The transition from military service to civilian life can be both exhilarating and daunting. We’ve dedicated years and missed many precious moments while serving the country, developing a strong sense of duty to our units and each other, honor toward the values supporting that which we defend, and leadership among our peers and colleagues across a cross-section of agencies. Now, you're exploring a new landscape coupled with unfamiliar routines, career paths, and social dynamics.
For many veterans or people in transition, the challenges during a reorganization can be high. Some challenges include changing jobs or roles, reintegrating into a civilian community or neighborhood, and reorienting oneself and one’s family toward a renewed sense of purpose beyond previous experiences and military service. It's definitely a period of self-discovery, exploration, and personal and professional development.

And while it can require one’s full attention, the good news is that much of those past skills and knowledge gained and in military service are more valuable than ever. Consider, you’re disciplined, dedicated, and resourceful; these advantages will ensure you smoothly transcend into your new chapter.

This post looks at how the principles we gained of servant leadership, authentic leadership, and Aparigraha (a yogic concept of non-attachment) empower you, facilitating purpose, self-actualization, and accomplishment post-transition.

Internal Leadership: Following Your Choices with Aparigraha

Effective leadership begins with self-leadership. Granted, the military instilled and stressed many mundane aspects to living within that environment. Those tasks were important skill-building roles for the demanding opportunities that were to come later as we progressed in rank and position. The cumulative effect of those tasks confirmed the importance of discipline, responsibility, decision-making, and strategic thinking. The time has now arrived for you to consider your community and yourself as you apply those skills to deliver your future, your higher self now:

• Self-Reflection and Letting Go: Sometimes, you need to make time for time. Give yourself space for introspection. You have a lot to consider, preeminently your personal core values. Think about the kind of impact you want to make in the world. And, while the military (in many cases) gave us a ‘job’ (sometimes not our first pick), you have this golden opportunity to assess and direct your passions and skills. Take time to journal, meditate, and dive into a few personality assessments for self-discovery. By identifying your core purpose, and releasing yourself of many military attachments and identities, you’re engaging in Aparigraha. This act of letting go gives you the space to embrace new opportunities while exploring facets of yourself that support your true purpose.
• Skills Inventory with Non-Attachment: Look back on the skills and experiences you gained during service. What leadership roles did you excel in? If you were a team member, what inputs did you provide to shape the direction of the team, it’s eventual outcomes? Were you sought after because of your problem-solving abilities? Was your technical expertise deep enough to rewrite the manual for equipment and or processes? Dig deep to explore and transfer skills toward your civilian career opportunities, entrepreneurship, or any number of fields you find connection and aspiration. From finance, logistics, project management, to include culinary arts and fitness, many military skills translate exceptionally well to a host of industries. Again, by liberating yourself from the many military titles or roles (Aparigraha), you’re focusing on the transferable value you bring.
• Broader Field of Vision and Goal Setting: We all experienced and at times, may have questioned others regarding their five- or ten-year plans. While there are a number of decent tools to help, consider using a values-based goal-setting framework. This framework helps you delineate your core values first (e.g., service, innovation, collaboration). Then, you’ll embark on set goals for yourself that align with your values. values. This is all about you. This fosters an organic and deeply meaningful, resilient approach to goal setting compared to the rigidity of SMART goals. This approach isn’t necessarily linear because it gives you the opportunity and comfort to evolve as you learn and grow, with underlying nuances of openness toward new possibilities (Aparigraha).

Leading Authentically through Integrity and Purpose
 
Authentic leadership is all about you. It's about your leading yourself using your true self. There’s nothing gimmicky in this because you’ll be leveraging and capitalizing on your strengths, experiences, and values. It’s nothing more than what you’re capable of: Inspiring and connecting with others. Let’s explore a few methods to cultivate authentic leadership:
 
Liberate LIMFACS: Your dedicated service played a significant part of your identity. But it doesn't entirely define you going forward unless you want it to. Equally, it doesn't command nor order your future. Embrace the unique skills and experiences you acquired while discovering and promoting new facets of yourself. Being called by a military title is unique when measured against the whole of society, and that uniqueness has personal and professional salience because it required disciplined effort to attain. Yet, outside of the military or government setting, its uniqueness suffers because the title is tied to a hierarchy you now have power to transcend at will. This parallels Aparigraha because of the letting go, the release from the limitation of your identity being coupled to military service. You are on your own terms.
 
Vulnerability as a New Strength: Don't hesitate to share your story of transition. (I’ll be the first one to admit that I am.) And I know many veterans face similar challenges. But I also know that sharing experiences fosters connections with others, and may possibly inspire them on their own journeys. This vulnerability becomes a form of authentic leadership, a means of paying ‘it forward.’ Our individual and collective vulnerability, wearing ‘it’ on our sleeves gives witness as relatable, liberating limitations, attachments and perceptions to a perfect or stoic image (Aparigraha).
 
