We were lucky to catch up with Sara Sofia Bousiali recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sara Sofia , so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?
I think being kind and understanding is a big part of being smart, especially when it comes to understanding people’s feelings. It’s a quality that can make the world a better place, and it’s something we can get better at as we grow up.
I feel fortunate to have grown up in a loving and safe home, which I think played a big role in helping me understand other people’s feelings.
My family is made up of three different cultures: My dad is from Naples, Italy, and my mom is Berber Moroccan. They met in Germany, where my sister and I were born and raised. Growing up like this, I got to see and learn a lot about different ways of living.
When I was very young, my family would visit our village in Morocco and Naples, Italy. I noticed how different life was in these places. My mom taught us to share our toys and clothes with the kids in Morocco, which made me value the simple things in life.
I also saw my grandparents struggling when they moved to Germany, where they didn’t know the language or customs. I helped them communicate with doctors, which made me understand the problems they faced.
I’ve lived in different countries and learned a few languages, so I can relate to people who are trying to get used to new places and languages. Moving away from your home can be a big and brave step.
Facing my own challenges, like losing someone I cared about, made me more understanding of others who are going through tough times.
I’ve always been interested in hearing people’s stories, which is why I studied psychology and got into acting when I was pretty young. I also started a wellness company called Calming Spot, which helps people with their mental health through things like sound baths, breathwork, and stress reduction. You can learn a lot from hearing what other people have been through; you just need to listen.
I’ve realized that being aware of your own feelings is connected to understanding how others feel. Handling my emotions and meditating have helped me connect better with other people. I think when you’re in a good place emotionally, you can understand and help someone else who might be struggling.
I believe that understanding others and caring about them is really important, and it’s something we can get better at as we go through life and have different experiences.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I grew up in Germany with an Italian father and a Moroccan mother, and our household was a delightful mix of Italian, Moroccan, and German influences. This unique blend of cultures has shaped my worldview, and I consider it a true blessing.
Languages have always intrigued me, and I’ve had the privilege of immersing myself in different cultures. At 13, I spent a year in France, becoming fluent in French and gaining a taste of independence. Then, at 16, I interned at a bilingual school in San Diego, igniting my love for California.
From a young age, I was drawn to acting, storytelling, and psychology. Although I was also passionate about chemistry, I chose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business psychology, with a specialization in environmental and media psychology. Later, I enrolled in San Diego State University’s Television, Film, and Theater program, and eventually earned an international Master’s degree in cinema studies and audiovisual media, allowing me to explore my love for travel, film, language, and culture in Milan (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore), Paris (Université Sorbonne Nouvelle Paris 3), and Frankfurt (Goethe University).
I recently stumbled upon a friend’s book where you fill in ‘When I’m older, I want to be…,’ and I’d written, ‘open my own Taekwondo school, be an actress, or someone who helps the world.’ Even after all these years, I still find myself in those ambitions, minus the Taekwondo school. I find my greatest joy in acting, creativity, and making a positive impact in the world.
In 2019, during a solo trip to LA for an acting program, I met my husband on the final day. Together, we founded Calming Spot in 2021 with the aim of creating a place that offers solace, relaxation, and a safe space for people to slow down.
Calming Spot is a wellness company that’s all about taking care of your mental well-being. We offer customized workshops led by experts, daily sessions of sound baths and meditation at our Santa Monica, California location, and also provide online options. It’s a place where you can find peace and relaxation for your mind.
In a world filled with beauty and fitness trends, we wanted to shine a light on the importance of mental well-being. To me, everything begins with a healthy mind – it’s the foundation for beauty, fitness, and achieving personal goals.
I strongly believe that we all have unique stories and experiences that can inspire and support others on their life journey.
Life can be overwhelming, and sometimes, we find ourselves experiencing unexplained emotions. But I believe that with effort and understanding, we can train our minds to find happiness and break free from negative thought patterns. It’s a journey that requires time, effort, and self-awareness.
While our society often tends to identify ourselves with our thoughts, I like to think of thoughts as fleeting visitors that aren’t who we truly are. Meditation, for instance, isn’t just about emptying your mind but rather observing your thoughts and allowing yourself a moment to connect with your inner self. It’s about taking a pause in this fast-paced world and finding stillness within.
That’s why I co-founded Calming Spot in 2021, to create a space for people to relax, feel seen, and prioritize their mental health. I believe that taking a moment to be still and connecting with your inner self is the most revolutionary thing you can do for your mind.
