An attitude of motivation

 

For some of us, motivation comes in tangible forms: gifts, money, words of encouragement. For others, it is something far more subtle: an attitude, a way of standing in life. I recently heard a beautiful story.

A young man chose to go against his family’s expectations. Instead of taking a traditional job, he set out on a journey of exploration. Eventually he became homeless, not because he was idle, but because he was writing. His greatest opposition came from his own father. Yet one day, after receiving the most prestigious award in his country for his work, he brought the prize to that silent man who had never understood him. Without saying a word, the father accepted it. In that quiet gesture, the son felt the warmth of recognition, perhaps the deepest motivation he had ever received. One of his next books, he said, would be about that man who never encouraged him… and yet motivated him in his own way.

When we talk about motivation as an attitude, we are not asking how others inspire us, but how we sustain a motivated stage even in the face of resistance.

This attitude rests on three understandings:

1. We are following our purpose, our truth. No matter what unfolds externally, this is the path we feel called to walk.

2. We may be working on something beyond others’ perception. It is natural that others cannot fully understand our choices and therefore we cannot rely on their motivation or get bothered by their opposition.

3. We don’t expect immediate results. A motivational attitude is built for a marathon, not a 100-meter sprint. The fuel comes from inner energy, positivity and resilience rather than external conditions.

And yet, there are three risks we must remain aware of:

1. We may misread our purpose. Especially when we encounter opposition, it helps to check in with someone we trust; there is always the chance of being wrong.

2. Others’ lack of understanding may come from our own communication gaps. A friend, a mentor or a coach can help us clarify our message and reduce unnecessary resistance.

3. Long-term results require patience. Fatigue can creep in. One way to navigate this is to transform the tiredness into a plan by breaking the journey into short, sequential aims that keep the process alive and dynamic.

A motivational attitude does not guarantee perfection, but it does carry us toward a certain kind of success, the one built from within.

 

This is a post in a series about motivation - starting from within.

 

The practicality of life

 

Our minds easily focus on practical things - money, health, problems that demand attention. Particularly in difficult moments, this practicality has its benefits.

Many years ago, I met someone who shared his story with me. His father had abandoned him and his two brothers, leaving them in deep poverty with their mother. She worked as a maid, quietly and tirelessly, never complaining. Through sheer determination, she raised her three sons, all of whom eventually went to college. Later, she managed to buy her own home, without anyone’s support. When she retired, the family she had once served even begged her to stay on to care for their children.

When tragedy hits, a clear and practical vision can work wonders. It gives strength, direction and a reason to keep moving forward - often changing the odds in one’s favor. Pragmatism is a powerful motivator.

But there is another side to practicality: the risk of being pulled into a materialistic whirlwind without realizing it.

A deeply spiritual person, a close friend of mine used to say money wasn’t that important - he was even a role model for me. But later, he found a dream job: few hours, excellent pay, endless possibilities. I had already moved to another country, so we weren’t in close contact, but I heard about how things changed. Slowly, subtly, spirituality lost priority. Eventually, he recognized what was happening and it took him a real effort to pull himself out of that quicksand.

Money is not bad. It is good and it is absolutely necessary. Working few hours for a good income is even a sign of good karma. The problem begins when we lose sight of the principles and priorities that form the real wealth of the soul, in this case, spirituality.

Be practical - let it guide you.

Be mindful - so you don’t lose your balance.

And above all, stay anchored in what elevates you… because that is where true motivation lies.

This is a post in a series about motivation - starting from within.

Spirituality as a Motivator

 

I was… lost. OK, as a teenager, I guess that’s part of the profile - but I was in a worse situation than many of my friends.

What helped me find my own path? Spirituality.

That’s why I feel that being spiritual is not a passive thing. It’s motivational and dynamic; it’s transformational.

For me, spirituality gives me a reason to get up every day and a sense of comfort when I go to sleep at night. It reminds me that everything I create has a purpose - it might nourish someone, bring hope, or spark energy in others, without boundaries or restrictions.

Whenever I work, it’s not just for me or for the money; it’s for the universe. It’s about offering a little hope or a meaningful experience, even if only for a moment. Whenever I connect with someone, it’s an opportunity to send good wishes - and to receive the best they have to offer in return.

Spirituality motivates me because it lifts me out of the chaos and noise, bringing me into that wonderful calm within, from which I can move forward.

But is it always motivational? Not always.

Sometimes, you and I need to pause and reflect - to stop reality for a while. Spirituality offers many tools to do exactly that, and in those moments, it may not feel motivational. It’s more like an interval in a game: necessary and revitalizing. Yet, just like in a game, the coach becomes the motivator. During these spiritual pauses, there’s often a temptation not to return to the noise. That’s when an external agent - a wife, a brother, a boss, or a friend - might step in to remind us to go back to the field of action.

Try it out. If you ever feel hopeless or unmotivated, go within. Meditate, reflect, contemplate, pray. Let yourself experience that shower of energy - and then go back to action. You’ll feel the difference.

