Interview with SoulKids® Mentor - Jesmin Tan

Sally has been out and about interviewing the newly graduated SoulKids® Mentors. She recently met up with SoulKids® Mentor Jesmin Tan.

www.soulkids.org

Sally Forrest: What brought you to SoulCentre® & SoulKids®?

Jesmin Tan: I was searching for a quality program to engage my son for the school holidays as I did not want him to just have fun and not gain any real learnings. While searching for such a program on Google, I came across SoulKids® and was instantly interested.

SoulKids® was a good balance for him to have fun, mix with different children from various nationalities and at the same time learn how to increase his emotional resilience through the practice of a positive mind-set.

S: What was your experience of the SoulKids® Mentor Training (for adults) and the SoulKids® Weekend (for children)?

J: The Mentor training with Vikas Malkani was mentally intense but it was a fantastic experience. The sessions were presented in a systematic manner with simple but powerful lessons and statements which provoked self-reflections. The training also helped me to focus on what was important and what to be mindful of as an adult and parent.

Many stories were shared which made the learnings even more impactful. Being able to put in practice what was learnt in the mentor training with the kids for the SoulKids® weekend was also an eye opening and awesome experience for me.

S: How has SoulKids® benefited you as an individual?

J: By attending the SoulKids® Mentor Training and the weekend with children, I have definitely become more reflective, mindful when I am parenting and more importantly I am also learning to walk the talk. I keep an open mind and am being positive in my day to day engagements.

S: What is your most important lesson from the SoulKids® training?

J: My most important lesson has been - Every individual has the potential to reach their best, as long as they believe in themselves, get a great mentor to guide them, learn and take action.

S: What are your hopes / dreams and visions going forward?

J: A commitment that I will be a better parent and individual. I also want to be able to share my experience and journey of SoulKids® with others in order to help them achieve their personal best.

Interview with SoulKids® Mentor - Avanti Kundalia

Sally has been out and about interviewing the newly graduated SoulKids® Mentors. She recently met up with SoulKids® Mentor Avanti Kundalia.

www.soulkids.org

Sally: Avanti, what brought you to SoulCentre and SoulKids? 

Avanti Kundalia: Serendipity!!! An ever-increasing thirst for connection to my inner soul, and a deep love for life and children brought me to SoulCentre. 

S: How did you hear about SoulKids? 

AK: In the final lap of another training I was attending at another location, I heard the word SoulKids being uttered from across the room. The name just stuck in my head – I googled it a few days later and the next thing I knew I was at the SoulKids Mentor Training introduction talk with Vikas Malkani, the creator of SoulKids! 

S: What have been your experiences at SoulKids Mentor Training and the SoulKids Weekend program?

AK: I came in with zero "expectations" really - just an earnest desire to learn how I could bring my innate talents and passion together, to teach kids and truly make a difference in the world!

The SoulKids Mentor Training with Vikas itself surpassed every possible expectation I could have had! It was comprehensive, detailed, and easy to grasp and put into action, and of course a whole lot of fun too. It was also beautiful to connect with like-minded people from all varied walks of life and of different nationalities.

I loved every minute of it and literally had withdrawal symptoms when it was over!!! The SoulKids weekend program validated for me the effectiveness of the intensive training we had just gone through and was 2 days of a true funfest – the best I have ever spent in my life and career with children!!! 

S: How has SoulKids changed you as an individual? 

AK: SoulKids reintroduced me to the wonderful, playful, joyful child within myself. It reminded me of the promise I was born with (Vikas always teaches that we are born with a promise of potential inside us, that’s waiting to be fulfilled). A Promise buried deep within, which when nurtured had the potential of taking me to the peak of my life experience. SoulKids assured me it's never too late to become who I came here to be! It gave me Hope and it showed me a path to get there. 

S: What’s your most important lesson from SoulKids Training?

AK: ‘Always say YES' & 'Never give up!’

I realized how totally I was cloaked in fear of rejection/ failure/ not being "ready" enough and how much I was standing in my own way!

