Do you ever feel like youre your own worst enemy? Do you often feel like your thoughts are holding you back? Are you sick of feeling stagnant and unable to move forward in life?

If so, youre not alone. Many of us struggle with our inner critic, that voice in our head that tells us were just not good enough and will fail.

But what if I told you there are things you can do to swap your inner critic for your inner coach, and make deliberate intentions to create a happier, more meaningful life.

Here they are.

According to Ethan Kross, a leading expert on the conscious mind and psychologist in his book, Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It most, if not, all of us, have a voice in our heads. The trick is to swap the inner critic for an inner coach.

Kross says, we often hear the advice to live in the moment, but this can be difficult for humans because we are wired to think about the past and plan for the future. Language is a powerful tool that we rely on to help us do many different things. Silently using language to talk to ourselves lets us keep information in our minds, plan, work through problems, remind ourselves of important goals and make sense of our experiences.

But we can also use language in a harmful way, and this is what is called chatter or as many of us call it, the monkey mind! Science defines chatter as getting stuck in a negative thought loop in which youre narrowly zoomed-in on a problem and cant work through it effectively. Chatter involves negative, self-defeating thoughts that can consume us and make us feel overwhelmed and stuck.

Many people struggle with this chatter, but there is hope. Rather than trying to silence our monkey mind, we can try to educate and motivate it.

Your inner coach is like your best friend, encouraging and supporting you every step of the way. The inner critic, on the other hand, tends to focus on defeating and negative self-talk.

The inner coach wants to help you build self-confidence, resilience, and reach your full potential. However, the inner critic is motivated by fear, trigger feelings of anxiety and self-doubt and has a desire to protect you from failure or disappointment.

The inner coach and inner critic represent two different aspects of our inner voice. Essentially the inner coach is like your most supportive and encouraging friend while the inner critic is like your worst enemy!

This involves reframing your negative thoughts in a more positive light. This step and the following 3 are from Ethan Kross who offers practical strategies and tools to help you harness your thoughts and internal chatter. Rather than jumping to negative conclusions or interpretations, its an opportunity to increase your confidence rather than focusing on the potential for failure.

For example, instead of telling yourself Im not good enough, you might try and reframe your thought and say instead, Im doing the best I can.

This involves using supportive language, focusing more on solutions than your problems. Kross says by learning to control the way we talk to ourselves; we can improve our mental and emotional wellbeing. We can learn to cope better with challenging situations. This technique can help to boost self-esteem and reduce feelings of anxiety or depression.

For example, if youre feeling overwhelmed by a task and feel it is too much, you could tell yourself instead that you are capable of completing it and that in fact you have overcome challenges in the past. This can help to build self-confidence and motivation.

When youre going through a tough time, use your name and the second person you rather than I to refer to yourself. It helps you be more objective, less consumed by your thoughts and make wiser decisions.

This involves taking a step back from your thoughts and emotions and view them objectively, as if you were an outside observer, rather than being consumed by them. This can reduce the intensity of negative emotions and stop them from overwhelming you. For example, if youre feeling angry with someone, you could try to view the situation from their perspective and consider why they are feeling that way. This can help you to be less judgmental and not consumed by your anger and resentment.

By treating ourselves with kindness and understanding, we can break free from the cycle of negative self-talk and judging ourselves harshly become more accepting. Self-compassion is strongly linked to our mental health and wellbeing. Studies have found that those who are more compassionate towards themselves tend to have less mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety and stress.

Through increased self-awareness, cultivated through mindfulness practice, it is possible to shift the quality of harsh, critical self-talk towards a more loving accepting relationship with ourselves which leads to greater wellbeing.

A good example is when you failed at something you can practice self-compassion by acknowledging that we are all human and we all make mistakes. See it as an opportunity to learn and grow. As they say, failure is the best teacher.

This involves taking a more active and intentional approach to personal growth and development through a structured process, using a variety of tools and techniques. In following this process, you will become more self-aware, manage your emotions and thoughts better, understand your core values, develop a compelling vision for your future and an action plan you will monitor.

Harnessing your inner coach, the voice inside you that encourages you to take risks, believe in yourself, and pursue your goals is a source of inspiration and is an integral part of this self-coaching process.

Coaching yourself involves using a variety of other tools and techniques, such as journaling and reflection, goal-setting and techniques on how to cultivate positive habits, to help you develop the skills and mindset you need to live a happier, more fulfilling life.

If you want to learn more about these powerful tools and strategies, I invite you to check out my latest YouTube video:

My Life Journal online course gives you the skills to coach yourself through a structured, step-by-step process so you can build positive habits, stay accountable, and make lasting changes. Whether youre looking to improve your health, relationships, change career, head into retirement or any other area of your life, Life Journal can help you get there.

I am currently offering a free 5-day challenge, Reset Your Life Compass to help you navigate your way to a more intentional, purposeful life you love.

Each day consists of a 5-minute video and an activity from the Life Compass workbook. By doing this challenge, you will have completed the first 2 modules of Life Journal. Click here to learn more.

Dont let your inner critic hold you back any longer. Join me on this journey to self-discovery and inspiration.

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7 steps to tame your inner critic and create a happier, more ... - Hack Spirit

Aaron Rash and Jack Endino

We love finding out more about the gear behind iconic albums, and some players might be surprised to hear the tube amp in the signal chain for Kurt Cobain's often metallic and sludgy tones on Nirvana's debut Bleach were courtesy of a Fender Twin Reverb owned by producer Jack Endino.

It's still with Endino, now at Soundhouse Studio in Seattle, and Nirvana fan Aaron Rash took a trip out to see and try it for himself.

Endino's assistant engineer saw Rash's video on recreating the tone to About A Girl from Bleach and reached out to the YouTuber to correct a photo detail in the video; Cobain actually used a Silverface Twin on the song, not a Blackface-era '67 as suggested. He then invited Rash to come and play the amp and meet Endino.

Rash brought his Univox High Flyer guitar with him; a model Endino hadn't seen since Cobain had one for Bleach. The producer then dialled in the controls for Rash to play About A Girl with a DS-1 for the overdriven parts. And there's the sound (accounting for the mic'd cab we hear on the record). With some pointers from Endino on chord voicings, no less!

