
Lighter Impact with Besan (Pause Impact)
Explorez tous les épisodes de Lighter Impact with Besan
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29 Jan 2025 | 37. Meryem Alaoui: Dance as a Tool for Liberation | 00:54:39 | |
In this interview with Meryem Alaoui, a professional dancer and choreographer originally from Morocco, we explore the body's role in the fight for collective liberation and the power of sharing our gifts with the world. Meryem discusses the concept of 'rigorous play'—how she balances discipline in her training with creating space for magic to unfold. Bio: Meryem Alaoui is a Toronto-based dancer and choreographer from Morocco. Founder and artistic director of Jasad Dance Projects, her work is at the intersection of somatic research using movement and voice, and the exploration of contemporaneity through the reclamation of embodied performance practices, dances and knowledge from her culture as a Moroccan diasporic dance artist. A 2009 graduate of the School of Toronto Dance Theatre, she has danced for choreographers Amanda Acorn, Peggy Baker, Angela Blumberg, Antony Hamilton (with the company Dancemakers), Karen Kaeja (Kaeja d’Dance), among others. Her choreographic work has been presented nationally and internationally, notably in SummerWorks in Toronto, Tangente in Montreal and at the Théâtre National Mohammed V in Morocco. Meryem has received residency support nationally and internationally, and project funding from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario and Toronto Arts Councils. She is a certified Body-Mind Centering® Somatic Movement Educator and she enjoys facilitating movement explorations for dancers in professional settings and in community and arts-education contexts, such as with Toronto Dance Theatre, Tanya Lukin Linklater, Haneen Women Choir and The Arab Community Centre of Toronto. Are you ready to connect with your creative life force? Schedule a free consultation here! | |||
16 May 2023 | 3. What's stopping you from creating? | 00:12:34 | |
In this episode, I ask the question: what is stopping you from creating what you are being called to create in the world? You'll hear my 3 reasons why, as well as tips to help you overcome them. Curious about what it will look like to work with a Social Impact Coach? Check out pauseimpact.org | |||
12 Dec 2024 | 32. Why we create | 00:07:45 | |
Why do we create? To the artist, this might be a very intuitive question, but it is something we all deserve to be asking ourselves. I share a perspective from the healing arts as it pertains to creativity. And for a limited time, you can book a 75 minute PURPOSE CLARITY CALL with me! This could be the perfect holiday gift. Learn more here. | |||
09 Feb 2025 | 39. Affirmations for Creative Flow | 00:06:00 | |
Enjoy this list of 20 affirmations to help you tap into your creative flow! | |||
04 Dec 2024 | 31. Sundus Abdul Hadi: Creating Spaces | 00:54:47 | |
In this episode, Sundus Abdul Hadi, an artist and writer of Iraqi origin, shares her journey, discussing how the Iraq War shaped her political consciousness and artistic practice. The conversation delves into the role of art in social change, the importance of community, and the challenges within the North American art world. Sundus emphasizes the need for persistence over resistance and the significance of creating inclusive spaces. Timestamps Guest Introduction (00:01:26) Understanding Impact (00:03:49) Transformation of Impact (00:09:39) Art as Resistance (00:12:09) Culture Over Commerce (00:15:51) Student Engagement (00:23:58) Awakening Through Art (00:27:18) Cultivating Spaces for Community (00:35:01) Creating Safe Spaces (00:44:50) Creative Life Force and Burnout (00:47:26) -- Sundus Abdul Hadi is an artist and writer of Iraqi origin. She was raised and educated in Tiohtià:ke/Montréal, where she earned a BFA in Studio Arts and Art History and a MA in Media Studies. Articulated through her artistic practice, writing and curation, Sundus’ work is a sensitive reflection on trauma, struggle, and care. She is the author/illustrator of Shams, a children’s book about trauma, transformation and healing. Her book titled “Take Care of Your Self: The Art and Cultures of Care and Liberation” (Common Notions, November 2020) is a non-fiction book about care, curation and community. She is the cofounder of We Are The Medium, an artist collective and culture point. In 2022, she founded Makaba Bookshop in the old port of Montreal. Episode Resources: Sundus Abdul Hadi: Personal Website If you are curious about what it would look like to work with a social impact coach, reach out to me on pauseimpact.org | |||
09 Jun 2023 | 7. Why Money Matters with Diana Yáñez | 00:50:15 | |