But since the SoulKids Mentor training, by taking little baby steps, I am becoming more of a positive Yes-Woman, and no matter how impossible a dream had seemed in the past I have consciously begun to grow it promising myself to never give up no matter how long it takes!

Go Bruce Lee!!!

S: What are your hopes, dreams and visions going forward? 

AK: First and foremost, to stop going backward. To stop doubting the potential within myself or the support that life and others give me.

To nurture and develop fully this deep connection with my inner Self that SoulCentre has so gently yet emphatically brought back into my attention.

I truly believe that an exceptional life story begins in the details of a script that gets scripted in one's early years, and that this life script can be edited, enhanced, improved and made beautiful for every child by the right kind of mentor/ coach. And that is the kind of example I wish to be in the world - breathing and living wisdom, touching and transforming lives, one beautiful child at a time.

Interview with Dana Ilies, SoulKids Mentor

Sally: What brought you to SoulCentre & SoulKids?

Dana: I first applied for an open job position at SoulCentre. I was recommended by a friend who is a student at SoulCentre.

In my interview I was very impressed by Sally who I found to be a very positive and happy person and by the calmness and peacefulness of SoulCentre itself.

And when I was accepted into the company, little did I realize that working for SoulCentre would be so exciting. In my 6 months since, I’ve grown and learnt about life and work, beyond my imagination. I’ve been involved in areas from basic admin to future planning, and everyday has been a fun and learning experience for me.

S: How did you hear about SoulCentre/ SoulKids?

D: My friend’s daughter attends SoulKids and she really loved Sally and Vikas. She told me how nice they are and how everybody at SoulCentre is happy and friendly.

I was recommended to SoulCentre by my friend.

S: What were your experiences of the SoulKids Mentor Training and the SoulKids Weekend?

D: The SoulKids Mentor training was the most transforming and enlightening experience of my life.

Vikas teaches that in order to be a Mentor you have to be an example of what you teach, and that the first step to mentoring is to make your teachings a part of you. You can’t give what you don’t have.

I think this is why the SoulKids programs are so powerful, because Mentors not only transmit information, they are living examples of what they teach.

The SoulKids weekend was a blast. To see 23 children have so much fun while learning such powerful life lessons was a true joy. I was impressed by the way children really absorb the lessons in SoulKids.

Hearing them say “This is my best day ever” or “I want to come to SoulKids everyday” was very rewarding too.

I’m also very grateful that I had such wonderful fellow Mentors on the mentor training with me. We were a very good team and had the best time together.

S: How has SoulKids changed you as an individual?

D: I will be the most positive person I know! This is my new motto after the SoulKids Mentor Training.

I’m empowered with all the wisdom Vikas gave us during training, and I now know how to keep myself positive and transmit positivity to people around me.

SoulKids mentor Training was really transformational for me!

S: What is your most important lesson from the SoulKids training?

D: It’s so difficult to choose only one!

I’d say the one that impressed me the most was the story of 10 000 mirrors who teaches us that the universe is a reflection of what we are.

If we are unhappy and negative, then what we see is all that’s unhappy and negative. If we want the universe to give us positive things we have to change our inside first.

There are so many great lessons, but that’s been a very impactful one for me!

S: What are your hopes / dreams and visions going forward?

D: My dream is to transmit the SoulKids wisdom and life lessons to as many children as I can.

I’m convinced that if we equip children with life skills which guide them to success and happiness, then not only will we have a lot more happy people, we will also be living in a better world.

I want to change the world one child at a time!

S: Anything else you want to share with our readers?

D: Action brings results, intentions don’t! I learnt this in my mentor training, and I apply it every day.

I advise everyone to get in touch and learn from SoulCentre, it will change your life for the better.

Thank you.

INTERVIEW WITH SOULKIDS® MENTOR - NUTHIYA

Sally met up with Nuthiya, a beautiful lady, originally from Thailand and now one of our SoulKids®  Mentors.

Sally: Nuthiya what bought you to SoulKids®?

Nuthiya: I used to own a tuition school franchise.

