Recognizing these distinctions promotes

understanding and empathy among these diverse groups.

But understanding generational differences is just one layer of the complex human dynamic. To delve deeper, let’s first explore several different tooks for personality analysis, as they can play a significant role in bridging the gaps.

Archetypes: Personality is a complex interplay of archetypes, which are universal models of human

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b­ ehaviors and personalities. The insights of renown Seiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung reveal that archetypes are ingrained in our collective unconscious, and his 12 Jungian archetypes offer deep insights, deciphering human personalities and addressing generational gaps by revealing underlying motives and characteristics. Jung’s work categorized individuals into 16 personality types based on their energy source, information gathering and decision-making.

Styles. In The Power of Understanding People by Dave Mitchell, a meta-cognitive assessment categorizes individuals into four iconic styles: Romantics, Warriors, Experts and Masterminds.

Identifying an individual’s primary preference allows for further subcategories based on primary and secondary preferences, providing insights into their roles in society. Understanding these iconic styles helps us adjust our behavior when interacting with others.

Astrology. Rooted in ancient wisdom and Mesopotamian culture, astrology

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provides insights into our personalities and the dynamic nature of our lives through correspondences between celestial observations and terrestrial events. Traditional astrology, at a basic level, categorizes individuals into one of 12 distinct zodiac signs based on their birth chart, offering a framework for self-reflection and understanding.

I Ching. The I Ching, a divination system created by ancient Chinese sages, emerged from the study of celestial and earthly phenomena. Encouraging selfawareness within situations, it addresses 64 principles of change based on the concept of Yin and Yang—the interaction of opposite but interconnected forces.

Human Design. The Human Design System, introduced by Ra Uru Hu, provides a unique framework to understand human nature. It uses birth data to calculate a BodyGraph, a graphic illustration or blueprint of a person’s energetic flow that reveals characteristics, potentials and interactions with the world.

DNA. In Gene Keys, Richard Rudd offers a transformative view of DNA

and destiny, challenging the idea that DNA rigidly controls our lives. Gene Keys is a system with 64 archetypes that serves as a canvas for re-imagining and recreating your life. It invites you to contemplate the unique message within each key.

Your DNA communicates with your brain, adapting your responses based on your attitude toward life, allowing thoughts, feelings, actions, and words to transform your destiny through intention and positivity.

Enneagram. The Enneagram, typology of nine interconnected personality types, is a self-discovery system providing insights into our worldviews, values, motivations and responses. Understanding your Enneagram type is a great step toward self-discovery and personal growth.

THE RESULTS ARE IN

For my doctoral dissertation in 2022, I conducted an independent study of 20 individuals gathered from a social media invitation. Information requested included their date and time of birth and

permission to use this information for my dissertation. Their birth details were then entered into the Human Design and Gene Keys websites to generate their charts.

Participants were provided with printouts of their results and a rapport explaining the aspects of the charts. A coaching session was held with each participant to discuss further the findings and implementation into their daily lives. After these coaching sessions, each participant completed a questionnaire to provide feedback and thoughts on how this new knowledge could assist them in understanding themselves and those around them.

When asked if participants resonated with their type, as defined by the Human Design chart, an overwhelming 87 percent stated that it was completely accurate, with the remaining 13 percent stating that at least some of the aspects were accurate.

When asked if the information they received could help them understand other people better, 62 percent of participants voted “yes,” with the remaining 38 percent voting “somewhat.”

When asked what value they think these and similar self-knowledge systems would bring to their lives, some of the responses were: • “It will help in conflicted situations, decision making.”

• “I always think it is essential to ­understand how and what makes one ‘tick’ in order to function at your optimum.”

• “[They can] help me with how I will respond in conflict situations.”

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“It will make me happier to know that the decisions I make and the path that I am on is the correct path. It will silence the self-doubt and make me listen to my gut more.”

• “It helps to understand [myself] better and how to handle life better.”

One of my participants took these results very seriously and started implementing them into her personal life and business. We held multiple coaching sessions to understand her design’s deeper aspects, and—after just one month of working with her—she commented that it had “changed her life.” As a result, she has seen incredible growth in her business and has been dealing with personal issues in ways that align with her design, resulting in solutions that are more effective and less harmful to herself.

In every moment of life, we develop opinions, reactions and strategies based on our experiences, influences and beliefs. These views alter our perceptions of wrong and right, good and bad, acceptable and disgraceful, and more.

Can we then really state that it is possible to understand and have compassion for those around us if we do not recognize that they, too, have views different from ours? Are their views not just as valid as our own?

Finding even a small puzzle piece to understanding your true self is an enlightening experience. It provides insight into how you make decisions and why you experience emotions and process information the way you do. While

none of the many self-knowledge systems available are all-encompassing—and they should not be taken as such—each provides one of these puzzle pieces. While so much is left to learn about the numerous elements that make up who we are, these systems could guide us during our contemplative journey.

