A SENSE OF COMMUNITY
As August winds down, we can remember to hold onto its charm — the gentle reminder that happiness can come from simple pleasures – the sweetness of fresh fruit, the laughter in casual gatherings, the rhythm of unhurried nights. This year August held another gift. The planetary alignments and the solar eclipse on the twelfth served as indicators of a time for embracing new chapters. Whether it’s new routines, renewed commitments, or a deeper sense of connection, this new chapter is about moving forward with intention and imagining how you’d like to shape the coming months.
Now is also a vital time to feel the connections that link us and commit to being a healing presence. We can reach out – to family, to friends, to colleagues, to neighbors, to new acquaintances — and create a circle of care. Mental disorders have nearly doubled since 1990, now affecting 1.2 billion people worldwide. Youth (ages 15-19) and women are disproportionately affected. Anxiety and depression are the fastest growing contributors. Declining social connectedness and lingering pandemic effects are cited as two factors in the increase. Global systems are not keeping pace with the rising need because of gaps in prevention, early intervention, and coordinated policy.
Soul Seeds seeks to expand access to mental health resources through some of the interventions with the strongest evidence base: increasing opportunities for social connection; strengthening emotional regulation skills (like meditation and breathwork); and building a sense of community.
Our Healing with Humanity™ Global Meditation on July 29th was an exquisite example of building community and using the power of meditation to benefit the individual and the collective good. More than 335 people registered for the event and there were 182 people on the Zoom call – from 15 different countries. In comments after the meditation, many participants mentioned they “released their emotional and physical pain.” Others said the group’s “energy amplified our capacity to extend loving forgiveness to ourselves and others.”
We invite you to join our next Global Meditation via Zoom on Friday, September 18th at 8 am PDT/11 am EDT/ 16:00 (UTC+1). Register here. Take part in community-centered healing. The suggested donation is $10; however, we understand that everyone may not be able to give at this time. Simply email info@soulseeds.org to request a link. It is important to us that our work be as accessible as possible.
May we all carry some of August’s energy with us — delighting in small moments, savoring time to rest, and making time for the people and the things we love.
In Case You Missed It
Virtual Event | Next Healing with Humanity Global Meditation – Friday, September 18th at 8:00 am PDT/11:00 am EDT/ 16:00 (UTC+1). Register here
Video | Special Prayers for the Nepal-Tibet Border Region | His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Video | August Frequency Forecast – Is Your Soul Dropping into the Deep End? | Nancy Rebecca
Audio | Listen to July’s Healing with Humanity Global Meditation
Resources
The Well-Being Project – a global initiative supporting community leaders, activists, and caregivers with mental health resources.
Befrienders Worldwide – an international directory of emotional‑support helplines that helps people anywhere in the world find local, confidential emotional‑support services, including crisis helplines, listening centers, and community‑based support organizations.
Quote of the Month
“I just think we should love one another, try to lift people up, and spread as much light as we can.” — Dolly Parton
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