Podcast 208: Finding True Magic with Jack Elias

Finding True magicI had the pleasure of recently interviewing Jack Elias the author of, “Finding True Magic“.  Our dialogue was really enlightening, and Jack provided me with a new way of seeing my reality.  Actually much of our discussion was based on providing an understanding of how we are really hypnotized, and our job is to wake up and become un-hypnotized.

This book explores the possibilities for recognizing and freeing ourselves from a destructive process of perceiving, thinking, and acting that can be viewed as a pernicious worldwide epidemic.  Unlike other diseases, which we strive to isolate and cure, this insidious fever has a characteristic that make us blind to it presence: we come to identify it’s symptoms as our very own self.   This disease is lovingly referred to as our ego.   Our author prefers to call is “egoic-minding”, because it is a process not a thing.  Egoic-minding is a fragmented, biased way of perceiving and thinking–it is that hypnotic trance that we are in most of the time.

Our author has synthesized insights and techniques of Eastern and Western philosophy and psychology, “Finding True Magic” explores various ways to disperse the feverish trance of egoic-minding, heal the trauma it causes, and wake us up to the sacred magic of our true Self.  As Jack states, “this true inner Self is the well spring of our capacity for cooperation, community building, and the celebration of life.

Jack Elias

Jack’s mind blowing, thought provoking ideas you really need to listen to, and take action on. This interview could truly transform your relationship with yourself, and more importantly everyone you love.

I can highly recommend  Jack’s book “Finding True Magic” Please  listen to this fascinating interview with a true master of Transpersonal Hypnotherapy and NLP Certification that will provide you with the insights and knowledge to truly heighten your awareness of the habit patterns we are trapped that help to form our reality, but truly are not our reality.

For more information about Jack Elias and his teachings please visit his website by clicking here.

Podcast 194: Mind Beyond Death with Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche

Dzogchen Ponlop RinpocheIt truly was an honor to be able to interview Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.  His book entitled “Mind Beyond Death” is wonderfully written about the Buddhist culture and the levels of transition we make in preparation to death.  The Rinpoche speaks in this interview about the concept of the “bardo” which is the intermediary state and has become the catchphrase in Buddhist circles.  As the Rinpoche says this book is as much about life as it is about death.

There is a level of existence that is experienced between death and birth, and according to the Buddhist there are three levels: the existence of death, the existence of birth, and the existence  of what lies in between the two.  The Rinpoche encourages the readers to reverse their attachment to the appearances of this life and extract the most meaningful essence from their precious human existence.

I love the examples that the Rinpoche uses in the book, he explains that the moment we step outside our house and close the door, we begin to leave our life behind. We say goodbye to family and friends and to the familiar rooms and routines that we inhabit. We might feel regret mixed with excitement as we climb into the taxi and that will take us to the airport. As our vision of home recedes, we are both sadly parted and joyfully released from all that defines us. The further we go from home the more focused we become on our next destination.  We think less of home and more about where we are going. We begin to look at a new map; we start to think about where we will land, about the new people, new customs and new environment–the new set of experiences to come.
Until we reach our destination, we are in transit–in between two points.  One world has dissolved, like last nights dream, and the next has not yet arisen.  In this space, there is a sense of total freedom: we are free from the business of being our ordinary selves; we are not tied to the day-to-day world and its demands in quite the same way. There is a sense of freshness and appreciation of the present moment.

This interview with Rinpoche is an enlightening dialogue about life, death and the in between.  We discuss our fears, and how to learn to live in the moment without fear of our transition through death.

I know you are going to enjoy my interview with Rinpoche about his book entitled “Mind Beyond Death”  If you would like to learn more about his teaching you can visit the his website by clicking here or you can visit the website of the Nalanda West Center for American Buddhism where he teaches.

 

Podcast 189: Spring Forest Qigong with Chunyi Lin

Chunyi LinI had the honor of interviewing Chunyi Lin one of the foremost masters on the practice of Qigong.  I know many of you have seen people in the park or possibly on the health channel performing the practice of Qigong and all of the associated methodically movements, and you just might be wondering what it is all about?

According to Chunyi Lin and his book and audio program entitled, “Spring Forest Fundamentals-Unlocking Your Healing Energy: A Simple Guide to Experiencing Optimal Health and Wellness,”  Qigong is the study of energy and since everything is a form of energy, Qigong it is the study of the whole universe, including physics, chemistry, psychology, biology, astrology, electricity and medicine.

