Podcast 151: Five Good Minutes Meditation Series with Jeffrey Brantley M.D.

Jeffrey-Brantley-M.D.-color-headshot-175x261This is my second interview with Dr. Jeff Brantley, and I love this new series of books entitled, “Five Good Minutes“.  Jeff and his co-author, Wendy Millstine, have written a series of mini-books that provide anyone who is seeking to practice mindfulness anytime, anywhere, the opportunity to learn how to do it.  You can pick up one of the series of the books and find valuable information, thoughts and practices to make your day more calm, relaxed and fulfilled.

We all know during these challenging times that we need to become more present and aware.  “The Five Good Minutes” books are filled with 100 reminders and practices to do at work, with the one you love, in the morning, in the evening and with your body.  The practices are so well thought out and easy to remember that it makes reading and having the books around as a reminder a great way to get yourself engaged in a practice of mindfulness.

I know that for a fact many of us just run all day long, then out of pure exhaustion just fall in bed and go to sleep.  This not good for your sex life, and it certainly does not set you up for a positive dream state.

One of the recommendation is the “Five Good Minutes in the Evening” is to break the routine.  Go for a leisurely walk or jog around you neighborhood. Take a hot bath, meditate, read a book, do something creative, start a new project.  Whatever it is, break the routine.

Just before bed, breath and listen mindfully for about a minute.  Set your intentions before going to bed and this will assist you in being more calm and most likely falling asleep quicker.  The”Five Good Minute” books are filled with wonderful ideas, things to think about and practices.  I highly recommend any one of the five books or all five to provide you with a well rounded opportunity to practice anywhere and anytime.

If you would like to learn more about the “Five Good Minute” book series please click here for more information.  If you would like to learn about Dr. Brantley and his practice please visit his website by clicking here.

Podcast 150: Spontaneous Evolution with Bruce Lipton Ph.D

Bruce Lipton Ph.DAccording to author Bruce Lipton, civilization is on the threshold of a profound evolutionary leap.  He says that the old conventional beliefs hold evolution as a long and gradual process.  However, the new science insights reveal that evolution occurs in what amounts to quantum jumps.

The new science of “epigenetics” tells us about our own powers.  The conventional belief held that our fate was genetically determined when in truth our genes are controlled by our perceptions of the environment.  When we change our perceptions of the environment we become master of our genetic fate.  Now, that is quite powerful if you grasp the significance of what he is saying.

In Bruce’s new book, “Spontaneous Evolution“, he reveals how changing our understanding of biology and human history will help us to navigate these turbulent times and invites the reader to reconsider:

  • The unquestioned pillars of biology including the random evolution, survival of the fittest, and the role of DNA.
  • The blueprint for our sustainable, life affirming future that is literally inside you-encoded in each of the trillions of cells comprising your body.
  • How our beliefs about nature and human nature shape our politics, culture and our individual lives.
  • How each of us can become planetary “stem cells” supporting the health and growth of our world and every individual in it.

I know that these are bold shifts on our beliefs, but Bruce lays out evidence that this is occurring now and by releasing the old beliefs that keep the status quo in place, and by building our lives and world on this heartening new story, we can trigger the spontaneous evolution of our species.

Spontaneous Evolution is an insightful, playful and ultimately hopeful look at the unfolding destiny of our species–how you can play an active role in birthing the evolution of humanity.

I encourage everyone to read and understand how you are going to become part of our new Spontaneous Evolution as a species on this planet.  Don’t resist, resistance is futile.

If you would like to know more about Bruce Lipton and his wonderful books please click here to be directed to his website.  You can also find lots of video’s on You Tube where Bruce is speaking about this subject by clicking here.

Podcast 149: Truth And Transformation with Vishal Mangalwadi

Vishal MangalwadiI was introduced to Vishal Mangalwadi by a very good friend.  My friend and I have both been on a local charitable board together for many years. He mentioned Vishal Mangalwadi as an author that I should consider interviewing.  I was fascinated in learning more about why my friend was so interested in Vishal perspective on why the foundations of the Western world were crumbling.

In Vishal Mangalwadi’s new book entitled, “Truth or Transformation,” he outlines the challenges that current Western society is dealing with associated  with morality, human dignity, rationality, technology and character.