 

This is a post in a series about motivation - starting from within.

Your Purpose Drives You…

 

Once upon a time, there was a young man. He used to go to the river and collect berries to sell in the market. In fact, he didn’t just collect the berries - he also made sure the water was clean. He watered the plants (his city was in a dry area) and kept everything in good condition. Then he would go and sell those products - that was how he earned his living.

 

Just like this young man in our tale, we all produce something that others “buy.” It could be berries, vegetables, sandwiches, projects, profits for companies, or even a beautiful family.
Production is one of the main functions we all have - in fact, everything in life produces something.
But there is also something more…

 

Unknown to this young man, the water he spread around helped a family of animals in the area. They, in turn, helped pollinate the plants, making the land even more beautiful and productive.

 

Besides production, we have another duty on this earth - some call it a mission, others our dharma, or simply our purpose.
Purpose is our real function - it’s the reason others will miss us when we are gone; it’s the reason our Mother Earth smiles when she thinks of us.

Others may sell berries or vegetables, but not the way we do - not with that big smile.

Many people can prepare better sandwiches, but not with our awareness, that special flavor of sustainability.
Countless professionals can deliver greater profits, but not with our long-term perspective.
And our families - they thrive because of all the water of love we’ve poured into them.
A particular kind of love, unique to each of us.

But there is one problem - it’s invisible.

 

When this young man was no longer young, he passed the task on to his son, who was not as diligent. The boy liked to play more than work, so he simply gathered the needed berries and rushed back to sell them in the market. Unknown to them, a small tragedy began to unfold. After a year or two, there were fewer berries, the land grew arid like the city, and their livelihood was in danger.

 

Purpose often becomes visible only when things start going wrong - and by then, it may be too late to reflect.
If people were more aware of their higher purpose, they would be more careful with every action.
They would treasure their smiles while selling, stay conscious in their work instead of chasing blind productivity, value their long-term vision, and never stop watering others with love.

Yet it happens - we forget our purpose.
Sometimes because we never truly knew it.
And in those moments, we must trace our steps back to the beginning.
Or…

 

The boy, being clever, soon realized what was wrong. He remembered how his father had taught him - not through words, but by taking him to watch. Then, something happened: a spark. An energy he had never felt before.
The river was nearly dry, but water still flowed. With a bucket in hand, he began watering the plants again - every single day. Two years later, the river was flowing fully, and the land was greener than ever.

 

When we are connected to our purpose, our actions align with it. Even small acts - a smile, a project, a family gesture - gain new meaning.
The beauty of this kind of motivation is that it never expires.

Stay in touch with your purpose and you will feel its energy moving through you - quiet, steady, and always there.

 

One day, the boy became a man. And one day, he brought his own sons to the river. Beside it stood a prosperous shop, full of life. When he taught his children, he was careful to show them the whole picture - not only how to fetch berries, but how to keep the river flowing.

 

Your purpose makes your life flow.

Can values motivate?

 

Many years ago, I started exploring the topic of values. It was… interesting… but honestly, I didn’t see much value in values.

One day, I gave a lecture on values – actually, several lectures – so I had to explore, research and learn that values are much more than a nice thing: a value is one of the most vital aspects in life, part of our inner compass.

Values play two key roles in our lives, and both are deeply motivational.

The first role is to connect us with ourselves. Some would say that values are spirituality translated into the physical world. Motivation, in this case, arises when we live and work in alignment with them and it is important to avoid activities that somehow suppress them.

For instance, a doctor needs patience to deal with patients. When patience is one of their values, their motivation flows naturally. But if their focus is only on the technical or scientific side, they may feel drained or demotivated in their interactions.

The second role of a value is to encourage action. Many of the things we do - reading this post, talking with a child, taking care of a garden - are driven by an inner value. When what we do doesn’t align with that, it doesn’t matter how interesting or profitable the task is, it will still feel empty.

When I joined the Air Force school (EPCAR, Brazil), I felt inspired by the strong educational environment. Certain values - like self-improvement and social mobility - were almost pushing me to go there. However, because military values were not part of my own inner set, at some point I started feeling dissatisfied, even rebellious.

The good thing about values is that they can be developed. Through reflection, dialogue, and consistent practice, we can cultivate new ones. So, if you are that hypothetical doctor who struggles with patients, you can learn to treat them with care and empathy, developing the necessary values for that.

And perhaps, if I had insisted a bit more and overcome my rebellious feelings, I might still have found my place in the military, this time in the Navy.

In the end, any lack of motivation we feel might just be a sign that it’s time to rediscover and develop the right values.

 

This is a post in a series about motivation - starting from within.

Between spirituality and pragmatism, what really motivates us?

 

Some people say they’re motivated by their spiritual ideals - values, meaning, purpose.

Others say what drives them is much more practical - money, stability, recognition.