Value-Driven Decision Making: Live your values in every aspect of your life. This is challenging, no doubt. But, over time, every decision (no matter how significant) not only builds external trust and respect with others, but more critically with yourself as you flex your values. Others witness your evolution as you embody and personify the values you carefully cultivate. Your steadfast commitment to personal integrity and service will externally signal to your community highlighting your authentic leadership style.
 
Others Before Self: As many of us can attest, servant leadership emphasizes the needs and growth of others. Due to this external approach and perspective, servant leadership reinforces and aligns with the meaning of service many veterans possess. So, let’s move to the drill pad to consider a few ways to integrate servant leadership principles:

• Sharing Your Knowledge: By releasing much of the knowledge obtained and learned, these insights help others navigate their own transition process. This sharing embodies servant leadership because it focuses on the needs of others, the mission of sharing and the whole, before oneself. In terms of Aparigraha, the motivation hovers toward the circulation and growth of knowledge, and more tangibly, the growth of the veteran community. It’s this non-attachment to a static was of being toward something with a higher vibrational intensity.
• Fostering Community Connection: This may not seem on par with Aparigraha, but rest assured there is commonality. Firstly, look for and share with veteran support networks and organizations. Doing so lends a sense of belonging and camaraderie within and among connections. Secondly, developing strong support systems releases one from the limitations and attachment of going it alone and isolation, to embracing the cumulative power of community. These two aspects align quite well with Aparigraha in that servant leadership helps fellow veterans) and letting go of isolation.
• Sharing Success via Collaboration: As veterans, we often excel in team environments as that has been ingrained since MEPS, and perhaps prior in sports. Engage your collaborative skills building strong and resilient relationships with colleagues and affinity groups to nurture positive workplace dynamics. This leadership approach helps the entire team and facilitates a more fulfilling professional experience. In terms of Aparigraha, by sharing skills and successes you’re promoting the greater good of the team while enhancing your strengths and values. This approach couples Ahimsa in that sharing is reinforced by a concern for others to uplift everyone's previous static thoughts and limiting beliefs.

Aparigraha: Letting Go for Growth

I realize that we’ve only taken a cursory view of Aparigraha. However, here in this section we'll look a bit deeper into this yogic philosophy. Loosely, but approximately close, Aparigraha means non-attachment or non-possession. This non-attachment or non-possession can be applied to an extensive array of tangible and intangible connections. From a book, to a feeling, to a memory or thought Aparigraha holds salience through letting go, giving it back ‘to the universe’ so to speak. This giving back or letting go of unnecessary or previous attachments, is helpful as some of those attachments may no longer be helpful or relevant, some may have hindered personal growth. This aspect of change facilitates innovation, not just of a product, or some novel artifact, methodology, or process. On a much grander scale, and more personally profound, Aparigraha informs potential opportunities. Let’s take a look how Aparigraha may support your transition:

• Redefining Identity: Releasing Limitations: Letting go of the idea that your identity is driven or undergirded by your military service can be liberating and exhilarating. Embrace new possibilities and explore different facets of yourself. This aligns with the concept of Aparigraha, encouraging you to shed the limitations of a singular identity that you may have previously embraced, but are now capable of redefining yourself for growth, on your terms.
• Lighten Your Life: Forgo Excess: Realizing that your schedule and demands are based on the inputs you determine as important, now’s the time to reflect on adjusting the regimens in your living space, possessions, and routines to deliver your vision. This process of reduction creates free space to explore and grow determined by what is in your context’s best interest moving forward. By unshackling unnecessary attachments (Aparigraha), you create capacities, new opportunities, and experiences that are value-driven, purpose-aligned.
• Focus on Values: Ease off External Validation: I might catch some flack here, but bear with me. Aparigraha speaks toward aligning your values and contributing to something bigger than yourself while de-emphasizing externalities and objects that hinder your forward progress and development. By becoming enmeshed with many competing external forces, this act creates a static state blunting your positive impact. Fair enough, focus on those impacts that truly matter to your brand, your critical life elements (such as family). In this regard, servant leadership underscores the importance of purpose, and knowing which elements ultimately serve you for your highest good.

​
Beyond Ease: Scaffolding a Self-fulfilling Life

The transition from military service is a significant life-impacting change, because you’ve freely given your life in the service of something bigger than self. However, it's also an fantastic occasion to realize new passions that you may have been unable to previously pursue. It’s also a time that you may opt to contribute your skills in impactful ways. With these ideas in mind, consider these additional thoughts for scaffolding a life beyond service, touched by Aparigraha:

• Volunteer and Setting Free Self-Interest: We all know the importance of ‘paying it forward.’ We’ve done that through our service, paying it forward for the next generation of servicemembers. Volunteering allows you to give back to your community, develop new skills, and potentially network with people in your desired field. Volunteerism doesn’t ask you to accept all invitations as you are free to accept those that align with your values, your vision, your brand. Your selection and embodiment of those opportunities that stretch your preconceived notions of limitations undergird Aparigraha and servant leadership because you're actualizing the greater good.
• Incorporate Continuous Learning: Set Free Stagnation: Never stop learning; never stop growing. The availability of free and minimally-priced courses, workshops, and masterclasses abound to stay up-to-date on preferred and chosen industry trends and personal interests. While courses for credit or audit exist, simply establishing a personal reading challenge based on the number of days to read, the time you decide to read daily, or the number of books to read during the year broken down by quarters (such as six books per quarter) and then calculating how many pages to read to complete your goal. This style of learning focused on your topic of choice gives you the space and freedom to pace your interests as you dig deeper into yourself, building the habit day-by-day to free yourself from stagnation. The understanding of Aparigraha emphasizes knowledge because this continuous learning releases static thoughts and exhibits novel frameworks to proceed both personally and professionally for growth.
• Minimalism & Mindfulness: Practices for Aparigraha: After years of service, we acquire many artifacts that give us particular moments of reflection. Accruing such artifacts is not necessarily helpful (such as the many pressed uniforms I ‘still’ have in my closet). Through incorporating minimalism and mindfulness, we give ourselves the emotional space to encourage and continue the distance between previous roles and identities to a new vision you fashion. Minimalism suggests that there is a process of selecting objects that foster your vision, while separating yourself from the energy of objects which no longer serve you and your future. You let go as you determine best, so long as your release pivots you shaping space for experiences and personal growth (Aparigraha). Each context is individual leaving you to design, scaffold and implement your vision as you determine best from your frame of outlook. Coupled with minimalism, mindfulness plays a vital role in Aparigraha. As the Greater Good Science Center at UC-Berkeley put it, “Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens.” Essentially, this goes toward the ethical and normative quality of mindfulness because it treats our emotions as they are, accepting them as they are; just thoughts. It’s your space liberated of opinion. We listen to them, honor them, and graciously accept them without reliving the weight of their experience, the weight and heaviness those sensations used to carry and encumber us. Let it go. Release. It's not you. Not anymore.

​Leading Your Way to Your Future

You’ve honed a host of skills from military service – leadership, discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving. These are invaluable assets in the civilian world. By leveraging your strengths, the principles of self-reflection, servant leadership, and Aparigraha, you’re far more capable to direct your transition with purpose, fulfilling a future you design. Embracing Aparigraha, servant leaders nurture a leadership style motivated toward empowerment, shared success, and collective well-being. This stance provides the lift over the acquisition of personal gain or validation, delivering an authentic and satisfying leadership experience.
 
It’s not just the leader who gains. When Aparigraha is practiced multi-dimensionally servant leaders promote an environment where trust, collaboration and innovation are built and perpetuated, reinforced. Through the daily practice, teams and colleagues feel and reciprocate value, the sense of empowerment, and motivation to contribute their best selves not just for themselves, but for the good of the team (and the whole support system) they represent. This compounded synergy ultimately leads to heightened performance, increased personal and professional satisfaction, and a more positive organizational culture.

The path of servant leadership fueled by Aparigraha is not without challenges. Letting go of attachment to previous roles and identities, outcomes, and recognition can be a continuous process. Bear in mind that many of those previous attachments were built over extended periods of time, becoming reinforced through habit. However, the potential rewards of letting go are significant. By integrating the principles previously touched on, leaders have the capacity to cultivate a meaningful and impactful leadership style that inspires and empowers others while fostering a thriving and successful organization. As we’ve explored Aparigraha and its servant leadership connection, we touched on its potential for a transformative approach to leading others. Through service, empowerment, and collective success, leaders promote positive and productive work environment not just for the good of themselves, but the benefit of their teams.
                                                                                                                                                  ​- Sven

Numerous industries thrive on ambition. We live in a world built by dreamers and doers, constantly sprinting toward innovation and disruption. For high-achievers like Ashley, this fast-paced environment can be incredibly stimulating. You push boundaries, achieve incredible things, and leave your mark on the world. But somewhere along the climb, the exhilarating view from the top becomes obscured by a cloud of self-doubt, exhaustion, a nagging sense that something is missing.

​Are you an Ashley? Do you wear your achievements like badges of honor, yet battle persistent feelings of inadequacy? Do you find yourself constantly "on," neglecting your personal life to pursue professional success? Deep down, do you crave a purpose that transcends your daily grind?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, take a deep breath. You're not alone.

The relentless pursuit of achievement can be a double-edged sword for high-achieving professionals. While it fuels success, it can also lead to a state of perpetual stress, burnout, and a disconnect from areas of our lives that truly matter. The good news is, there's a path towards a more fulfilling life. It's a path built on embracing a holistic approach to success, one that prioritizes not just accomplishments, but also well-being, self-compassion, and a sense of purpose extending beyond the next sprint cycle. Here's where ancient wisdom meets modern ambition: Brahmacharya principles can be powerful tools for high-achieving leaders like Ashley.

