Podcast 153: Leap Before You Look with Arjuna Ardagh

Arjuna ArdaghArjuna Ardagh is the author of this new book entitled, “Leap Before You Look“.  He is probably best known for his personal opus work entitled, “The Translucent Revolution“.

In his new book Arjuna provides the reader with insight and practices that help you get out of your mind and into the moment.

Arjuna writes that when we are willing to exchange our life of preoccupation with  “me” and “my needs” for a life given in the service of love itself, of that presence itself, we are faced with an interesting paradox.

On the one side of the paradox, we recognize that everything is perfect just as it is. When the chatter of the mind recedes just a little bit, when the smells, colors, and textures of the world become more immediately felt, we recognize the grace of running through it all. Even in conflict, or in the midst of what we call suffering, if we are really in touch with the pulse of life itself, we can feel the beauty of it all.

On the other side of the paradox, we realize that everything is continuously evolving.  Our human condition, as it is now, is flawed with unconscious habits, addictions, and compulsions. In seeing the gap between who we are today and who we could be, seeing the trickle of gifting that’s coming through us relative to the latent torrent that we intuit, we bow to humility.

In Arjuna’s new book the author guides the reader through practices that open up your consciousness and create an awareness of how we can really be in the world.

Our interview together is enlightening, and Arjuna actually takes me through a practice that created a breakthrough in my own life.  I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to slow down, create greater awareness and become awakened to the gifts that life provides us in each and every moment.

If you would like to learn more about Arjuna Ardagh and the Awakening Coaching Training please click here for more information. His website is loaded with resources for the inquisitive mind.

Podcast 145: Meditation with the Himalayan Masters with Paul Scheele

Paul ScheeleWhat a pleasure this interview was with Paul Scheele.  His new audio CD series, “Meditate with the Himalayan Masters“,  is wonderful, and he is bringing to the world the practices of meditation at a time when we are all in need of more peace and tranquility in our lives.

Frequently we are running so fast that we forget to breathe.  That may sound weird, but it is the truth.  Deep slow breathing is how we get in touch with our body and ultimately moves us to an altered state of consciousness.  In his new CD series Meditate with the Himalayan Masters with Swami Veda Bharati as your guide, you get to listen to the melodic voice of a master guide you through some incredible meditations.  The four half-hour meditations and their accompanying short meditations are structured so that you can easily integrate meditation into the flow of your busy day.  As you practice these meditations, your days become richer, more serene, and more joyful.

I love this quote from Swami Veda Bharati, “Enjoy the calmness of the mind. Resolve to calm the mind in this way many times during the day.  Whatever you do repeatedly with your mind will become the mind’s habit, and the mind will rediscover it original nature.”

I hope that you will attempt to rediscover your original nature and enjoy more peace and joy in your life by listening to this wonderful interview with Paul Scheele and make sure that you get a copy of the CD series by visiting Paul’s website by clicking here.

Podcast 140: The Power of Giving with Harvey McKinnon

Harvey McKinnonThis was a wonderful interview with Harvey McKinnon the author of the new book entitled, “The Power of Giving“.

Harvey has a big heart, and loads of passion behind his charitable work. He and the co-author of this book, Azim Jamal,  point out that giving does more than just improve the lives of others; it affects your own life profoundly.  With benefits ranging from the practical–improved health and professional connection–to the intangible–creating feelings of hope and a sense of connection with others–giving is an essential but often overlooked human need.

One of the studies revealed that people who exhibit higher levels of altruism get a “helpers high”, a release of endorphins.  This high can give the immune system a boost, speed recovery from surgery and cut down on those restless nights.   Also thanks to new brain-scan technology, scientists have also discovered evidence that humans are “hard wired” to take care of and help each other.  A British poll of volunteers found that half of those surveyed claimed that their health had improved while they were volunteering.  Twenty percent of them claimed they lost weight, too which is a higher success rate than any diet we know.

If you would like to know more about what you can do to personally to become a giver, then I highly recommend reading “The Power of Giving“.  This book could certainly be transformational in your life if you implement some of the practices that Harvey and Azim outline in their book.

