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Fire It UP with CJ

English, Personal health, 1 season, 34 episodes, 1 day, 2 hours, 40 minutes
About
So you’re not a monk, but you still want to live a spiritual life? Then Fire it UP with CJ is the place to go! Yep, no shaved heads or orange garments needed to stay grounded, expand your awareness and be inspired to live your best life. Every week CJ interviews some of the most provocative trailblazers in the fields of spirituality, environment, relationships, and parenting. Gandhi had it right when he said change comes from the inside out. Open your mind, open your heart, and make the world a better place just because you’re in it. - See more at: http://www.fireitupwithcj.com/about/#sthash.CNmwzNt0.dpuf
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Trees, Women & People Can Save the Planet with Dr Jean Shinoda Bolen | Inspiration | Environment | Spirituality | Self-Help

A new era can began when a critical number of people change their perceptions and behavior.  Jean Shinoda Bolen and I will talk about the power of woman’s circles and how the sacred circle can bring strength and energy to feed activism and fuel change.  If you can’t make the live show this Wed then you can get the MP3 published a few days after by subscribing to the show or following the Fire it UP with CJ page on Facebook   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Link to Segment 1 The Goddess in Everywomen: What is the inner Goddess that you most resonate with? Jean Shinoda Bolen discusses how knowing your Goddess archetype can help keep you on your life path and open up personal growth areas. Link to Segment 2 Energizing the Women movement: Is the women’s movement dead?  What are the successes we’ve had to-date? How could women circles energize the women’s movement? BLOG POST FROM OUR GUEST Never doubt that small groups of committed women can change the world: we did before, we can do it again! — Jean Shinoda Bolen  CREATIVE ACTS OF EXPRESSION—CATALYZED IN CIRCLES BY JEAN SHINODA BOLEN, M.D. I know, as so many of us who are fortunate to be in one know, how supportive a sacred circle can be–as an incubator-womb space in which the courage to be authentically ourselves leads to creative acts of expression. This may include what is usually meant by expressive arts—writing, painting, sculpture, dance, theater, films—or political and personal activism, transforming relationships to others, or changing institutions. Inevitably, perhaps because experiences of the sacred are so deep and deeply personal, creative acts of expression are expressions of awakening that begin with trusting our own feelings and perceptions, of realizing it is up to us to be real and act on the premise that what matters to us, really matters. This is soul knowledge that becomes soul work when we take steps to bring what we know into our personal world and into the world.  At times of crisis, what we do — or not, can tilt a situation in either direction. In the silence of undirected inner reflection, prayer, or meditation, which is an element in this kind of a circle, we tap into a center in ourselves that is also at the center of the circle. In Jung’s psychology, this is the archetype of meaning, the Self.  By meeting as a circle of women, we invite the sacred feminine to come into our midst. This form is archetypal. It connects us to suppressed sources of women’s spiritual power, much as an aquifer lies below the surface until it is tapped into, bubbles up and flows. We tap into an awareness that goes back in time to when divinity was worshipped in many forms, as female, as the Great Mother, Gaia. In the last third of the twentieth century, Merlin Stone’s When God was a Woman got archeological support from Marija Gimbutas and other archeologists who literally dug up evidence.   Scrolls that had been hidden and preserved by the dryness in Egyptian caves near Nag Hammadi, were found in this same period. These became known as the Gnostic Gospels through Elaine Pagels. These early Christian writings were rich in metaphor and included Sophia, the Sacred Feminine.  Gnostic churches were egalitarian rather than hierarchal in form, leadership was shared: who did what—the sermon, communion, greeting newcomers, could be chosen by lot. Everyone was welcome. Women served in all roles. Once the Church at Rome had the power to condemn heresy, the Gnostic Christians were persecuted, its gospels destroyed. Our only knowledge of them came from the church fathers, which systematically had destroyed all previous copies of these gospels. This time, it was different. Circumstances had changed. Through the influence of feminism and the women’s movement, there now were women scholars in all fields including theology. In the United States before the women’s movement, women did not define themselves; men did–using religion as authority. “Women’s spirituality” emerged after women spoke for themselves and about themselves. Only then, did we speak of what we experienced as sacred and what we knew to be spiritual information.  This is gnosis, intuitively felt soul knowledge, it is what we recognize in the marrow of our bones, what our heart recognizes as true for us—and from this insight, true for other humans and for the planet.  Sacred circles support trust in our own perceptions of divinity which can be felt as transcendent spirit or felt in embodied holy moments. This is empowering, especially for women who have been told that God is male, demands obedience, and that women since Eve are the source of evil, when her choice was knowledge of the difference between good and evil. Re-imaging God as other than and more than a male authority, will shake the foundation of patriarchy, which is historically based upon theology and hierarchy to justify having and using power over others. Monotheism has brought us fratricidal wars of religion in Europe during the Middle Ages as well as the current conflicts in the Middle East. Jew, Muslim, Christian — all descend from Abraham, and thus are brothers. Women’s spirituality is in conflict with monotheistic, Abrahamic beliefs based on words attributed to what prophetic men in ages past said God said. Five women friends sitting around a round table began the women’s suffrage movement in 1848, an effort that took seven decades for women to achieve, until women got the right to vote in 1920. Once accomplished, it became a non-issue. Of course women vote! This is what success looks like. This same pattern is seen in the economic and social gains for women by women in the late 1960s and 70s. In consciousness-raising groups, women learned about being stereotyped and stifled. Speaking truth to power emerged as a ringing intention, done through demonstrations, conferences, marches, legal suits, and personal confrontations. The idea of equal rights spread.  Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique was a starting point. Others wrote articles and essays, many were published in Ms. Magazine or in anthologies of women’s writings. Women challenged the invisible assumptions of women’s inferiority and the right of men and male institutions to limit access to education, professions and occupations. The consequences of sexism and the idea of equality brought about a huge cultural change in the United States and influenced the world. That gains are taken for granted is a measure of success. Young women now assume that they have opportunities and rights that women never have had as a gender before, and still do not in many parts of the world. Just like the right to vote, once the perceptions and voices of a critical number of empowered women are heard, what was radical and opposed becomes the new normal. When I wrote The Millionth Circle: How to Change Ourselves and The World as a guide to women’s circles in 1999, the mechanism through which women’s circles with a spiritual center could bring about an end to patriarchy was based upon theoretical biologist Rupert Sheldrake’s work on morphic fields and morphogenesis. The millionth circle like the allegorical hundredth monkey that inspired my title, was a metaphoric number. It was the final one to tip the scales, the one that added to all the rest formed a critical mass, after which a new idea or attitude or behavior becomes accepted. A recent example would be Global Warming, an idea that was resisted and even ridiculed, until almost overnight, a critical number of people accepted it. I was aware that it happened between the hardcover publication of Urgent Message From Mother: Gather the Women, Save the World in 2005 and the paperback edition in 2008. Also pivotal for me, was Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point based on geometrical progression, another way of explaining how evolutionary ideas spread. It’s how a virus spreads or a YouTube video goes viral. It’s like how a snowball starts as the size of a baseball, gathers snow and momentum and as it rolls downhill could become an avalanche. It is what I sense is happening:  there is momentum, circles form easier and easier, and the more there are, the easier it is and the less time it takes for more to form. A circle with a spiritual center provides support for authentic acts of expression, to discern and commit to what I call your “assignment.” Mine is about writing and speaking and spreading the word about circles and assignments. The current vehicle for my message is  Like a Tree: How Women, Trees, and Tree People Can Save the Planet. I call upon mystical activists and Sacred Feminine feminists, the men and women I call “tree people” who feel deep connections to trees and the sacred world. If you find yourself wanting to give back or make a difference and are drawn to the possibility, I suggest that you will recognize an assignment that is yours by three characteristics, by your answers to three questions that only you can answer: One: Is it meaningful — to you?  Two: Will it be fun? If it draws upon your skills and experience, calls on your creativity and if you are in the company of people who share your values and commitment –it will be fun. And three: Is it motivated by love?  In the first half of adult life, parenting can fit this description as can developing an innate talent that will require years of perseverance and discipline, or following a calling into a helping profession. Like Joseph Campbell’s “Follow your bliss.” it does not mean that this will be easy, or that you will be successful or that others will understand. It is however, living your personal myth, which we do through the choices we make. Heed the Goethe quote that begins, “Whatever you can do or dream you can do, begin it now!” Once you make a heart commitment to take up an assignment or sacred mission, a trustworthy circle provides spiritual and emotional support. In circle, what is meaningful is important. Prayers are requested. Gratitude expressed. Often a candle is placed in the center. With or without awareness, the sacred feminine is represented by it. For this is a symbol of Hestia the Greek Goddess of the Hearth and Temple, who was present in the fire at the center of a round hearth; her fire was the source of light, warmth and nourishment.  In women’s circles such as these, we are catalysts, witnesses, and midwives for each other’s growth and path of individuation. Meanwhile, the world is now in crisis—danger and opportunity exist side by side.  There are more than 6.7 billion of us on the planet, doubling since 1960, adding about 78 million every year. For all the concern about sustainability and global warming, left out of the solution is the need for reproductive rights for all women, and universal education that includes girls. Conflicts that could escalate into nuclear warfare continue, while political leaders posture and threaten each other. Conflict resolution knowledge and women are notably not brought to the table, at a time when growing numbers of us and weapons of mass destruction could make this beautiful planet uninhabitable. Demonstrations for democracy and social justice, a resurgence of feminism, research support that humans are born good and that meditation changes brain patterns, and at the quantum physics level, we are all one suggest the potential for evolutionary change. It depends upon what we do. It would be fair to say that whether matters will get better or much worse will be decided in our lifetime. I take to heart, the Dalai Lama’s words at the Vancouver Peace conference in 2009, when he said that it is up to Western women to save the world. I’d expand “western” to mean everywoman anywhere who has been liberated by the women’s movement to define herself by the choices she makes. Western women are the beneficiaries of education, responsibilities, authority, opportunities, democracy, medical advances, and reproductive choice that women have never had in history. As members of the female gender, women respond to stress differently than men, and have empathic, collaborative and communication abilities that to contribute to decision making and conflict resolution. When women’s maternal concerns for their children extend to all children, when women have an equal say with men in making decisions at every level, when women’s ability to look after others and budget limited resources is valued, then peace and a sustainable world will be possible. Never doubt that small groups of committed women can change the world:  we did before, we can do it again! With love and hope, Jean Shinoda Bolen (1943 words)   Article written for Women of Spirit and Faith anthology: Women, Spirituality and Transformative Leadership: Where Grace Meets Power. Edited by Kay Lindahl. Kathe Schaaf, Kathleen Hurty, Rev. Guo Cheen, publisher: Skylight Paths Publishing, a division of Longhill Partners, Inc.Woodstock, VT. Pubdate in 2011-2012. Copyright Jean Shinoda Bolen, 2011, jeanbolen@gmail.com (www.jeanbolen.com) Permission granted to share this with others.   http://fireitupwithcj.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/jean-shinoda-bolen.jpg   About our Guest Jean Shinoda Bolen, M. D, is a psychiatrist, Jungian analyst, and an internationally known author and speaker. She is the author of The Tao of Psychology, Goddesses in Everywoman, Gods in Everyman, Ring of Power, Crossing to Avalon, Close to the Bone, The Millionth Circle, Goddesses in Older Women, Crones Don’t Whine, Urgent Message from Mother, and Like a Tree with over eighty foreign translations. She is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a former clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California at San Francisco, a past board member of the Ms. Foundation for Women and the International Transpersonal Association. She was a recipient of the Institute for Health and Healing’s “Pioneers in Art, Science, and the Soul of Healing Award”, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She was in two acclaimed documentaries, the Academy-Award winning anti-nuclear proliferation film Women—For America, For the World, and the Canadian Film Board’s Goddess Remembered. The Millionth Circle Initiative (www.millionthcircle.org) was inspired by her book and led to her involvement at the UN. She is the initiator and the leading advocate for a UN 5th World Conference on Women (www.5wcw.org), which was supported by the Secretary General and the President of the General Assembly on March 8, 2012. Jean Shinoda Bolen shares the power of woman’s circles & how the sacred circle can feed activism & fuel change.  Environmental | Inspirational | Motivational | Spiritual | Spirituality | Self-Improvement | Self-Help | Inspiration | Motivation For More Info Visit: www.FireItUpWithCJ.com  
8/15/201658 minutes, 50 seconds
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HOW TO DEVELOP SELF-EXPRESSION THROUGH SONG & ACTIVATE YOUR SOUL! Will Hewett | Spiritual | Spirituality | Self-Help

Meditation doesn’t have to be silent.  Learn how to literally tap into your inner voice and answer the questions of Who am I? What is my purpose?  For one year Will Hewett sang in a stream of consciousness way for one hour a day.  He sang on planes when travelling. He sang in Australia, South Africa, and Nigeria during business trips.  He just SANG.  As he sang he discovered many things including a new relationships to his work-life balance.  Join vocata (voh-kah-tah) and find your project that will help you develop your capacity for self-expression, creativity, leadership, conscious participation and enjoyment. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: 1)  A simple way to inspire your Creativity: Learn how Will developed his daily singing practice and how he found a greater sense of his own creativity and spontaneity in his life. Listen to Part 1 2) Sign15- A simple 15 minute practice toward a more vibrant life:  How do you overcome your fears and commit to adding aliveness in your life and getting out of your habitual routines? Getting clear with “why” you are engaging in this practice?  Listen to Part 2. 3) Hear Will sing and transcend time: What personal lessons and insights Will Hewettgot from singing every day for 15 minutes?  Listen to Part 3 4) Finding your Song:  Start your own singing meditation practice right now!  No time like the present to change your life.   Listen to Part 4 ABOUT OUR GUEST:   Will Hewett is an organizational transformation consultant, executive coach, learning designer, vocalist and improviser. As consultant and practice leader with JMJ Associates, Hewett works with corporate clients around the world to raise their capacity to act inside complexity, and to bridge their deepest commitments with their daily work. Will is an engaging speaker and workshop leader, offering groups an opportunity to step out of the hubbub of life and into a deeper connection with themselves and their world. RESOURCES: http://tedxrainier.com/2/speaker_hewett.asp http://willhewett.com/ Join Will at Vocal Improv Workshop at Hollyhock learning center in British Columbia: http://www.hollyhock.ca/cms/Rhiannon-WeBe3.html Go towillhewett.com to find tips and guidance on starting and sticking with your own Sing15 practice. Will Hewett shares how to use song & stream of consciousness literally tap into your inner voice & answer tough questions such as Who Am I and What is My Purpose. | Spiritual | Spirituality | Meditation | Singing | Self-Improvement | Self-Help For More Info Visit: www.FireItUpWithCJ.com
8/5/201659 minutes, 59 seconds
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HOW TO LIVE YOUR SPIRITUAL VALUES! Your Soul Connection – Michelle Vickers | Spirituality | Inspirational | Self-Help

Are you feeling dazed and confused and in need of good advice?  Do you want people to “get you” at a soul level?  Join us as we talk about “What is a soul?” and more as our guest, Michelle Vickers, offers practical advice and shows us how you can bring back power and control in your life. Show Highlights:  Part 1: Who and where should you go for life advice?  What is the soul? Why is talking to your soul the best resource? What are your natural abilities that you came to express in your life according to your soul’s wisdom?  Listen to Part 1 Part 2:  Do you get yourself at a soul level? Michelle offers a real-life experience with what it feels like to connect to your own soul. What does your soul feel like? How can you make a soul connection with others?  Listen to Part 2  Part 3: How can you connect to love, illumination, purity, truth, respect,etc. during your everyday experiences?  Let’s say you are about to go to a business meeting.  How would you tune into truth, movement, etc. during that meeting to be integrity with these higher values?  Listen to Part 3 Part 4: What does it mean to tune into your heart and soul?  How you could have 2000 soul mates? Listen to Part 4  About our Guest:  Michelle’s gifts offer you the opportunity to experience feeling the fullness of your Soul energy; free from any of your personal challenges or illusions. Michelle connects you directly to your Soul and then holds the “space” so you are able to nurture and develop your relationship on a physical level. Cultivating this relationship with your Soul brings you a deeper clarity and awareness of the powerful gifts and talents you have within you.Michelle has spent lifetimes cultivating a greater understanding of the Universe, how it works and why we are here. It is through her past experiences and dedication to personal change that allows her to offer others ancient knowledge on a Universal level explaining who we are and why we are here.Resources:  Michelle’s website: www.michellevickers.com Booking either private Soul Connections or 3 day Soul Awakening Intensives: www.michellevickers.com   Michelle Vickers, offers practical advice on “What is a soul?” and shows us how you can bring back power and control in your life. Inspiration | Inspirational | Motivational | Spiritual | Spirituality | Self-Improvement | Health | Love | Self-Help For More Info Visit: www.FireItUpWithCJ.com
8/4/201658 minutes, 21 seconds
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WHAT LIFE AFTER DEATH IS ALL ABOUT – MEDIUM JEFFREY MARKS | MEDIUMSHIP | INSPIRATIONAL | SPIRITUAL | SPIRITUALITY | SELF-HELP

