Author: Joy

The special knack of meditation is to develop the one who pays attention, the watcher. When we practice a simple sitting meditation, we sit comfortably with our eyes closed and begin to observe the energies that move within us all the time: thoughts, sensations, and emotions. We develop the knack of simply watching these distractions go by with a feeling of friendly acceptance.

How do we acquire this knack? We begin by being a witness to the mind, by becoming separate from the mind.

If you watch a dog, you are clearly not the dog; if you look at a tree, you are separate from the tree. The same applies to the mind. Watching is the key. Watch the mind, without repressing, without preventing, without judging, and slowly you will begin to disidentify, realizing that you are not your thoughts, sensations, emotions.

Simply by watching the disturbance of mind, body, and emotions with non-judgment and acceptance, the traffic of the mind begins to slow down over time, and you move from being controlled by the mind to connecting with the wisdom of your heart and the wisdom of your body. This brings you more balance and clarity as you tap into your inner intelligence, insight, and intuition.

Patience is needed, but this knack of witnessing brings rich rewards. It is a thread of awareness you can weave into the fabric of your everyday life.

The Mind Is Your Friend

The mind is our bridge from the subconscious to the conscious, our gateway of expression to the outer world. Be grateful for it. Find ways to appreciate the insights, understandings, and creativity it brings. Don’t see it as an enemy, but as a friend.

As this friendship with your mind deepens, it no longer disturbs you. You are not fighting the mind; you are simply letting the thoughts pass by. When you befriend your mind and allow it to subside into its natural place in the background, qualities such as relaxed awareness, humor, compassion, and self-acceptance emerge to the surface.

Whatever you are doing – driving, eating, working in your office — do it watchfully. Or, if you are not doing anything, except breathing, resting, relaxing on your couch, bring yourself to an awareness that you are a watcher. Yes, you will forget, over and over again. You will get involved in some thought, feeling, some emotion, some sentiment–anything to distract you from being the watcher. Just remember and come back to your center of watching.

By making this a continuous inner process, you will be surprised how life can change its quality. Once you reach the place of the watcher or witness, you begin to see yourself with greater clarity and objectivity. You see the dramas in your life with perspective and compassion, and insights and understandings begin to arise naturally.

The ego/mind wants to make life complicated, but life is not complex. The mind always wants to control. But watchfulness is beyond its control. It is beyond it, above it, and in fact, can be death to the power the mind can have over you.

To read Pragito’s enlightening full article, click on this link and look for page 59. Get your FREE access to Empowering Humanity Magazine™ Now!

In the rapidly evolving world of cybercrime, attackers continually seek ways to exploit new technology before defenses can catch up. One of the most concerning threats emerging in 2025 is Ghost Tapping—a sophisticated form of NFC (Near Field Communication) relay fraud that enables criminals to make purchases from your account without ever physically touching your card or phone.

Unlike traditional credit card fraud, Ghost Tapping doesn’t require skimming devices or stolen physical cards. Instead, it exploits the convenience of tap-to-pay systems—turning your smartphone or wearable into an unwilling accomplice in the crime.

What Is Ghost Tapping?

Ghost Tapping, also known as Ghost Tap, is an NFC relay attack. It enables cybercriminals to remotely capture and relay payment data from a compromised device or payment card to a “mule” device that can be used anywhere in the world.

Imagine sitting at home with your phone safely in your pocket, but somewhere across the city—or even across the globe—someone is using your card to purchase a store’s point-of-sale terminal. You never handed over your card. You never tapped your phone. But your account gets charged.

That’s Ghost Tapping in action.

How Ghost Tapping Works

Ghost Tapping is not a simple scam. It’s a coordinated cybercrime ecosystem involving multiple players, each with specialized skills:

1. Data Theft

   • Criminals obtain your credit or debit card details through phishing, malware, or compromised merchant systems.

