Impact!

In this week's episode, as the results of the US elections become known, we focus on contrasting themes of disappointment and joy, and how to deal with these in an environment that has been especially polarized. As both US citizens and others process the results, we discuss how individuals on both sides can find peace and unity through compassion and understanding, and offer practical suggestions for dealing both with fear, disappointment and anxiety, and for handling joy and celebration with equanimity and empathy for supporters of a losing side.

We reflect on the vision of a harmonious society, drawing inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s concept of a "Beloved Community," in which justice, equality, and love for all humanity prevail. We ask whether this is a Utopian ideal or one that can be put into practice to bridge divides and foster mutual respect in a polarized world? Crucially, in the days following the vote, we look at where our intentions and prayers might now be focused.

Whether you are celebrating or mourning, this episode provides guidance on navigating emotions with grace, encouraging a collective intention towards healing and unity. Tune in and discover how we can each contribute to a more harmonious world, while perhaps receiving some comfort and hope if you are among those now feeling despondent.

Suggested Intention Focus for this Week:

This week, as the US comes to terms with the election of Donald Trump for a second term as its President, following a heavily contested election, we suggest holding as our main intention:

We will that all US citizens will be moved by compassion to respect and love their fellow countryfolk, even though they may dislike their politics, words and actions.

Please join us in holding this.

Supporting websites, books and resources:

How to be Mindful when Bad Things Happen – listen again to Ellen’s interview with Brother Dave, offering practical guidance on how we can respond to disappointment or dismay at what’s happening around us https://www.heartfulimpact.com/e/how-to-be-mindful-when-bad-things-happen%e2%80%93brother-dave/ 

The ‘One Tribe’ Challenge https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/mOTT.html. A Challenge aimed at building personal resilience in the face of polarised feelings in politics and society. Note the Challenge is now archived and email registration no longer works, but email Clive at [email protected] to get links to the archived video prompts.

‘The Heart of Lovingkindness’ by Clive Johnson on Amazon: https://www.clivejohnsonvoiceovers.co.uk/lp/heartoflovingkindness.html Offers guidance on practicing lovingkindness in different situations.

Clive’s daily lovingkindness practice runs from 0730-0750am on Insight Timer. See upcoming events at https://insighttimer.com/cliverj (it’s not necessary to have the Insight Timer app to join).

Suggestions and resources to help deal with disappointment:

https://www.charliewaller.org/mental-health-resources/managing-difficult-feelings/dealing-with-disappointment-and-rejection

https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/how-to/how-to-deal-with-disappointment-and-let-things-go/

https://manhattancbt.com/how-to-deal-with-disappointment/

https://www.redonline.co.uk/wellbeing/a61697558/how-to-deal-with-disappointment/

https://mensline.org.au/how-to-deal-with-anger/how-to-deal-with-disappointment/

Guided meditation for dealing with disappointment – https://insighttimer.com/cliverj/guided-meditations/a-meditation-for-dealing-with-disappointment 

Sources referenced in this episode:

https://english.mee.gov.cn/Events/Special_Topics/AGM_1/2008agm/meetingdoc08/201605/t20160524_344816.shtml

https://chinamediaproject.org/the_ccp_dictionary/harmonious-society/

https://www.hoover.org/research/harmonious-china

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/19thcpcnationalcongress/2010-09/16/content_29714563.htm

https://www.r2hub.org/library/25-traits-of-the-beloved-community

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886919305318

Chapter Markers:  

00:00:00        Introduction            

00:01:38        Disappointment and Joy

00:03:16        Calling for Unity

00:04:32        Principles of a Beloved Community

00:06:32        The Challenge of Distinguishing Facts from Fiction

00:09:40        The Golden Rule and Political Differences

00:10:39         Practicing Lovingkindness

00:11:29         Celebrating Election Wins Mindfully

00:14:31          Dealing with Disappointment

00:19:23          Intentions and Prayers in the wake of the US Election Results

00:20:14          Support Resources for Coping with Disappointment

Join us in person for intention holding:  

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  

https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  

Our websites:   

www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  

https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  

https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  

https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  

Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  

Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  

Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  

Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  

Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  

Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

This week we delve into the crucial topic of self-care amidst the intense energy surrounding the upcoming U.S. presidential election. With the election described as one of the most pivotal in modern times, we explore the emotional toll it may take on individuals and communities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peaceable relations and not being triggered by often polar opposite views.