I feel that nowadays children are very busy and they receive a lot of "input". After their school hours, they have to go for academic tuitions, sports, arts, music etc. I started to question why this is happening?

It's definitely because the parents want their children to be smart, to be the best and to be ready as much as possible. Everyone is doing it, so parents feel they must too.

But are the children happy?

Are the parents happy?

Are they confident of the outcome?

I used to discuss this with a lot of parents and children and always the answer was that they were not sure. So I was always searching for something else that can make people stronger without "just following the trend".

I think what is lacking is "life-skills training for children". It would be great for children to know that their life is in their hands, and that they have to take responsibility for that.

Life-skills, that guide children to have the right mindset, a good attitude and proper behavior.

In 2015 my husband Iskandar and I discussed this topic with my mother in law, Dato Prof. Dr. Nor and she introduced SoulKids® to us. She said the program really transforms children.

That made me think - WOW, really?

The next day we checked the SoulKids® Mentor Training schedule and signed up for the next class. Iskandar and I drove down from Thailand to attend the class in Singapore.

S: Oh my, that was so dedicated of you both to drive all the way from Thailand. So what are your experiences of the Mentor Training?

N: The mentor training program is a positive and simple way to understand your own life. It shows you what leads people to success and happiness.

S: How has SoulKids® changed you as an individual?

N: It has helped me have a better understanding about the basic concepts of life.

It taught me that children and adults all are the same; we all like things that are fun, simple, short and powerful.

It made me understand others and myself better.

S: What are your visions and dreams going forward?

N: I want to do my part to make the society better. We have to start with young children and certainly the parents must also be involved.

I would like to encourage the children to participate in SoulKids® programs and encourage the parents to participate in the SoulKids® Mentor training for adults.

I'll keep learning, be open-minded, be positive and focus on my passion ...  I'll say YES to life and I'll NEVER give up on chasing my dream. I will continue to improve myself constantly.

S: Anything else you want to share with our readers?

N: SoulKids® teaches that all children are special and unique. I hope everyone realizes this and lets them shine in their own way. All they need is guidance and support.

How beautiful the world will be when these children grow up to be successful and happy and know how to share with others.

Be positive, open-minded and come to join us @SoulKids®!!!

Thank you so much Nuthiya – you really are a shining example – attending and learning the program in a different country and in a second language as well. I know you will go on and inspire children the world over- we are blessed to have you on the team!
We wish you every success with your SoulKids in Malaysia.

For more information connect with us at:

info@soulcentre.org

INTERVIEW WITH SOULKIDS® MENTOR - ISKANDAR

Sally has been out and about interviewing Mentors. She met up with Iskandar from Malaysia and asked him a few questions.

Sally: Iskandar, what bought you to SoulKids®?

Iskandar: I was introduced to SoulKids® by my mum.

S: Oh wow, that's a lovely family connection. So how did this happen?

I: My wife and I were having dinner with mum and discussing about our students. We have taken a Japanese Maths franchise and started it in Thailand - however we noticed that many things are lacking in today’s education – things like life-skills and self-esteem.

My mum started talking about SoulKids® and how it meets the criteria we are looking for “Essential Life-Skills for Children”. So we were both excited and wanted to learn to be Mentors.

S: What are your experiences of the Mentor Training and the SoulKids® Weekend Program?

I: It was truly priceless. Over the weekend I was able to see drastic and impressive changes in the children who attended the program. It was really effective to educate children through stories and games.

The children really got involved and participated and I know they will remember these life lessons forever.

S: Thanks – that's great feedback and insights. So how has SoulKids® changed you as an individual?

I: SoulKids® has helped me understand myself, children and also how I view others. I have a better control of my emotions and I don’t judge people at face value.

I am able to see beauty in any form, even in challenges and I am able to stay motivated despite the circumstances. With SoulKids® I am blessed to meet with like-minded people who participated in the program and I am very blessed to meet with Vikas and you (Sally) in person.

S: So what was your favourite lesson from SoulKids®?

