Lighter Impact with Besan

Julia Firestone is a transformational coach who helps do-gooders unlock their full potential, create meaningful change, and live a more fulfilling life. In this episode, Julia reflects on how she came to realize the limitations of individual impact and the importance of collective action. She also shares how she personally navigated a big career transition and emphasizes the importance of being present in the in-between spaces and paying attention to what energizes and drains us. Timestamp Summary 00:00 Introduction and Background 09:20 Understanding Impact and Purpose 19:00 Exploring the Question of Purpose 39:01 Navigating Transitions and Uncertainty 46:59 Future Transitions and Possibilities 51:01 Legacy of Interconnectedness Learn more about Julia Firestone on her website and follow her on LinkedIn!

In this episode, I share what it means to reclaim your power in today's world. Key Takeaways: Reclaiming power begins with consciously connecting with one's individual energy field. A routine practice of calling in your energy can help reclaim power and become the truest version of yourself. Oppressive systems and societal norms often restrict our ability to choose life and live in alignment. Remembering the transient nature of life and living true to one's soul is a vital aspect of reclaiming one's power. -- Are you looking to make an impact in the world and feel lighter doing it? Schedule a consultation through ⁠⁠pauseimpact.org

Have you found yourself asking: what is my purpose? In this episode I go into depth on my philosophy on the concept of purpose, and the three steps can help you tap into your own sense of purpose, using concepts from energy medicine. -- Are you looking to make an impact in the world and feel lighter doing it? Schedule a consultation through ⁠pauseimpact.org

Do you ever wish that you were making a greater impact in the world through your job? In this episode, I give very unconventional advice as a social impact coach...challenging the concept of making an impact through your job. -- Are you looking to make an impact in the world and feel lighter doing it? Schedule a consultation through pauseimpact.org

Caitlin Clarke is a somatic coach and healer who specializes in working with highly sensitive, ambitious women who are struggling with stress and burnout. She is a certified Hakomi practitioner and has a background in creative marketing. In this episode, Caitlin explains the principles of somatics and how it involves tuning into the body's wisdom and intelligence. Rather than merely talking about somatics, we do a short demo together! She also provides tips for connecting with the body and finding inner peace, such as focusing on the breath and tuning into the back body. Connect with Caitlin ⁠here⁠.

In this episode, I share how gratitude can be used as a tool to shift your state almost instantly thanks to the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. Instead of telling yourself "I should be more grateful" ask yourself "what am I grateful for in this moment?" The former has this expectation that you should simply be grateful, while the latter realized it is a tool that we exercise. The three practices I share to help you practice gratitude are (1) spontaneous gratitude lists (2) guided meditations that bring into awareness subtle things to be grateful for (3) random thank you notes to people in your life. Guided meditations on gratitude to try: - 10 Minute Morning Meditation for Gratitude and Positivity to Start your Day - Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude with this 15 Minute Guided Meditation

Danish Munir, healthcare entrepreneur and founding partner of Gray Matter, discusses his journey in the mental health industry and the need for a systems-level approach to improving the entrepreneurial journey for future founders. He shares his personal connection to mental health and the importance of destigmatizing the conversation. Danish highlights the current state of the mental health sector, the shift towards holistic well-being, and the revolutionary work being done by companies like Home Away Health in providing compassionate care for individuals in crisis. He emphasizes the need for societal awareness and intentionality in addressing mental health and creating a more supportive and inclusive world. Timestamp Summary 4:43 Leaving Microsoft to launch a mental health company 7:11 Advice for younger self on making big life decisions 13:47 Evolution of mental health industry in the US. 18:00Need for a holistic understanding of mental health 21:19Wellness as prevention and human potential actualization 22:21Home Away Health's revolutionary crisis respite model 31:03The power of using our voices for positive change "What is more reckless than not following your dream or to living a life that is not true to yourself?" - Danish Munir Are you following your dream and looking for someone to support you on this journey? Curious about what it would look like to work with a social impact coach? Learn more at pauseimpact.org

In this episode, I talk about the practice of committing to lightness. We can do the exact same thing, but have two very different experiences, depending on our state. I reflect on what shifts with on the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels when you commit to lightness. Key Takeaways: Lightness in actions can be achieved by bringing awareness to the physical body and releasing tension. Embracing the full spectrum of emotions without judgment or shame brings emotional lightness. Mental lightness is attained by accepting the present moment and not striving for constant achievement. Lightness on a spiritual level involves experiencing religion, spirituality, and nature with a sense of ease and trust. "You don't have to give up the goal. You just have to find a path there that is filled with lightness." Show Notes: The Guest House by Rumi Ready to make an impact in the world and feel lighter doing it? Schedule a consultation pauseimpact.org