Diana Yáñez, a Certified Financial Planner and Money Coach, joins us to talk about the role of money in our lives. She shares her own Goldilocks journey to find a career path that has just the right amount of people, numbers and values. Together, we unpack current money practices in the nonprofit sector and dream about a world where we are all connected. Resources:
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21 Feb 2025 | 40. Coco Madari: Multi-Passionate Coach & Artist | 00:36:55 | |
In this episode with Coco Madari, we talk about decolonizing creativity and what it looks like to authentically create. Coco Madari is a vision-led, neurospicy, and multi-passionate coach, visual artist, music producer, singer-songwriter, and comedian living in beautiful Vancouver Island, BC. Key Discussion Points - Understanding Impact: From feeling the weight of the world to discovering the lighter impact through self-care and authenticity. - The Multi-Passionate Identity: Coco reflects on embracing her diverse talents and rejecting societal pressures to "choose one path." - Decolonizing Creativity: Discussions on how rest, play, and authentic expression contribute to impactful living. - Coaching and Artistry: How Coco's coaching philosophy integrates with her artistic endeavors and supports her clients in pursuing sustainable and ethical business practices. - The Role of HSPs and Neurodivergence: The unique challenges and strengths of highly sensitive people and their contributions to creativity and innovation. Follow Coco on her creative journey and learn more about her coaching services through Instagram. | |||
14 Jun 2024 | 27. Radical Practice of Enoughness | 00:07:49 | |
In this episode, I share what it means to have a practice of "enoughness" in a world driven by capitalist greed. Takeaways
-- Are you looking to make an impact in the world and feel lighter doing it? Schedule a consultation through pauseimpact.org | |||
20 Jun 2023 | 9. White Saviorism and Individual Responsibility with Themrise Khan | 00:51:07 | |
Themrise Khan, an independent development professional and researcher with over 25 years of experience in international development, joins us to talk about the issues around how international aid is practiced and the responsibility we have as indviduals. Themrise is currently based in Pakistan and her work focuses on social policy, aid effectiveness, gender, and global migration. Themrise actively speaks, writes and advises the global community on notions of decolonisation, North-South power imbalances in development, race relations, immigrant citizenship and integration and most recently co-edited the book White Saviorism in International Development. Theories, Practices and Lived Experiences. And if you are curious about what it might look like to work with a social impact coach, check out pauseimpact.org | |||
06 Apr 2023 | 1. My personal story | 00:15:14 | |
In this first episode of Lighter Impact, I start by reflecting on the quote by Rumi, "Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” And through this, share my personal journey in the social impact space, and how I hope to create a space that empowers people to make an impact in the world, and feel lighter doing it. Learn more: pauseimpact.org | |||
16 Jan 2025 | 36. Mayra Yadir: AI & the Creative Life Force | 00:59:48 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Mayra Yadir, a talented mixed media artist, creative writer, and illustrator. Mayra reflects on her journey from spending 30 years as a corporate designer to pursuing her MFA and a master’s in media psychology. Together, we delve into the impact of AI on our creative life force and discuss what this means for the future of humanity. Learn more about Mayra Yadir here. Resources: Guardian article on former Facebook employees in Kenya taking legal action How Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) Differs from PTSDAre you ready to connect with your creative life force? Schedule a free consultation here! | |||
27 Jun 2023 | 10. Social Impact Wheel | 00:09:51 | |
This episode shares a tool I have developed from my work with clients called the Social Impact Wheel (adapted from the Wheel of Life). It identifies the 8 most important areas for people to find joy and balance on their social impact journey. Download your guide to the Social Impact Wheel here. | |||
01 Apr 2023 | Podcast Trailer | 00:01:01 | |
Welcome to "Lighter Impact", the podcast that explores how to make a positive impact on the world while being more mindful and centered. In this show, we dive into the idea that by bringing more awareness to our state of being, we can achieve just as much, if not more, when trying to make an impact in the world.
