Knowing that everything serves is an important reminder; one I often circle back to again and again. Anytime we're triggered by something unpleasant or a plot-twist of sorts (like venture capitalists/private equity purchasing a beloved industry), this is a good time to "zoom out", literally pan-out and see the bigger picture. Shadows or what we perceive as shadows or the negative expression of anyone or anything is there for our awareness and light. Literally coaxing it-- inviting it into conscious activation so that we may realize the beautiful and good that's guiding our lives.  By Mayra Porrata ©2026 Solara Publishing, LLC

A few weeks ago our mom's assisted living provider was purchased by a private equity group. I call them vulture capitalists because their only goal is to strip what little is still fresh and viable; they gut it, bankrupt it, and then fly off to "save" the next wounded industry.   Do you know what the average time is between acquisition and sell-off? About 4 years. They are the antithesis of a caring community and a caring economy. While the employees fake smiles to hide their terror, the residents and their families, already under severe distress, are literally just buying time.  Like millions of Americans I too am deeply steeped in the legacy of misguided economics and shiny savior promises. Like many who once believed in the Religion of Privatization and trickle-down-economics, I’m once again savoring the unpleasant feel and flavor of a “business” wholly designed to extract shared resources and wealth.    As I reflect on my decades-long jo...

The contemplative life is accessible to anyone at any time.  But when, where, and how do you even start? I can't answer that for you, but can share how it began for me.  Noticing.  Noticing is the point of contact with present-time -- with that which captivates your attention and stirs your heart in this moment.  Do you notice a repeated thought? a thought pattern? an emotion? an attachment? a color? or something beautiful in the middle of chaos that makes you heart smile?   Reviewing your own data, that which  you consistently notice, is sacred work and the only way I know to step into the field of curiosity; of actual life.  Like Thoreau's tender quote reminds us "it's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see" .   What we see  is the invitation-- it's where we begin our divine apprenticeship and courtship with life.      By Mayra Porrata ©2026 Solara Publishing, LLC

The "hinged" candidate/aspiring public leader checklist:   self-awareness - if your ego is doing all the talking, we can't tell what's actually in your heart.  emotional intelligence -- without it you can't express or model respect for others-- especially your opponent(s).  social intelligence - without it you're likely unaware that other human beings (including opponents) are not like you, but that doesn't make them "unhinged", just different from you.  communication intelligence - clearly and consistently expressing your unique gifts and qualities. systems/spiritual intelligence -- how are you actively minimizing fear and  proposing people work with you to be wiser/happier than they are today? By Mayra Porrata ©2026 Solara Publishing, LLC

I taught marketing courses in higher ed for 11 years. Twice each year, a capstone group project was assigned.  Coming from a background as a corporate trainer, I was well-versed in adult education theory and methods. This experience not only gave me a little edge in understanding the psychology beneath a number of factors that make projects, in general, fail or succeed, but it informed me on the unique challenges and importance of project-work in general.  Accordingly, one thing that was standard policy in my courses was choice ; students could choose to work in semi-randomly assigned groups or work alone.  By a show of hands I would get a sense of the students who wanted to work alone-- typically a small number, and then conduct an abbreviated Insights-style assessment for everyone.  At the conclusion of the 10 or so question assessment, I would ask: "Where are the yellows in the group?" The "yellows" eagerly raised their hands and I would ask them to "come on...

The Divided Self which is the natural state of being in the dimension of time (the 3 rd dimension) teaches us that whatever we reject or exile inevitably becomes an anchor--- emotionally, psychologically, physically, and energetically. Unless you make it so, this is a temporary passage of experience, not a permanent state.   What are the gifts of the 4 th dimension (and the 4 th chakra of our bodies)—the emotional, astral, mythical realm of existence? The Undivided Self--- the integrated human, the modern human, a wise human being. Can we access more layers and dimensions of knowing while we’re still alive in our bodies? Yes, but only if you follow your heart and Soul— they are our only direct line to God/Source.  By Mayra Porrata ©2026 Solara Publishing, LLC

Learning about the latest website project from the leadership team in Washington, DC.,  inspired me to consider a number of things. Titled American Arcade, its aim is to indoctrinate American children in the values of American shadow culture. What do I mean by shadow culture? The sad, dark, oppressive, and unforgiving aspects of a country’s personality seeking visibility, illumination, and healing.    Most of us are familiar with the term shadow from psychology and the work of Carl Jung. All of us have a shadow. It’s the primitive, survival-based drives that stem from a wounded ego—from a blocked or dysregulated root chakra run amok. Countries have shadows too. If the fact that the United States leads the world in the number of prisons, the worst health outcomes, food insecurity, and the number of single-family homes and social service institutions owned by private equity firms has not awakened leaders and citizens alike, hopefully the new arcade will.   ...

There's a gorgeous and growing silent majority in our country. They live in every state and  come from every background and human shade. Their key defining feature? Their ability to sense benevolence through the energetics of the human heart. What is benevolence? The stance of "do not harm" --- of not hurting anyone or anything intentionally or as a matter of policy.  As many more of us notice and realize the harms caused by the cultural expressions of malevolence*, a gentle energy is activated that naturally awakens an inner call to speak up and out. Despite the machinations of our current systems it is no match for the vast, living data base that informs the human spirit and heart. Accordingly, our response to current events is lived through the ability to move towards that which is beautiful and just;  that which serves humanity and is designed for our collective common good.   *Cultural expressions of malevolence  violence and abuse of women (verbal, physica...

Throughout my publishing career, collaborations and working with friends was always a given. The joy of sitting around my dining room table, hashing out ideas, book covers, and marketing plans remains a personal and career highlight for me.   All this took a giant pause following my daughter's passing, then COVID, then my re-turn to corporate America for a few years. It wasn't until mid-2024 when my dear friend Eric reached out with an idea to do a book on soul, joy and love in every day life. That book became ONE WITH THE LIGHT.   Then I turned 60. And when recurring caregiving duties took over my life in a deep and demanding way something hit me: I'm not a 'spring chicken' (lol), I'm an old-er mother hen! While there are countless leadership initiatives for young people/professionals, there are few for individuals 55+-- and so it struck me: the world needs wise elders-- we need to hone our "wisdomship", and model modern elderhood for our children and...

Looking back on my career, its evolution, involution, and refinement, I can see that purpose was a lens.  In corporate America, the purpose lens was commonly teased out by way of psychological assessments like Insights and MB which reduced us to a type, or a color, or a shade of something we could hold and admire about ourselves.  As we age and mature, our purpose is less so about an avatar or sequence of letters, and more about a longing or yearning that lives deep within our hearts.  In the meantime, purpose is what happens when we're busy searching and making other plans.        By Mayra Porrata ©2026 Solara Publishing, LLC Photo: Miyu and me (selfie)-- Yes, that's MIYU the great cat INFLUENCER (lol)