Podcast 222: From Immigrant Housemaid to Harvard Ph.D. with Jin Robertson Ph.D.

Jin Robertson Ph.D.I believe that the story that Jin Robertson has to tell is amazing.  She has a new book coming out in November, entitled “Major Dream-From Immigrant Housemaid to Harvard Phd“.  She is certainly someone who has overcome the odds.  She was born and raised in Korea in very poor conditions, and worked as a factory girl, waitress, and housemaid. At the age of 22 she immigrated to America to become a housemaid, with practically no English skills and $100 to her name.  At the age of 28, Jin, a battered wife and mother of an eight(8) month old daughter, joined the US. Army as a private to escape from the domestic violence.

As we discuss in our interview through pure determination, imagination, and sheer will, later she retired as a  U.S. Army major and received her MA at the age of 43, and her Phd from Harvard at the age of 57.  Jin has been motivating millions of Koreans and Americans with her amazing story of preserving, persistence, and determination.

I know that our economic times are challenging, but after listening to my interview with Jin you will most likely look at your personal challenges just a little different.  Even in the worst of times, Jin never gave up, and always had a strong will to succeed.  I am not certain if this is something that people are born with or not, but if you only take away from this interview with Jin that “you can do it” then you will have received the most important message from this podcast.

If you would like to learn more about Jin Robertson’s story, then I encourage you to visit her website by clicking here.  You can also purchase her DVD which chronicles her story from the website.  Please do yourself a favor and take the time to listen to a great story of inspiration and triumph over adversity, you will be glad that you did.

Podcast 221: Awakened Wisdom-Part Two(2) with Patrick Ryan

Patrick Ryan It is always a pleasure having author Patrick Ryan on our show.  This is Patrick’s second visit to Inside Personal Growth, and in this podcast we take a deeper dive into his book entitled “Awakened Wisdom“.

In my interview with Patrick we discuss the eight (8) states of an Awakened Life.  Patrick covers in depth two of the eight (8) states of being: A Good State of Being, and A Good State of Effort.  As Patrick states in his book, a good state of being is to be in relationship with all that there is.  To be without any sense of separation from each other, the plants, animals, and even the rocks and all the other things and beings that exist.  Any sense of me versus you or we versus them or I versus it is separation.  We must relearn and find out way back to our knowing of this fundamental truth.   So in essence, he is speaking about the oneness of us–all of us.  If can can learn to live in this state of consciousness our lives will be more fulfilled and blissful.

The other state of an Awakened Life is ” A State of Effort” as Patrick refers to it.  Moving through the world in a Good State of Effort will have the most profound impact on your life if practiced well.  You have no doubt heard the expression that life is about the journey, not the destination.  That’s at the center of a Good State of Effort.  It is important to be present as you move through each moment and each task of your day.  When you move with presence you are aware of the quality of the moment that you are in while moving forward with the objective in mind. Both of these ideas must be present at the same time in order to be and remain in a Good State of Effort.  Be in the present moment and be aware of the effort that you are putting forth.

I believe that the states of being that Patrick articulates in his book ” Awakened Wisdom” are something that everyone should learn to apply in life.  They should become as natural as breathing!.  If you are interested in learning more about the “Awakened Life Programs” please click here to be directed to Patrick’s website.  He has lots of resources that you can avail yourself of at no charge.

Please take advantage of this website, it is a wonderful resource for anyone on the path of enlightenment!!!

Podcast 216 : You’re Missing Out…and It’s Ok with Ned Kraft

Ned KraftI recently interviewed Ned Kraft, coach, author, musician and all around renaissance man.  His material has such simplicity, but profound wisdom.

In my interview with Ned about his new CD entitled, ” You’re Missing Out…and It’s OK“, we discuss the benefits of missing out, such as less clutter and simplicity.  Getting rid of the regret and resentments and learning how to enjoy the beauty of the moment.  So many of us are spending so much of our time thinking about what might happen in the future or living in the past wishing we would have made a different decision.  As Ned says, our decisions do shape our lives, but we should not lament over our decisions after we make them.  They are over and done with, and there is nothing we can do about it.

Ned reminds us during his instructional CD that “You’re Missing Out…and It’s OK“.  As a matter of fact we are missing out on just about everything in life.  There is no way we are going to experience the events of the world.  Everyday events are happening all around us that we have no control over.   Ned refers to this syndrome as, “our battle with what is”.  I have often heard that we are “spiritual beings” having a “human experience”.  That might be true, but I know for many of us we feel like we are “human beings” having a “spiritual experience”.  Either way if you listen to Ned’s wisdom and advice about our battle with what is, it is wonderful advice.

