[Catalyst 8 - 2016] Inspiring Women

By Stephen Dinan, founder and CEO of The Shift Network

When my beloved wife Devaa Haley Mitchell and I co-founded The Shift Network, we made a conscious commitment to promote and model the balance of divine feminine and conscious masculine.

We strongly believe it is becoming more clear each day that this is a time when the qualities of the “deep feminine” — in women and in men — are imperative for reshaping our world and our future.

Devaa has masterfully created Inspiring Women with Soul, a free online event that highlights some of the most enlightened women who are powerfully bringing divine feminine qualities into the world. Inspiring Women with Soul starts today, May 1, which is Beltane, and runs through May 8, Mother’s Day. (To register free, click here.)

Inspiring Women with Soul features Marianne Williamson, Jean Shinoda Bolen, Jean Houston, Shiva Rea and Sera Beak. There are exceptional video interviews with amazing women we met in Rishikesh, India. Also, Alice Walker and Ruchira Gupta offer us invaluable insights on how women are claiming their power to end sex trafficking around the globe.

In this edition of The Catalyst, Devaa has provided an incredible video on 5 Keys to Living as an Inspired Woman; and Julia Maryanska, our film person with us in India, has produced a beautiful video on Women's Wisdom (See Featured Media).

Also, we are having our monthly Global Shift Meditation today at 12:00 pm Pacific. David Nicol will be hosting our dear friend Sister Jenna who will focus on Meditate the Vote and the deeper spiritual undercurrents to the upcoming US elections. To register free, click here. (See Featured Media)

Our featured articles include Lee Daniel’s You Got This: Danielle LaPorte’s Credo for Life; Oscar-nominated Paola Di Florio’s powerful piece on Vashti Whitfield , who stars in the brilliant film Be Here Now (The Andy Whitfield Story); Dr. Maki Saionji Kawamura’s invitation to join the Soul of WoMen Global Campaign initiated in Fuji Sanctuary, Japan; and, Nilima Bhat and Raj Sisodia’s article on Shakti: The Power Base for Conscious Capitalism.

We also have an inspiring piece from Elise Proulx about The Art and Science of Awe conference taking place at the Greater Good Science Center at Berkeley University on June 4, 2016. You can watch online too! Click here to learn more.

Our Member Profile is about Phyllis Mae Hellmich, an amazing mother of 10+ children, including her namesake, our very own Philip M. Hellmich, Director of Peace. We also have an inspiring piece from Debra DeWeese, our incredible Human Resource specialist who shares about her experience in becoming a mother.

We would love to know: What woman has most inspired you in your life, and how? Please post a few sentences on this topic on our Facebook page and read what other Shift Network community members are sharing too – click here.

Our Shift Philanthropy is Apne Aap which is dedicated to stopping sex trafficking in India. The Shift Network is providing a $5,000 matching donation. And, our Featured Artist is the incredible Tina Malia.

Also, I am delighted to invite you to join me and Philip Hellmich on our next Shift Trip: Splendors of the Persian Empire — Dates: October 22 – November 4, 2016.

Iran has rich cultural and spiritual traditions, warm people and beautiful natural environment. Improving relations with Iran will be important in creating a more peaceful world. This trip is a positive way to learn first hand about Iran and its people. We are partnering with Cross Cultural Journeys which has led similar trips to Iran. To learn more about how to apply, click here and call Cross Cultural Journeys at (800) 353-2276 or via email at travel@crossculturaljourneys.com and they will start the process with you.

Finally, from all of us at The Shift Network, we want to wish a happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers in our community. We are deeply grateful for you and your role in creating a more peaceful and loving world.

5 Keys to Living as an Inspired Woman
By Devaa Haley Mitchell

What does living your most inspired life look like to YOU? Devaa Haley Mitchell, founder of Inspiring Women With Soul , shares her “5 Keys” in this video. Click here to learn more.

