Inspire Magazine - September Issue

EDITOR’S NOTE Shadhana Mohan

In this edition of Inspire Magazine, we embark on a journey of self-discovery with individuals who have harnessed their inner strengths and talents to make a meaningful impact on their communities The stories featured within these pages are a testament to the power of perseverance, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of one ’ s purpose

Our cover stories delve into the lives of people who have embarked on remarkable journeys of self-discovery and personal growth They exemplify how determination and discipline can lead to the realisation of one ’ s true calling These individuals have found their passion and purpose, demonstrating that with the right mindset, anyone can unlock their potential and make a difference in the world

We are thrilled to share an exciting update on Sana’s recent walk-a-thon Her dedication to the cause, unwavering commitment, and overwhelming community support made the event a resounding success Sana’s journey serves as a reminder that when we come together for a common goal, incredible things can happen

We greatly value the feedback from our dedicated readers Many of you have expressed interest in delving deeper into the wisdom shared in our recommended books In response to your requests, we have included a new section in this issue where we highlight key learnings from one of the most thought-provoking and influential books we ’ ve featured We hope this addition enhances your reading experience and provides valuable insights

As always, Inspire Magazine is committed to bringing you stories of empowerment, personal growth, and community engagement We believe that every individual has the potential to create positive change in the world, and we hope the stories and insights shared in this issue will inspire you to embark on your journey of self-discovery and purpose

Editor-in-Chief, Inspire Magazine

The Sea’s Silent Savior:

Sam McLennan’s Quest to Save Our Oceans

Prepare to embark on a riveting journey with a man whose mission transcends the ordinary Meet Sam McLennan, a modern-day environmental crusader set to conquer not just the waves but the hearts and minds of those he encounters during his remarkable voyage His vessel? It is an awe-inspiring creation forged entirely from marine debris His mission? To deliver a potent message on climate change and the human mindset Sam’s resounding belief that “ we are nature” has guided him down a path illuminated by hope, resilience, and unshakable faith in the intrinsic connection between humanity and the natural world Join us as we unveil Sam’s extraordinary journey and the profound impact he seeks to create

From a young age, Sam McLennan possessed an insatiable thirst for adventure and a relentless pursuit of the unconventional Guided by an aspiration to amass a diverse skill set, Sam embarked on various jobs and life experiences, ultimately leading him to the creation of a travel company an endeavour fueled by his deep love for exploration and connecting with new people

Yet, this path was no easy ride Sam confronted myriad obstacles, particularly in terms of his health He endured not one, but two debilitating injuries that sidelined him for months The pain was excruciating, and for Sam, it was not just physical; it was the heartache of being unable to continue his life’s mission The world was testing his resolve, leaving him with nothing but anguish

Navigating the Treacherous Waters of Entrepreneurship

Recovery from physical injuries was one facet of Sam’s journey; navigating the treacherous waters of entrepreneurship was another Building his travel business was a dream come true, but the reality was harsh Despite envisioning a lifetime of adventure and success, Sam encountered financial challenges and personal strains He was pushed to the brink financially and emotionally

Sam’s advice to those facing similar difficulties is clear: never doubt yourself The path may be fraught with comparisons, opinions, and self-doubt, but Sam’s journey demonstrates the power of understanding and embracing the lessons life offers

Breaking Free from Resistance

Sam’s breakthrough came when he confronted his resistance to life’s twists and turns, particularly the stress that arises from resisting undesirable outcomes He learned that once one overcomes this resistance, clarity emerges, but it requires training and discipline Sam’s personal development journey helped him take responsibility for his choices, ultimately transforming his perspective on life

The Journey of Redemption: The Quest to Save Our Ocean

Sam approached Barry seeking assistance for an ambitious project a project that would leave an indelible mark on the cause of marine conservation Barry’s farm at Nubeena held a substantial collection of ocean debris, gathered over decades from the coastline, primarily stemming from a nearby fish farm operated by Tasmania’s prominent aquaculture company, Tassal

Sam’s vision was audacious: he aimed to craft a raft entirely from this oceanic debris, not just as a physical endeavour but as a metaphor for the collective responsibility that corporations, politicians, and individuals hold in safeguarding the marine environment What set this undertaking apart was the grand finale of the voyage Sam planned to sail the raft to Sydney

A Journey of Personal Transformation

As mid-May rolled in, Sam’s project was well underway Barry not only provided materials but also offered half of his property for Sam’s endeavour Barry recognized that Sam’s mission transcended personal gain it was about the entire community and preserving the marine environment

The thought of crossing the vast Bass Strait on the raft was daunting, even for those watching from afar Sam acknowledged that this journey would take him out of his comfort zone Nevertheless, he embraced the challenge, drawing upon a diverse set of skills acquired throughout his life, including military service, construction, a science degree, and even surfing big ocean waves

