Episodes

  • Syria After Assad: Crisis, Collapse, and the Call for Healing
    Oct 16 2025
    In this episode we examine Syria’s deepening humanitarian and political crisis 10 months after the fall of the Assad regime: fractured governance, mass displacement, collapsing healthcare and education systems, severe food insecurity, and threats to religious minorities. The country faces one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, yet virtually no one seems to be listening. We outline the immense and diverse scale of Syria's needs, the gaps in international response, and offer suggestions for where we may focus our intentions and prayers, including for inclusive governance, protection for minorities, aid and reconstruction, and healing between the country's communities. Prayers and intentions begin at 18 minutes 50 seconds. Suggested Intention Focus for this week This week, as the scale of challenges facing Syria following the dramatic fall of the Assad regime last December is almost overwhelming, we suggest holding as our main intention: We will that all international actors who are able will be moved to increase humanitarian aid, lift sanctions that hinder reconstruction, and coordinate investment for Syria's rapid and comprehensive recovery. Please join us in holding this. Chapter markers: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:28 Focus on Syria’s Humanitarian Crisis 00:09:29 The Impact on Education 00:10:59 Persecution of Religious Minorities 00:12:12 Economic Challenges and Reconstruction 00:14:10 International Community’s Response 00:18:50 Prayers and Intentions Sources referenced in this episode: https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/conflict-syria https://www.devex.com/news/a-window-for-us-engagement-with-syria-has-opened-but-not-for-long-111045 https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/7/ceasefire-declared-between-syrian-forces-kurdish-fighters-after-one-killed https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/monthly-forecast/2025-07/syria-81.php https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRuIY124oiI https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/06/1164481 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrian_civil_war https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/6/syria-declares-results-of-1st-parliamentary-poll-amid-inclusivity-concerns https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/syria-country-policy-and-information-notes/country-policy-and-information-note-security-situation-syria-july-2025-accessible https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3vz44zzp5zo https://crisisaction.org/our-work/syria-2025-present/ https://www.aljazeera.com/tag/bashar-al-assad/ https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/monthly-forecast/2025-10/syria-84.php https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cg41ylwvwzet https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Syria_clashes_(July_2025%E2%80%93present) https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/assad https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czrpx1vvr45o https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/syrian-arab-republic-humanitarian-response-priorities-january-december-2025 https://www.unrefugees.org/news/syria-refugee-crisis-explained/ https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2025/07/07/-new-world-bank-report-highlights-syria-s-economic-challenges-and-recovery-prospects-for-2025 https://www.nrc.no/globalassets/pdf/fact-sheets/2025/factsheet_syria_apr2025.pdf https://www.worldvision.org/refugees-news-stories/syrian-refugee-crisis-facts https://www.developmentaid.org/news-stream/post/197622/world-bank-syrias-economy-set-for-modest-growth-amid-obstacles-in-2025 https://www.acaps.org/en/countries/syria https://www.rescue.org/country/syria https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2025/10/world-bank-security-challenges-hamper-syrias-economic-growth/ https://humanitarianaction.info/plan/1217/article/syria-3rp-2025 https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/syria https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/syria-country-policy-and-information-notes/country-and-policy-information-note-humanitarian-situation-syria-july-2025-accessible https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6874e035b1b4ebc2c2e46543/SYR+CPIN+Humanitarian+situation.pdf https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/c34j1pzymn2t https://timep.org/2025/07/01/economy-at-a-crossroads-the-social-protection-challenge-in-syria/ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/syria-country-policy-and-information-notes https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasource/is-a-new-era-of-turkey-syria-economic-engagement-on-the-horizon/ https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/monthly-forecast/2025-08/syria-82.php https://reliefweb.int/country/syr https://www.maryknollmagazine.org/2025/07/religious-minorities-in-syria-are-killed-persecuted/ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/syria-country-of-concern/syria-country-of-concern https://www.npaid.org/news/a-quiet-revolution-for-democracy-taking-shape-in-syria https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/syria-country-policy-and-information-notes/...
