Monday, April 30, 2018

Becoming a SoulKids Mentor was life changing

Becoming a SoulKids Mentor was life changing 
By Sally Forrest
Managing Director of SoulCentre, 
www.soulcentre.org
30th April 2018

Sally recently interviewed Swapna Menon to find out about her journey to become a SoulKids Mentor.
What made you decide to become SK Mentor?
I happened to glance at a SoulKids programme brochure in school and I was completely wowed by the benefits it talked about.
I decided to take the course thinking that how beautiful it would be to transform myself and others and to see children “blossom" from buds into beautiful flowers
Personally I think that the most beautiful thing one can give back to the world is to “create a difference in the lives to others”.

Did You enjoy the SoulKids Mentor training program?
Yes! Without a doubt, it was amazing.
I particularly liked the transformation I saw in myself and then in the people I interacted with.
I loved the tools and teaching techniques used and in particular the stories!
As individuals, all of us connect to stories. Our eyes and ears are totally focussed and engrossed when we listen to a great story.
The stories shared at the SoulKids Mentor training are simple, unique and life changing.
The learning is so profound.
I could grasp and connect to it really easily and it also helped to change my perspective and my attitude.
It made me realise that I am in charge of my life!
Every thought I have and every action I take brings change to me and to my life.
The most beautiful part of the programme was to watch Vikas in action as he taught the program. He has such authenticity and passion, moving from one story to another with high energy. He never tired and I was totally focussed and concentrating all the time. It was enjoyable and the time just flew by. I was mesmerised.
SoulKids Mentor training is a programme that transformed me as an individual.
Have you incorporated the teachings into your life? 
Yes, I immediately incorporated the teachings.
First I changed my thoughts as I realised that as individuals we have numerous thoughts coming to us every day.
Some thoughts can be positive while some can be negative.
Of course the positive thoughts are great, however one negative thought is enough to influence our entire day and can spoil the moment.
Of course it can be a challenge to always have positive thoughts, however now I have this new awareness I am making a daily effort to keep the negative thoughts at bay.
How have you used SK with your family
Yes, I use it with my family.
I have all the SoulKids books and I read the stories to my daughter.
She loved the stories so much that she asked to attend a SoulKids program.
Every day when the opportunity arises I reiterate the learning from the stories.
There are situations when she may be impatient or may not be happy with her results.
I take situations like this as an opportunity to help her learn key life lessons from SoulKids like to “be patient” and “to not give up”
The stories of the patient spider and Bruce Lee help her to realise everyone in life goes through challenges and it enables her to focus and to be eager to change.
Every story that SoulKids teaches has invaluable life lessons that really benefit children (and adults).
Have you been involved in teaching a SoulKids program?
Yes I have and I loved every minute of it.
It is so rewarding to make a difference in the lives of others.
I am a very energetic person and I bring lots of enthusiasm and drama while narrating stories. 
The children definitely enjoyed the program and certainly left happy and smiling.

Many thanks Swapna for this enlightening interview.
We wish you continued happiness and we know that each child who comes into contact with you will most certainly benefit.


For more details on SoulKids please do connect with us on soulkids@soulcentre.org