For Sam, this endeavour was about personal growth and pushing his boundaries It was about harnessing past experiences to create a cleaner environment

Roffered his support because he recognized Sam s integrity and commitment to a higher cause Barry’s ingenuity in recycling materials around his property reflected the common ground he shared with Sam: using what’s already available

Sam’s dedication to cleaning up the environment extended to his beachcombing habit, where he collected waste washed up on the shore His discoveries, from rubber bands to found rope, contributed to the construction of the raft He believed that individuals needed to choose responsibility, as corporate organizations were often driven merely by compliance rather than genuine commitment

A Conversation Starter for Change The Birthplace of Creation

Sam referred to his raft as an “innovation island ” His vision extended beyond the completion of the project; he hoped it would ignite conversations about humanity’s relationship with the marine environment Sam’s expectations were lofty he wanted others to continue sailing the raft to different countries, sparking conversations about responsibility and environmental stewardship

For Sam, this journey wasn’t just about constructing a raft; it was about discovering himself He emphasized that when one starts with nothing, it becomes the birthplace of creation the purest point of origin

As he laughed heartily, Sam revealed that the raft wasn’t just finding its way; it was helping him find himself, a journey of self-discovery that resonated with the broader mission to challenge ourselves and discover our true potential

In the backdrop of this extraordinary partnership between Sam and Barry, a powerful message emerged: the fusion of resourcefulness, responsibility, and a shared commitment to the environment can lead to remarkable innovation and change

“When you have nothing, it is the birthplace of creation.”

- Sam McLennan

Manjula Viswanath

Spreading the Love of

Rhythm and Dance

Across Continents

A Dancer of Passion and Perseverance

In the heart of India, where dance embodies the symphony of colours and traditions, and vibrant rhythms pulse through every corner, Manjula Viswanath’s remarkable journey unfolds Growing up in India, Manjula not only embraced the art of Indian classical dance but also founded her own academy at the tender age of 17 Guided by her mother’s life philosophy, “We have only one life, and we must utilize it to the maximum extent before it ends,” Manjula embarked on a mission to share her love of dance and contribute to charitable causes across continents, eventually leading her to the shores of Australia

As both a dancer and dance instructor, Manjula’s life journey is a testament to her dedication to inspiring others While in India, she not only honed her dance skills but also discovered that teaching dance demanded a unique set of qualities, particularly her personality as a dance teacher

A Courageous Move to Australia

Manjula’s life took a significant turn when she made the life-altering decision to move to Australia, driven by a leap of faith Without delay, she established her dance academy, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Indian classical arts while also supporting charitable organizations through dance Annual dance events became a means to raise funds for those in need, allowing her to pursue her passion for giving back Though her career in India had reached its zenith, her relocation to Australia forced her to start anew The initial two years were challenging, but Manjula’s determination and unwavering drive prevailed

The contrast in the appreciation for Indian classical dance between Australia and India became evident Manjula questioned how she could ignite a love for this art form in a place where even Indians were becoming more Australian due to their education and surroundings Her passion, however, extended beyond cultural preservation; it focused on encouraging creativity and expression in young minds from diverse backgrounds, bridging cultures and celebrating humanity through Bharatanatyam

The Challenge of Cultural Integration

Manjula understood that her challenges in Australia were unique Her students and their parents were NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) with a predominantly Australian mindset Yet, she was determined to instil a love for Indian culture in them, fearing that it might fade with time She believed that while dance might be an art form, it demanded dedication, commitment, and discipline With unwavering determination, she reestablished Rasika, an organization dedicated to sharing her love for dance and culture with Australia

For Manjula, dance is not just a hobby but an identity She aspires to dance and teach dance for a lifetime because it fuels her spirit

Heart and Passion in Giving Back

Manjula’s commitment to giving back to the community began with her involvement in the Leukaemia Foundation and expanded to collaborations with various charitable organizations Leading the Rasika Dance Academy, she provides a platform for young dancers to perform annually, supporting charitable causes in the process Her desire to impact people’s lives extends beyond dance, particularly among the younger generation

To her surprise, Manjula succeeded in making Australians fall in love with Indian classical dance Her approach involved adapting to her students’ needs and capturing their affection Recognizing that Tamil, the language of traditional Indian dance, was challenging for them, she transitioned to teaching in English and presented dance shows in English This approach eliminated obstacles and allowed her students to embrace the art form without limitations Her ability to simplify the complex aspects of dance empowered her students and transformed learning into a beautiful journey

An Open Heart and Mind: The Key to Success

Manjula’s strength lies in her ability to remain open to feedback, even when it is negative She views criticism constructively, using it as a tool for improvement She firmly believes that everything in life is within one ’ s control and shares the importance of continuous learning She emphasized that being different and thinking differently is essential, despite the negative reactions it may elicit The key to success, in her view, is to filter feedback, accept what is useful, and keep moving forward with an open heart and mind