Don’t sweat over the small stuff, it is all small stuff.  Try to stay in the moment, stay out of judgment of yourself and others, and enjoy the journey.  Ned mentions that we are all receiving clues in the moment, and we need to be aware of the clues.  Just listen and observe and you will notice the thousands of clues that are available to you daily.

We have an opportunity in this interview to explore our states of victim hood.  Let’s face it, during the course of our life we have all been victims.  It is not the fact that we have been victims, it is what we have learned from our transgressions that will help us to over come these states of victim hood.  If we can elevate our awareness of how and why we are reacting to these situations we can become masters of our emotions.

If you would like to learn more about Ned Kraft and his wonderful CDs, please click here to be directed to his website. Ned Kraft is refreshing and has a new perspective on personal mastery.

Podcast 214: Paths Beyond Ego with Roger Walsh M.D.

Roger Walsh M.D.

I am always impressed by Dr. Roger Walsh and his vast knowledge and wisdom.  This is my second interview with Roger and I know you are going to thoroughly enjoy this podcast about his book entitled, “Paths Beyond Ego-The Transpersonal Vision”

Roger compiled fifty essays from some of the top thinkers in the areas of transpersonal psychology,  spirituality, and cosmology.  Some of the authors that have contributed to “Paths Beyond Ego” are:  Ken Wilber, Daniel Goldman, Jack Kornfield, Ram Dass, Huston Smith, The Dalai Lama and many others.  Roger and I discuss the tools and practices that can be practiced in assisting us in reaching more of our human potential. Many of the practices are associated with developing our own deep personal spiritual journey.

As is stated in the introduction of “Paths Beyond Ego” we are astoundingly ingenious creatures.  We have gone to the moon, split the atom, unraveled the genetic code, and probed the birth of the universe.  Indeed, modern civilization stands as a monument to boundless creativity of the human intellect.  Yet, while evidence of our intellectual and technological genius is all around us, there is growing concern that in other ways we have seriously underestimated ourselves. In part because of the blinding brilliance of our technological triumphs, we have distracted and dissociated ourselves from our inner world, sought outside for answers that can only be found within, denied the subjective and the sacred, overlooked latent capacities of mind, imperiled our planet and lived in a collective trance–a contracted, distorted state of mind that goes unrecognized because we share it and take it to be “normality”

I highly encourage you to listen to my podcast with Dr. Roger Walsh as we explore how to elevate our own consciousness through the spiritual practices that are available to anyone on a path of spiritual inquiry.

I love the quote from the book by Patanjali, who compiled the classic text of yoga: “The mind does not shine by its own light. It too is an object, illumined by the Self–But the Self is boundless. It is the pure Consciousness that illumines the contents of the mind…Egoism, the limiting sense of “I ” results from the individual intellect’s attributing the power of consciousness to self.”
If you would like more information about Dr. Roger Walsh and his many books, I welcome you to visit his website by clicking here.

Podcast 213: Drop into Genius with Paul Scheele

Paul ScheeleI always enjoy interviewing Paul Scheele because his wisdom and knowledge is so deep, and the message is something that we all need to be reminded of.  In Paul’s new e-book, “Drop into Genius,” he speaks about our natural internal resources of unbridled enthusiasm, curiosity, inspired creativity, intuition, healing, rapid learning, emotional freedom, inner peace that all fall victim of subtle, ongoing discouragement by society.

I know that at one point or another in our lives we have all had a great idea, but because we asked someone or wanted confirmation that it was a good idea from our friends, family or  co-workers they have a tendency to discourage us from pursuing it.   Then we find out several years later that someone else capitalized on our idea–how many of you have had this happen?

If this just might be the case for you, and you want to “Drop Into Genius” and follow through on your intuition then Paul’s book is for you.  As Paul states there is a powerful nonconscious mind within that determines the results you create in life. It is more capable, fast, efficient, and infinitely more intelligent that your limited conscious mind, it is your nonconscious through which your “genius potential is expressed.

When we do make mistakes or fail to learn, the emotional and psychological wounds can go deep.  If we fail to learn, we often learn to fail most successfully. We learn to repeat our failure to learn in spite of anyone’s attempt to help.  For many people it becomes “safer” to be a failure at something than to engage in the messy business of learning.  Paul teaches that we need to pass through stages of confusion and not knowing how to do something.  It is at this point where we make the breakthroughs and new patterns of learning are developed.