Brahmacharya: Beyond Celibacy
Brahmacharya is an ancient Indian philosophy that goes well beyond concepts of physical celibacy. It's a holistic life approach underscoring moderation, discipline, and mindful living. Here's how it translates into practical tools and practices for leaders like Ashley:

• Energy Management: In numerous business sectors, leaders are asked to deliver high-energy, often burning the candle at both ends. Brahmacharya promotes responsible use of energy through practices like:
  • Regular sleep schedules: Prioritizing a good night's rest ensures optimal mental and physical clarity for effective decision-making.
  • Healthy diet: Nourishing your body with balanced meals fuels sustained focus and stamina throughout the day. Processed foods, energy drink, and excessive caffeine can lead to energy crashes.
  • Mindfulness practices: Techniques like meditation or yoga can help manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. Just 10-15 minutes of daily meditation can significantly improve mental clarity.
• Mental Discipline: Leadership requires setting boundaries, managing expectations, and making tough choices. Brahmacharya fosters self-control by encouraging:
  • Mindfulness of distractions: Learning to identify and manage distractions like social media or constant notifications allows for focused work and clear thinking. Schedule focused work time and silence notifications during those periods to lessen the impact of self-sabotaging behaviors.
  • Taming the inner critic: Brahmacharya emphasizes self-compassion, helping leaders overcome self-doubt and thoughts by embracing their strengths. Reframe negative self-talk with positive affirmations.
  • Pranayama (Breathwork): Specific breathing exercises like yogic pranayama can help regulate emotions, improve concentration, and enhance mental clarity.
• Clarity and Focus: The constant barrage of information and demands can make it difficult to think strategically. Brahmacharya practices like meditation can help leaders achieve:
  • Improved concentration: Quieting the mental chatter allows for deeper focus and clearer decision-making. Meditation helps train your attention muscle.
  • Enhanced creativity: A calm and focused mind fosters creative problem-solving and innovative thinking. Schedule time for brainstorming sessions in a distraction-free environment.
  • Strategic vision: Leaders who practice mindfulness are better equipped to see the bigger picture and make strategic decisions for long-term success. Regularly revisit your company's vision and mission.

Remember, Brahmacharya is an ongoing process, a continuous cultivation of practices that promote moderation, discipline, and mindful living. By embracing these principles, Ashley can become a more focused, effective, and well-rounded leader, all while cultivating a sense of inner peace and fulfillment.

Building a Fulfilling Life Beyond the Professional Environment:
A truly fulfilling life involves nurturing all facets of yourself, not just your professional identity. Here are some ways to create a well-rounded life while maintaining leadership effectiveness:

• Prioritize Self-Care: Schedule time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. This could be exercise, spending time in nature, or pursuing hobbies outside of workspaces. A well-rested leader is a more effective leader.
• Cultivate Meaningful Relationships: Strengthen your connections with loved ones and build a strong support network. Consider that success is magnified when shared with the people who matter most. Strong social connections are essential for well-being.
• Give Back to Your Community: Volunteering your time or expertise brings a sense of purpose and allows you to make a positive impact among varied strata. This leadership by example may also inspire your teams to do the same.
• Explore Your Existential Questions and Lead with Purpose: Don't hesitate to delve deeper into life's bigger questions. Reading philosophy, engaging in spiritual practices, or simply journaling can help you discover your purpose and values on a deeper level. This introspection provides you the space to lead with a renewed sense of conviction inspiring your teammates and social network toward a shared vision.

Investing in Yourself is the Ultimate Growth Opportunity:
Let's be honest, in our ever-evolving fast-paced world, "self-care" can sound like an indulgence, an extravagance. But here's the secret: investing in your personal growth isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. A well-rested, clearheaded, and purpose-driven leader is a more productive, creative, and ultimately, a more successful leader who facilitates opportunities for teams to thrive.

So, is life coaching right for you?
If you're ready to break free from the cycle of burnout, silence the inner critic, and discover a fulfilling life that fuels your leadership potential, then the answer is a resounding yes. A life coach can be your partner in this ongoing evolution. They can provide the tools, guidance, and support you need to redefine success on your own terms, achieve true balance, and conquer the climb towards a life that feels meaningful and whole.

• Do your research: Explore different coaching approaches and find a coach whose philosophy resonates with you. Read testimonials, check out their website, and schedule a free consultation to discuss your goals.
• Invest in yourself: Life coaching is an investment in your well-being and future success as a leader. View it as a valuable tool for personal development, no different from investing in professional training or leadership development programs.
• Embrace the process: Change takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your victories, and trust the journey. Remember, a life coach is there to support you every step of the way.

We all crave success, but often feel lost and unsure of the path forward. What if the key lies not in external validation, but in harnessing the potent wisdom within our own bodies and minds? This blog series delves beyond the physical aspects of yoga. For this entry, we’re considering the ethical disciplines, moral obligations, otherwise known as Yama, which are outlined in depth in the great text, The Yoga Sutra of Patañjāli. Particularly, we are transitioning into one of the eight limbs of yoga (Yama) by exploring the powerful philosophy of Asteya (literally translates into A = not, Steya = stealing) or non-stealing, taking responsibility for providing for oneself). Other aspects of Asteya include using something for a different purpose to that intended, or beyond the time permitted by its owner. The essential facet of Asteya is minimalism, taking only what is necessary to complete a particular endeavor. In this post, we’re going to visit Asteya and how it intersects with transformative Somatic Coaching practices.
 