Women's Wisdom
By Julia Maryanska

In honor of the rising feminine, and our global rebalancing of the feminine coming into equal partnership with the masculine, I dedicate this piece to the men and women who are actively doing their part to truly listen to one another and work in collaboration for creating the more beautiful planet our hearts know is possible. To learn more, click here.

Global Shift Meditation — Join Free Event — 1st of Every Month

On May 1 at 12pm Pacific, we will feature Sister Jenna and Meditate the Vote. Join The Shift Network, The Gaiafield Project and people around the world for Global Shift Meditations the 1st of each month – click here to register free. You can participate free live or via recordings.

Your Voice:

We want to know: What woman has most inspired you in your life, and how? Please post a few sentences on this topic on our Facebook page and read what other Shift Network community members are sharing too – click here.

You Got This: Danielle LaPorte’s Credo for Life
By Lee Doyle with Danielle LaPorte

You’ve got a dream.

It’s big and audacious… and terrifying.

Or maybe it’s small by “other people’s” standards, but it still scares the bejeebies out of you.

Of course you’re afraid. (Duh.)

The thing you alone came to this planet to do has never been done before. You could say that your soul incarnated to make it happen.

The very good news is that whatever your dream is and wherever you are in the process, you’re not alone.

To read more, click here.

Q&A with Vashti Whitfield
who stars in L.A. Film Festival doc winner Be Here Now (The Andy Whitfield Story)
By Paola Di Florio

Be Here Now (The Andy Whitfield Story) is an inspiring love story between superstar, Andy Whitfield, of Spartacus fame and his charismatic wife, Vashti, who together take on the most heroic role he’s ever had to play. With matching 'Be Here Now' tattoos on their forearms, they go on a quest to heal Andy from a cancer diagnosis — by embracing life, rather than fear. They bravely allowed filmmaker, Lilibet Foster, to follow their dramatic and intimate roller coaster, in the hopes that by sharing their journey, they may help inspire others with challenges and dreams.

To read more, click here.

Soul of WoMen Global Campaign May 15th, Fuji Sanctuary, Japan
By Dr. Maki Saionji Kawamura

Awakening divine feminine wisdom and principles within the hearts of humanity.

Divine Feminine wisdom and intuition lives within the heart of every woman and man. They are expressed through acts of compassion, a kind word, a healing touch, a silent prayer, a gentle embrace. As we evolve as true global citizens to embrace the oneness of humanity, the old patterns of a masculine dominated society gives way to the emergence and acceptance of true divine feminine principles to usher in a more sustainable and balanced world order.

To read more, click here.

Shakti: The Power Base for Conscious Capitalism
By Nilima Bhat and Raj Sisodia

(Excerpt from Shakti Leadership Embracing Feminine and Masculine Power in Business)

Recent years have brought a dawning realization that we need to rethink the foundational bases of capitalism, starting with the idea that it is solely rooted in the pursuit of narrowly construed and material self-interest. Human beings have multiple primal drives, including the need to survive and the need to care. Love and work define what it means to be human. The emerging Conscious Capitalism philosophy is about blending the two. It starts with asking the question “What is the purpose of business?”

To read more, click here.

The Art & Science of Awe
By Elise Proulx

What led Dacher Keltner, renowned UC Berkeley psychology professor and director of the university’s Greater Good Science Center, to focus on the little-studied emotion of awe?

This feeling we get in the presence of something vast “was so tightly connected to things that have changed my life — the Sierras, art, great music, radically different cultures — and it was a scientific unknown,” Keltner says.

To read more, click here.

Inspiring Woman and Mother: Phyllis Mae Hellmich
By Philip M. Hellmich

When asked which woman has inspired me the most in my life, the answer came easily: my mother, Phyllis Mae Hellmich.

The importance of my mother in shaping my life came home to me last week on April 22, 2016. I woke up to several text messages.

The first message was from my mother, who wrote, “I love you.” Several siblings in earlier times zones had responded, “I love you too.”