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    23 mins
  • I Don't Like Mondays: America’s Mass Shooting Crisis
    Oct 10 2025
    Today we turn our attention to the alarming persistence of mass shootings in the United States, which now occur at a level never seen before. We reflect upon recent incidents, causes, and the broad impacts on victims, families, and communities. We question why the USA stands out among all nations as seeing so many tragedies, and why civilian gun ownership in the States constitutes almost half the world total. As always, we suggest guided intentions, prayers, and practical focus areas for collective healing and advocacy. Intentions and prayers start at 25 minutes. Suggested Intention Focus for this week This week, as we take stock of the shocking prevalence of mass shooting events in the US, we suggest holding as our main intention: We will that educators, community leaders and legislators across all US states will have wisdom to guide policy, advocacy and teaching that will support nonviolence and significantly reduce or eliminate gun violence, while respecting and winning the support of those who continue to strongly advocate for their Second Amendment right to defend themselves. Please join us in holding this. Chapter markers: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:36 The Reality of Mass Shootings 00:06:55 Why Are Mass Shootings Prevalent in the USA? 00:12:11 The Role of Gun Ownership 00:17:01 Factors Behind Mass Shootings 00:19:25 Impact on Victims and Families 00:22:16 Community Responses and Healing 00:24:28 Intentions and Prayers Note: This episode’s title refers to the 1979 Boomtown Rats song ‘I don’t like Mondays,’ about the Cleveland Elementary School shooting in San Diego of the same year. Sources referenced in this episode: https://andovernewton.yale.edu/resources/worship-resources-response-recent-mass-shootings https://apnews.com/article/michigan-church-shooting-gunman-mormons-e607d854e8f198aaaefbf604c6c6f422 https://cofchrist.org/usa-church-news/statement-on-recent-gun-violence/ https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/us-gun-policy-global-comparisons#:~:text=The%20United%20States%2C%20with%20less%20than%205,by%20the%20Switzerland%2Dbased%20Small%20Arms%20Survey%20(2018) (cites the 2018 Small Arms Survey) https://edition.cnn.com/us/mass-shootings-2025-vs-past-years-dg https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mass_shootings_in_the_United_States_in_2025 https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-issues-eight-executive-orders-in-response-to-el-paso-and-odessa-shootings https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/gun-control+nra#:~:text=Safety%20groups%20warn%20that%20former,June%202022 https://katv.com/news/nation-world/happening-today-funeral-for-3-fallen-pa-police-officers-northern-york-county-regional-police-detective-cody-becker-mark-baker-isaiah-emenheiser-north-codorus-township-service-procession-burial https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2015/12/4/9850572/gun-control-us-japan-switzerland-uk-canada https://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/common-witness/ncc-resolution-on-rampant-gun-violence-and-mass-shootings/ https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/public-mass-shootings-database-amasses-details-half-century-us-mass-shootings https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10435045/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8202016/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-35261394 https://rockinst.org/blog/public-mass-shootings-around-the-world-prevalence-context-and-prevention/ https://rockinst.org/gun-violence/mass-shooting-factsheet/ https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=honorscollege_ehc https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-mass-shootings-texas-ohio/ https://whyy.org/articles/governors-diverge-gun-control-school-security-efforts/ https://www.alfred.edu/about/news/studies/lethal-school-violence/why-do-shootings.cfm https://www.americanprogress.org/article/religious-organizations-are-integral-to-the-fight-against-gun-violence/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-41488081 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-57743694 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-64377360 https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/us-gun-policy-global-comparisons https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/26/world/us-gun-culture-world-comparison-intl-cmd https://www.forthepeople.com/blog/who-blame-mass-shootings/ https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statement-governor-kathy-hochul-97 https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/incident/3317532 https://www.healthdata.org...