"It definitely freaked me out because the moment I played that chord through that amp, I totally got goosebumps," admits Rash. "That was it that was that sound."

It's not a stock Fender Twin Reverb; Endino modded the amp himself. The producer noted the similarity to the schematic of the Fender Bassman and changed out the phase inverter circuit before the power amp section to make it more like the one in a 100-watt Bassman. But Endino's main mod was increasing some of the coupling caps in size between preamp and the power amp to get a little more low-end.

The amp has some unusual vents at the size that were there when Endino purchased it in 1983 and could have come that way from the studio.

Check out more of Aaron Rash's Nirvana videos at his YouTube channel.

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"This is one of the best amps I've ever played" new video ... - Yahoo Entertainment

Warren County youth sports coach convicted of child sex crimes asks to be released from prison  WLWT Cincinnati

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Warren County youth sports coach convicted of child sex crimes asks to be released from prison - WLWT Cincinnati

The pandemic has changed attitudes on spending, leisure and entertainment due to deeper shifts in human values and happiness. In China, and across the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a stratospheric rise in spiritual and self-improvement consumption. Natural pursuits, physical health, and mental wellbeing are all rising to the forefront when it comes to purchases.

Spending that will enhance personal mood and spirit has particularly grown with local Gen Z. A 2022 report jointly published by the research institute of e-commerce giant JD.com, Tencent Music, and podcast platform Himalaya found that more than 52 percent of Gen Z consumers are increasing their spiritual consumption in 2022. Movies, music, and (audio) books are the categories that have seen the most noticeable sales growth, while electronics such as smart earphones and VR glasses are also trending. Aromatherapy products are also favored by Gen Z consumers thanks to their healing and stress-relief properties.

After the pandemic started, I made fewer fashion and beauty purchases because there were fewer opportunities to go out. During the lockdown in Shanghai, I paid more attention to improving the usage and arrangement of my home space, a young Shanghai-based consumer Olivia Wang based previously stated to Jing Daily. For example, For instance, I purchased more kitchenware and aromatherapy products to lighten my mood. Passionate about dancing, I also acquired some indoor exercise and dancing equipment.

Since the pandemic, more shoppers are recognizing that health is wealth. Its no surprise that wellness, fitness and outdoor hobbies are being adopted as lifestyles and not just pursuits.

Outdoor athletic activities serves to improve health and fitness, however, the current trend differs from traditional outdoor sports in that they place greater emphasis on the leisure part of athleisure. With global travel in 2022 still a challenge, young Chinese people are exploring alternative ways to enjoy precious outdoor activities closer to home. Cycling, camping, frisbee, and skateboarding are the most notable emerging Gen Z hobbies. And the accompanying styles and fashions, such as mountaincore, have risen in online search, social media debates, and general popularity. Brands like Timberland, Patagonia, Arcteryx have tapped these trends, exposing a great opportunity to capitalise on this lifestyle shift.

Cycling: China is obviously no stranger to the pleasures of the bicycle. But starting this May and June, streets in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai became busier than usual with cyclists. On the social media platform Xiaohongshu, the keyword cycling has attracted close to 22 million views while searches related to cycling in the first quarter of 2022 have increased 230.8 percent year-on-year. JD.com reported a 240 percent year-on-year increase in cycling-related product sales from May 23 to 30. The likes of Lululemon partnered with Blue Yogurt to host branded cycling trips around cities like Shenzhen. Analysis suggests that over 55 percent of cycling-related content on Chinese social media is from those born after 1990. Short cycling trips in urban or suburban settings are popular and many KOLs are sharing fashion tips for recreational cycling.

Lululemon teamed up with Blueglass Yogurt to host a cycling activity in Shenzhen in May. Photo: Lululemon

Camping: Camping, especially higher-end glamping, surged in popularity in the spring and early summer of 2022. On the first day of the May 1st holiday, search volume for camping increased by 90 percent while ticket sales for parks that allow campsites grew by over 50 percent year on year. Chinas camping market is expected to reach $51.8 billion (354.6 billion RMB) this year, an 18.6 percent yearly increase. For Gen Z campers, relaxation and stress relief are the top motivations at 84.2 percent, while the most popular activities are barbecuing and picnicking at 91.2 percent. An accompanying retail boom has followed. For example, ABC Camping Country, a well-designed camping lifestyle collective store founded in 2020, has since quickly expanded to five Chinese cities.

Frisbee: Frisbee is making waves in China because it is perceived as fashionable, easy to play, and offers a great way to socialize outdoors. In June, searches related to the word frisbee on Xiaohongshu increased by about 98 percent year-on-year, while Frisbee-related content on the platform jumped by six times to around 500,000 posts. Millions have picked up the sport, making it more popular than soccer in 2022. Activewear brands, too, have jumped on the bandwagon, with several hosting frisbee events to promote their products and others launching flying disc-related collaborations an apt opportunity for nimble brands to tap into this growing trend.

Skateboarding: Young Chinese consumers flock to skateboarding for its challenge yourself attitude, alternative lifestyle, and opportunities for self-expression in the form of fashion and music. Theres also the artistic design and collectibility of skateboards. The inclusion of skateboarding in the Tokyo Olympics helped push it into Chinas mainstream and local giants like LiNing have collaborated on skate-themed drops with the likes of AAPE and SMFK. Sales of skateboard-related items rose 290 percent on Alibabas e-commerce platform Tmall between May 31 and June 3 for this years 6.18 Mid-Year Shopping Festival. And subsets of skating such as land surfing have gained virality and popularity with the countrys younger generations.Foreign and domestic sportswear and streetwear brands are vying to capture this rising market, including skate brand Supreme (of LV collab fame) which made its official debut in China as part of Dover Street Markets new three-story space in Beijing on November 5.

Li-Ning has collaborated with several brands on skateboarding-themed drops, including AAPE and SMFK. Photo: Li-Ning

At-home exercise has replaced social gatherings and shopping sprees as the main way for Gen Zers to reduce stress during the pandemic. It also quickly became a trendy activity during lockdowns, as shown by the skyrocketing popularity of Taiwanese singer-turned-personal-trainer Liu Genghong. On short video and livestream platform Douyin, workout sessions featuring Liu and his wife, set to renowned pop songs as background music, started an at-home exercise revolution. Within one month, the couple gained 64 million followers and their livestreams were viewed more than 100 million times. For context, it took seven years for leading fitness app Keep to claim 34 million monthly active users.