The episode explores how intention, prayer, and meditation can impact us energetically, highlighting the necessity of releasing energies that don't serve us. We discuss the power of the breath in maintaining calm, the significance of the torus field as a protective energy barrier, and the transformative practice of Tonglen for cultivating compassion. We suggest practical techniques for managing energy and stress, including mindfulness, visualization, and connecting with one's guardian angels.

Suggested Intention Focus for this week:

This week, as we recognise the potential for becoming uncentred, agitated or ill at ease during an especially tense time for millions of people across the US, we suggest holding as our main intention a personal resolve: 

I resolve that, in unity with others who hold intentions with me, I will take time to release any energy that doesn’t serve me after holding intention, and not neglect to attend to my own self-care.

Please join us in holding this.

Legacy Labyrinth Project US election eve labyrinth walk: https://legacylabyrinthproject.kindful.com/register/election-eve-walk-2024 

Listen to Ellen’s conversation with Brother Dave in our episode ‘How to be Mindful when Bad Things Happen–Brother Dave’: https://www.heartfulimpact.com/e/how-to-be-mindful-when-bad-things-happen%e2%80%93brother-dave/

A possible prayer for self-caring following intention sending:

Thank you (Universe/Spirit/God) for filling my heart with lovingkindness during this practice. Now, please release me from me anything that will not benefit me, taking from me any draining, negative or harmful energy that may have come to me during this practice. Thank you. I love you.

Breathing cycle intentions:

Breathing in, I invite lovingkindness and pure, divine light energy to fill me.

Breathing out, I send [my intention or lovingkindness] to [the person, people, or whoever or whatever is the focus of my intention] (during intention holding)

Breathing out, I release all that doesn’t now serve me (after intention holding).

Sources referenced in this episode:

https://imperfectbuddha.com/2017/07/25/is-tonglen-truly-awesome/

https://www.ananda.org/yogapedia/pranayama/

https://www.wondermind.com/article/energy-healing/

https://tricycle.org/magazine/tonglen-spot/

https://www.lionsroar.com/how-to-practice-tonglen-meditation/ (Pema Chödrön describes how to practice Tonglen)

https://www.kelseykuehl.com/post/why-is-everyone-talking-about-torus-fields

https://www.drbrookestuart.com/on-the-toroidal-field/

Chapter markers:

00:00:09            Introduction

00:02:21            The Importance of Self-Care

00:05:10            How energy impacts us

00:08:08            Breath Control

00:11:47            Tonglen

00:16:04            Mindfulness and Self-Care

00:17:23            The Torus Field and its protective power

00:21:14            Approaches for releasing Heavy Energy

00:23:43            Ending Intention Practice

00:26:07            Intention for Self

Join us in person for intenton holding:  

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  

https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  

Our websites:   

www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  

https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  

https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  

https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  

Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  

Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  

Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  

Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  

Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  

Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

In this episode, as Global Healing Response turns its attention to the element of Air, we focus on the crucial significance of air in sustaining life on Earth. Air's role in supporting life goes far beyond respiration. It influences the water cycle, weather systems, and plant reproduction, while also playing a critical part in climate regulation and photosynthesis.

We explore how air quality impacts human health and well-being, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular issues and even affecting mental health. We examine the disproportionate effects of air pollution on vulnerable communities and consider where we might offer our collective intentions and prayers in such areas as appealing for governmental responsibility, individual mindfulness, and innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions and harness wind energy.

Suggested Intention Focus for this week:

This week, as we consider the many ways all life on Earth is dependent on air, we suggest holding as our main intention:

We will that all of humanity will be made aware of and be moved to responsible action in how we contribute to influencing the quality and composition of our planet’s atmosphere.