Sound plays a significant role in our well-being and has been an integral part of various cultures, transmitting emotions and stories throughout history. Sound baths, for instance, aren’t a new idea. They work by using specific frequencies that help relax our minds and slow down our brainwaves. At Calming Spot, we incorporate guided meditations into our sound baths to create a truly relaxing experience. I’ve personally experienced a surge of creativity and insight through these sessions, but everyone’s experience can differ based on their state of mind, the instructor, and the environment. Creating a safe and welcoming space is crucial to allow emotions to surface. I’m really happy that companies are recognizing the value of sound baths for their employees. As a business psychologist, it warms my heart to receive inquiries from organizations that prioritize their employees’ well-being.
My passion lies in creating experiences and nurturing creativity. I enjoy designing spaces that engage all the senses and often find myself lost in the creative process. I also love dreaming up new ideas and drawing inspiration from various sources.
Looking ahead to 2024, we’re excited to share our upcoming projects. At the forefront is a big Full Moon Festival, and we’re also working on a bunch of programs you can enjoy from home. These programs cover goal-setting, vision boards, manifestation, and a special 30-day New Year Challenge. Plus, there’s a program dedicated to self-growth and self-love. Keep an eye out for these programs rolling out early in 2024 and throughout the spring. November 14th marks the launch of our heartfelt affirmation card decks, with merchandise set to follow in 2024. Excitingly, we’re planning pop-up events in cities like NYC, LA, San Diego, and San Francisco, starting with NYC on February 2, 2024. We can’t wait to share this journey with our community and look forward to the experiences that lie ahead.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Trust Your Timing and Dreams: I know it may sound a bit cliché, but I genuinely believe in trusting your own timing and your journey. It’s a big thing to have faith in the path you’re on. It means surrendering and accepting the things you can’t control or change at this moment. Embrace the present, even if it’s not what you expected. Sometimes, life has a way of surprising us. For example, if you had told me four years ago, or even a decade ago when I struggled with English lessons, that I would be sitting here, conducting this interview in English and discussing my own company in Los Angeles, I wouldn’t have believed it. The key word here is trust – trust in your path, in the universe, in God, and most importantly, trust in yourself.
Build a Stable Foundation: Another essential piece of advice is to build a solid foundation for yourself. This foundation is like your safety net, allowing you to experiment and try new things without fear. When you have a strong foundation, you can approach life with a beginner’s mindset and tackle challenges with confidence. Building your foundation can take various forms, such as maintaining a healthy body, establishing a supportive morning routine, nurturing loving relationships with family, a partner, or friends, or simply developing a strong, positive relationship with yourself. Your foundation is what makes you feel safe, no matter what life throws at you because it will.
Understand Your Work Style and Create Your Own Rewards: It took me a while to realize that each person has a unique work ethic and different strengths. Understanding how you work best as an entrepreneur is crucial. It’s about discovering the little rituals and habits that help you be the most productive. For example, I need to have my desk next to a window to work effectively. I avoid working in bed and make an effort to get dressed and wear perfume, as if I’m going to an office, even when I’m working from home. This creates a clear separation between work and personal life. I also need to move my phone to a different room and turn it off to eliminate distractions. Additionally, listen to your body and identify your most productive times during the day. Some people work better at night, while others are more focused in the morning. Understanding your unique work preferences and environment can be a game-changer for your productivity, especially as an entrepreneur.
As an actor and entrepreneur, you often have to be your own boss and deal with numerous bumps and rejections. In traditional settings, we receive rewards and recognition from teachers or bosses, but in these roles, you become the one who needs to say “thank you” to yourself. So, it’s important to establish habits that reward yourself. For example, when I’m feeling down or demotivated, I take a moment to write down my small achievements and express gratitude to myself. It might be as simple as acknowledging that you completed a task or made progress toward your goals. These personal rewards can do wonders for your motivation and overall well-being.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Whether it’s mental health, nurturing a healthy mind, promoting individual well-being, or partnering with companies and content creators that share our vision for fun projects and aligned dreams, we’re open to all kinds of collaborations. There are no limits on what we can achieve together. You can contact us at [email protected] or reach me directly at my personal email, [email protected].
Contact Info:
- Website: Sarasofia.actor & Calmingspot.com
- Instagram: @sarasofia.b @thecalmingspot
- Facebook: The Calming Spot
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-sofia-bousiali-a68264280/
- Youtube: @thecalmingspot
- Other: IMDb: Sara Sofia https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14439437/