Somatic Coaching: Unmasking Limiting Beliefs
 
Somatic Coaching, echoing the ancient wisdom of Asteya, emphasizes the interconnectedness of mind and body. Similar to Asteya's principle of living truthfully and ethically, Somatic Coaching encourages us to stop "stealing" our potential through limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviors. Practices like body scans and felt sense meditation guide us to explore the physical manifestations of these beliefs, fostering self-awareness and compassion. Imagine someone struggling with chronic fatigue and procrastination. Through Somatic Coaching, they discover a link between their exhaustion and a subconscious fear of failure. Guided by Asteya's call for honesty and self-exploration, this realization empowers them to confront their limiting belief and reclaim their energy for pursuits aligned with their values.
 
Asteya: Your Guiding Light
 
Asteya invites us to live with integrity and honesty, both towards ourselves and others. This resonates with Somatic Coaching's emphasis on self-awareness and ethical conduct. Consider exploring your values through somatic practices and reflecting on how your actions align with them. This journey isn't about perfection, but about cultivating a mindful presence and ethical intentions in everyday life.
 
This holistic approach goes beyond just mastering physical postures. It's about aligning our inner world with our outer actions, building fulfilling relationships, and making a positive impact on the world. It's about embracing Asteya's wisdom and unlocking our true potential, step by mindful step. And, with each step, with each act of giving, we are achieving societal balance (sattva).
 
Let’s explore some tangible and actionable steps and resources to help you integrate Asteya into your daily life and create your own personalized journey towards holistic success. Remember, this journey isn't limited to specific physical postures, but rather it’s a powerful exploration of self-awareness and ethical living.
 
1. Start with Self-Inquiry:
            •          Listen to your body: Instead of rushing into action, pause for a moment and observe your physical sensations. Are you feeling tense or relaxed? Are there any areas of discomfort? This mindfulness practice helps you connect with your inner wisdom and identify potential roadblocks aligned with Asteya's principle of non-stealing, not just from others, but also from yourself through ignoring your needs.
            •          Explore your emotions: Reflect on your thoughts and feelings throughout the day. Are you being honest with yourself and others about your emotions? Asteya encourages authenticity and transparency. Journaling or talking to a trusted friend can help you process emotions and identify areas where you might be "stealing" or “sabotaging” your emotional truth.
            •          Examine your values: What matters most to you in life? Aligning your vows and or intentions (sankalpa) and actions with your core values (your satya [truth]) is key to inner harmony and success. Spend time reflecting on your truth and values and how they might be guiding or hindering your choices. This aligns with Asteya's call for ethical conduct and living with integrity.
 
2. Cultivate Self-Compassion:
            •          Challenge limiting beliefs: Self-doubt, self-sabotage, and negative thought patterns often act as barriers to success. Asteya encourages us to confront these limitations honestly. Practice affirmations and visualizations to challenge limiting beliefs and replace them with empowering thoughts aligned with your values.
            •          Practice self-forgiveness: We all make mistakes. Instead of dwelling on self-criticism, practice self-compassion and forgiveness. Acknowledge your shortcomings, learn from them, and move forward with kindness towards yourself. This aligns with Asteya's principle of non-harming, the principle of ahimsa (more here) which extends to yourself.
            •          Celebrate small wins: Recognizing and celebrating your progress, no matter how small, keeps you motivated and reinforces positive behaviors. Asteya encourages us to appreciate our efforts and acknowledge our journey

​3. Building Meaningful Connections:
 
Embodying Asteya in Relationships:
 
Asteya's principle of non-stealing extends beyond our internal world to our interactions with others. Let's explore how to cultivate meaningful connections:
            •          Practice active listening: Pay genuine attention to others with empathy. Asteya emphasizes respecting perspectives and avoiding "stealing" someone's voice through interrupting or dismissive behavior. Ask clarifying questions and truly hear their thoughts and feelings.
            •          Communicate honestly and openly: Express your needs and desires clearly and respectfully. Asteya advocates for transparent communication and avoiding deception. Be mindful of your words and actions, ensuring they align with your values and don't "steal" from others through dishonesty.
            •          Offer help and support: Share your resources, knowledge, and time when possible. Asteya promotes generosity and contributing to the well-being of the community. Look for opportunities to help others and build genuine connections based on mutual respect and ethical conduct.
 
Remember: The pursuit of meaningful connections and strong relationships is akin to weaving a delicate tapestry of mutual understanding and enriching ever-evolving interconnectedness. Be patient, forgive yourself and others for imperfections, and celebrate the small wins along the way. By integrating Asteya's wisdom into your relationships, you contribute to a more harmonious and ethical world, one interaction at a time.