Please join us in holding this.

Global Healing Response theme for Q4 2024: Our Planet / Air. Find resources to support meditative and facilitated practices at: https://globalhealingresponse.com/ghr-2024-q4-ourplanet-air/

Saturday 26 October at 12 noon in your time zone: Global Healing Response for those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. PLEASE JOIN WITH OTHERS WORLDWIDE IN HOLDING THE RESPONSE and find out more at: https://globalhealingresponse.com/response-2024-octoberhurricane/  

Sources referenced in this episode:

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2022/09/01/what-you-need-to-know-about-climate-change-and-air-pollution

https://www.cleanairfund.org/theme/climate/

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(23)00189-4/fulltext

https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/air-quality-energy-and-health/health-impacts/climate-impacts-of-air-pollution

https://ugc.berkeley.edu/background-content/water-cycle/

https://www.bgs.ac.uk/discovering-geology/climate-change/how-does-the-greenhouse-effect-work/

https://www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-biology/cellular-energetics/photosynthesis/a/intro-to-photosynthesis

https://gmd.copernicus.org/articles/17/2387/2024/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/air-pollution-applying-all-our-health/air-pollution-applying-all-our-health

https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/air-quality-energy-and-health/health-impacts

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10375903/

https://www.shvasa.com/yoga-blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-air-element

https://learning-center.homesciencetools.com/article/four-elements-science/

Chapter markers:

00:00:16 Introduction

Join us in person for intenton holding:  

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  

https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  

Our websites:   

www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  

https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  

https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  

https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  

Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  

Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  

Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  

Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  

Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  

Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.

In this episode we reflect upon the aftermath of the recent major hurricanes that have wreaked havoc across the southeastern United States during recent weeks, Hurricanes Helene and Milton. We examine the devastation caused by these powerful storms and explore where our collective intentions, prayers, and meditation may be focused.

We consider both the immediate and often unseen and often forgotten longer-term impacts of these hurricanes, including economic losses, environmental contamination, and the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable communities. We also highlight the extraordinary response efforts by local and federal agencies, and the importance of continued support and wisdom in rebuilding and recovery.

Learn how you can participate in a Global Healing Response to the hurricanes on October 26th, and join us in holding intentions for those affected by these storms. 

GLOBAL HEALING RESPONSE for the September/October Hurricanes in the South Eastern United States:  https://globalhealingresponse.com/response-2024-octoberhurricane/ (includes suggested resources to support intention holding). PLEASE JOIN WITH OTHERS WORLDWIDE IN HOLDING THE RESPONSE ON SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER AT NOON IN YOUR TIME ZONE.

Suggested intention focus for this week:

This week, in the very early days following the passage of both Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, we suggest sharing with Global Healing Response in holding as our main intention:

We will that every possible resource and assistance is immediately available to those in need from the results of the storms in the South Eastern United States.

Please join us in holding this.

Chapter markers:

00:00:16        Introduction

00:05:47        Aftermath of Hurricane Milton

00:09:49        Misinformation and its Consequences

00:11:15          Long-Term Impacts of Hurricanes

00:15:06         Needs for Assistance Post-Hurricanes

00:22:15         Intentions

Sources referenced in this episode:

https://www.flgov.com/2024/10/11/governor-ron-desantis-issues-updates-on-state-response-and-recovery-efforts-for-hurricane-milton-2/ (State of Florida official release: provides detail on post-storm response and lists help resources for anyone affected)

https://edition.cnn.com/weather/live-news/hurricane-milton-path-florida-10-10-24/index.html

https://recovery.texas.gov/preparedness/hurricane-preparedness/index.html

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c981q381p58o

https://www.cbsnews.com/video/recovery-efforts-underway-in-aftermath-of-hurricane-milton/

https://www.climate.gov/news-features/event-tracker/hurricane-milton-rapidly-intensifies-category-5-hurricane-becoming

https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/course-care/green-section-record/62/issue-18/coping-with-the-aftermath-of-hurricane-helene.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/07/us/hurricane-helene-school-closures-education.html

https://edition.cnn.com/weather/live-news/hurricane-helene-florida-north-carolina-georgia-09-30-24/index.html

