Impact!

In this episode we examine Syria’s deepening humanitarian and political crisis 10 months after the fall of the Assad regime: fractured governance, mass displacement, collapsing healthcare and education systems, severe food insecurity, and threats to religious minorities. The country faces one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, yet virtually no one seems to be listening.
We outline the immense and diverse scale of Syria's needs, the gaps in international response, and offer suggestions for where we may focus our intentions and prayers, including for inclusive governance, protection for minorities, aid and reconstruction, and healing between the country's communities.
Prayers and intentions begin at 18 minutes 50 seconds.
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, as the scale of challenges facing Syria following the dramatic fall of the Assad regime last December is almost overwhelming, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We will that all international actors who are able will be moved to increase humanitarian aid, lift sanctions that hinder reconstruction, and coordinate investment for Syria's rapid and comprehensive recovery.
Please join us in holding this.
Chapter markers:
00:00:00            Introduction                    
00:01:28            Focus on Syria’s Humanitarian Crisis
00:09:29            The Impact on Education
00:10:59            Persecution of Religious Minorities
00:12:12            Economic Challenges and Reconstruction
00:14:10            International Community’s Response
00:18:50            Prayers and Intentions
Sources referenced in this episode:
https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/conflict-syria
https://www.devex.com/news/a-window-for-us-engagement-with-syria-has-opened-but-not-for-long-111045
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/7/ceasefire-declared-between-syrian-forces-kurdish-fighters-after-one-killed
https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/monthly-forecast/2025-07/syria-81.php
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRuIY124oiI
https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/06/1164481
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrian_civil_war
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/6/syria-declares-results-of-1st-parliamentary-poll-amid-inclusivity-concerns
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/syria-country-policy-and-information-notes/country-policy-and-information-note-security-situation-syria-july-2025-accessible
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3vz44zzp5zo
https://crisisaction.org/our-work/syria-2025-present/
https://www.aljazeera.com/tag/bashar-al-assad/
https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/monthly-forecast/2025-10/syria-84.php
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cg41ylwvwzet
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Syria_clashes_(July_2025%E2%80%93present)
https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/assad
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czrpx1vvr45o
https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/syrian-arab-republic-humanitarian-response-priorities-january-december-2025
https://www.unrefugees.org/news/syria-refugee-crisis-explained/
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2025/07/07/-new-world-bank-report-highlights-syria-s-economic-challenges-and-recovery-prospects-for-2025
https://www.nrc.no/globalassets/pdf/fact-sheets/2025/factsheet_syria_apr2025.pdf
https://www.worldvision.org/refugees-news-stories/syrian-refugee-crisis-facts
https://www.developmentaid.org/news-stream/post/197622/world-bank-syrias-economy-set-for-modest-growth-amid-obstacles-in-2025
https://www.acaps.org/en/countries/syria
https://www.rescue.org/country/syria
https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2025/10/world-bank-security-challenges-hamper-syrias-economic-growth/
https://humanitarianaction.info/plan/1217/article/syria-3rp-2025
https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/syria
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/syria-country-policy-and-information-notes/country-and-policy-information-note-humanitarian-situation-syria-july-2025-accessible
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6874e035b1b4ebc2c2e46543/SYR+CPIN+Humanitarian+situation.pdf
https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/c34j1pzymn2t
https://timep.org/2025/07/01/economy-at-a-crossroads-the-social-protection-challenge-in-syria/
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/syria-country-policy-and-information-notes
https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasource/is-a-new-era-of-turkey-syria-economic-engagement-on-the-horizon/
https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/monthly-forecast/2025-08/syria-82.php
https://reliefweb.int/country/syr
https://www.maryknollmagazine.org/2025/07/religious-minorities-in-syria-are-killed-persecuted/
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/syria-country-of-concern/syria-country-of-concern
https://www.npaid.org/news/a-quiet-revolution-for-democracy-taking-shape-in-syria
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/syria-country-policy-and-information-notes/country-policy-and-information-note-religious-minorities-syria-july-2025-accessible
https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/middle-east-and-north-africa/middle-east/syria/report-syria/
https://syriaaccountability.org/57-civil-society-organizations-call-for-immediate-end-to-violence-and-protection-of-civilians/
https://www.uscirf.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025%20Syria%20Policy%20Update.pdf
https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-briefing-notes/2025/03/syria-distressing-scale-violence-coastal-areas
https://euaa.europa.eu/country-guidance-syria/411-political-dissent-and-opposition-syria
https://minorityrights.org/country/syria/
https://www.globalr2p.org/countries/syria/
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/syria-country-policy-and-information-notes/country-policy-and-information-note-alawites-and-actual-or-perceived-assadists-syria-july-2025-accessible
https://persecution.org/2025/10/09/syrias-parliamentary-elections-a-historic-but-limited-step/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_Syria
https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/allowing-political-opposition-new-syria
https://unwatch.org/un-watch-hosts-event-on-escalating-crisis-of-minority-rights-in-the-syrian-arab-republic/
https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2025/country-chapters/syria
https://www.chathamhouse.org/publications/the-world-today/2025-09/syrias-problems-are-more-sectarian-only-true-national-dialogue
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/B-10-2025-0335_EN.html
https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/syria
https://euromedmonitor.org/en/article/6797/Syria%E2%80%99s-healthcare-system-nears-collapse-amid-worsening-conditions-and-reduced-foreign-aid
https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2025/09/syrias-reconstruction-a-deferred-dream
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Syria
https://www.harmoon.org/en/researches/the-challenges-of-reconstruction-after-syrias-devastation/
https://www.scholaro.com/db/countries/syria/education-system
https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/health-sector-syria-health-sector-bulletin-march-2025
https://www.nrc.no/news/2025/may/syria-better-conditions-infrastructure-investments-could-pave-the-way-for-millions-to-return
https://wenr.wes.org/2025/03/rebuilding-syrias-education-system-navigating-challenges-and-embracing-opportunities
https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/05/1163616
https://unhabitat.org/sites/default/files/2022/09/infrastructure.pdf
https://www.nrc.no/perspectives/2024/restoring-schools-and-futures-with-education-in-syria
https://humanitarianaction.info/plan/1276/document/syrian-arab-republic-humanitarian-response-priorities-january-december-2025/article/1-humanitarian-needs-1
https://www.policycenter.ma/publications/syrias-post-conflict-recovery-challenges-and-prospects-reconstruction-and-stability
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1ln12056ppo
https://healthpolicy-watch.news/syrias-shattered-healthcare-system-needs-finance-and-trained-workers-volatile-security-situation-impedes-progress/
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/6/syria-signs-14bn-infrastructure-deals-will-revamp-damascus-airport
https://humanitarianaction.info/plan/1276/document/syrian-arab-republic-humanitarian-response-priorities-january-june-2025/article/34-education-5
https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/07/1165429
https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/econographics/charting-a-strategic-path-for-syrias-post-war-reconstruction/
 
Join us in person for intention holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  
Our websites:   
www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

Today we turn our attention to the alarming persistence of mass shootings in the United States, which now occur at a level never seen before. We reflect upon recent incidents, causes, and the broad impacts on victims, families, and communities. We question why the USA stands out among all nations as seeing so many tragedies, and why civilian gun ownership in the States constitutes almost half the world total. As always, we suggest guided intentions, prayers, and practical focus areas for collective healing and advocacy.