Feeling lost in the professional maze? People, reclaim your path! Discover how "Satya" (truth) – an ancient wisdom reborn – can unlock your inner leader and guide you towards a fulfilling career aligned with your true self. Ditch the confusion, find your voice, and chart a path that resonates with your soul.
 
From Ancient Wisdom to Your Modern Journey:
 
The word "Satya" may have originated in Sanskrit millennia ago, but its message is eternally relevant, especially for professionals, particularly Gen Z, navigating the complexities of modern life. It translates to "truth," but not just as facts and figures. Satya speaks to living authentically, aligning your actions with your core values, and discovering your unique purpose. Satya also speaks to the concepts of unchanging and clarity, disregarding malleable fads of society to deliver one’s reality.
 
As a coach, I collaborated and partnered with hundreds of professionals feeling lost, trapped in careers that don't resonate, encumbered by the variability of social and professional networks. The pressure to conform and excel is immense, leaving them wondering: “Is this it? Where and what is my purpose?”
 
Your Inner Leader Awaits:
 
The answer isn't in external validation or the next promotion. True leadership, the kind that empowers both you and others, begins within. Satya is your compass, guiding you to connect with your authentic self and unleash your potential.
 
How Satya Can Transform Your Career:
1. Uncover Your Guiding Star:
Stop running on autopilot. Embrace introspection. Ask yourself:

• What values truly matter to me?
• What kind of work ignites my passion and energy?
• What impact do I want to make on the world?

By understanding your "why," you gain clarity on your "what" and "how." You regain your inner boss, becoming the owner possessing the trajectory of your personal life and professional career, making decisions aligned with your authentic self.
 
2. Embrace the Imperfections of Your Journey:
The Satya path isn't always linear or perfect. Challenges happen, doubts arise, and self-judgment and self-sabotage creep in. But remember, imperfections are stepping stones, not roadblocks. They are the experiences that success is built upon.

• Own your strengths and weaknesses – they make you unique!
• Learn from stumbles, don't let them define you.
• Celebrate your unique journey – it's what shapes your leadership style. 

3. Lead with Compassion, Not Just Influence:
Leaders, your social consciousness is your superpower. Use your platform for good.

• Be a voice for those unheard.
• Stand up for what you believe in, even when it's difficult.
• Lead with empathy and compassion, creating a more inclusive and equitable world.

 
Remember, true leadership isn't just about achieving your goals; it's about inspiring and empowering others along the way.

Your Satya, Your Success Story. Would You Have It Any Other Way?
 
Satya isn't a one-time fix; it's a lifelong journey of self-discovery and evolution. It necessitates constant monitoring and accountability to ensure your path is solely yours. As your coach, I'm here to support and partner with you every step of the way. Together, we’ll co-create a personalized roadmap to unleash your unique potential and build a career that resonates with your soul.
 
Remember, the leader you seek isn't someone else; it's you, empowered by your own Satya. So, are you ready to embark on this transformative journey? Let's build a community of leaders, guiding each other towards purposeful and fulfilling careers.

Feeling burned out? Have your new year resolutions stalled in neutral? Juggling deadlines, chasing side hustles, and mastering adulting can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. ‍ But what if there was a way to de-stress, find inner peace, and cultivate self-love – all while connecting with your body and mind? Enter yoga, an ancient practice extending beyond popular poses offering a powerful tool for self-discovery and inner harmony.
 
This post looks at Ahimsa, the core principle of yoga that emphasizes non-violence and kindness – not just towards others, but also towards yourself. We'll explore how Ahimsa intertwines with self-compassion and self-forgiveness, offering practical tools to cultivate these qualities on and off the yoga mat.
​
Understanding Ahimsa:
 
The Yoga Sutras, attributed to the sage Patanjali, lay the foundation for yoga practice, with Ahimsa serving as its cornerstone. But what does Ahimsa truly mean? It's not just about avoiding physical harm; it's about cultivating a gentle and compassionate approach to life, starting with yourself. Put aside the concept of "no pain, no gain." Ahimsa, as outlined in the Yoga Sutras, is about cultivating a gentle and compassionate approach to life – starting with you. Imagine treating your inner voice with the same kindness and understanding you extend to others. This is the essence, the shift in perspective of Ahimsa, the key to unlock inner peace and well-being.
 
Actionable Steps:
 
As you embark toward reinvigorating aspects of your life, it's important to foster self-compassion and recognize that setbacks are an inherent part of progress. Reflecting on the root causes of any detours and adjusting your expectations accordingly is key to setting a realistic trajectory for success. Break down your resolutions into actionable steps, strategically prioritizing them based on impact and feasibility. By establishing a consistent routine and leveraging support networks, such as friends, family, or colleagues, you can enhance accountability and drive sustained progress.
 
1. Self-Care Sunday (Every Day!): Treat yourself like your BFF! Listen to your body, honor your limits, and celebrate small victories, both on and off the mat. Remember, self-care isn't selfish; it's essential for nurturing your well-being and practicing Ahimsa towards yourself.
 
