Ed and Deb ShapiroCome with me on this wonderful journey with two of the most amazing people who have not only practiced the fine art of meditation, but have taken the time to interview over 100 people who have personally benefited by the practice of meditation.

Ed and Deb Shapiro’s new book entitled, “Be The Change-How Meditation can Transform You and the World“,  is a wonderful book for anyone who wants to learn more about the incredible benefits of a regular practice of meditation.   They have interviewed everyone from Dr. John Grey to Dr. Dean Ornish and their stories are revealed in this wonderful book.

What you will find from reading the interviews is that all of the individuals who have started a practice of meditation have shifted their lives for the better, and have gone on to look beyond themselves and have a focus on how to help and serve others.  One of the amazing benefits of meditation is that it calms your mind to a point of being able to get in touch with a higher spirit, an energy that is greater than you. You emerge with a peaceful energy that can be used for good.  You are more calm, focused and have the ability to move your life in a graceful way in new and exciting directions.

Compassion is something that we should all practice more of, and if you are looking to to get in touch with the compassionate part of your being then meditation is one way to open up that channel of energy and be of total service to your fellow human beings.  I love this statement in the book by Jon Kabat-Zinn, “We have to learn how to put out the welcome mat for our own shadow side because when we suppress it, we project it onto others and we get the us-and them syndrome: We are right and they are not, so let’s kill them before they kill us.”

This book is for anyone who wants to “Be The Change” and open up to the good they can do not only for themselves but for for others by practicing meditation and the peace that it brings to the world one persona at a time.

Please go to Ed and Deb Shapiro’s website by clicking here to learn more about the good projects they are involved with.

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.

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.

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.

Chris Edgar Author Chris Edgar was an attorney with a busy career before starting an inner journey toward peace, happiness and spiritual awakening.  His new book entitled ,”Inner Productivy-A Mindful Path to Efficiency and Enjoyment in Your Work“, is about cultivating what Chris refers to as “inner productivity”–the mental and emotional state that allows you to get the most done and find the most enjoyment in your work.

Inner Productivity-A Mindful Path to Efficiency and Enjoyment in Your Work helps the reader develop the mental discipline they need to get the most out of their work.  Chris offers techniques that range from meditations and visualizations  to forms of conscious breathing to help the reader  hold their attention on projects, reconnect with their passion and overcome fears of limiting beliefs.

In our interview together we speak about our own personal fighting and fleeing from our mental and emotional clutter because of the pain associated with it.  Chris exposes techniques on how we can be with it and learn to let go.

He speaks about:

  • How to enter a “flow” state of effortless attention and efficiency.
  • Quiet stray thoughts and feelings that tend to disrupt our focus.
  • How to stay connected with our passion and motivation in our work.
  • How to transcend fears and limiting beliefs that hold us back from performing at our best.
  • How to stimulate our creativity when we are feeling uninspired or mentally blocked.

If you are like most people today who work in a job where we are under the pressure of the “constant doing” and preforming at our highest level, then Inner Productivity-A Mindful Path to Efficiency and Enjoyment in Your Work is a must read.  Once you pick up this book you won’t want to put it down, for it is going to assist you in finding the inner peace and calm that is so needed when we are under stress and pressure.  It will make you more productive, efficient and effective while at the same time keeping you calm in the eye of the storm.

I hope that you enjoy my interview with Chris Edgar, and if you are interested in learning more about Chris please click here to visit his website.

David Simon M.D. In my interview with Dr. David Simon, we explore his new book entitled, “Free to Love Free to Heal: Heal Your Body by Healing Your Emotions”. The purpose behind writing this book was quite simply to help people identify and release the impediments in their ability to give and receive love.

Our ability to give and receive love influences every aspect of our life, including our health.  Dr. Simon shows you how to identify and release the core beliefs and painful memories that contribute to emotional distress and physical illness–freeing you to heal and move beyond the restricting conditions that have been limiting your health and happiness.

As Dr. Simon explains, emotional pain takes many forms: the grief of loss, overwhelming stress and anxiety, major or chronic depression, job burnout, feelings of stuck or trapped, heart break, lingering guilt, regret, fear of trusting again, pent-up anger, worry about the future or shame from the past. In the face of difficulty, most of us do our best to cope with the situation, hold it together and keep going, but we often end up carrying emotional pain that we just don’t know how to heal or release.

This toxic emotional residue gets stored in our bodily tissues, contribution to distress, and ultimately disease. The “Free to Love” process is a systematic process for releasing stored emotional toxicity, restoring the body’s innate capacity for healing and well-being.

Free to Love, Free to Heal is a powerful five-step emotional detoxification process that has helped thousands of people coping with a wide range of difficulties.  If you are personally suffering from the emotional challenges caused by stress, anxiety, fear and depression, then I encourage you to read Dr. Simon’s book for he takes an in-depth look at the mind-body-spirit connection.

You truly can heal your body by healing your emotions, and Free to Love, Free to Heal provides you with the practical tools including the “Seven Laws of Loving Relationships”.