We do not live in a one-size-fitsall world—yet that is precisely how we are conditioned to handle every aspect of our lives. In reality, we were never meant to copy each other but, instead, complement each other by being true to our authentic selves and sharing our gifts and purpose with the world. In embracing this truth, we can create an unoffended society grounded in unconditional love and compassion.

Studying the diversity of personality characteristics and human types holds the potential for personal and societal growth. Comprehending the intricacies of the human mind is crucial for our collective growth, and passing down these insights to future generations can empower them to lead lives of purpose and significance. The brighter future of humanity lies in inner peace, compassion and love!

If we create the opportunity to teach what we learn to the next generations, letting them embrace their authentic selves from a young age, we will empower them to live a life of purpose and meaning. For the next generations, who are currently preparing to lead the new world, a brighter future lies ahead for humanity grounded in inner peace, ­compassion and love.

Marike Nienaber, D.Ms, is a dynamic South African-based professional life coach and metaphysician, actively guiding individuals on their transformative journeys since 2021. At 41 years old and a mother of three, Marike holds an impressive 18 coaching certifications and, at the age of 40, attained her doctorate degree in metaphysical sciences after two years of unwavering dedication. Her credentials also include being a qualified Usui Reiki Master Teacher. Marike’s expertise lies in personality analysis and emotional intelligence, where she excels in fostering empowerment and self-discovery. She extends her wisdom through “The Clarity Catalyst,” a coaching program designed to ignite positive change. Marike is the author of the self-help book, From Sidekick to Superhero, available on Kindle. For more information visit https://www.marikenie.co.za.

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Where There is HOPE

Photo by Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash

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By Linda Commito I decided to start this year, not writing a list of resolutions, but thinking of the one word that would guide me in how I want to live and experience this year. HOPE! Whether in casual encounters or gatherings of family and friends, I know that I feel most hopeful when I can connect on a kinder, more loving and personal level.

We can all remember a time when it was difficult to engage in person. In its earlier appearance, Covid made us feel more isolated, hidden behind masks of protection, avoiding contact and conversation.

What is now hard to accept and can leave us feeling less hopeful, is what we witness so often on the news—the violence and killing by people who don’t even know each other. Recently, I was deeply touched by an amazing story, written by Greg Kelly/CBC, about an Iraqi and an Iranian, who during a war that neither had wanted to be in, changed what could have been the death of either or both of them.

If you want to feel hopeful that we can change our fate by changing our views of each other and finding our common humanity, please take to heart their incredible story: During the Iranian-Iraqi war, Najah a reluctant Iraqi soldier shared: “I didn’t know much about Iran. I knew it was a neighboring country.

And that they were people next door to us. We enjoyed their music. They enjoyed ours. They were just like us.”

Zahed, a 13-year-old runaway from an abusive home in Iran, was conscripted in the service. He also had no animosity to those from a neighboring nation, but was later assigned as a medic to take care of wounded Iranian soldiers in a bunker. He heard moaning and discovered Najah, who was bleeding profusely from wounds that could soon lead to his death. Both wary of each other, Zahed leaned over and noticed a photo of a beautiful woman and a baby in Najah’s pocket. It was then that he decided to save this man’s life, despite his friends’ warnings that he could be killed himself for his actions.

But Zahed took it a step further and got Najah by ambulance to a hospital, and convinced the doctor to work on him even though Najah was the “enemy.” It saved Najah’s life, even though he would become a prisoner of war for 17 years and never be able to find his loved ones again. Slow forward 20 years . . .Najah eventually would move to Vancouver to be near family.

Zahed hadn’t fared well, also serving time in prison after the war and losing his fiancé. He was angry and joined a merchant marine ship heading to Vancouver, on which he got in many fights, and rather than risk being returned to Tehran, he jumped overboard. Depressed and living on the street, with no hope for a future, he tried to hang himself. But friends intervened and encouraged him to get help.

It was there, while in a waiting room at a health facility, that a man walked in the door. There was something familiar.

They began asking each other questions about where they were from. They then

both realized that Najah was in fact the man that Zahed had saved. They hugged and cried and they have become close friends ever since. This time it was Zahed’s life that was saved.

He said: “Najah is like my family … he really is my angel, because he gave me life. After he got a new chance at life, he gave me a new chance at life. He is the dearest and most precious thing in the entire world to me.”

This story inspires me and gives me hope. And likewise, the words of Francesco Tarantino’s song, “WE Are One”: “They say the world will never change, that the fault lies in our stars, I can’t believe that it’s true, I know the change lies in the hearts of me and you.”

How can we open our hearts and minds, and be loving and forgiving, while we look for what brings us together rather than what separates us? What if we could be present as though it were our last opportunity to share and appreciate each other?

