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Being Inside Your Own Process + Focusing on Nourishment with Jahan Mantin

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Season 4 Episode 8

On this episode of Wellspringwords: The Podcast, Nkem speaks with Jahan Mantin, Co-founder of Project Inkblot, on the power of being in your personal process. Through the discussion, the two share notes about the importance of remaining connected to the heart when in any creation process, keeping life curious and exploratory, and walking a liberatory path - no matter the circumstance. Scroll below for the topic timestamps.

Jahan, a born and raised New Yorker, has been deeply influenced by her upbringing in the diverse and dynamic city. She takes us on her journey as a co-founder of Project Inkblot, a remarkable initiative rooted in equity design. Collaborating with tech and media companies, Jahan fearlessly investigates and challenges racial biases in their products and services. Nkem reflects on her experience in Project Inkblot’s “Inkubator”, describing it as a space where the cohort could truly live and cultivate their creative endeavors. Each individual contributes in their unique way, and there is no rigid definition of how one should create. Nkem emphasizes that the work is heart-centered and relates it to the passion shared by Wellspringwords.

Jahan shares her perspective on a shift in her vision, acknowledging that she has learned a great deal through her business ventures. While she initially had no interest in entrepreneurship, she eventually co-founded her own business and redefined what business means to her. Jahan believes that a business should come from within, be useful to others, and evolve through relationships. She sees the journey of entrepreneurship as an adventure, discovering different ways to create value and nurture connections.

“Why do you create what you create?”

Through a personal journey from Abu Dhabi to Mexico, Nkem talks about entering an exploratory phase where she allowed herself to flow and see what would unfold without strict plans. She talks about letting go of external influences, original plans, and the expectations of her environment. She expands on her journey of exploration through yoga, writing, and various creative outlets, highlighting the importance of authenticity and not performing for others' approval. She has now entered a new phase of her life, transitioning from solo traveling to testing the waters of a different experience.

Jahan reflects on her past experience working in a magazine and expresses her initial admiration for everything about it. However, despite its external appeal, she felt a sense of unease within herself. This prompted her decision to leave her job and embark on a transformative journey of traveling through South America. Through this experience, she tapped into something crucial, recognizing the importance of slowing down and not constantly feeling the need to be in constant motion or accomplishment. Jahan acknowledges the challenge of resisting societal pressures that dictate what we should be and what we should do, and the superficiality of external messages that often lead us astray from our authentic selves.

They emphasize the importance of starting with oneself and prioritizing personal growth and well-being. Nkem reflects on a recent romantic relationship and expresses feeling overwhelmed by the profound love and care she experienced. Nkem views that kind of caring and supportive love as something sacred, deserving of protection and nurturing. She recognizes that this genuine care comes from the depths of the heart and should not be exploited. Nkem also highlights the significance of creating something that not only supports others but also nourishes oneself. She contrasts this approach with larger businesses that often fail to understand the importance of reciprocating and nourishing those who contribute to their success.

“The unique position that we’re in, is that of a nurturer.”

Jahan reflects on the process of creating something that originates from within oneself, but acknowledges that shifts in vision can occur. Dealing with these shifts requires courage and determination, as it is a personal journey that cannot be delegated to others. Jahan emphasizes the importance of self-inquiry and introspection during such times of change. At the same time, Nkem distinguishes between change and evolution, highlighting that change is merely an experiential aspect while evolution carries a sense of direction. She also contrasts defensive reactions with the feeling of being supported and held, and ponders on the idea of doing things right and emphasizes that true fulfillment does not come from external sources.

Wrapping up their conversation, they explore the concept of nourishing oneself. Nkem suggests that healing may require a different approach than the one that led to the current state. They both challenge the notion of constantly looking back for reference points, emphasizing the need to move forward rather than being stuck in the past.

We hope this conversation helps to expand your vision and support you on your journey of wholeness. Enjoy! Let us know if this conversation brought anything to mind or heart for you in a podcast review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser, on Instagram, or via email at bewell@wellspringwords.love. Be well!

Topic timestamps

0:10 - Introduction

2:42 - Project Inkblot’s Inkubator is heart-centered work

4:27 - How Jahan’s vision is shifting

11:35 - Being in an exploratory phase during transition

15:08 - Using creative exploration to find your voice

18:42 - Does taking the time for inner discovery have to be a privilege?

27:28 - Starting with the Self to offer magic to the world

37:12 - Sinking into yourself when in transition

44:30 - What if the focus was “nourishment”?

48:03 - Where we’re going is different from how we got here; moving on from the past

50:20 - Personal fulfillment comes from staying in your own lane

53:19 - Stay connected and dive into more!

References and resources mentioned in this episode

Find Jahan + Project Inkblot here:

Find Nkem here:

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