Jeffrey Marks, a spiritual medium and real-life Ghost buster, talks to 14 people of different religions, ages, and asks 52 questions to unlock the deeper possibilities inherent within people and to discover more about what it means to be a Soul.  Plus, hear his answers to really important questions about life after death.  Do you still have sex in Heaven?  Can you look like the 20 year old version of yourself?  Plus, we’ll find out all about Ghost busting. Show Highlights:  Segment 1:  How mediums do their thang?  How mediums work with clients that want to talk with those that have passed? Segment 2: What happens when you die? How did Jeffrey Marks traverse territory that few mediums have explored?  What do you need to know about the afterlife that will allow you to live more fully today? Segment 3: What are ghosts?  How do ghost explorers communicate and verify the presence of a ghost? Why don’t ghosts just cross over to the other side? Why are ghosts so gosh darn scary? Segment 4: What are demons?  Why do they exist? Should we be scared of them? About our Guest:  Jeffrey A. Marks is a research and spiritual medium, paranormal investigator, and author of Your Magical Soul: How Science and Psychic Phenomena Paint a New Picture of the Self and Reality(winner of 2012 Nautilus Silver Book Award in Science & Cosmology and silver finalist for the 2012 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Book Award in Body, Mind & Spirit), and theThe Afterlife Interviews: Volume I. A Columbia Gorge native, Jeffrey is a compassionate voice for the spirits, and has connected for both individuals and groups in the Pacific Northwest. Starting from a left-brained perspective, Jeffrey’s explorations take him into the right-brain and deep into the Other Side and provide him with the insight to present knowledge with humble authenticity, making him a true Consciousness Explorer. He is also the co-host of the Internet talk radio show Explorers of Consciousness, a founding member of the Northwest Mediumship Association, past president of the Washington State Ghost Society, and is a dynamic educator and speaker on spiritual potential. Jeffrey’s intent is unique among psychics and sets him apart: “My interest in being a psychic medium is not to use the ability to go out and do what other mediums are doing, or trying to duplicate them in hope of being John Edward or James Van Praagh or any of the others. I am using it to unlock the deeper possibilities inherent within people and to discover more about what it means to be a Soul. Yes, I can connect and pass messages and there’s incredible value in that (which I do a lot of the time), but I am also wishing to apply it to what I feel could answer the greater questions of life and consciousness. I am using the ability to learn more about what we are, what we are capable of, and hopefully reach a greater audience with it — in the hope of making the world a better place when I leave it than when I entered it.  I think, ultimately, that has the most value to me in the nature of this work.” Resources:  Read more from Jeffrey on his blog The Inner Voiceand check out his calendar of events on his website andFacebook. Jeffrey Marks, a spiritual medium and real-life Ghost buster, talks to 14 people about Life after Death | Inspirational | Spiritual | Spirituality | Religion | Mediums | Mediumship | Self-Improvement | Health | Self-Help
7/8/201659 minutes, 32 seconds
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Sustainable farming: Making Smart Food Choices (AKA Slow Food) – Missie April | Health | Nutrition | Environment | Self-Help

RADIO INTERVIEW ABOUT SUSTAINABLE FARMING Learn what sustainable farming is and the damage done by big factory farms. What are the hidden costs of factory farmers and prices you see at the grocery store?  What is the environmental impact of fertilizers and pesticides? How can you make more educated choices when you are at the grocery store?  What do labels such as cruelty free and free range really mean? MISSIE APRIL-  CO-OWNER OF LEARNING RUN GARDEN, A SUSTAINABLE FARM Missie Aprill owns and operates a small family farm in Cape May County, NJ. She and her husband also own an award-winning public flower garden and replica colonial farm, called Leaming’s Run Gardens. Located on a historic site, the gardens cover over 20 acres of native woodlands and are home to one of the oldest whaler’s homes in the state, built in 1706. The gardens have been open to the public since 1978, and are maintained completely by Missie and her husband, Gregg. Missie is past president of the South Jersey Shore chapter of Slow Food USA, and is an organic farmer and an open-hearth cook. Missie April shares about slow food &sustainable farming & how your food decisions can help the planet.  Slow food is food that’s good for the people who grow it, good for the people who eat it & good for the planet | Environment | Health | Self-Help For More Info Visit: www.FireItUpWithCJ.com
7/8/201650 minutes, 48 seconds
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SOUL CONNECTION: LIVING YOUR SPIRITUAL VALUES - MICHELLE VICKERS | INSPIRATION | SELF-IMPROVEMENT | SPIRITUALITY | SELF-HELP

Are you feeling dazed and confused and in need of good advice?  Do you want people to “get you” at a soul level?  Join us as we talk about “What is a soul?” and more as our guest, Michelle Vickers, offers practical advice and shows us how you can bring back power and control in your life. Show Highlights:  Part 1: Who and where should you go for life advice?  What is the soul? Why is talking to your soul the best resource? What are your natural abilities that you came to express in your life according to your soul’s wisdom?  Listen to Part 1 Part 2:  Do you get yourself at a soul level? Michelle offers a real-life experience with what it feels like to connect to your own soul. What does your soul feel like? How can you make a soul connection with others?  Listen to Part 2 Part 3: How can you connect to love, illumination, purity, truth, respect,etc. during your everyday experiences?  Let’s say you are about to go to a business meeting.  How would you tune into truth, movement, etc. during that meeting to be integrity with these higher values?  Listen to Part 3 Part 4: What does it mean to tune into your heart and soul?  How you could have 2000 soul mates? Listen to Part 4 About our Guest:  Michelle’s gifts offer you the opportunity to experience feeling the fullness of your Soul energy; free from any of your personal challenges or illusions. Michelle connects you directly to your Soul and then holds the “space” so you are able to nurture and develop your relationship on a physical level. Cultivating this relationship with your Soul brings you a deeper clarity and awareness of the powerful gifts and talents you have within you.Michelle has spent lifetimes cultivating a greater understanding of the Universe, how it works and why we are here. It is through her past experiences and dedication to personal change that allows her to offer others ancient knowledge on a Universal level explaining who we are and why we are here.Resources:  Michelle’s website: www.michellevickers.com Booking either private Soul Connections or 3 day Soul Awakening Intensives: www.michellevickers.com Michelle Vickers, offers practical ‘soul level’ advice and shows us how you can bring back power & control in your life. Inspiration | Inspirational | Motivation | Motivational | Self-Improvement | Spiritual | Spirituality | Health | Self-Help | Love For More Info Visit: www.FireItUpWithCJ.Com
7/7/201658 minutes, 21 seconds
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SELF-HYPNOSIS AND SUBLIMINAL TECHNOLOGY - ELDON TAYLOR | Hypnotherapy | Self-Improvement | Motivation | Health | Self-Help

Eldon Taylor offers insight and advice for self-hypnosis and for creating your own subliminal program.    Show Highlights:  Segment 1:Introduction to Hypnosis: What is hypnosis?  How does it work? You’ll be shocked when you learn what % of our decisions are made by our unconscious.  Listen to Segment 1 Segment 2:The Power of Hypnosis: What are the root causes of our fear?  What are all the potential uses of hypnosis? Hear how Eldon Taylor used forensic hypnosis as a criminologist to reveal hidden facts in a criminal case. Listen to Segment 2 Segment 3:Subliminal Messages: What are subliminal messages? How are they different than affirmations? Listen to Segment 3 Segment 4:Creating your own empowering subliminal tape :  Get a high level step-by-step instruction of what you need to do to create your own empowering sound track. Listen to Segment 4 About our Guest:  Eldon Taylor, Ph.D., is a world renowned author, dynamic speaker, former criminalist and one of the world’s foremost experts on preconscious information processing, who’s prestigious career over the past twenty-five years, has taken him to packed lecture halls throughout the U.S., U.K., Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico and Malaysia. His unique, charismatic and energetic style captivates his audiences, compelling them to take control of their life with a style and approach that is unique and empowering. He is the author of five books regarding the subject of subliminal communication and the inventor of the proven and patented technology InnerTalk®. Eldon is also the author of more than three hundred InnerTalk® personal empowerment audio and video programs and his work has been published in the likes of Newsweek and Annals of Psychotherapy. In his latest International best-selling book, Choices and Illusions, Eldon shares his life story, integrated with his work and research, that reveals how and why we get locked into self-imposed limitations and false self-images – negative “self-talk” — and demonstrates how we can retrain our mind with positive “self-talk.” Moreover, he qualifies us to make an immediate life change just by revealing how we can look at things differently and therefore affect our entire existence. Indeed, he makes the process of change so simple and clear that his readers and listeners alike walk away with the feeling of great hope and self-realization. Eldon believes that self-empowerment is a journey, not a rags-to-riches scheme. In fact, his business operates on a business model different from most. He offers many free products and website content designed just to help others. He shares his genuine and candid belief that the spiritual content of his programs and in his work are essential to the success of what he does and who he is, holding steadfast that this is what contributes to everyone’s happiness, health, and longevity—his research and data conclusively supporting these beliefs. Eldon has earned doctorates in clinical and pastoral psychology. He is an ordained interdenominational minister and a Fellow in the American Psychotherapy Association. Listed in more than a dozen Who’s Who publications, he was awarded the 2005 International Peace Prize by the United Cultural Convention for his “outstanding personal achievements to the good of society as a whole.” Eldon Taylor offers insight and advice for self-hypnosis and for creating your own subliminal program. | Spiritual | Spirituality | Self-Improvement | Meditation | Self Hypnosis | Inspirational | Motivational | Healing | Self-Talk | Self-Help
7/6/201658 minutes, 20 seconds
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Attention Deficit Disorder – ADHD / ADD – A Sound & Loving Approach – Dr. Edward Hallowell | As Seen on Oprah | Self-Help

It’s often a combination of feeling both scared and relived when you discover that your child or you have a learning disability.  While some see these conditions as disabiling or use it as an excuse not to live up to their full potential, Dr. Hallowell, an ADHD expert and child and adult psychiatrist, approaches the challenge in an entirely new way.  Dr. Hallowell offers a powerful approach towards learning disabilities that is positive, pragmatic and loving.  Learn the gifts of this condition and how to defend your child from teachers or work associates who could still benefit from learning the best way to create a supportive environment.  Plus, hear Dr. Hallowell’s first hand experience of how he used his gifts of ADD and dyslexia at Harvard University,  Tulane Medical School, and as a Harvard Medical Staff faculty. About our guest: Edward Hallowell, M.D., renowned ADHD expert and child and adult psychiatrist, is a graduate of Harvard University and Tulane Medical School and the director of The Hallowell Centers in Sudbury, MA and New   York City.   He was a member of Harvard  Medical School faculty until retiring from academics in 2003 to devote his attention to his practice, lectures, and writing.  He has authored eighteen books on various topics including ADHD, happiness, marriage and other psychological and social topics. He is a highly recognized speaker world-wide and has appeared on Oprah, CNN, The Today Show and many other popular shows. Show highlights: Part 1: How to manage your response and your child’s reaction to a recent diagnosis of ADD? Part 2: What may be your child’s experience at school and how can do damage control? Part 3: How can you support your child to be confident, happy, and embrace their unique brain? Part 4: How would you know if you had ADD? Show highlights: Dr. Hallowell’s website: http://www.drhallowell.com/ Driven to Distraction- Dr. Hallowell’s book:http://www.amazon.com/Driven-Distraction-Recognizing-Attention-Childhood/dp/0684801280 Dr. Edward Hallowell, As Seen on Oprah, Offers Help & Guidance For Childrend Diagnosed with ADHD & Their Parents | Inspirational | Motivational | Health | Happiness | Attention Deficit Disorder | Learning Disabilities | Self-Improvement | Self-Help
7/5/201655 minutes, 58 seconds
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Sports Parent: Life Lessons Learned in Sports (Compassion & Confidence) Bruce Brown | Inspiration | Parenting | Self-Help

What does healthy parent involvement in sports look like? What is non helpful involvement for a sports parent? What are the valuable life lessons your kids get on the field? Hear what author and speaker Coach Brown says about sports and how it can develop your child’s character. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: Why do 70% of kids age 13-14 lose their natural love of playing an organized sport? What do kids want your involvement in sports to be? Everyone wants their kids to compete effectively in the world, but sports can help your child build character too? Hear key character building lessons that sports can offer your child. Is your kid confident on the field? If not, why not? Bruce will help you find out what you can do to help your child be confident on and off the field. What do your kids want you to do before, during, and after the game?  Is the post-play analysis after the game helpful or hurtful? RESOURCES: Check out the following websites and podcasts to get you on your path URL:http://www.proactivecoaching.info/proactive/ ABOUT OUR GUEST: http://fireitupwithcj.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Bruce_Brown-B.jpg Bruce Brown is a man of many talents, a multi-dimensional man in an often single dimensional world. Brown has been a Teacher, Coach, and Athletic Administrator with 35 years experience working with youth from junior high through the college level. He is the Director of Proactive Coaching, an organization which conducts workshops and furnishes materials designed to instruct coaches, parents, businesses, school districts and athletes in how they can be effective in building teams and promote character and competence. Brown has coached several sports including football and basketball and was employed by the NFL for 24 years. Brown currently travels the country giving presentations on character based coaching. He believes that developing character in our youth can help change the culture of our nation. It’s that belief that motivates this coach and educator to spend countless hours and thousands of miles on the road, speaking to athletes, parents groups, coaches and businesses. Sports, which can play a vital role in the development of our youth, is the foundation upon which Brown builds his presentation. As Brown puts it, “The culture of sport is out of perspective.” Every night on SportsCenter, we see $8-million athletes who say, “I don’t have to practice”. They have a sense of entitlement. The danger is in the trickle down effect of that attitude from the professional athlete to the 10-year-old kid. What they see affects how they react to a coach, teammate or official. Brown has produced six instructional character based coaching DVD’s and six basketball instructional DVD’s. He is the author of eight coaching books and 17 booklets. Some of his accomplishments are: * A Teacher, Coach, Athletic Administrator with 35 years experience working with youth * Director of Proactive Coaching * Coached several sports including football and basketball * Employed by the NFL for 24 years * Was the former special presenter for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics * Clinician, speaking to Athletes, Coaches, Parents, School Districts and Corporations Nationwide * NAIA National Co-Athletic Director of the Year – 2002
7/3/201656 minutes, 34 seconds
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How To Have a Hot Sex Life After 50! Dr. Pepper Schwartz! Inspirational | Romance | Relationships | Health | Self-Help

How do you keep love and affection alive? What does a healthy and renewed sex life look like when you are middle aged? Learn how you can keep sex a after 50 alive and thriving.  About our Guests: Dr. Pepper Schwartz is Professor of Sociology at the University of Washington in Seattle. She holds a B.A. and an M.A. from Washington University in St. Louis, where she was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow, and an M.A. and Ph.D in Sociology from Yale University. As the industry’s leading relationship expert, Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Ph.D, has created the Personality Profiler, similar to the Myers Briggs Type Indicator®, exclusively for the committed adults seeking long-term relationships on Perfectmatch.com. As the most effective and sophisticated leading-edge romantic matching tool on or off the internet, the Personality Profiler significantly helps Perfectmatch’s members to identify their significant other’s “Similarity Factors” and “Complimentary Factors,” which will ultimately lead them to finding their perfect match. Dr. Schwartz has received many awards, including the 2005 American Sociological Award for the Public Dissemination of Information, the Matrix Award for Achievement in Education and the International Women’s Forum Award in Career Achievement in Washington State. She is the author of 14 books, including many popular books such as: The Great Sex Weekend, The Lifetime Love and Sex Quiz Book, Everything You Know About Love and Sex is Wrong and Ten Talks Parents Must Have With Their Children About Sex and Character with Dominic Cappello, 201 Question to Ask Your Kids / 201 Questions to Ask Your Parents (Avon/Morrow). Dr. Schwartz wrote the monthly column “Sex and Health” for Glamour Magazine, with coauthor Dr. Janet Lever, for more than seven years, and “Talking About Sex” for 8 years for American Baby Magazine. She also wrote a weekly column called “Sex.Net with Dr. Pepper” for Microsoft Corporation’s One Click Away. Dr. Schwartz has contributed to many magazines, journals and newspapers including the New York Times “Parent and Child” column, Sexual Health, Psychology Today and Contexts. Dr. Schwartz was a regular member of the KIRO-TV (Seattle) news staff for twelve years and appears regularly on national TV news, documentaries and other programs. She is the author of more than 40 scholarly articles and has served as a consultant to many national organizations. Dr. Schwartz lectures nationally and internationally on relationship topics, women’s issues, parent and child issues, communication between men and women in intimate and work relationships, and maintaining personal and family well-being in today’s world. Show Highlights: Pepper Schwartz shares information on the life cycle of sex and how your sex life will change each decade. Do our kids still have myths, fear and ignorance about sex and relationships? What Pepper believes are the true causes of teen pregnancies? Show Highlights Check out the following websites and podcasts to get you on your path: http://www.drpepperschwartz.com Resources: Check out the following websites and podcasts to get you on your path: Check out Pepper’s books.  http://www.drpepperschwartz.com Ambassador of Relationships: Dr. Schwartz on AARP: http://www.aarp.org/relationships/experts/pepper_schwartz.html Pepper’s advice column.  Lots of answers to common issues: http://www.aarp.org/relationships/love-sex/info-03-2010/naked-truth-q-and-a.html Dr. Pepper Schwartz shares how you keep love and affection alive, what does a healthy and renewed sex life look like when you are middle aged, and how you can keep sex a after 50 alive and thriving! Inspirational | Motivational | Health | Self-Help
6/27/201654 minutes, 58 seconds
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How to Find a Date – Dating Expert Neil Ward Shares How! Inspirational | Self-Improvement | Relationships | Self-Help