My hope for the world is that we may realize how interconnected we all are, sharing this planet, this universe for a limited time. May we choose to make it the best experience that we can while we are here—sharing our resources, our wisdom and understanding of what it means to be a conscious, loving human being and willing to do our best to leave this earth a better place.

And I am “hoping big” that the children in our world will be willing and able to love and care for each other and the planet in ways that we have only dreamed of.

Love is the New Currency with Linda Commito Linda Commito, author, speaker, entrepreneur, consultant and teacher, is passionate about her vision to leave this world a kinder, more loving, and interconnected place. Linda’s award-winning book of inspirational stories, Love Is the New Currency, demonstrates how we can each make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others through simple acts of love and kindness. Her latest project, the card game Just Ask 1 2 3, was inspired by a desire to ­connect people of all different ages, beliefs and lifestyles to share our individuality and find commonality. Linda also created “Kindness Starts with Me,” a program, book and website for children. For more information visit http://www.LoveistheNewCurrency.com or visit the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Justask123game.

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Pause & Remember

Photo by sudarshan poojary on Unsplash.

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“The way we regard death is critical to the way we experience life. When your fear of death changes, the way you live your life changes.”—Ram Dass

By Mark Pitstick, MA, DC I awakened early one morning, but let myself doze for a while. During that time of hypnogogic consciousness, I dreamt I was an actor in a play. There were a few other cast members and a larger number of crew members. We anticipated that the play would be enthusiastically received and planned to perform nightly.

The first evening arrived and 50 people attended. That was OK, but we had hoped for more. For the next presentation, no one arrived. We decided to go ahead and do a run-through performance. I don’t recall any details of the play except the following: At a crucial point, I was hugged by another cast member who was dressed as an angel. She put her hands over my tail bone to impart a blessing.

However, when she did that, we both were hugged by a very large real angel. The angel also touched both of our tailbone areas. Instantly, we both were filled with a brilliant white light that emanated upward and outward. As often is described, the beauty, power, and radiance of the light were ineffable. Afterwards, the other cast and crew members relayed how they too felt energized and healed by the light.

Then I fully awakened into the earth experience.

I took a few moments to consider what the dream might have meant. I knew that the brain may create a dream in an attempt to make sense of an actual “spiritual” event. I felt that a true energetic healing from an angelic being had occurred. I felt very peaceful, clear and semi-ecstatic. I seriously entertained the possibility that I had indeed just received a celestial healing and energy infusion.

Then the words “pause and remember” popped up. When I pondered what it meant, I felt I was being reminded to take just a moment and remember all I know before reacting. I couldn’t recall ever hearing that phrase before. A search revealed that it’s a term that others, especially those in the Buddhist tradition, have used.

The placement of the angel’s hand over the tailbone was interesting. The anatomical term for tailbone is sacrum, a word with the root word meaning “holy bone.”

I was motivated, in part, to become a chiropractic physician after learning the yogic model that energy is stored in the region of the sacrum. Ideally, it flows in an uninterrupted and optimal way along the spinal cord to the brain and in reverse. Indeed, a sacral-occipital pump-like action assists optimal flow of the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes and nourishes the spine and brain.

I also thought about the relevance of “a play” being involved in my dream. An earthly experience is so much like that. It seems so real that we are separate physical people who age and die. But that is just one limiting perception of what is really going on.

In addition, looking at life as a series of plays, movies, or books also helps explain why people may choose adversity. Heroes are born when they are tested in challenging conditions. Having an earthly experience helps us remember who and how very powerful we each are.

I work very closely with Gary E. Schwartz, Ph.D., director of the Laboratory for Advances in Consciousness and Health at the University of Arizona, on The SoulPhone Project (SoulPhone.org) which has: 1) scientifically demonstrated life after bodily death 2) created technology allowing rudimentary communication between material persons– those living on Earth – and postmaterial persons, whose earthly forms have died.

We sometimes are “on the same wavelength” and have synchronistic experiences that encourage us to continue the work. The day after my dream, I relayed it to Gary during a Zoom meeting. Interestingly, that same morning, he had an evidential medium assisted meeting with an angel. In addition, on the day before, the song “Try to Remember”—which he hadn’t thought of for many years—was going through his head repetitively for an unknown reason.

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Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash.

Finally, I want to mention the wise words of my beloved teach Ram Dass. His first book, Be Here Now, prominently features this phrase: Love, Serve, Remember. That’s one of the most concise and wise pieces of advice for those visiting planet Earth. It means: 1) Love yourself, Source, and other people, animals and all of life.

2) Serve others, including yourself, as you feel called to do.

3) Remember the big picture of life and that you: • are still alive after your human form dies.

• do not really “lose” loved ones after their earthly bodies perish since you reunite with them when you change worlds.

• can enjoy a continued, but different, relationship with “departed” loved ones now.