Liu Genghong and his wife Vivi Wang livestream their exercise and dance routines on Douyin. Photo: Liu Genghongs Weibo

While Lius popularity will eventually subside as normalcy returns, but his sessions introduced many people to the convenience of indoor exercise, which will remain a popular fitness format. According to a 2021 report by Mob Research Institute, 560 million Chinese will regularly exercise by the end of 2030, and over 22 percent of these fitness buffs are between the ages of 18 and 24. The popularity of indoor or cloud fitness has also boosted the sale of small exercise equipment and activewear in China.

The competition is increasingly fierce between big-name global brands like Lululemon and Nike and the Chinese brands like Maia Active and Neiwai Active that feature distinctly Asian fits and feminine details or soothing palettes. Yoga culture was influential for years before the pandemic but is now gaining mainstream popularity especially in first-tier cities thanks to dedicated IRL activations and digital ones such as Lululemons wellness campaign on Shanghais Bund.

This growing economy of self-improvement, spiritual wellbeing, and active lifestyles all go hand in hand. Consumption tied to the pursuit of self-betterment is appealing across generations of Chinese because more believe that health is wealth in this new era. While the acceleration of this market might ebb and flow depending on multiple factors, its direction is firmly on the up.

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Spiritual And Self-Improvement Economy Are On The Rise In China - Jing Daily

Suspended Kansas basketball coach Bill Self watched every second of Mondays season-opening win from his home in Lawrence, and, not surprisingly, it was the Jayhawks defense that stood out most to him.

I told the guys today, We dont guard, but we are a heck of a lot better defending than we were a week ago, Self said during his regular appearance on his Hawk Talk radio show Tuesday night.

Self, who will sit out KUs first four games of the 2022-23 season to serve a university-imposed suspension, was able to rejoin the team at midnight on Tuesday morning and worked with them in practice later that day. The restrictions put on him with the suspension cover the 24-hour periods of KUs first four game days.

Weve got to tighten up our ball screen defense or it will not be very pretty early, Self added during his assessment of his teams defense. I know we will. Last year we struggled with it until around Christmas. When we get better at that our defense will get a lot better, too.

There were plenty of things that Self liked about what he watched Monday night. And most of them had to do with individual performances and guys fitting into their roles.

You could make a case Gradey Dick was the best player on our team last night for a snippet, Self said on the radio show. You could make a case for Jalen Wilson, KJ Adams, Bobby Pettiford, Juan (Harris), and yet the guy who dominated the game more than anybody when we needed it the most was Kevin (McCullar Jr.). We go up from seven to 17 just like that (and) Kevin made every play during that stretch. Even though its never going to be like that, you saw flashes of each one, what they can potentially do and be. Thats exciting to me.

Self said he thought acting head coach, Norm Roberts, and the rest of the KU coaching staff ran things well in his absence. He also was pleased with the way the Kansas players carried themselves like it was any other game to pick up the 89-64 victory and move to 1-0 on the season.

I thought Norm and the staff did great, Self said. I thought the guys played hard. Their body language was good, all those things. I thought out of timeouts Norm got us easy shots a few times. That was good. Weve always taken pride in that.

Although hes not a fan of having to miss any time with his team, Self reiterated his stance from when the suspension was announced, calling the suspensions of him and assistant coach Kurtis Townsend, the right thing to do.

Having a veteran like Roberts and a roster full of players who are locked in to what needs to be done helped make his viewing experience from home much easier to swallow.

Hopefully what happens on game day is a reflection of what happens in practice the other five days of the week, Self said.

Next up, KU will play host to North Dakota State at 7 p.m. Thursday at Allen Fieldhouse.

The Bison are 0-1 on the season after falling at Arkansas, 76-58, on Monday. NDSU was picked to finish fourth in the Summit League in a preseason vote of the conferences coaches.

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Suspended Kansas basketball coach Bill Self saw defensive improvement while watching from home - KUsports

(The Conversation) According to a recent Pew Center report, American Christianity remains in a nearly three-decade decline. Responding as none or unaffiliated on religious surveys, people increasingly identify as humanists, atheists, agnostics, or simply spiritual. If current trends continue, by 2070 Christianity may no longer be the dominant expression of American religion.

As a scholar who studies alternative spirituality and new religious movements in the United States, I believe the reality of Americas diverse religious and spiritual landscape is more complex than often presented.

The nones or those claiming no particular religious affiliation range from atheists to individuals searching for spiritual answers outside traditional religious groups. This last group commonly identifies as spiritual but not religious or SBNR. Dissatisfied with traditional religion, these individuals think about spirituality in a more secular way, as representing their pursuit of meaning, healing, purpose and belonging.

In her study of multiple SBNR identities, theologian Linda Mercadante found that the turn away from organized religion does not necessarily come at the expense of faith, ritual or practice. For post-Christianity seekers, Mercadante stresses how spiritual fulfillment moves from religious and civic institutions to gathering places.

Such gathering places range widely.

Many turn to practices appropriated from different religious contexts. Mindfulness and yoga, in particular, have emerged as popular alternatives for seeking spiritual, psychological and physical healing.

These practices point to the growing connection between spirituality and health. Twelve-step meetings for addiction recovery and contemporary medicine, for example, stress the need to balance spirit and body for wellness.

Several nonreligious practices create opportunities to explore spirituality beyond religious affiliation. People find a sense of belonging through the internet and social media. Others turn to self-help literature or elements of popular culture.

Sports similarly provide an avenue for spiritual renewal. The rituals of training, competing and camaraderie reflect the spiritual quest for personal growth and locating community. Digital communities and online options likewise afford new modes for spiritual practice and connection.

Accordingly, some scholars, such as religious studies professor Robert Fuller, have stressed the unchurched nature of the SBNR.

At the same time, the continued desire to find meaning and connection has led to the development of secular, spiritual and atheist churches. Although almost universally understood as physical spaces for religious practice, the rise of nonreligious churches demonstrate the benefits and shared opportunities many nones and SBNR people associate with the experience of going to church.

Emerging over the past decade, and although still small in scale, secular and atheist churches indicate how changes in religious affiliation do not necessarily include a rejection of the communal structures that provide avenues for spiritual rejuvenation.