The next message was from my brother Trevor, “Want to let everyone know Mom is at the Greensburg ER with chest pain.”

To read more, click here.

Mommy Gong!
By Debra DeWeese

I never dreamed I would be a mother. No one that knew me ever had that thought either! I was content climbing the corporate ladder, and having a fancy-free life, yet filled with purpose. Then, at 37, my Mommy Gong went off!

I had to meet someone, fall in love, and start a family immediately. No time to mess around or court. I had to identify someone and fall in love fast! Within months, I met my love.

To read more, click here.

Shift Network Trip: Iran | Splendors of the Persian Empire — Dates: October 22 – November 4, 2016. Join Stephen Dinan and Philip Hellmich of The Shift Network, and Cross Cultural Journeys on an odyssey to the Republic of Iran, commonly called Persia by the West. A multicultural nation with many ethnic and linguistic groups (mostly Shi'ites), this ancient country straddles Eurasia, Western Asia, the Caspian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Already a crossroads culture of great geo-strategic significance, Iran has endured invasions by the Greeks, Arabs, Turks and Mongols. Meet indigenous communities from the Zagross Mountains; Nomadic tribes near Tehran; Armenian Christians, and the people of remote Abyaneh, who have kept their traditions, dialect and costumes intact for hundreds of years. To learn more, click here and call Cross Cultural Journeys at (800) 353-2276 or via email at travel@crossculturaljourneys.com and they will start the process with you.

New Film: Be Here Now is an inspiring love story between superstar, Andy Whitfield, of Spartacus fame and his charismatic wife, Vashti, who together take on the most heroic role he’s ever had to play. With matching 'Be Here Now' tattoos on their forearms, they go on a quest to heal Andy from a cancer diagnosis — by embracing life, rather than fear, and bravely allowing Oscar-nominee Lilibet Foster to film their journey. You can bring this film to a theatre near you or join a screening: click here.

New Book: The Reunited States of America: How We Can Cross the Partisan Divide

"Although we come from opposite ends of the political spectrum, we believe our country needs to come together. The Reunited States of America: How We Can Cross the Partisan Divide will help us do that. It reconnects us to our country's motto — 'out of many, one' — and helps us meet the challenge of reuniting the country that we both love." Grover Norquist, president, Americans for Tax Reform, and Joan Blades, co-founder MoveOn.org and Living Room Conversations. To learn more, click here.

New Book: Shakti Leadership Embracing Feminine and Masculine Power in Business. Reaching into ancient spiritual and mythical teachings, Nilima Bhat and Raj Sisodia revive a feminine archetype of leadership: generative, cooperative, creative, empathetic. Leaders who understand and practice Shakti Leadership act from a consciousness of life-giving caring, creativity, and sustainability to achieve self-mastery internally and be of selfless service to the world. When leaders across genders learn to embrace this mindset, we can restore sanity, elevate humanity, and heal the planet by evolving joyously and consciously together. To learn more, click here.

Our world is in desperate need of a food revolution. Pesticides, hormones, antibiotics,GMOs, and untested chemicals are spreading like a virus through our food supply. The health of your family and friends, as well as our planet, is at risk!

Join the Food Revolution Summit if you want to get informed and empowered, and if you want to find out how you can prevent heart disease, cancer, diabetes, fatigue, poor sleep, and other health challenges — with food! Click here to learn more.

Community Peacebuilder Residential Immersion Training — Week 1: May 6–14 — Week 2: October 14–22 — Gainesville, Florida

This two week immersion training takes place at a 30 acre lakefront rustic retreat center near Gainesville Florida. Imagine...you...further developing essential skills, knowledge, confidence, perceptions, sensitivities and new understanding for your own personal development as well as contributing to a cultural shift in your community. Come join us for this innovative approach to community peacebuilding with a small group of like minded and committed individuals. Share in meaningful dialogue, new challenges, discoveries and fun. To learn more, click here.

