The Bo-Tree by Raashi Bhatia

Absolutely enjoyed speaking about dreams, leadership and ancestral wisdom at the Festival of Dreams Conference in Santa Cruz, CA today!

I spoke about a posture of leadership that begins with self, is rooted in ancestry, and emerges from listening—across time, cultures, and generations. I also spoke about how leadership begins not with traits or titles, but with listening. Listening inwardly, as an act of self-leadership. Listening backward, to ancestors whose voices still live within us and listening forward, to the descendants who will inherit the choices we make.

The conference itself was amazing—a gathering of professionals, academicians, artists and practitioners who believe in the transformational power of dreams. It was insightful to listen to all the wisdom and knowledge that the other speakers shared, I definitely came back more knowledgable!

Big shoutout to and for organizing this amazing event and for doing this at the coolest venue!

Welcome, Dreamers!
It’s time to gather October 10-12 for a weekend of inspiration, connection, and celebration in beautiful Santa Cruz at the Museum of Art & History.

Join dreamers, artists, scholars, and seekers from across the region as we honor the mystery and magic of dreaming. Come for the insights, stay for the music—and maybe even meet a part of yourself you’ve never encountered before. Tickets are available now!

Hosted by Katherine Bell and Linda Mastrangelo, and headlined by WISN founder Dr. Apela Colorado and past IASD president Bob Hoss, this extraordinary event features a stellar lineup of renowned dream experts and artists, including IDS graduates and faculty:
Jason Althaver, Bhaskar Banerji, Raashi Bhatia, Cindy Bishop, Norman Brown, Jane Carleton, Jennifer Choate, Emily Cook, Sahlah Dubel, Mara Flynn, Marilyn Fowler, Jayne Gackenbach, Christian Gerike, Tzivia Gover, Marsha Hudson, David Jenkins, Andrusa Lawson, Jacqueline Lopez, Marilyn Manzi, Kimberly Mascaro, Michael Mollura, Kyle Napierkowski, Alejandra Perez Reguera, Victoria Rabinowe, and Lauren Schneider.

Set in the vibrant Museum of Art & History in downtown Santa Cruz, the Festival of Dreams is more than an event—it’s a movement. Whether you’re a seasoned dreamworker or simply dream-curious, you’ll find kindred spirits, creative sparks, and deep connections. Now in its fourth incarnation, the festival welcomes all. (IASD members receive a discount, but membership is not required to attend.)

🌙 Festival Schedule and info -learn more and get tickets:
👉 ASDreams.org/regionals
👉 FestivalofDreams.net
👉 FestivalofDreams-SantaCruz.Eventbrite.com

Over the years, I’ve noticed something both in myself and in the people I work with: we often believe that once we understand a pattern, we should be able to move past it.
We might be able to name it, trace its roots, even speak about it fluently. And yet, there it is again, often emerging during heightened emotions or times of stress.

Understanding is valuable, and awareness is very often the key to a shift. It gives us language, perspective, even relief. However, insight alone rarely creates sustained change. That’s because many of our patterns aren’t just intellectual, they’re embodied. They live in how we respond under pressure, in what feels safe or familiar, and in the nervous system’s deeper conditioning.

In coaching, this comes up often. A client might say, "I know exactly why I do this, but I still can’t seem to stop."
That’s not failure; in fact, it is a sign of progress! That’s the gap between awareness and integration.

Real change tends to unfold more slowly. It shows up in repetition, in small moments of choice, in pausing long enough to notice what’s happening before reacting.

If you’re in that space where you know what’s happening but can’t quite shift it yet, you’re not behind or lacking. You’re in the work! The change you envision isn't far away 💫

Think about: 🌀 What helps you bridge the gap between knowing and becoming?

[Integration, Integral Coaching, Coaching, Knowing, Becoming, Awareness, Insight, Wellness, Change, Transformation, Pattern, Embodiment, Psychology, Journal Prompt, Reflection, Thoughts]

Earlier this summer, as part of my PhD program, I sat for a comprehensive exam on the foundations of psychology. Preparing for it turned out to be a deeply enriching learning experience—I came across so many fascinating insights into the mind, memory, and human behaviour.

Sharing a few that have stayed with me.

Did any of these surprise you?

[Psychology, Facts, Did You Know, Mind, Behaviour, Memory, Insights]

While this reflection prompt may seem a little morbid and existential, it helps to quickly shift one's perspective and invite new insights. 💡✨

In my Ph.D program, this semester, we are reading about the pioneers of Transpersonal Psychology📚. One of the leading figures we read about last week was Frances Vaughan whose works focus on spiritual growth and healing relationships ❤️ among other important contributions to transpersonal psychology.

In her book, The inward arc: Healing and wholeness in
psychotherapy and spirituality, Vaughan dedicates a chapter to healing relationships and offers several profound reflection prompts.

She writes, "In retrospect, people facing death often say that relationships are what really mattered most in their lives. Accomplishments and achievements that appeared momentous at one time seem to lose their lustre with the approach of death. On the other hand, the ability to give and receive love and to contribute to the well-being of others seems more valuable. Times of giving or receiving unconditional love may be cherished long after successes and failures are forgotten. Regrets often focus on not having communicated love to someone when the opportunity was there. Is there anyone to whom you want to express love or appreciation now?"

What comes up for you as you read this reflection prompt? ❤️🌸