There is something extraordinary about watching the world gather in the center of the world.

Every April 22, Earth Day transforms Times Square into a global green stage — a place where music, environmental awareness, and collective responsibility collide in the most powerful way. Under the leadership of producer and humanitarian Paul Sladkus, the flashing lights of Broadway become a beacon for sustainability, hope, and action.

Artists perform. Activists speak. Screens that usually sell products instead amplify purpose. In a place known for movement, Earth Day asks us to think about preservation — the air we breathe, the oceans we depend on, the planet we call home. It is celebration with conscience. Energy with intention.

And then, in September, something even more profound happens.

Pause for Peace.

Also orchestrated by Paul Sladkus in Times Square, this gathering shifts the frequency from environmental awareness to global unity. Inspired by the spirit of international peace initiatives, the event invites the world — quite literally — to stop for a moment. In the middle of honking taxis, tourist chatter, and digital billboards, thousands come together to breathe… reflect… and stand for harmony.

It is a rare and moving sight: Times Square in intentional stillness.

A symbolic heartbeat for humanity.

Music once again plays a central role — because music crosses borders faster than politics ever could. Performers lend their voices to messages of compassion, non-violence, and understanding. Peace ambassadors, community leaders, and artists stand shoulder to shoulder, reminding us that unity is not naïve — it is necessary.

Earth Day calls us to protect our planet.

Pause for Peace calls us to protect each other.

Together, these Times Square gatherings reflect Paul Sladkus’ belief that entertainment can be transformational. That stages can become platforms. That crowds can become communities.

In the very place where the world meets, he creates moments where the world listens.

And for a few luminous hours each year, Times Square doesn’t just shine.

It heals.

The post Earth Day & Pause for Peace In the Heart of Times Square Produced by Paul Sladkus appeared first on Good News!.

Written from a quiet farmhouse in the South of France, Elicia Woodford’s memoir traces her transformational path through heartbreak, spiritual initiation, and profound self-inquiry. Her story moves from her city loft in Atlanta to a healing island in Thailand, directly to the Occupy Oakland protests, into the jungles and coast of Costa Rica, and ultimately to the calming lavender fields of Provence, each location serving as a portal into deeper layers of wisdom.

Fans of Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat Pray Love will quickly find themselves captivated by this unflinchingly honest account of the author’s search for love on a global canvas, with perhaps an even deeper level of self-reflection leading to a profound sense of empowerment and the love of a lifetime.

Indeed, at its core, Free To Be Me is not “a romantic travelogue.” It is about coming home to oneself.

Sensory Detail, Symbolism, and Synchronicity

Throughout this remarkable memoir, readers encounter the signs and symbols that accompanied Elicia Woodford’s inner awakening: hummingbirds, doves, roses, eclipses, caves, dreams, visions, and the unshakable whispers of intuition. (Music lovers will also vibe with Elicia’s suggestions for their playlist – songs from artists ranging from Peter Gabriel to Sinead O’Connor.)

These moments are not presented as fantasy. Instead, they are grounded in the emotional reality of a brilliant woman finding the courage to listen deeply to her body, her inner child, and her soul. And, as they read about these signs, symbols, and lessons, readers will find themselves inspired to engage in their own uniquely personal journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

“Healing isn’t about fixing what’s broken; it’s about reclaiming what was always whole,” Elicia Woodford writes, offering both a personal revelation and a guiding principle of her work.

A Love Story Rooted in Destiny, Not Dependence

Amid the author’s journey emerges an unexpected love story, one that unfolds across continents and seems orchestrated by synchronicities too precise to ignore. Yet Elicia Woodford is clear: this love arrived not to rescue her, but to meet her at the level of wholeness she fought so hard to claim.

Following a series of profound insights, often learned through pain and vulnerability, the author ultimately connects finds her Great Love, Olivier, a process mirroring the truth that genuine connection becomes possible only after the inner child is heard, held, and healed.

A Guide for Readers Seeking Emotional Freedom

Offered not as a manual but like a revealing letter written by a longtime friend, Free To Be Me is deeply personal. The author’s intention is clear. Elicia Woodford wrote this extraordinary book for anyone longing to break free from old patterns of self-abandonment, emotional suppression, and inner conflict.

The memoir complements her larger body of work, which includes:

• The Core Emotional Healingâ Self-Study Course, guiding people to heal childhood wounds and build emotional support
• The True Essence Photography Program, where participants reconnect with and express their authentic selves
• The Resource Vibe Podcast, connecting listeners with master-level healers and spiritual resources across all disciplines

Collectively, these offerings reflect Elicia Woodford’s lifelong mission:
to nurture the wounded inner child and help others support themselves with courage, compassion, and emotional clarity.

For Readers Standing at the Threshold of Change

By the time the reader reaches the epilogue, where Elicia Woodford sits on her porch with her completed manuscript, surrounded by roses, doves, and her beloved dog River, the transformation is complete. The external journey across the globe mirrors the internal journey through grief, revelation, and rebirth.

“We must walk this path ourselves,” Elicia Woodford writes, “yet we are never truly alone.” At each step of of the journey, she honors the friends and spiritual advisors (spanning a wide range of disciplines), animals (especially her beloved dogs), and unseen forces (ever-present symbols like hummingbirds) that accompanied her.

Free To Be Me is a testament to what becomes possible when a woman stops silencing her truth and begins listening to the quiet, unshakeable wisdom within. It is also a reassuring message to her readers, that it is possible for all of us to attain the happiness we’ve always dreamed of.

About the Author

Elicia Woodford is a healer, teacher, and founder of Core Emotional Healingâ, with more than two decades of experience guiding others through emotional transformation. Known for her intuitive depth, compassionate presence, and the luminous clarity of her storytelling, she helps people reconnect with their inner child, express their authentic voice, and reclaim the parts of themselves long buried beneath trauma or self-doubt.

