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As a Metaphysical Master in a Millennial Age, I've made it my life's purpose to guide individuals and organizations along an enlightened path. Today, I want to dive deep into a topic that's been on my mind lately - the grand generational shift happening in workplaces across the globe.

It's no secret that generations are aging. Millennials are approaching middle age (a fact even the New York Times has picked up on), while Gen Z is fully entrenched in the workplace. Meanwhile, many Baby Boomer leaders are transitioning out of their roles, creating a wealth of opportunities for younger generations to step into leadership positions.

But this shift isn't just about changing faces in the C-suite. It represents a fundamental transformation in how we approach work, leadership, and success. As someone deeply embedded in both the corporate world and the realm of personal development, I've observed firsthand the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding this transition.

So let's take a moment to decode the leadership qualities and potential of millennial and Gen Z leaders. Because contrary to popular belief, what some see as our greatest weaknesses are actually our superpowers.

One of the most persistent stereotypes about millennials and Gen Z is that we're lazy. We're accused of having short attention spans, being unable to focus, and lacking the work ethic of previous generations.

But here's the truth: we're not lazy - we're efficient.

We've grown up in a world of rapid technological advancement. We've seen firsthand how AI and automation can streamline processes and free up human potential. So when we look for ways to "work smarter, not harder," it's not out of laziness. It's because we understand the value of our time and energy.

Take the concept of "quiet vacationing" that's been making headlines recently. Some older managers are baffled by the idea of employees working while on vacation instead of taking their full paid time off. But to many of us, this represents the best of both worlds - the ability to contribute meaningfully to our work while also enjoying life experiences.

This isn't about being unable to disconnect. It's about redefining what work-life balance looks like in a digital age. Why shouldn't we be able to collaborate with team members across the globe, or tackle a project while sitting on a beach? The future of work is flexible, and we're at the forefront of that revolution.

Another criticism often leveled at younger generations is that we're too focused on ourselves, too outspoken, too "real." But in a world drowning in corporate doublespeak and manufactured personas, our authenticity is our greatest asset.

I learned this lesson the hard way early in my career. Fresh out of Harvard Business School, I entered the corporate world with my blonde Afro hair and unapologetic realness. I was quickly told that my appearance was "inappropriate" and violated company policies. It was a deeply wounding experience, but one that ultimately led me to embrace my authentic self even more fiercely.

You see, people are craving authenticity. They're tired of cookie-cutter approaches and sanitized corporate speak. They want real conversations, real solutions, real human connection. And that's exactly what millennials and Gen Z bring to the table.

But here's where we have room to grow: we need to learn how to deliver our truth with compassion and kindness. It's not about softening our message or compromising our values. It's about communicating in a way that opens doors rather than slamming them shut.

This is a skill I'm continually working to master. How can we speak our truth clearly and authentically while also creating space for dialogue and understanding? It's a delicate balance, but one that I believe is crucial for effective leadership in the modern workplace.

Perhaps one of the most visible ways millennials and Gen Z are reshaping the workplace is through our approach to self-expression. From vibrant hair colors to visible tattoos, from gender-fluid fashion to unapologetic embracing of our cultural identities, we're challenging long-held notions of what it means to look "professional."

I remember being told early in my career that my natural hair was "unprofessional." Today, I rock braids and crop tops while leading a successful business. This isn't about rebelling against dress codes for the sake of it. It's about creating workplaces where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day.

Think about it: how much creative potential are we stifling when we force everyone into the same cookie-cutter mold? How many talented individuals are we driving away because they don't fit an outdated notion of what a "professional" looks like?

The most innovative companies have already figured this out. They know that diversity - not just in demographics, but in thought, expression, and being - is a competitive advantage. It's time for the rest of the business world to catch up.

At its core, this generational shift isn't just about changing workplace norms. It's about unlocking hidden potential within our organizations and ourselves.

When we create environments where people can work in ways that align with their natural rhythms and preferences, we boost productivity and creativity. When we allow for authentic self-expression, we foster deeper connections and more meaningful collaborations. When we embrace flexibility, we open ourselves up to global talent pools and diverse perspectives.

This is the essence of what I call the MetaBusiness World - a new paradigm that recognizes the interconnectedness of personal growth, organizational success, and societal progress. It's about digging into the nuanced, often overlooked aspects of how we work and interact to uncover new sources of value and fulfillment.

For example, who would have thought that allowing employees more freedom in their appearance could boost profitability? Or that offering flexible work arrangements could increase loyalty and productivity? These are the hidden levers of organizational success that traditional business models often overlook.

Of course, change is never easy. For many established leaders, the shift towards more flexible, authentic, and empowered workplaces can feel threatening. They've built successful careers on a certain set of rules and expectations, and it's natural to resist when those rules start to change.

