The Hollowing of Responsibility: What McGilchrist’s Lectures Reveal About Institutional Failure in Financial Redress

By Steve Conley, Academy of Life Planning In recent years, countless victims of financial harm have encountered a devastating pattern: institutions that once promised protection now offer only deflection. When the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) tells a victim to “contact the Slovakian regulator,” and that regulator says “only in person,” while HMRC claims “we only … Continue reading The Hollowing of Responsibility: What McGilchrist’s Lectures Reveal About Institutional Failure in Financial Redress

The System Says Obey. We Say: Awaken.

They want control. We want consciousness. That’s the line in the sand. In a world ruled by statism, you're told who to be, what to want, and how to live. Your value is measured in productivity. Your choices are framed by institutions. Your future? Decided by someone else. That’s not freedom. That’s programming. Statism is … Continue reading The System Says Obey. We Say: Awaken.

Restoring the Soul of Psychotherapy: A Conversation with Andrew Hartz of the Open Therapy Institute

In a recent episode of Calm Conversations, Benjamin Boyce sat down with psychologist Dr. Andrew Hartz, founder of the Open Therapy Institute (OTI), for an enlightening discussion that went far beyond the surface of psychotherapy. They explored the gaps in modern mental health care, the secularisation of soul work, and the urgent need for a … Continue reading Restoring the Soul of Psychotherapy: A Conversation with Andrew Hartz of the Open Therapy Institute

Why the World’s Religions Share One Hidden Truth

What if the ultimate truth behind every major religion wasn’t just similar, but the same? Here’s the idea: at the mystical heart of each tradition, beyond the rules and rituals, is a radical, unifying insight—that everyone is God. It sounds outrageous at first. But stay with me. From Division to Unity: The Journey of Human … Continue reading Why the World’s Religions Share One Hidden Truth

Time to Retire the Narrow View: Why Human Capital Theory Must Evolve

By Steve Conley, Founder – Academy of Life Planning For decades, policymakers and economists have placed immense faith in a reductive idea: that people are paid what they’re worth, and their “worth” can be measured by their skills, education, and productivity. This is the premise of mainstream human capital theory—a theory that has not only … Continue reading Time to Retire the Narrow View: Why Human Capital Theory Must Evolve

Spiritual Well-Being: Beyond the Narrow Religious Lens

Traditionally, spiritual well-being has often been studied through a narrow, non-secular lens, closely tied to organised religion and its associated rituals, beliefs, and communities. In this view, religiosity becomes a proxy for spirituality, often limiting research and practice to denominational practices, attendance, and doctrinal adherence. Yet, this limited frame underestimates the true breadth and transformative … Continue reading Spiritual Well-Being: Beyond the Narrow Religious Lens

The Missing Pillar of Financial Wellbeing: Why Spiritual Wellness Matters

Why do so many people with financial success still feel unfulfilled? Is there more to “wellbeing” than stable income and a comfortable lifestyle? In the quest for a happy life, we often chase careers, relationships, and material comforts. Yet, even after checking all those boxes, something intangible can remain missing. Enter spiritual wellbeing – a … Continue reading The Missing Pillar of Financial Wellbeing: Why Spiritual Wellness Matters

Reclaiming Our True Path: The Ancient Blueprint for Modern Freedom

In an era where global institutions, financial giants, and corporate entities exert increasing control over our lives, many people feel trapped in a cycle that offers little room for true autonomy and self-fulfilment. We are led to believe that the path to success and security lies in following prescribed societal norms—working tirelessly, saving diligently, and … Continue reading Reclaiming Our True Path: The Ancient Blueprint for Modern Freedom

Love is Prime Consciousness: The Path to Higher Human Development

Love is the foundation of everything. It is the force that animates life, the essence of our being, and the ultimate truth we are all seeking. When we operate from this space, we align with our soul’s desires. When we stray from it, we become caught in egoic needs, driven by fear, attachment, and external … Continue reading Love is Prime Consciousness: The Path to Higher Human Development

Empowerment: Becoming the Architect of Your Own Destiny

At the Academy of Life Planning, we believe that true empowerment goes beyond simply taking control of your finances. It’s about becoming the active architect of your own destiny, shaping a future that aligns with your values, aspirations, and unique purpose. Through our evolutionary coaching approach, we guide individuals through the hierarchy of personal development: … Continue reading Empowerment: Becoming the Architect of Your Own Destiny