Atheist churches that include secular rituals have been showing an increase.

The Seattle Atheist Church, for example, positions itself as a place where atheists come together to address big questions and celebrate meaningful life events with atheist rituals. Founded in 2015, the church offers weekly Sunday meetings for a couple dozen participants who share in leading sermons in relation to their commitment to secular humanism, a nonreligious worldview that rejects belief in the supernatural.

Similarly, Sunday Assembly Detroit seeks to help everyone live life as fully as possible. One of 70 chapters spread across eight different countries, the Sunday Assembly was founded by comedians Sanderson Jones and Pippa Evans in 2013. Their motto was Live Better, Help Often, Wonder More.

Others find refuge in secularized churches that combine alternative rituals, such as the use of cannabis, with various humanist, ethical and spiritual orientations.

Identifying as Elevationists, members of the International Church of Cannabis in Denver, Colorado, for example, come together through the ritual sharing of cannabis, or what they call the sacred flower.

This sharing, they say, helps them reveal the best version of self. It also aids in discovering a creative voice that can can help enrich the community with the fruits of that creativity. These fruits often manifest as charitable projects, including street cleaning and an outreach initiative to feed and clothe Denvers homeless population.

Such an approach does not deny members who might still hold religious beliefs, but focuses attention away from the supernatural toward self-improvement. Similarly, members of the nondenominational First Church of Logic and Reason, based in Lansing, Michigan, elevate cannabis as a spiritual and therapeutic element. The churchs ritual use of cannabis offers a way to heal and find a sense of belonging for those disenchanted with traditional religion.

Additionally, digital opportunities have emerged as a vital site for cultivating spirituality.

For those disillusioned with traditional religion, digital technologies, apps, and online options offer new avenues to engage with secular and alternative forms of spiritual practice.

Current apps can calculate ones astrological chart or provide online tarot readings. Social media platforms particularly TikTok make a host of New Age practices, including crystal healing, immediately available. Reiki finds a robust community of virtual practitioners, and mindfulness can be cultivated across a host of meditation apps.

Shifts away from traditional religious membership doesnt simply mean Americans are rejecting religion. Rather, they are exploring an ever-evolving spectrum of spirituality.

(Morgan Shipley holds the Foglio Endowed Chair of Spirituality & Associate Chair of Religious Studies at Michigan State University. The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Religion News Service.)

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Atheist churches and the 'sacred flower of cannabis': Americans find spirituality in new places - Religion News Service

Somehow, Thanksgiving is suddenly around the corner our fridge is already stocked with cranberries and brussels sprouts so this is a good time for our recommended books to remind you: Family is complicated. Thats equally true whether youre talking about abolitionist sisters who turn out to have come from a slaveholding family that included Black members, as Kerri K. Greenidge delves into with her history The Grimkes, or exploring a dynasty of merchants who shaped modern capitalism and sat among the ruling class for generations, as Joseph Sassoon writes about in his family history, The Sassoons. Its true in Andrew Millers novel The Slowworms Song, about a (complicated) father trying to make amends with his daughter, and in Jenny Xies poetry collection The Rupture Tense, which grapples with her familys experiences in the Cultural Revolution and her own (complicated) feelings about the Asian diaspora. Its also true of found family, as Kit Heyam demonstrates in a wide-ranging history of transgender identities around the world and throughout time, proving that the concept of gender is itself yes complicated.

Also up this week: a history of North America from an Indigenous perspective, a story collection from a great young Argentine writer, a shipboard romance and a cleareyed book of philosophy that rejects our impulse for platitudes. Happy reading.

Gregory Cowles

Combining narrative flair with a skillful deployment of archival sources, Greenidges penetrating study underscores the moral contradictions and racial trauma in a slaveholding family best known for two white female abolitionists.

The author, an Oxford historian, recasts the history of North America from a Native American perspective, making clear that Native tribes controlled the continent for millenniums: On an Indigenous time scale, the United States is a mere speck. One of the best books ever written on Native American history.

Liveright | $40

In the authors sweeping saga of his familys rise and fall, we learn about figures who shaped not only modern capitalism but our entire world even if theirs is lost. Sassoons book isnt just a marvelous yarn, its an Ottoman Our Crowd that gives his family its due.

Pantheon | $35

Aristocracy, magic and murder overlap on pretty nearly every page of this Sapphic shipboard romance, which is a sequel of sorts to A Marvellous Light. Marskes world-building skills dazzle, and her prose does, too; the book offers a breathtaking romp of a plot and a sense of wondrous possibility.

Tordotcom | $27.99

Darker and more tinged with terror than Schweblins breakthrough novel, Fever Dream, the stories in this collection first published in Spanish in 2015 and now, in Megan McDowells translation, a finalist for the National Book Award in translated literature take aim at the place we feel safest: home.

In this wide-ranging and generous-spirited treatise, a philosophy professor from M.I.T. pushes back against many platitudes of contemporary American self-improvement culture and presents an approach for dealing with lifes harsh realities.

Riverhead | $27

In Millers ninth novel, a former British soldier and recovering alcoholic details what happened when he was serving in Belfast during the Troubles. He does so in a letter to his daughter, trying both to reconnect with her and to redeem himself before he testifies in an inquiry.

Xies second collection, a finalist for this years National Book Award in poetry, considers the upheavals of the global Asian diaspora, especially the silence surrounding the Cultural Revolution and its lasting impact on Xies own family.

Graywolf | Paperback, $17

In this astute, self-aware and riveting study, the nonbinary British academic demonstrates that the history of gender nonconformity around the world is so vast that no single book can begin to contain its reaches.

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9 New Books We Recommend This Week - The New York Times

The academy strives to incorporate careful education for cadets on calls regarding homelessness, mental health, substance use disorder, and other crises.

VASSALBORO, Maine The saying goes that nobody can truly understand unless they walk a mile in their shoes. But when it comes to law enforcement, it's a job most won't ever experience.

The Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro is the only law enforcement program in Maine that trains and certifies police officers. It's a rigorous 18-week residential program designed to prepare men and women for the high-stress, split-second decisions they'll face on the streets.

NEWS CENTER Maine reporter Hannah Yechivi spent several days at the academy with the cadets, gaining an in-depth look at some of the programs todays officers are being trained for, which most people dont even know about.

