Impact‪!‬ Ellen Bintz & Clive Johnson

In this episode, we take a dive deep to understand the politics and challenges facing the central European country of Georgia, where pivotal parliamentary election is scheduled to be held in October 2024. 
Join us as we examine the key issues facing Georgian voters, including economic challenges, a stand-off with two regions claiming indepence, judicial and anti-corruption reforms, and the country's split geopolitical orientation between Russia one the one hand and aspiring EU and NATO membership on the other.
As always, we home in on where our collective intentions and prayers may contribute to a peaceful and prosperous future.
This episode also supports the Labyrinth Activist Network's Peaceful and Free Elections events, holding intention in a year when nearly half the world's population go to the polls.
Suggested specific focus for this week:
As Georgia’s future appears balanced on a knife edge between backsliding on democracy, and aligning more strongly with Russia or turning westward with sights set on joining NATO and the EU, we suggest as our main intention for this week:
We will that all who have influence will be moved to ensure that truly free and peaceful parliamentary elections will be held this year in Georgia that represent the will of the country’s people.
Please join us in a holding this.
Websites mentioned in this episode:
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/peaceful-free-elections-event Labyrinth Activist Network Peaceful and Free Elections events
Chapter markers:
00:00:16            Introduction
00:01:25            Introducing Georgia
00:03:43            Political History of Georgia
00:05:47            Georgia’s Current Political Landscape
00:07:34            Russia’s Role in Georgian Politics
00:09:13            Key Issues for Georgian Voters
00:10:47            Focusing Prayers and Intentions
Sources mentioned in this episode:
https://apnews.com/general-news-2fcbe15e50924aac9d45b60890cf6a82
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-europe-69010885
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17301647
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-69007465
https://www.bmz.de/en/countries/georgia/political-situation-117748
https://www.chathamhouse.org/2024/05/kremlin-behind-georgias-foreign-agents-law
https://www.fitchsolutions.com/bmi/renewables/volatility-ahead-georgia-government-election-victory-now-less-certain-15-05-2024
https://www.gisreportsonline.com/r/test-georgian-democracy/
https://www.gmfus.org/news/georgia-caught-geopolitical-tug-war
https://www.hrw.org/europe/central-asia/georgia
https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/05/09/georgia-foreign-influence-bill-threatens-rights
https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2021/country-chapters/georgia
https://www.population-trends-asiapacific.org/data/GEO 
https://www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/news/article/for-euhopeful-georgians-this-years-most-decisive-election-is-in-october
https://www.thoughtco.com/geography-of-georgia-1435539
https://www.worldometers.info/demographics/georgia-demographics/ 
Join us in person for intenton 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://insightti

In this episode, Ellen tells us about an important initiative arranged by the Labyrinth Activist Network to hold intention for peaceful and free elections worldwide. Ellen shares insights on how a series of online events organized by the Network are putting contemplative activism into practice.
Learn how you can get involved with the events or join the Network's regular monthly circle meetings and book club. Together, our prayers, intentions and energy can make a real difference. 
See the links below for details of how to connect with the network, and to register and participate in these important and influential upcoming events.
Websites, books and resources mentioned in this episode:
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/joinlan Labyrinth Activist Network
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/peaceful-free-elections-event  Labyrinth Activist Network Peaceful and Free Elections programme, including events calendar.
https://www.heartmath.org/ HeartMath® Institute
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/bigconnection The Big Connection, labyrinth activism research conducted over successive World Labyrinth Days in association with Baylor University.
Book: ‘Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We're in without Going Crazy’ by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone.
Listen to Ellen's recent interview with brother Dave, 'How to be Mindful when Bad Things Happen–Brother Dave': https://www.heartfulimpact.com/e/how-to-be-mindful-when-bad-things-happen%e2%80%93brother-dave/.
Labyrinth resources:
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project
https://labyrinthsociety.org/ The Labyrinth Society
https://www.veriditas.org/ Veriditas
https://labyrinthos.net/ Labyrinthos
http://www.labyrinthlaunchpad.org/ Labyrinth Launchpad
https://labyrinthsociety.org/download-a-labyrinth  Download a labyrinth template to print off and walk with your finger (.PDF file)
Sources referenced in this episode:
https://apnews.com/article/global-elections-2024-preview-cb77b0940964c5c95a9affc8ebb6f0b7
Join us in person for intenton 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.   

