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 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.

 

Podcast 106: The Love-Powered Diet with Victoria Moran

Victoria MoranIf you want an author that walks her talk then Victoria Moran’s new book entitled, “The Love-Powered Diet” is a must read for anyone who is looking to release weight.  You see as a young adult Victoria was the daughter of a mother and father that were in the weight loss business, and Victoria was about 60 lbs over weight.

Her new book is all about how if you look inside yourself, and learn how to appreciate who you really are that this is the beginning of a successful weight release program.  Now, this is not to say that you can just love yourself and the pounds will just melt away. The psychological aspects of weight release are just as complicated if not more so than calorie reduction and exercise.

The “Love-Powered Diet” addresses a duel dilemma: the addictive nature of overeating and the nutritional shortfalls of the standard American diet.  It offers solutions for both.

The Love-Powered Diet is really simple, and it distills down to two parts.  (1) Inner awareness of unconditional love can make profound changes in a person’s life. (2) Inner change includes the ability to make positive, loving food choices.

I highly recommend this book, and I know you are going to love my interview with Victoria.  If you would like to learn more about Victoria’s other books and her appearances please click here to access her website.

Have fun reading this book, it is all about how much you can love yourself to health and wellness.