Transitions Take Energy — Even the Good Ones
January often arrives with intention, but transitions take more energy than we expect—even the good ones. This reflection explores why steadiness matters more than speed, and how a simple pause can restore clarity when momentum feels heavy.
Staying Awake in a Layered World.
As AI and rapid technological change reshape creativity, identity, and work, many people are experiencing a mix of curiosity, excitement, and unease. In this reflective essay, Mridula Patnaik explores the cultural conversation sparked by the rise of an AI-generated actor and what it reveals about how we respond to change. Rather than choosing sides, the piece invites readers to stay awake, intentional, and grounded as they navigate a layered world where innovation and human values coexist.
The Naked Nightmare
That “naked in public” nightmare isn’t about embarrassment — it’s about vulnerability. It reveals the quiet fear of being seen too deeply. When we understand the message underneath, we can shift from worry to strength.
How I Learned to Lead My Own Life.
I often think back to my mother’s voice telling me, “Don’t be an Aadu (a goat) that follows blindly. Be the leader of your own life.” I didn’t understand it then, but her words stayed with me, shaping me long before I understood their significance.
Clarity Doesn’t Come First — It Comes After the First Step.
Clarity doesn’t arrive fully formed — it emerges the moment we allow ourselves to take that first step. Sometimes, it’s not about having all the answers but giving your inner voice the space to speak again. One quiet shift can turn fog into focus.
Letting Go, One Memory at a Time
I grew up timid—frightened of my own shadow, careful with every step, scanning rooms for approval before I spoke. The loneliness was strong. I carried it into my teens like a worn-out sweater that was too comfortable to throw. By my late teens, I started gathering a little courage, but the old script continued: “if I can just find the right people, the right approval, the right belonging, I’ll be OK”.
Resilience in a World on Edge
Fear doesn’t disappear because we’re strong. It rides with us like a backpack — and resilience is learning to keep moving anyway. In this panel, we explored how to stay grounded when the world feels heavy.
In the Arms of a Sitka Spruce: Remembering We Are One.
In the arms of a 1,000-year-old Sitka Spruce in Alaska, I felt something beyond words—oneness with nature, with life, and with the divine. Just as a sacred moment in Jerusalem revealed the kindness that flows across all faiths, this ancient tree whispered the same truth: we are all connected.
5 Small Shifts That Build Resilience
Resilience isn’t built overnight — it grows from small, intentional shifts. From starting your day with clarity to celebrating micro-wins, here are five simple ways to strengthen your resilience every day
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Business Success
Emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role in professional growth by enhancing our ability to understand and manage emotions, both in ourselves and others. This skill can significantly improve team dynamics and help us navigate career challenges with greater ease.
Demons under the bed.
As a child, I was terrified of the monsters I imagined lived under my tall teakwood bed. One night, I decided to face the fear. I peeked under—and found nothing. That small act of courage became a turning point. Over time, I learned that fear isn’t always something to run from. Sometimes, it’s the invitation to grow.