Following the assassination attempt on U.S. Presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump last weekend, today we consider where we might be specific with our intentions and prayers. Drawing on expert insights, and attempting to avoid solutions based on our own political leanings, we remind ourselves, in the words of HeartMath Institute, of the vital energetic responsibility we may have in influencing a peaceable, free and hopeful path forward.
Suggested focus for intention holding this week:
As a special intention to hold this week, as we search for the positive awakening that might arise from the Butler shooting, we suggest as our main focus for intention:
We will that all who might be motivated to encourage polarised reactions and advocate conspiracy theories in the wake of the shooting at Butler, PA this weekend will be stirred with compassion to reconsider their attention to fellow citizens and to uphold the right of others to hold alternative views in a free democracy.
Please join us in holding this.
Websites, books and resources mentioned in this episode:
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/joinlan Labyrinth Activist Network
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/peaceful-free-elections-event  Labyrinth Activist Network Peaceful and Free Elections programme, including events calendar.
Benedictus, A Book of Blessings by John O'Donohue, published by Bantam Press 
https://www.heartmath.org/ HeartMath® Institute
Sources referenced in this episode:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/13/trump-rally-gun-shots-pennsylvania
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2024/07/13/donald-trump-speech-shooting-latest-news/
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/live-blog/trump-biden-rnc-election-live-updates-rcna161404
https://news.sky.com/story/shots-fired-at-donald-trump-rally-as-former-president-rushed-off-stage-13177651
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/07/13/us/biden-trump-election
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-shooting-raises-questions-about-security-lapses-2024-07-14/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/07/13/trump-rally-shooting-reactions/
https://www.semafor.com/article/07/13/2024/world-reacts-donald-trump-apparent-shooting-shock-questions-democracy
https://apnews.com/live/election-biden-trump-campaign-updates-07-13-2024
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/7/13/donald-trump-live-news-ex-us-president-walked-off-stage-after-shots-heard
https://apnews.com/article/global-elections-2024-preview-cb77b0940964c5c95a9affc8ebb6f0b7
Join us in person for intenton 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 dive deep into the causes, impacts and implications of the extreme heatwave currently gripping the United States.
We explore the devastating effects of record-breaking temperatures being felt across the country, with over 100 million people been placed under heat alerts. We learn about the causes, such as the creation of heat domes and urban heat islands, and the impacts on health, infrastructure, and daily life.
In turning our attention to where our prayers and intentions may be most needed, we explore the urgent need for both short-term precautions and long-term adaptation strategies, emphasizing the importance of collaborative action from governments, healthcare providers, and communities .
Join us in holding intentions for a committed and urgent response to this pressing issue. Together, we are more powerful to have impact.
Suggested intention focus:
Given how crucial it is for all to recognize that adaptation to heat is an ongoing process that requires continuous assessment, improvement, and collaboration across various sectors and levels of government, not to mention within communities and at an individual level, we suggest holding as our main focus for intention this week:
We will that the need for a committed, collaborative and urgent long term response to the effects of rising temperatures will be deeply acknowledged by and prompt immediate concerted action among all US local, state and federal government administrations, healthcare providers, employers and community leaders.
Please join us in holding this.
Websites mentioned in this episode:
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response website
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ghr-2024-q3-ourplanet-fire/ Global Healing Response theme for Quarter 3 2024: Fire. Resources, prayers, meditations and more to support reflections, spiritual practices and facilitator events relating to this element.
Chapter markers:
00:00:04        Introduction
00:03:15        Focusing on Excessive Temperatures
00:08:11        Impacts of Extreme Heat in Arizona
00:08:32        Causes of Extreme Temperatures
00:13:26        Impact on Water Cycle
00:17:25        Urgency for Longer-Term Responses
00:22:59        Urgent Action for Combatting Heat Effects
Sources mentioned in this episode:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/01/weather/heat-wave-california.html
https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/july-warming-global-temperature
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/heat-wave-scorches-us-east-coast-dangerous-temperatures-expand-west-2024-06-23/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58073295
https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/us-climate-outlook-july-2024
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/27/extreme-heat-health-risk
https://theconversation.com/extreme-heat-waves-arent-just-summer-how-climate-change-is-heating-up-the-weather-and-what-we-can-do-about-it-233171
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/extremely-dangerous-record-breaking-heat-wave-hit-fourth-july-holiday-rcna160312
https://eri.iu.edu/erit/strategies/public-health-extreme-heat.html
https://www.c2es.org/2022/07/targeted-policies-to-address-extreme-heat-in-the-united-states/
https://www.tidalbasingroup.com/battling-the-blaze-innovative-mitigation-strategies-to-beat-the-heat/
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-heat-and-health
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3290979/
https://www.lancetcountdown.org/data-platform/health-hazards-exposures-and-impacts/1-1-health-and-heat/1-1-2-health-and-exposure-to-warming
https://www.heat.gov/pages/who-is-at-risk-to-extreme-heat
https://www.c2es.org/content/heat-waves-and-climate-change/
https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-heat-waves
Join us in person for intenton holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intenti