I: I loved all the stories. My favourite was woody the woodpecker. I have always had problems in focusing on one thing at a time; I always enjoyed multitasking and can’t stop doing it. With this story I learned a valuable lesson in focusing on one task at a time and being able to complete the task. Also that hard work without focus will not guarantee completion or success.

S: So what are your visions and dreams going forward Iskandar?

I: My dream is to get as many children & adults to participate in SoulKids® Programs & SoulKids® Mentor Programs. They will certainly then have a very positive outlook on life and will be successful in life.

I believe that after SoulKids® they will be able to shape a better, positive and happy world.

S: Anything else you want to share with our readers?

I: For anyone reading this I would like to encourage you to join any programs offered by SoulCentre®. 

You won’t regret it and it will be a life changing decision for the better.

As of now I’m proud to say that I have already completed my SoulKids® Mentor Training, Meditation Made Simple (MMS) and Meditation In Action (MIA) and I plan on joining more programs offered by SoulCentre®.

And who knows I might be seeing you on one of this classes…if you do see me please come and say hello.

Many thanks Iskandar and we wish you, your wife and your mum every success with taking SoulKids® into Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this year.

Interview with SoulKids® Mentor - Simon

Hi everyone! My name is Simon (although I have been known as sausage and snail on the SoulKids® Programs!). Originally from the UK, I moved to Singapore with my wife and two sons in July 2014 after 11 years living and working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I love to travel and enjoy outdoor activities. 

In 2014, I completed a charity 7-day, 250km trek across the arctic circle with a team of Husky Dogs...awesome fun and one of the best experiences of my life. 

My SoulKids® journey started in November 2014 after attending a SoulKids® Mentor Training talk with Vikas. I immediately knew that the SK program fitted in with my values, contained inspirational life changing stories for young minds and.....sounded like lots of fun! Sign me up!

I was not disappointed! The SK Mentor training program was amazing...a real mix of activities, stories and games all focused on helping children cultivate a confident, positive, happy and open mind. As part of the training, the other Mentors and I got to be involved in a full weekend program where we all told stories, led activities and most importantly got to see how the children grew in confidence over the weekend. A special moment for me was sharing the experience with my son, who really enjoyed the whole SK experience and still loves reminding me of the lessons!

Since graduating as a Mentor, I have been involved in delivering both the full SK weekend and SoulKids® Quickstart Programs. It is so rewarding to observe how the children grow in confidence as they listen to the stories, take part in the activities and are able to share the lessons they have learnt. Very wise kids indeed!

SoulKids® is a transformational program and I am certainly looking forward to more stories, games and confident kids! 

Hope to see you soon for some SK fun!

- Simon

www soulkids.org

Fabulous Feedback

October has been a super busy time for SoulKids.
Lots of lovely children have attended and we decided to catch up with some of their feedback...

SoulKids teaches Essential Life-Skills to Children

• SoulKids is awesome
• I feel excited, great and confident
• It's fun and cool - I learnt to treat others the way I want to be treated
• It's the best place to learn stories!
• Really fun activities I recommend it to all children 
• I feel awesome and creative
• Feed your positive voice always
• It's fun and excellent
• I think SoulKids is the best place I have ever been to - It's awesome beyond words!

SoulKids teaches Essential Life-Skills to Children

When is the next program?

DATE:    Saturday, 7 November, 2015
TIME:     2 pm - 5 pm (with Zoe and Siok)
VENUE: SoulCentre/SoulKids Academy
               91 Bencoolen Street
               #12-04Sunshine Plaza
               Singapore 189652

For children from 6 - 10 years of age.

Only 99 SGD 

Interview with SoulKids® Mentor - Jackie Ashby

Sally has been out and about interviewing the newly graduated SoulKids® Mentors. She met up with Jackie Ashby, who last year, relocated from Anchorage (Alaska) to Singapore.

Q: So Jackie what bought you to SoulKids®?

Jackie: I was seeking the knowledge of transformation for myself and I also had the curiosity of learning new ways of working with children. 

Q: So how did you hear about SoulKids®?

J: From Santa Fe Relocation Company. I received an invite from Santa Fe to attend a seminar at SoulCentre®.

