Spirituality and Compassion

Nicole Ferraz | Creative Director in Advertising

Spirituality to me is exploring my relationship with the universe, around and in me. It means understanding that we are all the universe, whether you are a part of it or all of it is you. That protecting and nurturing those around you means protecting and nurturing yourself, and helping those around you grow and shine means bringing the best out of you too. The belief that we are all one, truth be told, has inspired me to practice putting myself in other people’s mindsets often, to understand their behaviors and motivations.

These exercises have often assisted me in my advertising career as well. Recognizing who I create content for - understanding their habits and stimulations, thereby leading me to hopefully create something that is relatable or enjoyable to them. Recognizing the best in my team, helping them see the best in themselves thus giving them the confidence to unleash and heighten their creativity.

Thinking like someone else doesn’t need to make you manipulative or deceitful, instead, it can teach you lessons in understanding people’s everyday battles, kindness and even forgiveness. In difficult times, it has helped me find reason and also control my reactions when circumstances couldn’t be controlled.

Though a tough journey, over time it has helped me cultivate a sense of inner peace and for that, I am grateful. I want to be able to look back on my life and know that whatever little part I played, or however I chose to control it, it was good, positive and life-altering. Not just for me, but also for those I met along the way.