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    29 mins
  • Global Healing Response: Integrity
    Oct 2 2025
    This week, we explore the theme of integrity, this year's final quarter focus for Global Healing Response. We consider what integrity really means, sharing personal reflections, and examining its role in leadership, politics, business, and in facing vital global challenges. As always, we offer suggestions for our prayers and intention-holding, and conclude with a beautiful guided meditation to inspire integrity both for ourselves and for those who lead and have influence in our communities, workplaces and governments. Prayers and intentions start at 18 minutes 50 seconds. The meditation on integrity starts at 23 minutes 45 seconds. Suggested Intention Focus for this week This week, as we consider the profound implications of maintaining integrity as the focus for this quarter’s Global Healing Response attention, we suggest holding as our main intention: We will that inspiring and trusted influencers will rise up to highlight the importance of integrity in everything we do, moving the hearts and minds of those who have influence in our companies, politics and public institutions to challenge themselves to live and lead according to high personal and corporate values. Please join us in holding this. Mentioned in this episode: Global Healing Response 2025/Q5 theme, Integrity. Find resources and inspiration at https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Chapter markers: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:35 The Meaning of Integrity 00:03:34 Understanding Integrity 00:06:17 Integrity in Our Lives 00:09:59 Integrity in Leadership 00:15:24 Global Integrity Challenges 00:18:01 Empathy and Integrity 00:18:50 Intentions and Prayers 00:23:00 Guided Meditation on Integrity Sources referenced in this episode: https://accountable2you.com/blog/meaning-of-integrity/ https://brandyoumagazine.co.uk/why-integrity-in-business-matters-now-more-than-ever-by-alison-goodwin/#:~:text=Today%2C%20businesses%20operate%20in%20a,it's%20earned%20through%20your%20actions. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/integrity https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrity https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary/integrity https://getmarlee.com/blog/personal-integrity https://helpfulprofessor.com/integrity-examples/ https://mostlovedworkplace.com/11-examples-of-integrity-in-the-workplace/ https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/30881744/4e9da904-30a4-4661-848d-2f4604503eb7/image.jpg https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-ethical-leadership-and-why-is-it-important/#Examples-of-Positive-and-Negative-Ethical-Leadership https://status.net/articles/examples-of-integrity-at-work-building-trust/ https://teachlikeachampion.org/wp-content/uploads/A.-Defining-Honesty-and-Integrity_SAMPLE.pdf https://thisevergreenhome.com/a-day-in-the-life-of-someone-with-integrity-9-examples-to-follow/ https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/integrity https://upscwithnikhil.com/article/ethics/integrity-and-its-difference-with-honesty https://www.awork.com/glossary/integrity#:~:text=In%20politics%2C%20integrity%20is%20of,living%20together%20with%20other%20people. https://www.betterup.com/blog/integrity-in-the-workplace https://www.dictionary.com/browse/integrity https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/decline-integrity-society-mo-sarraf/ https://www.medicolegalmagazine.co.uk/all-medico-legal-magazine-articles/honesty-integrity-the-difference-between-the-two-and-why-it-matters-to-the-regulators https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/integrity https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/anti-corruption-and-integrity.html#:~:text=The%20global%20fight%20against%20corruption,intelligence%20and%20the%20green%20transition https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1751749/integrity-the-new-currency-for-businesses#:~:text=Since%20the%20Covid%20pandemic%20started,a%20record%20of%20unethical%20behaviour. https://www.southampton.ac.uk/news/2025/02/democracy-in-crisis-trust-in-democratic-institutions-declining-around-the-world.page#:~:text=%22The%20decline%20of%20public%20trust,points%20in%20the%20same%20period. https://www.transparency.org/en/news/building-political-integrity-to-stamp-out-corruption-three-steps-to-cleaner-politics#:~:text=Political%20systems%20that%20enhance%20the,political%20impunity https://www.tryhighrise.com/blog-posts/why-is-integrity-important-in-leadership#:~:text=1.,You%20will%20encourage%20sound%20ethics. https://www.ukpolicelawblog.com/honesty-and-integrity-the-same-thing/ https://www.wewaonthenet.com/honesty-vs-integrity-the-truth/ https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/examples-integrity-everyday-life Join us in person for intention holding: https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer. Our websites: www.heartfulimpact.com/ Our show ...