Join us as we explore the power of mindfulness, somatics, and spirituality in the creation of meaningful and impactful work. Whether you're an entrepreneur, activist, or simply someone looking to make a difference, this podcast will provide you with insights and tools to do so more intentionally.
With expert interviews, personal stories, and actionable tips, "Lighter Impact" is the perfect companion for anyone looking to make an impact in the world and feel lighter doing it. So sit back, relax, and let's see where this journey takes us.
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19 Dec 2024 | 33. Anam Raheem: Writing as Resistance | 00:53:16 | |
In this episode, Besan has a conversation with Anam Raheem, a creative writer with a background in international development. Anam shares her transition from international development to full-time writing, emphasizing the power of storytelling and personal connections. She reflects on her transformative experiences in Gaza, the emotional toll of witnessing violence, and the importance of personal relationships in making an impact. Anam also discusses her project, Gaza Champions, which connects global allies with individuals in Gaza, fostering personal connections and support amidst ongoing violence. What We Discuss: Anam's Journey in International Development (00:02:38) Storytelling as a Political Act (00:11:38) Love as a Sustainable Motivator (00:20:19) Embracing Identity as a Writer (00:36:05) Navigating the Writing Economy (00:41:37) Episode Resources: Gaza Champions | Website Gaza Champions | Instagram Anam Raheem | Instagram Are you ready to connect with your creative life force? Schedule a free consultation here! | |||
15 Sep 2023 | 15. Gratitude as a Tool | 00:10:34 | |
In this episode, I share how gratitude can be used as a tool to shift your state almost instantly thanks to the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. Instead of telling yourself "I should be more grateful" ask yourself "what am I grateful for in this moment?" The former has this expectation that you should simply be grateful, while the latter realized it is a tool that we exercise. The three practices I share to help you practice gratitude are (1) spontaneous gratitude lists (2) guided meditations that bring into awareness subtle things to be grateful for (3) random thank you notes to people in your life. Guided meditations on gratitude to try: - 10 Minute Morning Meditation for Gratitude and Positivity to Start your Day - Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude with this 15 Minute Guided Meditation | |||
10 Apr 2023 | 2. How can I make an impact in the world? | 00:10:28 | |
In this episode, I share my own personal philosophy about how you can make an impact in the world: it starts with asking the question: "what makes me come alive?" We then introduce the Ikigai framework-- a Japanese concept that translates to "reason for being" Four questions to reflect on if you are looking to find a job that makes you jump out of bed in the morning:
Learn more: pauseimpact.org | |||
05 Sep 2023 | 14. The Future of Mental Health and Well-Being with Danish Munir | 00:34:07 | |
Danish Munir, healthcare entrepreneur and founding partner of Gray Matter, discusses his journey in the mental health industry and the need for a systems-level approach to improving the entrepreneurial journey for future founders. He shares his personal connection to mental health and the importance of destigmatizing the conversation. Danish highlights the current state of the mental health sector, the shift towards holistic well-being, and the revolutionary work being done by companies like Home Away Health in providing compassionate care for individuals in crisis. He emphasizes the need for societal awareness and intentionality in addressing mental health and creating a more supportive and inclusive world. Timestamp Summary 4:43 Leaving Microsoft to launch a mental health company 7:11 Advice for younger self on making big life decisions 13:47 Evolution of mental health industry in the US. 18:00Need for a holistic understanding of mental health 21:19Wellness as prevention and human potential actualization 22:21Home Away Health's revolutionary crisis respite model 31:03The power of using our voices for positive change "What is more reckless than not following your dream or to living a life that is not true to yourself?" - Danish Munir Are you following your dream and looking for someone to support you on this journey? Curious about what it would look like to work with a social impact coach? Learn more at pauseimpact.org | |||