Intentions and prayers start at 25 minutes.
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, as we take stock of the shocking prevalence of mass shooting events in the US, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We will that educators, community leaders and legislators across all US states will have wisdom to guide policy, advocacy and teaching that will support nonviolence and significantly reduce or eliminate gun violence, while respecting and winning the support of those who continue to strongly advocate for their Second Amendment right to defend themselves.
Please join us in holding this.
Chapter markers:
00:00:00                                       Introduction
00:01:36                                       The Reality of Mass Shootings
00:06:55                                       Why Are Mass Shootings Prevalent in the USA?
00:12:11                                       The Role of Gun Ownership
00:17:01                                       Factors Behind Mass Shootings
00:19:25                                       Impact on Victims and Families
00:22:16                                       Community Responses and Healing
00:24:28                                       Intentions and Prayers
Note: This episode’s title refers to the 1979 Boomtown Rats song ‘I don’t like Mondays,’ about the Cleveland Elementary School shooting in San Diego of the same year.
Sources referenced in this episode:
https://andovernewton.yale.edu/resources/worship-resources-response-recent-mass-shootings
https://apnews.com/article/michigan-church-shooting-gunman-mormons-e607d854e8f198aaaefbf604c6c6f422
https://cofchrist.org/usa-church-news/statement-on-recent-gun-violence/
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/us-gun-policy-global-comparisons#:~:text=The%20United%20States%2C%20with%20less%20than%205,by%20the%20Switzerland%2Dbased%20Small%20Arms%20Survey%20(2018) (cites the 2018 Small Arms Survey)
https://edition.cnn.com/us/mass-shootings-2025-vs-past-years-dg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mass_shootings_in_the_United_States_in_2025
https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-issues-eight-executive-orders-in-response-to-el-paso-and-odessa-shootings
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/gun-control+nra#:~:text=Safety%20groups%20warn%20that%20former,June%202022
https://katv.com/news/nation-world/happening-today-funeral-for-3-fallen-pa-police-officers-northern-york-county-regional-police-detective-cody-becker-mark-baker-isaiah-emenheiser-north-codorus-township-service-procession-burial
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2015/12/4/9850572/gun-control-us-japan-switzerland-uk-canada
https://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/common-witness/ncc-resolution-on-rampant-gun-violence-and-mass-shootings/
https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/public-mass-shootings-database-amasses-details-half-century-us-mass-shootings
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10435045/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8202016/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-35261394
https://rockinst.org/blog/public-mass-shootings-around-the-world-prevalence-context-and-prevention/
https://rockinst.org/gun-violence/mass-shooting-factsheet/
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=honorscollege_ehc
https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-mass-shootings-texas-ohio/
https://whyy.org/articles/governors-diverge-gun-control-school-security-efforts/
https://www.alfred.edu/about/news/studies/lethal-school-violence/why-do-shootings.cfm
https://www.americanprogress.org/article/religious-organizations-are-integral-to-the-fight-against-gun-violence/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-41488081
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-57743694
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-64377360
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/us-gun-policy-global-comparisons
https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/26/world/us-gun-culture-world-comparison-intl-cmd
https://www.forthepeople.com/blog/who-blame-mass-shootings/
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statement-governor-kathy-hochul-97
https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/incident/3317532
https://www.healthdata.org/news-events/insights-blog/acting-data/gun-violence-united-states-outlier
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/red-flag-laws-get-little-use-even-as-mass-shootings-gun-deaths-soar
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/03/05/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-us/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0020138323004254
https://www.theiacp.org/after-action-review
https://www.umnews.org/en/news/church-responds-to-days-of-mass-shootings
https://www.vox.com/23142734/apalachee-georgia-school-shooting-gun-violence
Join us in person for intention holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  
Our websites:   
www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.

This week, we explore the theme of integrity, this year's final quarter focus for Global Healing Response. We consider what integrity really means, sharing personal reflections, and examining its role in leadership, politics, business, and in facing vital global challenges. As always, we offer suggestions for our prayers and intention-holding, and conclude with a  beautiful guided meditation to inspire integrity both for ourselves and for those who lead and have influence in our communities, workplaces and governments.