Negar Razavi is a political anthropologist. Her work brings a critical feminist lens to studying national security, expertise, gender, race, humanitarianism, and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. Drawing on over two years of ethnographic research in Washington, D.C., Negar’s research specifically examines the role of policy experts and think tanks in shaping U.S. security policies towards Iran and Egypt. In this episode, we discuss the importance of expertise, but also the need for diverse perspectives and voices in shaping policy. Negar encourages individuals to recognize their own expertise and contribute to the conversation, while also leaving themselves open to constructive critique to improve our collective knowledge and ability to tackle structural challenges of our time. Key Takeaways: The experts who shape U.S. security policies towards the Middle East are often individuals who understand how Washington works rather than deep-level regional experts. Experts from the region need to create their own spaces and alliances to have a voice in shaping policies. Expertise should be recognized at different levels, including personal experiences, in-depth research, and technical subject matter knowledge. Individuals should contribute their expertise while remaining open to critique and review. Curious about what it will look like to work with a social impact coach? Check out pauseimpact.org

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

Themrise Khan, an independent development professional and researcher with over 25 years of experience in international development, joins us to talk about the issues around how international aid is practiced and the responsibility we have as indviduals. Themrise is currently based in Pakistan and her work focuses on social policy, aid effectiveness, gender, and global migration. Themrise actively speaks, writes and advises the global community on notions of decolonisation, North-South power imbalances in development, race relations, immigrant citizenship and integration and most recently co-edited the book White Saviorism in International Development. Theories, Practices and Lived Experiences. And if you are curious about what it might look like to work with a social impact coach, check out pauseimpact.org

In this episode, I ask the question: What is it that only you can create in the world? And why is it a good idea to create a social impact venture? “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” -Pablo Picasso Curious about what it will look like to work with a social impact coach? Check out pauseimpact.org

In this episode, I share one of my favorite tools to help people stay motivated motivation, it's called the impact of ONE. Curious about what it will look like to work with a Social Impact Coach? Check out pauseimpact.org

In this episode, I ask the question: what is stopping you from creating what you are being called to create in the world? You'll hear my 3 reasons why, as well as tips to help you overcome them. Curious about what it will look like to work with a Social Impact Coach? Check out pauseimpact.org

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

In this first episode of Lighter Impact, I start by reflecting on the quote by Rumi, "Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” And through this, share my personal journey in the social impact space, and how I hope to create a space that empowers people to make an impact in the world, and feel lighter doing it. Learn more: pauseimpact.org

Nora Lester Murad is an activist, writer and educator who has been involved in the Palestinian cause for over 40 years. She has dedicated her life to advocating for peace with justice and has worked with various organizations to promote narrative change and empower local decision making. Key Takeaways: Times of crisis present both opportunities and challenges for making an impact and creating narrative change. Giving during a crisis should be done with an understanding of the systems and constraints that affect how the resources are used. Liberatory giving involves supporting organizations working towards liberation and self-determination, rather than just providing immediate aid. Consistent and ongoing support is more impactful than one-time contributions. Individuals can contribute to the cause by using their voice, networks, and resources to spread awareness and advocate for change. Resources: Personal Website: noralestermurad.com Book Chapter titled Aiding Liberation in Our Vision for Liberation: Engaged Palestinian Leaders and Intellectuals Speak Out edited by Ramzy Baroud & Ilan Pappé. Clarity Press and The European Centre for Palestine Studies, 2022 Beyond Humanitarian Aid: Supporting Palestinian Organizations Working to Dismantle the Occupation and Shift the Narrative by BuildPalestine ⁠Local Palestinian Organizations Responding to the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza⁠ by BuildPalestine

It is October 23, 2023 and I share how I am caught between immense hope and immense pain these days. The term "decolonization" has been my North Star and on a personal level, I am reminded that the path to healing is one of decolonization. Dear Decolonization,no one knows your real namebut I knowit was youwho led me back to my bodyand I trust my bodyto lead me back to youto our landsrock, and roots …all the way backto no beginninglike transformationyou have no originno one knows your real namebut for now, I’ll call you Decolonizationall the sameTomorrow perhaps, that will change … Decolonization Unnamed: Echoes of Healing and Refusal in the Face of Dehumanization and Alienation by Devin G. Atallah and Urmitapa Dutta Questions to reflect upon: 1. What does decolonization mean in your own life? 2. How are you a colonizer in your own life? 3. How do you call for the decolonization of your own way of being?

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

In this episode I share my own reflections on motivation, which include knowing oneself and knowing the science. Listen for some tips for how to get something done that you are struggling to do. Resources: - Motivation Meditation - Hope Theory by C.R. Snyder Looking to strengthen your mental fitness? Curious about what it will look like to work with a social impact coach? Check out pauseimpact.org