But here's the thing: this isn't about throwing out everything that came before. It's about evolution, not revolution. The challenge - and the opportunity - is to blend the best of what previous generations have built with the fresh perspectives and innovative approaches of millennials and Gen Z.

This is where new business structures and practices like Holacracy come into play. This organizational structure, which I've adopted in my own company, emphasizes self-management and distributed authority. It's a way of working that aligns beautifully with millennial and Gen Z values of autonomy, purpose, and collaboration.

In a Holacratic system, everyone has clearly defined roles and responsibilities that exist independently of titles or hierarchies. This creates a more fluid, responsive organization where good ideas can come from anywhere and everyone has the power to make meaningful contributions.

It's a stark contrast to the top-down, command-and-control structures that have dominated business for decades. But in a world that's changing faster than ever, this kind of adaptability and distributed intelligence isn't just nice to have - it's essential for survival.

One of the most profound shifts I've observed - and one that I believe is key to successfully navigating this generational transition - is the move from "power over" to "power with" leadership models.

"Power over" is the traditional, hierarchical approach to leadership. It's about control, dominance, and top-down decision making. It's the boss who rules by fear, the manager who micromanages every decision, the leader who sees their role as telling others what to do.

"Power with," on the other hand, is collaborative, empowering, and based on mutual respect and shared goals. It's about creating environments where everyone can contribute their best work, where decisions are made based on expertise rather than rank, and where leadership is seen as a service to the team rather than a position of privilege.

This shift mirrors what's happening in other areas of society, from parenting to education to politics. We're moving away from domination-based models towards more cooperative, empowering approaches.

For millennials and Gen Z, this isn't just a nice-to-have. It's a fundamental expectation of how we want to work and be led. We've grown up in a connected world where information flows freely and traditional hierarchies are constantly being challenged. We're not interested in being controlled or dominated - we want to be empowered and enabled.

As we navigate this transition, there will undoubtedly be challenges. Old habits die hard, and changing deeply ingrained cultural norms takes time and patience.

For millennials and Gen Z stepping into leadership roles, the challenge is to stay true to our values while also finding ways to bridge the gap with older generations. We need to be able to articulate the value of our approach in terms that resonate across generational lines.

For established leaders, the challenge is to open themselves up to new ways of thinking and working. This doesn't mean abandoning everything they've learned or achieved. Instead, it's about being willing to evolve, to listen with an open mind, and to recognize that there might be better ways of doing things.

But with these challenges come immense opportunities. By embracing the strengths of millennial and Gen Z workers - our technological savvy, our desire for meaning and purpose, our commitment to authenticity and self-expression - organizations can unlock new levels of creativity, innovation, and success.

Moreover, by creating workplaces that align with our values, companies can attract and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive job market. In a world where skilled workers have more choices than ever about where and how they work, culture has become a key differentiator.

As we look to the future of work, one thing is clear: the change is already happening. Millennials are moving into senior leadership roles. Gen Z is reshaping workplace norms from the ground up. The question isn't whether this shift will occur, but how we'll navigate it.

My challenge to both younger and older generations is this: approach this transition with an open mind and a collaborative spirit. Recognize that we all have something valuable to contribute. Seek to understand before being understood. Be willing to question your assumptions and try new approaches.

For my fellow millennials and Gen Zers, don't be afraid to bring your full, authentic selves to work. Your unique perspective, your creativity, your desire for meaningful work - these are your superpowers. Use them wisely and compassionately.

For those from older generations, I invite you to see this shift not as a threat, but as an opportunity. The energy, idealism, and innovative spirit of younger workers can breathe new life into your organizations and help you stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Together, we have the power to create workplaces that are not just more productive, but more human. Workplaces where people can thrive, not just survive. Where work is a source of fulfillment and growth, not just a paycheck.

From 'Power Over' to 'Power With': The New Leadership Model for Millennials and Gen Z

As I scrolled through Instagram the other day, I came across Rihanna's latest venture - her new Fenty hairline. The advertising was stunning, the branding on point, and Rihanna herself looked fabulous as always. But what caught my attention wasn't the products themselves, but rather the comments section.

Almost immediately, people began comparing Rihanna's line to Beyoncé’s recently launched hair product line, Cécred. The comments section quickly devolved into a debate about which superstar's products were better, who would come out on top, and which line would ultimately "win" in the marketplace.

This got me thinking about competition - how deeply ingrained it is in our culture, especially in business, and how harmful it can actually be to our creativity and growth. As someone who has spent years in the business world and now works as a mentor and advisor, I've seen firsthand how competition can stifle innovation and hold us back from reaching our full potential.

Many of us were raised in highly competitive environments. From a young age, we're taught that winning is everything and that success means beating out others. I certainly experienced this growing up - I was a competitive swimmer, dancer, and runner. I participated in academic competitions. My entire upbringing revolved around competition and ranking.