   • They capture additional information, such as one-time passwords (OTPs) to bypass security and enroll your card into a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

2. NFC Relay Setup

   • Using tools such as NFCGate—initially developed for research but repurposed for crime—attackers relay the NFC signal from your account to a mule’s device.

   • The mule could be in another country, yet the transaction appears as a legitimate local tap-to-pay purchase.

3. In-Person Fraud

   • The mule walks into a store, taps their phone or wearable at the payment terminal, and the transaction processes as if you were there.

   • Because the transaction is contactless and authorized via tokenized data, traditional fraud detection systems often fail to flag it.

4. Profit Extraction

   • Mules purchase high-value goods or withdraw cash from ATMs with NFC-enabled withdrawals.

   • Goods are resold, or cash is sent back to the criminal network, often using encrypted messaging platforms and cryptocurrency.

To read Dr. Mack’s awakening full article, click on this link and look for page 13. Get your FREE access to Empowering Humanity Magazine™ Now!

In a world that constantly calls us to perform, produce, and persevere, art offers something radical: Stillness. Reconnection. A way back to ourselves.

I didn’t always see it this way. I used to think art needed a purpose or an audience. It had to be good, or at least productive. Over time, and primarily through my exposure to art therapy, I’ve learned that the simple act of making something, with no expectation beyond presence, is medicine. Art gives us space to feel, to process, and to breathe.

Whether you’re navigating burnout, heartbreak, significant transitions, or the daily weight of being a human in a world that often asks too much, artmaking can become a refuge for the unsaid, the unseen, and the unprocessed. It offers sanctuary when the outside world is too loud and a way to witness our inner worlds with compassion.

On Art Therapy & the Science of Expression

Art therapy is a mental health profession that integrates creative expression with psychotherapeutic theory to help individuals explore emotions, gain insight, and foster healing (American Art Therapy Association [AATA], 2023). Art therapists are trained clinicians who guide clients through a process that often allows expression beyond words, particularly during times of trauma, grief, or emotional overwhelm.

Here’s what I want every person to know: you don’t have to be in therapy, or even be “good at art,” to experience the benefits of artmaking.

You don’t have to look far to find evidence that art supports well-being. A 2023 study found that both digital and traditional artmaking significantly reduced stress in participants following a stressful experience, regardless of whether they used oil pastels or drew on a tablet (Sion et al., 2023). Artmaking helped participants regulate their emotions, shift out of stressful states, and enter a “flow” state, an immersive feeling of ease and focus.

Interestingly, the study also revealed that participants who frequently used the digital “undo” or “erase” functions reported higher stress and agitation after creating art. The researchers suggested that these behaviors might reflect perfectionism and self-criticism, traits that disrupt the healing flow of creative expression (Sion et al., 2023). That hit home for me.

Art has taught me that the messy middle —the part where it doesn’t look right yet —is often the most meaningful. It’s where our inner world shows up honestly. It’s where the real work begins.

To read Amanda’s uplifting and insightful full article, click on this link and look for page 71. Get your FREE access to Empowering Humanity Magazine™ Now!

Have you ever felt like your current circumstances are holding you back from becoming who you’re truly meant to be? Maybe you’ve convinced yourself that your dreams are too far out of reach, that life has been too unfair, or that your limitations define what’s possible for you. If so, you’re not alone. But today, I invite you to see things differently—through the journey of a woman who proves that even when life dims your vision, your purpose can still shine bright.

How can someone legally blind rise to become a TV host, motivational speaker, columnist, coach, and CEO—touching millions of lives across the world? That question captured my heart the first time I spoke with Nancy Solari. From that moment on, I knew I needed to share her story with you. Because in a world full of reasons to give up, Nancy is living proof that when you put your mind and heart into something, nothing is impossible.