Maybe that depends on the generation. One group grew up focusing on what was tangible and secure, while another looked for something deeper, something that spoke to their soul. Of course, we can’t generalize, but it’s interesting to see how both approaches affect motivation.

I’ve seen both sides…

A friend of mine was deeply committed to his spiritual path… until he got an excellent job. He used to almost despise money, but suddenly he was earning well, working fewer hours, and enjoying life. Gradually, his spiritual practice faded. He stopped meditating, stopped reflecting. Only much later, after realizing what he had lost, did he return to his inner path - though in a different way this time.

Another friend, from Colombia, was the opposite. He was a very pragmatic person - technical, efficient, and passionate about his work. He was truly changing lives. But it became too much. He was so good that he couldn’t stop. We didn’t use the word burnout back then, but that’s exactly what happened. When I met him again - in an airport immigration line, of all places - he was completely exhausted. Eventually, he left everything and went to live in the mountains, growing organic vegetables for years.

And there’s a third friend who once left his corporate job to follow a spiritual life and his dreams. At first, it was wonderful - peaceful, inspiring - but later, he realized it was very hard to live on occasional gigs. The company he had left still had its doors open, and after talking to a wise teacher, he decided to return. This time, he went back with a new consciousness - using his position not just for money, but as a way to keep growing and help others. I met him during that phase, and I’ve rarely seen someone so balanced, so genuinely happy.

Maybe that’s the real secret of motivation: to live in a spiritual way, in a meaningful way, and a mind that knows how to stay grounded.
Spirituality with common sense - that’s a combination that truly works.

 

This is a post in a series about motivation - starting from within.

Why Do Values Motivate?

 

In many areas of life, values may seem… valueless. At least, that’s how I used to think.

Many years ago, Brahma Kumaris launched an initiative about values. One of its strongest supporters was Colombian, who invited BK to Manizales, where there was an educational project in need of deeper input on values. I went there, gave a few lectures and soon after, a local company hired me to work with their employees on values.

The long story short? When I began translating the abstract, intangible language of values into terms a corporate professional could grasp, I discovered the real value of values.

Values form the background of any action. They guide decisions and, above all, they motivate. In fact, values are natural motivators. We tend to do things aligned with our values effortlessly, without the need for external rewards or pressures.

You can see this clearly in vocational professions - doctors, nurses, police officers, members of the clergy. They perform under pressure and in the harshest conditions because their values are fully aligned with their work. That alignment is what we call vocation.

Now, maybe your present job is not really part of your vocation, but I am sure there are many areas in your life in which the alignment between actions and values take place. I am sure you can see the motivation whenever you have to do something related to that.

So, do you need a dose of motivation right now at some parts of your life? Look at your own values, align them with what you’re doing, and you’ll discover the lightness and joy of acting from the heart.

 

This is a post in a series about motivation - starting from within.

 

How to turn a vision of future into a source of motivation?

 

You can imagine what will happen tomorrow. Next month or year.

You can dream about a new house, a new job or a new… you.

You can have a vision of transformation, that something will be completely different, much better.

 

It works! It has worked for me so far and I know so many people who use a vision of the future as a means of motivation.

Particularly when things are cloudy, resources are scarce, the will is low, the capacity is not according to the need… A vision of the future can turn into a map to navigate troubled times…

 

A story tells about a military small plane that crashed on a mountain, in Europe. The survivors walked looking for shelter and they found a house that would protect them from the cold. However, as soon as they entered the house, they discovered a map; full of enthusiasm, they decided to leave immediately and, by following the map, they were able to reach civilization again.

The problem was that, in the story, the map did not correspond to that area of Europe…

 

So, what is your vision of the future? What is that motivating fuel that will make the engine of your will to find the resources and to generate the needed capacity?

And hold on that vision, the map of your future.

 

This is a post in a series about motivation - starting from within.

Be your own leader… and motivate yourself

 

Leaders motivate - that’s one of their main roles, regardless of the type of leadership they embody.
So, if you are the leader of your own life, shouldn’t you also motivate yourself? Let’s explore this comparison.

• Leading by example. Some leaders motivate simply through their actions. People follow what they see more than what they hear. Think of Gandhi, who reshaped his entire lifestyle so others could walk the path of his ideas.
• Leading with words. Others move the world with powerful speeches or writings. Martin Luther King and Karl Marx, in very different ways, stirred minds and hearts with the strength of their words.
• Leading quietly. Some leaders don’t look extraordinary at first glance, yet their impact is immense. Eunice Paiva, a housewife, changed her own life and transformed her family’s life after her husband was kidnapped; not only that, she became a pioneer in the fight for indigenous rights - opening a whole new field of social change.

Now, what about self-leadership?

• Discipline - no excuses. Sometimes you just have to act. Doing an action sets an example for yourself, proving you truly can.
• Read, write, record. The words you absorb become fuel. The words you express - whether written or spoken - strengthen your values and shape your world.
• Start small, move big. Small steps, especially during challenges, can transform everything. That one move forward might seem ordinary, but it’s enough to create momentum - and motivation to keep going.