The Peace Center invites you to come help us break the world’s record in forming a human peace sign. Sunday, May 22, 2016, 2–4pm; Buck County Community College, Newtown, PA, USA. For inquiries please contact The Peace Center; Ph: 1 (215) 750-7220 or click here. Or follow us on Facebook – click here.

Praxis / Mondragón Study Tour — May 22–28, Mondragón, Spain — Praxis Peace Institute offers the most comprehensive study/tour available at the Mondragón Cooperatives in the Basque region of Spain. Developed over nine years, this program includes in-depth lectures at Mondragón Educational Center (Otalora), visits to Mondragón cooperative businesses, an R&D center, Mondragón University, Mondragón Bank HQ, the Basque Culinary Arts University (part of Mondragón University), the Basque Parliament where we have a special session with the Director of the Department of Peace, and much more. Details on our website – click here.

Alliance for Peacebuilding (AfP) 2016 Annual ConferenceMay 24 to 26, 2016 — Washington, DC — AfP’s 2016 Annual Conference will examine the newest developments in the peacebuilding field, and will capture the “view from the edges,” where peacebuilding is innovating, “looking around corners,” and scanning the horizon to revolutionize the field. The Annual Conference serves as dynamic space for AfP members to network with the broader peace and security community, including funders, policymakers, members of the military, and professionals from a broad range of related disciplines, such as development, human rights, and environmental protection. The conference provides unique opportunities to exchange ideas, reflect on international crises, discuss the most important issues in the peacebuilding field, and develop collaborative projects. To learn more, click here.

Join the Greater Good Science Center June 4, 2016 for a day of the Art and Science of Awe on the UC Berkeley campus. At this event, the leading scientific experts on awe — including Dacher Keltner and Michelle "Lani" Shiota — will reveal the latest findings from their research. The scientists will be joined by world-class artists and creators, including Shots of Awe creator Jason Silva, former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Hass, Grammy Award-nominated musician WuMan, folk musician Melanie DeMore, and experts from the Exploratorium, NASA, the Sierra Club, the Bay Lights & more. The program will explain what makes an experience awe-inspiring, shed light on why we feel awe, and explore how to inspire more awe in daily life — through nature, art, technology, and more. 10% off with code PERGCS! To learn more, click here.

The Points of Light's Conference on Volunteering and Service is the largest service-related convening of nonprofit, government, business and civic leaders in the world. This year the conference is in Detroit from June 27 - 29 and the Compassion Games is organizing a "coopetition" to Pass the Compassion Torch and Connect Points of Light! Join us and sign up to play! Click here to learn more.

Native American Bearing Witness Retreat From July 25–29, 2016 the Zen Peacemakers will conduct the in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Oscar- and Golden Globe-nominated actor and practicing Zen Buddhist Michael O’Keefe invites you to join him, and the Zen Peacemakers, to learn from, support, and meditate with Native American leaders. To learn more, click here.

The Spiritual Life TV Channel features free wisdom teachings from many spiritual traditions and gives a practical focus that shows how a person can use these teachings to live a more spiritual life. New videos feature: James O’Dea, Edgar Mitchell, Barbara Marx Hubbard, Marilyn Schlitz, Gleen Mullin, Stephen Dinan, Philip Hellmich, and more! To learn more, click here.

Awake: The Life of YoganandaNow available on Netflix, Amazon and other livestream programs. Plus, DVDs available with subtitles in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, Dutch and Japanese. Plus there are new film showings in Australia and United States! You also can bring Awake to your yoga studio or community. To learn more click here. (The filmmakers were interviewed in the Yoga Day Summit, the recording is available for free.)

New Free App: Spirit & Nature — The gorgeous new Spirit & Nature App takes people out of their busy lives, into a tranquil space, where they can truly transform their consciousness. Access it free today at the App Store: click here.