Prayers and intentions start at 18 minutes 50 seconds.
The meditation on integrity starts at 23 minutes 45 seconds.
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, as we consider the profound implications of maintaining integrity as the focus for this quarter’s Global Healing Response attention, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We will that inspiring and trusted influencers will rise up to highlight the importance of integrity in everything we do, moving the hearts and minds of those who have influence in our companies, politics and public institutions to challenge themselves to live and lead according to high personal and corporate values.
Please join us in holding this.
Mentioned in this episode:
Global Healing Response 2025/Q5 theme, Integrity. Find resources and inspiration at https://globalhealingresponse.com/
Chapter markers:
00:00:00        Introduction
00:01:35        The Meaning of Integrity
00:03:34        Understanding Integrity
00:06:17        Integrity in Our Lives
00:09:59        Integrity in Leadership
00:15:24        Global Integrity Challenges
00:18:01        Empathy and Integrity
00:18:50        Intentions and Prayers
00:23:00        Guided Meditation on Integrity
Sources referenced in this episode:
https://accountable2you.com/blog/meaning-of-integrity/
https://brandyoumagazine.co.uk/why-integrity-in-business-matters-now-more-than-ever-by-alison-goodwin/#:~:text=Today%2C%20businesses%20operate%20in%20a,it's%20earned%20through%20your%20actions.
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/integrity
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrity
https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary/integrity
https://getmarlee.com/blog/personal-integrity
https://helpfulprofessor.com/integrity-examples/
https://mostlovedworkplace.com/11-examples-of-integrity-in-the-workplace/
https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/30881744/4e9da904-30a4-4661-848d-2f4604503eb7/image.jpg
https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-ethical-leadership-and-why-is-it-important/#Examples-of-Positive-and-Negative-Ethical-Leadership
https://status.net/articles/examples-of-integrity-at-work-building-trust/
https://teachlikeachampion.org/wp-content/uploads/A.-Defining-Honesty-and-Integrity_SAMPLE.pdf
https://thisevergreenhome.com/a-day-in-the-life-of-someone-with-integrity-9-examples-to-follow/
https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/integrity
https://upscwithnikhil.com/article/ethics/integrity-and-its-difference-with-honesty
https://www.awork.com/glossary/integrity#:~:text=In%20politics%2C%20integrity%20is%20of,living%20together%20with%20other%20people.
https://www.betterup.com/blog/integrity-in-the-workplace
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/integrity
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/decline-integrity-society-mo-sarraf/
https://www.medicolegalmagazine.co.uk/all-medico-legal-magazine-articles/honesty-integrity-the-difference-between-the-two-and-why-it-matters-to-the-regulators
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/integrity
https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/anti-corruption-and-integrity.html#:~:text=The%20global%20fight%20against%20corruption,intelligence%20and%20the%20green%20transition
https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1751749/integrity-the-new-currency-for-businesses#:~:text=Since%20the%20Covid%20pandemic%20started,a%20record%20of%20unethical%20behaviour.
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/news/2025/02/democracy-in-crisis-trust-in-democratic-institutions-declining-around-the-world.page#:~:text=%22The%20decline%20of%20public%20trust,points%20in%20the%20same%20period.
https://www.transparency.org/en/news/building-political-integrity-to-stamp-out-corruption-three-steps-to-cleaner-politics#:~:text=Political%20systems%20that%20enhance%20the,political%20impunity
https://www.tryhighrise.com/blog-posts/why-is-integrity-important-in-leadership#:~:text=1.,You%20will%20encourage%20sound%20ethics.
https://www.ukpolicelawblog.com/honesty-and-integrity-the-same-thing/
https://www.wewaonthenet.com/honesty-vs-integrity-the-truth/
https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/examples-integrity-everyday-life
Join us in person for intention holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  
Our websites:   
www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com

Today we review the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing hostage situation as the second anniversary of their abduction from Israel approaches.
We take stock of recent military actions, civilian suffering, and the stalled peace efforts, before asking what we may actually pray and have focused intentions for in what appears to be a dire situation in which both sides in the conflict are determined to continue fighting.
Intentions and prayers start at 8 minutes 40 seconds.
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, as attacks intensify, famine and massive casualties escalate, and peace prospects appear to be fading ahead of the second anniversary of hostages being abducted into Gaza and the bitter war that followed, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We will that countless miracles will happen to enable the survival and wellbeing of both the hostages captured by Hamas who remain in captivity and all in Gaza who now fear for their lives.
Please join us in holding this.