If you are ready for a tremendous breakthrough in your learning and personal development then “Drop into Genius” is a must read.  Paul is a genius himself, and the book is an easy read filled with exercises that will help you become aware of your limitations and go beyond them and reach your true potential.  If you would like more information and want to download “Drop into Genius” please click here to be linked to Paul’s website.

Please enjoy my  interview with a very centered, spiritual and knowledgeable author who can teach you a lot about your human potential.

Podcast 211: Fearless with Brenda Shoshanna Ph.D.

Brenda Shoshanna Ph.D.Dr. Brenda Shoshanna is a fascinating and engaging author, and her new book entitled “Fearless-The 7 Principles of Peace of Mind” is a must read for anyone who is currently experiencing anxiety, stress or fear over circumstances and events in their lives.  In the world in which we live today, if you are human it is almost impossible to not be exposed to events and circumstances that produce the emotion of fear within.

Dr. Shoshanna in her new book “Fearless” has created a unique guide to understanding how fear works.  She blends the teachings of the East and West, and includes real-life anecdotes and practical exercises which provide the psychological, spiritual, and practical guidance for attaining a life of growth, fulfillment, creativity  and well-being.  No matter what your fears might be Dr Shoshanna shows how to convert this constant sense of dread into peace of mind.

In each chapter, Dr. Shoshanna explores one of seven principles of peace of mind and teaches us how to dissolve a related form of fear, transforming it into a source of courage and strength.  In my interview with Dr. Shoshanna we explore the seven principles of creating a peace of mind.

As Dr. Shoshanna articulates, fear is a great deceiver.  When you buy into the lies it sells, it takes your time, hope, and life force from you.  In exchange for the false sense of well-being fear offers, you give away your birthright.  If you want to learn how to take back your courage and face your fears head on, then I recommend that you read “Fearless-The 7 Principles of Peace of Mind“.  This is a wonderful book loaded with exercises and practices that will allow you to regain your strength, courage and fearless attitude.

If you want to learn more about Dr. Shoshanna and other books please click here to be linked to her website.  I know you are going to enjoy this interview with a very knowledgeable psychologist helping people over come fear and regain their authentic selves.

Podcast 209: Essential Spirituality: The 7 Central Practices to Awaken Heart and Mind with Roger Walsh M.D.

Roger Walsh M.D.It was a pleasure to have interviewed Roger Walsh about his book entitled, “Essential Spirituality“.  This book was originally recommended to me by a very good friend, and I am so glad that I made the effort to reach out to Roger and conduct this interview.

Roger Walsh is one of the foremost scholars on spirituality and psychology, his wisdom became so apparent as we dialogued about his book, “Essential Spirituality“,  that I could have engaged in a much longer dialogue with Roger.  I have invited him to return to do additional interviews-so stay tuned for a series of interviews with this wonderful man.

Rogers book is about the deep practices that each of us should cultivate and maintain in our life to reach a deeper connection to the Divine.  Roger has done extensive research into the various religious and spiritual practices that for centuries have assisted us in cultivating a deep spiritual connection.  He makes a point to differentiate between religion and spirituality, which I believe is important. The word religion has many meanings; in particular it implies a concern with the sacred and supreme values of life.  The term spirituality, on the other hand refers to direct experience of the sacred.  Spiritual practices are those that help us experience the sacred–that which is most central and essential to our lives–for ourselves.

The ultimate aim of spiritual practices as our author states ” Is awakening; that is to know our true Self and our relationship to the sacred. However, spiritual practices also offer numerous other gifts along the way. Gradually, the heart begins to open, fear and anger melt, greed and jealousy dwindle, happiness and joy grow, love flowers, peace replaces agitation, concern for other blossoms, wisdom matures, and both psychological and physical heath improve.  Virtually all aspects of our lives touched and transformed in some way.

If you are seeking to cultivate a life of joy, meaning and fulfillment then the spiritual path would be a great place to begin.  Our author Roger Walsh in his book “Essential Spirituality‘ provides the tools and practices that will assist anyone on the path of awakening.  His book is the best book that I have ever read on spiritual practices and the benefits associated with the cultivation of these practices.  I encourage all of my listeners to add this book as a must read if you are exploring the spiritual path.

 

If you would like to learn more about Roger Walsh, you can visit his website by clicking here or you can watch a short video on YouTube by clicking here.  Enjoy this wonderful interview with a very wise and knowledgeable scholar who speaks the truth to the common man and woman.

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