Before I ever met Nancy in person, we spent two hours on the phone. I was immediately struck by her clarity, passion, and attention to detail. As someone who lives with severe dyslexia and understands the daily struggles of navigating through barriers, I was in awe. During our call, I kept thinking to myself, “How is she doing all of this without sight?” In my experience, I know what it takes to prepare, organize, and run a show—but to do it without the gift of sight? That requires a whole new level of strength, persistence, determination, faith, and courage.

When we finally met in person for my interview on her show, I was greeted with a radiant smile and an energy so beautiful and bright, I immediately felt uplifted. Nancy’s presence was magnetic. Her warmth and professionalism were matched only by her insightful questions and genuine care. She didn’t just hear what I said—she absorbed it. It was one of the most powerful interviews I’ve ever experienced.

After learning more about her story, I was moved to tears. Diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease at just 16, Nancy has never let her blindness define her. She has overcome domestic violence, family challenges, heartbreak, career pivots, and unimaginable personal loss. And yet, through it all, she has chosen to rise—again and again. Nancy doesn’t just talk about resilience. She embodies it.

Today, Nancy is the host of The Living Full Out Show, a groundbreaking radio and television platform that reaches millions, and Nonprofit MVP, a TV competition that uplifts nonprofit organizations with national exposure and prizes. She coaches, writes, speaks, and mentors people from all walks of life. And through it all, she reminds us of one vital truth: you don’t need sight to have vision.

Nancy shows us what true leadership looks like. It’s not about having a perfect path or ideal circumstances—it’s about showing up, again and again, with intention, faith, and the courage to serve others. Her journey teaches us:

• That limitations are often illusions.

• That resilience is a muscle built through adversity.

• That our greatest pain can become the platform for our greatest impact.

To read Dr. Aimmee’s eye-opening and transformative full article, click on this link and look for page 79. Get your FREE access to Empowering Humanity Magazine™ Now!

As someone who has a deep love for humanity and a mission to uplift the world, my days are often filled with passion-driven work, tight deadlines, and constant giving. Like many women, I have a full plate, and at times, taking care of myself can feel like it pulls me away from the very work I cherish.

However, over the years, I’ve come to understand something powerful: self-care is not a distraction from your purpose — it’s what keeps you going. Even the simplest acts, such as taking time for a cup of tea, enjoying a quiet moment, or indulging in a beauty service that boosts your confidence, can reignite your spirit. These small moments of self-care reconnect you with your inner light and enable you to show up stronger, clearer, and more inspired in every aspect of your life.**Signature Five Questions — Unlocking Wisdom Through Every Story**

Recently, I visited Mallyna Lash & Brow, and although I didn’t personally meet the founder, Anna Malenkina, I felt her presence the moment I walked through the door. There was a beautiful energy in the salon — not only in the elegant design or soothing atmosphere, but also in the way her team members carried themselves. The women working there were kind, professional, and focused, clearly trained to uphold a higher standard.

And the clients? They left glowing — from the lashes or brows they received, and from something more profound. There was a palpable sense of confidence and joy on their faces. I realized that this operation was more than a beauty business; it was a sanctuary.

That experience reaffirmed my belief in the power of self-care. Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, pursuing a dream, or simply trying to stay afloat, it’s essential to refill your own cup. When you feel good, you shine, and when you shine, you can bring light to others.

I’ve learned that self-care doesn’t have to be grand or time-consuming. For me, it can be as simple as taking five minutes to breathe deeply, enjoy a peaceful moment, or do something small that brings me joy.

That’s my perspective, and I know everyone experiences self-care differently. But regardless of how it looks, I believe that nurturing our inner peace is vital to staying aligned, energized, and connected to our greater purpose.

Wanting to gain insights beyond my own, I felt it was essential to learn from someone with years of experience — someone who has not only built a beautiful brand but has also helped others grow with confidence and purpose. That person is Anna Malenkina.

As I learned more about Anna, I became even more inspired by what she has built and by how her journey can help others. With so many women struggling to find time for themselves or feeling guilty for practicing self-care, it was essential to share the voice of someone who has walked the path and succeeded with grace and purpose.