11 Jul 2024 | 28. The Essence of your Venture with Lina Barkawi | 00:39:07 | |
In this episode, I interview one of my former clients, Lina Barkawi on how coaching helped her build her business. Lina's business has been a source of motivation and connection during the difficult times in Palestine, and she dreams of every Palestinian in the diaspora making their own unique thob (traditional dress) that tells their story. Takeaways
Learn more about Lina's Thob on https://www.linasthobe.com/ and follow Lina on Instagram @linasthobe Are you building a venture and want some additional support? Join our next cohort of the Impact Circle, which launches on September 4th! | |||
26 Mar 2024 | 23. Navigating Career Transitions with Julia Firestone | 00:52:04 | |
Julia Firestone is a transformational coach who helps do-gooders unlock their full potential, create meaningful change, and live a more fulfilling life. In this episode, Julia reflects on how she came to realize the limitations of individual impact and the importance of collective action. She also shares how she personally navigated a big career transition and emphasizes the importance of being present in the in-between spaces and paying attention to what energizes and drains us. Timestamp Summary 00:00 Introduction and Background 09:20 Understanding Impact and Purpose 19:00 Exploring the Question of Purpose 39:01 Navigating Transitions and Uncertainty 46:59 Future Transitions and Possibilities 51:01 Legacy of Interconnectedness Learn more about Julia Firestone on her website and follow her on LinkedIn! | |||
31 Jan 2024 | 22. Reclaiming Your Power | 00:13:07 | |
In this episode, I share what it means to reclaim your power in today's world. Key Takeaways:
-- Are you looking to make an impact in the world and feel lighter doing it? Schedule a consultation through pauseimpact.org | |||
14 Jun 2023 | 8. What are you being called to create in the world? | 00:11:26 | |
In this episode, I ask the question: What is it that only you can create in the world? And why is it a good idea to create a social impact venture? “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” -Pablo Picasso Curious about what it will look like to work with a social impact coach? Check out pauseimpact.org | |||
14 Oct 2023 | 17. Gaza on My Heart (part 1) | 00:18:53 | |
The past week has been a lot. In an effort to move through the pain, I recorded this episode for my own healing. | |||
13 Nov 2024 | 29. My Dark Night of the Soul | 00:20:02 | |
In this vulnerable episode, I share reflections from my dark night of the soul, where I retreated for months to listen inward. Some key questions I have been grappling with are: - How are we allowing the genocide in Gaza to happen? How are we not able to stop it as a collective force? - How do we embrace humanity and believe that we can do better together, while also having zero tolerance for all forms of oppression? - How am I implicated in systems of oppression? - Is the economic system that we have built honoring life? I'd love to hear how this episode resonates with you-- drop me a DM @pauseimpact on IG. -- Are you interested in exploring how you can make an impact in the world that honors your unique life force? Schedule a consultation call to learn more about my coaching practice at pauseimpact.org-- I'd love to explore this question with you! | |||
29 Aug 2023 | 13. Committing to Lightness | 00:12:12 | |
In this episode, I talk about the practice of committing to lightness. We can do the exact same thing, but have two very different experiences, depending on our state. I reflect on what shifts with on the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels when you commit to lightness. Key Takeaways:
"You don't have to give up the goal. You just have to find a path there that is filled with lightness." Show Notes: Ready to make an impact in the world and feel lighter doing it? Schedule a consultation pauseimpact.org | |||
06 Feb 2025 | 38. Unique Opportunities to Create | 00:21:10 | |
At a time when many people feel like the world is falling apart, especially here on Turtle Island, I am feeling incredibly optimistic about the opportunity we are being given to build anew. In this episode I share three unique opportunities I see to create-- the rise in ethical consumerism, the need for community spaces, and demand for organic products. I hope this episode inspires an idea for you to create at this critical time. Check out: https://passionplanner.com/ -- Are you interested in exploring how you can make an impact in the world that honors your unique life force? Schedule a consultation call to learn more about my coaching practice at pauseimpact.org | |||