2. Mind Your Mind: Catch yourself spiraling into negativity? What’s the tone of your internal dialogue? Consider how redirecting self-critical thoughts with self-compassion aligns with the core essence of Ahimsa and the teachings of self-study. Hit the pause button! Gently redirect those harsh thoughts of the self-sabotaging inner critic with self-compassion. Take deep breaths, acknowledge your feelings, and practice self-acceptance. You deserve kindness, even from yourself. Remember, your inner voice matters!
 
3. Contentment is the New Hustle: Ditch the constant strive and chase for more. Instead, find joy in everyday experiences. Appreciate the little things, like a delicious meal or a good laugh with friends. Reflect on what lessons you've learned from past mistakes, and how you can apply them to future situations with compassion and understanding. Remember, you are enough exactly as you are. This shift in perspective is key to unlocking Ahimsa and inner peace.
 
4. Mistakes Happen, Forgive Yourself: We all make mistakes, but dwelling on them won't do any good. Embrace self-forgiveness as a learning opportunity. Reflect on what you can take away from the experience and move forward with kindness and understanding. Remember, you're human, and that's okay!
 
5. Zen Zone Meditation: Go to your safe spot, the safest place you carved out for yourself. Close your eyes and imagine yourself bathed in self-forgiveness and acceptance. Explore this inner space, noticing any emotions or insights that arise. Let go of the past, embrace the present, and discover the profound peace that awaits within your future.
 
Ahimsa in Action:
 
1. Flow with Kindness on the Mat: See each posture as an expression of self-love and forgiveness. The longer you remain in each asana, the greater the depth of self-compassion you express. Appreciate your body for all it allows you to do, and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Notice the space created for self-love and forgiveness in the flow of movement. Express gratitude in motion for the opportunity to practice yoga and cultivate compassion towards yourself. Remember, the journey is more important than the destination.
 
2. Ahimsa IRL: Kindness doesn't stop at the yoga studio or your home fitness room. Be mindful of your words and actions online and offline. Offer a helping hand, extend understanding, and remember, your compassion has the power to create a ripple effect of positivity in the world around you deepening your connection with those around you.
 
Conclusion:
Exploring Ahimsa, self-compassion, and self-forgiveness is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself, embrace self-love, and let go of the need for perfection. As you integrate these principles into your life, you'll cultivate a deeper sense of inner peace, reduce stress, and unlock a life filled with positive vibes and self-acceptance. ✨Namaste!

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This is a follow-on to the previous week's post (available below) in which we explored Sankalpa as sacred commitment aligning actions with a profound sense of purpose to positively impact one’s leadership skills.
 
1. Personalized Learning for Leadership Development.
In a post-Covid era when the dinner table became the conference room, leadership from home transformed to propel individuals, teams, and organizations toward excellence. At the forefront of this view, we turn to the concept that ‘Leadership is a personal journey, and Sankalpa offers a tailored approach to growth’ that can occur in any given context. By crafting intentions that align with individual strengths and aspirations, leaders tailor their vision focusing on specific areas of improvement. This personalized approach nurtures an ethos of continuous learning and self-discovery within leadership to enable development within the culture of an organization.
 
2. Intentionality as a Continuous Journey.
​A Sankalpa-driven leader, by embodying their commitment, becomes an inspiration for a culture of intentionality within the organization. This cultural pivot creates a collaborative environment where teams are aligned with a shared purpose, driving collective and individual success. Encouraging teams to embrace the organizational higher truth creates a shared sense of purpose and commitment. This collective intention-setting aligns the entire organization toward common goals, cultivating a collaborative work environment.
 
I’m not suggesting that once vows are embraced conditions immediately shift toward the better. Rather, I am offering that Sankalpa balances and facilitates effective leadership by anchoring aspirations in a commitment to the highest truth. Leaders who integrate vows into their leadership style pursue ambitious goals with a sense of purpose and ethical responsibility understanding that leadership is a continuous journey. But, how does a leader incorporate such a concept into their approach?
 
To fully grasp the transformative power of Sankalpa, leaders can embark on a guided journey through use of the below prompts. While they are not all necessary to approach as a step-by-step process (context is key), the intentional implementation of one creates the space and flex to incorporate added phases. And, when doing so, give yourself sufficient time to discern the depth of the level necessary to achieve desired results. This may necessitate self-compassion to transcend current controls, or it may suggest that a particular step involves additional resources, such as time.
 
3. The Gameplan.

1. Begin by setting aside time for self-reflection. Consider your values, strengths, and long-term goals. The time involved varies based on one's schedule. Typically, the beginning and end of the day are helpful as this time offers the space to envision and reveal the events that occurred to reorient oneself toward successive opportunities.
2. Craft a Sankalpa that resonates with your authentic self and embodies your commitment to what is understood as your highest truth. This sacred commitment represents your core, the very essence of your being.
3. Translate a Sankalpa into tangible, measurable goals that align with your vision. Most will use SMART goals, however that is only one tool available among many. For instance, you might opt to try OKR, BHAG, PACT, Stretch, and GROW among the many options.
4. Emphasize the importance of regularly revisiting and reaffirming the Sankalpa to stay connected with the core intention and adjust goals as needed. This can be done according to personal preference but at a time that allows your undivided attention.  
5. And, lastly, while this certainly applies to an organization, on an individual level, extend the practice outward, fosteing a collective commitment that enhances collaboration and goal alignment among one’s personal community.

