Latest news with #spiritualgrowth
BBC News
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
The Documentary Podcast Freddie's second verse
Freddie once signed to a major record label. He appeared in high-production music videos and looked set for fame. But the pressure and pace of that life left him feeling hollow. In one of the world's busiest cities, he now follows a very different path - one built on silence, discipline, and spiritual growth. Freddie reflects on his decision to leave the music industry behind and embrace Buddhism. He now works as a nail technician and shares how his beliefs shape his daily life. Alongside him is Carl, his partner, who offers moving insights into how their shared values deepen their relationship. We step into Freddie and Carl's world, where Buddhist practice offers an anchor amid chaos. Their story explores what it means to redefine success, maintain spiritual discipline in a hyperactive city, and find peace through faith. This episode of The Documentary, comes to you from Heart and Soul, exploring personal approaches to spirituality from around the world.
The Guardian
01-08-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘Dodgy looking' clip of Trump playing golf in Scotland sparks cheating debate
In Golf in the Kingdom, a classic sports book about adventures on a mystical Scottish links course – and the spiritual growth that can take place there – the narrator's ball ends up buried in a gorse bush. His appeal to the local pro/guru he is with to drop the ball clear of the thorns is met with a brusque: 'Play it like it lies. It'll come out.' The ball stays put, but the ordeal leads to life lessons being learned. The principle of playing the ball as it lies is a central one in golf – rule 9 according to the world's two main governing bodies, the R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA). So it is not surprising that eyebrows have been raised across the world at an apparent loose interpretation of the principle by Donald Trump while golfing in Scotland. A viral clip appears to show that as Trump approaches a bunker, an aide discreetly drops a ball just outside the sand trap. Trump springs from his buggy, club in hand and heads toward the ball, apparently eager to strike it from this friendly spot. Trump caught cheating at golf. Watch the guy in the red vest toss a ball behind The Stop Trump Coalition, which demonstrated against the US president in Scotland, leapt on the moment and accused him of foul play. A spokesperson said: 'Cheating at golf is a long way from Trump's worst crime – but it does show the problem. Instead of calling it out, the powerful play along. His approach to golf is the same as his approach to business – and to politics.' Most golf experts agree it is going too far to conclude that Trump really was cheating. The R&A did not want to get drawn in, but a source who works with the governing body said Trump could have argued he was practising and wanted to hit from a particular spot or that he was just playing casually. But the problem is that it was not a good look for a sport that is working hard to appeal to a wider, younger audience. Andrew Cotter, the golf commentator and presenter of the UK podcast The Chipping Forecast, said the context of what happened was not clear but concluded it looked 'very, very bad'. For Cotter, the issue was the apparently secretive nature of the ball being dropped from the aide's hand, which he described on the show as 'dodgy looking' and a 'bit of a covert operation'. The award-winning American sportswriter Rick Reilly took to X to wryly state: 'Well I'm just personally very disappointed in him.' Reilly is the author of the New York Times bestseller Commander in Cheat, which examines Trump's claims about his abilities and his success in the game. In the book, Reilly writes: 'He fudges and foozles and fluffs' and alleges Trump is known as Pelé – after the Brazilian footballer – at one great US club because he kicks the ball back on to the fairway so often. Another US writer, Tom Nichols, a specialist in international security at the Atlantic, joined in, comparing the episode to a scene in Goldfinger when a henchman drops a ball down his trouser leg for the titular villain during his match against Sean Connery's James Bond, but added that his behaviour on the golf course was not 'nearly the worst thing' about the president. Sign up to First Thing Our US morning briefing breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion The video of Trump's caddy doing an Oddjob Slazenger drop isn't a big deal; cheating at golf isn't nearly the worst thing about Trump. But watching the cult of personality try to explain it away is really some creepy North Korean level stuff.🙂 If a palate cleanser from all this was needed, a good place was Porthcawl on the south coast of Wales, where the Women's Open is being played. One of the UK's great golfers, Dame Laura Davies, made it clear during a Q&A for fans at the event that playing the game the right way remained vital, saying golf was one of the few sports in which competitors refereed themselves. She cited the recent example of the American golfer Justin Thomas calling a penalty on himself in an event in South Carolina when he – and only he – noticed that his ball had moved and drew attention to it. Davies said: 'No golfer ever wants to be associated with getting away with something.' Liz Gray, who described herself as a 'high handicapper' there to pick up tips from the world's best female golfers, said: 'I hated the clip. Golf is trying to shake off its fusty image and Trump doesn't help.' A coach encouraging children to try their hand at the sport in the festival village said young people were being attracted to golf by YouTubers such as the US-based Good Good crew. 'I hope these kids don't see that Trump video,' the coach said. Time and again, the fans at Porthcawl made the point that the game is hard – but you must not cut corners to make it easier. As the great American golfer Bobby Jones put it: 'Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots – but you have to play the ball where it lies.'