To be certified for the 18-week training program, cadets would already need to have a secured job with a police department in Maine.

Cadets also are required to pass multiple tests -- polygraph, background, medical, physical fitness, psychological, and written -- and be at least 19 years old.

Repetition is important. That's where we develop proficiency," Josh Daley, the Basic Law Enforcement Program coordinator for the academy, shouted to the cadets in one of the many trainings.

Theres a lot of focus on defensive tactics and use of force in general. In addition to that, there's a lot of focus on verbal and nonverbal de-escalation techniques, he said as he explained the progression of the 18-week training program.

These techniques and tactics can be mentally and physically exhausting for many of the cadets going through the program.

We're constantly taking new trainings to see if there's better ways to do what we're doing, safer ways, or more effective ways, Daley said.

The majority of cadets who get admitted into the academy have limited or no experience in law enforcement or how to manage the high levels of stress that come with the job.

If we prepare them for worst case, everything else becomes a little bit easier to manage, everything else becomes a little more comfortable, even in the most uncomfortable states as law enforcement officers commonly find themselves in, Daley said.

When I chose to get into this field, it's because I wanted to do it. It felt like it was my calling, Vincent Perfetto, one of the cadets who went through the training to become a certified police officer, said.

For Perfetto, its a calling he felt compelled to answer. At 21, he's the youngest cadet in his class. His goal is to help people, and he knows it often will be in very uncomfortable situations, which is why this training is so important.

One of the most important things for anyone to do is to constantly seek self-improvement, and it helps a lot when you have people yelling at you, making you improve but then to know after the academy that you need to be your best for the sake of other people, and that's a very strong motivator, Perfetto said.

The training program goes in phases, from skills application to real-life scenarios. All trainings are designed to push him and every other cadet outside their comfort zone.

That was the other major change, I think. I was trained back in the '80s, [to] date myself a little bit, but relatively speaking we did no scenario-based training," Rick Desjardins, the director at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, said. "Today we do a tremendous amount of training with classroom participation, but then [it's] followed up by actually performing those lessons learned in the classroom in an as real-life-as-possible scenario."

When you experience it, you feel all of these things that happen physiologically. But to understand how they impact your ability to function ... is something you have to experience, Daley said. Then I build upon those, tunnel vision, elevated heart rates, labored breathing, fine motor skills, all of these things happen under pretty significant stress."

Its shocking at first. You think you know what it's like to get screamed at, but coming through here ... it's humbling. And as time goes on, again, you get used to it, but you also realize the importance, and your skin gets tough really quick, Perfetto said.

Make sure I check my gear, make sure my car is working, make sure my uniform is properly put together, make sure all my gear is working right, Desjardins said while highlighting some of the small but important things cadets are taught while in the residential program.

One oversight by an officer could have life-or-death consequences, which is why the duration of the program, the residential portion, and all the phases of the training are so critical.

"If you see an officer doing something they shouldn't do that could be dangerous or wrong, you've got to tell them, Desjardins said.

For the purpose of today's class, I am here as a dad of a child with autism, Matt Brown, a crisis-intervention team trainer for NAMI, said.

Nowadays, cadets also learn a skill that's becoming more and more important: how to handle interactions with people who have developmental disabilities, including those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

The number of people affected by autism and developmental disabilities is increasing big time. It's now 1 in 44. So they are going to interact with individuals with autism, and they are going to display with certain characteristics that can be very challenging in terms of safety issues, and it's important that they know how to recognize it, Brown explained.

Another part of an officer's day in many towns and cities in Maine is interacting with people who are experiencing homelessness.

Jim Devine and Cheryl Harkins were formerly homeless, and they came to teach a class to the academy along with the Preble Street Resource Center. They believe that if cadets can hear about their experiences they faced while being unhoused and about the interactions they had with police during that time that future officers can learn different ways to deal with people without a home.

Most of my life I was a master electrician," Devine said. "I was able to house myself. But I am also in recovery from alcoholism, and my drinking is what put me on the streets, you know, which is what happens."

I actually had an officer approach me at a park-and-ride and tell me that I didn't qualify to park in one because I didn't have a home to drive to, Harkins said. "So [it's] just things like that. We are hoping that it would make a change."

Desjardins said the academy has been reflecting on and adapting to how it educates cadets on community challenges such as homelessness.

The concept around that homeless issue is something that I think we've had to take a hard look at how we responded years ago, which is issuing trespass notices, kind of just moving people along as opposed to today, which we really try to listen to the situation that they are in and try to think about how we might be able to facilitate a solution, Desjardins said.

In this day and age, many police officers frequently respond to calls that deal with mental health, autism, counseling, abuse, and other topics that fall into their hands, so the Maine Criminal Justice Academy is making sure the new generation of cadets is prepared for the most common type of calls police officers are getting these days.

In the state, we have about 2,500 sworn law enforcement officers, but we only have around 85 crisis workers, and so we are asking law enforcement to fill in the gaps for a very depleted mental health system, Hannah Longley, director of community programs at NAMI, said.

Longley is teaching future officers how to recognize the signs and symptoms of someone having a mental health crisis.

"We do know in the last year that departments are reporting an increase of 30 up to 60 percent increase in the mental health call volume, that they are seeing in their communities, Longley said.

Roughly 40 percent of people who have a mental health challenge will first be engaged by someone in uniform, Longley said, and often that officer may come with preconceptions.

I know that implicit bias is a big one. We see that all the time," Daley said. "It's always good to understand our own biases and try to effectively work around those things to ensure that they don't come into play in our position as law enforcement officer, which is intended to be objective. We have that training as well, but I think there's always continued training in those areas."

Some of the other important topics cadets are being trained on include implicit bias, stress management, sexual harassment and discrimination, dealing with vulnerable and elder issues, child abuse, and cultural diversity.

After 18 weeks, the class of 68 cadets, the largest in the program's history, have graduated and are now at departments across the state, including Perfetto at the Gorham Police Department.

It's like a big knot in my stomach," the newly certified officer said. "I have to say goodbye to some of the best friends I've ever made. But it's also the most exciting thing I've ever done in my life, to know that my dreams come true, and Im about to do it for real."

Nowadays you can find Perfetto answering any calls that come in, and he's thankful for those 18 weeks.