I hope you enjoy my interview with Dr. Simon, and for more information please visit his website by clicking here.

Jeffrey-Brantley-M.D.-color-headshot-175x261Dr Jeffrey Brantley is probably one of the most relaxing, calm authors I have spoken with in a very long time.  He is the kind of man that makes you feel right at home no matter what.  His charm and warmth are certainly felt through the thoughtful and deliberate mannerism he conveys in our interview together.  It is no wonder that he is a man who has studied and practiced the art of mindfulness, meditation and stress reduction for much of his adult life.

His new book entitled, “Calming Your Anxious Mind” is a wonderful guide that will provide the reader with insights, and instruction on the art of mindfulness, mediation and the use of compassion to help in the reduction of anxiety, fear and panic.

Dr. Brantley explains that rampant anxiety is a modern problem, and that mindfulness is an ancient practice that holds the solution to it.  In this ground breaking book, “Calming the Anxious Mind“, Dr. Brantley shows the reader how to apply mindfulness practices such as meditation, “paying attention on purpose,” and accepting your thoughts and feelings to your anxiety symptoms.  Along the way he offers inspiring stories and accessible discussions about the biological effects of mindfulness.  Dr. Brantley dispels the myths about meditation and mindfulness, so any reader who thinks that beginning a mindfulness program means packing up and moving to Tibet can rest assured these practices can be integrated into their everyday lives.

According to Dr. Brantley, over 25 million Americans currently suffer from some from of anxiety.  In his new book “Calming the Anxious Mind” they find avenues of treatment that they can use any time to free themselves from anxiety’s grip.

I know you are going to love my interview with Dr. Jeffrey Brantley for he is extremely insightful into the benefits associated with the practice of mindfulness and meditation.  Your life can really change just by listening and practicing what Dr. Brantley is advocating.

If you would like to learn more about his work and books please click here to access his website.  So sit back relax and enjoy a wonderful journey with a beautiful soul who has so much knowledge on a subject that most of us in our society today not only need to hear, but practice.

Tom Stone I was first introduced to Tom Stone by a very good friend by the name of Dr. Terry Shirvani who was very familiar with Tom’s ground breaking work at Great Life Technologies in Carlsbad, CA.  I then had the good fortune of being able to meet with Tom and a few members of his team, and was thoroughly impressed with what Tom refers to as Human Software Engineering .

In Tom’s new book entitled the, “Power of How-Simple Techniques to Vaporize Your Ego and Your Pain Body“, he explains the simple techniques through the use of the Pure Awareness Techniques to liberate yourself from fear, anger, guilt, regret, resentment, depression , anxiety, worry, nervousness and suffering and to begin to experience more joy, fulfillment, success and happiness in your life.  Tom explains that most spiritual teachings lack clear guidelines and techniques to simply, and easily experience your inner spiritual essence.

Tom’s new book is dedicated to telling you the HOW.  How to have these experiences instead of  someone speaking about their personal experiences.  He provides you with instruction on methods that will heighten your consciousness for a deeper connection with your true spiritual essence,  Pure Awareness and Pure Consciousness become a living reality for you instead of just a philosophical idea.

I hope that you enjoy this truly inspiring and engaging interview with Tom who is considered to be on the cutting edge of Human Software Engineering. If you would like to learn more about the many books he has written and the workshops that are available please click here for more information and to link to his the Great Life Technologies website.

Jeffrey GittermanIs money really the root of all evil?  In my interview with Jeffrey Gitterman we explore the fascinating relationship and role that money plays in  our lives.  Gitterman, a successful financial advisor and rags to riches story, has done an amazing job with his new book entitled, “Beyond Success”, in helping the reader to understand the true meaning of money.  Gitterman shares his liberating and dynamic approach to lasting spiritual, creative and financial fulfillment.  He draws on his own experiences and stories of many people he has worked with and learned from. The key to success, he says, is an ongoing commitment to doing, giving and accomplishing.  Gitterman states, “When we really understand that there is nothing we can get that will make us happy, we can stop striving to accumulate more and more”.   He says that we need to redirect our ‘seeking system,’ enlist it in the service of what we want to express to the world, rather than how we want to feel

Challenging the value of both conventional and material standards and fleeting emotional states, “Beyond Success” presents a new currency for measuring success: attention.  As Jeff makes clear, the intangible force of attention is the key to economic, commercial, political and social and personal power.  Why is attention so powerful? “Because,” as Jeff sums it up, “what you choose to put your attention on is where you direct your energy — in all its many forms, including your time, your creativity, and of course your money”.

Jeffrey Gitterman is one of the most interesting authors I have interviewed regarding our relationship to money, and how with some minor shifts in our conscious thought and spiritual understanding of how to utilize money for good we can grow our abundance in all areas of our lives.

I hope you enjoy this interview Jeff, and if you would like to learn more about his Beyond Success workshops and other coaching services please visit his website.