Self-leadership is about becoming both the example and the voice that follows. When you learn to inspire yourself, you’ll find that motivation is no longer something you search for - it’s something you generate.

The Effect of Motivation When It Comes from Within

 

Motivation can come from the outside, but the truth is: one day it fades. When that happens, both our performance and our life can take a hit.

But motivation can also come from inside. From within the self - and that kind isn’t at the mercy of external factors.

Take this example: you’ve got a big project ahead. It demands long hours and a lot of effort. At first, your external motivation is high: the challenge excites you (it’s something new), you’re working with a solid team, and the pay is great (four months’ salary in one go!).

Then reality sets in: the challenge stops being new as even the most exciting project eventually slips into routine; that team you praised? turns out those people are a pain, arrogant and difficult, and to top it off, you discover your sister-in-law is making 30% more at the same company for a similar work. Just like that, your external motivation evaporates.

Now let’s flip the lens. Same project, but with a different type of motivation, an internal motivation. You see it as an opportunity to train and to grow your skills, strengthen patience and determination and reinforce self-esteem. By the end, you have become better, regardless of the pay, the novelty or the people. These inner drivers don’t just vanish - though they do need to be cultivated.

In times like these, any kind of motivation helps. But it’s good to remember: we don’t always need to look outside to stay motivated.

 

This is the first post in a series about motivation - starting from within.

Taking a Decision Break…

 

Some time ago, I wrote about decision fatigue - that invisible drain that happens when we are constantly making choices, both big and small. At that time, I briefly mentioned something I called a decision break. But what is that, really?

While the term can have other meanings, here I’m focusing on pausing in the middle of a decision process. Why does it matter?

We all know that some decisions are quick and almost automatic, while others take a lot of thought. When a decision process drags on, it doesn’t just consume time - it consumes energy. The more we think, compare, evaluate and second-guess, the more exhausted we become.

And what happens when we’re exhausted? We become more likely to choose the easiest or more convenient option. instead of the right one. In other words, a decision fatigue pushes us toward bad choices - not because we would not know better, but because we were too tired to follow through. That is the point in which a decision break comes in.

Stop, rest and then decide… It means giving yourself permission to step away from the process before finalizing, rather than forcing an answer.

By taking a decision break, you allow your mind to recharge by using many methods and tactics, such as:

• Sleeping on it before replying.
• Taking a walk instead of staring at the options again and again.
• Shifting focus to something completely different, so the brain can “breathe”.
• Talking to a different person, hopefully someone who is not involved in the decision process.
• Read and write, reflecting on life, being…

The effect is almost magical as what felt tangled suddenly looks clearer and that impossible decision is now manageable.

A break doesn’t just save energy; it restores perspective. When you pause, your subconscious keeps working in the background, integrating information without the stress of constant analysis. That’s why sometimes, after a break, the answer “just comes”.

I would like to suggest you a small practice for your next decision:

1. Pause. It can be calling a good friend, taking a coffee break or meditate. The longer the pause (without compromising the process you are), more relaxed you will become and fatigue will be prevented.
2. Step away - physically or mentally. Close the computer for one hour, go for a walk alone or with someone who is not going to talk to you about the process itself. If it is possible, disconnect yourself and enjoy a bit of tech detox.
3. Come back with fresh energy. Now, don’t stop there… a decision break will be valid only when you go back with a fresh perspective. Maybe it is not going to reinvent the wheel, but it will certainly show an unexplored path.

This can make the difference between a rushed choice and a wise one. So, if you ever find yourself in the middle of an endless decision process, a tiring debate or a heating argument, remember: maybe what you need is not more thinking or more talking, but a very good decision break.

The REAL effect of motivation

 

My perception about motivational speakers is that they are often a bit… shallow. Yes, most motivation techniques only touch the surface of a person; it feels like a very elaborate joke.

However, real motivation is something different. You see it portrayed in movies, songs, and people’s speeches and acts. It has the power to change another person’s life - or a whole situation - in such a way that there is no turning back.

Here are a few examples of real motivation:

• Remember the Titans. Not exactly a masterpiece of cinema, but it touches the heart and inspires us to see people from different backgrounds with a new perspective.
• Patch Adams. Motivation from the perspective of health. Even though it became controversial, the idea of bringing clowns into hospitals has proven to bring real results. In São Paulo, in one of the most dangerous areas dominated by drugs, psychiatrist Flavio Falcone continues this legacy, bringing hope and a ray of light.
• Songs. Too many to count! But here’s a short list:
• Don’t Stop Believin’ (Journey). Don’t get trapped by your financial status or circumstances.
• Conqueror (Estelle & Jussie Smollett). Less known, but incredibly performed by Kechi Okwuchi (Kechi Sings). Just listen and see how uplifting it is.
• Maria, Maria (Milton Nascimento). A masterpiece that has inspired countless women living in vulnerable or poor conditions to find their inner greatness.
• Color Esperanza (Diego Torres). During one of Argentina’s darkest economic times, this song awakened hope across the country.
• Stories. From tales, history or simply someone sharing their experience, stories can be deeply motivational. Think of the mentors, teachers, parents, grandparents - or even strangers - who show you a new light, a new hope, maybe even a new path. Don’t you feel like doing something about your life after hearing stories like that? I will tell you one (in brief) told by a friend of mine: A young man from a rural area of Colombia won a school competition about space. A friend of mine helped him raise funds to compete nationally - he won again. Later, after military service, he competed internationally. Eventually, he ended up working at NASA.

Motivation is everywhere: in films, songs, stories and in the people who cross our paths. But the deepest kind of motivation comes from within - something I’ll touch on in another post.

The question of decision fatigue

 

A few years ago, a friend of mine went to buy a deodorant. I was with him, but I stayed at the entrance of the supermarket with the person who was hosting us. After twenty minutes, she started to get worried - how long could it take to choose one deodorant? I went to check, and there he was, staring at a small shelf with only a handful of options… Twenty minutes, and still no decision.

Now imagine someone like him, but at the end of a long, exhausting day. They still need to call three people, buy a gift, fill out a work form and complete travel paperwork. Each small choice adds up until the brain feels like it’s running on fumes.

An official report drew my attention: When Good People Make Bad Decisions. Of course, anyone can make a mistake because of ignorance, poor planning or pressure, but sometimes, even very good and competent people make bad decisions due to another factor: decision fatigue.

People who are smart, trained, capable and kind mess up because of being worn out from choosing and deciding, again and again.

This is what psychologists call decision fatigue. As psychotherapist Natacha Duke explains, it isn’t a medical condition but a very real phenomenon: the more decisions you make throughout the day, the more mentally, emotionally and physically drained you become. Decisions are made by the intellect or buddhi (Sanskrit), which is your executive functioning - the part of you that decides, plans and prioritizes. It starts to falter and when that slips, so does a good decision.

That’s why firefighters, pilots and doctors often rely on protocols and checklists, which reduce unnecessary decisions and the energy is saved to be used for the critical ones. Maybe you can create protocols for your own life, suited to your needs, or simply start building habits, simplifying routines and taking “decision breaks” (a period of reflection, disconnecting from demanding circumstances, meditation). It will make a big difference.

And maybe, there’s also a more spiritual side to this. Not every decision has to be wrestled with logic. Some choices get lighter when we pause, breathe, meditate and connect with a deeper sense of clarity. Better decisions come from a calmer place.

So, the next time you’re standing in front of a shelf - whether of deodorants or crucial life choices - remember: sometimes the smartest move is to step back, clear your mind and only then, make a good decision.

How to make decisions during uncertain times

 

Uncertainty makes your road foggy. When the world seems unstable, every option comes with a question mark, a doubt, a… something is wrong… It is as if you are driving, you look ahead, but the road keeps shifting.

No choice feels completely right. I know, it’s easy to freeze and to overthink, imagining every worst-case scenario as the only possibility. But here’s the thing - not deciding is also a decision and often, it’s the one that costs the most…

• So, start by setting clear criteria: What matters most right now? What can you compromise? What is non-negotiable?
• A few solid guidelines will keep you anchored when emotions try to take over and use logic. Your logic… Check the facts, weigh the risks, compare options… But don’t let analysis become a cage; analyze and move forward with the decision.
• And be careful with another potential prison… Your past experiences are useful - they’ve shaped your instincts, after all, and you have been able to survive and reach to this point. But remember, the past is a reference; don’t reject a new path just because it doesn’t look like the old one.
• Be a visionary: imagine where you want to be, beyond where you are. At the same time, be practical if things are not going well - a flexible balanced plan is better than a perfect one that will never be brought to reality.
• And here’s a crucial piece for a decision, many people forget: a journey to your inner world. When you connect to yourself, decisions stop feeling like a gamble. Your intuition turns into a compass and meditation becomes a personal recharger. To make a better decision, trust yourself and just sit quietly, meditate...
• Related to the former point, remember: a clean mind sees more paths than a crowded one and sometimes, the next step reveals itself only in its stillness.

These are uncertain times. Your best decision maybe won’t be the smartest or the safest, so make a decision by aligning mind, heart and soul.

In this way, you will move forward, even when the road is not yet clear.

Silence and its incredible power

 

I am surrounded by the lack of silence: cars, people talking and shouting, music (don’t ask!)… So much, really... And yet, since I was a child, I used to be attracted to the simplicity of silence. It used to be healing, an opportunity to go beyond my present situation and even to feel different than I really felt, without pretending.

It is still an integral part of who I am, as it is present in my meditations, my work style and my reflection. It contributes to my wellness, my spiritual practices and my mental state.