Did you ever wonder how some people can get a date anywhere, even at the supermarket? Neil Ward will share with you how a 5’4″ man with an average build and average looks managed to talk to 15,000 women in 5 years. All for the sake of research of course:) How can you read someones body language and know that there not into you before asking them out? How does the law of attraction play in dating? Tune in to hear all the juicy secrets on how to find a date. EXPERT ADVICE ON HOW TO FIND A DATE Did you ever wonder how some people can get dates while standing in line at the supermarket? You won’t believe the ease in which Neal uses his pick-up artists skills to get s a date after a yoga class. How do approach the beauty who has a hands off approach? Neal shares his story on how you can read body language, and how you too can approach the hot girl or guy in the bar and get away with it. How do you play the field effectively? New social media can be a god send when trying to keep in contact with your upcoming date. How does the law of attraction apply to dating? Focus your mind, body, and spirit on finding your love match and see what Neal says will happen. NEIL WARD- UK’S BEST DATING COACH   Neil Ward, widely regarded as the UKs best dating coach, became an unusually versatile dating coach after exploding onto the UK and later world scene back in 2009; he boasts a 100% client success rate with outstanding life changing testimonials from around the world. After finding out at the age of 18 that his childhood girlfriend was with another man on Valentine’s Day and that they had decided to pursue a relationship, Neil moped around for a whole year feeling worthless and sorry for himself. It was only 1 year later that the transformation to dating expert started when he finally broke out of his ‘feeling sorry for himself stage’ and decided to take serious action. At 19, Neil went on an adventure like no other; he set himself targets and goals each month, reading literally hundreds of books on dating, psychology, NLP, hypnosis and personal development. He attended countless seminars around the world, studied under world class Pick Up Artists and dating experts, took life coaching, hypnotherapy, hypnosis, a personal trainer, dietician, image consultant, voice coach, posture consultant, health consultant, acting and improvised comedy classes, you name it, he did it! His action and drive was pursued on such an enormous scale that for some, it would take half a lifetime to replicate what he achieved in just 5 years. Neil devoted a minimum of 6 hours of study and research per day, almost every day in his dream for dating mastery and success in his life. This did not come without its difficulties and problems; he found himself drifting away from his old life and friends and into a new world which became almost an obsession in the pursuit of women, personal development, and happiness. It was only through studying the law of attraction that he eventually learnt about balance and control and created the life he lives now in absolute happiness. Now aged 26, Neil has coached hundreds of 1-on-1 clients, both men and women across 13 Countries and 4 continents around the world. He has also helped to improve the lives of thousands of people through his dating advice email newsletter and social media groups. Born in the summer of 1984, into a very normal, middle class and hard working family in England; he received no further education after school, finishing with average grades. His teachers told him in his final school report that if only he applied 1% of his brain to something of value, as opposed to being the class clown and chasing the girls, he could change the world! Neil started his business: Top Dating Coach, in September of 2009 after a string of requests to offer coaching for people and to write articles for various media sources. Trained as a Coach and NLP practitioner, Neil controversially avoids the usual line of coaching and has adopted his own unique methods of teaching based on his own journey and experience. Unlike some coaches, Neil is not a 6’2”, handsome, muscle bound flash kind of guy driving around in a sports car. He is 5’4” with an average build and average looks. This only enforces his training further to prove that if a short average looking guy can achieve dating success, then anyone can do it. Neil devoted over 5 years and thousands of hours of his time to achieving mastery in dating and social interactions. He approached and spoke face to face with over 15,000 women in London alone over the 5 year period, which doesn’t include the thousands of women with whom he communicated with over various online dating and social media sites. Nor does this include the women with whom he approached and spoke to in other Countries around the world during his research stage to test the consistency of his method. Neil travelled to over 15 diverse Countries to research his ideas and test the results to determine a system that could work for anyone, anywhere regardless of culture, race, religion or sexuality. His specialist skills cover the following areas: Face to Face Dating, Online Dating, Speed Dating, Social Interactions, Confidence Building and finally and most importantly: creating an amazing and fulfilled lifestyle that people are naturally drawn towards being a part of. You can read what people have said about Neil by reading his testimonials. How can you read someone’s body language and know that there not into you before asking them out? How does the law of attraction play in dating? Tune in to hear all the juicy secrets on how to find a date. | Relationships | Self-Improvement | Self-Help
6/26/201653 minutes, 16 seconds
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Finding your TRUE love online with Whitney Casey, Relationship Insider to Match.com | Relationships | Romance | Self-Help

Looking for true love in all the wrong places? Online dating is one of the fastest and easiest ways to screen for your match. Get tips on creating just the right online profile, picture, and your first ice-breaker email. Whitney Casey,an Emmy Award-winning journalist, former CNN Correspondent/Anchor, Newspaper Columnist, Author and Relationship Insider for Match.com gives you the inside scoop to online dating. ONLINE DATING TIPS FROM RELATIONSHIP INSIDER FOR MATCH.COM What 3 prong approach does Whitney recommend to get back into dating? Whitney offers pragmatic advice and helps you get a realistic expectation in the numbers game you must play with online dating. Do you have some issues with  putting yourself out there on an online dating site? How to develop a tough skin and get over any excuse you have for why you shouldn’t go online. How can you hit the jackpot with your online listing? Whitney offers some creative ideas on how to generate an interesting online conversation, what to do with your photos, and what types of simple daily updates you can do to increase your successful matches. How do you play the online dating game? Whitney gives her personal etiquette advice for online communications. Also check out: online dating tips http://fireitupwithcj.com/2013/05/01/dating-fake-it-before-we-make-it/and finding your ideal partner: http://fireitupwithcj.com/2012/06/14/feb-2-tyler-young/ WHITNEY CASEY- AUTHOR AND RELATIONSHIP INSIDER FOR MATCH.COM Whitney Casey: Having trouble picking that perfect profile picture? Don’t know what to say in that first ice-breaker email? Well, when it comes to all things dating and mating, Whitney’s got answers. InStyle Magazine calls her, “Instant Style,” and when it comes to advice the New York Daily News says, “She’s on to something!” Whitney’s background as an Emmy Award-winning journalist, former CNN Correspondent/Anchor, Newspaper Columnist, Author and Relationship Insider for Match.com has given her access to the world’s leading experts in all arenas of single life. Additionally, she has interviewed hundreds of single men and women across the country (not including the ones she actually dated!) Her book, The Man Plan (Penguin-Perigee), gives singles the inside scoop from first date fashions to great conversation starters. Although she is now blissfully married; Whitney has been dating for nearly two decades since attending the University of Virginia where she was a legitimate ‘playah’…errr…volleyball player and Academic All-American. Whitney Casey, insider for match.com shares tips for online dating, creating just the right online profile, picture, and your first ice-breaker email. Inspirational | Motivational | Relationships | Romance | Happiness | Self-Improvement | Self-Help
6/25/201653 minutes, 4 seconds
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Clear Your Clutter, Free Your Mind - Robin Stephens | Self-Improvement | Spirituality | Home | Organization | Self-Help

Do you think that changes from your home environment can help you change on the inside?  What does the clutter around you say about your mind’s state?  Robin Stephens, Chief Energy Officer, Shares how to change your home environment to change you on the inside. Learn what the clutter around you says about your mind’s state and how to change it! Self-Improvement | Self-Help | Spiritual | Spirituality Do you think that changes from your home environment can help you change on the inside?  What does the clutter around you say about your mind’s state?  Call us or leave us a message with your most vexing organizational issues and clutter problems.  Start 2011 with a sense of clarity, direction, and purpose. About our Guest: Robin Stephens is the CEO (Chief Energy Officer) of YourLifeinOrder.com, Life Design Systems for Soul-Inspired Women.  She is a wellness coach and professional organizer and combines the best of both to help today’s woman – YOU –  identify and create a sustainable, energy-rich, on-fire life and business of your dreams – one step at a time.  Show Highlights: Do you really need to clean your clutter or will your life be fine without doing anything? Check out Robin’s POV that shifted my perspective on clutter, will it shift yours?  What are your core values and how the heck does it relate to your clutter? Is your home enhancing, supporting and motivating you? If not, why not? Learn practical ways of getting motivated to get organized and hear Robin’s step-by-step advice on how to start organizing your home.  Get to the “why, that makes you cry” and motivates you into action.  How much time should you schedule for a big clutter buster session? What are simple and easy ways to get started? Are emotional reasons the real reason you haven’t let go of stuff you don’t need? Hear some practical tips on how to move your clutter out of your living space and still have it available when you need it. Also check out more Clutter Busting tips:  http://fireitupwithcj.com/2012/05/31/may-31st-clutter-busting-your-life/ Resources: Check out the following websites and podcasts to get you on your path: Read Robinstop 25 tips for getting organized– http://yourlifeinorder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Domestic_Diva_25_Tips_to_a_Soul_Nurturing_Home.pdf Get started onorganizing your desktop: http://yourlifeinorder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Organize_Your_Workspace.pdf, http://yourlifeinorder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Setting_Up_Your_Home_Office.pdf Check out section 5 withhow to get your kitchen organized: Step-by-step advice on getting your kitchen in order- http://yourlifeinorder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Life_by_Design_Do_It_YourSelf_Care_Toolbox.pdf. A new way to think of  To-do lists– I learned a whole new way of organizing my to-do’s list-  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lifebydesignforsoul-inspiredwomen/2010/11/10/release-your-inner-fitchick Great radio podcast with lots of tips: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lifebydesignforsoul-inspiredwomen/2010/11/17/release-your-inner-fitchick Robin Stephens, Chief Energy Officer, Shares how to change your home environment to change you on the inside. Learn what the clutter around you says about your mind’s state and how to change it! Self-Improvement | Self-Help | Spiritual | Spirituality
6/23/201656 minutes, 45 seconds
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Transformation with Taoism – Derek Lin | Inspirational | Spiritual | Spirituality | Meditation | Religion | Self-Help

Learn how Taoist philosophies can bring success. This best selling and award-winning author will share beautiful and captivating stories that make the Tao accessible to beginners, while still being powerful to practitioners. Spark your creativity, channel your negative energy into motivation, create tranquility, and reveal your True Self. About our Guest: Derek Lin is an award-winning, bestselling author in the Tao genre. With native fluency in both Chinese and English, he offers Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, an original translation that sets a new standard for accuracy and captures the lyrical beauty of the original. His The Tao of Daily Life, a breakout Eastern wisdom bestseller, integrates Taoist stories with dharmic lessons for life in the modern world. His The Tao of Success reveals the secrets of the ancients to transform the self in order to live life to the utmost.  Lin serves as the Director of Tao Studies at the Great Tao Foundation of America in El Monte, California, where he is an active speaker and educator on the Tao Te Ching as well as Tao spirituality in general. Lin applies the Tao to his work everywhere, from the financial industry to cutting-edge technology. Working in such diverse fields has given Lin an outlook that integrates the wisdom of the ancients with the practical experience of reality today—a powerful, synergistic way of life he is sharing with his readers.. Show Highlights: Want to have a life with more joy, lasting happiness, and peace of mind? How can you push for results and success in your work life and have mental clarity and purity?  Check out how Derek discovered Taoism after 15 years of searching.  Learn how these ancient teachings help him live a deeply spiritual life even while amidst chaos as a manager in the fast paced world of technology. Does  letting go of attachment mean you should be apathetic?Listen to how Westerners often misinterpret the intention of this  idea of letting go and how to create the best balance in your life. How do you live a real life, make money, and still find time to meditation?Derek offers his advice on how to fit it all in.  Derek Lin shares how Taoist philosophies can bring success. Spark your creativity, channel your negative energy into motivation, create tranquility & reveal your True Self. Inspirational | Happiness | Spiritual | Spirituality | Meditation | Self-Help
6/22/201656 minutes, 16 seconds
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Peaceful Holiday: Create Connection and Peace During the Holidays – Ragini Michaels | Inspiration | Spirituality | Self-Help

Feeling a bit overwhelmed about the big push before and after Thanksgiving? How can you stay calm  during all the planning and preparations? How can stay true to the real meaning of Thanksgiving- giving thanks to your family, friends and good fortune? Is being with family a blessing and challenge?  Learn how to negotiate various agendas at play during the holidays.  INTERVIEW: HOW TO CREATE A PEACEFUL HOLIDAY WITH FAMILY? There are many valuable insights that Ragini offers in this show.  A caller asked what to do when you run into a relative that you know hates you and you can never converse with.Listen to hear Raginis advice. With each holiday I experience the insight that Ragini shares in this show.   There are a lot of things happening during holidays.  There are various traditions and a tug of war on which tradition is right.  Each holiday is full of family dynamics and in some cases dysfunction. There are usually unresolved family dynamics and relationships that occur when you were 16 and still exist as a 40 yo.  If no one has done their personal work to resolve these issues, these dynamics continue to be there. Didn’t realize that the holidays were so rich with conflict?  This show will give you a sense of why your holidays are so peaceful, or why you want to leave a day earlier. RAGINI MICHAELS- BEHAVIOR CHANGE, AUTHOR, NLP EXPERT Ragini is the founder of Facticity® Trainings, Inc., a training and consulting company established in 1988 offering certification trainings inParadox Management, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Ericksonian Hypnosis. Her original work on the Psychology of Paradox has received critical acclaim and taken her throughout America, Canada, Europe, and India presenting workshops and seminars. She is the creator of eight hypnosis/meditation CD’s, and the author of two books on paradox with her third, Unflappable – 6-Steps To Staying Happy, Centered, and Peaceful No Matter What, available May 2012 (Conari Press). Ragini is a true expert on human communication styles and practical spirituality.  Her approach relies on the practical application of her behavioral change skills and personal wisdom from 35 years of exploring meditation and stress release as it relates to living in a paradoxical world. These elements create a unique perspective and style that supports people’s desire to blend the wisdom of their spiritual lives into the fabric of their material lives to produce results, a sense of purpose, and more joy and inspiration from daily living. Is being with family a blessing or a challenge?  This show will give you a sense of why your holidays are so peaceful, or why you want to leave a day earlier. Ragini Michaels | Inspirational | Motivational | Spiritual | Joy | Spirituality | Self-Help
6/20/201653 minutes, 42 seconds
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Presence, the Antidote to Suffering | Dr Richard Moss | Alternative Healing | Inspirational | Spiritual | Health | Self-Help

Have you tried every pain medication and still in pain?  Richard Moss, a former Emergency room doctor, shares the process he’s developed over the last 37 years that have helped many of those suffering from pain.  His simple and profound program may surprise you.  It’s natural, free, and you don’t have to travel anywhere to get it. SHOW SUMMARY Segment 1:Being Present- Why bother?  What does it mean to be present and why it’s different than just being focused on one thing? Segment 2:Presence – Better than Aspirin – Richard Moss used to run marathons, back pack, and more.  Now, his back pain has left him in a wheel chair.  He explains why this is the happiest time in his life.  What is the number one area in life that causes the most pain and suffering? Segment 3:A check-up for your mind– Where does your mind go when it’s not in the NOW?   How can you train it to move to the present? Segment 4:How can your wife penetrate you?  How can you go beyond the words spoken in a relationship to a much deeper place of truly relating to someone? YOUTUBE OF OUR GUEST ABOUT OUR GUEST http://fireitupwithcj.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/richardmoss.jpg Richard Moss is an internationally respected leader in the field of inner transformation, subtle body-mind dynamics, and living a path of conscious relationships. In 1977 Richard was a practicing medical doctor when he experienced a spontaneous spiritual illumination that awakened him to the multi-dimensional nature of human consciousness. This realization profoundly transformed his understanding of the roots of emotional suffering, and inspired him to explore the almost limitless human potential for growth and healing. Impelled by this opening, he released the practice of medicine to devote his life to mentoring individuals and couples whose lives have brought them to the point where they hunger to explore the mystery of their being. Whether called to his work by their soul’s yearning to awaken and grow, or impelled by a health, career, or relationship crisis, his comprehensive and evolutionary approach to healing and forging loving relationships has transformed the lives of tens of thousands of people. He is particularly renowned for the innovative, experiential nature of his workshops and longer retreats that offer individuals direct experience of life-changing states of consciousness and provide them with very effective models and practices for on-going personal growth. He guides seminars and retreats in North and South America, Europe, and Australia, and is available for private mentoring for individuals at his home in Colorado. He has published 7 seminal books on his visionary approach to human evolution which have been translated into 6 languages. Richard Moss, a former Emergency room doctor, shares the process he’s developed over the last 37 years that have helped many of those suffering from pain. Health | Healing | Spiritual | Spirituality | Inspirational | Alternative | Inspiring | Self-Help
6/19/201648 minutes, 37 seconds
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How to Regain a Positive Outlook & Move Forward in Life! Ragini Michaels | Faith & Courage | Spirituality | Self-Help

Do you have Faith and courage in yourself and others? Explore the true meaning of faith at a spiritual and psychological level.  How do you regain your faith in yourself and others? How do you overcome the fear of the unknown? Learn how to bring Faith and courage back into your life. Show Highlights:  Understanding Faith and Courage:  What is the difference between our beliefs and our faith?  How we sometimes mistake beliefs as faith?  How do we limit our true potential to live in faith through this limited understanding? Cultivating Faith and Courage: Our fear of the unknown and insecurity about our self-worth keep us from fully experiencing the upsides of faith and courage.  Learn how we can be at peace with being in doubt and cowardice and use these signals to move toward courage and faith.  How can we escape the downsides of blind faith? Regaining your Faith and Courage in Relationships:  How would you approach having a healthy relationship after your spouse or boyfriend cheated on you? Learn how our hurtful experiences result in drawing generalizations about the opposite sex, dating, marriage, etc.  We’ll discuss a framework for examining your beliefs and how you can regain faith in others when you feel a sense of betrayal. Regaining your Faith and Courage after a layoff:  It’s common to feel pretty awful after you have been laid off or fired.  Learn how to regain your faith and courage and find another job even after a painful experience with your past job. About our Guest: Ragini Michaels is the founder of Facticity® Trainings, Inc., a training and consulting company established in 1988 offering certification trainings in Paradox Management, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Ericksonian Hypnosis. Her original work on the Psychology of Paradox has received critical acclaim and taken her throughout America, Canada, Europe, and India presenting workshops and seminars. She is the creator of eight hypnosis/meditation CD’s, and the author of two books on paradox with her third,Unflappable – 6-Steps To Staying Happy, Centered, and Peaceful No Matter What, available May 2012 (Conari Press). Her approach relies on the practical application of her behavioral change skills and personal wisdom from 35 years of exploring meditation and stress release as it relates to living in a paradoxical world. These elements create a unique perspective and style that supports people’s desire to blend the wisdom of their spiritual lives into the fabric of their material lives to produce results, a sense of purpose, and more joy and inspiration from daily living. Ragini Michaels shares how to bring faith & courage into your life. Explore the true meaning of faith at a spiritual & psychological level. Spirituality | Inspiration | Intuition | Relationships | Hypnosis | Neuro-Linguistic Programming | Self-Help
6/18/201658 minutes, 36 seconds
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How to Start Dating Again? Katherin Scott| Coach Cupid | Inspiration | Relationships | Romance | Self-Improvement | Self-Help