In China, the ancient art of Qigong has been practiced for many different purposes for thousands of years and the benefits are as many as there are aspects of life.  The Spring Forest Qigong focus is the use of Qigong for healing.

In my interview with Chunyi Lin the Master Qigong teacher, we discuss the importance of getting the movement of energy flowing and releasing the points of blockage.  Chunyi Lin states that there are six main causes of energy blockages: 1) Unbalanced Emotion, 2) Nutrition 3) Weather and Seasons 4) Environment 5) Wrong medications 6) Injury. The active exercises to help release the blockages are like moving meditations. They strengthen our physical energy and help to open all of the energy channels in the body.  They help bring our Yin and Yang energy back into balance, get rid of energy blockages and develop our spiritual energy so that we can heal physically, mentally and spiritually at the same time.

I encourage you to listen to this wonderful podcast with a master in the art and practice of Qigong.  The Spring Forest techniques will certainly heal you, and bring more peace into your life.

If you want to learn more about the Spring Forest Qigong programs I would recommend that you visit the Spring Forest website by clicking here.  Enjoy this wonderful interview with author and master Qigong teacher Chunyi Lin.

Podcast 180: Awakening Joy with James Baraz

James BarazI believe that everyone would like to have a little more joy and happiness in their lives.  In my interview with James Baraz we explore the 10 steps that James believes will help us in claiming our joy.

In James new book entitled, “Awakening Joy–10 Steps That Will Put You on the Road to Real Happiness“, we explore the elements that are important to having more joy and happiness in life.  James states that you can decide to be happy.  For years, James’ online Awakening Joy course has offered participants from around the world the benefits of this simple but profoundly radical proposition.  Grounded in simple Buddhist principles but accessible to people of all faiths—or no faith at all–this concept provides the jumping-off point for a transformational journey toward a richer, more meaningful, more positive outlook on life.

Now readers everywhere can follow the same ten steps James teaches to his program participants.  In this down to earth guide, you will learn how to

  • make  happiness a habit by inclining your mind toward states that lead to well-being.
  • find joy even during difficult times and avoid the pitfalls that prevent you from achieving the contentment you seek.
  • cultivate effective practices for sustaining joyfulness, such as reclaiming your natural sense of wonder and finding joy in the midst of everyday life.

If you are seeking more joy and happiness in your life, and would like to understand some very valuable steps that can assist you in claiming the joy that is your right, then I highly recommend that you read James’ new book, “Awakening Joy–10 Steps That Will Put You on the Road to Real Happiness“.  You will thoroughly enjoy our interview, while learning more about the steps toward joy.  Please go to James’ website by clicking here for more information on his workshop, book and videos.

By the way here is a link to a video that James’ mother did that is just downright hilarious. She speak about how her son the author James ruined her life because he Awakened her to Joy in her life.  A great video for those who love Jewish mother humor.  Click here to watch the video.

Podcast 178: When Turtles Fly with Nikki Stone

Nikki StoneWhat a great interview with a fascinating Olympian!  Nikki Stone shows us all that you can accomplish anything if you stick your neck out! Nikki’s latest book entitled,  “When Turtles Fly”,  is a compilation of others who, like Nikki, accomplished remarkable goals against all odds.  Named for a story Nikki’s mother told her as a child, you will be inspired by Nikki’s incredible journey and how she became the first American to win the Olympic gold in the sport of inverted aerial skiing at the 1998 Winter games in Nagano, Japan.  What made this performance so unbelievable was the fact that less than two years earlier, a chronic injury prevented her from standing much less skiing down a slope at almost 40 miles per hour.

The title of her book, “When Turles Fly”, was based on a philosophy taught to Nikki by her mother called, The Turtle Effect. She taught Nikki that to be successful you need to act like a turtle.  Be soft on the inside  – which is your passion for what you love; Have a hard shell –  to help you over come adversity and Be willing to stick your neck out to accomplish your goals and find success in your life…..plus inspire others.

Nikki has used this outlook to overcome a spinal injury, win an Olympic gold medal and to graduate magna cum laude with her Bachelors degree and summa cum laude with her Masters degree in Sports Psychology.