Anna is an international speaker, educator, and globally recognized judge in the lash and brow field. She has contributed her knowledge to major beauty and salon conferences in the USA, Dubai, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, and other locations. With her deep expertise in team building, business development, and maintaining high professional standards, she has helped shape the global beauty industry while encouraging others to rise with confidence and integrity.

By sharing her voice here, I hope that you, dear reader, will gain a new perspective on how self-care is about building a strong foundation for your dreams.

To read Dr. Aimmee’s inspiring and impactful full article, click on this link and look for page 17. Get your FREE access to Empowering Humanity Magazine™ Now!

There isn’t a person alive who hasn’t had some upheaval in their life, whether it be short-lived or a turmoil that has lasted for a lengthy time, even years. We all have highs and lows in our lives because nothing remains the same forever. Yet, how we handle those challenging times varies. Some of us dive right into solving the issue, while others may procrastinate or take no action at all. Ultimately, it boils down to how we choose to deal with a problem.

I know that for me, there have been times when I responded emotionally, which usually proved not to be the best answer. As I have gained more wisdom, I have learned to slow down my reactions and examine the issue from as many perspectives as my heart allows. When we quiet our minds and clear our thoughts, the answer is possible and awaits us. What I have learned is that the best guidance for me is to follow my inner knowing of how to respond to any situation, as it is always present in my heart. Our heart energy is one of love, the highest energy vibration, and our connection to God and the Universe.

Who can argue against the power of John Lennon’s song, “All You Need Is Love”? He states that where there is love, anything can be done. I’m sure many of you have heard the story about the woman who lifted a car off her son who was trapped beneath it. It was her love for him that gave her the extraordinary strength to do it.

Where there is love, there is also healing. How do we heal our unhappiness and disapproval of what is happening today?

To read Joan’s insightful and transformative full article, click on this link and look for page 23. Get your FREE access to Empowering Humanity Magazine™ Now!

Behind every successful visionary stands a team of people who believe in the mission, communicate openly, and share a unified purpose. In a world that often celebrates individuality, it’s easy to forget that lasting success—especially in entrepreneurship—depends on humility, patience, and the willingness to work together in harmony as a team.

Few embody this balance as gracefully as Talbot Snow, a multi-talented creator who has built a legacy of excellence through his ability to listen, adapt, and collaborate. His journey offers more than inspiration—it reveals timeless lessons in leadership, communication, and teamwork that every entrepreneur can learn from.

I was inspired to share Talbot’s insights with you because his story reflects what true collaboration and purpose-driven leadership can achieve. That inspiration led me to feature this interview, where he shares the lessons, values, and perspectives that have guided his success—wisdom you can apply in your own journey.

No matter how talented a person may be, success remains limited without an open mind and a willingness to collaborate. True achievement comes when we set aside ego, embrace communication, and unite our gifts toward a shared vision. One person’s talent alone can’t complete a masterpiece—it takes faith, humility, and the right people working together as one.

In the world of entrepreneurship, these values are often the difference between a good project and a great legacy. I’ve learned through my own journey that every visionary needs others who believe in the mission and are willing to build alongside them with heart and purpose.

As both a producer and director of my own TV show and a couple of others, I’ve learned that every successful production—whether creative or humanitarian—depends on teamwork built on mutual respect and shared purpose. When I met Talbot Snow, I recognized those rare qualities right away. He wasn’t driven by ego or the need to prove himself—he was driven by purpose. That’s what made working with him such a gift. His ability to combine technical expertise with creativity and humility reminded me what true leadership looks like in action.

By the time I began working with Talbot, I had already been collaborating for years with an extraordinary team of talented and heart-driven individuals who believed in the message of the Tears of Hope Anthem™. The music was composed by Rising Star Rey Fernandez Jr., who coordinated more than 70 talented musicians, including Emmy and Grammy winners, and brought their collective gifts together in harmony. The anthem featured the powerful and angelic voice of Stephanie Thompson, whose heartfelt delivery carried the soul of my 12-year-old self’s message, accompanied by a beautiful children’s choir.