Chapter markers:
00:00:00                     Introduction
00:01:21                      Current Situation Overview
00:08:40                     Intentions and Prayers
Sources referenced in this episode:
https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165856
https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165881
https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165881
https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/humanitarian-situation-update-321-gaza-strip
https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/our-only-choice-whether-we-die-here-or-there-nowhere-safe-israel-forces-civilians-leave-gaza-city
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/16/first-head-of-united-nations-body-declares-israels-gaza-war-a-genocide
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/9/9/live-israel-pounds-gaza-city-as-netanyahu-tells-residents-to-leave-now
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gv881exj2o
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-threatened-hell-hamas-free-hostages-happened/story?id=118932854
https://www.bakerinstitute.org/research/what-comes-after-israel-hamas-war
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/18/us-vetoes-un-security-council-demand-for-gaza-ceasefire-for-sixth-time
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/9/18/live-israeli-army-applying-extreme-pressure-as-gaza-toll-passes-65000
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/9/19/live-gaza-war-escalates-as-israel-defies-global-condemnation
https://www.972mag.com/israel-bombing-endangered-hostages-gaza/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y8l46m5evo
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-67053011
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8641wv0n4go
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/israel-palestinian-territories/news/2025/article/united-nations-high-level-international-conference-new-york-declaration-on-the
https://www.npr.org/2025/01/19/nx-s1-5260204/israel-ceasefire-gaza-hostages-release
https://www.ochaopt.org/content/reported-impact-snapshot-gaza-strip-17-september-2025
https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/09/gaza-un-experts-urge-general-assembly-respond-famine-and-genocide
https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session60/advance-version/a-hrc-60-crp-3.pdf
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/israeli-troops-press-forward-into-gaza-city-as-palestinians-flee-and-death-toll-passes-65000
https://www.redcross.org.uk/stories/disasters-and-emergencies/world/whats-happening-in-gaza-humanitarian-crisis-grows
https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/whatsinblue/2025/09/the-middle-east-including-the-palestinian-question-vote-on-a-draft-resolution-7.php
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/0/hostages-gaza-who-has-been-released/
https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/investigations/2025/09/15/exclusive-israel-has-killed-nearly-3000-gaza-aid-seekers
https://www.timesofisrael.com/hostages-families-vow-no-peace-for-pm-until-war-stops-as-new-gaza-ground-op-begins/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-next-24-these-are-the-remaining-hostages-presumed-alive-in-gaza/
https://www.un.org/unispal/document/israel-has-committed-genocide-in-the-gaza-strip-un-commission-finds-16sep25/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/hamas-hostages-israel-war-gaza/
https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/hamas-hostages-israel-gaza-41432124
 
Join us in person for intention holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  
Our websites:   
www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

This week we examine US President Donald Trump's continuing threat to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, explaining the legal, political, and community contexts, and how the prospect is being faced up to by state, city and civil groups concerned for their liberties.
While presenting the facts as we understand them, we also take an editorial perspective, focussing on local fears about the threat and against the backdrop of an uneasy rhetoric among some political figures and social media influencers in the wake of the shooting of Charlie Kirk. As always, we invite listeners to join us in holding intentions and offering prayers for wisdom, protection, and unity as the situation unfolds.
Intentions and prayers start at 23 minutes 10 seconds.
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, as Chicago braces itself for a possible uncertain period of civil unease, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We will that wise heads will prevail in the White House among those who have the ear to advise the President on the real incidence of crime in Chicago, and the wisdom or otherwise of deploying the National Guard into the city.
Please join us in holding this.
Chapter markers:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:55 The Threat in Chicago
00:02:52 Political Reactions and Concerns
00:11:07 National Guard Deployment Circumstances
00:17:57 Chicagoans’ Fears and Responses
00:21:19 Criticism of the Presidential Threat
00:22:45 Intentions and Prayers
Sources referenced in this episode:
https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-national-guard-news-how-could-president-donald-trump-use-illinois/17656837/
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/09/04/us/chicago-national-guard-deployment-preparations
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posse_Comitatus_Act
https://news.wttw.com/2025/09/08/potential-ice-raids-national-guard-intervention-poses-challenges-chicago-police-ground
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/after-two-day-manhunt-suspect-charged-shooting-two-minnesota-lawmakers-and-their-spouses
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/charlie-kirk-shot-video-civil-war-b2824764.html
https://organizingmythoughts.org/what-do-we-say-when-the-soldiers-come/
https://theconversation.com/trumps-deployment-of-the-national-guard-to-fight-crime-blurs-the-legal-distinction-between-the-police-and-the-military-264548
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gj489q6e0o
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ylyd9lkkqo
https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/presidents-power-call-out-national-guard-not-blank-check
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/whats-the-presidents-legal-basis-for-sending-national-guard-troops-to-dc-streets/
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/trump-cities-national-guard-constitution-1.7629219
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/chicago-national-guard-deployment-in-question-ice-immigration-crackdown/
https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/2025/09/11/its-not-a-deployment-its-an-invasion-chicago-reacts-as-trump-mulls-sending-in-national-guard/
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-09-09/trump-is-seizing-on-crime-and-immigration-to-send-troops-to-american-cities
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/09/09/chicago-braces-potential-national-guard-deployment-amid-trump-threats.html
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/09/09/chicago-braces-potential-national-guard-deployment-amid-trump-threats.html
https://www.npr.org/2025/09/07/nx-s1-5533191/trump-chicago-threat-baltimore-new-orleans
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/09/04/trump-national-guard-chicago-democracy-00541248
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-administration-says-it-launches-ice-crackdown-illinois-2025-09-08/
https://www.theusconstitution.org/litigation/newsom-v-trump/
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/08/restoring-law-and-order-in-the-district-of-columbia/
Join us in person for intention holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  
Our websites:   
www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

This week we take stock of the devastating August 31st landslides and earthquakes in eastern Afghanistan and Darfur, both of which are believed to have left thousands dead, displaced and cut off from aid. In two of the world's most troubled regions blighted by oppression, civil war and famine, we reflect upon the added scale of loss, frustrated by blocked access and often limited presence of international aid. As always, we look at where our prayers and intentions might be most needed now. 
Intentions and prayers start at 13 minutes 24 seconds.
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, as we remember the unfolding humanitarian disasters in two of the world’s most troubled regions, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We will that survivors of the August 31st natural disasters in Afghanistan and Darfur who have lost loved ones, their homes, livestock, and possessions, will be supported through their grief, and given assistance to find shelter and essential provisions for their survival and wellbeing.
Please join us in holding this.
