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In a world of endless scrolling, relentless news cycles, and the constant hum of “not enough,” what does it really mean to come home to ourselves?

That’s the question I explored with my dear friend and spiritual teacher Betsy Weiner in the latest episode of Rise to More. For more than 25 years, Betsy has been guiding others through yoga, meditation, and deep inner work—but what makes her truly remarkable is her ability to blend wisdom with levity. She calls herself a personal trainer for the soul—and after hearing her speak, you’ll understand why.

Betsy began by describing what she’s observed in recent years: our collective dysregulation. We are bombarded by information—opinions, outrage, comparison, noise—and in trying to process it all, we lose touch with the one voice that matters: our own. The result? Polarization, anxiety, and a culture that has forgotten how to pause.

I write in Healer In Heels: we are so full of the world’s noise, we can no longer hear the whisper of our own soul.

And yet, as Betsy reminds us, peace is possible. It begins with what she calls the art of subtraction—the quiet, courageous act of releasing what was never truly ours to carry. The stories, expectations, and burdens we’ve inherited from family, culture, and society weigh us down. The path home isn’t about adding more—it’s about remembering who we are beneath the noise.

“You don’t need to add more light. You just need to remove what’s dimming yours.”

One of the most radical ideas Betsy offered was this: betterment isn’t always the answer. In a culture obsessed with self-optimization and productivity, she invites us to consider the possibility that this moment—right here, right now—might already be enough. Acceptance, she says, is one of the bravest forms of growth.

We also talked about humor—something Betsy uses as sacred medicine. Humor isn’t avoidance; it’s connection. It’s how we remember that joy and pain are not opposites—they coexist. When we laugh, we disarm our defenses and open our hearts.

“Laughter is the soul’s way of exhaling.”

Of course, no conversation with Betsy would be complete without talking about resilience. She shared with such tenderness about her own experiences with loss and adversity—and how they taught her compassion, grace, and the startling truth that we can love even those who may never love us back. Resilience, she says, is not about never breaking—it’s about breaking open, about rising again softer, truer, and more free.

“Resilience isn’t toughness. It’s tenderness that has been tested.”

What I love most about Betsy’s wisdom is how grounded it is. She doesn’t ask us to escape our lives or transcend our humanness. She invites us to inhabit it fully—to bring spirit into the small, sacred moments of every day. A morning prayer of gratitude. The silence between deep breaths. The sound of a sparrow outside your window. The stillness of Yoga Nidra.

Because in a time when so many feel fractured, Betsy reminds us that spiritual practice isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

This conversation was less about finding yourself and more about returning to yourself—the self that was never broken, never behind, never lost.

“You don’t have to become whole. You already are.”

And maybe that’s the real invitation: to stop trying to fix, improve, or strive our way home. To simply remember that home has been within us all along. Thank you for reading and watching - messages like this one are worth spreading in this crazy world of ours🙏🏼

Follow Betsy:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/betsylweiner/

Work with Betsy: https://betsyweiner.com

With love and presence,Jasna

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When we see public figures, we rarely see the human being. We see a policy, a headline, a viral moment. What we don’t often glimpse is the person—the father fixing his daughter’s tiara, the husband leaning on his wife, the runner who finds peace by railroad tracks after a long day.

In my recent Rise to More conversation with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, I set aside politics entirely. I wanted to know the man behind the title.

We live in polarized times. Outrage is the easiest currency to spend. Nuance is rare, compassion rarer. So I wanted to create a different kind of room. A room where we listen for humanity, not ammo. Where we remember we’re far more alike than different. And where transformation—individual and collective—still feels possible.

What unfolded was a raw and deeply human conversation about fatherhood, resilience, and the quiet costs of leadership.

Jacob spoke openly about being a father of two young girls and how they changed everything: the way he values time, the city he hopes to shape, the example he wants to set.

We don’t talk enough about the toll of being known. The loss of breath and private space. The reality that when he steps outside, he is “the mayor” within seconds—no matter if he’s running alone by the railroad tracks or holding his four-year-old’s hand.

He also spoke of hardship—moments when he stood firm in his decisions, was publicly shamed, and yet slept peacefully knowing he had done what he believed was right. From those experiences, he described something profound: post-traumatic growth—the ability to not just endure crisis, but to grow from it.

We talked about the echo chambers, the easy blame, the brittle certainty. He said something simple and brave: when we’re unhappy, it’s seductive to assign our pain to an “other.” It’s also the beginning of dehumanization.

The antidote? Burst your bubble on purpose. Seek people who think, pray, vote, and work differently than you. Have coffee. Share stories. Discover you actually like each other. It’s not naive—it’s necessary. Our nervous systems heal in proximity, not in posts.

Topics we covered in this episode:

* The perspective shift of fatherhood and raising daughters

* How resilience is built in crisis and why “post-traumatic growth” matters

* Running as both meditation and emotional release

* Jewish tradition and the teaching of the “36 righteous people”

* Keeping a soft heart in a hard, polarized world

* His personal mantra: Find a way—to lead, to serve, to keep moving forward

* What greatness and legacy mean to him

What I found most moving was Jacob’s candor. He admitted flaws. He spoke of the weight of criticism, the freedom of authenticity, and the small, grounding rituals that keep him human.

In the end, this wasn’t an interview about a mayor. It was a conversation with a man navigating the complexity of public life while striving to remain whole.

And perhaps that is the lesson for us all: whatever our role, we must find a way. To love, to lead, to soften, to rise. And for the love of God, to see humanity in one another regardless of our differences.

Please watch, listen or share.