Q: What was your experiences of the SoulKids® Mentor training and the SoulKids® Weekend Program?

J:  It was amazing and thought provoking. 

• The ability to gain self-awareness about one's authentic self was astonishing. 
• The ability to invoke story-telling techniques into learning about various aspects of self-confidence was also inspiring.

Q: How has SoulKids® changed you as an individual?

J: I am more open-minded, I engage in self-reflection and am learning to apply an attitude of gratitude into my daily life. 

Q: What was your favorite lesson from SoulKids®?

J: My favorite lesson was Vikas’s "Human Trinity Concept". How our mindset, attitude and behavior are all connected and how this affects one's view of everyday life.

Also I love the Sunflower and Rose story. Do not compare yourself to others and what they have or may not have; rather focus on what your assets are and improve them. By doing this imagine how great we all could be, nothing would be impossible!!

Q: What are your visions and dreams going forward?

J: My vision moving forward is to always keep my eyes open and my brain fed with lots of nutrients that provides positive energy. Keeping an attitude of gratitude will take me far. 

Q: Wow that sounds amazing Jackie – a lovely Vision for sure. Anything else you want to share with our readers?

J: I just want to share that experiencing my first SoulKids® Mentor Training was unforgettable and rejuvenating  

Sally: Thanks Jackie – we really look forward to working more with you and taking SoulKids® global in the months to come. 

SoulKids® in South Africa!!

SoulKids® Mentor Sherri Williamson relocated back to South Africa earlier this year. Not only has she had her second child since she moved home, she has also run South Africa’s very first SoulKids® Self Confidence Program!

We caught up with Sherri to find out how SoulKids® Mentor training changed her and how she feels having run her own SoulKids® program.

Sherri, what brought you to SoulKids®?

It all started after I had completed a Meditation Made Simple course with Yvette (one of Vikas’s teachers); naturally I was keen to learn more about Vikas. While I was reading the SoulCentre webpage I came across SoulKids.  I knew right away that I would like Tristan, my son to attend. So I contacted SoulKids and booked Tristan on both Creative Mindset and Self-Confidence programs.  After seeing the immediate change in my son I was blown away! 

Later while completing the Masters of Meditation course, Vikas and Sally told us about SoulKids Mentor training which was going to take place in February.  I was already looking at moving back to South Africa and thought that it would be great if I could bring this awesome life-changing program to the children here.

    

How would you say the SoulKids® Mentor training influenced you?

This training is amazing! You hear the wonderful stories and absorb all the lessons, but it does not stop there.  I find that every time I hear a story I learn something more. SoulKids Mentor training has helped me so much and continues to encourage me daily.  When looking back at the person I was just last year, I have changed so much. I was a highly stressed out, busy and quite aggressive person and now I am happy and enjoys everyday what life has to offer!

What has been the most inspiring SoulKids® lesson for you?

There are so many lessons, the one I use with my family the most is the story of the Two Dogs.  We need to constantly be aware of what we are thinking so that we can make the choice to be happy and postive.   

In what ways do you think children benefit from SoulKids®?

SoulKids is like a key that helps to unlock the secret to take charge of your life. The stories help to remind us that we have a choice and how to be happy. 

Tell us Sherri how do you feel now that you have run the  very first SoulKids® program in South Africa?

I was very excited and a little nervous before the program, however it was a great success, we all had lots of fun! When the kids start to open up and really understand the lessons it’s an amazing feeling! Some of the Children asked if they could do SoulKids every weekend!!

Thank you Sherri, you are truly an inspirational Mentor!!

Here are just some of the words the Children on Sherri’s program used to describe SoulKids:

Very helpful

Interesting

Incredible

Awesome

Confident

Amazing

Exciting

Special

Unique

Happy

Great

Cool

Fun!

To find out more about becoming a SoulKids® Mentor, or one of our SoulKids® programs, please contact:

Sally Forrest

Mobile: (65) 9875 2372

Email: info@soulcentre.org

Website: www.soulcentre.org