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/hurricane-storms-death-toll-counts

https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20241011/biden-harris-administration-provides-more-408-million-helene-survivors

https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2024-10-11/recovery-efforts-begin-in-florida-after-hurricane-milton-and-tornadoes-leave-at-least-14-dead

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/weather/weather-stories/hurricane-category-5-wind-speed-saffir-simpson-scale/5864599/

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/10/business/media/hurricane-milton-helene-conspiracy-theories.html

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane.html

https://www.rms.com/miltonblog

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/11/florida-in-hurricane-milton-damage

https://www.weather.gov/hgx/tropical_scale

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/10/09/fact-sheet-hurricane-helene-recovery-continues-as-biden-harris-administration-prepares-for-hurricane-milton/

https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/yet-another-hurricane-wetter-windier-and-more-destructive-because-of-climate-change/

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adg6633

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07945-5

https://www.c2es.org/content/hurricanes-and-climate-change/

https://www.gfdl.noaa.gov/global-warming-and-hurricanes/

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/06/helene-damaged-infrastructure-health-effects

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-surveying-miltons-aftermath-announces-600m-rebuilding-florida-st-rcna175066

Join us in person for intenton holding:  

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  

https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  

Our websites:   

www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  

https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  

https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  

https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  

Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  

Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  

Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  

Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  

Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  

Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

This week, we explore the critical intersection of mental health and the workplace, as World Mental Health Day is marked by the World Federation for Mental Health, World Health Organisation and others. We consider the importance of mental health awareness in the workplace, discussing its impact on productivity, employee well-being, and societal health.

The episode highlights the World Federation for Mental Health's campaign focus on mental health at work, addressing the challenges of stigma, discrimination, and inadequate support systems. We look at the importance of creating supportive work environments and the role of leadership in destigmatizing mental health issues, but also consider employer perspectives on what can be done, and how actions to combat mental health may impact their bottom lines.

As always, we look at where we may hold specific intentions and home in with our prayers.

Suggested focus for this week

This week, as the World Federation for Mental Health, WHO and other prominent organisations highlight the rights of workers suffering poor mental health to be supported and destigmatized, we suggest holding as our main focus for intention this week:

We will that the World Federation for Mental Health’s campaign this year will be very widely heard by HR policy makers, management trainers, and leaders of all employers worldwide, and they will be moved to carefully consider and act upon its call to prioritize mental health in the workplace, and to foster productive and supportive atmospheres in which both employees and organizations can thrive.

Please join us in holding this.

And please share with us in holding intention for those effected by the passage of Hurricane Milton:

We will that every possible resource and assistance is immediately available to those in need from the results of the storms in the South Eastern United States.

Global Healing Response: https://globalhealingresponse.com/

Sources referenced for this episode:

https://wmhdofficial.com/ (World Mental Health Day website)

https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2024 (World Mental Health Day 2024 web page, offers fact sheets and resources to download)

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-work

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response

https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day

https://www.un.org/en/healthy-workforce/world-mental-health-day

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/world-mental-health-day

https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/world-mental-health-day/

https://mentalhealth-uk.org/get-involved/mental-health-awareness-days/

Stevenson, D., & Farmer, P. (2017). Thriving at Work: A Review of Mental Health and Employers: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/658145/thriving-at-work-stevenson-farmer-review.pdf

Health and safety at work: Summary statistics for Great Britain 2023: https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/assets/docs/hssh2223.pdf

Office for National Statistics (ONS), released 26 April 2023, Sickness absence in the UK labour market: 2022 

https://betterworkplacemh.com/globalpicture/ (offers a global and country reports on the state of mental health in the workplace, as well as resources for business leaders and HR professionals)

https://www.voanews.com/a/empowering-african-women-miners-path-to-sustainable-trade-economic-growth-/7800674.html

https://www.enhesa.com/resources/article/a-look-around-the-world-at-mental-health-in-the-workplace/