Its been an immense help, the amount of tools they've given us. I feel more than adequately prepared for whatever they throw at me here, Perfetto said.

His message to people who don't carry a badge is this: I just want people to remember that we are normal people too. We have a very different job than most of you, and it can be very stressful, it can be dangerous. We are trying our best. We hope that everyone feels better or at the very least safer afterward. But at the end of the day, we are just humans, and we are doing the job to the best of our ability, Perfetto said.

Before and after graduating, Perfetto also spent a total of 12 weeks paired with a training officer who showed him the ropes. Desjardins said nowadays it's not sufficient for the academy's training to focus just on the law, arrest and control, defensive tactics, driving, and firearms.

And while all of those topics covered are extremely important, one critical component are those classes focused on mental health, racial in biases, how to deal with the homeless or with people with disabilities and substance use disorder, welfare checks, suicide attempts or threats, and other crisis calls.

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How the Maine Criminal Justice Academy is training the next generation of officers - NewsCenterMaine.com WCSH-WLBZ

40. Kris Murray (Iowa, PF, Junior)

With Keegan gone, Kris is in a good spot to break out and build on the perimeter shot-making, drives past closeouts and defensive playmaking.

39. Jordan Walsh (Arkansas, SF/PF, Freshman)

Though it would be easier to buy Walshs pro potential if he was more threatening from three, scouts still figure to value his defense and versatility to face up and drive, connect in the mid-range and remain active around the rim.

38. Amari Bailey (UCLA, SG/SG, Freshman)

Though no one skill or strength jumps out with Bailey, he does offer intriguing versatility as an interchangeable guard or wing who can handle and pass and make shots from three levels.

37. Sidy Cissoko (G League Ignite, SG/SF, 2004)

Cissoko will build a case around versatility and a Swiss Army knife outlook, given his scoring limitations, 67 size, secondary playmaking and defensive tools.

36. Coleman Hawkins (Illinois, PF/C, Junior)

One more leap as a shooter should put Hawkins in the draft discussion, given the chances that his defensive mobility, play-finishing and energy plays can carry over. He made 19 threes last season, an intriguing development for a 610, switchable big.

35. Kyle Filipowski (Duke, PF, Freshman)

With Dereck Lively manning the middle at Duke, Filipowski has a chance to show off more perimeter offense with his handle, passing and three-ball. Its also a role that could expose his limited athletic abilities for creating, finishing and defending.

34. Leonard Miller (G League Ignite, SF/PF, 2003)

Millers last handful of appearances for scouts have been mixed, but the 610 18-year-olds mistakes seem worth living with. The handle and wiggle to attack at his size remain appealing, while flashes of shot-making and defense suggest Miller can become a versatile scoring mismatch and two-way presence.

33. Marcus Sasser (Houston, SG, Senior)

Sasser is an outstanding shooter off the catch and dribble with a handle for creating separation and getting to spots. Showcasing more playmaking ability, so hes labeled a combo and not an undersized scorer, will be key to securing first-round interest.

32. JJ Starling (Notre Dame, SG, Freshman)

Starling will plug right in for Blake Wesley and similarly attract attention for his athletic drives, three-level shot-making and playmaking flashes.

31. Jalen Wilson (Kansas, SF, Junior)

Though Wilsons three-point shooting fell off last season, the 68 wing shot 56.9 percent inside the arc and proved to be an effective transition scorer and driver because of his finishing. He shot the three better in Chicago at G League Elite camp, and bouncing back to hit more triples could make Wilson look like a more complete off-ball scoring prospect.

30. Jaime Jaquez Jr. (UCLA, SF, Senior)

At some point in the draft, scouts should live with Jaquezs athletic limitations, assuming he shows his sophomore shooting numbers were more indicative than last years. At 67, 225 pounds, hes physically tough at both ends with a versatile skill set to attack, score from the post, hit tough shots and improvise.

29. Arthur Kaluma (Creighton, SF, Sophomore)

A 24-point game against Kansas in last years NCAA tournament, plus a pair of standout showings for Uganda at the African World Cup qualifiers, have Kaluma on breakout watch. With improved shooting, the combination of 67 size, athleticism and shot-making could create three-and-D potential.

28. Adem Bona (UCLA, C, Freshman)

Bona is going to produce off his physical tools, athleticism and motor that should continue translating to easy baskets, putbacks and defensive playmaking at the NBA level.

27. Julian Strawther (Gonzaga, SF, Junior)

Strawther had scouts looking at him last year as a 67 shooter and play-finisher. But now hell play a more featured role in Gonzagas offense, and signs of creation or more off-the-dribble scoring could lead to a major draft-stock spike.

26. Nikola urii (Mega MIS, SG/SF, 2004)

urii had a couple of strong performances in October before an illness and knee injury knocked him out. The 68 18-year-old possesses an appealing mix of positional size, shooting, passing IQ and feel for the game. Mega MIS right now is struggling, and urii should have a green light upon his return. He did make 4-of-4 threes in an exhibition against Overtime Elites top players earlier this summer.

25. Rayan Rupert (New Zealand Breakers, SG/SF, 2004)

Rupert has cooled off after a strong start, though there is still optimism over his pull-up and spot-up shooting development. At 66 with a 73 wingspan, hes an obvious three-and-D prospect for teams who miss on the perceived higher-upside lottery names.

24. Jalen Hood-Schifino (Indiana, PG/SG, Freshman)

A 66 ball-handler, Hood-Schifino should generate buzz with his craftiness, IQ and skill level with passes and touch shots. Scouts should see a guard who can make teammates better. Hell start moving up boards quickly if he can hide some athletic limitations with tough finishes and mid-range shots and show more range than he did at Montverde.

23. Julian Phillips (Tennessee, SF, Freshman)

Phillips may not have a high-usage role at Tennessee, but his 68 size, shooting and off-ball scoring should still pop to scouts. Given his two-way skills, fit and age, scouts wont be concerned with his production.

22. Tyrese Proctor (Duke, PG/SG, Freshman)

Smooth with his handle and shooting, Proctor should earn fans for his versatility, efficiency and decision-making. Even with Jeremy Roach expected to run the show, the 65 18-year-old Aussie should have enough on-ball reps to show off his improved self-creation and playmaking IQ.