These are simple practices that are proven to awaken you, transform and improve your life in almost every possible way imaginable.   It is not hard to give, and it does not have to be just money.  Your gifts can be of time and your talent, for those are needed just as much as your money.

So relax, and enjoy this wonderful interview.  You can learn more about Harvey and Azim by visiting their website by clicking here.

Podcast 138: Return To The Sacred with Jonathan Ellerby Ph.D

Jonathan EllerbyI had a wonderful interview with a very deep and spiritual leader, Jonathan Ellerby, Ph.D.  His new book entitled, “Return to the Sacred-Ancient Pathways to Spiritual Awakenings“,  is a great book.  We explored the 12 Master Paths and Practices that have transformed the lives of countless saints, mystics, masters and the sages since the beginning history.

In Jonathan’s new book, you’ll find what you need to discover your spiritual personality and choose the path that will lead you toward realization of boundless joy and a lifelong journey of meaning.   I had the opportunity in our time together to ask Jonathan about the Mystic Mind-Set attitudes that can assist you in transforming your practice.  I loved the advice that I received from Jonathan.  He said that when your spiritual practice ceases to help you to become more self-aware and spiritually connected, revisit the following list before changing paths:

  1. Compassion: No Harm.  Be kind, empowering, patient and forgive yourself and others as you carry out your practice.
  2. Optimism: No Fear. Always ask yourself, What can I learn from this moment? What am I grateful for? Never let go of hope and the infinite field of possibility.  Don’t let fear change your mind, as it’s only a sign that there’s something to learn, pay attention to, or to heal.
  3. Observation: No Judgment. Self-awareness is key. Observe yourself during your practice, and don’t criticize or judge your experience.
  4. Contemplation: No Striving.  With each new experience in your practice take time to reflect deeply on what it means, what it reveals and what it teaches.   Learn to listen to your innermost thoughts and feelings.
  5. Dedication: No Procrastination. Stay committed and willing.  On some days, enduring discomfort will be all that you can manage.  Focus and dedication are necessary.
  6. Humor: No Ego. Have Fun! Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself or even your deepest beliefs.
  7. Surrender: No Attachment. Let go of constant questioning and controlling.  Let your unique process unfold with your full participation.
  8. Intention: No Doubt.  Your intention isn’t a goal to be fixated on but a deep clarity and longing for what it is you seek.

Jonathan is a wonderful teacher that has written a practical book for the spiritual aspirant who wants to awaken to a deeper level of consciousness and spirituality.  I encourage all of my listeners to check out Return to the Sacred-Ancient Pathways to Spiritual Awakenings.   Jonathan is very authentic and the content is rich, deep and very moving.

If you would like to learn more about Jonathan his workshops, retreats, books, etc, please visit his website by clicking here.  Enjoy this very special interview with a great spiritual teacher.

Podcast 137: Buddha’s Brain with Rick Hanson Ph.D

Rick Hanson Ph.D.What a wonderful interview with a great author who will enlighten you about the neuroscience associated with the brain.  Rick Hanson’s new book entitled, “Buddha’s Brain-The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love and Wisdom“,  is a fascinating in-depth look at how science is now revealing how the flow of thoughts actually sculpts the brain.  By combining breakthroughs in neuroscience with insights from thousands of years of contemplative practice, you too, can use your mind to shape your brain for greater happiness, love and wisdom.

In my interview with Rick, we explore the brain physiology and how the brain evolved to keep humans safe from external threats; the resulting “built-in negative bias” that creates suffering in modern individuals.  As quoted by psychologist Donald Hebb–“when neurons fire together, they wire together”.  Rick argues that the brain’s functioning can be affected by simple practices and meditations to foster well-being.  Rick states that classic Buddhist concepts such as the “three trainings” of mindfulness, virtuous action and wisdom can help one in attaining greater levels of happiness.