Chapter markers:

00:01:20        Hurricane Milton Approaches

00:04:08        World Mental Health Day Focus

00:08:24        Global State of Mental Health

00:19:34        Employer Responsibilities for Mental Health

00:21:31        Challenges for Policymakers

00:25:03        Focus for Intentions This Week

Join us in person for intenton holding:  

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  

https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  

Our websites:   

www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  

https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  

https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  

https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  

Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  

Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  

Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  

Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  

Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  

Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

In an especially powerful episode, we focus on the desperate situation of Afghanistan's women and girls 3 years after the Taliban regained control if the country. We look at the severe restrictions they face, and consider the effects of the rollback of freedoms that they had gained over the past two decades, not least, in a denial of secondary education to girls, effective imprisonment of women in their homes, and the seemingly bleak prospect for change any time soon.

The episode sheds light on the urgent need for global awareness and action in response to the harsh realities faced by Afghan women today, and looks at where we may focus our intentions and prayer

Suggested intention for this week

This week, as we contemplate the poor opportunities offered to girls under the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan, we suggest holding this week as our main focus for intention:

We will that there will be a movement of compassion among the Taliban’s leadership and all who have influence on its decision-making to immediately reestablish secondary school education for all Afghan girls.

Please join us in holding this.

Chapter markers:

00:00:07        Introduction

00:03:35        Women and Girls in Afghanistan

00:08:27        The Taliban’s Rise and Women’s Rights

00:14:20        International Response

00:17:47        Intentions for Change and Support

00:23:52        Contemplating the Future

Sources referenced for this episode:

https://medicamondiale.org/en/where-we-empower-women/afghanistan

https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-asia/afghanistan/329-taliban-restrictions-womens-rights-deepen-afghanistans-crisis

https://feminist.org/our-work/afghan-women-and-girls/the-taliban-afghan-women/

https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/asia-and-the-pacific/south-asia/afghanistan/report-afghanistan/

https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/feature-story/2023/08/women-in-afghanistan-from-almost-everywhere-to-almost-nowhere

https://www.amnesty.org.uk/womens-rights-afghanistan-history

https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/03/afghanistan-un-experts-say-20-years-progress-women-and-girls-rights-erased

https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/feature-story/2024/08/women-in-afghanistan-have-not-stopped-striving-for-their-rights

https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/08/27/talibans-relentless-assault-afghan-womens-bodies-autonomy

https://www.amnesty.org.uk/blogs/amnesty-feminist-network-blog/uniting-change-afghan-womens-rights-matter-background-womens

https://press.un.org/en/2024/sgsm22376.doc.htm

https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/statement/2024/08/un-women-deeply-concerned-by-new-afghanistan-morality-law

https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/taliban-afghanistan

https://www.rescue.org/article/afghanistan-entire-population-pushed-poverty

https://www.britannica.com/event/Soviet-invasion-of-Afghanistan

Join us in person for intenton holding:  

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  

https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  

Our websites:   

www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  

https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  

https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  

https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  

Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  

Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  

Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  

Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  

Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  

Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

This week, we're getting excited as a new legacy labyrinth is about to be dedicated, at the stunning Anglican Cathedral of St John the Baptist, St. John's, Newfoundland. As Ellen prepares to join the birthing ceremony, Clive talks to one of the project's leading lights, labyrinth activist, lay minister and long-term group intention holder, Sue Cummings. The labyrinth, dedicated to ocean health, aims to foster community awareness and action towards restoring and preserving our oceans. Ellen also shares the background to the Legacy Labyrinth Project, and the profound impact of labyrinths in enabling global healing.

Intention Focus

This week, we suggest standing with those who will be meeting in St John's in sharing the intention:

May our actions individually and collectively restore ocean health to the benefit of the whole earth community.

Please join us in holding this.