World Peace Library — Free Resource — Be sure to take advantage of the World Peace Library, a wide-ranging resource on peace newly compiled by the Shift Network: It contains more than 300 inspiring talks and mini-workshops from individuals such as Archbishop Tutu, Nobel Laureate Jody Williams, Jane Goodall, Deepak Chopra, James O'Dea, Karen Armstrong, Chief Phil Lane and many more. With neuroscientists and lamas, faith-based activists and political leaders, this Library offers something for all in their peacebuilding efforts. The Shift Network has made the World Peace Library a free resource for all and encourages its use to promote peace in your families, schools, and wider community.


If you have an announcement to share, please write: editor@theshiftnetwork.com.

2016 Catalyst:
(#8, 5/1) (#7, 4/17)
(#6, 4/3) (#5, 3/13) (#4, 2/28) (#3, 2/14) (#2, 1/31) (#1, 1/17)

2015 Catalyst:
(#25, 12/20)
(#24, 12/6) (#23, 11/23) (#22, 11/8) (#21, 10/25)
(#20, 10/11) (#19, 9/27) (#18, 9/12) (#17, 8/30) (#16, 8/16)
(#15, 8/2) (#14, 7/19) (#13, 7/5) (#12, 6/20) (#11, 6/7)
(#10, 5/24) (#9, 5/10) (#8, 4/26) (#7, 4/5) (#6, 3/21)
(#5, 3/15) (#4, 2/22) (#3, 2/8) (#2, 1/25) (#1, 1/11)

2014 Catalyst:
(#26, 12/28)
(#25, 12/14) (#24, 11/30) (#23, 11/16) (#22, 11/1) (#21, 10/19)
(#20, 10/5) (#19, 9/21) (#18, 9/14) (#17, 9/01) (#16, 8/17)
(#15, 8/3) (#14, 7/20) (#13, 7/4) (#12, 6/15) (#11, 6/1)
(#10, 5/18) (#9, 5/4) (#8, 4/20) (#7, 4/6) (#6, 3/23)
(#5, 3/9) (#4, 2/22) (#3, 2/8) (#2, 1/26) (#1, 1/12)

2013 Catalyst:
(#22, 12/14) (#21, 11/30)
(#20, 11/16) (#19, 11/3) (#18, 10/20) (#17, 10/6) (#16, 9/21)
(#15, 9/8) (#14, 8/25) (#13, 8/4) (#12, 7/21) (#11, 7/7)
(#10, 6/16) (#9, 6/2) (#8, 5/12) (#7, 4/28) (#6, 4/14)
(#5, 3/24) (#4, 2/24) (#3, 2/9) (#2, 1/26) (#1, 1/13)

Birth 2012 Catalyst:
(#15, 12/9) (#14, 12/1) (#13, 11/22) (#12, 11/10) (#11, 11/3)
(#10, 10/20) (#9, 10/6) (#8, 9/16) (#7, 9/8) (#6, 8/25)
(#5, 8/16) (#4, 8/4) (#3, 7/28) (#2, 7/21) (#1, 7/14)

 

2016 Issue 8 • May 1

The Shift Catalyst is a bi-weekly ezine for conscious change, powered by The Shift Network.

If you received this Catalyst from a friend, click here to subscribe!

•  Shift Network Update
•  Featured Media
•  Featured Articles
•  Profiles
•  Movement News
•  Action of the Week
•  Shift Spotlight
•  Shift Philanthropy
•  Partner Spotlight
•  Featured Artist
•  Allies of the Shift
•  Back Issues

Like Us. Collaborate!

Reach out to a woman who has most inspired you and tell her why and how she has impacted your life. Also, if she is your mother, be sure to give her extra love on Mother’s Day.

