My Journey: From Healing Myself to Helping Others

 Hi, I am Shampaa Bhushan

Birth of Flourishing Minds

There was a time in my life when I felt completely lost. Struggling with Complex PTSD and major panic attacks, I found myself drowning in anxiety, self-doubt, and emotional turmoil. The weight of past experiences, coupled with the pressures of corporate life, left me feeling trapped in a cycle of stress, self doubt and burnout.

It took a year-long therapy journey for me to truly understand myself, my emotions, and the impact of my environment. Through self-awareness, I started seeing patterns—how thoughts shape our reality, how past wounds affect our present, and how healing begins the moment we start listening to ourselves.

Driven by this newfound clarity, I dove deep into psychology and human behavior. I trained during covid and before covid. Certifications that I gathered:

✅ Certified Psychotherapist (International Association of Therapists Accredited)
✅ NLP Coach Practitioner (Neuro-Linguistic Programming)
✅ Certified Art Life Coach Practitioner (Healing through Creativity)

My journey wasn’t just about healing myself—it became a mission to help anyone who was bold enough and brave enough to ask for help. I realized how many people, like me, struggle with stress, burnout, self-worth, self-esteem, and toxic environments, especially in the corporate world, where I had spent years navigating difficult work cultures and also the deep connections of all my triggers to some childhood experiences.

With this passion, I built this website—a safe space for growth, healing, and self-discovery, specially for women. My goal is to help you understand yourself better, manage stress, and reclaim your confidence.

Apart from counseling, I also run online art classes and have an art business. As a registered sole proprietor, an Amazon seller, and an art teacher, I understand the pressures of both professional and creative fields, which allows me to be compassionate and supportive in every session I offer.

I have walked the path of transformation, and now, I am here to walk with you. 💙

Let’s start your journey toward healing and self-discovery together. 😇

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Achieve Your Dreams: The Power of Goal Setting

Goal setting helps you create a clear path to success. Learn how Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and simple strategies can help you achieve your goals.

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What is Goal Setting?

Goal setting is the process of defining what you want to achieve and creating a structured plan to reach it. Setting clear goals improves motivation, focus, and productivity, leading to personal and professional growth.

How to Stay Focused and Achieve Your Goals

A structured approach to goal setting increases the likelihood of success. Follow these steps:

• SMART Goals – Ensure goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
• Break It Down – Divide large goals into smaller, manageable tasks.
• Track Progress – Regularly review progress to stay on course.

Tools for Effective Goal Setting

• Journaling – Writing goals helps clarify intentions and track progress.
• Vision Boards – A visual representation of your goals keeps you motivated.
• Discipline – Follow the plan.
• Accountability Partners – Sharing goals with someone increases commitment.

Final Thoughts

Goal setting is a powerful tool for turning dreams into reality. By applying NLP techniques and structured goal-setting methods, you can enhance motivation, stay focused, and achieve success. Start today by setting clear, actionable goals!

Embracing Mindfulness: The Power of Being Present

 

Struggling with stress, procrastination and distractions? Mindfulness helps you stay present, bringing clarity and calmness. Learn how Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and simple techniques can help stabilize your mind.

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What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, aware of your thoughts, emotions, and surroundings without judgment. It helps reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional well-being.

The Role of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) in Mindfulness

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) offers techniques to shift thought patterns and enhance mental clarity. It helps bring awareness to subconscious habits, enabling better control over reactions and emotions. Key NLP techniques for mindfulness include:

• Anchoring – Creating mental triggers to stay present and focused.
• Reframing – Shifting negative thoughts into positive perspectives.
• Visualization – Imagining calm and peaceful scenarios to train the mind to stay centered.

How to Bring the Mind into a Stable State

A stable mind leads to better decision-making and emotional resilience. Simple ways to stabilize your mind include:

• Breathing Exercises – Deep breathing calms the nervous system and brings focus to the present moment.
• Grounding Techniques – Engaging the senses (sight, sound, touch) to connect with the now.
• Meditation – Practicing mindfulness meditation enhances mental stability and self-awareness.

Tools for Practicing Mindfulness

• Mindful Breathing – Taking slow, deep breaths to stay centered.
• Body Scanning – Noticing physical sensations to release tension.
• Journaling – Writing down thoughts to enhance awareness.
• Daily Mindful Moments – Practicing mindfulness during everyday activities like eating, walking, or listening.

Final Thoughts

Mindfulness is a simple yet powerful way to enhance mental and emotional well-being. By incorporating NLP techniques and mindfulness tools into your daily life, you can cultivate inner peace and stability. Start small and embrace the present moment! It should be incorporated in all the aspects of life.

Unveiling Your True Self: A Journey of Self-Discovery

 

What is Self-Discovery?

Self-discovery is the process of understanding your thoughts, emotions, values, and beliefs. It helps you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations, ultimately guiding you toward a more fulfilling life.