21. Maxwell Lewis (Pepperdine, SG, Sophomore)

Before an injury cut Lewis freshman season short, hed put together a handful of big scoring efforts that highlighted impressive athletic ability and shot-making for a 67 freshman wing. With his tools, self-creation and shooting, hell look like a surefire pro by consistently scoring.

20. Dillon Mitchell (Texas, PF, Freshman)

Though Mitchell doesnt offer creation or shooting, he still impacts games just by tapping into his quickness, leaping and coordination for finishing, putbacks and defensive playmaking. How much touch he shows around the paint, and whether some high school passing flashes carry over, should determine whether hes more of a lottery prospect or a mid-to-late first-rounder.

19. Chris Livingston (Kentucky, SF, Freshman)

At 66, 220 pounds, Livingston has the frame and shooting range of a first-round, three-and-D prospect. Though not projected to create often, he does have a translatable, spot-up scoring skill set to catch and shoot, attack closeouts and finish through contact on drives.

18. Jett Howard (Michigan, SG/SF, Freshman)

Howards shooting and overall shot-making versatility for a 68 wing should quickly jump out. With a solid burst, he should also be able to mix in an adequate amount of slashing and driving to add to his off-ball scoring repertoire.

17. Anthony Black (Arkansas, PG/SG, Freshman)

Able to make a team better without scoring, Black will build a case around passing, defensive IQ and the versatility to play-make, finish off the ball and guard multiple positions at 66. Hell fill the Scottie Barnes, Franz Wagner, Dyson Daniels archetype that teams seem high on.

16. Kelel Ware (Oregon, C, Freshman)

Wares translatable finishing and shot-blocking tools create a high floor, but its his shooting development that could push him toward the top 10. At 70, 210 pounds, scouts should have a higher comfort level with Ware if theyre optimistic about his potential to use touch outside the paint.

15. Gradey Dick (Kansas, SG/SF, Freshman)

Dick looks ready to build a case as the freshman classs top shooter. He isnt the most advanced self-creator, but at 68 with outstanding shot-making skill and IQ, hes built for off-ball scoring at the NBA level.

14. Terquavion Smith (North Carolina State, SG, Sophomore)

Terquavion Smith

After burying 96 threes as a freshman and averaging 19.8 points over his last 11 games, Smith feels poised for a big scoring season. NBA teams will picture an instant-offense shot-maker, though improving his finishing and playmaking should raise scouts confidence to another level.

13. Jarace Walker (Houston, PF, Freshman)

Walker looks like a pro physically at 68, 235 pounds. And his strength and athleticism are selling points to his contact finishing and defense. Still, its the versatility to handle, pass and hit tough two-point jumpers that will draw widespread NBA interest. Well be in wait-and-see mode when it comes to his three-point shooting, which wasnt a core strength at IMG Academy.

12. Dereck Lively (Duke, C, Freshman)

At 71, 230 pounds, Lively should look like a plug-and-play finisher and rim protector for NBA coaches. The draft order figures to play a big role in where he goes, as lottery teams with quality centers wont need a second. Still, he should be the first true 5 off the board, especially if he gives Duke post scoring while occasionally flashing his three-point range.

11. Ausar Thompson (Overtime Elite, SF, 2003)

Thompson should have a case as the drafts top athlete, and at this point, quickness, bounce and coordination are behind most of his effectiveness and production. He doesnt project as a 2023-24 Rookie of the Year contender, but even at 19 years old, it seems like he could still contribute by earning easy baskets, shadowing opposing wings and covering ground defensively.

His shooting needs to improve, but hes a capable shot-maker once his confidence starts pumping, while self-creation flashes into drives and pull-ups point to a two-way scoring wing archetype.

10. GG Jackson (South Carolina, PF, Freshman)

Jackson will generate much of his offense off physical and athletic plays, though its the flashes of perimeter skill that could help draw top-10 interest. At 69, 215 pounds, hes likely to be the drafts youngest prospect and a big who can handle in the open floor, catch-and-shoot and potentially hit some dribble jumpers when given room.

9. Keyonte George (Baylor, SG, Freshman)

George looks like a surefire college and pro scorer based on his driving strength, shooting versatility and history of catching fire. He could stand to improve his in-between game and finishing, but his shot-making, ability to penetrate and defensive toughness should keep demand high through the season and predraft process. With Adam Flagler and LJ Cryer in the fold, its also a good chance for George to put an emphasis on working on his playmaking.

8. Brandon Miller (Alabama, SF, Freshman)

Its easy to detect upside in an athletic 69 wing with the perimeter skill to self-create and shoot off the dribble. Though it felt like Miller would have a project label as a freshman, he led Alabama in scoring during its overseas summer exhibition tour.

Consistency figures to determine his draft stock and how far away he is from giving an NBA lineup a reliable scoring option. But he seems closer than expected, particularly if he continues to look comfortable from three. If the flashes of passing and defense show up regularly, Miller should be headed for the 2023 lottery.

7. Dariq Whitehead (Duke, SG/SF, Freshman)

Whitehead looks the part of an NBA scoring wing with 66 size, an expanding jumper game and improving three-point consistency. Experience playing off the ball, as well as starring in a lead role for Montverde, should suit him well this year on Dukes loaded roster. Once he eventually returns from a foot injury, avoiding questions about shot selection and shooting legitimacy will be keys to Whitehead staying locked into the top-10 mix.

6. Cason Wallace (Kentucky, PG/SG, Freshman)

Wallaces identity will revolve around pesky defense. But hes also a well-rounded offensive player, capable of playmaking from the 1 and scoring from three levels with a threatening three-ball and sharp pull-up and floater games.

He just wont wow with any physical or athletic trait. Otherwise, his skill versatility, defense and mentality should allow Wallace to look like an easy fit who impacts winning.

5. Cam Whitmore (Villanova, SF, Freshman)

Signs of improved shooting have raised Whitmores stock. Skill development aside, at 67, 232 pounds, his combination of size, power and explosiveness forms an outstanding foundation, high floor and incredible weapon for transition scoring and finishing.

He also shot 10-of-22 from three at the U18 Americas Championship in Tijuana, where he won MVP after a 30-point outburst against Brazil in the gold-medal game. Well see how a thumb injury and time on the shelf affect his rhythm upon returning for Villanova (whenever that may be), but there is enough film to project Whitmore near the top five, particularly given the gradual improvement to his handle and shot.