Mentioned in or relevant to this episode:
Global Healing Response: Earthquakes https://globalhealingresponse.com/response-2023-february-earthquake-syria-turkey/
You can pledge support for Afghanistan at:
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: https://www.ifrc.org/emergency/afghanistan-earthquake-2025
Christian Aid Afghanistan Earthquake Appeal: https://www.ifrc.org/emergency/afghanistan-earthquake-2025 https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/emergencies/afghanistan-earthquake-appeal
UNICEF: https://www.unicef.org.uk/donate/donate-and-help-protect-children-in-afghanistan/
Save the Children: https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/donate/single/donation-single-00139
Islamic Relief: https://islamic-relief.org/appeals/afghanistan-earthquake-appeal/
You can pledge support for Darfur at:
UNICEF https://www.unicef.org.uk/donate/sudan-appeal/
The British Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: https://www.redcross.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/international/sudan
Save the Children and the International Rescue Committee: https://www.rescue.org/article/crisis-sudan-what-happening-and-how-help
World Vision: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/951922279
Project HOPE: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/530242962
ShelterBox: https://shelterbox.org/where-we-work/sudan/sudan-response/
Chapter markers:
00:00:00        Introduction
00:00:59        Reflecting on 9/11 and Global Healing
00:03:21        What we know about the Recent Disasters: Afghanistan and Darfur
00:07:02        Assistance Needed for Victims
00:10:15        Challenges in Delivering Aid
00:13:24        Intentions and Prayers
Sources referenced in this episode:
https://abc7.com/post/afghanistan-news-death-toll-afghan-earthquake-jumps-2200-aid-agencies-plead-funds/17743494/
https://amu.tv/106901/
https://apnews.com/article/darfur-bodies-landslide-victims-rain-ab72217ad461f268e01b4b4488378f13
https://cafod.org.uk/news/emergencies-news/afghanistan-crisis
https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/news-stories/news/sudan-crisis-eu-provides-vital-aid-people-displaced-chad-and-darfur-2025-07-08_en
https://disasterphilanthropy.org/blog/earthquakes-in-afghanistan-and-a-landslide-in-sudan/
https://en.majalla.com/node/327206/politics/afghan-quake-victims-sympathy-came-faster-help
https://english.news.cn/asiapacific/20250428/0ed9b653ddf940acbc4662409b9b83e0/c.html
https://humanappeal.org.uk/news/2025/09/human-appeal-launches-afghanistan-emergency-response-to-aid-17-500-earthquake-survivors
https://humanitarianaction.info/plan/1220/document/sudan-humanitarian-needs-and-response-plan-2025/article/12-analysis-shocks-risks-and-humanitarian-needs
https://liberties.aljazeera.com/en/landslide-in-sudans-marra-mountains-claims-over-1000-lives/
https://msf-crash.org/en/war-and-humanitarianism/humanitarian-dilemmas-darfur
https://msf.org.uk/article/sudan-msf-report-reveals-stark-lack-assistance-south-darfur
https://natcen.ac.uk/publications/humanitarian-diplomacy-sudan-crisis-insights-outside-formal-humanitarian-architecture
https://news.sky.com/story/afghanistan-earthquake-latest-more-than-800-killed-un-official-warns-of-perfect-storm-after-villages-destroyed-13422844
https://news.sky.com/story/taliban-reports-sharp-rise-in-death-toll-following-earthquake-in-eastern-afghanistan-as-aid-agencies-issue-warning-13424914
https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/07/1165340
https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165757
https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165758
https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165766
https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165777
https://press.un.org/en/2025/db250904.doc.htm
https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/afghanistan-earthquake-who-situation-report-no-4-4-september-2025
https://reliefweb.int/report/sudan/sudan-crisis-regional-response-situation-update-june-2025
https://shelterbox.org/blog/afghanistan-why-an-earthquake-magnifies-an-already-dire-humanitarian-crisis/
https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eenews/2025/09/03/sudan-seeks-aid-after-landslide-kills-over-1-000-in-single-village-00539966
https://www.afghanaid.org.uk/news/press-release-devastating-earthquake-hits-eastern-afghanistan
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/09/sudan-rescuers-pull-370-bodies-darfur-landslide
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/1/deadly-earthquake-hits-afghanistan-what-we-know-so-far
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/2/landslide-kills-more-than-1000-in-sudans-darfur-region-armed-group-says
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/2/rescuers-focus-on-remote-mountainous-regions-after-afghanistan-earthquake
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/3/sudan-appeals-for-aid-after-landslide-kills-more-than-1000-in-darfur
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/4/hundreds-of-bodies-pulled-from-darfur-landslides-as-many-remain-trapped
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdj2jygzzk9o
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg2wlppnreo
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly1wy7v9yyo
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cd7y7d1248zt
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/sudan-landslide-darfur-september-2025-1.7622823
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/afghanistan-earthquake-deaths-race-to-reach-survivors-day-four-taliban/
https://www.dailysabah.com/world/asia-pacific/afghan-quake-death-toll-climbs-to-2205-amid-dire-aid-shortage
https://www.developmentaid.org/news-stream/post/199646/afghanistan-earthquake-rescuers-face-blocked-roads
https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/south-asia/afghanistan-earthquake-map-magnitude-rescue-landslide-death-toll-b2818189.html
https://www.nsnews.com/world-news/sudan-appeals-for-aid-after-landslide-kills-more-than-1000-people-in-single-village-in-darfur-11152201
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/rescuers-race-to-find-afghan-earthquake-survivors-as-death-toll-passes-1400
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/sudan-landslide-kills-more-than-1000-people-after-wiping-out-entire-village-in-darfur
https://www.savethechildren.net/news/afghanistan-earthquake-aftershocks-cause-terror-children-afghanistans-deadliest-earthquake
https://www.savethechildren.net/news/sudan-aid-workers-donkeys-deliver-first-emergency-supplies-village-cut-landslide
https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/major-earthquake-hits-eastern-afghanistan
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/09/04/darfur-bodies-landslide-victims-rain/52b7edbc-89ac-11f0-895c-97bd39cbdc59_story.html
https://www.wvi.org/newsroom/sudan/world-vision-declares-emergency-response-catastrophic-landslide-darfur
Join us in person for intention holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  
Our websites:   
www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   
 

This episode goes beyond the sci-fi, to look into scientific ideas about parallel universes and the multiverse — from the quantum many-worlds to cosmic inflation and string theory, and more. We explore how those concepts intersect with entanglement, non-locality, and the practice of collective intention. Intriguingly, we ponder the implications for sending intentions, not just within the universe we know, but into realms that we don't. Along the way, we reflect on how physics theories and sending intention may connect, not to mention the implications for each of us on our spiritual journeys. Sounding all too much like fantasy and mystery? Listen in–you may discover some fascinating ideas to ponder!
