Podcast 199: A Geography Of Time with Robert Levine Ph.D.

Robert Levine Ph.D.It was a kick interviewing Robert Levine.  He really has a grasp on how cultures around the world keep time differently.

In his book entitled, “A Geography of Time“, Robert Levine articulates the differences between clock time, nature time and event time.  Nature time is the time used by all forms of life and is determined by the sun and seasons. Event time is basically the time needed to perform the tasks of the day, and clock time is a more recent invention and is primarily a product of industrialization and commerce.

In my estimation it is somewhat unfortunate that most of our western culture works on clock time.  We hurry to go here, there and everywhere, and frequently miss the special moments that help to make our minutes, hours and days more enjoyable.

Robert did extensive studies throughout the world, and found varying paces and tempo of life.  He found that the quicker we speak, walk, eat and drive that the economic well being of these communities were usually better.  So I guess if you want to have a more financially rewarding life you should live in New York or Los Angeles.

The top five countries using the index of pace of  life or time consciousness are in order, (from fastest to slowest) Switzerland, Ireland, Germany, Japan and Italy.  The five slowest or least time conscious countries are,  Syria, El Salvador, Brazil, Indonesia and Mexico. By the way the US is 16th place in world standings.

You are going to love this interview with Robert Levine as we weave our way through”A Geography of Time” and discuss some very deep philosophical questions.  I pose the question about our pace of life, and our ultimate impermanence here on this physical plane.  We speak about the Buddhist perspective about time, and how this shifts whole cultures.

We certainly are a very productive, time bound culture but changing our pace would probably relieve much of the stress in our society that causes many of the physical aliments that are epidemic states.  We should as a culture learn how to pace our life which would lead to more enjoyment of life and would enhance our relations with others.   As Robert states he envisions an attitude of “multi-temporality” where by the person who has mastered time can move easily between nature time, event time and clock time as the situation and need requires.

This is a wonderful interview with a tremendous man, with lots of personality, insight and wisdom to provide to you.  Please click here to be referred to his website for additional information.

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 184: Super Coach with Michael Neill

Michael NeillI recently had the pleasure of interviewing Michael Neill the author of a new book entitled, ” SUPERCOACH: 10 Secrets to Transform Anyone’s Life.”

Michael says change the way you think and you will change the way you experience life.  For more than 20 years Michael has been helping clients fulfill their dreams–whether they want to make more money, build their businesses, improve their relationships or find greater contentment in their day-to-day lives.

Each secret, which is illustrated with case studies and anecdotes, is designed to be a catalyst–something that will spark the reader’s insights about how he or she thinks, lives, and works.  Supercoach also includes specific actions that people can take to actually experience change and incorporate it into their lives.

Michael and I speak about transformation from the inside out.  He states, “when you learn to live your life from the inside out, stress disappears and worry becomes almost non-existent.  You realize that you were born happy and the worst thing that can ever happen to you is a thought–a thought about whatever you think is the worst thing that could ever happen to you”.

Many of Michael’s coaching secrets are counter-intuitive.  Take goal setting for instance.  He explains, “Obsessing about goals is like playing a game of fetch with yourself, using your happiness and self-worth as the bone.  Even when you do reach your goals, you only allow yourself a fleeting moment of satisfaction before throwing your happiness even further away into the future than before.”

If you want to learn more about the 10 Secrets that can transform your life, I recommend that you visit Michael’s website.  He has lots of useful information and videos providing you with these transformative secrets.  To access Michael’s website please click here.

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 166: Master Your Workday Now! with Michael Linenberger

Michael LinenbergerIf you are feeling overworked and stressed out these days, then join the crowd.  Most white collar workers are attempting to figure out how to manage the besiege of email, voice mail, text messaging, and just keep up.  For the most part we are not doing a very good job of it.

If you want to learn more about mastering your work day, then I encourage you to listen to my interview with Michael Linenberger the author of a new book entitled, “Master Your Workday Now!”.  Michael has developed proven strategies to control the chaos and create outcomes, and connect your work to who you really are.

In my interview with Michael we discuss the proven strategies such as his simple Now Task List.  This wonderful idea does more than just prioritize your to-dos, it provides a system for breaking them down into three simple sections: Critical Now, Opportunity Now and Over the Horizon.