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    28 mins
  • Holding Light for Gaza and Israel: Intentions for Hostages and Civilians
    Sep 25 2025
    Today we review the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing hostage situation as the second anniversary of their abduction from Israel approaches. We take stock of recent military actions, civilian suffering, and the stalled peace efforts, before asking what we may actually pray and have focused intentions for in what appears to be a dire situation in which both sides in the conflict are determined to continue fighting. Intentions and prayers start at 8 minutes 40 seconds. Suggested Intention Focus for this week This week, as attacks intensify, famine and massive casualties escalate, and peace prospects appear to be fading ahead of the second anniversary of hostages being abducted into Gaza and the bitter war that followed, we suggest holding as our main intention: We will that countless miracles will happen to enable the survival and wellbeing of both the hostages captured by Hamas who remain in captivity and all in Gaza who now fear for their lives. Please join us in holding this. Chapter markers: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:21 Current Situation Overview 00:08:40 Intentions and Prayers Sources referenced in this episode: https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165856 https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165881 https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165881 https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/humanitarian-situation-update-321-gaza-strip https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/our-only-choice-whether-we-die-here-or-there-nowhere-safe-israel-forces-civilians-leave-gaza-city https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/16/first-head-of-united-nations-body-declares-israels-gaza-war-a-genocide https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/9/9/live-israel-pounds-gaza-city-as-netanyahu-tells-residents-to-leave-now https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gv881exj2o https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-threatened-hell-hamas-free-hostages-happened/story?id=118932854 https://www.bakerinstitute.org/research/what-comes-after-israel-hamas-war https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/18/us-vetoes-un-security-council-demand-for-gaza-ceasefire-for-sixth-time https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/9/18/live-israeli-army-applying-extreme-pressure-as-gaza-toll-passes-65000 https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/9/19/live-gaza-war-escalates-as-israel-defies-global-condemnation https://www.972mag.com/israel-bombing-endangered-hostages-gaza/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y8l46m5evo https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-67053011 https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8641wv0n4go https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/israel-palestinian-territories/news/2025/article/united-nations-high-level-international-conference-new-york-declaration-on-the https://www.npr.org/2025/01/19/nx-s1-5260204/israel-ceasefire-gaza-hostages-release https://www.ochaopt.org/content/reported-impact-snapshot-gaza-strip-17-september-2025 https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/09/gaza-un-experts-urge-general-assembly-respond-famine-and-genocide https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session60/advance-version/a-hrc-60-crp-3.pdf https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/israeli-troops-press-forward-into-gaza-city-as-palestinians-flee-and-death-toll-passes-65000 https://www.redcross.org.uk/stories/disasters-and-emergencies/world/whats-happening-in-gaza-humanitarian-crisis-grows https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/whatsinblue/2025/09/the-middle-east-including-the-palestinian-question-vote-on-a-draft-resolution-7.php https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/0/hostages-gaza-who-has-been-released/ https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/investigations/2025/09/15/exclusive-israel-has-killed-nearly-3000-gaza-aid-seekers https://www.timesofisrael.com/hostages-families-vow-no-peace-for-pm-until-war-stops-as-new-gaza-ground-op-begins/ https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-next-24-these-are-the-remaining-hostages-presumed-alive-in-gaza/ https://www.un.org/unispal/document/israel-has-committed-genocide-in-the-gaza-strip-un-commission-finds-16sep25/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/hamas-hostages-israel-war-gaza/ https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/hamas-hostages-israel-gaza-41432124 Join us in person for intention holding: https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer. Our websites: www.heartfulimpact.com/ Our show website. https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events. https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending...