The Role of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) in Self-Discovery

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a psychological approach that explores the connection between language, behavior, and thought patterns. It helps reframe limiting beliefs, improve self-awareness, and enhance personal growth. Some key NLP techniques include:

• Anchoring – Associating positive emotions with specific triggers to enhance confidence and motivation.
• Reframing – Changing the way you view a negative experience to find positive meaning.
• Visualization – Imagining success and aligning your mindset to achieve it.

Psychological Insights for Knowing Yourself Better

Self-discovery is rooted in psychology. Understanding how your mind works allows you to break free from negative patterns and develop a deeper sense of self. Some psychological tools include:

• Journaling – Writing down thoughts and emotions to gain clarity.
• Personality Tests – Tests like the MBTI or the Big Five help identify your natural tendencies, there are many other tests which can help you identify your traits.
• Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (CBT) – Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns.

Questions to Ask Yourself for Self-Discovery

To begin your journey, ask yourself these thought-provoking questions:

1. What are my core values?
2. What activities make me lose track of time?
3. How do I react to stress, and why?
4. What are my greatest strengths and weaknesses?
5. If money wasn’t a factor, what would I do with my life?

Practical Tools for Self-Exploration

• Meditation & Mindfulness – Enhances self-awareness and emotional control.
• Self-Reflection Exercises – Daily or weekly check-ins with yourself.
• Therapy or Coaching – A professional guide can help uncover deep-seated beliefs.

Final Thoughts

Self-discovery is a lifelong journey that leads to greater confidence, happiness, and success. By using tools from NLP and psychology, you can uncover hidden aspects of yourself and create a more authentic and fulfilling life. Start today by asking yourself the right questions and embracing self-exploration for continuous growth!

The Convenience of Cruelty: Exposing Hypocrisy in Our Treatment of Animals

 

I came across, protect the wild on my insta and read about their campaigns for badgers, hunting etc. which made me sign their petition and write the below article. 

The Convenience of Cruelty: Exposing Hypocrisy in Our Treatment of Animals 

For generations, we've relied on cows, often confining and manipulating them for milk production. However, this dependence comes at a cost, not just for the cows, but for badgers.

The Flawed Narrative:

Badgers are blamed for transmitting bovine tuberculosis (bTB) to cattle herds. The "solution"? Culling badgers across Europe, particularly in the UK and the government has provided license to cull. Till now 2.5lakhs badgers are culled and counting. 

The hypocrisy lies in our treatment of cows themselves. We exploit them for milk, disregarding their welfare. When cows contract bTB, they are slaughtered, not treated. Cheap way out for "businesses".

Do We Need Dairy?

But wait, don't we need milk for strong bones? Not quite. Calcium might be the go-to answer during childhood, but our bodies require a symphony of nutrients for bone health – magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, and even potassium. These are readily available in plant-based sources like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fortified dairy alternatives.

The separation of calves from their mothers for milk production adds another layer of cruelty. These intelligent, social creatures experience immense emotional distress at this forced separation. Cows are not mere machines; they are sentient beings capable of feeling pain and forming bonds.

A Flawed Solution and the Need for Alternatives:

Instead of exploring alternatives like stronger fences or badger vaccination programs, culling is seen as a quick fix. However, science shows culling disrupts badger social structures, potentially worsening the spread of bTB. 

Leaders who endorse badger culling often lack a fundamental understanding of the delicate balance of the natural world. Shouldn't our leaders be surrounded by and actively seek out scientific expertise before making decisions with such far-reaching ecological consequences?

Now if the government of Europe finds a convenient way out rather than being creative and compassionate, shouldn't people think who are they electing as their leaders. Often, powerful agricultural lobbying groups have a significant influence on policy decisions. These groups prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term solutions. 

Should leaders making crucial decisions about wildlife management be so heavily influenced by narrow special interests, especially when more sustainable alternatives exist? 

Quote: 

Several scientific studies have found culling has had no positive impact. But according to Defra, data suggests that culling has contributed to an overall reduction of approximately 56% in cattle TB incidence rates across the first 52 cull areas after four years of badger culling. 

Unquote 

By thegaurdian.com

A Double Standard?

We condemn the culling of humans during pandemics, but remain comfortable with badger extermination. Why?, because we consider ourselves superior to other species and the ecological affect. Both scenarios highlight the "necessary evil" argument, sacrificing individuals for the perceived greater good, rather "richer and powerful groups".

The Need for Change:

Perhaps it's time to re-evaluate our dependence on a system that prioritizes profit over animal welfare. Can we find alternatives that don't rely on animal suffering? Vaccination programs for badgers and cattle, alongside improved farm biosecurity measures, offer a more ethical path forward.

The Ecological Impact:

Badger culling ignores their vital role in the ecosystem. As apex predators, they control rodent populations and aerate the soil, promoting plant growth. Leaders who endorse badger culling often lack a fundamental understanding of the delicate balance of the natural world. Shouldn't our leaders be surrounded by and actively seek out scientific and sustainable expertise before making decisions with such far-reaching ecological consequences?