21 Sep 2023 | 16. The Subtle Power of Somatics with Caitlin Clarke | 00:48:50 | |
Caitlin Clarke is a somatic coach and healer who specializes in working with highly sensitive, ambitious women who are struggling with stress and burnout. She is a certified Hakomi practitioner and has a background in creative marketing. In this episode, Caitlin explains the principles of somatics and how it involves tuning into the body's wisdom and intelligence. Rather than merely talking about somatics, we do a short demo together! She also provides tips for connecting with the body and finding inner peace, such as focusing on the breath and tuning into the back body. Connect with Caitlin here. | |||
10 Aug 2023 | 12: Debunking Expertise and Finding Collective Knowledge with Negar Razavi | 00:52:41 | |
Negar Razavi is a political anthropologist. Her work brings a critical feminist lens to studying national security, expertise, gender, race, humanitarianism, and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. Drawing on over two years of ethnographic research in Washington, D.C., Negar’s research specifically examines the role of policy experts and think tanks in shaping U.S. security policies towards Iran and Egypt. In this episode, we discuss the importance of expertise, but also the need for diverse perspectives and voices in shaping policy. Negar encourages individuals to recognize their own expertise and contribute to the conversation, while also leaving themselves open to constructive critique to improve our collective knowledge and ability to tackle structural challenges of our time. Key Takeaways:
Curious about what it will look like to work with a social impact coach? Check out pauseimpact.org | |||
08 Jan 2025 | Guided Meditation: Sharing Your Light with the World | 00:12:03 | |
This is a 12 minute guided meditation to help you connect with your higher self and receive guidance on how you are being asked to show up at this moment. Not from a place of guilt or obligation, but from a place of allowing life to flow through you. Hope this helps you kickoff 2025 strong and in alignment! -- Are you looking to connect with your purpose and create what you are being called to create in the world? Schedule a FREE 30 minute consultation: pauseimpact.org | |||
21 May 2024 | 24. The Value of Coaching | 00:12:44 | |
In this episode, Besan discusses the value of coaching and her personal experiences with different coaches. She emphasizes the importance of finding a coach who can help you achieve the results you desire in your life. Besan also highlights the balance between appreciating what we have and striving for more. She encourages listeners to consider investing in coaching as a way to receive the support and guidance they may be seeking. Besan concludes by sharing her approach to coaching and inviting listeners to schedule a consultation call with her. Takeaways
Chapters
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30 Oct 2023 | 19. Liberatory Giving for Palestine with Nora Lester Murad | 00:45:07 | |
Nora Lester Murad is an activist, writer and educator who has been involved in the Palestinian cause for over 40 years. She has dedicated her life to advocating for peace with justice and has worked with various organizations to promote narrative change and empower local decision making. Key Takeaways:
Resources:
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03 Aug 2023 | 11. Finding Motivation | 00:23:38 | |
In this episode I share my own reflections on motivation, which include knowing oneself and knowing the science. Listen for some tips for how to get something done that you are struggling to do. Resources: Looking to strengthen your mental fitness? Curious about what it will look like to work with a social impact coach? Check out pauseimpact.org | |||
29 May 2023 | 5. What is impact? | 00:10:06 | |
On today's episode, I share my own definition of impact for this container, which is: the result of intentional effort. Curious about what it will look like to work with a social impact coach? Check out pauseimpact.org | |||
05 Jun 2024 | 26. Leaving your 9-5 & Following your Calling | 00:27:49 | |
Najla Abdellatif shares her personal journey with coaching, from leaving her 9 to 5 job to becoming the creator of Zero Waste Palestine. She discusses the challenges, identity shift, and the impact of coaching on her journey. The conversation delves into the importance of lightness, flow, and overcoming limiting beliefs in the context of social entrepreneurship and following one's calling. Takeaways