Do you want some tips on how to start dating again? Learn how to conquer your worst dating fears. Are you expectations of dating realistic? Get an update from Dating Coach, Katherin Scott, on what’s new on the dating scene and how to make dating easy, fast, and painless. KATHERIN SCOTT- AUTHOR AND INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED DATING EXPERT Katherin Scott is an internationally recognized authority on dating and attracting love. The author of “ABC’s of Dating: Simple Strategies for Dating Success” and “Date2Mate Secrets: Discover Secrets Most Singles Will Never Know About Dating & Attracting Love”, Katherin is affectionately named “Coach Cupid” by the media and many of her now happily married clients. The Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Match.com, The Discovery Channel and Precious Magazine of Japan are among the prestigious media outlets that routinely seek out the sassy, studied and provocative commentary of America’s Premier Date2MateTM Coach. Katherin coaches singles in their 40’s and beyond who believe their cup in life is half-empty without love and guides them to feel full to overflowing with love from perfect partners. She travels the tropical beaches of the world to attend weddings of grateful clients. Their happily-ever-after stories are proof positive of the impact Katherin’s time-tested systems and approaches deliver for those who are ready for love now. ADVICE: HOW TO START DATING AGAIN? How many dates do you need to go on before landing your dream mate?Katherin shares with you the shocking details to shake you out of your state of denial and into action. Is there a way to pre-qualify your date before investing your time on countless dates?It’s as simple as 5 questions.  Katherin Scott offers her secrets on how to know within the first 5 minutes if your date is a good long-term prospect. What are the key 3 things that men want in a women? What are the 3 key things that women need from men?Learn how our caveman instincts are still at play today in finding your perfect mate. Are you looking for simple ways to get psyched up for dating?Throw all you inhibitions away, Katherin Scott let’s you in on her top tips for embracing your inner vixen or viking. Katherin Scott shares tips to start dating again. Learn how to conquer your worst dating fears & get an update on what’s new on the dating scene & how to make dating easy, fast & painless. Self-Improvement | Inspirational | Relationships | Self-Help  
6/17/201654 minutes, 4 seconds
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The Secret Life of Teenagers! Lauren Kessler | My Teenage Werewolf | Parenting | Teens | Spirituality | A Mother | Self-Help

Imagine if you could take 18 months of your life and follow your seventh and eighth grader to the mall, summer camp, and in school and get a first-hand experience of the life of a 21st-century teen.   Join award-winning author Lauren Kessler  and unravel the mysteries of being a teenager today.   Lauren’s recent book  My Teenage out now in paperback, My Teenage Werewolf  http://www.myteenagewerewolf.com/book/shares her story with the eye of a reporter, the curiosity of an anthropologist and the open—sometimes wounded—heart of a mother.    SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: Why would a mom spend 18 mos following her daughter around every class at school? Learn about her anthropological study. Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll- What did Lauren learn about what are kids know, don’t know, and are doing? Connecting with your Teen- Laura offers her advice on simple ways to to connect with your teens? A sneak preview of Counterclockwise Laura’s new research project investigating how much control we have with aging? About our Guest:  Lauren Kessler is the author of six works of narrative nonfiction, including her newest (summer 2010), My Teenage Werewolf: A Mother, A Daughter, A Journey Through the Thicket of Adolescence. She is also the author of Pacific Northwest Book Award winner Dancing with Rose (published in paperback as Finding Life in the Land of Alzheimer’s), Washington Post bestseller Clever Girl and Los Angeles Times bestsellerThe Happy Bottom Riding Club – which David Letterman, in fierce competition with Oprah, chose as the first (and only) book for the Dave Letterman Book Club. Kessler appeared twice on his late-night show. She is also the author of Oregon Book Award winner Stubborn Twig, which was chosen as the book for all Oregon to read in honor of the state’s 2009 sesquicentennial. Her journalism has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Los Angeles Times Magazine, O magazine, Utne Reader, The Nation, newsweek.com and salon.com. She is a national speaker and workshop leader. The founder and editor of Etude, the online magazine of narrative nonfiction, she directs the graduate program in literary nonfiction at the University of Oregon. She lives in Eugene, Oregon, with her writer husband, Tom Hager, her three brilliant and faultless children and a cat that thinks it’s a dog.  Resources: Lauren’s Website:http://laurenkessler.com/ Lauren’s Blog:http://www.myteenagewerewolf.com/ Books Lauren mentions in her book I’m Not Mad, I Just Hate You: http://www.amazon.com/Not-Just-Hate-Understanding-Mother-Daughter/dp/0140286004/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316528495&sr=8-1, When We are in Public Pretend You Don’t Know Me:http://www.amazon.com/When-Were-Public-Pretend-Dont/dp/0446679518/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316528551&sr=1-1 You’re Wearing That? :http://www.amazon.com/Youre-Wearing-That-Understanding-Conversation/dp/1400062586 Robert Sylvester and Brain Research:http://www.newmorningschool.com/BrainCompatibleLearning.pdf
6/16/201654 minutes, 39 seconds
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The Case to Use Less Air Conditioning, Protecting the Environment | Stan Cox | Inspirational | Environmental | Self-Help

Staying cool and comfortable during the summer can be a challenge.  Explore all the ways to beat the heat waves this summer and keep both the planet and you happy and healthy.  Join CJ as she talks to Stan Cox about his book “Losing Out Cool” and get some tips on how to use less air conditioning, save money, and why it’s so important. Discover why Stan was named in The Atlantic magazine 2012 Reader’s Choice for being a Brave Thinker. SHOW SUMMARY Segment 1:  What are the environmental and societal costs of AC?  Segment 2:  How could using less AC result in losing weight? What are the health benefits of using less AC? How much heat can we tolerate without a huge impact to our comfort? Segment 3:  Save money on your monthly bill.  Simple habits to try at home that will lower your electric bill. Segment 4:  Some simple things you can do right now to save the planet and lower your gas bill. More Shows by Stan: http://fireitupwithcj.com/2013/06/05/65-earth-harmony-solutions-for-living-in-harmony-with-earths-limits/ BLOG POST BY OUR GUEST IN THE HEAT WAVE, THE CASE AGAINST AIR CONDITIONING (SOURCE: WASHINGTON POST- SUNDAY, JULY 11, 2010) By Stan Cox Washington didn’t grind to a sweaty halt last week under triple-digit temperatures. People didn’t even slow down. Instead, the three-day, 100-plus-degree, record-shattering heat wave prompted Washingtonians to crank up their favorite humidity-reducing, electricity-bill-busting, fluorocarbon-filled appliance: the air conditioner. This isn’t smart. In a country that’s among the world’s highest greenhouse-gas emitters, air conditioning is one of the worst power-guzzlers. The energy required to air-condition American homes and retail spaces has doubled since the early 1990s. Turning buildings into refrigerators burns fossil fuels, which emits greenhouse gases, which raises global temperatures, which creates a need for — you guessed it — more air-conditioning. A.C.’s obvious public-health benefits during severe heat waves do not justify its lavish use in everyday life for months on end. Less than half a century ago, America thrived with only the spottiest use of air conditioning. It could again. While central air will always be needed in facilities such as hospitals, archives and cooling centers for those who are vulnerable to heat, what would an otherwise A.C.-free Washington look like? At work In a world without air conditioning, a warmer, more flexible, more relaxed workplace helps make summer a time to slow down again. Three-digit temperatures prompt siestas. Code-orange days mean offices are closed. Shorter summer business hours and month-long closings — common in pre-air-conditioned America — return. Business suits are out, for both sexes. And with the right to open a window, office employees no longer have to carry sweaters or space heaters to work in the summer. After a long absence, ceiling fans, window fans and desk fans (and, for that matter, paperweights) take back the American office. Best of all, Washington’s biggest business — government — is transformed. In 1978, 50 years after air conditioning was installed in Congress, New York Times columnist Russell Baker noted that, pre-A.C., Congress was forced to adjourn to avoid Washington’s torturous summers, and “the nation enjoyed a respite from the promulgation of more laws, the depredations of lobbyists, the hatching of new schemes for Federal expansion and, of course, the cost of maintaining a government running at full blast.” Post-A.C., Congress again adjourns for the summer, giving “tea partiers” the smaller government they seek. During unseasonably warm spring and fall days, hearings are held under canopies on the Capitol lawn. What better way to foster open government and prompt politicians to focus on climate change? At home Homeowners from Ward 8 to the Palisades pry open double-hung windows that were painted shut decades ago. In the air-conditioned age, fear of crime was often cited by people reluctant to open their homes to night breezes. In Washington, as in most of the world’s warm cities, window grilles (not “bars,” please) are now standard. In renovation and new construction alike, high ceilings, better cross-ventilation, whole-house fans, screened porches, basements and white “cool roofs” to reflect solar rays become de rigueur. Home utility bills plummet. Families unplug as many heat-generating appliances as possible. Forget clothes dryers –post-A.C. neighborhoods are crisscrossed with clotheslines. The hot stove is abandoned for the grill, and dinner is eaten on the porch. Around town Saying goodbye to A.C. means saying hello to the world. With more people spending more time outdoors — particularly in the late afternoon and evening, when temperatures fall more quickly outside than they do inside — neighborhoods see a boom in spontaneous summertime socializing. Rather than cowering alone in chilly home-entertainment rooms, neighbors get to know one another. Because there are more people outside, streets in high-crime areas become safer. As a result of all this, a strange thing happens: Deaths from heat decline. Elderly people no longer die alone inside sweltering apartments, too afraid to venture outside for help and too isolated to be noticed. Instead, people look out for one another during heat waves, checking in on their most vulnerable neighbors. Children — and others — take to bikes and scooters, because of the cooling effect of air movement. Calls for more summer school and even year-round school cease. Our kids don’t need more time inside, everyone agrees; they need the shady playgrounds and water sprinklers that spring up in every neighborhood. “Green roofs” of grass, ivy and even food crops sprout on the flat tops of government and commercial buildings around the city, including the White House. These layers of soil and vegetation (on top of a crucially leak-proof surface) insulate interiors from the pounding sun, while water from the plants’ leaves provides evaporative cooling. More trees than ever appear in both private and public spaces. And the Mall is reborn as the National Grove.  ABOUT OUR GUEST Stan Cox is a senior research scientist at The Land Institute in Salina, Kansas, where he works with a team of scientists on breeding perennial grain crops for future, ecologically resilient food-production systems. He has a PhD in plant genetics from Iowa State University and served as a research geneticist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 1983 to 1996. He lived in India from 1980 to 1982 and from 1996 to 2000; in the later period, he worked with the Institute for Rural Health Studies in Hyderabad on a study of cervical cancer in rural areas. He has published approximately 80 scientific papers and book chapters. Cox’s columns have appeared in the Denver Post, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Chicago Sun-Times, the Baltimore Sun, the Hartford Courant, the Kansas City Star, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the San Jose Mercury-News, the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Providence Journal, and scores of smaller papers in 27 states. He has been writing investigative environmental pieces for AlterNet since January 2005 and writes frequently for CounterPunch and CommonDreams.org. He is on the editorial board of the Green journal Synthesis/Regeneration. He is the author of Sick Planet: Corporate Food and Medicine and contributed a chapter to Edible Estates: Attack on the Front Lawn.
6/15/201646 minutes, 32 seconds
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ENERGIZING THE WOMEN’S MOVEMENT (JEAN SHINODA BOLEN, MD)

A new era can began when a critical number of people change their perceptions and behavior.  Jean Shinoda Bolen and I will talk about the power of woman’s circles and how the sacred circle can bring strength and energy to feed activism and fuel change.  If you can’t make the live show this Wed then you can get the MP3 published a few days after by subscribing to the show or following the Fire it UP with CJ page on Facebook   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS The Goddess in Everywomen: What is the inner Goddess that you most resonate with? Jean Shinoda Bolen discusses how knowing your Goddess archetype can help keep you on your life path and open up personal growth areas. Energizing the Women movement: Is the women’s movement dead?  What are the successes we’ve had to-date? How could women circles energize the women’s movement?  About our Guest Jean Shinoda Bolen, M. D, is a psychiatrist, Jungian analyst, and an internationally known author and speaker. She is the author of The Tao of Psychology, Goddesses in Everywoman, Gods in Everyman, Ring of Power, Crossing to Avalon, Close to the Bone, The Millionth Circle, Goddesses in Older Women, Crones Don’t Whine, Urgent Message from Mother, and Like a Tree with over eighty foreign translations. She is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a former clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California at San Francisco, a past board member of the Ms. Foundation for Women and the International Transpersonal Association. She was a recipient of the Institute for Health and Healing’s “Pioneers in Art, Science, and the Soul of Healing Award”, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She was in two acclaimed documentaries, the Academy-Award winning anti-nuclear proliferation film Women—For America, For the World, and the Canadian Film Board’s Goddess Remembered. The Millionth Circle Initiative (www.millionthcircle.org) was inspired by her book and led to her involvement at the UN. She is the initiator and the leading advocate for a UN 5th World Conference on Women (www.5wcw.org), which was supported by the Secretary General and the President of the General Assembly on March 8, 2012.  Jean Shinoda Bolen & CJ Liu talk about the power of woman’s circles & how the sacred circle can bring strength & energy to feed activism & fuel change. Spiritual | Spirituality | Inspiration | Inspirational | Self-Improvement | Self-Help | Meditation  
6/14/201645 minutes, 15 seconds
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Color Psychology – What Color Is My Psyche? Dougall Fraser | Spirituality | Spiritual | Psychic | Self-Help | Improvement