This mindset teaches us that there can only be one winner, and by extension, that resources and success are scarce. It's a mentality rooted in lack and scarcity. When we operate from this place, we're constantly looking over our shoulders, trying to one-up our "competitors" instead of focusing on our own unique gifts and vision.

In business, this often manifests as an obsession with competitor analysis and trying to beat out other companies in our industry. We fixate on what others are doing instead of tapping into our own creativity and innovation. We try to incrementally improve on existing ideas rather than coming up with truly novel solutions.

This competitive mindset kills creativity in several key ways:

It narrows our focus. When we're laser-focused on beating the competition, we limit our perspective and miss out on new opportunities and ideas.

It breeds fear and scarcity thinking. Competition makes us operate from a place of lack, which inhibits risk-taking and "out of the box" thinking.

It leads to copycatting rather than true innovation. We end up trying to one-up competitors incrementally instead of pursuing bold new directions.

It creates stress and pressure that stifle the creative process. Creativity flourishes in relaxed, open states of mind - not when we're anxiously trying to "win."

It discourages collaboration, which is often where the most innovative ideas emerge.

The Alternative: Collaboration and Co-Creation

So if competition kills creativity, what's the alternative? I believe the path forward lies in embracing collaboration, co-creation, and abundance thinking.

When we shift from a competitive mindset to a collaborative one, we open ourselves up to limitless possibilities. We recognize that there's enough success to go around and that we can all win together. This abundance mentality allows creativity to flourish.

I've experienced this shift in my own work and life. As I've let go of the need to compete and "be the best," I've found so much more fulfillment in collaborating with others and celebrating our collective successes.

For example, I recently had a discovery call with a woman who was interested in doing work similar to mine. In the past, I might have seen her as competition and been hesitant to share too much. But instead, I approached our conversation with openness and generosity. I shared resources, made introductions, and offered my support.

This approach felt so much more aligned with my values and purpose. By lifting her up, I felt lifted up myself. Our conversation sparked new ideas for both of us. It was energizing rather than draining.

Draw inspiration from others while maintaining our unique vision

Pool resources and knowledge to create better solutions

Support and celebrate each other's successes

Focus on our individual strengths and how they complement others

Create win-win scenarios where everyone benefits 

Of course, shifting from competition to collaboration isn't always easy. It requires us to examine our deeply held beliefs and change ingrained habits. Here are some ways I've found to nurture a more collaborative approach:

Recognize abundance. There's enough success, money, recognition, etc. to go around. When we truly internalize this, we no longer see others as threats.

Focus on your unique gifts. Get clear on your individual strengths and what only you can offer. This helps you stop comparing yourself to others.

Reframe "competitors" as potential collaborators or sources of inspiration. How can you learn from or partner with others in your industry?

Celebrate others' successes. When you see someone doing well, genuinely celebrate for them instead of feeling threatened.

Look for win-win opportunities. How can you create scenarios where everyone benefits?

Be generous with your knowledge and resources. Trust that what you give will come back to you multiplied.

Set healthy boundaries. Collaboration doesn't mean overextending yourself. Learn to share generously while still protecting your energy.

This collaborative approach isn't just feel-good philosophy - it has real, tangible benefits in the business world. Here are some ways I've seen collaboration drive success:

Innovation: When we collaborate across disciplines and industries, we often stumble upon the most innovative solutions. Different perspectives spark new ideas.

Customer focus: Collaboration allows us to focus more on serving our customers rather than beating competitors. This ultimately leads to better products and services.

Resource optimization: By pooling resources and knowledge, we can achieve more with less and reduce redundancy.

Risk mitigation: Partnerships and collaborations can help spread risk and create more stable business models.

Market expansion: Collaborating with complementary businesses can help us reach new markets and customers.

Employee satisfaction: A collaborative culture tends to be more positive and fulfilling for employees, leading to better retention and productivity.

Sustainability: Collaboration often leads to more sustainable, long-term business models rather than short-term wins.

This shift from competition to collaboration is at the heart of what I call the MetaBusiness Methodology. It's about recognizing that business can be a force for positive transformation - not just profit.

The MetaBusiness methodology focuses on activating the unique energy and gifts of leaders and organizations. Rather than trying to fit into predefined molds or beat out competitors, we tap into our authentic selves and highest potential.

This involves deep inner work to understand our individual strengths, values, and purpose. From there, we can create business strategies and cultures that are truly aligned with who we are and the impact we want to have.

When leaders and organizations operate from this place of alignment and authenticity, amazing things happen. Creativity flourishes. Innovation accelerates. We naturally attract the right opportunities and collaborators.

