Unlocking the Power of Mindful Collaboration

 

April 2, 2025 Regenerate Your World  Build the future you want to live in. I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, but I am an optimist - I see the glass as refillable instead of half-full or half-empty. To brighten up your days, I publish the Regenerate Your World newsletter coming to your inbox on a bi-weekly basis. Let's Get Empowered!

Unlocking the Power of Mindful Collaboration Rachel Gilbertson and her book, "Aligned Enchantment" at the New Station while recording an interview for "The Lift". Dear Empowered Reader, Welcome to this week's Regenerate Your World Newsletter! As we explore the transformative power of teamwork and collaboration, I'm reminded of a meaningful connection that has spanned over a decade. It was during my time working in higher education that I first met Rachel Gilbertson. Our paths crossed as we both navigated the challenging landscape of academia, each driven by a passion for fostering growth and well-being. Little did I know that our initial meeting would be the beginning of a long-standing connection, one that would evolve into a shared mission to inspire others through the practice of mindful awareness. Fast forward to today, I'm thrilled to share with you Rachel's inspiring work on the Art of Presence. Her approach emphasizes the importance of aligning intention, attention, attitude, action, and impact to create a more mindful and present life. Recently, I had the opportunity to watch a video featuring Rachel, where she beautifully articulates the five elements of mindful awareness. These principles not only apply to our personal lives but can significantly enhance our collaborative efforts at work. Rachel's journey is a testament to the power of living with purpose and making a positive impact each day. She has dedicated her career to supporting whole-person and collective well-being, earning an undergraduate degree in Community Health Education and a Masters of Education focusing on Integrative Therapies and Healing Practices, along with certifications in health coaching and mindfulness facilitation. Her work in public health, particularly in maternal and child health, reflects her commitment to creating a more compassionate and connected world. Her work in public health, particularly in maternal and child health, reflects her commitment to creating a more compassionate and connected world. The Art of Presence  Rachel's approach reminds us being present and mindful in our interactions. This can transform our team and personal dynamics. By setting clear intentions, paying attention to our family, friends, and colleagues, maintaining a positive attitude, taking purposeful action, and considering our impact, we can create a more harmonious and productive home and work environment. Learn more by watching Rachel's latest interview https://www.wdio.com/lift-online/practicing-the-art-of-presence/ Reflection on Collaboration As we consider Rachel's insights, let's take a moment to reflect on our own collaborative experiences: 1. How can you bring more intentional presence to your next team meeting? 2. In what ways can you better attend to your colleagues' needs and perspectives? 3. How might a shift in your attitude impact your team's overall dynamic? "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Helen Keller This quote from Helen Keller reminds us of the incredible potential that lies in collaboration. When we come together, combining our unique strengths and perspectives, we can achieve far more than we ever could individually. Affirmation for Collaboration "Our teamwork transforms ideas into actions, and together, we create positive change in our world." Repeat this affirmation daily to reinforce the power of collaboration in your professional life. Exciting Partnership on the Horizon Speaking of collaboration and teamwork, I'm thrilled to hint at an upcoming collaboration between the Art of Presence and Empower Possible. Stay tuned for more details on how this partnership will bring you even more tools and insights for personal and professional growth! Remember, true collaboration starts with being present and open to the contributions of others. By practicing the art of presence in our teamwork, we can create a more empowering and fulfilling work experience for everyone involved. Take care, dear reader, Julie Zaruba Fountaine Founder, Empower Possible Rachel's book Aligned Enchantment is available now! Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Check out the practices on the Art of Presence webpage for a Gratitude Infused Body Scan and New Year's Reflection Guide:https://www.artofpresence.org/practices Clearing by  Martha Postlethwaite  An exerpt from  Aligned Enchantment. Do not try to save the whole world or do anything grandiose Instead, create a clearing in the dense forest of your life and wait there patiently, until the song that is your life falls into your own cupped hands and you recognize and greet it. Only then will you know how to give yourself to this world so worthy of rescue.