So, for me it is not a tool; it is who I am, what makes me refining my silence again and again.

For other people, it is a tool and I think it is great. I remember reading about this Asian businessman who used to experience one hour of silence in the morning, every day. This was his way to clear his mind and prepare himself for the challenges to come.

It can be a tool for a person trying to gather their thoughts, an artist during inspiration or a mother thinking of a gift for her family…

A silence experience may be moments of silence, an hour or a full retreat, even a pause in life; silence changes the way our minds think. Even though silence will be present at my most important moments and for other people, only when they need, its power is unmeasurable.

If you don’t practice it yet, just try it out…

Silence…

Finding magic in ordinary moments

 

I want to tell you a story. A couple of years ago, I travel in stand-by… I know, many people do that, but I am not so lucky with travels, probably something to do with a karmic account… Anyway, I had to wait for THREE NIGHTS to get a flight. Horrible, right? Yes… and no. You see, someone got a person who could host me near the airport and he went to pick me there too. The first night, an attendant helped us – a big group! – to get out of the airport (it is militarized, so people enter, but it is hard to get out), and so all was OK. The place was fine, food was good, the person was excellent.

The next night, trouble came, but again, a solution; even though no attendant from the airline helped us, one lady was able to get help from another person. This time, however, my host was not happy… still, place was fine, food was good and the person was excellent. During the day, I really prepared my spiritual stage, I did a good meditation, I read a powerful class and, in the night, even though it looked impossible to get a flight, WE GOT IT!

In old stories, represented in books or movies, magic is two things: something impossible takes place and there is the possibility of change. There is wonder and hope, a good energy and new paths. During my stand-by experiment, I saw magic again and again!

So… if we go beyond the need or desire for transforming broccoli into something more interesting, the impossible, then there is the possibility of change; a wonderful change, a motivational hope, a high-level energy and paths that take us to the best places.

And that is the magic I feel in my life and that is the one, which is transformational. The most important thing is that we don’t need to wait for a specific moment for that magic; it is right here, right now!

Do you feel it??

No? I understand… there is the routine, the things that happens in our lives, burying all that magic.

And yet... even in the most repetitive day, something can glow - if we just pause, if we look differently...

So, no need to pretend being part of a fairy tale… no need to imagine things…

Just open your eyes and you will see so much magic!

Silence and chaos

 

There is a kind of noise that exists both, outside and within. It’s the chaos of daily life - messages, decisions, stress - and the chaos of the mind - overthinking, reacting, remembering all details...

To avoid that noise or to decrease its volume, we have silence… Not the silence that is the absence of noise; silence as an inner state, a space we can enter even when the world is loud.

As we are living in the age of chaos, noise is part of the pattern… Yes, we could find a place in the mountains, far from all. Or we can resort to silence.

In the midst of chaos, silence is not weakness. It’s strength. It’s clarity. And it’s healing.

Meditation teaches us to return to that inner silence. Just a few minutes of stillness can shift our state. Meditation isn’t about controlling thoughts, but about not being controlled by them. It allows the mind to settle, and in that settling, we begin to hear our own wisdom again.

Silence opens us to hear the real sound, the sound of our inner voice.

Silence also has the power to heal. Emotional pain, stress, fatigue - these begin to soften in the presence of true stillness. Not the silence of suppression, but of awareness, that moment when we stop trying to fix everything and simply sit in silence. At that point, something begins to mend… maybe not externally - the age we live is of chaos - but inside.

Inside there is deep healing, deep awareness, but the beauty of this practice of silence is that it permeates our reality… After all, even in relationships and daily tasks, silence has a role as it brings focus, patience and depth.

In conversations, a pause can be more meaningful than a rush of words. At work, a moment of inner quiet can lead to better decisions than hours of action and discussions.

As chaos is all around, silence is not a retreat from life; it is the key to a better life.

In chaos, it becomes our compass and guide.

The Power of Small Things

 

Has a small gesture ever changed your life? When I was a child, I read a book about a boy with a green thumb. Wherever he touched the ground, plants would bloom. That story touched my imagination and shaped my dreams.

Years later, I began to realize that the world is full of green thumb - small gestures, simple actions, kind words, a short video or a few lines of text that create a ripple effect and spark real change.

Yes, I truly believe that big changes can come from small actions. It might be like the butterfly effect, or a domino chain - subtle at first, but powerful in the end.

How? From my experience and observations, I’ve noticed a few important things and here are a few examples:

Sometimes, the biggest changes are not immediately visible. Take climate change, for example. People had been talking about it for decades, but it took a small Scandinavian girl to challenge the world and make it listen. The change she sparked wasn’t just in awareness - people began to act, to shift, to care in more practical ways.