Most importantly, we create businesses that are deeply fulfilling and contribute positively to the world. It's no longer about winning at all costs, but about co-creating value for all stakeholders.

As I reflect on the Rihanna and Beyoncé example that sparked this train of thought, I see how we could reframe the entire situation through a collaborative lens. Instead of pitting these two incredibly talented women against each other, what if we celebrated that they're both using their platforms to create products for underserved markets? What if we recognized that there's plenty of room for both lines to succeed and serve different customer needs?

Moreover, what if Rihanna and Beyoncé themselves approached their ventures from a place of mutual support rather than competition? Imagine the possibilities if they pooled their massive influence and resources to uplift women and promote self-care on a global scale.

This example reminds me that we all have our own unique paths to walk. No one else can be you or fulfill your specific purpose. When we truly internalize this, competition becomes irrelevant. Your journey isn't about beating others or even keeping up with them. It's about becoming the fullest, most authentic expression of yourself and using your gifts to serve the world.

This is the mindset I strive to embody and share with my clients. When we let go of comparison and competition, we free up so much energy for creativity, growth, and meaningful impact.

As we look to the future, I believe this shift from competition to collaboration is essential - not just in business, but in all areas of life. The challenges we face as a global society are too complex to be solved through old paradigms of competition and scarcity thinking. Political instability, socioeconomic inequality, technological disruption - these issues require unprecedented cooperation and collective innovation.

By embracing collaboration, we open ourselves up to new possibilities. We create space for diverse voices and perspectives. We tap into our collective intelligence and creativity.

- Businesses partner to solve global challenges rather than just competing for market share

- Nations cooperate to create abundance for all rather than fighting over scarce resources

- Individuals support and celebrate each other's growth rather than tearing each other down

This vision may sound utopian, but I believe it's not only possible - it's essential for our continued evolution as a species. And it starts with each of us choosing collaboration over competition in our daily lives and work.

As we wrap up, I want to extend an invitation to you, dear reader. How can you embrace more collaboration in your life and work? Where might you be operating from a competitive mindset without even realizing it?

Competition Kills Creativity: Embracing Collaboration in Business and Life

I want to take you on a journey - my journey - of discovering what it truly means to lead with compassion. This isn't just another business strategy or leadership technique. It's a profound shift in consciousness that has the power to transform not only our organizations but our entire lives.

As I sit here writing this, I'm in the midst of a years-long custody battle. I'm sharing this not for sympathy, but because transparency and vulnerability are at the core of who I am and what I teach. Despite the challenges, I want you to know that I am thriving. We are winning. Good always prevails.

This experience has reinforced a truth I've come to understand deeply: compassionate leadership isn't just about being nice or kind. It's about having the courage to face our fears, heal our traumas, and show up authentically in every aspect of our lives.

Let me take you back to a pivotal moment in my life. I was fresh out of Harvard, filled with ambition and dreams, ready to conquer the world. I decided to start a plant-based hair product company, inspired by my own experiences of discrimination in the workplace due to my natural hair.

On the surface, it seemed like I was living the entrepreneurial dream. But beneath that facade, I was operating from a place of deep fear and insecurity. I allowed someone to become a 50-50 partner in my company - someone who took advantage of my kindness and generosity, someone who contributed nothing but took credit for everything.

Because at the time, I didn't have the capacity to set boundaries. I didn't have the experience or the modeling of what healthy boundaries looked like. I was leading from fear - fear of being seen, fear of standing alone.

This fear wasn't random. It was rooted in trauma that I had been carrying since childhood. When I was six years old, my sister was murdered. My father went to federal prison. My mother struggled with mental illness. And I was told to keep silent about all of it.

I learned to suppress my truth, to hide my pain, to pretend everything was okay when it wasn't. This trauma, left unaddressed, manifested in my business decisions and leadership style. I thought I needed someone else to feel safe, even if that person was taking advantage of me.

The universe has a way of shaking us awake when we're not listening to our inner truth. For me, that wake-up call came in a series of painful events. My father passed away. One of my best friends was murdered. My mother attempted suicide just as we were launching our full product line.

These events forced me to confront the fact that I was living out of alignment with my true self. I had to make the difficult decision to shut down the company. At the time, I framed it as needing to take care of my mom. And while that was true, it wasn't the whole truth.

The whole truth was that I was running a business with someone I didn't want to work with, someone who didn't deserve to share the spotlight with me. I was hiding behind a partnership that was draining my energy and stifling my creativity.

Letting go of that business was one of the most painful experiences of my life. It felt like I was losing my dream. But looking back now, I realize it was the beginning of my true healing journey.

So, how do we move from leading with fear to leading with compassion?

It starts with doing the inner work. We have to be willing to look at our traumas, our insecurities, our fears. We have to be willing to speak our truth, even when it's uncomfortable.