4. Nick Smith (Arkansas, PG/SG, Freshman)

A high skill level for creation, shot-making and playmaking should help scouts see an interchangeable, NBA guard in Smith. He compensates for limited explosion with ball-handling counters, footwork, changing speeds, finishing craft and touch. The eye test buys his shooting off the catch and dribble. His decision-making and facilitating require further evaluation, but neither seem worrisome enough to seriously worry scouts.

3. Amen Thompson (Overtime Elite, PG/SG, 2003)

For a 67 playmaker, unbeatable levels of quickness and bounce should help scouts look past Thompsons shooting struggles. Between his first step, shiftiness, handle and footwork off the dribble, he gets to any spot he wants. And given his passing skill, hes a creation machine for teammates.

A limited perimeter game likely keeps Thompson from cracking the top two, but everything about his special transition scoring, playmaking and defensive speed appear translatable.

2. Scoot Henderson (G League Ignite, PG, 2004)

Hendersons 25 points and seven assists in Ignites opener could be a regular line for the second-year G-Leaguer.

While his effectiveness is predicated on ball-handling for change of direction and explosiveness to blow by and finish, his dribble jumper game and passing have become significant threats.

In limited action so far, Henderson has looked confident stepping into pull-ups while showing an easy ability to rise and separate from his defender. Decision-making has been his biggest issue, something that showed in Ignites second game when he forced too many contested two-pointers (25 points on 28 shots).

1. Victor Wembanyama (Metropolitans 92, PF/C, 2004)

The outrageous highlights and stat lines keep coming from Wembanyama. He already had scouts convinced after a pair of exhibition games in Las Vegas, but Fridays 33-point, 12-rebound, four-assist, three-block showing helped further strengthen his Best prospect since LeBron James case.

Considering how fluid he consistently looks handling the ball, creating for himself and shooting off the dribbleplus the fact that hes seemingly adding to his game as he gets more comfortablenothing about the Vegas exhibition performances seems fluky.

Worrying about his physicality or rebounding numbers just feels like nitpicking. Were on board with the idea that hes on an NBA MVP track with good health.

Jonathan Wasserman is the lead scout and NBA Draft analyst for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter.

The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.

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Bleacher Report: Ranking top 50 prospects as college basketball tips off - NBA.com

I am builder; I am problem solver; I am a hard worker. I get better every day.

Hometown: Summerfield, NC

Fun Fact About Yourself: I maintained a 300-gallon saltwater reef aquarium growing up.

Undergraduate School and Major:

Dual bachelors degrees in Chemical Engineering and Finance, Auburn University

Masters degree in Management Studies, Fuqua School of Business at Duke University

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: HSBC Associate, Global Banking & Markets, Diversified Industrials and renewables coverage

What makes the case method so attractive as a means to learn and become a better manager? The ability to learn and solve business problems through collaboration with classmates and professors makes the case method an attractive way of learning. Darden does an excellent job constructing learning teams and class sections, placing at least one to two people with different industry experience in each section. Therefore, we can learn theoretical and current real-world practices for various industries during every class. The case method enhances our management skills by preparing us to navigate ambiguous situations, assess business challenges, and handle differing viewpoints.

Aside from cases and classmates, what was the key part of Virginia Dardens MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Dardens commitment to creating transformational experiences for its students was important. Darden allows every student to participate in one Darden Worldwide Course (international trek) at no additional fee through its new Batten Foundation Darden Worldwide Scholarship program. This opportunity was very attractive to me given my prior background at a global institution and goal to become an international business leader.

Additionally, this commitment was evident during my conversations with current students and alumni. Dardens heightened focus on its community through events such as the Darden Cup, First Coffee, and support for student-driven organizations leads to strong relationships, unforgettable memories, and enhanced personal growth for its community members.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Virginia Darden? I am excited to participate in Darden Capital Management (DCM). The club manages about $30 million of total assets of the Darden School Foundation endowment through 6 different funds. I have always been passionate about investing and enjoyed reading books about famous investors such as Warren Buffet and Ray Dalio. I cant wait to participate in stock pitch competitions, the University of Virginia Investing Conference, and DCM fund meetings.

What has been your first impression of the Darden MBA students and alumni youve met so far. Tell us your best Darden story so far. Darden students and alumni are heavily invested in the Darden community and each others success. The second years have doubled down on their efforts to make sure the Darden experience is fun, inclusive, and supportive. Alumni in every industry and career phase have been willing to connect to share their experiences and help answer questions. Furthermore, my former direct manager, a Darden alumnus, recommended business as a next phase in my career even though our team was very lean and our organization was battling attrition at the time.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment is walking on to the Auburn basketball team and earning a full athletic scholarship after not being recruited in high school and getting cut my first year. This experience taught me the importance of persistence, continual self-development, and a positive mindset. While it is not a professional accomplishment, this experience has paid dividends in my professional career.

My collegiate basketball experience gave me the confidence to contribute to special projects such as setting group lending limits and streamlining the credit underwriting process while supporting more than 15 large multinational clients for HSBC. It also gave me time management skills and the abilities to excel in high-pressure situations and work on teams.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to prospective MBAs? Why? I would recommend prospective candidates read Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss to learn the routines and habits of successful individuals. The author shares each Titans favorite book, movie, purchase, or quote that has impacted their life. You must want to be a butterfly so badly, you are willing to give up being a caterpillar is a quote from the book that has resonated with me the most as I begin my first year at Darden. Thats because my classmates and I have committed to 2 years to undergo a metamorphosis process that will make us better individuals and business leaders. I have used several tools from this book to enhance my daily productivity and achieve personal goals.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? In addition to UVA (Darden), I applied to UCLA (Anderson), Columbia, LBS, MIT (Sloan), Stanford, Dartmouth (Tuck), Wharton, Yale (SOM)

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Virginia Dardens MBA program? Be your authentic self. There is no one on Earth exactly like you and your unique experiences make you special. The case method and Darden experience are highly dependent upon contributions of its students, faculty, and alumni. Therefore, it is very important that your application tells the admission committee what makes you special, your story, and how Darden fits into the next chapter of your life.

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Meet the MBA Class of 2024: Devin Waddell, University of Virginia (Darden) - Poets&Quants