Legacy Labyrinth Project Spiritual Journey to St.John’s (this weekend), including a 2-day workshop entitled The Principles of Contemplative Labyrinth Activism for Ocean Health: https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/join-us-in-newfoundland

Websites referred to in this episode: 

https://ourcathedral.ca/labyrinth/ (Cathedral of St John the Baptist)

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ (Legacy Labyrinth Project)

https://www.dominiquehurley.com/into-the-sea-of-infinity-labyrinth-painting (Dominique Hurley, creator of ‘The Sea of Infinity’)

https://www.pathsofpeace.com/ (Paths of Peace, home of Lisa Gidlow Moriarty, creator of the Ocean Health Labyrinth)

https://globalhealingresponse.com/ghr-2024-q1-ourplanet-water/  (Global Healing Response special theme – Water)

https://www.ourcathedral.ca/events/ (Cathedral calendar, for forthcoming Speakers’ Series at Cathedral of St John the Baptist)

Listen to Ellen’s interview with Chris Katzenmeyer, Intentions from the Heart: https://www.heartfulimpact.com/e/chris-katzenmeyer-intentions-from-the-heart/ 

Listen to our episode about microplastics: https://www.heartfulimpact.com/e/microplastic-menace-understanding-and-tackling-plastic-pollution/  

Listen to our special Global Healing Response episode focused on Our Planet/Water:  

https://www.heartfulimpact.com/e/global-healing-response-%e2%80%93-water-intentions-and-intercession-for-a-world-reliant-on-water/

Books referred to in this episode: 

Message in a Bottle, Dispatches from a Seabird Biologist by Holy Hogan, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62361923-message-in-a-bottle

Deep by James Nester, https://www.mrjamesnestor.com/deep

Chapter markers:

00:00:11        Introduction

00:01:27        Labyrinth Activism and Ocean Health

00:03:01        Legacy Labyrinths

00:05:01        The Vision for St. John’s

00:07:25        The Beauty of St. John’s

00:10:47        The Power of Intuition

00:15:02        The Ocean Labyrinth Story

00:19:43        Inspiration and Collaboration

00:25:12        Ocean Health

00:30:25        Intentions and Collective Action

00:34:10        Celebrating Ocean Health

00:37:48        Wrap

Join us in person for intenton holding:  

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  

https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  

Our websites:   

www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  

https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  

https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  

https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  

Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  

Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  

Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  

Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  

Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  

Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

Welcome to Impact!, in which we explore how our collective intentions, prayers, and meditation can bring real change in our world. This week, we turn the spotlight on Sri Lanka as it faces a critical presidential election this week.

We take a look at Sri Lanka's rich history, diverse culture, and the significant challenges it currently faces. From economic crises and rising poverty to the ongoing impact of past conflicts, we explore the country's journey and what is at stake in the upcoming election.

Join us as we hold intentions for free and fair elections for the many countries that are facing important elections this year.

Suggested intention focus this week:

As Groundviews notes, “With all the uncertainties, [now] is a crucial time for Sri Lanka as it gears up for the presidential elections. Containing public disaffection, while ensuring that political uncertainty does not delay economic decision making, is set to test the skills of even the most hardened and experienced political leaders.”

We therefore suggest holding as our main intention:

We will that all citizens of Sri Lanka will have wisdom to know where to cast their vote for the best interests of themselves, their families, their communities and country.

Please join us in holding this.

Labyrinth Activist Network’s Peaceful and Free Elections initiative

Join others to hold Sri Lanka and all countries and regions holding important elections this year with the Labyrinth Activist Network’s Peaceful and Free Elections initiative https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/peaceful-free-elections-event

Sources referenced in this episode:

https://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/ATNIA/2003/5/Political_Brief.html

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_BRI%282024%29762394

https://youtu.be/VlcPx__poAw

https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/9/13/could-marxist-anura-dissanayake-become-sri-lankas-next-president

https://thecommonwealth.org/news/commonwealth-observe-sri-lankas-presidential-election