This isn't easy work. It requires courage and vulnerability. It requires us to challenge the beliefs and patterns that have been ingrained in us since childhood. But it's necessary work if we want to become truly effective, compassionate leaders.

For me, this journey involved working with therapists, healers, and coaches. It involved diving deep into my childhood experiences and understanding how they were shaping my adult behaviors. It involved learning to set boundaries, to speak my truth, and to value myself.

As I did this work, I began to understand what true compassion looks like. It's not about being a doormat or always turning the other cheek. It's about seeing people (including ourselves) for who they truly are, acknowledging their struggles and their potential, and creating space for growth and transformation.

Compassionate leadership means having the courage to call out bullshit - in ourselves and others. It means being honest about our boundaries, what we stand for, and what we won't tolerate. It means communicating these truths kindly but firmly.

As I've embraced this path of compassionate leadership, I've seen incredible transformations in my life and work. I've moved from coaching individuals in my Sol Full Accelerator program to launching The MetaBusiness World and executive leadership work. I've become an international keynote speaker, sharing my message with larger audiences.

But more important than these external achievements is the internal shift I've experienced. I feel more aligned, more fulfilled, more alive than ever before. I'm no longer driven by fear or the need for others' approval. I'm driven by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to my own truth.

This shift hasn't always been easy. There have been moments of doubt and frustration. I've had to learn to have compassion for myself, even when things aren't moving as quickly as I'd like.

For example, I currently have about 5,500 followers on Instagram and often get only six or seven views on my YouTube live videos. Compared to other influencers and international speakers, these numbers might seem small. But I've learned to have compassion for myself in this journey. I recognize that I'm showing up consistently, speaking my truth, and doing the work. The right audience will come at the right time.

This is a key lesson in compassionate leadership: trusting in divine timing. When the right time, place, and conditions align, everything will manifest in perfect harmony. This is what Abraham Hicks calls "deliberate creation," and it's a principle I've come to embrace fully.

Compassionate leadership isn't a destination; it's an ongoing journey. It requires daily practice, constant self-reflection, and a willingness to grow and evolve. Some days are easier than others, but every day offers an opportunity to choose compassion over fear, authenticity over pretense.

As I prepare for my next chapter as an international corporate keynote speaker, I'm continually refining my message and my understanding of compassionate leadership. I'm exploring how to bring these concepts into corporate settings in ways that are practical and transformative.

I invite you to join me on this journey. What would it look like for you to lead with more compassion - in your business, in your relationships, in your relationship with yourself? How might your life and work transform if you approached them from a place of compassion rather than fear?

Here are some practices that have been helpful for me:

Daily self-reflection: Take time each day to check in with yourself. How are you feeling? What fears or insecurities are coming up? How can you approach these with compassion?

Speak your truth: Practice being honest about your experiences and feelings, even when it's uncomfortable. Start with trusted friends or a therapist if speaking publicly feels too daunting.

Set and communicate boundaries: Identify what you will and won't tolerate in your life and work. Practice communicating these boundaries clearly and kindly.

Seek support: Don't try to do this work alone. Whether it's a coach, energy healer, or trusted friend, find people who can support you on this journey.

Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself, especially when you're struggling. Treat yourself with the same compassion you'd offer a good friend.

Trust the process: Remember that growth and transformation take time. Trust that you're exactly where you need to be on your journey.

As we wrap up, I want to encourage you to take some time this week to love yourself. For me, that looks like traveling to Tampa to spend time with my healers and mentors, bringing my son along, enjoying good food, participating in plant medicine ceremonies, and resting. It involves reflecting on my vision for the future and how I want to show up in my next iteration as an international corporate keynote speaker.

What will self-love look like for you this week? Will it be nurturing self-care activities? Taking time off to envision a brighter future for your business? Assessing your circle and deciding who truly aligns with your vision? Whatever it is, approach it with compassion and honesty.

Remember, this journey of compassionate leadership starts with having compassion for yourself. It's about seeing yourself clearly, acknowledging where you are, and loving yourself through the process of growth and transformation.

I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to share this journey with you. Thank you for being here, for holding space for me as I hold space for you. If you'd like to connect further, you can find me on social media @iamerinpatten or check out my offerings at www.erinpatten.com. I offer keynote speaking, MetaBusiness VIP Days, MetaStrategy Vision and Values work, and one-on-one coaching for those ready to take themselves and their organizations to the next level.

Remember, you are exactly where you need to be. Trust the journey, embrace compassion, and keep shining your light.

Erin Patten is a metaphysical master in a millennial age. She is a highly sought-after master advisor to corporate executives, startup founders and their respective organizations. She founded the MetaBusiness World to guide magnetic leaders in extinguishing organizational dis-ease by working through emotional and spiritual roots of conflict to find balance.