Each of these incredible people understood that this project wasn’t just about music—it was about a message. Their faith, patience, and dedication helped preserve the integrity of that message at every stage. I’ve always believed that working with like-minded souls who align with the vision is the key to true success. Everyone brings unique talent to the table, but when those talents are guided by shared purpose, something divine unfolds.

To read Dr. Aimmee’s motivational full article, click on this link and look for page 49. Get your FREE access to Empowering Humanity Magazine™ Now!

How many times have you told yourself, “I’m not good enough,” “I don’t have what it takes,” or “I could never do that”? If you’re like most people, you’ve had moments when your self-perception has stopped you from reaching for the life you truly want. The truth is that the way we perceive ourselves determines the choices we make, the risks we take, and ultimately, the life we create.

Your Inner Mirror

We all carry an inner mirror that reflects how we believe the world sees us. This mirror is shaped by childhood experiences, cultural influences, and the labels others have given us. Unfortunately, many of us have spent years polishing a distorted reflection—believing we are less capable, less deserving, or less valuable than we truly are.

I know this struggle personally. Years ago, despite outward success, I felt inadequate and doubted my worth. I believed my limitations defined me, and as a result, I played small in life. It wasn’t until I learned to reframe my self-perception that everything began to change.

Breaking the Chains of Limiting Beliefs

Limiting beliefs are like invisible chains. They hold us back from stepping into opportunities, taking risks, or even dreaming bigger dreams. The first step to freedom is awareness.

Ask yourself:

• What do I believe about myself that might not be true?

• Whose voice is echoing in my mind, telling me I can’t succeed?

• If fear were not a factor, what would I dare to do?

By challenging these beliefs, you take away their power. Remember: beliefs are not facts—they’re stories you’ve told yourself or accepted from others. You have the power to rewrite the story.

To read Judi’s encouraging and empowering full article, click on this link and look for page 27. Get your FREE access to Empowering Humanity Magazine™ Now!

In boardrooms and classrooms, at conferences and community tables, one message continues to ring clear: diversity, equity, and inclusion are not optional. They are fundamental pillars of strong, sustainable leadership in today’s world. But creating a culture of belonging is not about checking boxes or issuing policy memos. True belonging is deeply emotional—it stems from empathy, acceptance, and a profound understanding of ourselves and others. At the center of this work lies a critical and often underestimated leadership asset: Emotional Intelligence (EI).

At its core, Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions while also being attuned to the feelings of those around us. Often labeled a “soft skill,” EI is anything but soft in its impact. It fuels strategic decision-making, cultivates authentic relationships, and enables leaders to navigate complex human dynamics with confidence and poise. When applied to inclusion, Emotional Intelligence becomes the engine behind representation, fairness, and cultures of belonging.

Emotional Intelligence as the Foundation for Belonging

Belonging-driven leadership requires more than tolerance; it demands emotional fluency. It is not enough to say everyone is welcome. Leaders must create environments where people feel seen, heard, valued—and safe. This begins with emotional awareness and deep interpersonal insight. Emotionally intelligent leaders are distinguished by several core traits:

• Self-awareness: They are tuned into their own emotions, biases, and blind spots. This self-awareness enables them to lead with humility and remain accountable in moments of discomfort.

• Empathy: They actively seek to understand others’ experiences and perspectives, particularly those shaped by identity and lived inequities.

• Self-regulation: They manage their emotional responses, especially in moments of tension or conflict, ensuring that discussions around equity, fairness, and identity remain productive and grounded.

• Social skills: They nurture psychological safety, foster collaboration across lines of difference, and communicate in ways that uplift rather than alienate.

Without these competencies, well-meaning efforts toward inclusion often fall flat. Leaders may unintentionally reinforce exclusionary norms or fail to intervene when harm occurs.