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    13 mins
  • National Guard in Chicago? A City on Edge
    Sep 18 2025
    This week we examine US President Donald Trump's continuing threat to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, explaining the legal, political, and community contexts, and how the prospect is being faced up to by state, city and civil groups concerned for their liberties. While presenting the facts as we understand them, we also take an editorial perspective, focussing on local fears about the threat and against the backdrop of an uneasy rhetoric among some political figures and social media influencers in the wake of the shooting of Charlie Kirk. As always, we invite listeners to join us in holding intentions and offering prayers for wisdom, protection, and unity as the situation unfolds. Intentions and prayers start at 23 minutes 10 seconds. Suggested Intention Focus for this week This week, as Chicago braces itself for a possible uncertain period of civil unease, we suggest holding as our main intention: We will that wise heads will prevail in the White House among those who have the ear to advise the President on the real incidence of crime in Chicago, and the wisdom or otherwise of deploying the National Guard into the city. Please join us in holding this. Chapter markers: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:55 The Threat in Chicago 00:02:52 Political Reactions and Concerns 00:11:07 National Guard Deployment Circumstances 00:17:57 Chicagoans’ Fears and Responses 00:21:19 Criticism of the Presidential Threat 00:22:45 Intentions and Prayers Sources referenced in this episode: https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-national-guard-news-how-could-president-donald-trump-use-illinois/17656837/ https://edition.cnn.com/2025/09/04/us/chicago-national-guard-deployment-preparations https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posse_Comitatus_Act https://news.wttw.com/2025/09/08/potential-ice-raids-national-guard-intervention-poses-challenges-chicago-police-ground https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/after-two-day-manhunt-suspect-charged-shooting-two-minnesota-lawmakers-and-their-spouses https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/charlie-kirk-shot-video-civil-war-b2824764.html https://organizingmythoughts.org/what-do-we-say-when-the-soldiers-come/ https://theconversation.com/trumps-deployment-of-the-national-guard-to-fight-crime-blurs-the-legal-distinction-between-the-police-and-the-military-264548 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gj489q6e0o https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ylyd9lkkqo https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/presidents-power-call-out-national-guard-not-blank-check https://www.brookings.edu/articles/whats-the-presidents-legal-basis-for-sending-national-guard-troops-to-dc-streets/ https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/trump-cities-national-guard-constitution-1.7629219 https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/chicago-national-guard-deployment-in-question-ice-immigration-crackdown/ https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/2025/09/11/its-not-a-deployment-its-an-invasion-chicago-reacts-as-trump-mulls-sending-in-national-guard/ https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-09-09/trump-is-seizing-on-crime-and-immigration-to-send-troops-to-american-cities https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/09/09/chicago-braces-potential-national-guard-deployment-amid-trump-threats.html https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/09/09/chicago-braces-potential-national-guard-deployment-amid-trump-threats.html https://www.npr.org/2025/09/07/nx-s1-5533191/trump-chicago-threat-baltimore-new-orleans https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/09/04/trump-national-guard-chicago-democracy-00541248 https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-administration-says-it-launches-ice-crackdown-illinois-2025-09-08/ https://www.theusconstitution.org/litigation/newsom-v-trump/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/08/restoring-law-and-order-in-the-district-of-columbia/ Join us in person for intention holding: https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer. Our websites: www.heartfulimpact.com/ Our show website. https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events. https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism. https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group. https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding. Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions. Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms. Our theme music is by Chris Collins. ...
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    27 mins
  • When Mountains Fall: Afghanistan & Darfur's Twin Disasters
    Sep 11 2025