“Buddha’s Brain-The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love and Wisdom” shows you how to:

  • Stress Proof your brain.
  • Practical and proven methods for feeling less irritable, sad and defensive.
  • Simple daily exercises to reprogram the brain to handle stress better.
  • How cultivating love and compassion for self and others combats anxiety.
  • Brain savvy ways to build resilience and inner strength
  • The Five “C’s” (Consciousness, Calm, Contentment, Caring and Creativity)

If you are looking for ways to de-stress your life and to have more peace and harmony, then I highly recommend that you read  Rick Hanson’s new book.  It is written in a  simple and easy to read format that informs and educates you on exactly what to do and how to apply these life changing practices.

If you would like more information, Dr. Hanson has developed a wonderful website with lots of informative articles and tools. You can access the Wise Brain.org website by clicking here.

Enjoy this wonderful interview, and most of all, try some of these practices.  You will be happy that you did.

Podcast 135: Kabbalah: The Power To Change Everything with Yehuda Berg

Yehuda Berg This is a great interview with a wonderfully knowledgeable author, Yehuda Berg, who has tremendous passion for helping people understand Kabbalah and how it can help them transform their lives positively.

In my interview with Yehuda, we explore the wisdom of Kabbalah which explains how the world operates according to universal spiritual laws that, like gravity, influences our lives every day at every moment, whether or not we are aware of it’s existence.  The amazing thing is that these spiritual laws affect our lives in a far more profound way than physical laws do. We learn how to act in harmony with these laws so we can learn how to truly control what happens to us and dramatically improve our relationships, health, careers, finances and overall quality of life.

Yehuda and I discuss the power of consciousness, and his beliefs on where consciousness evolves from as to better understand our deeper purpose and connection with a higher spirit. Kabbalah can truly help one find and make a deep spiritual connection.  It provides you with the wisdom, tools and deep understanding to turn your life into whatever you want it to be.  Whether you want to make dramatic changes or just want a better understanding of yourself and the life you’re living.

Kabbalah: The Power to Change Everything is a progressive manual for daily life to awaken consciousness and create personal and global change.  Yehuda Berg examines the problematic areas of politics, religion, environment and economy and demonstrates how everything , no matter how bleak can be transformed by shifting our minds.

You are going to enjoy my interview with a fascinating person with a wonderful perspective on life, on how we can change everything by just changing our minds.

I encourage you to read Kabbalah: The Power to Change Everything if you are exploring your spiritual path and would like to learn more about the power of this ageless wisdom.  It has transformed millions of lives throughout the world, and will transform yours as well.

For more information about Yehuda Berg and Kabbalah Centre International in Los Angeles, CA please click here to access their website.

Podcast 110: Hope Begins in the Dark with Jamie Reno

Jamie RenoI have had the pleasure of being able to sit down in person with Jamie Reno.  He is a cancer survivor, patient advocate, singer-songwriter, journalist and a wonderfully authentic man.  Jamie recently wrote “Hope Begins in The Dark-50 Lymphoma Survivors Tell Their Exclusive Life Stories”. Jamie decided to compile the stories as a result of his own battle with cancer.

One of the common themes that Jamie related to me was that each of the cancer patients interviewed for his book became their own best advocate and took affirmative action relative to their treatments. It was this action that provided them the strength to survive and make them stronger patients which increased their probability of survival.

One thing I know for certain is that those who get up and do something, and don’t wait for the doctor or others to provide them with solutions are the ones that feel more confident in dealing with their disease.  My son Sean who is a seven (7) year survivor of CML, a form of Leukemia, was also one of the people who decided to take action on his own.  He did research, changed his diet, got involved in meditation and did a 180 degree shift in his lifestyle.  It is these types of actions that assist cancer patients physically, mentally, emotionally and spirituality to not only survive but thrive during treatments.

I know you are going to love Jamie’s  story  about a brave cancer survivor turned advocate and voice for many who have not been able to get their stories told.  Each one of these cancer stories is unique and touching.

I encourage anyone on the path of personal mastery to tap into the stories told by Jamie as an inspiration and encouragement to overcome any of the challenges that you might be faced with.  Nothing is more challenging than facing your own mortality, and I know you can learn from these wonderfully compelling stories of cancer survivors.

If you would like more information about Jamie Reno, his book and music please visit his website by clicking here.

Enjoy this wonderful interview with a survivor, turned heart centered advocate for those without a voice.