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_BRI%282024%29762394

https://www.britannica.com/place/Sri-Lanka

https://itranslate.com/blog/10-things-you-might-not-know-about-sri-lanka

https://thediplomat.com/2024/09/which-candidate-is-china-likely-to-back-in-sri-lankas-2024-presidential-election/

https://bti-project.org/en/reports/country-report/LKA

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2024/04/01/sri-lanka-s-economy-shows-signs-of-stabilization-but-poverty-to-remain-elevated

https://www.acaps.org/en/countries/sri-lanka

https://groundviews.org/2024/03/04/a-year-of-change-and-challenges-for-sri-lanka/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lankan_Civil_War

Chapter markers:

00:00:10        Introduction

00:01:44        Sri Lanka Country Profile

00:04:48        Economic Crisis

00:07:03        Current Challenges facing Sri Lankans

00:09:49        Importance of the 2024 Sri Lanka Election

00:11:49        Intentions and Prayers

Join us in person for intenton holding:  

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  

https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  

Our websites:   

www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  

https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  

https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  

https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  

Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  

Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  

Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  

Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  

Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  

Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

This week, we delve into the background to the ongoing civil war in Somalia. We seek to understand the country's complex history and the present-day challenges and efforts to achieving peace. 

As the country prepares for critical upcoming elections and a major transition in its electoral and parliamentary system, we discuss the implications. And as always, we consider where our intentions and prayers might be focused to look forward to a brighter future for a much troubled country, in which good governance, economic growth, and security can flourish.

Suggested intention focus 

This week, as there appears to be some hope for progress in improving governance, economic growth and security in Somalia, we suggest as our special focus for intention:

We will that the Somali government will be guided in its determination of relations with Somaliland, and in its response to insurgent attacks.

Please join us in holding this.

Labyrinth Activist Network’s Peaceful and Free Elections initiative

Join others to hold Somalia and all countries and regions holding important elections this year with the Labyrinth Activist Network’s Peaceful and Free Elections initiative https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/peaceful-free-elections-event

Chapter Markers:

00:00:12        Introduction

00:01:13        Understanding Somalia’s Civil War

00:09:14        Challenges and Prospects for Peace

00:12:23        Transitioning to Direct Elections

00:15:34        Holding Intentions for Somalia’s Future

Sources referenced for this episode:

https://www.britannica.com/event/Somalia-intervention

https://spheresofinfluence.ca/an-analysis-of-the-civil-war-in-somalia/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14094503

https://theowp.org/crisis_index/somali-civil-war/

https://sites.google.com/a/umn.edu/historpedia/home/politics-and-government/the-causes-of-somalia-s-civil-war-fall-2102

https://theowp.org/reports/famine-is-imminent-in-somalia-says-the-un/

https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15741.doc.htm

https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/monthly-forecast/2024-06/somalia-35.php

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/somalia-asks-peacekeepers-slow-withdrawal-fears-islamist-resurgence-2024-06-20/

https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15793.doc.htm

https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/somalia

https://bti-project.org/en/reports/country-report/SOM

https://mast-security.com/news-insights/somalias-road-to-stability-and-challenges-in-2024/

https://acleddata.com/2024/05/31/somalia-situation-update-may-2024-renewed-counter-insurgency-operations-expected-as-al-shabaab-regroups/

Join us in person for intenton holding:  

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  

https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  

Our websites:   

www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  

https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  

https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  

https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  

Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  

Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  

Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  

Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  

Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  

Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

In the second part of our dive into the power of collective intention, this week we explore some of the science behind what might be going on when we hold an intention together. Demystifying terms and concepts such as wave-particle duality and quantum entanglement, and drawing on the groundbreaking work of organizations such as the HeartMath Institute and the Transcendental Meditation Movement, we seek to explain the quantum physics and the mysteries behind such phenomena as collective effervescence and entrainment. We also discuss the Maharishi Effect, the role of heart-brain coherence, and spotlight important new research being undertaken into the impact of collective intention on peaceful and free elections worldwide.  