    This week we take stock of the devastating August 31st landslides and earthquakes in eastern Afghanistan and Darfur, both of which are believed to have left thousands dead, displaced and cut off from aid. In two of the world's most troubled regions blighted by oppression, civil war and famine, we reflect upon the added scale of loss, frustrated by blocked access and often limited presence of international aid. As always, we look at where our prayers and intentions might be most needed now. Intentions and prayers start at 13 minutes 24 seconds. Suggested Intention Focus for this week This week, as we remember the unfolding humanitarian disasters in two of the world’s most troubled regions, we suggest holding as our main intention: We will that survivors of the August 31st natural disasters in Afghanistan and Darfur who have lost loved ones, their homes, livestock, and possessions, will be supported through their grief, and given assistance to find shelter and essential provisions for their survival and wellbeing. Please join us in holding this. Mentioned in or relevant to this episode: Global Healing Response: Earthquakes https://globalhealingresponse.com/response-2023-february-earthquake-syria-turkey/ You can pledge support for Afghanistan at: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: https://www.ifrc.org/emergency/afghanistan-earthquake-2025Christian Aid Afghanistan Earthquake Appeal: https://www.ifrc.org/emergency/afghanistan-earthquake-2025 https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/emergencies/afghanistan-earthquake-appealUNICEF: https://www.unicef.org.uk/donate/donate-and-help-protect-children-in-afghanistan/Save the Children: https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/donate/single/donation-single-00139Islamic Relief: https://islamic-relief.org/appeals/afghanistan-earthquake-appeal/ You can pledge support for Darfur at: UNICEF https://www.unicef.org.uk/donate/sudan-appeal/The British Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: https://www.redcross.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/international/sudanSave the Children and the International Rescue Committee: https://www.rescue.org/article/crisis-sudan-what-happening-and-how-helpWorld Vision: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/951922279Project HOPE: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/530242962ShelterBox: https://shelterbox.org/where-we-work/sudan/sudan-response/ Chapter markers: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:59 Reflecting on 9/11 and Global Healing 00:03:21 What we know about the Recent Disasters: Afghanistan and Darfur 00:07:02 Assistance Needed for Victims 00:10:15 Challenges in Delivering Aid 00:13:24 Intentions and Prayers Sources referenced in this episode: https://abc7.com/post/afghanistan-news-death-toll-afghan-earthquake-jumps-2200-aid-agencies-plead-funds/17743494/ https://amu.tv/106901/ https://apnews.com/article/darfur-bodies-landslide-victims-rain-ab72217ad461f268e01b4b4488378f13 https://cafod.org.uk/news/emergencies-news/afghanistan-crisis https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/news-stories/news/sudan-crisis-eu-provides-vital-aid-people-displaced-chad-and-darfur-2025-07-08_en https://disasterphilanthropy.org/blog/earthquakes-in-afghanistan-and-a-landslide-in-sudan/ https://en.majalla.com/node/327206/politics/afghan-quake-victims-sympathy-came-faster-help https://english.news.cn/asiapacific/20250428/0ed9b653ddf940acbc4662409b9b83e0/c.html https://humanappeal.org.uk/news/2025/09/human-appeal-launches-afghanistan-emergency-response-to-aid-17-500-earthquake-survivors https://humanitarianaction.info/plan/1220/document/sudan-humanitarian-needs-and-response-plan-2025/article/12-analysis-shocks-risks-and-humanitarian-needs https://liberties.aljazeera.com/en/landslide-in-sudans-marra-mountains-claims-over-1000-lives/ https://msf-crash.org/en/war-and-humanitarianism/humanitarian-dilemmas-darfur https://msf.org.uk/article/sudan-msf-report-reveals-stark-lack-assistance-south-darfur https://natcen.ac.uk/publications/humanitarian-diplomacy-sudan-crisis-insights-outside-formal-humanitarian-architecture https://news.sky.com/story/afghanistan-earthquake-latest-more-than-800-killed-un-official-warns-of-perfect-storm-after-villages-destroyed-13422844 https://news.sky.com/story/taliban-reports-sharp-rise-in-death-toll-following-earthquake-in-eastern-afghanistan-as-aid-agencies-issue-warning-13424914 https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/07/1165340 https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165757 https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165758 https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165766 https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165777 https://press.un.org/en/2025/db250904.doc.htm https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/afghanistan-earthquake-who-situation-report-no-4-4-september-2025 https://reliefweb.int/report/sudan/sudan-crisis-regional-response-situation-update-june-2025 https://shelterbox.org/blog/...
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    19 mins
  • Multiverses, Parallel Universes & Intention: Can What We Will For Span Other Worlds?