The Guardian
01-08-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘Dodgy looking' clip of Trump playing golf in Scotland sparks cheating debate
In Golf in the Kingdom, a classic sports book about adventures on a mystical Scottish links course – and the spiritual growth that can take place there – the narrator's ball ends up buried in a gorse bush. His appeal to the local pro/guru he is with to drop the ball clear of the thorns is met with a brusque: 'Play it like it lies. It'll come out.' The ball stays put, but the ordeal leads to life lessons being learned. The principle of playing the ball as it lies is a central one in golf – rule 9 according to the world's two main governing bodies, the R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA). So it is not surprising that eyebrows have been raised across the globe at an apparent loose interpretation of the principle by Donald Trump while golfing in Scotland. A viral clip appears to show that as Trump approaches a bunker, an aide discreetly drops a ball just outside the sand trap. Trump springs from his buggy, club in hand and heads toward the ball, apparently eager to strike it from this friendly spot. The Stop Trump Coalition, which demonstrated against the US president in Scotland, leapt on the moment and accused him of foul play. A spokesperson said: 'Cheating at golf is a long way from Trump's worst crime – but it does show the problem. Instead of calling it out, the powerful play along. His approach to golf is the same as his approach to business – and to politics.' Most golf experts agree it is going too far to conclude that Trump really was cheating. The R&A did not want to get drawn in, but a source who works with the governing body said Trump could have argued he was practising and wanted to hit from a particular spot or that he was just playing casually. But the problem is that it was not a good look for a sport that is working hard to appeal to a wider, younger audience. Andrew Cotter, the golf commentator and presenter of the UK podcast The Chipping Forecast, said the context of what happened was not clear but concluded it looked 'very, very bad'. For Cotter, the issue was the apparently secretive nature of the ball being dropped from the aide's hand, which he described on the show as 'dodgy looking' and a 'bit of a covert operation'. The award-winning American sportswriter Rick Reilly took to X to wryly state: 'Well I'm just personally very disappointed in him.' Trump caught cheating at golf. Watch the guy in the red vest toss a ball behind Reilly is the author of the New York Times bestseller Commander in Cheat, which examines Trump's claims about his abilities and his success in the game. In the book, Reilly writes: 'He fudges and foozles and fluffs' and alleges Trump is known as Pelé – after the Brazilian footballer – at one great US club because he kicks the ball back on to the fairway so often. Another US writer, Tom Nichols, a specialist in international security at the Atlantic, joined in, comparing the episode to a scene in Goldfinger when a henchman drops a ball down his trouser leg for the titular villain during his match against Sean Connery's James Bond, but added that his behaviour on the golf course was not 'nearly the worst thing' about the president. Sign up to First Thing Our US morning briefing breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion The video of Trump's caddy doing an Oddjob Slazenger drop isn't a big deal; cheating at golf isn't nearly the worst thing about Trump. But watching the cult of personality try to explain it away is really some creepy North Korean level stuff.🙂 If a palate cleanser from all this was needed, a good place was Porthcawl on the south coast of Wales, where the Women's Open is being played. One of the UK's great golfers, Dame Laura Davies, made it clear during a Q&A for fans at the event that playing the game the right way remained vital, saying golf was one of the few sports in which competitors refereed themselves. She cited the recent example of the American golfer Justin Thomas calling a penalty on himself in an event in South Carolina when he – and only he – noticed that his ball had moved and drew attention to it. Davies said: 'No golfer ever wants to be associated with getting away with something.' Liz Gray, who described herself as a 'high handicapper' there to pick up tips from the world's best female golfers, said: 'I hated the clip. Golf is trying to shake off its fusty image and Trump doesn't help.' A coach encouraging children to try their hand at the sport in the festival village said young people were being attracted to golf by YouTubers such as the US-based Good Good crew. 'I hope these kids don't see that Trump video,' the coach said. Time and again, the fans at Porthcawl made the point that the game is hard – but you must not cut corners to make it easier. As the great American golfer Bobby Jones put it: 'Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots – but you have to play the ball where it lies.'