Michael’s  system of getting your Workday mastered revolves around a simple pyramid which at the foundation is control, then moves to create and at the top of the pyramid is connect. He wants people to get control of the workday by managing their urgency zones. Once this is mastered you create your outcomes by using Now Goals and Goal Activation.  Then you move on to connecting your work with who you really are.

His program is easy to understand and he connects all of techniques to Microsoft Outlook if you are using this desktop manager.  As many of you are aware with the massive amounts of data that we are responsible for managing, it is almost impossible to do it without some type of software system.

But, just in case you are not using a computer to manage your contacts, information, etc.,  Michael’s system will work without Outlook or any other desktop manager for that matter.

I highly recommend “Master Your Workday Now!”. If you want to take back control of your day, and all of the to-do’s that are keeping you from really focusing on the most important aspects of your life then read Michael’s book and practice his mastery techniques.

You can get more information at Michael’s website by clicking here.

Podcast 161: Your Body Speaks Your Mind with Deb Shapiro

Deb ShapiroI have had the wonderful pleasure of being able to interview Deb Shapiro again.  My first interview was with Deb and her husband Ed about their new book entitled “Be The Change”.

In this podcast I will be speaking with Deb about her new book entitled, ” Your Body Speaks Your Mind“.  This new book address the mind body connection, and the role that our mind plays in your overall well being.  Wellness is primarily a state of mind, and your emotions play an important role in how you feel.

Dis-ease manifests itself in various ways within our bodies and what Deb Shapiro outlines in her book is the importance of understanding our mind/body connection.

She utilizes real life stories to help the reader understand the various ways that our body reacts to our mental conditions.  She states “As you think so you become: your thoughts and words are like seeds that germinate and grow. Your state of health shows how you have been thinking: the seeds take root and begin to influence the shape the cell structures of your physical body.  When you think of illness–or life–as being out of your control, or as an obstacle that you cannot overcome, then none of your physical energy will be directed toward healing, as no “living” message will be sent to your body.”

When illness–or living is seen as a learning experience, an opportunity to deepen your relationship with yourself, then healing is possible. The most common blocks are negative attitudes that a lot of people carry around all the time.  Deb states in order to become healed, a person has to throw out hatred, envy, jealousy and other destructive attitudes and feelings.  Although such factors start within the mind, they quickly manifest in our body, becoming a stiff shoulder, a sluggish liver, cancer or other illnesses.

If you want to better understand the mind/body connection then I encourage you to listen to this wonderful podcast with Deb Shapiro.  You can also get all sorts of useful information by visiting her website by clicking here.

To your good health!!!!!

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 134: Inner Productivity with Chris Edgar

Chris Edgar Author Chris Edgar was an attorney with a busy career before starting an inner journey toward peace, happiness and spiritual awakening.  His new book entitled ,”Inner Productivy-A Mindful Path to Efficiency and Enjoyment in Your Work“, is about cultivating what Chris refers to as “inner productivity”–the mental and emotional state that allows you to get the most done and find the most enjoyment in your work.

Inner Productivity-A Mindful Path to Efficiency and Enjoyment in Your Work helps the reader develop the mental discipline they need to get the most out of their work.  Chris offers techniques that range from meditations and visualizations  to forms of conscious breathing to help the reader  hold their attention on projects, reconnect with their passion and overcome fears of limiting beliefs.

In our interview together we speak about our own personal fighting and fleeing from our mental and emotional clutter because of the pain associated with it.  Chris exposes techniques on how we can be with it and learn to let go.

He speaks about:

  • How to enter a “flow” state of effortless attention and efficiency.
  • Quiet stray thoughts and feelings that tend to disrupt our focus.
  • How to stay connected with our passion and motivation in our work.
  • How to transcend fears and limiting beliefs that hold us back from performing at our best.
  • How to stimulate our creativity when we are feeling uninspired or mentally blocked.

If you are like most people today who work in a job where we are under the pressure of the “constant doing” and preforming at our highest level, then Inner Productivity-A Mindful Path to Efficiency and Enjoyment in Your Work is a must read.  Once you pick up this book you won’t want to put it down, for it is going to assist you in finding the inner peace and calm that is so needed when we are under stress and pressure.  It will make you more productive, efficient and effective while at the same time keeping you calm in the eye of the storm.

I hope that you enjoy my interview with Chris Edgar, and if you are interested in learning more about Chris please click here to visit his website.

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.

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