Welcome to Impact!, where this week, hosts Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson delve into the alarming presence of microplastics in our environment and their potential health impacts for humans and animals.
Microplastics, tiny particles less than five millimeters in size, have infiltrated our air, water, and food, raising serious health concerns. Research is now revealing how these particles enter our bodies through inhalation and ingestion, posing risks such as respiratory issues and chronic diseases.
Beyond human health, microplastic pollution disrupts ecosystems, affects marine life and negatively influences soil health. We discuss the urgent need for global action, highlighting efforts like the United Nations Treaty on Plastic Pollution and national government initiatives to reduce plastic waste.
Join us as we hold intentions for increased awareness, better research, and stronger international cooperation to combat this growing crisis. 
Suggested intention for this week:
Given the need for major multinational commitment to combat the health, environmental and other challenges of microplastics pollution, we suggest holding as our main focused intention this week:
We will that all signatory nations to the United Nations Treaty on plastic pollution will be moved to honour their commitments to reduce plastic pollution in line with the treaty’s recommendations.
Please join us in holding this.
Chapter markers:
00:00:03 Introduction00:01:04 Microplastic Pollution Challenges00:07:46 Microplastics Entry into the Body00:11:07 Health Impacts of Microplastics00:13:40 Other Effects of Microplastic Pollution00:16:22 Responding to Microplastic Pollution00:21:11 Call to Action00:22:35 Conclusion
Sources referenced in this episode:
The United Nations treaty on Plastic Pollution https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/historic-day-campaign-beat-plastic-pollution-nations-commit-develop
https://e360.yale.edu/features/tire-pollution-toxic-chemicals
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10826726/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7920297/
https://academic.oup.com/eurpub/article/32/Supplement_3/ckac131.152/6766563?login=false
https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/58/suppl_65/PA1792
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/apr/06/microplastics-found-deep-in-lungs-of-living-people-for-first-time
https://www.ciel.org/breathing-plastic-the-health-impacts-of-invisible-plastics-in-the-air/
https://www.earth.com/news/humans-inhale-the-equivalent-of-a-credit-card-in-microplastics-each-week/
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/envhealth.3c00052
https://www.afro.who.int/news/tackling-health-impacts-plastic-pollution-africa
https://www.undp.org/blog/beginning-end-plastics-pollution
https://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-health/simple-kitchen-swaps-to-reduce-your-exposure-to-microplastics
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9610792/
https://www.undp.org/kosovo/blog/microplastics-human-health-how-much-do-they-harm-us
https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/05/03/tiny-particles-of-plastic-pollution-could-be-finding-their-way-deep-into-our-lungs-with-ev
Join us in person for intenton 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.  
htt

Join us as we kick off the second season of our podcast with a deep dive into the pervasive issue of ageism, particularly as it affects older people. In this episode, we explore the growing demographic of individuals aged 60 and over, the unique challenges they face, and the often-overlooked discrimination against them in various facets of life, from healthcare to employment.
We consider some alarming statistics and hear expert insights on the harmful stereotypes and biases that contribute to ageism. We also discuss practical steps and intentions we can take to combat this discrimination and support the elderly in our communities. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that aims to inspire compassion and action towards creating a more inclusive society for all ages.
Suggested intention for this week:
We will that all member States of the United Nations are moved with compassion and pragmatism to prioritise the enactment of laws and regulations to strengthen the protection of the rights of older persons and to eliminate all forms of discrimination, abuse and violence against them, including ageism in employment, healthcare and other settings.
Sources referenced in this episode:
https://www.liveincarehub.co.uk/guide-to-issues-affecting-the-elderly/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ageism
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ageing-ageism
https://www.hrw.org/topic/rights-older-people
https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/11/10/older-people-not-spared-hostilities-israel/palestine
https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/06/30/extreme-heat-signals-need-inclusive-climate-action
https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/05/21/millions-us-risk-losing-internet-access
https://www.griswoldcare.com/blog/what-are-the-problems-faced-by-elderly-in-our-society/
https://www.un.org/development/desa/ageing/uncategorized/2021/03/ageist-attitudes-held-by-half-of-the-worlds-population-cause-serious-social-and-economic-ills/
https://www.un.org/en/desa/taking-stand-against-ageism
https://www.aihr.com/blog/examples-of-ageism/
https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2022/workforce-trends-older-adults-age-discrimination.html
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/03/cover-new-concept-of-aging
https://veritascare.co.uk/what-are-the-biggest-challenges-for-elderly-people-in-a-modern-society/
https://olderpeople.wales/commissioners-priorities/ending-ageism-and-age-discrimination/
https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/humanrights/2023/10/12/protecting-the-rights-of-older-people-one-of-the-most-neglected-human-rights-in-the-world/
Join us in person for intenton 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.