The Takeaway:

The badger cull exposes our flawed relationship with animals. We exploit them and discard them when inconvenient. It's time to choose compassion and scientific solutions over convenience and violence. The future of wildlife, and our own humanity, depends on it.

Dennis, the lucky dog

So here is a story about Dennis, the lucky dog.

Lets talk about bad parenting and when I say that it is always a case of bad parenting and the energy the dog picks up from pet parents. The owners did not let him socialize with people since he was over protective he had trust issues with people coming home. So when anyone use to come home he was locked up either in the balcony or in the bedroom. Till 6 years they kept him locked out in the balcony and he was not given exercise as per his breed requires, the German shepherd. The nails were never clipped so his paws spread and the joint was turned outwards, fur was not in a good condition and there were many skin problems. Due to all this he had an aggressive behavior and he use to snap on anyone coming near him. 

After trying to find places for him to find a loving family, we fostered him and tried our best to read his behavior and understand what we can do but due to the snappy behavior he was not getting adopted. As a personality he was protective for me and during the walks he never let anyone pass by or there was some trouble with the bikes passing by as well. 

We decided to adopt him. He wanted alone time and separate space where he can chill and roam around so our house was open for him. If anyone was scared of him we didn't let that person visit our house. He was made familiar with the people who use to come and work for us slowly by training them to be around him. Then we started working on his walks since he used to pull a lot. Then Sunny Luthra came in to help him out and socialize. He was able to walk properly and he did all sorts of positive reinforcement. We were very happy to see the changes in Dennis and in ourselves. I was able to see how more confident I can be with myself and how sorted I have to be to make him feel calm and composed. Although once in a while he does jump and scare the hell out of people and we keep a distance from people who are scared of him. But he is more calm more better and still needs to learn to be calm. He loves to meet our friends and let people in the house. There is more mental and emotional work we need to do on ourselves and on him. He has a fixed routine of walk and food, he looks happier and healthier. 

We love him to the core.

Sadhu - The warrior

Mixed feelings is what I can say I feel right now. Happy and hopeful that there are few people who are ready to help Sadhu in his surgery and recovery and sad that I could not find him earlier or someone did not see him earlier or may be seen him and said what can we do. Not blaming anyone but I think the animals deserve this earth and space more than humans do. All we have done to the animals and earth is harm and destroy. But still I want to feel hopeful and have faith since, "This too shall pass".

Scared and anxious - that's what I saw in his eyes, scared that I might hurt him since every other human did this to him and anxious since he could not trust us what pain he has to go through again. When people say that I am very sensitive then may be I am and proud about it but I wish I had the power to make anyone who says that, feel the pain this poor soul is feeling right now and has been since the day he met with an accident. I felt it, the moment I saw him and he looked at me.

The first day was exhausting emotionally for me and my friend Meenakshi since we got him on the table and he was given pain relief injections and then he ate. Next day when I had to pick him up for x-ray he was running away but I had to feed him so he stays at that place till I waited for Meenakshi to come with the car. One lady came to me shouting something in the local language and I was so disturbed that I told her that I cant hear you. She thought I am deaf and left from there but she was clearly asking me to not feed the dog. How insensitive some humans really are? This amazes me a lot when I cant understand those people world and their inhuman behavior and that I feel disgusted that I am one of their kind. Yet again I feel happy and hopeful when only a handful come forward to help somehow.

Only today, after 3 days he has started wagging his little tail while looking at me and sleeping in my lap while I was trying to make him comfortable in lying down. Although he cried and shouted but I guess he knows now that help has come and now he is in good hands. I want to thank all who have helped, Meenakshi, Seemee, Avijit, Abhijit, Mona, Monaz, and lot many who have contributed (please forgive me if I have forgotten any other name). Will make a list of name who contributed and display in the blog later. today he leaves for the care he needs till the surgery and after the surgery too.

Request everyone and anyone who sees an accident of an animal please click a picture of the vehicle and the animal and try to search for the nearest vet on google call them and ask them about the nearby shelter or any shelter they know who can help. Don't try to chase the dog, save the location and send it all to the shelter you come across or any volunteer that you know. Tell the people nearby that you are sending help for the animal and that they should help the animal by at least letting him/her sit in a corner somewhere and not beating or shooing them away. I know that it all will be a little mentally exhausting and time consuming, but it might help the poor animal out, cos people come forward to help humans but not animals. Follow up with the person you reported the case to, it will be helpful too.

Speciesism is what we face all the time from different people, we do not want it to increase more and understand that we need to co-exist and not have a superiority complex. Speciesism' is the idea that being human is a good enough reason for human animals to have greater moral rights than non-human animals. ...a prejudice or bias in favor of the interests of members of one's own species and against those of members of other species.