In my case, as a vegetarian, something that used to bother me was that I couldn’t eat cake! I loved cake (past tense…), but traditional recipes required eggs. For years, no cake. Then one day, someone brought an egg replacement from the U.S. - it was heavenly! Later, as a trial, someone made an eggless cake, but it was too oily… I tried it too, same result. But little by little, the technique improved. Now, delicious egg-free cakes are everywhere - even gluten- free and dairy-free ones. A small change, but a big shift in what is possible.

When I was growing up, I often felt lost. I didn’t get much guidance from my mother, grandparents, or aunts. I don’t blame them - they had their own limitations. But it meant I had to figure a lot out on my own. One of the hardest parts was not knowing what to do with my life - no clear path, no profession to follow. That’s why I still remember so clearly the first time someone gave me a chance - a small gesture as they agreed to hire me, even though I didn’t have much knowledge of computing. That moment changed everything. It gave me a real profession and helped me shape a new life.

Maybe we all have a green thumb for people, dreams and ideas. We touch the world through our actions, even small gestures.

Stillness

 

Problems and a crisis, obstacles and barriers, situations and negative circumstances… You may react, you can try to solve them, but there is one important thing to do.

Be calm…

You can sit down or walk, or run. You can talk with other people or just be alone. You can meditate reflect or contemplate. You can do all of these…

Be calm…

Peace is within. Tranquility is all around. Chaos and noise are surrounding you. Only…

Be calm…

When your business is not going well and your relationship is in problem, you may want to do something. Either you do or not…

Be calm…

Don’t stop looking for a solution. Don’t stop planning for the better life you deserve. Just…

Be calm…

Remember those you love. Remember those who love you.

Be calm…

And be gentle with yourself… Everything will be alright.

Tired of noise? Maybe it's time for some inner silence…

 

We live in a world that is too loud - not just with sound, but with thoughts are also very noisy. Constant stimulation, relentless updates, opinions coming from every direction… No wonder many of us feel overwhelmed, scattered, even exhausted.

We seek silence in external places: a weekend trip, a quiet room, a DO NOT DISTURB sign, but the most powerful silence is the one inside us.

It’s not the absence of thought, but a deeper quality of thinking, since the more quality your thoughts have, less they will be. Your mind stops chasing around and starts being.

This kind of silence isn’t easy to find and it is not to be created. In fact, it’s always available and it comes when we turn inward, just for a while - maybe through meditation, perhaps just by breathing consciously or watching the sky without our phones.

And when we do that, something beautiful happens: clarity returns, worries fade, creativity whispers and peace knocks silently on the door of our minds.

Next time the world feels too loud, don’t just escape it. Go within.

That’s where the real silence lays.

Do you know the secret of a healthy relationship?

 

Relationships are in crisis. Any relationship… and when we face problems in a relationship, our first instinct is often to wait for the other person to fix it. He should apologize. She must change. They have to act first.

So, if all relationships are in crisis in the world, that means we are waiting for LOTS OF PEOPLE to apologize. To change. To act first…

Of course, I am sure, in your case, not all relationships are in crisis, and that is my case too. But this secret I want to share will work even when there are small problems, disagreements or moments of doubt, and I am sure we all have moments of illness even in the healthiest relationship.

The secret I want to share is: you don’t need to wait for the other one.

Yes, both sides matter. Yes, a relationship only works when both sides are synchronized.

But healing often begins with just one person taking the first step and it is a show of courage.

Healthy relationships are built on that particular initiative, the will to approach the other with a sincere open heart, not just when things are perfect, but particularly when things feel broken.

Reality is you can’t always fix everything, but you can create the conditions for change by choosing to be the best version of yourself, especially when you are with others.

Don’t underestimate the power of a gesture, a conversation, a moment of empathy.

Don’t think your small message to that person with whom you had a problem is just courtesy or it will be ignored.

By taking the first step, you are laying the first brick to fix a bridge between you and others, which is often enough to start, to reboot or restart a healthy relationship.

Why values are fading and why we must rescue them

 

It’s easy to get lost in today’s fast-paced world. Traffic, economic stress and social media can make anyone forget what really matters. But maybe all this chaos has a deeper cause, something quieter and more dangerous: the slow death of values.

OK, kind of dramatic, but since many years I have been observing people stopped using values at the time of taking decisions. Yes, some code of ethics remained, but it was not something like values or principles, ingrained to a person’s compass.

And we rarely stop to reflect. We move, act, react… but seldom pause to ask questions such as:

What is guiding my decisions?

What is truly important to me?

What am I using as the main element in my personal compass?

This lack of reflection on our values may be contributing to the present situation, the way we live and even the identity crisis of younger generations, the disconnection in relationships and the weariness felt by so many. We’ve traded what really matters for what matters for the moment or what feels urgent…

So, let’s ask again: Why are values important?