With gratitude,

Jasna

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Today’s guest on Rise to More completely blew my mind. Dr. Simone Xavier isn't just another entrepreneur—she is one of the most remarkable minds behind one of the world’s biggest makeup brands, Sigma Beauty.

When I first heard her story—a veterinarian, infectious disease researcher, and professor who pivoted into beauty—I was fascinated. How does someone go from vaccines and bacterial diagnostics to building a global cosmetic brand?

As Simone revealed to me, it began very simply: with curiosity, intuition, and solving a problem. Simone and her engineer husband René had zero experience in beauty, yet found themselves bringing makeup brushes from the US to their friends and family in Brazil. René, noticing he could make better brushes himself, said, “I can do this better, cheaper.” And that’s how Sigma Beauty was born.

Seventeen years later, Sigma Beauty is everywhere—from Nordstrom to Neiman Marcus, from boutiques to Sephora shelves. But Simone didn't start by setting out to build a multi-million-dollar brand. She started by wanting better tools for herself. The first set of Sigma brushes—which Simone meticulously researched from YouTube makeup tutorials—sold out immediately, catapulting the brand overnight.

What moved me deeply during our conversation was Simone’s gentle yet powerful wisdom. She said simply, yet profoundly:

“I don't try to beat anyone. I want to inspire myself, inspire others. Everything I do is service, solving problems, bringing beauty and simplicity.”

We talked openly about her transition from a respected academic career to entrepreneurship. Simone admits the pivot felt natural, not fearful—she followed excitement, trust, and flow. Her research background empowered her to innovate in beauty, resulting in over 60 patents. From waterproof brushes to specialized cleaning tools, every Sigma product is deeply intentional—crafted with science, innovation, and love.

But what truly sets Simone apart isn’t just her trailblazing business savvy or her 60+ patents in the beauty space.

It’s her soul.

There was something deeper we discussed, too—Simone’s spiritual awakening. Her voice softened as she confessed, “I've never talked publicly about this.” She revealed that 2020 marked a profound shift, deepening her understanding of connectedness, quantum physics, and the power of visualization. She shared something I've always felt in my bones:

“I believe everyone is a mirror of myself. My energy matters. What I visualize manifests. I truly believe we create our reality.”

When I asked what “Rise to More” meant to her, Simone smiled gently:

“It means showing up authentically, consciously. Inspiring others, but staying humble, present, and true.”

Our conversation went beyond makeup and patents. We touched upon what it means to truly live authentically, consciously, and intentionally in a rapidly changing world.

Simone reminds us all that great success isn't about recognition or money—it's about fulfillment, genuine service, and staying deeply connected to our truth. Her brilliance, creativity, and heart are evident in everything she creates.

I hope Simone’s story lights something within you today—the possibility to pivot, innovate, and trust in your innate genius. We don’t have to chase success blindly; instead, let’s create joyfully, solve meaningful problems, and live consciously, intentionally connected.

Because when we rise consciously, the world rises with us. Simone, that was a moment I will never forget. That day in the studio, I met a new friend. Thank you for your heart.

Check out Sigma Beauty: https://sigmabeauty.com

Follow Dr Xavier on LinkedIn HERE

Lauren Bennett McGinty on Leading Explore Minnesota’s $25B Revival

When you think of transformative leadership, you might not immediately think of tourism. But Lauren Bennett McGinty is here to change that.

As the Executive Director of Explore Minnesota, Lauren has taken the reins of a $25 billion industry in a state recovering from global disruption, cultural shifts, and long-standing misconceptions. Her work isn’t just about promoting lakes and cabins—it’s about elevating the spirit of a place. It’s about reminding us what joy, belonging, and visibility can do for an entire state’s identity.

This conversation reaffirmed how blessed I am to be living in Minnesota and why I love it here so much.

Minnesota attracts nearly 90 million visitors every year, bringing nearly $25 billion into our economy. From our incredible arts and culture scene to our award-winning chefs, pristine lakes, and endless forests, Minnesota quietly holds everything the soul needs to reconnect and recharge. And that matters as Lauren tells us that we are the least stressed state in the country!!

Lauren's role isn’t just a marketing job—it’s a mission. After COVID brought an economic loss of billions, her team stepped in to revive hope and connection, promoting local businesses, state parks, and hidden gems. But at the heart of it, Lauren reminded me, "It's about inviting people into what we already know is special. It's about feeling at home wherever you go."

What touched me most about our conversation wasn’t just the incredible statistics or Lauren’s undeniable passion—it was her heart and humility. When I asked her how she manages criticism, she paused and said quietly:

“When someone’s upset, I first ask myself: Why? What pain or fear might they be feeling? If I can start from empathy and understanding, we both rise.”

Lauren shows us the kind of leader we need more of—one who listens deeply, leads compassionately, and seeks common ground, even in polarizing times.

Toward the end, I asked Lauren, "What does Rise to More mean to you?" Her eyes sparkled as she said:

“It means stepping beyond expectations others have of you—especially if you're underestimated. It means showing up again and again because you believe in something greater.”

I left our conversation deeply inspired, feeling lucky not just to call Minnesota my home, but to know someone like Lauren is advocating for it with passion, grace, and vision.

So, my friends—perhaps Minnesota has never crossed your mind as a must-visit spot. But perhaps it’s time it did. Take Lauren’s challenge—discover it for yourself, invite your friends, share the hidden beauty.

As Lauren put it beautifully:

“Travel is more than seeing new places—it’s discovering who we are and what connects us.”

And Minnesota? It turns out, it's exactly where many of us have been longing to go all along.

Time to explore MN at https://www.exploreminnesota.com and follow Lauren on Linkedin HERE.