Nikki’s earliest role model was Nadia Comaneci, the 14 year old Romanian gymnast who scored a perfect 10 at the 1976 Olympic games in Montreal.  At age 5, Nikki was inspired by Nadia to be the best and at that early age, she set her sights on Olympic gold.  We discuss the inspirational stories in her book from many well known and some not so well known heroes such as:   Lindsey Vonn, Dr. Stephan Covey, Shaun White and Corporal Jason Dunham.  Her book is broken down into chapters entitled: Passion, Focus, Commitment, Overcoming Adversities, Confidence, Risk and Teamwork/Support…all key ingredients and strengths needed to succeed.

Nikki’s bright outlook and motivation to overcome all obstacles shines through in her interview as well as her book, “When Turtles Fly” .  These stories will move you and show you the tests that the strength of the human spirit will endure to become the best.  She has not only put together this book filled with powerful life changing stories, she is also generously donating 25% of the net proceeds to the American Cancer Society.  Nikki comes from a long line of strong women.  Not only her mother who passed along the turtle effect philosophy, but also her grandmother who shared this wise quote with Nikki: “ Brave don’t live forever but cautious don’t live at all.”

Be sure to pick up this book and be ready to be inspired by not only Nikki’s personal story, but all of the 40 great people she carefully interview and included in her book. It will make you think about who you are and will ignite your drive to chase your dreams and fulfill your goals. All the profiles showcased outline the core principles of success and that anybody can make it no matter the background, conditions, or timing.

Enjoy this interview and to find out more about Nikki and her availability for motivational speaking engagements, go to her site at: www.nikkistone.com or to find out more about her book, go to: www.whenturtlesfly.com

Podcast 177: A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook by Elisha Goldstein Ph.D

Elisha GoldsteinI thoroughly enjoyed my interview with Elisha Goldstein the co-author with Bob Stahl of, “A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reductions Workbook“.  This new book is a wonderful guide and playbook for anyone who is seeking to understand the how’s of mindfulness.

Elisha Goldstein and Bob Stahl don’t just write about why the practice of mindfulness is beneficial for you, they really instruct you on the how’s and the benefits of mindfulness.

This book is designed for the person who really wants to integrate the practices of mindfulness in their life.   As the title states if you are having any symptoms of stress such as feeling anxious, irritability, muscle tension, burnout, apathy, restlessness, headaches, fatigue, stomach stress, difficulty in concentration, worry, overwork, substance abuse, smoking, eating problems, sleep disturbances, or feeling overwhelmed, this workbook will definitely help.   I don’t think that there is a single soul reading this blog entry that has not had at least one of these symptoms.

The authors define “mindfulness” as, the practice of cultivating nonjudgmental awareness in day-to-day life.  What a perfect definition, the key is creating nonjudgmental awareness.   This book will certainly assist anyone who wants to cultivate more joy, peace and fulfillment in the experiences of every day life.

Today mindfulness has expanded beyond its spiritual roots and even beyond psychology and mental and emotional well-being.  Physicians are prescribing training in mindfulness practices to help people deal with stress, pain and illness. Mindfulness has entered the mainstream in the West and is becoming a very popular practice.

If you would like to learn from the masters, then this book is a great place to start.  I highly recommend this book for both the beginner and the experienced practitioner alike.  You can also learn more about Elisha Goldstein by clicking here to be taken to his website.

Please enjoy this wonderful interview with a true master teacher in the field of mindfulness.

Podcast 174: Awakened Wisdom with Patrick Ryan

Patrick Ryan My recent interview with Patrick Ryan the author of, “Awakened Wisdom,” was very enlightening.  I am certain if you read his book you to will walk away with a new perspective on who you can become in this world.

Patrick’s message is about awakening the wisdom within, and he provides the reader with insights and glimpses on what is to like to live a life fully awakened.  He says to image a life through which you managed to rise above the fears and concerns that always linger faithfully in the background, haunting us with their song of intended safety, always with the purpose of keeping the status quo.  Imagine a life without those messages you tell your Self about what you can’t do, or those messages that diminish the brilliance of who you are in any way.

The author takes you on a journey and shows you how to release the grips of fear and to embrace the freedom to respond to the yearning of your heart that knows that more is possible.   He says that there is a wisdom that can be found through every beat of our heart, through every thought of inspiration and through your body that responds to the world around you as a drum responds to the vibration of the room.

Awakened Wisdom is about letting go and trusting in your own divine magnificence to show up.   The reality is that your magnificence is always present, we all just need to learn how to awaken to is guidance, insight and wisdom.