• are integral, infinite and beloved parts of Source Energy/Creator/One Mind.

• receive assistance and guidance from sources variously described as angels, guides, master teachers and higher energies.

• can have different and, perhaps, simultaneous life experiences. That means you may be with “deceased” loved ones right now in a parallel reality/different slice of life.

• create how heavenly or hellish your life feels by your predominant thoughts, words and deeds.

• are interconnected in sacred ways with all people, animals, and nature.

• have special purposes for experiencing being on this planet at this time. It’s an optical delusion that this time on earth is all there is.

The more you develop a “big picture of life” perspective, the more you realize this earthly experience is a totally safe, meaningful and magnificent adventure amidst eternity.

Mark Pitstick, MA, DC is an author, master’s clinical psychologist, holistic chiropractic physician, frequent media guest, and webinar/workshop facilitator. He directs The SoulPhone Foundation and founded Greater Reality Living Groups. Dr. Pitstick can help you know and show—no matter what is happening to or around you— that your earthly experience is a totally safe, meaningful, and magnificent adventure amidst forever. Visit http://www.SoulProof.com for free articles, newsletters and radio interviews with top consciousness experts.

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NOT JUST A GAME! Each custom-designed deck of Just Ask 1 2 3 cards offers 53 thought-inspiring questions and a Directions card. A lovely organza gift bag is included to hold the cards for selecting.

Just Ask 1 2 3

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Only $15.95 Pathways to Connecting: Deck 1 Easing In – playful questions to break the ice & have fun!

Deck 2 Getting Closer – thought-provoking questions to get to know each other better . . . including ourselves.

Deck 3 Deepening Conversation – Insightful questions that invite sharing experiences and reflections on life and relationships.

Deck 4 Daring to Divulge – Provocative questions that spark deeper conversations and encourage meaningful connections.

JustAsk123.com & LoveIstheNewCurrency.com

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SAYING NO! Saying No!

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Where do we draw the line on helping everyone else and ignoring self-care?

By Jo Mooy The word No is a flaming, alarm-flashing statement. It expresses refusal, or dissent or denial and, even in some cases, rejection. No, I can’t do that. No, I’m not available. No, I don’t want to. No, it’s not for me. No, I’m not interested. No, I’m not revisiting that again. No! No! No! And yet, No is the greatest gift you can give yourself.

Alas, it’s also the most difficult thing to say to another person. That’s because we shy away from taking care of ourselves first. Being kind to ourselves and taking care of our personal needs is considered selfish. If I say No to someone or to a situation I’ve been asked to get involved with, the word No lobs negative emotions into the other person’s psyche that may imply, “You’re not worth it—or your situation isn’t important enough.”

Most of us were brought up to always be there and to help others.

That was the gold standard. By selflessly putting others first and doing for them instead of yourself, you gained lots of altruistic brownie points for being a worthy person. Women particularly are affected by this behavior pattern. They were raised to believe their best qualities were nurturing and always tending to the needs of others. It defined them individually and also as a gender. And, the more they did, the better they were judged by everyone else.

But what if that wasn’t really a worthy gold standard? And what if

it was doing more harm than good?

The role of caretaker to the world can be exhausting and frustrating, and it causes overwhelming emotional fatigue. Even if you can’t fix the situation, you’re expected to always be available to everyone, and you’re also expected to give up any personal needs that are at odds with the needs of others. It’s like hearing a constant mantra in your head that says: You don’t matter but the issues and needs of everyone else matter. That can crush your desires and dissolve any personal goals you might have set for yourself.

Where do we draw the line on helping everyone else and ignoring self-care? When is it okay to say No? Spiritual practitioners in particular are highly vulnerable to the needs of others. They equate being there for everyone else as a noble ideal. It’s baked into the training they go through where the ultimate goal is enlightenment. And, the best way to achieve that is to become like a Bodhisattva, where enlightenment is delayed so the individual can tend to all those who are suffering.

Sadly, even the best trained and most disciplined spiritual practitioners can experience compassion fatigue. It’s an experience much like PTSD, where the practitioner becomes numb or desensitized to the plight of others. They’re overwhelmed by everything happening in the world and become traumatized by it. They feel powerless to help or fix the conditions so they withdraw from the melee and

hide under a blanket. Helping and doing for others becomes too much, and they collapse from guilt—which is a sure path to a mental breakdown.

When this happens a perfect opportunity presents itself. Hold the line. Reassess all the effort that went into helping everyone else and consider a different approach. Though your empathic heart might want to, YOU are not required to fix the whole world. It will sort itself with or without your involvement. It always does, and we’re seldom privy to the “bigger plan” unfolding.