In The Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs. Check out my chat with Parul. Monday Positivitea with Parul Want Freedom From The Clock? Check out this episode about Balancing Self-Discipline, Soul Purpose, and Self-Love for True Freedom Check out the episode linked HERE to learn tips about finding work-life harmony, setting boundaries, and gaining freedom from the clock! Interested in catching up on our previous podcast episodes? We invite you to explore our library of past recordings, where we delve into a diverse range of topics related to happiness and well-being. https://empowerpossible.com/podcasts/

Upcoming Events Mountain 10 Workshops What is Mountain 10?                                                                                                                                                         During this three-hour workshop, we will focus on accessing your inner wisdom to bring about the changes you deeply desire in your life. We will use the Mountain 10 process, a proven, new technology for deep reflection on human change. It is based on the conviction that every person has the most important answers about direction, purpose, and calling within them. This directed reflection process leads you through four terrains of exploration, stopping at points on the journey to consider key questions about awareness, letting go, vision, and realization. The terrains of your journey will take you into deeper observation of your feelings, thoughts, and images. You will explore what you need to let go of as you truly seek what you really want. We will open a space for a new vision and consider the practical steps to actualize that vision. We will deepen our insights in small circles of trust. Journaling and guided reflection will be used throughout the journey. Click HERE to sign up to be on the waitlist for the next workshop. I will reach out once a workshop is scheduled that meets your availability. Please reach out if you have any questions, info@empowerpossible.com

Connect with me on social media! Copyright © EMPOWER Possible  Northfield, United States EMPOWER Possible is dedicated to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to organize and act together to regenerate our world through Self, Social, and Systems transformation.  info@empowerpossible.com \ Website \ Mission You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in my work—thank you! You can change your email preferences or unsubscribe at any time.  Disclaimer: This newsletter contains content that has been modified and inspired by ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While we use ChatGPT to enhance our content, it should not be considered professional advice. For specific concerns or decisions, please consult with a qualified professional or trusted source. The newsletter authors are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided by or inspired by ChatGPT.

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Why Empathy Matters

 

March 17, 2025 Regenerate Your World  Build the future you want to live in. I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, but I am an optimist - I see the glass as refillable instead of half-full or half-empty. To brighten up your days, I publish the Regenerate Your World newsletter coming to your inbox on a bi-weekly basis. Let's Get Empowered!