 
As the corporate landscape continues to evolve, where adaptability and resilience are paramount, Sankalpa emerges as a thread that transcends cultural and organizational frontiers. By integrating the essence of Sankalpa into one’s leadership style, leaders can navigate complexities of authenticity with purpose, resilience, and a commitment to continuous growth.

The significance of Sankalpa becomes increasingly apparent—not just as a tactical or a strategic tool but as a profound commitment to leadership excellence. By setting Sankalpa as the north star, leaders unlock a path to sustained success, fulfillment, and a legacy of authentic and impactful leadership.

In the dynamic landscape of leadership, where challenges abound and the need for authenticity is paramount, the ancient Sanskrit word "Sankalpa" emerges as a beacon informing leaders toward a transformative journey of self-discovery, intentionality, and purpose. Rooted in the union of 'san,' meaning 'connection with the highest truth,' and 'kalpa,' signifying 'commitment' or 'vow,' Sankalpa is more than a resolution—it's a sacred commitment to align one's actions with a profound sense of purpose. This post aims to consider the impact of Sankalpa on one’s leadership skills, providing insights into its meaning, and its significance for leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of their lives.
 
Sankalpa, at its core, transcends the commonplace. It's not merely about setting goals but about forging a deep connection with one's authentic self. In the words of Swami Satyananda, author of "Four Chapters on Freedom: Commentary on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali," Sankalpa is a sacred vow that connects us with the highest truth, paving the way for a purposeful and intentional life. Thus, as the authors of “Discovering Your Authentic Leadership” suggested in HBR in 2007, ‘authentic leadership is not a role; it's a way of being.’ Sankalpa offers a structured approach to authenticity by encouraging leaders to set intentions that align with their values, strengths, and long-term goals. By formulating a Sankalpa, leaders articulate a clear sense of purpose that becomes the compass guiding them toward genuine and impactful leadership.
 
‘Leadership often involves navigating intricate decision-making processes,’ as suggested by Bazerman and Moore. Sankalpa provides a mindful approach, ensuring choices are grounded in a commitment to the highest truth and core values. This intentional decision-making not only enhances the quality of choices but also fosters a sense of integrity and purpose in leadership. And while these two qualities are paramount in the leadership landscape, ‘resilience is a hallmark of effective leadership,’ as advocated by Tugade and Fredrickson (2004). Sankalpa serves as a source of resilience, providing a solid foundation during challenging times. By reaffirming their commitment to overarching goals, leaders can navigate setbacks with grace, emerging stronger and more determined to fulfill their mission.
 
Tune in for my next blog post when we’ll take a deeper-dive into some practical methods to apply Sankalpa through personal leadership style and team collaboration.
​

It doesn’t take a whole new routine to instill a dose of happiness into your day—but it does take a little self awareness.

1. Be grateful for the good & the bad.
Research shows, grateful people are happy people. It’s also important to understand that happiness is not the absence of negative feelings. Gratitude is a focus on the present and appreciation for what we have now, rather than wanting more. Embracing gratitude, as a state of mind, can have a positive affect on all aspects of life including our happiness and overall satisfaction.
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Up your mood by taking a moment daily to think of your world with gratitude. Start a gratitude journal or take a walk in nature paying attention to all the gifts around us. Think of a person that helps you on a daily or weekly basis – a spouse, parent, friend, pet, teacher, cleaner, or babysitter.

2. Flex your creativity muscles.
Do you have a passion or hobby? It doesn’t have to be a formal activity, simply engaging in creative thinking can enhance well-being by enhancing cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities. A recent study out of New Zealand, published in The Journal of Positive Psychology explains that creative activities can trigger an “upward spiral” of well-being.

Make some space in your day to create, even if it’s just for the sake of it. Try exploring unique textures or even natural and recycled materials to make something for your home or a friend. Looking for some tips on how to add more creativity into your daily life? Read this list of 101 creative habits to explore.

​3. Get connected, Stay connected.
Being a part of something larger than yourself can help bring perspective as well as a sense of belonging. Scientific evidence strongly suggests that feeling like you belong and generally feel close to other people is a core psychological need; essential to feeling satisfied with your life. The pleasures of social life register in our brains much the same way physical pleasure does.
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So take the time to nurture a friendship that is important to you. Make an extra effort to show you care, send a card, make a plan to have lunch, or give them a call and really listen to what they say. Smile and say hello to a stranger. Tell a story when someone asks how your day is going. Notice how you feel when you share something with someone new.