Suggested intention focus for this week

The HeartMath Institute suggests that we each have an “energetic responsibility,” the duty we each have to recognize that our thoughts, attitudes, and emotions emit energies that impact not only ourselves, but others around us, and to consciously choosing positive emotions like appreciation, care, and love.

As we open ourselves to the mysteries and wonder of quantum science, and become exciting at the new discoveries that are enhancing human understanding, let us redouble our belief in the power of intention and intercession, committing ourselves to take our own energetic responsibility seriously. For our specific focus for intention this week, we suggest:

We will that each of us in the Impact! community will be mindful of our energetic power and exercise responsibility for this in all circumstances.

Please join us in holding this.

Find out about and register to take part in the Labyrinth Activist Network and Baylor University's Peaceful and Free Elections Program at: https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/peaceful-free-elections-event REGISTER BY 19 SEPTEMBER 2024.

Books and websites mentioned in this episode:

‘The Power of Eight: Harnessing the Miraculous Energies of a Small Group to Heal Others, Your Life, and the World,’ by Lynne McTaggart. Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Eight-Harnessing-Miraculous-Energies/dp/1501115553

‘The Intention Experiment: Using Your Thoughts to Change Your Life and the World,’ by Lynne McTaggar. Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Intention-Experiment-Using-Thoughts-Change/dp/0743276965/

Lynne McTaggart’s website: https://lynnemctaggart.com/

HeartMath Institute website: https://www.heartmath.org/

Institute of Noetic Sciences, IONS, website: https://noetic.org/

IONS Global Consciousness Project 2.0: https://noetic.org/research/global-consciousness-project-2/

Transcental Meditaton Movement website: https://www.tm.org/

The Big Connection https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/bigconnection

Morphic Resonance and Morphic Fields - an Introduction by Rupert Sheldrake, https://www.sheldrake.org/research/morphic-resonance/introduction 

Michael E. Hyland describes entanglement in very readable terms in his paper Does a form of ‘entanglement’ between people explain healing? An examination of hypotheses and methodology, Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2004) 12, pp 198–208, which is freely available online. See: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8081237_Does_a_form_of_%27entanglement%27_between_people_explain_healing_An_examination_of_hypotheses_and_methodology.

Chapter Markers:

00:00:10        Introduction

00:06:45        Particles-Wave Duality and Heart-Brain Coherence

00:08:53        Quantum Physics Unveiled

00:14:53        Exploring Quantum Entanglement

00:18:49        Collective Consciousness and Healing

00:23:35        The Maharishi Effect

00:32:35        Peaceful & Free Elections Event

00:35:17        Collective Effervescence

00:43:37        Energetic Responsibility in Action

Reference sources consulted for this episode:

https://www2.nau.edu/~gaud/bio302/content/clsphy.htm

https://www.informationphilosopher.com/introduction/physics/wave-particle_duality.html

https://www.asc.ohio-state.edu/mathur.16/quantummechanics27-11-17/qm1.1/qm1.1.html

https://www.heartmath.com/blog/health-and-wellness/what-is-heart-coherence/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9010850/

https://www.informationphilosopher.com/problems/nonlocality/

https://scienceforthechurch.org/2019/03/05/a-quantum-series-volume-2-where-is-god-in-the-quantum/

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.974683/full

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9473704/

https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/music-moves/0/steps/12696

https://millar.bio.ed.ac.uk/andrewM/Jo%20Selwood%20site/entrainment.htm

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3306345/

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.974683/full

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.607538/full

https://transcendentalmeditationblog.wordpress.com/2023/09/23/global-impact-of-the-maharishi-effect-from-1974-to-2017-theory-and-research/

https://anantidotetoviolence.org/maharishi-effect/theory-behind-the-maharishi-effect/

https://www.heartmath.org/research/science-of-the-heart/

https://www.heartmath.com/blog/science/quantum-nutrients/

Join us in person for intenton holding:  

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  

https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  

Our websites:   

www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  

https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  

https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  

https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  

https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  

Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  

Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  

Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  

Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  

Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  

Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.