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, as we’ve focused on a theoretical topic, we’re not offering a number of suggested topics for our intentions and prayers. Instead, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We will that both ourselves and physicists will continue to be open minded to theories that are strange and currently unprovable, inspiring curiosity and exploration not just for what can be proved, but for the possible and the mysterious.
Please join us in holding this.
Mentioned in this episode:
‘The Allure of the Multiverse: Extra Dimensions, Other Worlds, and Parallel Universes,’ Paul Halpern, Basic books 2024. Amazon.com link: https://www.amazon.com/Allure-Multiverse-Dimensions-Parallel-Universes/dp/154160217X/ref=sr_1_1
Chapter markers:
00:00:00        Introduction
00:01:08        Exploring Parallel Universes
00:02:22        Quantum Physics and Multiverses
00:03:44        Sci-Fi Meets Science
00:05:53        Theories of Existence
00:09:53        Cosmic Inflation Explained
00:11:15        The Nature of Multiverses
00:15:23        Classifying Multiverse Levels
00:17:34        Evidence and Speculation
00:19:35        The Philosophical Perspective
00:22:44        Non-Locality and Intention
00:26:58        Holding Intention
Sources referenced in this episode:
‘We Might Live in a Multiverse,’ Sarah Scoles in Scientific American Special Edition, Spring/Summer 2025: Into the Quantum Realm, pp 86-87.
http://backreaction.blogspot.com/2019/06/the-multiverse-hypothesis-are-there.html
http://backreaction.blogspot.com/2019/09/the-trouble-with-many-worlds.html
http://www.ou.edu/news/articles/2025/may/the-hidden-physics-behind-dark-matter-and-the-multiverse.html
https://80000hours.org/podcast/episodes/david-wallace-many-worlds-theory-of-quantum-mechanics/
https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/347/3/921/1021585
https://arxiv.org/abs/1111.4128
https://arxiv.org/html/2405.06924v1
https://arxiv.org/pdf/1207.5396.pdf
https://blog.apaonline.org/2025/03/13/the-multiverse-may-not-remove-the-need-for-a-personal-creator/
https://blog.sciencemuseum.org.uk/the-science-of-the-multiverse/
https://editverse.com/multiverse-meta-analysis-2025-parallel-reality-research-synthesis-methods/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Many-worlds_interpretation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiverse
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_universes_in_fiction
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_universes_in_fiction
https://evolutionnews.org/2025/04/is-the-multiverse-real/
https://johnhorgan.org/cross-check/multiverses-are-pseudoscientific-bullshit
https://momadvice.com/post/books-about-parallel-universes
https://momadvice.com/post/books-about-parallel-universes
https://philarchive.org/archive/CARBFN
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/qm-manyworlds/
https://selfawarepatterns.com/2020/09/20/david-deutschs-version-of-many-worlds/
https://theoxfordblue.co.uk/quantum-entanglement-speak-the-universe-listens/
https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/12/16/googles-quantum-chip-sparks-debate-on-multiverse-theory/
https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/the-many-worlds-theory/
https://van.physics.illinois.edu/ask/listing/42806
https://www.astronomy.com/science/is-the-multiverse-theory-science-fiction-or-science-fact/
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/physics/news/2025/how-a-quantum-innovation-may-quash-the-idea-of-the-multiverse.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/chadorzel/2016/05/09/how-quantum-entanglement-can-help-you-understand-many-worlds/
https://www.monstercomplex.com/blog/multiverse-stories-fun-examples-of-fiction-with-parallel-universes
https://www.multiverse.io/en-GB/blog/announcing-our-2025-impact-report
https://www.myscience.org/news/2025/new_theory_to_understand_the_origins_of_the_universe-2025-ub
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/what-is-the-multiverse
https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26234971-300-we-are-closer-than-ever-to-finally-proving-the-multiverse-exists/
https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26435252-200-how-a-quantum-innovation-may-quash-the-idea-of-the-multiverse/
https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/new-theory-challenges-how-our-universe-was-born
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskPhysics/comments/16id3db/how_credible_is_the_many_worlds_interpretation_of/
https://www.reddit.com/r/universe/comments/1ky3u07/is_quantum_entanglement_a_clue_to_a_parallel/
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/heres-why-we-might-live-in-a-multiverse/
https://www.sleepingbeautyproblem.com/8-about-the-many-world-interpretation/
https://www.space.com/32728-parallel-universes.html
https://www.space.com/spooky-action-at-a-distance-create-multiverse
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2023/mar/opinion-great-mysteries-physics-3-there-multiverse
Join us in person for intention holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  
Our websites:   
www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

This week we take a deep dive into Spain's growing political and social polarization, exploring reasons for widespread discomfort since the 2023 general election, corruption scandals, the rise of Vox, regional independence movements, and the historical roots that are fuelling distrust and division.
As always, we offer intentions and prayers to hold — calling for tolerance, truthfulness from political actors, fair and transparent institutions, compassionate social discourse, and responsible media, among other suggested areas for attention.
Prayers and intentions start at 17 minutes 35 seconds.