A Legacy to Inspire

Today, Manjula is not only a dance teacher but also an ambassador for Indian culture, bridging the gap between two diverse continents through dance Her passion, dedication, and unwavering beliefs have shaped her into the remarkable individual she is today Stepping out of her comfort zone and enduring the journey from India to Australia is a testament to her passion and perseverance Her influence extends beyond dance, as she touches countless lives through charitable deeds, reminding us that art transcends boundaries, and that with unyielding dedication, one can create magic everywhere

Mindfulness Through Yoga: A Journey of Self-Discovery

In a world that often moves at a frenetic pace, it’s easy to lose touch with ourselves The demands of daily life can pull us in countless directions, leaving us feeling disconnected from our own inner selves In these turbulent times, the ancient practice of yoga has emerged as a beacon of mindfulness, guiding countless individuals on their journey of self-discovery Today, we ’ re joined by yoga instructor Jaya Lalwani, who shares her remarkable journey and insights into how yoga is not just an exercise, but a way of life that can lead us towards mindfulness and self-discovery

Jaya’s journey into the world of yoga began in middle school when her PE teacher introduced her to this transformative practice Even at that young age, she could sense that yoga was something more than just physical movements; it was a path to inner peace and self-awareness Her mother’s teacher further nurtured her curiosity, offering valuable insights into how yoga could be integrated into daily life

Fast forward to 16 years ago when Jaya relocated to Australia, and her yoga journey took a profound turn She found herself in the company of renowned yoga instructors like Kylie Hennessy, Sadhguru Jaggi, Don Peers, Dr Shaun Mathews, and many others These mentors played a pivotal role in shaping her understanding of yoga as a holistic way of life

Jaya emphasizes that yoga is not merely about twisting and contorting the body into complex poses It’s a holistic practice that encompasses physical postures, breath control, meditation, and mindfulness According to Jaya, “Yoga is the art of listening to yourself, your body, and your breath It’s about being fully present in the moment, and that’s where mindfulness comes into play ”

Mindfulness and yoga are intertwined in a beautiful dance The practice of mindfulness in yoga involves paying complete attention to the sensations in the body as you move through postures and transitions It’s about observing your thoughts without judgment and anchoring yourself in the present moment through your breath

Jaya further explains how this union of mindfulness and yoga has profound benefits on the journey towards selfdiscovery Here are some key insights she shares:

Self-Awareness: Yoga encourages us to turn inward and explore our physical and mental landscapes By observing our bodies and minds during practice, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves

Stress Reduction: Mindfulness in yoga helps us let go of stress and anxiety When we focus on our breath and movements, we naturally calm the mind and reduce the mental chatter that can overwhelm us

Emotional Resilience: Regular yoga practice with mindfulness equips us with tools to manage our emotions effectively We learn to respond to situations with equanimity rather than react impulsively

Enhanced Concentration: The practice of mindfulness sharpens our concentration As we learn to focus on the breath and stay present, this heightened awareness can be transferred to other aspects of life, improving productivity and decision-making

Inner Peace: Ultimately, yoga and mindfulness lead us to a state of inner peace Through self-reflection and selfacceptance, we discover a profound sense of contentment that transcends external circumstances

Jaya Lalwani’s journey is a testament to the power of yoga as a way of life and the transformative potential of mindfulness She reminds us that yoga is not just an hour of physical exercise; it’s an invitation to embark on a journey of self-discovery, one breath at a time In a world that often pulls us in every direction, yoga and mindfulness offer us the anchor we need to find our true selves and navigate life’s challenges with grace and equanimity So, roll out your yoga mat, take a deep breath, and embark on your own journey towards mindfulness and self-discovery through the ancient art of yoga To book a yoga session with Jaya, please contact her at +61 411165851

Sana’s Inspiring Journey Continues:

A Successful Williams Syndrome Walk-a-thon

In the last issue of Inspire Magazine, we featured the remarkable story of Sana, a young girl with a mission to raise awareness about Williams Syndrome and extend a helping hand to others facing the same condition Sana’s dream was to organize a Williams Syndrome Walk-a-thon, and we are thrilled to report that her vision became a reality, creating a heartwarming and impactful event that garnered support from over 100 people in the community

The Walk-a-thon: A Day of Awareness and Unity

On a beautiful Sunday morning, the community came together to support Sana’s cause and raise awareness about Williams Syndrome The turnout for the event was nothing short of spectacular, with over 100 people joining Sana and her family for a day filled with activities, camaraderie, and, most importantly, a shared commitment to making a difference