HOW TO BALANCE SELF-CARE

If your spiritual practice is to become a Bodhisattva, tending to yourself first needs to be a priority. This is like putting on your oxygen mask first in a depressurizing plane before you can help others. Begin by setting strict boundaries on what you’re willing to do. And, be okay if you decide to do nothing. Listen to your inner spiritual guidance whenever a decision is needed. That spiritual guidance will never lead you astray. Also, stop and be discerning about the endless requests for help. You’ll find that many times you may get asked for help in the “heat of the moment” and then the need quickly passes.

I’ll give you an example. Two years ago I presented the background to an advanced meditation. Knowing 23

it was fairly complex, I suggested if anyone wanted to get the meditation itself they should send me an email.

Forty people asked for the meditation, which would have required quite a bit of work on my part. So I decided to do an experiment. Instead of responding to everyone who wrote, I waited a couple of weeks to see if any

of the 40 came back after the “heat of the moment” to request the meditation again. Of the 40, only one person followed up and asked for it again.

The other 39 had moved on to the next shiny thing.

Saying No doesn’t make you a bad person or make you immune to any of the appeals. Rather than

diving into the conditions with your physical presence, you can treat all requests remotely through highly disciplined practices. You’ll achieve the same results without the interference of physical contact that can clutter up the best intentions. The benefits of any meditation can also be directed remotely to those in need for the greatest good. Forgiveness practices will create new pathways to move forward. Instead of dredging up the past and wallowing in a series of emotional dramas of who-done-it or who-said-what, sever those chords that hinder your efforts and focus on the gentle art of forgiving yourself!

The rest will take care of itself. These remote practices are the easiest medicine for self-care and self-respect and will preserve your well-being.

Setting boundaries will also lessen the negative effects you experience in regard to what’s happening on the world stage and help you regain purpose. Saying No allows you to continue working energetically for the well-being of others. Saying No honors your personal needs and respects the limits of your capabilities. Saying No takes you out of the middle of the turbulence and gives you permission to remain distant from the fray. Saying No allows you to rest and to be at ease with any outcome. Saying No is a positive and liberating practice that heals YOU and your endeavors on behalf of others.

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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Make Room for Sacred Space

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The aura creates our personal sacred

space—and it is one of our most precious sanctuaries to protect and honor.

By Spencer Rouse What is sacred space?

It can be a building, a place in nature, or any defined area deemed sacred or holy for a specific purpose. In the case of the human body, it is the aura that creates our individual sacred space. Made up of layers of increasingly fine bands of subtle energy, it is a type of filter and processor of vibrations in a world of constant activity—and it is one of our most precious sanctuaries to protect and honor.

Since everything, everywhere, including every thought, word and deed, carries a particular frequency of energy, we are exposed to a wide variety of vibrations, positive and negative, light and dark.

We draw into our auras (aka, subtle energy fields) all of these vibrations that are then directed to the various layers of our energy field for processing.

Supportive vibes from others can add to our well-being. Still, we encounter so much that is energetically heavy and dense. This heaviness pulls our vibration down and sullies our auras. Daily news. Political strife. Chaos. Warfare. Heightened emotions. Uncertainty. Noise pollution. It is constant, and it can be overwhelming. Our inner light has to shine through a clouded lens. We more easily drop into negativity with our attitudes and emotions. Not only that, the denseness of these energies can move from our aura to the physical body, creating physical problems with the organs and other aspects of our health.

The “cleaner” we keep our auras, the more Light (high-frequency spiritual energy) we can bring into our personal sacred space. How do we do this? The most obvious answer is to maintain proper hygiene. A shower can remove more than the residue on our physical bodies. It cleanses the aura, too. Think of how much lighter you feel after bathing in refreshing water. What you may not know is that you are clearing vibrational debris as well.

The strands of your hair, for example, act as antennae that send and receive subtle communication. It is worth remembering that highly sensitive people

constantly receive communication from others this way—whether they want to or not! This alone could be an incentive to keep the hair clean. Burning sage and weaving it through the aura can clear out energetic debris very quickly. Wafting certain essential oils around the head and body can help, or spraying something like Florida Water, especially around the head, can lighten the auric space. Walking outside, being in nature, and absorbing the sunlight can help clear the denser energies. These are all suggestions for immediate help.

However, the most effective solution to keep your aura in top shape long-term is to maintain a daily spiritual practice of prayer, meditation, and body movement based on energy principles. Qi gong, yoga and tai chi are examples that can activate and move the stuck energy within our physical bodies, especially when executed as a meditation to clear and elevate.

While most understand intellectually that we should pray, meditate and physically move our bodies, many don’t actually take the next step and engage in action. If you are in this group, start simple, and remember that even a small amount of time with a spiritual practice helps.

Those who use a daily practice to help clear, center and elevate their consciousness—their sacred space—generate a purity that disperses all unhealthy thoughts and distractions. When we reach this level, we feel the aura expand. We sense our inner Light glowing in harmony and joy. We receive in awe the power and breadth of wisdom pouring into us. We reach a new level of understanding every time we have this experience. We find new ways to handle our daily problems. We revel in the joy, the gratitude, the beauty, the harmony, the peace of it all.