    Sep 4 2025
    This episode goes beyond the sci-fi, to look into scientific ideas about parallel universes and the multiverse — from the quantum many-worlds to cosmic inflation and string theory, and more. We explore how those concepts intersect with entanglement, non-locality, and the practice of collective intention. Intriguingly, we ponder the implications for sending intentions, not just within the universe we know, but into realms that we don't. Along the way, we reflect on how physics theories and sending intention may connect, not to mention the implications for each of us on our spiritual journeys. Sounding all too much like fantasy and mystery? Listen in–you may discover some fascinating ideas to ponder! Suggested Intention Focus for this week This week, as we’ve focused on a theoretical topic, we’re not offering a number of suggested topics for our intentions and prayers. Instead, we suggest holding as our main intention: We will that both ourselves and physicists will continue to be open minded to theories that are strange and currently unprovable, inspiring curiosity and exploration not just for what can be proved, but for the possible and the mysterious. Please join us in holding this. Mentioned in this episode: ‘The Allure of the Multiverse: Extra Dimensions, Other Worlds, and Parallel Universes,’ Paul Halpern, Basic books 2024. Amazon.com link: https://www.amazon.com/Allure-Multiverse-Dimensions-Parallel-Universes/dp/154160217X/ref=sr_1_1 Chapter markers: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:08 Exploring Parallel Universes 00:02:22 Quantum Physics and Multiverses 00:03:44 Sci-Fi Meets Science 00:05:53 Theories of Existence 00:09:53 Cosmic Inflation Explained 00:11:15 The Nature of Multiverses 00:15:23 Classifying Multiverse Levels 00:17:34 Evidence and Speculation 00:19:35 The Philosophical Perspective 00:22:44 Non-Locality and Intention 00:26:58 Holding Intention Sources referenced in this episode: ‘We Might Live in a Multiverse,’ Sarah Scoles in Scientific American Special Edition, Spring/Summer 2025: Into the Quantum Realm, pp 86-87. http://backreaction.blogspot.com/2019/06/the-multiverse-hypothesis-are-there.html http://backreaction.blogspot.com/2019/09/the-trouble-with-many-worlds.html http://www.ou.edu/news/articles/2025/may/the-hidden-physics-behind-dark-matter-and-the-multiverse.html https://80000hours.org/podcast/episodes/david-wallace-many-worlds-theory-of-quantum-mechanics/ https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/347/3/921/1021585 https://arxiv.org/abs/1111.4128 https://arxiv.org/html/2405.06924v1 https://arxiv.org/pdf/1207.5396.pdf https://blog.apaonline.org/2025/03/13/the-multiverse-may-not-remove-the-need-for-a-personal-creator/ https://blog.sciencemuseum.org.uk/the-science-of-the-multiverse/ https://editverse.com/multiverse-meta-analysis-2025-parallel-reality-research-synthesis-methods/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Many-worlds_interpretation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiverse https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_universes_in_fiction https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_universes_in_fiction https://evolutionnews.org/2025/04/is-the-multiverse-real/ https://johnhorgan.org/cross-check/multiverses-are-pseudoscientific-bullshit https://momadvice.com/post/books-about-parallel-universes https://momadvice.com/post/books-about-parallel-universes https://philarchive.org/archive/CARBFN https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/qm-manyworlds/ https://selfawarepatterns.com/2020/09/20/david-deutschs-version-of-many-worlds/ https://theoxfordblue.co.uk/quantum-entanglement-speak-the-universe-listens/ https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/12/16/googles-quantum-chip-sparks-debate-on-multiverse-theory/ https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/the-many-worlds-theory/ https://van.physics.illinois.edu/ask/listing/42806 https://www.astronomy.com/science/is-the-multiverse-theory-science-fiction-or-science-fact/ https://www.bristol.ac.uk/physics/news/2025/how-a-quantum-innovation-may-quash-the-idea-of-the-multiverse.html https://www.forbes.com/sites/chadorzel/2016/05/09/how-quantum-entanglement-can-help-you-understand-many-worlds/ https://www.monstercomplex.com/blog/multiverse-stories-fun-examples-of-fiction-with-parallel-universes https://www.multiverse.io/en-GB/blog/announcing-our-2025-impact-report https://www.myscience.org/news/2025/new_theory_to_understand_the_origins_of_the_universe-2025-ub https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/what-is-the-multiverse https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26234971-300-we-are-closer-than-ever-to-finally-proving-the-multiverse-exists/ https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26435252-200-how-a-quantum-innovation-may-quash-the-idea-of-the-multiverse/ https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/new-theory-challenges-how-our-universe-was-born https://www.reddit.com/r/AskPhysics/comments/16id3db/...