Shamanic Practices to Change Your Reality: The Art of Shapeshifting for Personal Power & Co-creating Real Social Change — A Free Virtual Event With John Perkins. Discover how to design a new reality via ancient consciousness-shifting practices that can transform your entire life. May 7, 2016 at 10:00am Pacific

Mindfulness for Healing Using Meditation to Transform Your Relationship to Stress, Illness & Pain and Experience Greater Peace & Happiness — A Free Virtual Event With Bob Stahl. Discover how mindfulness meditation can alleviate suffering and promote health, balance and resilience in just minutes a day. May 11, 2016 at 5:30pm Pacific

Opening to Christ Consciousness Rediscovering the Power of Christian Mysticism to Live a Divinely Human Life — A Free Virtual Event With Andrew Harvey. An exciting opportunity to discover the advanced teachings and practices hidden within esoteric Christianity. May 14, 2016 at 10:00am Pacific

The True Colors Course Living Your Essence, Power & Beauty Through the Art & Science of Color — With Arden Reece. Embark on a profound journey into the art and science of color — shifting how you wear colors and use them in your environment to transform your mood, express your essence and magnify your radiance. New Live Training Starts Wednesday, May 4, 2016

The Integral Soul Journey Unifying Your Archetypal, Transcendental & Rational Dimensions to Express Your Divine Humanity — With Terry Patten. Live on the leading edge of evolution, awakening new potentials in yourself and incarnating more divinity in the world. New Live Training Starts Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Ayurvedic Aromatherapy Using Essential Oils for Balance, Vitality & Enhanced Wellbeing — With David Crow, L.Ac. Discover the practical, time-tested healing powers of Ayurvedic methods for using essential oils to restore your energy, increase your vitality, foster optimal wellness and advance your spiritual growth. New Live Training Starts Wednesday, May 11, 2016

More Upcoming Events: (all subject to change)

May
• John Perkins 7-week course
• Bob Stahl 7-week course
• Andrew Harvey 9-month program

June
• Enneagram Global Summit
• Yoga Day Summit
• Summer of Peace
• Dawson Church 6-week course
• Jan Phillips 7-week course
• Andrew Harvey 7-week course
• Lion Goodman 7-week course
• Sandra Ingerman 12-week course
• Tim Kelley 12-week course
• Miranda Macpherson 14-week course
• Devaa Haley Mitchell program

July
• Lisa Schrader 7-week course
• Enneagram 10-week course
• David Crow 6-month program
• Mirabai Starr 9-month program

August
• Marilyn Schlitz 7-week course
• Margaret Paul 7-week course
• Oscar Miro-Quesada 7-week course
• Sue Morter 7-week course
• David Nicol 7-week course
• Richard Miller 7-week course
• David Crow 6-month program

Apne Aap — The Shift Network is proud to be financially supporting Apne Aap, an organization founded by twenty-two women from Mumbai’s red light district, with a vision of a world where no woman could be bought or sold. Their mission is to increase choices for at-risk girls and women in order to ensure access to their rights, and to deter the purchase of sex through policy and social change. To learn more, click here.

Future Brilliance's vision is a stable, prosperous Afghanistan-Pakistan region, where men and women have the leadership, entrepreneurship, technical and business skills to get jobs and create jobs; where local people assume responsibility for their own economic development, while adopting values that lead to fairness, tolerance and mutual respect. To learn more, click here.

Tina Malia — Bridge to Vallabha
By Eleanor Tara

Tina Malia is a visionary singer, songwriter, instrumentalist and even sound engineer who self produces her albums. Her sacred music is centered around chant, especially Sanskrit mantras, which she has used faithfully in her own healing journey. She shares, "When I was going through a difficult time in life, I was able to turn to this practice and receive the healing that comes with the repetition of these sacred sounds. To this day, I attribute my sense of well-being to chanting mantra. It is so simple and yet so extraordinary." Her newest release, Bridge to Vallabha, is a beautiful, multi lingual journey through dreamy soundscapes. To listen, click here. To learn more about Tina, click here.

Solar Action Alliance

Peace Through Commerce

Evolutionary Leaders

The Foundation for Conscious Evolution

The Shift Movie

Humanity's Team

Green America

The National Peace Academy

Sacred Centers

Center for Sacred Studies

International Cities of Peace

Agape International Spiritual Center

Gaiafield Project

Click here to apply for inclusion above.