This practice is open to all who choose to put in the effort. It takes patience and dedication, but we learn to appreciate who we are as a soul. The acquired fears of hurt, anger, frustration, shame, and other forms of negativity begin to dissipate. We revel humbly, but with joy, in the Love that we experience in our personal sacred space.

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Thirty spokes converge upon a single hub.

It is on the hole in the center that the use Of the cart hinges We make a vessel from a lump of clay.

It is the empty space within the vessel That makes it useful.

We make doors and windows for a room.

It is these empty spaces that make the room livable.

Thus, while the tangible has advantages, It is the intangible that makes it useful.

—Lao Tzu, The Tao Teh Ching

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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Find out more at: TRUTHSPEAKSCOACHING.COM

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Photo by Dewang Gupta on Unsplash.

The Emerging New Enlightenment

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The time has come to embrace the next stage of your unfoldment as a spiritual being.

By Owen Waters

Everything positive that you create now will unfold more easily.

The world cries out to be helped and healed in countless ways. Ignorance, conflict, needless suffering and strife are all symptoms of the remaining Old Reality consciousness. It is by spiritual teaching and healing that we help others and also raise the frequency of the global mind atmosphere.

Spiritual service goes beyond just receiving light and inspiration as a product of daily meditations.

By giving those energies out as well, you cause a selfreplenishing effect which builds up and results in you becoming ever more inspired.

With the emerging New Enlightenment, the issues that are important to people in this age of transition are ones like these: “What can I do to ensure the well-being of myself and my loved ones?”

“What is life really all about?”

“How can I answer the spiritual yearning that I feel?”

The time has come to embrace the next stage of your unfoldment as a spiritual being. Once you finish leaving Old Reality thinking behind and become accustomed to functioning in higher heart-centered consciousness, you are ready to learn the secret to rapid spiritual development.

At first, this secret might seem like a paradox.

Here it is: It isn’t what you do to develop yourself that counts so much as what you do to help others. That is where the frequency of consciousness of the New Enlightenment starts. Spiritual service to others creates an immediate reflection from the ever-present mirror of life and causes you to advance automatically in a balanced and graceful manner.

The same principle applies to both physical and spiritual service. Physical prosperity comes as the reaction from physically serving others in better ways and spiritual development comes as the reaction from helping others in spiritual ways. Fortunately, with the knowledge and insights we now have available to us, spiritual service to humanity has never been easier.

It isn’t often that a new global timeline is created, one that affects everyone on the planet. Not long ago, such a split in timelines emerged. One path will cater for those who support aggression, such as intense competition and war. The other path will attract those who focus on cooperation, peace and healing.

Both timeline paths will be available to everyone for many months to come, but eventually they will isolate into different circumstances and go their separate ways. The higher timeline will support ­self-empowerment of a spiritual nature, where human rights like dignity and the freedom to choose ­become paramount.

Many of the institutional systems that have been interwoven with our lives will be reformed and upgraded from a heart-centered perspective. People will attune to the soul-whisperings of their inner moral compasses with the result that the corruption that

The long-awaited quantum leap in human consciousness has arrived, and we have emerged into the light of a whole new era of inspiring cosmic energies.

The summer of 2023 was a major turning point in the evolution of humanity. The cosmic energies reaching Earth have taken a significant step higher.

From here on, the energies available to us will be in a new and positive building mode, despite the efforts of power-seeking warmongers to distract people from the new light. Because of this higher supply of cosmic energy, you can now count on one very significant fact...

THE TIMELINE SPLIT HAS JUST HAPPENED

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Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash.

is common today will be rooted out and the untrustworthy recognized and shunned.

As people take responsibility for themselves, new inventions will be created to respond to people’s needs, producing a new era of prosperity and fulfillment.

With every shift to a higher reality, some degree of chaos is likely as new systems necessarily emerge to replace ones that face failure. As spiritual

students, we can become the kind of sages and mentors that people will seek in their search for hope and meaning moving forward. A deep study of spiritual principles will make this possible Editor’s Note: For more, check out these books

by Owen Waters, Spiritual Metaphysics, The Lightworker Mission, and The New Enlightenment. Visit: https:// www.infinitebeing.com/ebooks/.

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.

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NOT JUST A GAME! Each custom-designed deck of Just Ask 1 2 3 cards offers 53 thought-inspiring questions and a Directions card. A lovely organza gift bag is included to hold the cards for selecting.

Just Ask 1 2 3

is a fun pathway to conversation, kindness and connection!

Only $15.95 Pathways to Connecting: Deck 1 Easing In – playful questions to break the ice & have fun!

Deck 2 Getting Closer – thought-provoking questions to get to know each other better . . . including ourselves.