How do women and men’s psyches differ? What is color psychology at a deeper level? Dougall Frasier, a Cosmic coach and Psychic, offers his unique perspective as a gifted clairvoyant.  Plus, we’ll discuss YOUR colors and what they mean.  Our exploration goes beyond the superficial of what look good on you, and we’ll figure out how colors effect you at the soul level. SHOW SUMMARY Link to Segment 1:  Psychology Research: A Psychic Perspective- How does a women and man’s psyche differ?  You will be amazed how much information is revealed through the energy field that surrounds each of us.  Find out what a clairvoyant sees when they look at your psyche and what it means.  Dougall Frasier offers his perspective on dark and light energy and a more neutral way of looking at one’s dark side. Link to Segment 2: Color Psychology: A Psychic Perspective- Each of us has a core soul color and each color has meaning.  How does knowing your color help in building your self-awareness of yourself and help you create more balance in your mind, body, and spirit? BLOG POST FROM OUR GUEST I’ve had writers block.  Or is it blogger’s block?  Whatever it is, I’ve been blocked. My mind can conjure up a dozen good reasons as to why I haven’t written a blog in almost six months.  Maybe it was reading some of the negative comments from the last blog that I wrote.  Perhaps it was the lawsuit against me based on a previous blog (don’t ask).  The truth is that once our minds get used to a specific identity, it can be difficult to change.  For a long time I was in a good creative flow, and comfortable with the identity of being a writer.  I would come up with ideas and the words would flow freely.  I created goals and achieved them, like getting published on the Huffington Post. Then life happens.  I took a family vacation, and figured that I would stop writing to “recharge.”  Time passed, and I noticed that new ideas were not popping into my head when I sat down to write.  Slowly, my perspective transitioned from that of an author to a person with writer’s block.  David would sweetly say, “How about we brainstorm ideas for a new blog today?” “You brainstorm ideas for a blog today,” I would sarcastically mumble like a 15 year old.  Admittedly this was the not the most mature response. I would lament with friends about having writer’s block, constantly saying things like, “I can’t think of anything.  I’m not inspired.  It feels like too much pressure.“  Without realizing it, I became comfortable with the identity of not writing.  I spend a majority of my day advising people on how to jumpstart their lives.  Whether it is career, love, or spiritual life, we are guaranteed to get stuck somewhere along the journey.  The goal is to remind yourself to jumpstart your “engine.”  Today, I swore to myself that I would blog.  I know that writing will help me forge a new writer’s identity, even if my first blogs don’t flow freely from my mind.  The dominant voice in my head will no longer be about the perceived block.  I will push through the resistance and connect with my creative voice, understanding that the wheels may be a bit rusty at first. Perhaps you have an area of your life that is blocked.  Here are some simple ideas to jumpstart key areas in our lives. Career: Unfortunately, many people can identify with being out of work.  I often counsel clients who are struggling to find employment.  Lawyers, teachers, real estate agents and so many others have been affected in this economy.  These are all qualified people who need to feel an identity of productiveness.  I was recently working with a coaching client who came to me after having been out of work for over two years.  She was in her mid 30’s and had been laid off from a six-figure salary job in finance.  “This week, I want you to call small companies in your town and offer to work a day there for free.”  “What? Why on earth would I do that?  Can’t you just give me an affirmation to help manifest a paying job?” My client was pretty aggravated by this suggestion.  Let me explain my process.  If you are out of work, or even if your business is slow, your subconscious mind gets comfortable with an identity of lack.  You start thinking of yourself as an unemployed person.  You process it with your friends, family and in this case your coach. “I am out of work” repeats itself in your head, and this stagnant energy becomes a self-fulfilling manifestation.  We have to shift that energy and get it moving.  There are so many ways to feel productive during your day.  Call your local soup kitchen and volunteer.  Offer your services to a small business or non-profit organization for a short time.  The goal here is to end the day thinking I worked today.  If someone asks what you did today, the response will change from a demoralizing “nothing” to “I worked.”  This will powerfully change the energy of your identity, and will help you to manifest work.  At every job interview, the interviewer asks what have you been up to for the past two years.  Your response will shift to a more positive place, because you will have been keeping busy and helping others at the same time.  I have used this technique with my unemployed clients and have received an overwhelmingly positive response. Romance: I recently had dinner at our friend Sharon’s house.  Sharon was giving us details on her new adventures in online dating.  She’s never had a significant relationship and was reluctant to “waste time” with the wrong guys.  We scanned some of the profiles of people who asked her out, and joked about some of the inappropriate guys who had emailed her.  I could feel her desire to find a good partner for herself, but she consistently turned down every date request for one reason or another.  When I asked why she did this, Sharon kept returning to the idea that she didn’t want to waste time with someone who didn’t have the potential to be her soul mate.  “You just need to go to a bar and make out with a cute guy,” I offered. She seemed a little thrown off by that advice, but allow me to explain what I mean.  Sharon was identifying as a single woman who was unlucky in love, and just couldn’t find a soul mate.  If you are in a dating slump, you need to let the Universe know that you are open to finding love.  I’m not encouraging you to go have a one night stand, or to do something that makes you feel unsafe.  But sometimes, to increase your dating energy you need to just jump in there.  Have a date with a nice person, and flirt to experience some chemistry.  Don’t expect him to be your instant soul mate, and don’t start planning your wedding after one nice evening together.  In fact, it is more likely that you will not find a perfect match right away.  The point here is to be open to love, so that you can attract it from the Universe.  And as far as wasting time, I prefer to look at every bad date as an opportunity to learn what you don’t want in a relationship.  After all, you will appreciate it that much more when you do meet the right person. If you are experiencing a romantic block, try going out on a minimum of three dates next week.  It can be through an online dating site, a blind date, or any other opportunity.  Remember, you are simply getting the energy moving by shifting to a more “dateable” identity. Fitness: I tend to go through phases of eating well and going to the gym every day.  If I feel good as a result of a specific exercise, it can become part of my routine.  I find a class that I like and a teacher who inspires me.  The alarm clock rings and my entire morning is laid out.  I finish my cup of coffee, drive to the gym and am greeted by my favorite teacher.  I feel better about myself the more that I go.  I’m stronger and I feel like I belong there.  But as most of us experience, life happens.  My gym changed their entire schedule of classes, and my favorite teacher isn’t available at the times that I like to go.  So I stop going for a few weeks, and once again begin to identify with being a couch potato.  It is the hardest thing in the world to start going again.  I was overweight as a teen, and can easily take on that identity if I am not careful. Eventually, I commit to exercising every day for at least 15 minutes.  I give myself permission to leave the gym after 15 minutes but I have to go.  Once you step foot in the gym, your subconscious mind identifies as an active person.  Even if you leave after a few minutes, you were there.  No one will know how long you have worked out that day.  Maybe the girl at the front desk notices, but who is she to judge? The most successful people in any area of life will come across a block or stagnant energy.  There is nothing wrong with taking a break or having some down time.  Our goal is to make sure that the down time doesn’t become a crutch that limits our ability to create and be in alignment with the law of attraction.  I invite you to scan your life right now and think about that goal list you have in your head.  Feel free to comment below with an area that you need to improve.  Seeing it in writing might be just the jumpstart that you need! ABOUT OUR GUEST   Everyone wants to know when they will find true love, if they should change careers, and how to follow their dreams. In short, everyone would like a peek into their future! Psychic and Cosmic Coach Dougall Fraser, who provides life coaching, is an expert in the business of futures. Whether you want to examine your past, present or beyond,Dougall Fraser has a special ability to tune into your life. His relatable voice, down to earth humor, and dead-on predictions got him named Best Psychic in Dallas at the age of 20. Thirteen years later he has garnered international recognition in countless media outlets.   Dougall knew at a very early age that he saw the world and others differently. He could easily perceive the issues, secrets and desires in people’s lives. This trait was not always welcomed by others (especially at a party). He gave his first reading at the age of 8 and was regularly counseling adults while still in grade school. By the time he was 14, Dougall began to better understand his abilities and how to best use them for the greater good. He has studied meditation, psychology and healing extensively to enhance his natural talent. Dougall has maintained a professional practice for more than fifteen years and is recognized as one of the country’s best psychics. His international clientele ranges from CEOs and celebrities, to people just like you who may need extra insight. With his own spiritual belief system, Dougall feels that we all have a blueprint for our lives. His main purpose is to help people assess and attain the life that they dream of. The self titled “Queer Guy with a Third Eye” Dougall maintains a refreshing and humorous approach to his new age practice. Dougall utilizes clairvoyance, intuition, empathy, color therapy, interior design, and practical advice to help people achieve their goals and dreams. Dougall has been featured on many national TV shows, including The Real Housewives of O.C., Dancing with the Stars, VH1’s Best Week Ever, The John Walsh Show and Good Day LA! He has also been recognized as one of the country’s top clairvoyants/psychics by Spin magazine and The New York Post. He is the author of the bestselling book, But You Knew That Already: What a Psychic Can Teach You About Life. He currently lives and works inLos Angeles with his husband.
6/13/201627 minutes, 16 seconds
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Core Competencies of Women | Business & Career Skills | Motivational | Inspirational | Self-Improvement | Health | Self-Help

What are the core competencies that women offer in the workplace?  How can women use this information to better market their skills during promotions and finding a job?  Bonita Banducci, a Gender Expert who teaches at Santa Clara University, helps companies find ways to retain women and bring more innovation and competitive advantage to their companies.   SHOW SUMMARY Link to Segment 1: Most companies lean toward evaluating their workforce based on male-oriented competencies.  What are female-oriented competencies that companies should consider if they want to tap the full potential of their women employees?  Find out about a whole category of thinking and skills that women bring that can be used to generate innovation and better solutions to problems. Link to Segment 2: There are core competencies that have a female and male expression.  For example, a women will demonstrate being a team player in a different way than a man.  Often a women’s way is misinterpreted.  What are other competencies that women and men express differently?  How can women narrow the divide? How can men shift their perspective on these competencies? Blog Post by our Guest Rise!-as you Lean In! There is a confidence and freedom as well as joy that my women graduate engineering students discover in my Gender and Engineering class at Santa Clara University. The men, too, discover a new way of seeing the world and how to work effectively with differences with Gender Competence, as one student put it, “I feel like I have a strategic advantage.” There is one lesson about an everyday practice that drives women’s ideas and eventually drives women themselves out of organizations and out of engineering, that when understood and managed applying RISE, not only retains women, building confidence and freedom to contribute, but also increases innovation. RISE is a model and formula for having different “competencies” of women and men working together. Relational & Individualistic = Synergy (the whole greater than the sum of the parts) and mutual Empowerment. Many women see the world through a Relational lens of relationship and demonstrate competencies of “connecting the dots” systems thinking, multi-tasking, and sharing information to create new information. Many men see the world through an Individualistic lens of status and independence, that give us traditional competencies of prioritized, linear thinking, focus on one thing at a time, and sharing information only as needed. The everyday practice of playing Devil’s Advocate is the ability to poke holes and find faults using deductive reasoning to bullet proof an idea. As one Individualistic Executive of a local space agency said to me, “We do science here, Devil’s Advocate is science.” Relational people often respond to Devil’s Advocate as an indicator that their idea is not good—and often drop it, sometimes taking it personally that they are not competent. Then they show up to others as not confident and not competent. Point out that you bring another competency, Collaboration or Angel’s Advocate, to build on an idea with “what could make it work” and “what else is possible with the idea,” using inductive reasoning. You frame a competency that is otherwise invisible, unarticulated and unrewarded. You bring a new competency into the organizational culture. You can teach your Devil’s Advocates by insisting, “Before we play Devil’s Advocate, I want to play Angel’s Advocate and bring your best thinking to this.” It will be a new muscle for them. You may have to prime the pump for them, demonstrate what you mean. You can also engage them in teaching you how to stand up to Devil’s Advocate, when that time comes. You will never back down again. The first time I did an exercise to practice both Devil’s Advocate and Angel’s Advocate, two men who had been working on an environmental engineering problem together, came up with a solution they had not thought of before. This drove home, to me, just how foreign Angel’s Advocate collaboration can be. At the space agency, the executive who said “Devil’s Advocate is science,” responded to the exercise with a woman colleague with“we had so much fun with all the new ideas bubbling up, we didn’t even play Devil’s Advocate.” He could see that Devil’s Advocate had been keeping the lid on  innovation, people proposing new ideas, realizing they did not want to stand before a firing squad.  Indeed, the highest ranking woman, next in line to run the agency, told me she had a new vision for the agency she had only shared with some women because she did not want to stand before the firing squad. With anticipated budget cuts to space projects, she envisioned taking on Homeland Security, Global Warming and Renewable Energy—her secret—until she saw her male colleagues learn to play Angel’s Advocate and could “trust” them with her vision. Business schools are beginning to teach “improv,” responding to ideas with a “yes, and…” to not block ideas. Women need to teach this Relational competency too. Notice that many Relational competencies are what you think is common sense, but they are not common, they are different and can be misunderstood unless you define them as competencies. Bringing all your Relational competencies to the table, speaking about them, pointing out the value and working them together with traditional competencies will have you, your colleagues and your organization RISE. ABOUT OUR GUEST Bonita Banducci teaches Gender and Engineering for Santa Clara University’s School of Engineering Graduate Program in the Core Curriculum, Engineering and Society. She is an Gender expert on how to retain and promote women in the Engineering Workplace for Mentornet, which provides professional mentors to women and underrepresented minorities in Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) majors in hundreds of universities throughout the United States. She is President of Banducci Consulting based in Hayward. Her original research in one of Silicon Valley’s Fortune 500 companies “What is the Contribution Women Make that Could be the Strategic Advantage in the Global Marketplace?” launched her specialization in Unmasking the Gender Effect. Banducci is a founding faculty of the Santa Clara University’s Global Women’s Leadership Network, sponsored by the Leavey School of Business and is a faculty member and coach for the Women Leaders for the World Program. She has taught Leadership Experience at the Leavey School of Business. Banducci’s training work in gender differences and leadership, based in brain science, language, perception, paradigms and “Competencies,” adds a powerful dimension to coaching women and men, facilitating change and accelerating new behaviors. Her workshops and focus group work provide new thinking to leadership, and increase productivity, innovation, and promotability for both women and men. As Senior Consultant for Banducci Consulting, she has worked with Adaptec, Amgen, Booz Allen Hamilton, Cisco, Hewlett Packard, Intel, Johnson & Johnson, KLA-Tencor, Leadership Sunnyvale, Lifescan, Sun Microsystems, NASA Ames, Navy Corps of Engineers, US and California Environmental Protection Agencies, Xilinx, as well as organizations from local government, Santa Clara County and City and County of San Francisco and social benefit sectors, The Girl Scouts, YWCA and Center for Philanthropy at Indiana University. Banducci represented the Santa Clara County Commission on the Status of Women at the UN World Conference on Women in Beijing leading a workshop on “Creating Partnership of Women in Business with Women in Development for Sustainable Global Development.” She has delivered workshops at Santa Clara University, University of San Francisco, Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley, Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, and Stanford’s Institute for Research on Women and Gender as well as women in technology conferences, WITI, Society of Women Engineers, Santa Clara University Women and Business. Bonita Banducci, a Gender Expert who teaches at Santa Clara University, helps companies find ways to retain women & bring more innovation & competitive advantage to their business | Self-Improvement | Motivational | Inspirational | Career | Self-Help
6/12/201620 minutes, 50 seconds
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WOMEN EMPOWERMENT- GETTING OUR LIVES & VOICE BACK - MAL DUANE | INSPIRATIONAL | MOTIVATIONAL | SELF-HELP | SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Are you sick and tired of waking up worried about your kids, your husband, and all your action items?  What ever happened to your life? Where did “YOU” go?   Join us as we talk to Mal Duane, author of Alpha Chick: Five Steps to Passion, Purpose & Personal Power is about “becoming” the person you were meant to be—living the life filled with love, honesty, and self-worth that you are meant to experience. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Link to Segment 1:  Women start giving their power away at a very early age.  Mal Duane explains how we give our power away with each passing day and how you can regain your passion and power in your life.  Mal offers her 5 step program on how to regain your life back. Link to Segment 2: Mal continues describing her 5 step program and how she used it to resolve her addiction issues with alcohol.  Get inspired to make the changes you need to get your life back on track.   Blog Post from our Guest – Women Empowerment THE LIFE RECOVERY FORMULA™ APRIL 15, 2013 BY Mal Duan   When life presents us with excruciating challenges, who do we take care of last? I am honored to be teaching a class for an amazing group of women in a recovery facility. Over and over, the topic of abusing ourselves comes up. These women recognize that they put themselves last and take care of others first. Even people that have harmed them or been unkind come before they do? Sadly, this is a common situation with women in general. We habitually put ourselves last. My thoughts are if American airlines is telling you to put your mask on first if the plane is going down, is a pretty strong statement about taking care of yourself before helping others. If we don’t, we run out of oxygen. Get the picture! The practice of self-care over a period of time creates a stronger, self-loving confident woman that becomes a better contributor in everything she does. Her relationships, her employment and physical demeanor all become measurably improved. Here are some tips on how to put you first. Take one hour in the morning for meditation/spiritual practice. If you need to get up an hour earlier than everyone else. Schedule a treat for yourself weekly. Maybe a mani/pedi or a message. How about a new book? I just finished reading Debbie Ford’s “Courage”. Great information about pushing through life’s challenges. Take a walk in the middle or the end of the day, get some exercise and fresh air. It is a great place to think through important decisions. A new perfume, lipstick, or makeup can be a real refresher when we need it. Maybe watch an old romance movie on TV? Curl up with a cup of lavender or green tea. Create a vision board with pictures of things you would like to attract into your life. This is a very powerful practice. (Worked on my getting my home and my dog) Get a personal Life/Recovery coach for a session on how to create the life you deserve. I would love to know about some of your favorite things that you do to nurture yourself. Feel free to comment here. Remember, grab your mask first. It will all the difference to the ones you love. Live Faithfully, Mal Self-care+Self-worth+Happiness=Recovery ABOUT OUR GUEST Mal Duane is a Best Selling Author and Personal Life and Recovery Coach who has overcome life challenges using the steps in the Alpha Chick Process. Her personal mission is to help women excel in all areas of their lives from business to personal relationships. Mal has been featured with Fox 25 Boston Morning Show, Aspire Magazine, Healthy Living and Metrowest Daily News. She has also been a featured guest on over thirty Blogtalk Radio shows discussing recovery and personal transformation. Mal’s book, Alpha Chick, Five Steps for Moving from Pain to Power, is a best selling book and is available on Amazon.com.
6/11/201626 minutes, 45 seconds
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EMPOWERING WOMEN: A WOMAN WHO BREAKS THE MOLD – LINDA GREENLAW | LIFESAVING LESSONS, ACCIDENTAL MOTHER | SELF-HELP | INSPIRE

What do you imagine one of the best captains on the entire east coast to look like?  The first image that pops into my mind is a burly gray bearded gristly old man.  How about if I told you the captain was an attractive brunette women? Everything about Linda Greenlaw, a best selling author and television celebrity, defies tradition in the very best possible way.  She is a women who empowers other women and helps us challenge what it is to be a woman, what it means to be a mother, and how to live life to its fullest.  Join us as we talk to her about her book Lifesaving Lessons- Notes from an Accidental Mother, when she shares her adventures as a mother of an adopted teenage girl, who had been sexually abused.   SHOW SUMMARY Link to Segment 1: Linda Greenlaw, described as one of the best captains on the entire east coast, shares her story of how at 46 yo she accidentally became a mother of a 15 year old teenager. How did Linda’s life change after deciding to become a mother?  What did she learn about herself and life after adopting a teenager? Link to Segment 2: Linda Greenlaw, author of Lifesaving Lessons- Notes from an Accidental Mother, shares the story of how her idyllic community and she changed after discovering a pedophile had been living among them for years.  How could an entire close knit community be duped for so long? Why didn’t her daughter reach out to the community for help? Link to Full 24 min episode BLOG POST FROM OUR GUEST SOURCE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION FROM LINDAGREENLAWBOOKS.COM How did you go from fishing to writing?  It was thanks to Sebastian Junger’s very generous portrayal of me in his book, The Perfect Storm. After that, publishers basically invited me to write a book. I ended up getting an agent, who told me to write what he explained was called a proposal, for a book that ended up being The Hungry Ocean. He sent it around to editors.Then there was a phone auction and Hyperion won. It wasn’t something I’d ever imagined doing. In college, I’d majored in English because I liked to read, but I’d never taken creative writing courses. I am an old-fashioned letter-writer, but that’s not the same as writing a book. I guess I just had some confidence that I could do it. What was your impression of the movie The Perfect Storm? Did you like the way you were portrayed?  I was thrilled with Warner Bros choice of Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio to play Linda Greenlaw, and I was amazed at the special effects. The movie was Hollywood’s version of speculation as to what could have happened to the Andrea Gale, and maybe it was a little far-fetched. I don’t necessarily agree with their speculation. But I thought the movie was a nice tribute to a way of life of people who choose to go to sea. Are you still fishing?  I was hauling lobster traps up until July 7, when I started the book tour. Unfortunately I’m going to miss most of the season on the book tour. Who hauls your traps while you’re away on book tour?  My dad takes care of the traps and the boat while I’m gone. He actually prefers it when I’m gone, because it’s more fun to captain the boat than to be sternman. I’m very lucky to have my dad, that’s for sure. How is your mother?  My mother is a breast cancer survivor. She’s feisty as ever, so I think she’s doing great. How do you write – what is the process?  I am very disciplined about my writing. I treat it like I do fishing, in that it’s a job, its hard work, and I have to do it every day to do it well. I write every day from when I get up in the morning to about lunchtime and then I try to do something physical and outside the rest of the day. I write longhand in a notebook, making all of my corrections and changes on paper, and eventually I take the time to type it in to MS word. Did you ever get married? No, I’m not married but I have a very nice man in my life right now. ABOUT OUR GUEST Linda Greenlaw, America’s only female swordfishing captain, is author of three New York Times bestselling books about life as a commercial fisherman: THE HUNGRY OCEAN (1999), THE LOBSTER CHRONICLES (2002) and ALL FISHERMEN ARE LIARS (2004). She is the winner of the U.S. Maritime Literature Award in 2003, and the New England Book Award for nonfiction in 2004. Time Magazine called her 2005 RECIPES FROM A VERY SMALL ISLAND, co-authored with her mother Martha Greenlaw, a “must-have cookbook”. Additionally, she’s written two mysteries: SLIPKNOT (2007) and FISHERMAN’S BEND (2008).   Linda is featured in the hit Discovery Channel series Swords: Life on the Line. The second season of Swords will premier in August 2010. Greenlaw’s latest book SEAWORTHY: A SWORDFISH BOAT CAPTAIN RETURNS TO THE SEA is a chronicle of her return to swordfishing after ten years as a lobsterman and marks her return to non-fiction and high-seas adventure. Greenlaw first came to the public’s attention in Sebastian Junger’s THE PERFECT STORM, where Junger called her “one of the best captains  … on the entire east coast.” She’s also been featured on Good Morning America, Today, CBS Sunday Morning, The Martha Stewart Show, and National Public Radio. She lives on Isle au Haut, Maine.
6/10/201626 minutes, 59 seconds
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Chanting: Finding Ourselves - Krishna Das | Alternative Healing | Meditation | Spiritual | Spirituality | Self-Help