Leading with Compassion: A Journey from Fear to Enlightened Leadership

As a metaphysical master and wealth advisor, my mission is to guide leaders and organizations along an enlightened path. In our fast-paced, ever-evolving professional environments, many of us face significant challenges that can impact our mental health, career trajectories, and leadership capabilities. Whether it's the stress of job searching, managing anxiety during career plateaus, or navigating the complexities of leadership, these issues are common yet critical to address.

During a recent live Q&A session, I had the opportunity to connect with many of you, sharing insights and divine solutions to some of these pressing concerns. The core of my guidance centered around consciously embodying higher emotions and expanding one's consciousness as the path to true wealth, fulfillment and effective leadership.

The idea for the live Mastermind Q&A stemmed from frequent interactions with my own team. They often approached me with personal and professional dilemmas, seeking advice on navigating their careers and lives with purpose and intention. Observing the commonality of these concerns, I realized a broader need for such guidance. Thus, the live Mastermind Q&A was born, providing a platform for sharing divine solutions and empowering business leaders.

Here are some of the key insights I shared during the enlightening session:

Sustaining Mental Health in Career Pursuits

When asked about strategies for staying mentally grounded during stressful career explorations like job searches, I emphasized the power of affirmations and reprogramming the mind for success.

"You want to speak as if you already are in the role," I advised. Statements like "I am a very proficient and effective leader" spoken presently and with conviction can help manifest the desired reality, vibrationally attracting what you envision.

However, I cautioned that affirmations alone aren't enough if you don't genuinely believe them. Unresolved anxiety, trauma or limiting beliefs will undermine the affirmations' effectiveness. Consistent inner work to heal wounds and insecurities is crucial for the mind to fully embody the uplifting mantras.

I recommended looking in the mirror each morning and evening to declare aspirational affirmations about the types of roles you want to step into. Embody the energy and confidence you wish to attract through the vibration of your spoken words. But also stay attuned to the feelings that arise - if anxiety, anger or defeat surface, honor and process those emotions rather than burying them.

Uncovering the core sources and wounds behind those feelings through therapy, journaling, or energy work with professionals like me can help release long-held blocks. As you peel back layers of negativity and rewrite limiting beliefs, the affirmations can sink in at a deeper level, amplifying your magnetism.

Organizational Support for Employee Wellbeing

To cultivate true employee wellness, I stressed that initiatives must start with enlightened leadership committed to their own holistic wellbeing first. "If the leaders are not aligned in this wellness work, then it's for naught," I said. Leaders carry the energy that sets the organizational direction.

While helpful, periodic wellness events like yoga classes fall short of lasting impact when not reinforced by a cultural shift modeled by senior teams. I recommended experiences like retreats and coaching that help leaders embody mindfulness and work-life balance themselves as opposed to just preaching it.

Authentically nurturing the leadership team's emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing is key. This could include activities like breathwork, meditation, energy clearing, or even plant medicine ceremonies. The leaders must be willing to go deep, shine light on their shadows, and do the inner work to raise their vibration.

Only when anchored in that uplifted state can the guidance and policies they implement have the full potency to resonate through the wider workforce. It allows for a genuine culture shift, where wellbeing is embedded into the fabric of how the organization operates - not just a separate initiative.

To the professional feeling stalled in their career growth, plagued by anxiety and doubting their path, I again pointed to healing inner turmoil at the root. "You have to believe what you're speaking over yourself," I said, of using affirmations to reframe limiting mindsets.

By doing the work to overcome insecurities and traumas, much of which stems from childhood, professionals can access a stronger self-belief that propels them forward, free of the mental blocks creating plateaus.

I spoke about my own experience overcoming a traumatic childhood through years of inner child work. Reparenting myself with love, validating the younger wounds, and overriding the harmful core beliefs installed during that vulnerable time. As those ties dissolved, my confidence and clarity awakened. The same is possible for anyone willing to journey inward.

Anxiety often stems from a primal fear of lack - lacking wealth, lacking power, lacking safety. But those are illusions of the smaller, egoic self. In our highest nature, we are infinite beings overflowing with talents and creative potency. Realizing that level of truth allows opportunities to flow freely, blocked no longer by fear's constraints.

Reducing Fear of AI and Technology Replacing Humans

Perhaps the most profound perspective I offered was in response to concerns about AI and technology making human skills obsolete. "You are greater than any technology can ever be," I proclaimed.

While machines may exceed human abilities in certain tasks, I explained, "Our emotions and our consciousness are our superpowers...Machines do not have the ability to feel."

I view AI's proliferation as an opportunity for humanity to evolve beyond mundane roles and tap into higher potentials that technology cannot replicate. "This is the unique opportunity that we have for this new earth paradigm to really call forth these higher energies, these superman, superwoman powers," I declared.