Her work spans memoir writing, emotional healing programs, photography-based personal development, and her Resource Vibe podcast, where she introduces listeners to the master-level spiritual resources that can help them transform their lives.

She lives in the South of France with her Great Love, Olivier, and her beloved dog River, wandering lavender fields, beaches, and vineyards, gathering simple moments like treasures.

For more information, visit:

www.eliciawoodford.com

Elicia Woodford is the author of Free To Be Me: A Memoir of Trauma,
Healing and Rebirth, a courageous and deeply personal memoir that
chronicles her journey through unhealthy relationships, deep inner healing,
and profound self-discovery. Through radical honesty, Elicia shares how
she learned to break destructive patterns, protect her inner child, and
recognize the signs life was offering her along the way.
Free To Be Me is both a powerful personal story and an invitation for
readers to reflect on their own lives, trust their inner guidance, and believe
that healing (and happiness) are possible. Please welcome, Elicia
Woodford.

3 KEY THEMES TO EMPHASIZE:
• Healing is possible for everyone. No one has to stay stuck in unhealthy
relationships, situations, or lifelong patterns.
• The importance of self-awareness and inner-child healing. Understanding
and protecting the inner child is essential to breaking destructive cycles.
• Alignment versus force. There is a meaningful difference between trying
to manifest outcomes and paying attention to the signs life offers.
• Learning to trust intuition and timing. Slowing down and listening often
reveals guidance that pushing forward can obscure.
• Openness with discernment. Exploring spiritual and healing modalities
while remaining honest about missteps and lessons learned.<b

The post A Memoir of Emotional Courage, Global Adventure and Radical Self-Discovery by Elicia Woodford’s Free to Be Me Chronicles the Author’s Soul-Gripping Journey Through Love, Loss, Healing and the Transformational Power of Inner Truth appeared first on Good News!.

MYSTIC GARDEN IS a transformational festival gathering experience which offers a taste of the West Coast, the Tribal, and the sublime! Our festival gathering offers an experience of evolutionary culture. August 16-18th.

The Mission of this gathering of the Tribes event is to create a fun, inspiring and nurturing environment that is mutually supportive to uplift us and bring out the best in us all.

We envision that by gathering many our circles or “tribes” together to share our gifts and experiences be it Yoga, Ecstatic Dance, Native Traditions such as Sweat Lodges, Devotional Music, Sustainability Practices, etc. that we all be expanded, experience growth and empowered to live more fulfilling lives.

Join us for 3 days of Live Music, Ecstatic Dance, Yoga, Workshops and Visionary art by ALEX GREY and Allyson Grey during the 44th anniversary of WOODSTOCK at Yasgur’s Farm, in Bethel!!!

These 3 days & nights offer camping, dancing, and an experience of healthier, more sustainable & thriving lifestyle and includes full access to the 44th Anniversary Woodstock’s festival of 42 bands and 2 more stages!

Our alcohol free Mystic zone at the WOODSTOCK area is a ways away from the main Woodstock festival area but walking distance down the hill.

Mystic Garden at Yasgur’s Farm!!!!

Located on State Route 17B & Yasgur Rd., Bethel, NY

BUY TICKETS FOR $100 at https://www.eventbrite.com/event/7827836269

Website Link: http://mysticny.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/604767206207834/

Back in 69′ at the 1st WOODSTOCK part of unofficial sub-title for that generation was: “SEX, DRUGS & ROCK & ROLL….”

Well, we’ve learned a few things over the past 40 years about how to ‘get high on life’…. our “Transformational Festivals Movement still is centered around great music to dance & let go to…AND… NOW A MAIN PART OF OUR INSPIRATION IS:  “YOGA, SUPER FOODS, and ECSTATIC DANCE!”

The post Phil Lindsey appeared first on Good News!.

The Mission of this gathering of the Tribes event is to create a fun, inspiring and nurturing environment that is mutually supportive to uplift us and bring out the best in us all.

We envision that by gathering many our circles or “tribes” together to share our gifts and experiences be it Yoga, Ecstatic Dance, Native Traditions such as Sweat Lodges, Devotional Music, Sustainability Practices, etc. that we all be expanded, experience growth and empowered to live more fulfilling lives.

Join us for 3 days of Live Music, Ecstatic Dance, Yoga, Workshops and Visionary art by ALEX GREY and Allyson Grey during the 44th anniversary of WOODSTOCK at Yasgur’s Farm, in Bethel!!!

These 3 days & nights offer camping, dancing, and an experience of healthier, more sustainable & thriving lifestyle and includes full access to the 44th Anniversary Woodstock’s festival of 42 bands and 2 more stages!

Our alcohol free Mystic zone at the WOODSTOCK area is a ways away from the main Woodstock festival area but walking distance down the hill.

Mystic Garden at Yasgur’s Farm!!!!

Located on State Route 17B & Yasgur Rd., Bethel, NY

BUY TICKETS FOR $100 at https://www.eventbrite.com/event/7827836269

Website Link: http://mysticny.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/604767206207834/

Back in 69′ at the 1st WOODSTOCK part of unofficial sub-title for that generation was: “SEX, DRUGS & ROCK & ROLL….”

Well, we’ve learned a few things over the past 40 years about how to ‘get high on life’…. our “Transformational Festivals Movement still is centered around great music to dance & let go to…AND… NOW A MAIN PART OF OUR INSPIRATION IS:  “YOGA, SUPER FOODS, and ECSTATIC DANCE!”

The post MYSTIC GARDEN appeared first on Good News!.