A powerful interview with yoga’s rock star, Krishna Das.  Join CJ as she talks to Grammy-nominated artist, Krishna Das, about why we are here on earth, love, death, the power of chanting, and an experience that completely changed Krishna Das’s life.  Part 1: Krishna Das has been on a spiritual path most of his adult Life.  He shares his current thoughts on why we are here?? And the meaning of life? Part 2: What is Love and what escapes us? Part 3: Why chanting helps alleviate darkness and suffering? Part 4:  What does Krishna Das think about death? Part 5:  Is figuring out who YOU are self-indulgent? Part 6:  How Krishna Das was able to let go of his desires, and finally be free to play his music from a totally different place.   About our Guest   Layering traditional Hindu kirtan with instantly accessible melodies and modern instrumentation, Krishna Das has been called yoga’s “rock star.” With a remarkably soulful voice that touches the deepest chord in even the most casual listener, Krishna Das – known to friends, family, and fans as simply KD – has taken the call-and-response chanting out of yoga centers and into concert halls, becoming a worldwide icon and the best-selling chant artist of all time, with over 300,000 records sold. His album ‘Live Ananda’ (released January 2012) was nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Age album category. KD spent the late ’60’s traveling across the country as a student of Ram Dass, and in August 1970, he finally made the journey to India, which led him to Ram Dass’ own beloved guru, Neem Karoli Baba, known to most as Maharaj-ji. Given the name Krishna Das, KD began to chant as part of following the path of Bhakti yoga – the yoga of devotion. After two and a half years with Maharaj-ji, returned to USA – alas, six months after his return, word came that Maharaj-ji had died. He took solace in music, finding peace and strength in both his Bhakti yoga practice as well as in such heroes as Ray Charles, Van Morrison, Steely Dan, and Bruce Springsteen (whom he laughingly calls “the Bodhisattva of New Jersey”). KD also co-founded Triloka Records, a California-based label specializing in world music, releasing such artists as Jai Uttal, sarod virtuoso Ali Akbar Khan, and legendary jazz musician/composer Jackie McLean. In 1994, KD started leading chant at Jivamukti Yoga Center, NYC, with an ever-growing audience of yoga students that has led him to chant with people all around the world. In February 2013, Krishna Das performed at the Grammy awards in Los Angeles, CA streamed online to millions of viewers. The award-winning film ‘One Track Heart: The Story of Krishna Das’ has been in over 100 US cities, over 10 countries worldwide and is available on DVD everywhere. With the release of his 14th album, Kirtan Wallah—one who sings kirtan, KD offers a westward-leaning album, fully embracing his American roots in rock and country and yet embodying the spirit of deeply devotional Indian chants – the heart of this latest album is still in the Names that he’s singing. “The chanting just hits you and you want to be a part of it,” KD promises. “That’s the point of this whole thing. That’s what cuts through all the ‘stuff’. You get lit up. You don’t have to know what it means.” More Information on KD’s catalog is below:  In 1990, Krishna Das founded Karuna/Triloka Records, a leading distributor of world music recordings. His debut album, One Track Heart, released in 1996, focuses on updated chants from the ancient tradition of Bhakti Yoga. His second album, Pilgrim Heart, released in 1998, features a guest appearance by Sting, who sings on the tune, “Mountain Hare Krishna,” and plays bass on “Ring Song.” Krishna Das released the double CD Live on Earth…For a Limited Time Only in early 2000, and followed it with Pilgrim of the Heart (Sounds True), a recording of many of Krishna Das’ stories about his experiences with Maharaj-ji and, later, in America (re-released in 2008 as a three-CD set). 2001’s Breath of the Heart was produced by Rick Rubin and features a kirtan choir of fifty people (including Beastie Boy Mike D) and ten top eastern and western musicians and was followed in 2003 by another Rick Rubin production, Door of Faith, a departure from Krishna Das’ signature call-and-response-style chant that is, instead, a deeply moving collection of solo prayers. Greatest Hits of the Kali Yuga, released in 2004, is a compilation of old favorites and new chants accompanied by a DVD, One Life at a Time, featuring clips of live kirtan and interviews with Krishna Das and friends. Krishna Das’ next CD, All One, is a dynamic 70-minute recording of the Hare Krishna mantra in Krishna Das’ own unique style – that moves from a contemplative style, reminiscent of the hills of India, to a rocking South African ‘township’ finale. This was followed by Flow of Grace – Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa in 2006, in CD/book form, offering the reader/listener some background on Hanuman in different traditions, photos, translations, and a variety of melodies in which he sings this 4-verse traditional hymn from India. Next came 2007’s Gathering in the Light, a collaboration between Krishna Das and composer/overtone singer Baird Hersey and Prana, utilizing only voice and percussion to create new arrangements of seven of Krishna Das’ most beloved chants. Krishna Das’ CD release, Heart Full of Soul (two-CD set; fall 2008) is a vibrant live recording that immerses the listener in the joyous experience of an evening of devotional chant with Krishna Das, from beginning to end. Chants of the Lifetime (February 2010), includes 230 pages of KD’s stories of his youth, his time with his Guru, and his experiences on the Path – written in his own words, with photos, and a CD especially designed for the reader/listener to develop her own chanting practice. Heart as Wide as World (March 2010), his first studio album release in a few years, reveals the merging of KD’s youth in the American rock’n’roll world with his spiritual roots in the Indian tradition. We find new tracks of original English songs flowing into chants from the east, beautifully accompanied by western and eastern instrumentation. Live Ananda (January 2012), nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Age album category is the first-time release of live recordings of classic Krishna Das favorites drawn from his early studio recordings. These tracks capture the depth and spirit of the group of chanters on a 3 -day retreat in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. Krishna Das accompanied by tabla, khol mridanga, bass, violin, flute, and cymbals, blends the musical and spiritual tradition of the east with the voice of the west to create this rendition of call-and-response chanting that lead us into Ananda – Happiness and our true state of Being. One Track Heart – The Story of Krishna Das (Dec 2012), a film that chronicles KD’s chanting path premiered and was winner of best documentary at the Maui Film Festival Dec 2012. The film is distributed by Zeitgeist Films and has been screened in over 100 US cities, over 10 countries, and is available on DVD around the world. Kirtan Wallah (April 2014) – With the release of his 14th album, Kirtan Wallah—one who sings kirtan, KD offers a westward-leaning album, fully embracing his American roots in rock and country and yet embodying the spirit and practice of of deeply devotional Indian chants. 
6/5/201646 minutes, 55 seconds
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How to Do an Astral Projection? William Bulhman | Spiritual | Spirituality | Consciousness | Awakening | Self-Help

Do you want to feel more alive? Do you want to awaken your spiritual identity? Astral projection is one way for you to experience a deeper connection to your life energy, and life itself. Join CJ as she talks to William Buhlman about his 40 years of experience with astral travelling as we discuss topics in his book, “Adventures Beyond the Body”. We’ll cover what astral travelling is, unravel some myths about astral travelling, and talk about how to start if you want to go on your own adventure.  Blog Post by William Bulhman Today millions of people are discovering the exciting techniques used to achieve out-of-body exploration. The variety of methods available is diverse. Throughout history, practically every religious group and mystic order has developed a system or method to explore beyond the limits of matter. To complicate this situation, many methods have been shrouded in mystery for thousands of years. For example, the Tibetan Book of the Dead provides preparation and guidance for an ancient out-of-body method. This technique was incorporated into lengthy religious ceremonies which were performed over a period of days. Many ancient techniques have remained hidden for centuries, gems of wisdom covered by the trappings of religious ritual. To simplify this confusing and often misunderstood body of information, the following out-of-body techniques are divided into five categories; Visualization, Dream Conversion, Affirmations, Hypnosis, and Sound. The following methods have proven to be extremely effective and easy to learn. The visualization techniques are presented first because of their ease and popularity. Many people have discovered that the visualization techniques are a natural way to initiate their first out-of-body experience. After you select a technique, repeat it daily for at least thirty days. Your commitment, desire, and effort will determine the results you experience. Always remember, the best way to approach out-of-body exploration is to maintain a playful attitude. Have fun with the techniques and enjoy the results. Basics of Out-of-body Exploration We are a spiritual (nonphysical energy) being temporarily using a biological body (vehicle) for experience and expression. Since the physical body is a temporary vehicle, it is only natural for us to be able to separate from it and experience our nonphysical self. Out-of-body experiences are the normal shift or transfer of awareness from our physical body to one of our higher frequency energy vehicles. We are simultaneously using and controlling multiple energy (frequency) bodies. Each of these energy vehicles exist at a distinctly different density and vibrational frequency. Ideally, all of our energy vehicles work in harmony to assist in our personal development. Each individual vehicle of consciousness is necessary to perceive within its unique frequency of the universe. To experience matter, we must have a vehicle of matter. To consciously perceive and experience the higher (less dense) vibratory dimensions, we must consciously be using the appropriate energy vehicle. We are the creative source of our reality and our experience. We create our individual reality by the way we focus and manage our personal thought energy. This principle applies to all energy levels of the universe. What we experience has been influenced, arranged and manifested by our conscious and subconscious thoughts. Selecting Your Technique One of the most important decisions you face in out-of-body exploration is the selection of the technique on which to focus. In general, if you can visualize well, then concentrate on the visualization techniques. Select the technique which is most comfortable for you and stick with it. If you have difficulty visualizing, then concentrate on the affirmation techniques. Keep in mind, the target technique has proven effective for many people who have claimed poor visualization skills. I believe this is due to the physical “walk-through” which can be repeated until the internal imagery begins to appear. Many people find it easier to visualize an object or location in their home than anywhere else. Don’t underestimate your abilities, when you are open-minded to new experiences and perceptions, they will occur. On many occasions during my workshops, people have told me that they can’t visualize at all. I have found that when people verbally request the ability and begin to practice with an open mind, they experience a rapid enhancement of their natural abilities. When choosing your techniques, remember to be both flexible and patient. Visualization Techniques One of the easiest and most effective methods to experience out-of-body exploration is to use your creative visualization ability. Each of us possesses the natural ability to picture an object or place in our mind. We do it every day in a thousand different ways. Most of us have little difficulty imagining our favorite vacation place, automobile, home, or person. Using our visualization ability is easy once you recognize how natural it is. To give you a feeling of just how easy visualization can be, try the following. For a few moments, close your eyes and begin to picture your favorite vacation spot. Select a place you have visited and know well. Just relax and begin to visualize this vacation area as clearly as possible. Begin to picture the trees, buildings, people – all the small details associated with your vacation. Become involved in the scene as much as possible and vividly see and hear all the sensations associated with your favorite vacation. You can add people, colors, and sounds as you see fit. Now take this scene one step farther and picture yourself entering your favorite vacation paradise. Clearly see and feel yourself within a specific physical location. Imagine all the colors, sounds and sensations associated with the location. Begin to interact with the people and environment you see. As much as possible use all of your senses and become immersed in the sounds, sights, and sensations of your vacation. Take your time and enjoy the experience. Visualization techniques are easy and enjoyable when you relax and select a pleasurable place, person, or object as the focus of your attention. Whatever you select as the focus of your attention should be an actual physical object or location. The key to all out-of-body visualization methods is to become completely involved in the imagined physical environment. The more focused your attention, the more success you will experience. OBE TOOLS “Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.” – Albert Einstein One of the most powerful tools we possess in out-of-body exploration is our natural ability to creatively use our imagination. When used properly, our imagination can help us to achieve any goal or desire we focus on. This is graphically displayed all around us. When we look at our physical possessions, we discover an amazing thing. Everything we possess, our car, furniture, home, stereo, TV, even our relationships were once imagined in our mind. For example, when you see a house being built, just think of all the many imaginations that were busy creating the structure. First, a person begins to imagine a new home for themselves, then they share their ideas with others. Next an architect is called upon to put the imagined idea on paper. Then a builder imagines the construction of the home. Slowly, the collaboration of several imaginations and thoughts come together to form an idea, a plan, a structure and, finally, a physical home. Of course, we take this for granted; we only see the physical results of these busy thoughts around us. However, when we explore the nonphysical interior of the universe an amazing thing occurs. We begin to recognize that our imagination and thoughts have a dramatic impact upon the finer energy frequencies of the inner dimensions. We begin to understand that our imagination is a powerful creative force that shapes the unseen energy around us. When out-of-body, our thoughts and imagination are forming our immediate energy environment with incredible speed and precision. In a very real sense our thoughts are building the unseen energy substructure of our external physical existence. While living in the physical world we see only a tiny fraction of reality. We observe only the dense results of our thoughts and deeds. The pure power of our imagination and thoughts is often not recognized as we focus upon daily survival and the acquisition of physical objects. For many people, the time span between the imagined idea and the physical results is often a long hard road. They seldom see nor understand that they have formed the subtle energy molds and structures that have eventually manifested within their physical environment. Whether we realize it or not, our imagination is molding the subtle energy around us. With every thought we are building our future. This is why creative visualization and positive thinking work so effectively. The greater the focus of our imagination, the faster the results we experience. I cannot emphasize enough how important this creative process is to our existence. This is not some hypothetical belief or theory but an absolute observable energy reaction that is constantly occurring around us. We can personally verify this for ourselves by practicing the techniques presented in this book. This creative energy reaction is constantly at work shaping the subtle energy around us. For example, an accurate psychic reading is nothing more than the psychic being sensitive and aware of the unseen energy forms around another person. This process is not some strange or mystical event as some believe but a simple recognition of the subtle energy forms close to a person. In fact, the entire subject of extrasensory perception is actually the natural process of people being sensitive to nonphysical thought energy and forms. As we evolve, our recognition of this energy reaction becomes more important. Our innate ability to structure our energy environment and our life carries us beyond the animal instincts into new realms of personal creativity and responsibility. The end result is that each of us becomes the creative artist of our life. Each focused thought and mental image becomes the creative mold of our personal reality. At this point we can begin to consciously visualize and build the reality we wish to experience by the thought forms we hold and visualize in our mind. Instead of being the powerless result of our environment, we begin to take charge of our life and our destiny. Finally, we come to recognize that our ability to create is limited only by our ability to imagine. One of the advantages of the visualization method is the variety of possibilities it generates, there are no limitations, so feel free to develop and use your own. Generally, whatever holds your interest and attention away from your physical body can be effective. For many people visualizing their favorite friend, lover, or physical location as they fall to sleep can produce impressive results. For example, I know a house painter who induces out-of-body experiences by visualizing himself climbing a ladder. He states the key is to picture himself at a specific physical location as he drifts off to sleep. In as much detail as possible he actually feels the hand-over-hand of climbing up a ladder to the roof. He feels the grip and texture of the ladder with his hands and can even feel the ladder slightly shake with each step. This, like all visualizations, is most effective when you surround yourself in the sensations and sounds associated with the activity. Another good visualization is to imagine yourself as a balloon being filled with helium. As vividly as possible, feel yourself becoming lighter and lighter as you float up to the ceiling. Intensify the sensation of rising upward as you drift off to sleep. Visualization Made Easy One approach to out-of-body exploration is to focus and maintain your complete attention outside your physical body as you fall to sleep. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to focus your complete attention upon a person, place, or object located some distance from you. This can be a loved one from which you are separated, your favorite vacation spot, or a gift that holds some special meaning for you. Whatever you select should be an actual physical object you know, not an imaginary place or person. Select the object or place that is easiest to visualize and holds the most interest for you. For many, visualizing a loved one that you are separated from is effective. Just picture the person that you wish to be with as vividly as possible. It helps to be emotionally involved, so select a person you would love to be with. Choose someone you know, not a fantasy relationship. Become completely absorbed in their presence and actually feel yourself with this person. If you like, role play some kind of interaction to keep you involved. Continue your visualization of this person for as long as possible as you allow your physical body to completely relax and fall to sleep. It’s important to maintain a detailed picture of this person and your interaction as you go to sleep. As you doze off, attempt to boost your emotional and visual connection with this person as much as possible. This method is an excellent bedtime visualization. Keep in mind, the more emotionally involved you are, the more effective this technique is. Have fun with it and let your imagination go wild. To get full article start  at Target Technique at: http://www.astralinfo.org/astral-projection-methods/ About our Guest Books: Adventures in the Afterlife (NEW !!), Adventures Beyond the Body, The Secret of the Soul The author’s forty years of extensive personal out-of-body explorations give him a unique and thought provoking insight into this subject. His first book, Adventures beyond the Body chronicles his personal journey of self-discovery through out-of-body travel, and provides the reader with the preparation and techniques that can be used for their own adventure. He has conducted an international out-of-body experience survey that includes over 16,000 participants from forty-two countries. The provocative results of this survey are presented in his book, The Secret of the Soul. This cutting edge book explores the unique opportunities for personal growth and profound spiritual awakenings that are reported during out-of-body experiences. His newly published book is titled, Adventures in the Afterlife. William was inspired to explore the afterlife a result of his confrontation with mortality following a cancer diagnosis in 2011. His lucid dreams and out of body experiences during his treatment and recovery provided mind bending visions that were so illuminating that he felt compelled to journal his experience. Insights that are provided in this book will assist the reader to navigate the many thought responsive environments in the afterlife. Over the past two decades William has developed an effective system to experience safe, self initiated out-of-body adventures. He conducts an in-depth workshop with the Monroe Institute titled, Out-of-Body Exploration Intensive. This unique workshop provides the steps, intention and techniques designed for controlled out-of-body exploration. Each participant will experience a comprehensive array of proven OBE methods including the target technique, inner motion, visualization, chakra and energy body activation. In addition, hypnotic, shamanic and early morning methods will be practiced. As a certified hypnotherapist, William incorporates various methods in his workshops to explore the profound nature of out-of-body experiences and the benefits of accelerated personal development. Through lectures, workshops and his books the author teaches the preparation and techniques of astral projection and spiritual exploration. The author brings a refreshing look to how we can use out-of-body experiences to explore our spiritual identity and enhance our intellectual and physical lives. William is best known for his ability to teach people how to have profound spiritual adventures through the use of out-of-body experiences. In addition, he has developed an extensive series of audio and video programs that are designed to expand awareness and assist in the exploration of consciousness. William has appeared on numerous television and radio shows worldwide. William’s books are currently available in ten languages. #Astral Projection, out of body experiences, William Buhlman, astral projecting, astralinfo.org, astral projection, outer body experience, astral project, astral projections, astral travel, astral traveling, how to have an out of body experience, astral projection techniques, astral projection experiences, lucid dreaming, dream control, yoga nidra - See more at: http://www.fireitupwithcj.com/35-astral-project-william-buhlman/#sthash.1aGe8BqT.dpuf
6/1/201648 minutes, 21 seconds
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What happens when you die? James Van Praagh | Medium | Spiritual | Spirituality