Why Empathy Matters Dear Empowered Reader, In our fast-paced world, where technology often replaces human connection, the power of empathy has never been more crucial and it is a topic that has been on my mind a lot lately. As a well-being consultant and change management specialist, empathy is central to my role and I'm excited to share some insights on this transformative skill that can revolutionize our personal and professional lives. Why Empathy Matters Empathy is a fundamental skill that plays a crucial role in both personal and professional relationships. It allows us to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering deeper connections and creating a more supportive environment. In the workplace, empathy enhances communication, strengthens working relationships, and boosts creative thinking. It helps build trust, resolve conflicts more effectively, and it promotes collaboration rather than confrontation. Moreover, empathy is essential for creating a positive and inclusive work culture. It helps reduce discrimination, drives diversity and inclusivity, and creates a sense of psychological safety where individuals feel comfortable sharing ideas openly. By practicing empathy, we not only improve our own emotional intelligence but also contribute to a more compassionate and understanding society. As we navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the ability to empathize with others becomes a vital skill for personal growth, professional success, and social harmony The Empathy Revolution Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, is the cornerstone of meaningful relationships and effective leadership. In my years as a well-being specialist, I witnessed firsthand how empathy could transform workplace dynamics and improve overall wellness. One particular instance stands out. During a challenging period of organizational change, I noticed a team struggling with low morale. By implementing empathy-focused workshops and encouraging open communication, we saw a remarkable shift. Not only did employee engagement improve, but our utilization of support services like ComPsych (the Employee Assistance Program) increased from non-existent to many members of the team utilizing this resource for support. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of empathy to create positive change. Empathy in Action As a change management specialist working with the State of Minnesota, I've learned that empathy is not just about feeling for others – it's about taking action. It's about "walking a mile in someone else's shoes" to truly understand their perspective. This approach has been invaluable in guiding executive leadership through complex change initiatives and improving project outcomes across Minnesota's human services system. Upcoming Empathy Workshop As I mentioned, this has been on my mind, and when something has been on my mind, I like to take action. In this case, it meant hosting a workshop!  I'm thrilled to announce our upcoming free 90-minute virtual Empathy Workshop. This interactive experience is designed for anyone interested in fostering connection, creativity, and kindness.  Together, we'll explore ways to shift from indifference to empathy, connect with like-minded leaders, and learn practical techniques to lead with more impact. Click HERE to Sign Up for the Workshop  Reflection Questions 1. When was the last time you truly put yourself in someone else's position? 2. How might increased empathy improve your personal and professional relationships? 3. What small act of empathy could you perform today?  Affirmation"I am open to understanding others. My empathy creates positive change in my world and beyond." Remember, dear reader, empathy is like a muscle – the more we use it, the stronger it becomes. By cultivating empathy, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to a more compassionate and connected world. As psychiatrist Helen Riess notes, empathy is critical to our lives, helping us "to get along, work more effectively, and thrive as a society" Let's embark on this empathy revolution together.  Your journey towards greater understanding and connection starts now. Take care, dear reader, Julie Zaruba Fountaine Founder,  Empower Possible Citations: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_the_world_needs_an_empathy_revolution https://www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/edu/research/doc/white-papers/workplace-diversity-inclusion/2024/082024-empathetic-leadership-goods-mccalla-langford.pdf Click here to Register for the Empathy Workshop Empathy: holding space Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Any Human to Another Countee Cullen The ills I sorrow at  Not me alone  Like an arrow,  Pierce to the marrow,  Through the fat  And past the bone.  Your grief and mine  Must intertwine  Like sea and river,  Be fused and mingle,  Diverse yet single,  Forever and ever.  Let no man be so proud  And confident,  To think he is allowed  A little tent  Pitched in a meadow  Of sun and shadow  All his little own.  Joy may be shy, unique,  Friendly to a few,  Sorrow may be scorned to speak  To any who  Were false or true.  Your every grief  Like a blade  Shining and unsheathed  Must strike me down.  Of bitter aloes wreathed,  My sorrow must be laid  On your head like a crown.  https://poemanalysis.com/countee-cullen/any-human-to-another/

Upcoming Events Empathy Workshop Saturday, March 22  9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CST Who: People interested in fostering connection, creativity, and kindness. What: A free, 90-minute virtual experience designed to address the need for more empathy in the modern world. Why: Shift from Indifference to Kindness Connect with Like-Minded Leaders Join us for an interactive, thought-provoking workshop filled with experiential learning, breakout discussions, and exercises to help you lead with more empathy and impact. To Register click on the link, SIGN ME UP! Julie Zaruba Fountaine and Linda Brandt appreciate Late Nite Art’s People Leader Series for teaching us this format. Mountain 10 Workshops What is Mountain 10?                                                                                                                                                         During this three-hour workshop, we will focus on accessing your inner wisdom to bring about the changes you deeply desire in your life. We will use the Mountain 10 process, a proven, new technology for deep reflection on human change. It is based on the conviction that every person has the most important answers about direction, purpose, and calling within them. This directed reflection process leads you through four terrains of exploration, stopping at points on the journey to consider key questions about awareness, letting go, vision, and realization. The terrains of your journey will take you into deeper observation of your feelings, thoughts, and images. You will explore what you need to let go of as you truly seek what you really want. We will open a space for a new vision and consider the practical steps to actualize that vision. We will deepen our insights in small circles of trust. Journaling and guided reflection will be used throughout the journey. Click HERE to sign up to be on the waitlist for the next workshop. I will reach out once a workshop is scheduled that meets your availability. Please reach out if you have any questions, info@empowerpossible.com

Connect with me on social media! Copyright ©EmpowerPossible Northfield, MN EMPOWER Possible is dedicated to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to organize and act together to regenerate our world through Self, Social, and Systems transformation.  info@empowerpossible.com \ Website \ Mission You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in my work—thank you! You can change your email preferences or unsubscribe at any time.  Disclaimer: This newsletter contains content that has been modified and inspired by ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While we use ChatGPT to enhance our content, it should not be considered professional advice. For specific concerns or decisions, please consult with a qualified professional or trusted source. The newsletter authors are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided by or inspired by ChatGPT.