I give you two answers:

• Values give life meaning. They help us face crises without losing our integrity. They help us build stronger families, organizations, and societies. And they remind us that it’s not just about surviving, but living with dignity, kindness and purpose.
• Values define our actions. They help us define which actions we should make at a certain moment, particularly when there are many possibilities. And so, they are a key part of our self-leadership.
• Values are part of our compass… OK, I was talking about two answers and this was touched before, but, please, understand it that values correspond to the south of our compass and they support in a definite way our vision of the future (north). Without values as a real part of our lives, we won’t be able, or at least it will be quite difficult, to build up a fulfilling future.

The world may not change overnight.

But we can talk about values again. And keep on talking about them…

And living them more…

Religion and spirituality: preaching vs. leading the way

 

Religion and spirituality are in constant struggle, even though you don’t know it.

On one hand is the very powerful institution of religion: there are a few problems here and there, but religions all over are increasing their numbers in terms of people and temples.

On the other hand, is spirituality: the Cinderella of human spirit, with not much structure, but lots of good intentions and, yes, the number of spiritual groups and tendencies, and the number of people enrolled to them have increased a lot too.

Now, let’s look at it in a different way in which there is no struggle; spirituality is the subtle background that is the essence of religion. In fact, a very religious person is very spiritual too, and spiritual people are often associated with a religion.

But it is true that religion – the religion common people practice – is more focused on the form, that is, scriptures and rituals. On the contrary, spirituality emphasizes the practice, the BEING.

In other words, religion may be only preaching while spirituality is leading… Still, I do believe they are not opposite and here are three examples that may help

Your religion talks about being charitable and you do, from time to time. Spiritually, you can also be charitable by giving others vibrations and good wishes. Always. Both are necessary and useful.

By being religious, you have to go to your temple every week or so. By being spiritual, your practice is daily and you don’t have to go to a temple necessarily. When you go to a temple, just be spiritual; when you are spiritual, just feel like your house is a temple.

The scriptures tell stories or describe a code of life. Spirituality makes your live those stories and change your own life.

What do you think about religion and spirituality?

Finding your higher purpose

 

If you are a very conscious person, you have your purpose in life very clear. By the way, I am sure you are such a person and your purpose is totally clear!

But, as we have too many things to do (and the pile is increasing), it is possible we forget a very important purpose since each activity or group of activities has its own.

For instance, I work as a coach and business consultant. My purpose is very clear: I want people feel empowered in an organizational environment. It is a nice and practical one, present in my mind at each one of my interventions, lectures, workshops and all that I do.

However, I also like to cook; because I am not a good cook, I have to set a purpose to each of my interventions. There was a Christmas that I felt people were not so enthusiastic, so I decided to cook a shepherd pie, a VEGETARIAN shepherd pie. It was hard work, but at the end people were literally blossoming. By the way, it was delicious.

So, what is my purpose? To help people in organizations or to give them enthusiasm? Both? Neither?

Then comes what is called a higher purpose: it is the reason of life beyond profession or lifestyle. It is a subtle energy that guide us like a compass.

Noticing the two purposes I’ve mentioned, both coincide in at least one point: I want people to feel better than they are. And that is part of my higher purpose.

Why do we need a higher purpose? Let’s understand what happens when there is clarity in relation to a higher purpose: there will be clarity on the path, objectives and even the small purposes, set for actions. Besides, it will boost self-esteem and it will help during uncertainty.

If you still don’t have a clear higher purpose, it is time to do your homework.

Optimism, realism, and…

 

Many years ago, the only kind of polarization I was aware of had to do with whether someone was optimistic or pessimistic. At most, it led to light-hearted debates about the weather, a football match or the latest economic proposal.

Now, I understand those were golden days - far removed from the deep and often bitter divisions we see in today’s polarized world.

But let’s return to those personality traits. And yes, I believe they are part of who we are.

While some people are naturally more optimistic or more pessimistic, most of us carry both tendencies within. A deeply optimistic woman can still sense when she’s at risk of losing her job - and take action to seek something new. A pessimistic man still holds hope that his sick child will recover.

The key, for someone with a pessimistic inclination, is to nurture their inner optimist. Pessimism, if left unchecked, can lead to missed opportunities simply because one didn’t dare. Cultivating a bit more optimism can make the path forward feel possible, even exciting.

But what about those who are too optimistic? I’ve known people so buoyed by positivity that they seemed immune to setbacks - until a hard fall brought shock, disappointment, and sometimes, deep disillusionment. Yet it doesn’t feel right to suggest they become more pessimistic… does it?

No, there is a better alternative.

As a Capricornian, I’ve always known the strength of realism. Before my journey of self-growth began, realism was my default stance. At times, I admit, it made me a rather pessimistic young man. But once I stepped onto a spiritual path, realism became something different: a grounding force that balanced the natural optimism that emerged through inner work.

So the answer isn’t choosing between optimism or pessimism - it’s embracing a realism that is both clear-eyed and compassionate. A realism that allows an optimist to dream and take risks, while still helping stay anchored when storms arrive. In a world that pulls us toward extremes, cultivating this middle path might just be one of the most radical things we can do.