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DIE? (JAMES VAN PRAAGH)   This is THE show for anyone who ever wondered where they go after they die, who goes where within the Spirit World, and how to prepare for an easy transition to the next life.  Join CJ as James Van Praagh shares his experiences of communicating with the Spirit World for the past 30 years as a medium and reveals findings from his newest book “Adventures of the Soul” on what happens when you die. TRANSCRIPT OF INTERVIEW: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DIE? – JAMES VAN PRAAGH   Transcript Edited and condensed  Q:What happens when we die?  A: At the end of our lives we look at our lives in a life review and we see all those influences that we gave to that overall matrix of everyone. We see how we influenced the world, positive or negative.   Q: Tell us about your Near Death Experience. A: With my near death experience, I saw a ribbon that was attached at the crown of the head to what seemed like a tapestry or matrix.  And I remember that every thought was transferred to a color in that ribbon. Happy thoughts were light colors like pastels.  Angry negative thoughts had more muted and darker colors. I had this realization that when I get to the end of my life, I can look back at that tapestry and see how I influenced it, did I make it more beautiful or not. There was a multi-awareness that we are responsible for everything that we do and that we’ve done.   Q: What happens during your life review, if you were a nasty person during most of your life?  A: Most religions teach about karma and energy.  What I often say is that we are ALL God.  To me, God is the creator, which means we are the creator.  We are part of the big force of creation and that we are constantly creating with our thoughts, and our thoughts are things, so our thought is energy. So at the end of your life, you see how you used that energy. It’s not those great grandiose gestures, like giving money to a foundation that count.  Instead, it’s the things you do like opening the door for somebody, smiling at somebody, or honoring somebody.   Q: Is there a heaven or hell?  A: Yes, but it’s not religious. It’s not like a hell with fire and brimstones, and a heaven with harps and angels. It’s based on what you created in this life. If you led a decent life and you did the best you could with what you had, or at least you attempted to, that will determine your experience in the Spirit World. If you attempted to bring love and compassion, then you’ve done your job.   Q: This whole thing makes me worried. A: It’s good that people have a sense of the life review.  It’s to realize that what I give out, I get back, and that what I give out, I’ll see that again when I pass over. It forces us to stop and rethink what we do and how we respond and treat other people.  It begins the process of mindfulness. We can become mindful of our thoughts and realize that our thoughts create energy.   Q: I’m not good and loving every moment of the day, how does this register in the final analysis?  A:None of us are perfect, but you have awareness and that counts a lot.  We can change. We can take the time to become more mindful, aware, and compassionate. We have that choice and have free will to do that. We can go and help someone across the street or let them suffer on their own.  We have that ability to choose every day.  Life is a series of choices and that’s really what we are down here to learn about — choices, and all choices are either based upon love or fear.   Q: Do we continue evolving in the Spirit World? A: You bet we can. But you can also stay in a certain belief system for as long as you choose to. If you don’t want to grow, you won’t grow.   Q: Can we travel within all the realms within the Spirit World? A: You go to the level based on your thoughts and deeds, and we exist on many levels. You get to higher levels through the energy of love. There are many regions within the Astral plane and you can take tours.  My mother came through and she said that she went to the lower astral world and she said it was a shame because people are not aware there and they are living in little hovels or houses. People don’t love each other. There are different realms. It’s like here in many ways where you can go down an alleyways or into a mansion.   Q: What happens once I leave my body? What form will I take?  A: You are light. You identify more with a light being than a physical being when in the Spirit World.  We have this rule in the 3D world that we gotta be in a box and that we are limited.  We are not in the Spirit world, it’s the opposite, we are limitless.   Q: What are ghosts? How are they related to the bardo? A: Many religions have that there is a place that is purgatory or the bardo. I do believe there is an adjustment period after you die, no doubt about it. I think that every individual has a different experience. For instance, there may be one person that goes directly to the light without passing GO. And another person whose mindset is so connected to family and unfinished business that they stay close to the earth atmosphere in order to influence.  You can call these Spirits ghosts.   JAMES VAN PRAAGH- MEDIUM, NY TIMES BEST SELLING AUTHOR   James Van Praagh is considered a spiritual pioneer and one of the worlds’s most celebrated and respected spiritual teachers working today.  He has brought a mind-full awareness to the subject of “communication with the dead” into the public psyche for the past thirty years.  Mr. Van Praagh is known as a “survival evidence medium,” meaning that he provides evidential proof of life after death via detailed messages from the spiritual realms.   His work has brought spiritual insights to millions with his numerous guest appearances on such shows as Oprah, Dr. Phil, Larry King Live, 20/20, The View, The Today Show, Chelsea Lately, Beyond Belief, Biography, Coast to Coast, 48 Hours,and a multitude of others.  He is also the number one New York Times best-selling author of Talking To Heaven, Reaching To Heaven, Healing Grief, Heaven and Earth,Looking Beyond, Meditations, Ghosts Among Us, Unfinished Business, How to Heal a Grieving Heart and his soon to be released Adventures of the Soul.  In 2002 he hosted his own television show, Beyond with James Van Praagh and went on to produce one of the most watched mini-series in CBS network history; Living with the Dead, starring Ted Danson,  portraying James in a biography of his life. He also developed and produced The Dead Will Tell, starring Eva Longoria as well as the hugely successful Friday night series, Ghost Whisperer starring Jennifer Love Hewitt. Currently, James can be seen on the web hosting Gaiam TV’s live streaming show Spirit Talk, which has quickly become one of the network’s most viewed original shows.  Weekly he can also be heard around the world on his weekly radio show Talking To Spirit, on the Hay House Radio Network. Mixing his compassion and sense of humor together with his skilled teaching abilities, James is sought out by students around the world for his tutelage.  He has been a faculty fixture for the past fourteen years at the prestigious Omega Institute for Wellness in Rhinebeck, New York. He also travels around the world leading conferences and workshops on self-development and intuition.  He is also a regular contributor to the Huffington Post. During his career, his reputation and profession have seen him work with International Heads of State, religious world leaders and known entertainment celebrities such as Cher, Goldie Hawn, Shirley Maclaine, Ellen DeGeneres, Joan Rivers, Katie Couric, Loretta Lynn, Chelsea Handler, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Wesley Snipes, and many more. He is famous for bringing through evidential details from many famous deceased personalities like Marilyn Monroe, Slim Pickins, Rock Hudson, Frank Sinatra, Roy Orbison, Lucille Ball, Andrew Carnegie, Liberace, Princess Diana, Michael Jackson, Johnny Carson, Ghandi, Edgar Cayce, Benjamin Franklin and even Abraham Lincoln. This proves the standard and the versatility of his abilities. Through his work, Van Praagh shares his life experiences and insights so that others will benefit in opening up their hearts and gain a connection with their own spiritual self.  “The books, live stream events, seminars, classes, web site, social media outlets and television projects are ways to share my abilities and the message that we all are eternal spirits and the love we create on this earth is what we take with us when it is time to venture back home to the Spirit world.” - See more at: http://www.fireitupwithcj.com/what-happens-when-you-die/#sthash.hmM8BFvz.dpuf
6/1/201624 minutes, 46 seconds
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Pluralism: A Religion of One’s Own (Thomas Moore spiritual writer) - Spiritual | Personal Spirituality | Religion | Self-Help

What if no particular religion speaks to you, or if all religions have some relevance for you (pluralism)?   How could you honor and embrace the merits of following a religion, but have the freedom to pursue your own spirituality by yourself?  Join CJ Liu as she interviews Thomas Moore-spiritual writer and NY Times best-selling author of the spiritual classic “Care of the Soul” about his newest book,  A Religion of One’s Own: A Guide to Creating a Personal Spirituality in a Secular World.” Blog Post By Our Guest: A RELIGION OF ONE’S OWN A number of years ago Marianne Williamson asked me to write a chapter on the future of religion for a book she was editing. I tried, but at that time I wasn’t ready to tackle the question. Now I am. I see the world heading for a completely secular approach to life, which is to say soulless, which is to say disaster. We need a new way to be religious, a really new way. A way that honors the traditions of the past but moves on. To give you a taste of the new book, I’ve summarized its main points in a list of ten ways you can make a religion of your own. In the book I go into specifics on how to do these things. This is just a list. 1. MEDITATE: Learn a formal way of meditating, or be contemplative in nature, alone, at work, or at home. 2. LIVE ETHICALLY: Do no harm and make your life a positive contribution to humanity. Work ethically for ethical companies or organizations. Change work if necessary. At least, stay on track toward a highly moral life work. 3. LIVE RESPONSIVELY. Read the signs for who you are to be and what you are to do. 4. HAVE A DREAM PRACTICE. Dreams give you strong hints about what’s going on and how you can adjust. Without them you have no guidance but your own consciousness, which is too limited. 5. BE A MYSTIC. Expand your sense of self through art and wonder. Achieve special states of awareness. Have a greater sense of self through losing yourself. 6. BE INTIMATE WITH NATURE. Especially take daily note of the sky: sun and moon, clouds, weather, planets, stars. Learn from animals. Be astonished by geology and plant life. 7. BE A MONK OR A MONKESS. Adapt monasticism of any variety to your daily life and to the world in which you live. Spend time carefully. Read deeply. Study. Honor the book, good food and community. 8. AIM FOR BLISS. Not superficial happiness or possessions or wealth. Not entertainment. But bliss: knowing you are in the right place and doing what you are meant to do. 9. DEVELOP A PHILOSOPHY AND THEOLOGY OF LIFE. Think about your life. Work out some principles for yourself. Don’t follow the crowd. Take the road less taken, the narrow gate, the path you see behind you. 10. LEARN FROM THE WORLD’S RELIGIONS AND SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS. You don’t have to join or believe. Find insights and methods and beautiful expressions and images. Don’t separate secular from sacred. Make your own collection of truths and art works. About our Guest Thomas Moore is the author of the bestselling book Care of the Soul and fifteen other books on deepening spirituality and cultivating soul in every aspect of life. He has been a monk, a musician, a university professor, and a psychotherapist, and today he lectures widely on holistic medicine, spirituality, psychotherapy, and the arts. He lectures frequently in Ireland and has a special love of Irish culture. He has a Ph. D. in religion from Syracuse University and has won several awards for his work, including an honorary doctorate from Lesley University and the Humanitarian Award from Einstein Medical School of Yeshiva University. Three of his books have won the prestigious Books for a Better Life awards. He writes fiction and music and often works with his wife, artist and yoga instructor, Hari Kirin. He writes regular columns for Resurgence, Spirituality & Health, and The Huffington Post and has recently published Writing in the Sand: The Spirituality of Jesus and the Soul of the Gospels, Care of the Soul in Medicine, and The Guru of Golf and Other Stories about the Game of Life. Much of his recent work has focused on the world of medicine, speaking to nurses and doctors about the soul and spirit of medical practice. - See more at: http://www.fireitupwithcj.com/pluralism-a-religion-ones-thomas-moore/#sthash.8ksiiFwJ.dpuf
6/1/201647 minutes
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How to train your brain to be happy? Dr. Rick Hanson | Happiness | Positivity | Spiritual | Spirituality | Self-Help

Ultimately, aren’t we all just looking for happiness?  It may be expressed as peace, contentment, or a sense of love.  Sadly, our brain that is a velcro for the BAD works against us.  How can retrain our brain to be happy?  Join CJ as she talks to NY Times best-selling author, Dr. Rick Hanson, about his book “Hardwiring Happiness” to learn how to train your brain to more contentment, calm, and confidence. Show Highlights: Segment 1: How does our experiences shape our brain?  What are the 3 operating systems in the brain and what is it looking for? What is the HEAL method? Segment 2:  A real-life scenario- How to turn around an awful day to a happy experience? Segment 3: Listener questions Blog post by our guest by Rick Hanson at http://www.rickhanson.net/ Down deep, do you feel at ease? The Practice: Pet the lizard. Why? I’ve always liked lizards. Growing up in the outskirts of Los Angeles, I played in the foothills near our home. Sometimes I’d catch a lizard and stroke its belly, so it would relax in my hands, seeming to feel at ease. In my early 20′s, I found a lizard one chilly morning in the mountains. It was torpid and still in the cold and let me pick it up. Concerned that it might be freezing to death, I placed it on the shoulder of my turtleneck, where it clung and occasionally moved about for the rest of the day. There was a kind of wordless communication between us, in which the lizard seemed to feel I wouldn’t hurt it, and I felt it wouldn’t scratch or bite me. After a few hours, I hardly knew it was there, and sometime in the afternoon it left without me realizing it. Now, years later, as I’ve learned more about how the brain evolved, my odd affinity for lizards has started making sense to me. To simplify a complex journey beginning about 600 million years ago, your brain has developed in three basic stages: Reptile – Brainstem, focused on avoiding harm Mammal – Limbic system, focused on approaching rewards Primate – Cortex, focused on attaching to “us” Of course, the brain is highly integrated, so these three key functions – avoiding, approaching, and attaching – are accomplished by all parts of the brain working together. Nonetheless, each function is particularly served by the region of the brain that first evolved to handle it. This fact has significant implications. For example, in terms of avoiding harm, the brainstem and the structures just on top of it are fast and relatively rigid. Neuroplasticity – the capacity of the brain to learn from experience by changing its structure – increases as you move up both the evolutionary ladder and the layered structures of the brain. Consequently, if you want to help yourself feel less concerned, uneasy, nervous, anxious, or traumatized – feelings and reactions that are highly affected by “reptilian,” brainstem-related processes – then you need many, many repetitions of feeling safe, protected, and at ease to leave lasting traces in the brainstem and limbic system structures that produce the first emotion, the most primal one of all: fear. Or to put it a little differently, your inner iguana needs a LOT of petting! How? To begin with, I’ve found it helps me to appreciate how scared that little lizard inside each one us is. Lizards – and early mammals, emerging about 200 million years ago – that were not continually uneasy and vigilant would fail the first test of life in the wild: eat lunch – don’t be lunch – today. So be aware of the ongoing background trickle of anxiety in your mind, the subtle guarding and bracing with people and events as you move through your day. Then, again and again, try to relax some, remind yourself that you are actually alright right now, and send soothing and calming down into the most ancient layers of your mind. Also soothe your own body. Most of the signals coming into the brain originate inside the body, not from out there in the world. Therefore, as your body settles down, that sends feedback up into your brain that all is well – or at least not too bad. Take a deep breath and feel each part of it, noticing that you are basically OK, and letting go of tension and anxiety as you exhale; repeat as you like. Shift your posture – even right now as you read this – to a more comfortable position. As you do activities such as eating, walking, using the bathroom, or going to bed, keep bringing awareness to the fact that you are safe, that necessary things are getting done just fine, that you are alive and well. Throughout, keep taking in the good of these many moments of petting your inner lizard. Register the experience in your body of a softening, calming, and opening; savor it; stay with it for 10-20-30 seconds in a row so that it can transfer to implicit memory. (For more on how to take in the good and defeat the innate negativity bias of the brain – whose unfortunate default setting is to be Velcro for negative experiences but Teflon for positive ones – go to this link.) Some have likened the mind/brain to a kind of committee. Frankly, I think it’s more like a jungle! We can’t get rid of the critters in there – they’re hardwired into the brain – but we can tame and guide them. Then, as the bumper sticker says, they wag more and bark less. Or relax, like a lizard at ease in the sun. About our Guest Rick Hanson, Ph.D., is a neuropsychologist and New York Times best-selling author. His books include Hardwiring Happiness,Buddha’s Brain, Just One Thing, and Mother Nurture. Founder of the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom, and on the Advisory Board of theGreater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, he’s been an invited speaker at Oxford, Stanford, and Harvard, and taught in meditation centers worldwide. He has several audio programs and his free Just One Thing newsletter has over 100,000 subscribers. #hardwiring happiness, happiness, how the brain works,rick hanson phd, dr rick hanson,buddha brain, rick hanson,neuroscience of happiness, buddha books,how to train your brain, rick hanson just one thing,rick hanson meditation,dr rick hanson Stay Connected: Related Posts: Teenage Brain Development (Dr. Scott Swartzwelder) Change your Thought= Change your Destiny (Dr. Joe Dispenza) test EFT Universe: Powering up your daily affirmations with EFT… Mindfulness: Real Happiness at Work (Sharon Salzberg) Discipline with love (Amy McCready) - See more at: http://www.fireitupwithcj.com/hardwiring-happiness/#sthash.r1OOo9uA.dpuf
6/1/201625 minutes, 54 seconds
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How to Shapeshift - Llyn Roberts | Spiritual | Spirituality | New Age