Learn more about Zero Waste Palestine. | |||
23 May 2023 | 4. The Impact of ONE | 00:06:51 | |
In this episode, I share one of my favorite tools to help people stay motivated motivation, it's called the impact of ONE. Curious about what it will look like to work with a Social Impact Coach? Check out pauseimpact.org | |||
23 Oct 2023 | 18. Gaza on My Heart (part 2) | 00:12:30 | |
It is October 23, 2023 and I share how I am caught between immense hope and immense pain these days. The term "decolonization" has been my North Star and on a personal level, I am reminded that the path to healing is one of decolonization. Dear Decolonization, Decolonization Unnamed: Echoes of Healing and Refusal in the Face of Dehumanization and Alienation by Devin G. Atallah and Urmitapa Dutta Questions to reflect upon: 1. What does decolonization mean in your own life? 2. How are you a colonizer in your own life? 3. How do you call for the decolonization of your own way of being? | |||
02 Jan 2025 | 34. Creating in the Context of the Revolution | 00:10:15 | |
How does your work contribute to the fight for our collective liberation? This is the question I have been asking myself for the past few weeks and it has given me so much fuel to continue to show up in my full power ️🔥 I hope this episode helps you do the same! I'd love to hear how this episode resonates with you-- drop me a DM @pauseimpact on IG. -- Are you interested in exploring how you can make an impact in the world that honors your unique life force? Schedule a consultation call to learn more about my coaching practice at pauseimpact.org | |||
30 May 2024 | 25. From Palestine to Brazil: A Mother's Brave Move | 00:33:04 | |
In this episode, Suha Abdul-Hadi, a mother of three, shares her experience of working with a life coach during a turbulent time in her life. Suha talks about feeling overwhelmed and the guilt she felt as a mother. She explains how she reached out for support and the positive impact coaching had on her life. Suha also discusses her journey as a mother, including moving from Palestine to Brazil, and how coaching helped her stay grounded and trusting during amidst so much uncertainty. She emphasizes the importance of communication, support, and looking at things from a different perspective. | |||
20 Nov 2024 | Intro to Season 2: The Creative Life Force | 00:11:42 | |
I am so excited to announce the launch of Season 2 where we explore the CREATIVE LIFE FORCE.
This season, I will be bringing on artists, writers, and filmmakers, who are actively imagining the new through creative projects so we can learn from their process. Some questions you are invited to reflect on: - How does the creative life force manifest in your life? - Can you recall a moment when you felt deeply connected to it? - Who do you become when you fully embody your creative life force? -- Are you curious about how you can make an impact in the world while honoring your unique creative life force? Let’s explore this question together. Schedule a consultation call to learn more about my coaching practice at pauseimpact.org. I’d love to support you on this journey! | |||
01 Jun 2023 | 6. Why I love coaching! | 00:12:06 | |
In this episode I share what coaching is and why I truly love it. I explain the difference between coaching and therapy, and share the three components that make a coaching container feel magical. Interested in experiencing coaching? Book a free consult at www.pauseimpact.org | |||
24 Jan 2024 | 21. Energetics of Purpose | 00:11:44 | |
Have you found yourself asking: what is my purpose? In this episode I go into depth on my philosophy on the concept of purpose, and the three steps can help you tap into your own sense of purpose, using concepts from energy medicine. -- Are you looking to make an impact in the world and feel lighter doing it? Schedule a consultation through pauseimpact.org | |||
17 Jan 2024 | 20. Job vs. Impact | 00:09:48 | |
Do you ever wish that you were making a greater impact in the world through your job? In this episode, I give very unconventional advice as a social impact coach...challenging the concept of making an impact through your job. -- Are you looking to make an impact in the world and feel lighter doing it? Schedule a consultation through pauseimpact.org | |||
10 Apr 2023 | Guided Meditation: What makes me come alive? | 00:09:55 | |
This is a short guided meditation to help you connect with the deeper wisdom of your body. Please listen to in a quiet place without distractions. |