We live in times marked by much confusion and apprehension. In this landmark book, international scholar and author Vishal Mangalwadi offers a radical vision for the gospel’s power to heal Western society. With insights drawn from real-life struggles against corruption and from years of study, he delves into the ideological roots of social oppression. Reform, he argues, is never without controversy. Yet reforming a culture’s values is a necessary precursor to lasting liberation and hope.

These are not the best of times.  Even secular Americans are looking for the Messiah says Vishal. During his presidential campaign Senator Obama had to remind his supporters, “contrary to the rumors that you may have heard, I was not born in a manger.”  President Obama is right–those who look to him as the savior will be deeply disappointed. It is time for the church to recover and unleash the power of the Good News to transform the brokenness of our times.

If you want to read a book with an interesting perspective on how Christianity can help to solve many of our modern day problems, then I highly recommend that you read Vishal Mangalwadi new book “Truth and Transformation”.  This will provide you with insights and wisdom from a gentleman who was educated and born in the East (India) and has converted to Christianity from his origins  in Hinduism.

If you want more information on Vishal Mangalwadi please click here for a link to his website.

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 146: The 5 Pillars of Life with Dr. Symeon Rodger

Symeon RodgerI thoroughly enjoyed my interview with Dr. Symeon Rodger.  He is an extremely knowledgeable man with an in depth understanding of how to use ancient spiritual practices to reclaim your life.

His new book entitled ,”The Five Pillars of Life”,  is packed solid with information for anyone who is on the path of spiritual awakening needs to know and practice to attain a life of peace and tranquility.  As Dr. Rodger states, Your life contains incredible potential and undreamed of possibilities.  Every human life does, because this potential is innate in human nature and is just waiting for you to unlock it.

In “The Five Pillars of Life” Dr. Rodger reveals the formulas, principles and paradoxes of training.  He provides the ancient formulas which are easily understood and practiced as well as inner principles and paradoxes to enable the reader a true depth of understanding.   You soon start to understand that the information contained in this book can truly give you back tranquility, control, health, love and security.

Dr. Rodger points out the most frequent cause of failure in transforming any aspect of our lives is the lack of focus.  In today’s culture, our energy is dispersed in a thousand peripheral activities and we find ourselves quickly exhausted, our mental attention seized hundreds of times a day by the demands of others from the outside and our own passions from inside.

If you would like to learn more focus and attention, and put your life back in the zone then I highly recommend that you listen to and purchase Dr. Rodger’s new book “The Five Pillars of Life”,  you will be glad that you did.  Also for more information please visit his website by visiting his site at:  www.warriorcoachinginternational.com

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 143: The Answer with John Assaraf

John AssarafI know that many of us are looking for “The Answer“, and I am not certain if it exists or not but the message that John Assaraf has for you could just be what you are looking for.

His new book, “The Answer“, with co-author Murray Smith, is an intriguing look into the personal power of attraction as well as how to reprogram your unconscious brain.

The Answer combines decades of research from neuroscience and quantum physics with practical, hands-on business know-how to give you the confidence you need and the specific step-by-step actions to follow to build the business, and the life, of your dreams.

In my interview with John we explore the basic building blocks of what is required to rethink, relearn, and reprogram our brains so that we can manifest both the life we want, and the business that we desire.

John states that, everything you need to build your dream business, all the tools, resources, capital, people, ideas, expertise…… it all surrounds you today.  You just need to learn how to tap into that personal power.

Through new findings in neuroscience, scientists have discovered that we can override our own genetic codes.  If we learn how to gain access to the power of our brain, where our attitudes, beliefs, and established thought patterns are stored, we can create new neural pathways that can actually rewrite our genetic code.

Creating a clear business vision is the critical first step to your success.  If you are truly passionate and want to create enormous amounts of success for yourself, then you must have five key elements in place.

  1. You must find something that stirs your soul
  2. You must become excellent at it
  3. You must recondition your mind to believe you can have it and achieve it
  4. You must understand how to make money at it
  5. you must take daily action

Come explore with John Assaraf and myself  “The Answer”   to many of the challenges most entrepreneurs face upon starting, building and maintaining a successful business and personal life.

If you would like more information on John Assaraf and One Coach please click here to access his website.

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.

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