The Williams Syndrome Walk-a-thon was not just a walk; it was a celebration of unity and inclusivity Participants of all ages had a blast as they engaged in various activities, making it a memorable day for everyone involved The event featured a range of attractions, including BBQ, Face Painting: Youngsters adorned their faces with colourful designs, embodying the spirit of celebration, henna artists added intricate designs to participants’ hands and exciting raffle prizes added an element of surprise and excitement to the event, encouraging generous contributions

Behind every successful event, there are often unsung heroes In the case of Sana’s Williams Syndrome Walk-athon, the heroes are a dedicated and passionate team of individuals from Wiggles And Giggles Charmaine and the team’s unwavering dedication and relentless efforts were instrumental in bringing together a team of volunteers, and community involvement and executing the event flawlessly Sana’s parents, Yatinder and Poonam and their commitment to supporting their daughter’s vision and raising awareness about Williams Syndrome is truly inspiring and reflects the power of parents’ love

Raising Awareness and Funds

While the event was undoubtedly a day of joy and togetherness, its core purpose was to raise awareness about Williams Syndrome and generate funds to further research and assist others facing this condition Sana has raised $20,000 from the walkathon! Sana’s Walk-a-thon succeeded on both fronts, with participants leaving the event not only with smiles on their faces but also with a heightened understanding of Williams Syndrome and the challenges individuals with the condition face

Sana’s journey to raise awareness about Williams Syndrome is far from over Her successful Walk-a-thon marks just one step in her mission to make a positive impact on the lives of those with Williams Syndrome and their families With her determination and the unwavering support of her community, there’s no doubt that Sana will continue to inspire us all

Sana’s Williams Syndrome Walka-Thon was a resounding success, uniting the community in a common cause and shedding light on the challenges faced by those with Williams Syndrome It is a testament to the power of determination, community support, and a mother’s love As we look forward to the next chapter of Sana’s journey, let us be inspired by her example and continue to raise awareness and support for those living with Williams Syndrome

Wisdom Nuggets: Unpacking a Must-Read Discover your destiny

In this motivational book by Robin Sharma, you can glean valuable insights and life-changing tips that can help you embark on a journey of self-awakening and personal transformation Here are the key learnings and tips from the book that our editorial team would like to share with our readers:

1 Embrace Limitless Potential: One of the primary lessons is to relinquish control and trust in your limitless potential Often, we limit ourselves with self- doubt and fear, but realizing the boundless capabilities within us is the first step to personal growth

2 Avoid Self-Betrayal: The book emphasizes the importance of avoiding self-betrayal It’s crucial to live authentically and stay true to your values and aspirations rather than compromising for external validation

3 Cultivate a Beginner’s Mind: Adopting a “beginner’s mind” is a key to self-mastery It means approaching life with openness and curiosity, always willing to learn and adapt, even in the face of challenges

4 Transform Fear into Fortune: Learn how to transform fear into opportunities for growth and success Fear is a natural human emotion, but it can be harnessed as a driving force for positive change

5 Discover Your Calling: Finding your life’s purpose and calling is a central theme The book guides readers on how to explore their passions and align their actions with a greater sense of purpose

6 Turn Challenges into Rewards: The book teaches readers how to turn life’s trials and challenges into valuable lessons and opportunities for personal development and success

7 Awaken Your Fullest Potential: Ultimately, the book encourages readers to awaken their fullest potential by following the principles and practices outlined within its pages

In addition to these core lessons, the book introduces five daily devotions that can significantly impact one ’ s life:

1 Early Rising: Starting the day at 5 am is advocated as a way to make the most of your time and energy

2 “Holy Hour”: Dedicate the first hour of your day to inner work, which can include practices like prayer, meditation, journaling, and selfreflection

3 Standard of Care and Excellence: Strive to display exceptional care, compassion, character, and excellence in both your personal and professional life

4 Loving Behavior: Cultivate a loving and compassionate demeanor in all your interactions, and act as though you are one of the greatest individuals on the planet

5 Positive Self-Image: Think, feel, and act as if you are a remarkable person This positive self-image can lead to transformative changes in your life

Lastly, the book offers several pearls of wisdom to inspire readers on their journey:

1 Courage to Face Fear: Encourage readers to confront their fears and uncertainties, as growth often lies on the other side of fear

2 Self-Worth: Remind readers that they are more capable and valuable than they realize, and they possess untapped potential

3 Mind Management: Highlight the importance of mastering one ’ s own mind and thoughts, rather than being controlled by them

4 Service Over Survival: Encourage a shift from a mindset of survival to one of service, as true success often comes from contributing positively to the world

5 Perception: Remind readers that their perception of the world is influenced by their own mindset and beliefs

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive guide to personal growth and transformation, emphasizing the importance of selfawareness, positive habits, and a commitment to excellence and service It is indeed a life-changing masterpiece that can inspire readers to unlock their full potential and lead more fulfilling lives