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    29 mins
  • Spain on Edge: Inside a Nation Deeply Polarized
    Aug 28 2025
    This week we take a deep dive into Spain's growing political and social polarization, exploring reasons for widespread discomfort since the 2023 general election, corruption scandals, the rise of Vox, regional independence movements, and the historical roots that are fuelling distrust and division. As always, we offer intentions and prayers to hold — calling for tolerance, truthfulness from political actors, fair and transparent institutions, compassionate social discourse, and responsible media, among other suggested areas for attention. Prayers and intentions start at 17 minutes 35 seconds. Suggested Intention Focus for this week This week, as political and social polarisation in Spain intensifies to a point rarely seen since the time of the country’s Civil War of the 1930’s, we suggest holding as our main intention: We will that the hearts and minds of all Spaniards will be moved to ease the bitter, emotionally charged differences that are fuelling angry dialogue, protest and the risk of civil disobedience in Spain. Please join us in holding this. Mentioned in this episode: Our episode on polarisation in society, ‘Unmasking the Global Authenticity Crisis,’ can be heard at https://www.heartfulimpact.com/e/unmasking-the-global-authenticity-crisis/. Chapter markers: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:40 The Polarization of Spain 00:05:26 Historical Context 00:12:26 Regional Identities and Their Impact 00:17:35 Intentions for Healing Sources referenced in this episode: https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2020/07/30/who-are-vox-and-who-are-their-voters/ https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2023/08/14/why-spains-democratic-transition-continues-to-shape-its-politics/ https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/national-disaster-management-system/spain_en https://ecipe.org/blog/spain-split-and-talk-quantifying-regional-independence/ https://egrove.olemiss.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3610&context=hon_thesis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalan_independence_movement https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_and_regional_identity_in_Spain https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vox_(political_party) https://encompass-europe.com/comment/political-trust-in-the-european-social-survey https://feps-europe.eu/left-contemporary-spain/ https://freedomhouse.org/country/spain/freedom-world/2024 https://freedomhouse.org/country/spain/freedom-world/2025 https://latinoamerica21.com/en/spain-a-fragile-minority-government-increases-polarization/ https://politicalquarterly.org.uk/blog/why-spanish-politics-is-becoming-more-polarised/ https://rals.scu.ac.ir/article_15184_1c67c371b608da01bfc03442e4cbed23.pdf https://research.library.fordham.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1072&context=international_senior https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2025/spain https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1008&context=intl-std-theses https://theconversation.com/how-spains-voters-and-political-systems-have-kept-the-far-right-out-of-power-for-now-249743 https://theconversation.com/passion-and-pain-why-secessionist-movements-rarely-succeed-85097 https://theloop.ecpr.eu/spains-electoral-maze-winners-trends-and-the-road-ahead/ https://warontherocks.com/2017/10/what-political-science-tells-us-about-the-risk-of-civil-war-in-spain/ https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/trust-in-government-by-country https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/8/tens-of-thousands-take-part-in-anti-government-protest-in-madrid https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/books/demographic-shifts-in-spain-call-for-reinvigorated-reforms/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-46422036 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-47937031 https://www.centracs.es/revista/article/download/117/159 https://www.centracs.es/revista/article/download/117/159 https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP84S00555R000200020003-7.pdf https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/07/26/pedro-sanchez-is-fighting-for-his-political-life https://www.edelman.com/trust/2025/trust-barometer https://www.eppgroup.eu/what-we-do/with-eu-countries/spain/catalan-independence-is-a-threat https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/IDAN/2025/767186/EPRS_IDA(2025)767186_EN.pdf https://www.gisreportsonline.com/r/divided-spain/ https://www.gwi-boell.de/en/2020/06/26/rise-vox https://www.historyworkshop.org.uk/activism-solidarity/navigating-the-catalan-crisis-independence-in-context/ https://www.kew.org.pl/en/2024/11/02/post-election-spain-persistent-polarization-and-political-turmoil/ https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/lang/en/presidente/news/Paginas/2025/20250728-political-year-assessment.aspx https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/government-at-a-glance-2025-country-notes_da3361e1-en/spain_57f4ebd0-en.html https://www.realinstitutoelcano.org/en/commentaries/...
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    22 mins