The Inner Work of Inclusive Leadership

My doctoral research examines how Emotional Intelligence, openness to experience, and attitudes toward self-acceptance and acceptance of others impact our capacity to foster inclusion. The findings reinforce a powerful reality: leadership begins with inner alignment. Leaders who have embraced their own identities and done the work of self-acceptance are more equipped to welcome and affirm the identities of others.

When we feel secure in who we are, difference doesn’t feel threatening. It feels enriching. Leaders with high Emotional Intelligence and openness to experience approach unfamiliar cultures, ideas, and people with curiosity, not fear. This openness lays the groundwork for authentic relationships and transformative conversations.

Belonging-driven leadership, then, is not just about offering others a seat at the table. It is about examining the table itself. Who built it? Who gets to speak? Whose voices are centered, and whose are silenced? These questions require leaders to pair emotional awareness with structural insight—to lead with both head and heart.

To read Eliz’s reflective and uplifting full article, click on this link and look for page 45. Get your FREE access to Empowering Humanity Magazine™ Now!

Have you ever felt distant from your inner peace, not because you stopped believing in something greater, but because life became too noisy, too heavy, or too fast?

I’ve been there. Through the years, I’ve discovered a gentle yet powerful way to return to that sacred space: music.

Music is more than sound. It softens the noise of the world, quiets the mind, and opens the heart. It becomes a bridge between where we are and where our spirit longs to be. Whether you’re listening, singing, or simply resting in silence with a soft melody, music creates a space where something greater can be felt, even when words fail.

This kind of spiritual connection doesn’t require performance or perfection. It invites us to be present—to show up as we are, with a willing heart, and allow ourselves to receive, reflect, and feel renewed.

Here are three gentle, spirit-led ways to let music guide you back to your center—and reconnect with the peace, love, and divine presence within you.

1. Let Music Speak What Words Cannot

There are times in life when our emotions are too heavy or tangled to express. You may feel sadness, joy, uncertainty, or longing all at once, and words simply don’t come. That’s where music steps in, not as a solution, but as a companion.

I’ve heard this phrase countless times: “That song said exactly what I was feeling.” There’s a reason for that. Music helps us express what’s buried deep within—sometimes even before we fully understand it ourselves.

Think about a time when a song made you cry, even though you weren’t sure why. Or when a melody gave you goosebumps and made you feel seen or heard. That’s not accidental. That’s the soul speaking through sound.

When you’re hurting, overwhelmed, or even filled with gratitude but unsure how to express it, turn to music. Let the notes, the harmonies, and the lyrics do the talking. Let the emotions rise and let yourself be held by the experience. It’s okay not to have the words. Music has them for you.

When you find a song that speaks to your soul, play it again. Sit with it. Let it wash over you and remind you that you’re not alone.

1. Create a Personal Sacred Playlist

There is power in intentionally preparing a space for your spirit to breathe. Just as we decorate our homes to create a cozy feel or choose lighting that makes us feel relaxed, we can also cultivate an atmosphere that nurtures our inner world.

One of the simplest ways to do this is by creating a “sacred playlist.” This is a collection of songs that bring you comfort, clarity, joy, or a sense of divine connection. It doesn’t have to be filled with traditional spiritual music, though it can be. It can include soft instrumental pieces, nature sounds blended with melodies, or even vocal tracks that hold special meaning for you.

The key is to choose music that feels personal to you. Songs that remind you of who you are. Music that grounds you when the world feels chaotic. Or melodies that help you dream again when your hope feels distant.

I often tell people to think of their playlist as a spiritual toolkit. You can use it during your morning routine, while driving, before bed, or when you simply need to step away from the noise and reconnect with what truly matters.

To read Stephanie’s faith-strengthening and soul-awakening full article, click on this link and look for page 67. Get your FREE access to Empowering Humanity Magazine™ Now!