Just as dolling out affirmations without true self-belief is hollow, designing technology without expanding our consciousness leads to an empty future. Leaning only on logic and bypassing our emotional and spiritual intelligence is what has created such immense separation and struggle on this planet.

To avoid devolving into a world of unfeeling robots, we must awaken the full breadth of our multidimensional human experience - our ability to create, intuit, sense energy, experience rapture and profound connectedness. These are the sectors machines cannot outperform us in no matter how "intelligent" they become. Our feelings and our soul's wisdom trumps artificial intelligence.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset and Harmony in Teams

Ultimately, fostering an environment where growth mindsets and harmony thrive begins with enlightened leadership embodying those qualities themselves.

As I summarized, "It is incumbent upon you to embody that growth mindset...The more that we are moving in these truths of emotions, the more people around us can move in their own truth. And that's where the growth happens."

By leaders embracing vulnerability, resolution over tension, and the understanding that problems always have solutions, they give permission for teams to operate in that same evolved frequency.

"The harmony is created by the gathering, the togetherness of all the notes, of all the music, of all the frequencies in harmony flowing together," I eloquently explained.

Enlightened leaders harmonize their teams.

Rather than a top-down command, this fosters an environment of co-creation, where each individual's personal growth synergizes with the collective's expansion. Teamwork and collaboration accelerate exponentially when everyone is inspired to be their fullest, most authentic selves. Innovation and creativity flourish, allowing the organization to stay dexterously attuned to the ever-shifting landscape.

Core to my philosophies is the notion that true success, wealth and effective leadership flow from an enlightened consciousness centered in our highest selves. It is consciously embodying emotions like vulnerability, empathy and compassion - not just professing them.

It is doing the inner work to heal limiting beliefs, releasing anxieties and insecurities, and unapologetically occupying our "superman/superwoman" abilities that machines can never replicate. From that grounded, energetic space, we can thrive as leaders in business and life.

As I affirmed, "We have the ability to be wealthier than we've ever imagined, being happier than we've ever imagined." For those committed to that journey of metaphysical and entrepreneurial growth, my guidance offers a transcendent path forward.

The path is not always easy - there are shadows to confront, wounds to mend, and layers of conditioning to peel away. But the rewards are an embodied sense of purpose, creativity, authentic power, and soul-level fulfillment that no material possession can provide. It's accessing our highest human potentials as divine, cosmic beings.

This is the path of the metaphysical millennial that I am helping illuminate - a newly evolved model of leadership and success that goes beyond just profit or power. One where humanity experiences true prosperity and wellbeing on all levels: financial, emotional, physical, and spiritual.

I invite you to step onto this leading edge with me.

Metaphysical Master and Enlightened Business Leader

Join the conversation and get valuable insights follow me @iamerinpatten and don't forget to subscribe to the MetaBusiness Millennial podcast @metabusinessmillenialpodcast on @youtube @applepodcast @spotify

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Recently, on my podcast,  I shared a deeply personal story about losing my one-year-old son to Child Protective Services in a horrible custody bottle. In that month’s time that he was away from me, it felt like my life’s version of the Dark Night of the Soul. In this article, I want to delve deeper into the most critical aspects of this journey, providing insights, reflections, and advice based on my experiences. So, let's explore the transformative power of struggle, the importance of self-care, and the path to spiritual growth and self-realization.

The "Dark Night of the Soul" is a term originally coined by the 16th-century Spanish mystic and poet, St. John of the Cross. He describes this as a profound period of spiritual desolation, suffering, and inner turmoil that many believe is a necessary precursor to spiritual enlightenment. This experience can be likened to a deep, existential crisis where you may feel abandoned by God or disconnected from your spiritual path, leading to a profound sense of despair and confusion.

St. John of the Cross wrote about this concept in his poem "Dark Night" and elaborated on it in his treatise The Dark Night. According to him, this experience involves the purification of the soul, stripping away all attachments and desires to bring one closer to divine union with God. It is a process where one must endure spiritual trials and tribulations to ultimately reach a state of profound peace and closeness with the divine.

The dark night of the soul is not restricted to religious or mystical experiences. In a broader psychological and existential context, this concept has been explored by notable figures such as Carl Jung. Jung described the dark night of the soul as an essential part of the individuation process, where the ego is deconstructed to reveal the true self. This transformative journey requires facing one's deepest fears and insecurities, often involving significant emotional and psychological pain. Through this process, individuals can emerge more authentic, self-aware, and enlightened.

Jung believed that the dark night of the soul is a natural part of the human experience, an inevitable phase of personal growth and self-realization. It is during these dark times that the unconscious mind brings to the surface unresolved issues and repressed emotions, forcing the individual to confront them head-on. This confrontation can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and one's place in the world, fostering a sense of wholeness and integration.

