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

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

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.   ...