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, as political and social polarisation in Spain intensifies to a point rarely seen since the time of the country’s Civil War of the 1930’s, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We will that the hearts and minds of all Spaniards will be moved to ease the bitter, emotionally charged differences that are fuelling angry dialogue, protest and the risk of civil disobedience in Spain.
Please join us in holding this.
Mentioned in this episode:
Our episode on polarisation in society, ‘Unmasking the Global Authenticity Crisis,’ can be heard at https://www.heartfulimpact.com/e/unmasking-the-global-authenticity-crisis/.
Chapter markers:
00:00:00            Introduction
00:01:40            The Polarization of Spain
00:05:26            Historical Context
00:12:26            Regional Identities and Their Impact
00:17:35            Intentions for Healing
Sources referenced in this episode:
https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2020/07/30/who-are-vox-and-who-are-their-voters/
https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2023/08/14/why-spains-democratic-transition-continues-to-shape-its-politics/
https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/national-disaster-management-system/spain_en
https://ecipe.org/blog/spain-split-and-talk-quantifying-regional-independence/
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3610&context=hon_thesis
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalan_independence_movement
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_and_regional_identity_in_Spain
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vox_(political_party)
https://encompass-europe.com/comment/political-trust-in-the-european-social-survey
https://feps-europe.eu/left-contemporary-spain/
https://freedomhouse.org/country/spain/freedom-world/2024
https://freedomhouse.org/country/spain/freedom-world/2025
https://latinoamerica21.com/en/spain-a-fragile-minority-government-increases-polarization/
https://politicalquarterly.org.uk/blog/why-spanish-politics-is-becoming-more-polarised/
https://rals.scu.ac.ir/article_15184_1c67c371b608da01bfc03442e4cbed23.pdf
https://research.library.fordham.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1072&context=international_senior
https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2025/spain
https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1008&context=intl-std-theses
https://theconversation.com/how-spains-voters-and-political-systems-have-kept-the-far-right-out-of-power-for-now-249743
https://theconversation.com/passion-and-pain-why-secessionist-movements-rarely-succeed-85097
https://theloop.ecpr.eu/spains-electoral-maze-winners-trends-and-the-road-ahead/
https://warontherocks.com/2017/10/what-political-science-tells-us-about-the-risk-of-civil-war-in-spain/
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/trust-in-government-by-country
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/8/tens-of-thousands-take-part-in-anti-government-protest-in-madrid
https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/books/demographic-shifts-in-spain-call-for-reinvigorated-reforms/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-46422036
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-47937031
https://www.centracs.es/revista/article/download/117/159
https://www.centracs.es/revista/article/download/117/159
https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP84S00555R000200020003-7.pdf
https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/07/26/pedro-sanchez-is-fighting-for-his-political-life
https://www.edelman.com/trust/2025/trust-barometer
https://www.eppgroup.eu/what-we-do/with-eu-countries/spain/catalan-independence-is-a-threat
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/IDAN/2025/767186/EPRS_IDA(2025)767186_EN.pdf
https://www.gisreportsonline.com/r/divided-spain/
https://www.gwi-boell.de/en/2020/06/26/rise-vox
https://www.historyworkshop.org.uk/activism-solidarity/navigating-the-catalan-crisis-independence-in-context/
https://www.kew.org.pl/en/2024/11/02/post-election-spain-persistent-polarization-and-political-turmoil/
https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/lang/en/presidente/news/Paginas/2025/20250728-political-year-assessment.aspx
https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/government-at-a-glance-2025-country-notes_da3361e1-en/spain_57f4ebd0-en.html
https://www.realinstitutoelcano.org/en/commentaries/what-mays-local-and-regional-elections-tell-us-about-politics-in-spain/
https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/10/catalan-referendum-spain-independence/541656/
https://www.veriangroup.com/news-and-insights/how-respondents-in-spain-value-democracy-and-the-rule-of-law
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/07/spain-political-polarization-espana-mejor/
Join us in person for intention holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  
Our websites:   
www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

This episode takes a clear-eyed deep dive into the complex history behind modern Ukraine’s borders—from the national cradle of Kievan Rus' claimed by three modern-day states, Viking invasions and imperial shifts to Soviet-era decisions—examining how competing historical narratives have shaped both Russia and Ukraine’s territorial claims and international responses.
With negotiations involving Russia and Ukraine possibly imminent, we explore likely demands, legal and political obstacles, and look at where we might focus intentions and prayers to support what will likely be a very sensitive and difficult area for either side to reach compromise over.
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, as the prospect for negotiating a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine edges closer, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We will for wisdom for the facilitators of any forthcoming peace talks involving Russia and Ukraine, to be sensitive to the personalities and motivations of those present, while steering a course that may allow open and respectful discussion.
Please join us in holding this.
Prayers and intentions start at 26 minutes 40 seconds.