Deck 3 Deepening Conversation – Insightful questions that invite sharing experiences and reflections on life and relationships.

Deck 4 Daring to Divulge – Provocative questions that spark deeper conversations and encourage meaningful connections.

JustAsk123.com & LoveIstheNewCurrency.com

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ANATOMY OF A SALES FUNNEL Anatomy of a Sales Funnel

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An outline of the customer journey from the initial awareness of a product or service to the final decision to buy.

By Christine Morse

solution to their needs. They may compare it with competitors and seek more detailed information.

A sales funnel, also known as a purchase funnel, 4) Intent: At this point, the potential customer has is a visual representation of the stages that a potential a strong intention to make a purchase. They may customer goes through before making a purchase. It outhave narrowed down their options and are looking lines the customer journey from the initial awareness of for specific details or assurances before committing. a product or service to the final decision to buy. The typi5) Purchase: The customer makes the decision to cal stages in a sales funnel include: buy and completes the transaction.

1) Awareness: This is the stage where potential 6) Post-Purchase Evaluation: After the purchase, customers first become aware of your product or customers assess their experience. service. They may discover your brand through advertising, social media, word of mouth, or Positive experiences can lead to customer loyother marketing efforts. alty, repeat business and advocacy.

The sales funnel helps businesses understand 2) Interest: After becoming aware, potential customers show interest in learning more. They might the customer journey, identify potential areas for imexplore your website, engage with content, or sign provement, and implement targeted strategies at each up for newsletters. stage to guide prospects toward making a purchase. It is a valuable sales and marketing tool for coaches looking 3) Consideration: In this stage, potential c­ ustomers actively consider your product or service as a to optimize and streamline the conversion process.

Christine Morse has over 20 years of experience in marketing, team leadership, client relations and sales with companies such as Herman Miller, Amway International, Spectrum Health, Avid Marketing, Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, and several disability network nonprofits. She formed Avid Alliance in 2009, which is focused on helping people to understand how beneficial it is to use free and low-cost tools for excellent branding and business expansion. Christine excels at providing strategic counsel and is a business growth implementor with a focus on marketing and sales. She has helped thousands of people to learn about identifying their ideal client and competitors, realizing their strengths and weaknesses to determine which tactics will work best for quick business growth. She also donates her time and energy towards many nonprofit organizations which contribute to the sustainability of this community. Visit her website at https://www.avidmarketingalliance.com.

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NAVIGATING Navigating Workplace Dilemmas

WORKPLACE

DILEMMAS

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G

E

S

Coaching strategies to overcome the Prisoner’s Dilemma.

By Marla J. Albertie As coaches, we need to recognize that the modern workplace is a dynamic ecosystem, constantly presenting complex challenges that demand strategic navigation.

Among these intricate scenarios is the Prisoner’s Dilemma, a situation where teammates find themselves at a crossroads, compelled to make choices with outcomes that hinge crucially on the simultaneous decisions made by others.

In a corporate environment, the Prisoner’s Dilemma manifests in various forms. It is a concept rooted in game theory, a branch of mathematics and economics that analyzes strategic interactions between rational decision-makers.

In this dilemma, the paradox arises when individuals, motivated by self-interest, fail to achieve the most optimal outcome for the group.

An illustrative scenario is two individuals accused of a crime who are being interrogated separately. Each person faces a choice: cooperate with the other by remaining silent, or betray the other by providing information to the authorities. The potential outcomes hinge on the decisions made by both parties. If both individuals remain silent, the authorities may lack sufficient evidence to prosecute, resulting in a better outcome for both. However, the dilemma emerges because each person must decide without knowing the other’s choice. If one person chooses to betray the other, that individual might receive a more lenient punishment or immunity, while the other faces a harsher consequence. If both betray each other, they might end up with a suboptimal collective outcome, such as both receiving moderate sentences.

The essence of the Prisoner’s Dilemma lies in the conflict between individual and collective interests. While cooperation would lead to the best overall result, the fear of personal consequences often drives individuals to act in their own self-interest, potentially undermining the collective well-being. This serves as a powerful metaphor for situations where mutual cooperation would yield better results in business, but individual incentives often lead to less favorable outcomes for everyone involved. A compelling illustration can be seen by looking at a hypothetical example of two teams engaged in mortgage processing.

DECODING THE DILEMMA: Team A has chosen to implement an assembly line approach, fostering a collective and collaborative effort where every team member actively contributes to the intricate workflow of loan processing. In stark contrast, Team B has opted for a more individualized pipeline method, ­assigning

each team member a distinct queue of loans to handle independently. The crux of the dilemma lies in the fact that both teams exhibit commendable performance, making it exceedingly difficult to determine definitively which approach proves more effective in achieving their common goal.

This situation creates a delicate and precarious scenario for individual team members. Despite their personal inclinations or preferences, they find themselves compelled to adhere to the chosen method of their respective teams.

