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 148: Be The Change with Ed and Deb Shapiro

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.

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 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.  You may also access his personal website here.

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

Podcast 122: Calming Your Anxious Mind with Jeffrey Brantley M.D.

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.

Podcast 108: Being Fearless and Free with Guy Finley

Guy FinleyI always have a great time interviewing Guy Finely.  This is my fourth interview with him, and each time we are able to explore his material more deeply to get to the essence of his message.

I happen to be going up to Oregon the coming weekend to visit with Guy and his team, and I am so much looking forward to my journey.

In this interview we are discussing his new audio CD series entitled “Being Fearless and Free.”  Most of us will admit to living with some kind of fear that holds us back, that keeps us running, or that crushes our hopes and dreams. And if we could peek into the secret longing that lives in the hearts of everyone we know, we would see there the one great wish that we all share in common: we want to be fearless and free.

This life-liberating album is the doorway to the secret source of fearlessness within you. In it, Guy reveals all new Principles of Power that will help you realize a peace and contentment that nothing can wreck. You, your life, and every experience you go through, will be transformed before your very eyes.

  • See the world through the inspired eyes of your True Self
  • Build a bridge to happier human relationships
  • Help create the light that makes the world a brighter place
  • And above all, perfect your life


Secrets to the Fearless Life Revealed

The sixteen special talks in this album were presented to small groups of students over a period of six months. Each talk builds upon the ones that came before so that step by step the mask is pulled off the lie of fear and listeners begin to see themselves and the events of their lives in a bold new way.

Now you too can learn how to see the world through the inspired eyes of your True Self… build a bridge to happier human relationships… help create the light that makes the world a brighter place… and above all, perfect your life.

I encourage you to listen to this podcast closely, for each time Guy articulates a new idea I am inspired to want to go deeper personally.  To explore areas that I potentially have not explored within my self, and my connection to a greater Spirit.  Guy Finley get you to think and questions your thoughts and hopefully shift your paradigm about your thinking.

Please visit Guy’s website to learn more or to purchase a copy of this wonderful CD series.  To access his website please click here.

 

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