Please listen to your inner drummer, take that risk and live your life in ways that will amaze you and the loved ones around you.  Patrick Ryan’s new book is a must read for anyone who has a knowing about what is available, but for some reason has not been able to overcome the inner doubt and fear of trusting in that place of knowing.  Believe me it is easier to write about this than it is to live it in every moment. Awakened Wisdom shows you how to be present and live with this trust in every moment.

Enjoy my interview with Patrick and purchase a copy of the book, and read the words of wisdom from someone who really knows.

Patrick has a website loaded with additional insights and wisdom, please visit it by clicking here and enjoy this interview with a special man who is filled with so much insight, wisdom and love.

 

Podcast 165: Change Your Brain, Change Your Body with Daniel G. Amen M.D.

Daniel G. Amen M.D.I have had the personal pleasure of having met Dr. Daniel Amen on several occasions, and I am here to say that he is the real thing.  What I mean is that he practices what he preaches.

In his new book entitled, “Change Your Brain, Change Your Body”, he explains why your brain is the most important instrument to master if you are going to control your weight. I know that this all sounds simple, and you might be saying to yourself I don’t need to read a book to tell me that I need to learn how to control my impulses to control my weight, but believe it is more than just learning how to control your impulses.

In my interview with Dr. Amen we discuss what causes cravings, and improves energy and sustains your ability to loose weight and keep it off.  As Dr. Amen states your brain is involved in everything you do, and when your brain works right your body looks and feels better.  You literally are what you eat. Throughout your lifetime, your body is continually making and renewing its cells, even brain cells. Your skin cells make themselves new every thirty days. Food fuels cell growth and regeneration.  What you consume on a daily basis directly affects the health of your brain and body, and proper nutrition is the key.  Dr. Amen states that if you have a fast-food diet, you will have a fast-food brain, and an overweight body.

Here are the (11) Rules for Brain-Body Healthy Nutrition:

1) Drink plenty of water, some green tea and not too many calories.

2) Watch your calories.

3) Increase good fats and decrease bad fats.

4) Increase good carbs and decrease bad carbs.

5) Dump artificial sweeteners and replace them with small amounts of natural sweeteners.

6) Limit caffeine intake.

7) Eat great brain foods.

8)  Reduce salt intake and increase potassium intake.

9) Plan snacks.

10) Take a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement and fish oil.

11) Recognize if you or someone you care about has hidden food allergies.

I highly encourage my listeners to obtain a copy of Dr. Amen’s new book, “Change Your Brain, Change Your Body“.   This book truly can change your life if you choose to implement the strategies that Dr. Amen so articulately lays out for the reader.

For more information please visit the Amen Clinic website by clicking here.  Enjoy this interview with a truly knowledgeable author on how your brain effects your body and what you choose to put in it.

Podcast 155: Mental Housecleaning with Tomás Lafayette Picard D.C.

Tomás Lafayette Picard D.C.What a wonderful interview with  Thomas Picard.  In his new book entitled, “Mental House Cleaning“,  Picard explains the importance of attitude adjustment, and how important altering our beliefs really are if we are to transform our lives for the better.  We discuss the famous physiologist  Maxwell Maltz and his work in Psycho-Cybernetics.

Picard is an advocate of Maltz’s work in which the basic premise is that your “outer life” is a reflection of how you see yourself on the inside, what he called “self-image.” Dr. Maltz noted that you can never rise higher than your self-image. If your “inner self” is not equal to your “outer self,” then you will always revert back to where you think you belong.

Personal growth and spiritual transformation books can be dry and serious-minded. But if you’re the kind of person who loves pratfalls, jokes, and screwball humor, then Picard’s new self-help book will tickle your funny bone while tuning up your transformation.

Mental Housecleaning (Attitude Adjusting You Can Do in the Comfort and Privacy of Your Own Mind) by Dr. Tomás Lafayette Picard, internationally renowned speaker, author and healer,  is just the thing for someone questing for success, prosperity, happiness and sanity in an insane world. In these turbulent and sometimes depressing times, why not learn and laugh at the same time? You can find truthful answers to life’s real haunting questions illuminated through Picard’s loopy charm.

Profound insights abound in this clever step-by-step book on how to command the power of your mind and the power of the Universe to support your desires. It’s the perfect book for people who have been reluctant to dive in due to the weighty content and possible discomfort of change.

If you would like to learn more about Tomas Picard I recommend visiting his website by clicking here.

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