This adherence is driven by team dynamics and the need for uniformity in processing methods across the organization.

Consequently, team members may face a challenging internal conflict, as their commitment to team cohesion requires them to set aside personal preferences and adopt the designated approach, even if it runs counter to their individual workstyle or inclination.

The tension arises from the absence of a clear-cut answer about which method is superior, given the comparable success demonstrated by both teams. This lack of clarity exacerbates the dilemma for individual team members, as they navigate the complexities of aligning with their team’s strategy, while possibly harboring reservations about its alignment with their own preferences and work practices.

The scenario highlights the nuanced challenges within teams striving for excellence, where conflicting approaches can coexist, and individuals must navigate the delicate balance between organizational unity and personal alignment.

ROOTS OF WORKPLACE CONFLICT: The conflict between Team A and Team B underscores the impact of role behavior, which encompasses the behaviors and actions associated with specific roles or positions individuals hold within a team or organization.

In Team A, where members possess extensive experience and familiarity with the company’s processes, there is an inadvertent creation of bias that stems from the seasoned members’ deep understanding of the organizational intricacies, potentially leading to a perception of preferential treatment. On the other hand, members of Team B, sensing a disparity in the distribution of roles, feel less favored within the team dynamics, the feeling of being “less favored” pertains to Team B members perceiving unequal treatment or opportunities within their own team.

This clash of perceptions and interpretations becomes a breeding ground for tensions that reverberate predominantly within Team B. The discord may be fueled by a sense of inequity and a perceived lack of fairness, potentially impacting team dynamics and collaboration.

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In essence, the role behavior exhibited by seasoned members in Team A inadvertently introduces bias, while Team B members interpret this as unequal treatment. These differing perceptions contribute to tensions, creating a conflict that is particularly pronounced within Team B and highlighting the intricate interplay of role dynamics within teams.

COACHING STRATEGIES TO MITIGATE THE PRISONER’S DILEMMA:

1) Implement a Comprehensive Conflict Management ­Strategy. A comprehensive conflict management strategy can be employed to mitigate workplace conflict stemming from the Prisoner’s Dilemma. Such a program should encompass communication, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and a clear understanding of teammates’ roles.

Providing a structured conflict resolution avenue empowers employees to take responsibility for their actions and equips them with tools to navigate conflicts effectively.

2) Foster Purposeful Communication. Enhancing communication among teams is paramount. Purposeful communication—clear, concise and delivered with sensitivity—plays a pivotal role in defusing tensions arising from conflicting methods among teams. Encouraging team members to confront issues and provide constructive feedback can foster positive relationships, which is essential for resolving dilemmas collaboratively (Cox, 2014; Wilson Learning Worldwide, 2007; Singleton et al., 2011).

3) Build Cooperation Through Leadership Understanding.

Leadership plays a crucial role in building cooperation among teams. Leaders should be well-versed in conflict management styles and ensure clarity in job role communication. Confusion about roles can be a breeding ground for conflict. Cooperation becomes more likely when leaders understand and effectively communicate team members’ roles (Kanazawa & Fontaine, 2013).

Overall, the Prisoner’s Dilemma is a recurring workplace challenge that often arises due to competitive dynamics that lead to conflict. Coaches can help organizations benefit significantly from adopting a conflict management strategy that comprehensively addresses workplace conflict, enhances communication

and builds team cooperation. Purposeful communication emerges as a powerful antidote to workplace conflict, while commitment to resolving conflicts is integral to organizational responsibility, ensuring a harmonious workplace where dilemmas are met with effective and collaborative solutions.

REFERENCES Cox, A. (2014). Increasing purposeful communication in the workplace: Two school-district models. Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, 80(3), 34-38.

Kanazawa, S., & Fontaine, L. (2013). Intelligent people defect more in a one-shot prisoner’s dilemma game. Journal of Neuroscience, Psychology and Economics, 6(3), 201213. doi:10.1037/npe0000010 Prisoner’s Dilemma. (n.d). In Oxford Dictionary online. Retrieved from https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/prisoner%27s_dilemma Singleton, R., Toombs, L. A., Taneja, S., Larkin, C., & Pryor, M. G. (2011). Workplace conflict: A strategic leadership imperative. International Journal of Business & Public Administration, 8(1), 149-163 Wilson Learning Worldwide. (2007). Individual effectiveness: Creating the effective workforce. Edina, MN.

Marla J. Albertie is the founder Truth Speaks Group, LLC, a multi-media coaching company dedicated to creating solutions for integrating work and life to create harmony. Marla loves to read, is a concert and comedy show junkie and a cruiser for life. Follow Marla on Twitter @tspeakscoaching and IG @Tspeaksgroup. Sign up for the Truth Speaks Group LLC Newsletter at https://www.truthspeakscoaching.com/.

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