The Art of Wellness in Design with Mahwish Syed

Frame of Reference - Profiles in Leadership

When Mahwish Syed, a beacon of resilience and creativity, graced our studio, she brought with her a tale of triumph that has the power to ignite a transformation within us all. As an award-winning designer and author, she recounts her confrontation with breast cancer and how it became the catalyst for her book "Purgatory to Paradise," a testament to her journey of creating a healing sanctuary at home. Our dialogue traverses beyond her story, extending to the profound impact of our mindset and surroundings on our health, guided by the principles of epigenetics. Mawish's design sensibilities, inspired by films like "A Room With A View" and the Pelican chair, also color our conversation revealing her unique approach to life and wellness.
Transformation is a dance with change, and as Mahwish shares her personal narratives of welcoming her son into the world prematurely and facing the trials of cancer, we uncover the strength that adversity can bestow upon us. The episode weaves through the symbolism of the snake and the myth of Persephone, drawing connections between spirituality and quantum physics, encouraging us to welcome change as a harbinger of growth. We dissect the importance of personal mythology, the acceptance of our darker facets, and the liberation found in weaving our passions into our work, nudging listeners towards a journey of self-discovery and authentic existence.
Our exploration culminates in a contemplation of the spaces we inhabit and how they can be transformed into sources of healing and rejuvenation. I share insights from my design background, challenging what's commonly accepted as 'healthy' and 'environmentally friendly,' and delve into the importance of making conscious lifestyle choices for our health. From the detrimental effects of blue light to the calming influence of our sensory experiences, we examine practical ways to mold our environments to foster well-being. This episode is an invitation to redefine the way we live, interact, and heal in our personal paradises, all while being serenaded by the inspiring journey of Mahwish Syed.

Thanks for listening. Please check out our website at www.forsauk.com to hear great conversations on topics that need to be talked about. In these times of intense polarization we all need to find time to expand our Frame of Reference.

Chapter

1. The Art of Wellness in Design with Mahwish Syed (00:00:00)

2. Transforming Purgatory to Paradise (00:00:04)

3. Transformation and Embracing Change (00:13:10)

4. Embracing Transformation and Self-Discovery (00:18:56)

5. Finding Light Through Creativity and Mindset (00:29:01)

6. Exploring Epigenetics and Healing Spaces (00:35:44)

7. Designing for Health and Healing (00:39:22)