In contemporary psychology, the concept of the dark night of the soul is often associated with periods of depression, anxiety, and profound personal crises. These periods can be seen as opportunities for significant personal growth and transformation. Modern psychotherapists and energy healers like me may guide individuals through these challenging times by helping them explore and integrate their shadow aspects, fostering greater self-awareness and personal resilience.

My dark night of the soul experience manifested as a very intense emotional, spiritually and physical struggle. When my son, Harleaux, was around 9 months, I was separating from his father because our relationship was very strained and abusive. In this chaotic environment, Harleaux struggled with transitioning to solid foods, vomiting most anything that wasn’t breastmilk and was diagnosed as “failure to thrive” by the time he turned one.

As the turbulent relationship with his father worsened coupled with ensuing custody mediation and court litigation, his father called Child Protective Services claiming I was starving and neglecting Harleaux. To my dismay, he completely disregarded the facts I shared with him that proved Harleaux suffered with a digestive disorder and had been undergoing weekly alternative medical treatments for months.

It felt as if I was being punished, as CPS investigators allowed his father to exclusively care for him while they questioned my decisions to breastfeed my son, feed him organic fruits and vegetables and treat his acute digestive condition with Chinese herbs and acupuncture.

Faced with the limitations of conventional medicine, I turned to Chinese medicine for Harleaux to get to the root of what was causing his digestive issues and constant vomiting. Acupuncture and herbal treatments offered a new perspective as they were able to categorically diagnose him with severe fear and anxiety at 13 months. This alternative approach validated my own experiences and underscored the deep connection between emotional and physical well-being. It was a pivotal moment that reinforced the importance of exploring holistic healing methods.

The decision to seek alternative treatment was a testament to my belief in the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views health as a balance of the body's vital energies, and it provided a framework for understanding and addressing the root causes of Harleaux's issues rather than just treating the symptoms. This holistic approach resonated with my own experiences and beliefs, offering a path to healing that conventional medicine had not.

The legal and custodial battles that ensued were equally harrowing. Accusations in court from Harleaux's father and the involvement of Child Protective Services tested my resilience. I endured societal judgments along with legal struggles while striving to remain true to my core values and beliefs. This period was one of the darkest nights of my soul, filled with feelings of shame, self-doubt, and worthlessness.

This traumatizing experience pushed me to confront my deepest fears and doubts. The pain and self-judgment I endured during this period were immense, leading to feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and a profound sense of loss particularly as I was also navigating the nuances of my mom’s mental illness, which at the time was progressing into dementia.

Despite the tremendous pressure, it was in these dark times that I experienced significant spiritual growth. The suffering I encountered forced me to look within and reassess my values, beliefs, and sense of self. This journey of exploration and self-discovery paved the way for a deeper connection with my true self, with God and with the divine energies of the universe.

Reflecting on my experiences, I realized that the dark night of the soul, while incredibly challenging, is a powerful catalyst for personal transformation. It strips away superficial layers and compels us to confront our core essence. Through this process, we can emerge more resilient, self-aware, and spiritually enlightened. The dark night of the soul is not merely a period of suffering but a profound journey toward self-realization and spiritual awakening. By embracing this process, we can find greater meaning, purpose, and connection in our lives.

I realized how these challenges had forged me into a more powerful and compassionate person. My core values of trust and divine justice became evident as I navigated through adversity. I learned that responding to oppression with higher consciousness and strategic action, rather than retaliation, is essential. These reflections have been instrumental in my spiritual growth and self-realization.

My journey through the dark night of the soul taught me the importance of surrendering to the process and trusting in a higher power. It was through this surrender that I found the strength and clarity to move forward. The insights gained during this time have been invaluable, shaping my understanding of myself and my purpose in this world.

Throughout my dark night of the soul journey and beyond, self-care and positive affirmations played a crucial role in my healing process. Reprogramming negative self-talk and creating space for personal mistakes allowed me to cultivate a positive mindset and deeper self-acceptance. Daily practices such as walking, listening to music, journaling, and prayer helped me to better manage my emotions and build resilience. Embracing self-love and affirmations became vital tools in overcoming my vicious thoughts of self-hatred and self-judgment.

Self-care is not just about physical well-being but also about nurturing the mind and spirit. Positive affirmations helped me to counteract the negative thoughts that often accompany the dark night of the soul. By consistently affirming my worth and capabilities, I was able to shift my mindset from one of despair to one of hope and possibility. This practice of self-affirmation and care was crucial in maintaining my mental and emotional health during these challenging times.

Embrace the Struggle: Understand that periods of intense struggle are necessary for growth. They are opportunities to build strength and resilience. Embrace these times as essential parts of your journey, knowing that they are shaping you into a stronger, more resilient individual.

The

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