Associated Press
16-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
The Nature Nurse Celebrates 10 Years of Empowering Women Through Nature-Based Healing
Connecting women with nature... so you can live a joyous, vibrant, awe-inspiring life in harmony with the natural world! In honor of blending holistic health and nature, The Nature Nurse, PLLC launches SoulFull Summer - a transformative spiritual experience inviting women to reconnect with the natural world, align with the divine, and embrace a holistic, healthy lifestyle. Founded by Registered Nurse Susan Allison-Dean, the initiative continues a proud tradition of nature-centered health promotion. Cary, NC - June 16th, 2025 - It's no longer Woo-Woo, it's WOW-WOW! Connecting with nature is no longer just a passing trend—it's a transformational experience! This summer marks a major milestone for The Nature Nurse, PLLC, as the organization celebrates 10 years of championing nature's vital role in holistic health and healing. Founded by visionary Registered Nurse Susan Allison-Dean, The Nature Nurse has spent the last decade empowering women to embrace nature's restorative power, helping them cultivate joy, vitality, and live awe-inspiring lives in harmony with the natural world. To honor this milestone, The Nature Nurse invites women to embark on a new journey—one that rejuvenates the spirit and awakens the divine feminine within through deeper connections with nature. Nature has long been integral to nursing. Pioneering nurse leaders Mary Seacole and Florence Nightingale understood and harnessed nature's profound impact in their healing practices. Today, The Nature Nurse continues this tradition, blending scientific research with holistic health principles to explore how nature not only supports physical and mental well-being but also nourishes the soul. Launching June 20th, The Nature Nurse will introduce SoulFull Summer—a transformative experience designed for women to share, reflect, explore, and learn. Participants will engage in inspiring conversations, immerse themselves in nature's wisdom, and discover the latest scientific insights on its healing properties—all while connecting with a like-minded community. To be part of this enriching journey, visit sign up for the free e-newsletter, and follow along on Instagram or Facebook @TheNatureNurse. Media Contact Company Name: The Nature Nurse, PLLC Contact Person: Susan Allison-Dean, MS, RN, AHN-BC, CCAP Email: Send Email Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: The Nature Nurse Celebrates 10 Years of Empowering Women Through Nature-Based Healing
Associated Press
07-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Dancing Through Menopause Book Announced By Christian Author Betty Johansen
Christian author Betty Johansen has announced 'Dancing Through Menopause,' a faith-based book offering practical strategies for nutrition, exercise, and emotional well-being to help women navigate menopausal changes with confidence and spiritual growth. Big Spring, United States, June 7, 2025 -- Wordsmith World announces the release of 'Dancing Through Menopause,' a new book by Christian author Betty Johansen that addresses physical, hormonal, and emotional aspects of menopause from a faith-based perspective. The book helps Christian women navigate this life transition with confidence and joy while maintaining their spiritual well-being. For more information, visit 'Dancing Through Menopause' provides readers with an understanding of menopausal changes and offers practical strategies for managing symptoms. The book includes a self-assessment section that helps women analyze their unique menopausal experience, along with specific approaches to nutrition, intermittent fasting, and exercise that can alleviate common symptoms and improve overall health. Betty Johansen draws from her background as a former educator, having taught Chemistry, Integrated Physics, and 7th Grade Science before retiring. A lifelong resident of West Texas, Johansen has transitioned from teaching to writing, creating Christian-inspired content that combines practical advice with spiritual guidance. Her scientific background gives her a unique perspective on explaining the biological processes of menopause while her faith informs the spiritual aspects of her approach. 'This book examines the science behind the physical, hormonal, and emotional aspects of menopause while offering ways to overcome its challenges,' said Johansen. 'My goal is to help women develop a healthier and more vibrant lifestyle during this significant transition. The Christian perspective provides an additional dimension of support that many women find valuable during this time.' The book addresses common menopausal symptoms such as weight gain, hot flashes, and mood swings, presenting them as opportunities for personal growth and spiritual development. Johansen encourages readers to view menopause as a new phase in life that can be navigated with grace and faith. The book provides ways to approach these changes with a positive mindset while acknowledging the real challenges they present. Unlike many health books that focus solely on physical symptoms, 'Dancing Through Menopause' takes a holistic approach that considers the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. This integrated method helps women not only manage their symptoms but also find meaning and purpose in this new stage of life. Johansen's writing style makes complex medical information accessible to the average reader while providing depth for those seeking a more thorough understanding. 'Dancing Through Menopause' is now available through the author's website or through Amazon. For additional information about Betty Johansen and her other Christian-inspired works, visit Contact Info: Name: Betty Johansen Email: Send Email Organization: Wordsmith World Address: Texas, Big Spring, Texas 79720, United States Website: Release ID: 89161860 If there are any problems, discrepancies, or queries related to the content presented in this press release, we kindly ask that you notify us immediately at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our responsive team will be available round-the-clock to address your concerns within 8 hours and take necessary actions to rectify any identified issues or support you with press release takedowns. Ensuring accurate and trustworthy information is our unwavering commitment.