Chapter markers:
00:00:00            Introduction
00:01:02            Recent Developments in Ukraine
00:03:41            Understanding Ukraine’s Complex History
00:09:11            The Breakup of the USSR
00:14:14            Russia’s Claim to Ukrainian Territory
00:17:55            Russia’s Territorial Demands in Negotiations
00:26:40            Intentions and Prayers
Sources referenced in this episode:
http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66181
https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/lseih/2020/07/01/there-is-no-ukraine-fact-checking-the-kremlins-version-of-ukrainian-history/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Ukraine
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kievan_Rus'
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_the_Historical_Unity_of_Russians_and_Ukrainians
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-Soviet_transition_in_Ukraine
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia%E2%80%93Ukraine_relations
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russo-Ukrainian_War
https://guides.lib.uconn.edu/ukraine/pre1914
https://kyivindependent.com/how-russia-steals-and-rewrites-ukrainian-history-to-justify-its-claims-in-ukraine/
https://kyivindependent.com/kyivan-rus-then-and-now/
https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-says-he-will-discuss-territory-with-putin-as-ukraine-signals-readiness-for-unconditional-peace-talks-with-russia/
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/03/finding-insights-in-history-for-war-in-ukraine/
https://news.sky.com/story/trump-zelenskyy-putin-ukraine-latest-live-updates-12541713
https://news.sky.com/story/vladimir-putin-demands-key-parts-of-ukraine-in-exchange-for-peace-13413322
https://opir.weareukraine.info/ukrainian-statehood-in-1917-1921/
https://ppr.lse.ac.uk/articles/10.31389/lseppr.86
https://research.kent.ac.uk/emcentraleu/ukraine-chronology/
https://revistas.ucm.es/index.php/GEOP/article/download/96493/4564456569584/4564456721219
https://theconversation.com/how-moscow-has-long-used-the-historic-kyivan-rus-state-to-justify-expansionism-178092
https://theconversation.com/trump-putin-summit-veteran-diplomat-explains-why-putting-peace-deal-before-ceasefire-wouldnt-end-russia-ukraine-war-263314
https://ukraineworld.org/en/articles/basics/ukraines-statehood-formation
https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-16-2025
https://visitukraine.today/de/blog/1850/russias-crimes-with-a-thousand-year-history-how-muscovy-tried-to-appropriate-kyivan-rus
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/19/trump-proposes-putin-zelenskyy-summit-in-push-to-end-ukraine-war
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Russia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia
https://daily.jstor.org/the-birth-of-the-soviet-union-and-the-death-of-the-russian-revolution/
https://www.britannica.com/place/Russia
https://www.britannica.com/place/Russia/History
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj0q964851po
https://www.britannica.com/summary/Ukraine
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/ukraine-conflict-crossroads-europe-and-russia
https://www.chathamhouse.org/2022/08/russias-longstanding-problem-ukraines-borders
https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-putin-zelensky-ukraine-news-08-17-25
https://www.csis.org/analysis/russias-war-ukraine-identity-history-and-conflict
https://www.dw.com/en/russia-ukraine-war-which-possible-territorial-concessions-are-under-debate/a-73630386
https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2024/01/29/a-short-history-of-russia-and-ukraine
https://www.ispionline.it/en/publication/borders-in-the-post-soviet-region-unfinished-business-190265
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/russia-and-ukraine-the-tangled-history-that-connects-and-divides-them
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/would-ceding-territory-to-russia-actually-bring-lasting-peace-to-ukraine-experts-weigh-in
https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/08/19/7526808/
https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115047128460078066
https://www.publicinternationallawandpolicygroup.org/lawyering-justice-blog/2025/2/13/legal-basis-for-ukraines-territorial-reintegration
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/trump-tells-zelenskiy-us-would-help-with-ukraines-security-peace-deal-2025-08-18/
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/outline-emerges-putins-offer-end-his-war-ukraine-2025-08-17/
https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/ukraine-history-fact-checking-putin-513812/
https://www.sipri.org/publications/2018/sipri-insights-peace-and-security/protracted-armed-conflicts-post-soviet-space-and-their-impact-black-sea-security
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/08/trump-ukraine-russia-peace/683907/
https://www.worldatlas.com/middle-ages/kyivan-rus-the-first-east-slavic-state.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBpNNEHIktA
https://www.zois-berlin.de/en/publications/contested-post-soviet-borders-ukraine-as-a-case-in-point
Join us in person for intention holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  
Our websites:   
www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

Welcome to a landmark episode as we celebrate the 100th edition of Impact! Reflecting on our journey, we discuss the evolution of the show from its inception in November 2023 amidst global crises to offer a beacon of hope and change. Join us as we reminisce over memorable episodes, remarkable guests, and significant themes we've covered, often opening our hearts and minds to happenings in our world that we know little about. We talk about what's excited, surprised and challenged us, give thanks for many intentions answered, and look forward to where our next 100 episodes or more may take us. Come celebrate with us!
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, as we mark our 100th edition, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We will that in future episodes we will continue to be inspired to bring attention to, and hold intentions for, matters that are for the highest good, for our world, and for specific people, places, nature and needs.
Please join us in holding this.
Chapter Markers:
00:00:00                                                                                           Introduction
00:01:12                                                                                           Celebrating Our 100th Edition
00:03:21                                                                                           Reflecting on Our Journey
00:05:44                                                                                           Why We Started This Podcast
00:10:45                                                                                           Understanding Intention
00:13:45                                                                                           Surprises and Inspirations
00:16:22                                                                                           Memorable Episodes
00:19:26                                                                                           What to Celebrate
00:22:29                                                                                           Upcoming Events and Topics
00:30:12                                                                                           Looking to the Future
00:30:48                                                                                           Intention for this week
Mentioned in this episode:
Ellen’s workshop on Zoom, 21 August, ‘Beyond Politics.’ The workshop is FREE, but you’ll need to register to get the link at:  https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/walk-with-us 
Access and listen to all previous episodes of Impact! at https://www.heartfulimpact.com/.
Share with us what you’d like to see more or less of by contacting us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1078658806473906.
Global Healing Response. https://globalhealingresponse.com/
The Intention Experiment by Lynne McTaggart. https://www.amazon.com/Intention-Experiment-Using-Thoughts-Change/dp/0743276965/ref=sr_1_1
The Power of Eight by Lynne McTaggart. https://www.amazon.com/Power-Eight-Harnessing-Miraculous-Energies/dp/1501115553/ref=sr_1_1
The Telepathy Tapes podcast series. https://thetelepathytapes.com/podcast
HeartMath Institute research. https://www.heartmath.org/research/
Join us in person for intention holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  
Our websites:   
www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.