Learn about shapeshifting from prominent expert and Shamanism teacher, Llyn Roberts. What is it?  Why do it? How to do it? Join CJ as she interviews Llyn Roberts about her book “Shapeshifting into Higher Consciousness”.  What is Shapeshifting? Shapeshifting is a technique of changing from one energetic state to another. It’s based on the belief that everything is made of energy and that we are all connected to each other through this force. Most of us have been introduced to shapeshifting through fantasy movies like Twilight, where hunky Jacob shapeshifts from a human into a werewolf.  Despite these modern day takes on shapeshifting, it is a spiritual technique that shows up in many ancient forms of Shamanism. Although the fantastical idea of shapeshifting into an animal may be more exciting, the truth is we actually shapeshift every day. Think of the last sporting event you went to. Most likely, your energy shapeshifted the moment you entered the stadium. For me, it was the local Seattle Sounders soccer game. The confetti flying in the air mixed with the loud clapping and cheering noises encircled me and before I knew it, my energetic state shifted to match the excitement of the audience. That is basic shapeshifting. The easiest way to understand it is by comparing it to the basic scientific process of changing from one state to another.  For example, water shapeshifts into ice, liquid, and steam. Recently, I read Llyn Robert’s book called Shapeshifting into Higher Consciousness Here are some excerpts from her book that beautifully defines shapeshifting:  “Shapeshifting is about changing from one state to another.  It is innate to us all and the calling card of nature and life. We, and the world within which we live, are ever-changing and evolving.  When we take the time to really see and immerse ourselves in the natural world around us – the winds, tress, animals, stones, skies- we discover that everything is constantly moving. The air can transform from an oppressive stillness on a hot summer’s night into a gentle breeze…and then again it can morph into a powerful hurricane.  Human beings also continuously morph from one state to another.  Our body changes dramatically through the course of a lifetime from birth to death. Whether changing weather patterns, shifting moods, or mutable physical afflictions- it is easy to see that we and everything in our world are quite fluid.” Why do people want to shapeshift? The answer depends on who you are talking to. If you talked to a Shaman, who is the healer in many indigenous communities, shapeshifting is a powerful spiritual practice.  Shamans travel to other worlds and realms to obtain wisdom, power, and energy to assist change in this world.  The mission of the Shamans is to maintain balance between people, spirit, and nature.  Shamans use their abilities for the benefit of others and for positive change within their communities. Unlike the many Evangelists we see on late night television that use healing as a power trip, Shamans are not doing the work for an ego trip, personal gain or for profit. There are other groups (e.g.- merge with an arch enemy and get them into a car accident) that use shapeshifting as a means of gaining power over others. The intention is to use shapeshifting to control others, cause harm to others or for personal gain. When I interviewed Llyn Roberts, a teacher in Shamanism, she described this behavior as sorcery and believes that those who use sorcery find that the negative energy comes back to hurt them. I heard something similar during a class on “core shamanism” with Michael Harner, the founder of The Foundation for Shamanic Studies. In the class, the teachers believe that anyone who misuses these techniques loses their powers. What do you experience when you shapeshift?  What are the benefits? Over the last year, I’ve taken a few classes from The Foundation for Shamanic Studies.  The very first class involves finding your spirit animal, which is an animal that brings you personal power. The class encourages participants to create an ongoing relationship with your spirit animal that you can shapeshift with it. Similar to the spiritual connection depicted in the movie Avatar. The inhabitants  merge their spiritual energy with nature and the connection allow both parties to experience the power of the other.  One of the main characters Neytiri, played by Zoe Saldana, exemplified the concept of shapeshifting when she demonstrated how to spiritually connect with the dragon to gain it’s loyalty. One of my spirit animals is a crow, in the past I have allowed our energies to unite and by doing this, both the crow and myself experience the benefit of merging. The crow encounters a humanistic view of the world whereas I experience the world from a crow’s point of view. The first thing I noticed when merging was the difference in my visual perception- instead of my eyes focusing on just two feet in front of me, I found myself broadening my visual horizon. My eyes wanted to scan around and focus on getting a larger, more panoramic view of my surroundings.  Everything became more intense, even the ripples in the water were sharper. Whether it was real or not, who knows, but it certainly felt real. Plus, I was able to see life around me from a different perspective. You may question what actually happens during the merging process? I wondered this myself and my sense is that all life forms have a spiritual and energetic vibration that is capable of uniting with others through energy. My energy merged with the energy of a crow’s archetype.  In this intermingling of energy, each being gets  the opportunity to gain the life wisdom that each has collected over many years. Oddly, this merging gave me a sense of wholeness and a closer connection to life around us. Can humans really transform into animals like you see in the movies? A number of sensationalists seem to think so. I was a bit skeptical, but wanted to keep an open mind.  So, I asked Llyn Roberts, a prominent teacher of healing and Shamanism, if she’s ever seen someone actually change into an animal, like a snake or wolf.  Hear her thoughts on YouTube (http://youtu.be/F2208mZ6gAw?t=19m46s). Llyn has spent her whole life studying, observing, and leading trips to visit Shamans in several regions including Central America and Asia. During these encounters she has seen shapeshifting into animal, plants, or elements of nature. In terms of animal shapeshifting, Llyn has not witnessed with her eyes an actual transformation of a Shaman turning into an animal. What she did observe, however, was just as interesting. The Bird people in the High Andes and in the Asian Steps would wear a feathered headdress or large feathered wings on their backs. The feathered articles represent the spirit animals of the Shamans. The people would wear this while the Shamans performed their healing. While never seeing animal transformations, Llyn has seen non-ordinary things happen, like balls of light in the sky where Shamans shift into balls of light. http://www.allthingshealing.com/Shamanism/Time-Space-and-Dreaming/8799#.VHZ12mTF9-Y and http://www.olympicmountainearthwisdomcircle.org/shaman_from_the_stars_by_llyn_roberts.php. I, too, have seen something similar in a class I took with James Van Praagh, a reputable spiritual medium. James called these spirit beings that showed up as balls of light “orbs”.  During this class, we turned the lights down low and everyone started taking pictures with their phones. I saw nothing. However, I was shocked when I looked at the photos taken. It showed big orbs and some had faces within them. It was freaky….but super cool. Aside from the unorthodox effect of what was seen, it still somehow makes sense. If we are energy forms, then we should be able to shift energetically into balls of light. How would you describe the healing environment during a visit with a Shaman? Llyn Roberts described a healing ritual that she took part in. She emphasized how healing in these cultures are very different than our Western understanding of healing at the doctor’s office. To begin with, healing takes place in a village, as opposed to some private room in a clinic with soft music playing. The setting is most likely at someone’s house with grazing animals nearby and people bustling around. Plus, there are other villagers watching you. The power of community is a healing force within itself and this idea of communal healing is something that the inhabitants of these villages believe in. In addition, the healing energy is environmental, which means anyone in the vicinity will get the same healing benefits as the client being healed. How would you describe what it felt like to get a healing from a Shaman? Llyn Roberts describes her healing ceremony with a Shaman, where “shapeshifting tools” like water, plants, and stones were applied directly to her nude body. These tools are the elements that are bringing balance and harmony during the healing. In a Shamanic healing practice, it is the fire, water, stones and spirits that are doing the work. The Shaman’s role is to engage the heart and mind and to bring their spirit helpers to facilitate the healing. During the ceremony, Llyn felt that she got “her out of her head” and was able to quickly connect with her body.  She described being fully immersed by the elements and further explained, “When you end the process, you have merged with the elements from the process. It opens your heart. It opens your senses.  You feel like you have come home”. How would you describe a healing setting during a visit with a Shaman? Llyn Roberts describes a healing ritual that she took part of in a village. She emphasized how healing in these cultures are very different than our Western understanding of healing at a doctors.  First of all, the clients is not in a private closed room with soft music playing.  It’s more likely that you are in someone’s house with grazing animals nearby and people bustling around.  Plus, there are other villagers watching you.  The community attends because the power of community is a healing force in itself.  In addition, the healing energy is environmental, which means anyone in the vicinity will get the same benefits as the client who is being healed. Llyn leads groups of people to these ceremonies She described being a witness to healing miracles from people with life-threatening illnesses such as cancer to those that are unable to have children or have other extreme forms of imbalance in their lives. Each of her guests encountered a different experience that allowed them to experience themselves in fresh ways with a renewed sense of balance. What is it like being a practitioner in a fire practice? Llyn Roberts describes her fire healing practice.  “First, you are opening and breathing deep within the earth and with the earth. The Shapeshifter or Shaman serves as  a conduit for energy, which means that they are always shapeshifting and merging with the energy. It’s not the Shaman or the shapeshifter or their ego that is doing the healing during this practice. Instead, the power is coming from the earth. Once connected, you are breathing in the sacred energies. For the Shaman’s in Ecuador, it is their sacred water and volcanoes that they are working with. Then you open your heart to merge with the fire – the living spirit to which the Shaman develops a real relationship with. If you aren’t in the right relationship with the fire you can get burned.” When Llyn performs these ceremonies, she places alcohol in her mouth and literally breathes fire onto her clients.  Hear the description of her practice. How to Shapeshift? If you want to learn more about Shapeshifting, I recommend Llyn’s book “ Shapeshifting into Higher Consciousness”. Interested in trying shapeshifting now? Click here to experience shapeshifting(http://youtu.be/F2208mZ6gAw?t=24m). Here are a few steps to follow: Close your eyes. And take a few deep cleansing breaths. Think of a dilemma – something that you are having an issue with or that bothers you (e.g.- pesticide use in environment) Tune into your emotion and label them. Are you angery, disappointed, outraged, or do you feel sad hopeless or confused? Let go of the negative thoughts. Take a few more deep cleansing breaths. Go back to your childhood memories. Think of something in nature that you had affinity with.  It could be a tree or a flower, a stuffed animal or a childhood pet. Think about this being from nature and allow your senses to emerge. Try to see, feel, touch, smell and hear it as if it’s right in front of you. Become aware of the subtle qualities – the gentleness, unique colors or graceful presence). You will begin to shapeshift and take on the form of your chosen nature being. The merging will fit like a glove. There are 2 ways to merge. Imagine the tree, flower, animal or whichever is your chosen nature being, is just a few feet in front of you. Enter the nature being as if you could walk right into that tree, flower, animal, etc. and take on its form. Imagine that your body is morphing into the full form of that being. For example, if you were morphing into the tree, you would morph into it’s branches, trunk, and roots. Sense what it feels like when your body takes this form. Continue to feel and then bring into your awareness the dilemma in #2. Looking through the consciousness of this nature being. Look through the eyes of the nature’s being and see how your perception changes. How would this being see your problem from its perspective? Look at the issue through all sides and see it through that nature being’s perception. Let the focus on that dilemma dissolve. Relax and come back to merging with that nature being and its form. Now, make the transition back into your form. Morph back into your own body and consciousness. Step back from the form and come back to the present. Take a few deep, cleansing breaths as you transform back to your full self.   About Llyn Roberts -Award-winning Author, Teacher of Healing and Shamanism      Llyn Roberts, MA – aka “Cedar” – is a prominent teacher of healing and shamanism. An award-winning author, her newest book,Speaking with Nature: Awakening to the Deep Wisdom of the Earth, is coauthored with Sandra Ingerman. She also wrote Shapeshifting into Higher Consciousness (IPPY Award); Shamanic Reiki (Roberts & Levy), and The Good Remembering. Llyn’s work incorporates her experience as a psychotherapist, training with diverse indigenous cultures, study in Tibetan Buddhism, and Western body-mind transformational approaches. She teaches shamanic methods that can be applied to everyday life in order to turn crisis and fear into opportunities, and which heal us, and our relationship with the Earth. Her emphasis is: spiritual ecology, deep feminine wisdom. Her work opens us to an expanded paradigm of well being that is essential to our own and the planet’s health as our world is rapidly redefined. She holds a master’s degree in Tibetan Buddhist and Western Psychology from Naropa University (1985). She was a student of the late, Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche and is an initiate of shamanic circles in Latin America and in Siberia. She has facilitated indigenous book projects and led sacred journeys for twenty years to indigenous shamanic peoples living in remote regions of the Amazon basin, the Asian steppes, high Andes, the lands of the ancient Maya, and to indigenous groups in rural West China. She has taught at highly regarded educational institutions including the Omega Institute, Omega’s Women’s Leadership Center, Esalen, Hollyhock, Rowe Conference Center, Kripalu, the Prophet’s Conference, Bioneers, Evergreen State College, the Eagle Condor Foundation. She was consultant to the University of Massachusetts Sustainability Initiative in Dartmouth and to Earth Train, a Panama-based non-profit organization engaged in reforestation and educational programs, and indigenous cultural preservation. She serves as adjunct faculty for Union Graduate School and The Graduate Institute. She was a psychotherapist for the acclaimed Buddhist-inspired therapeutic community, Maitri Psychological Services, akaWindhorse. Her work is featured in numerous tele-seminars and in books, pod cast and radio interviews and magazine articles. Llyn is former director of the non-profit organization, Dream Change, founded by NY Times best selling author, John Perkins, with whom she co-facilitated of Earth-honoring transformational programs for seventeen years. She is the founder and president of the Olympic Mountain EarthWisdom Circle, “OMEC”, a worldwide community of people dedicated to promoting a sacred and responsible relationship with the Earth (www.eomec.org). Roberts translates ancient techniques into modern-day practices to help us transform personal imbalances, open to our higher purpose, deepen our relationship to spirit and nature, and reclaim our power to make a positive difference in the world. - See more at: http://www.fireitupwithcj.com/how-to-shapeshift/#sthash.5qEQgOnU.dpuf
6/1/201638 minutes
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Birds and Bee Talk (Dr. Rob Lehman/Julie Metzger) – Communication Skills | Self-Help | Adolescent / Teen Advice

Get ready for the birds and bee talk with your teen. Are you dreading the sex,drugs, and STD’s talk with your teen?  What kind of conversation would you have to have with your son/daughter to convince him to wear a rubber? Get expert advice on how to have a great productive conversation with your child. Show Highlights: Learn how your everyday your actions and behaviors teach your sex, friends and partners. What are the top 3 conversations you should be having with your teen about sex? Looking for some guidance on what kind of rules you should be setting with  your teen about sex and natural consequences when they don’t meet your expectation? Want to hear Julie role model how to talk to your child about a difficult topic (e.g.- getting her teen to wear a condom)? Listen in to hear how experts talk to children. About Our Authors: Julie Metzger and Robert Lehman have decades of experience with the adolescent and pre-adolescent mindset. They created and now teach the popular “Growing Up” program at Seattle Children’s Hospital and the “Heart to Heart” program out of Stanford’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital.  Robert Lehman, MD, has devoted his professional career to adolescent health care. As a physician, his practice has focused on teenagers in many different clinical situations, including schools, homeless clinics and public health facilities.  He is also a passionate advocate for youth on the local and national level and has been on the University of Washington faculty since 1989. In 1990, he began working with Julie Metzger on the “Growing Up” series. Julie Metzger, R.N. and M.N., is a pediatric nurse, writer and educator. She developed her popular “Heart to Heart, For Girls Only” program in 1989, and has taught the class to thousands of mother-daughter teams in Seattle, Palo Alto and the Puget Sound region. She is a co-designer and instructor of several other classes aimed at fostering child-parent communication in adolescence.  
6/1/201651 minutes, 3 seconds
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Women’s Health Tips: Goddesses Never Age – Dr. Christiane Northrup | Aging | Spiritual | Spirituality | Sex-Life | Self-Help

Get inspired to look and feel radiant, healthy, and beautiful. Dr. Christiane Northrup, M.D., board-certified OB/GYN and New York Times best-selling author, shares women’s health tips on how to make growing older an experience you can look forward to. Find out how menopause can be a rebirth and how to make it a time of creativity, sensuality, and fun. Get the principles of ageless living and shift your perceptions about getting.   Know the power of PLEASURE Oftentimes, we get so wrapped up in our daily lives that we forget to revel in life’s simple pleasures. Dr. Christiane Northrup finds the enjoyment of life to be of great importance. In her latest book, “Goddess Never Age”, Dr. Northrup devotes an entire chapter called “Know The Power of Pleasure” to express just how important joy is to our health and overall well-being. So, what’s the best thing about pleasure? It costs nothing! And, it practically takes no time to fully plunge into all the wonder and mysteries in life. But first we must shift our awareness to what Dr. Northrup calls the divine force of the universe. Embracing these experiences is critical for the enjoyment of life. Here are some of my favorite passages from this chapter: “Our brains are wired to allow us to connect with life force and experience rejuvenating pleasure for ourselves. We have forgotten the importance of pleasure and we need to remember how to experience it regularly- as a daily part of life” (p26) “Create more (pleasure) and you make it easier for your body to create more. Pleasure leads to more pleasure. Life renews itself, while anger, fear, and grief suck the life out of you. To be ageless, healthy goddess, you must learn to cultivate your ability to experience emotions such as joy and compassion, and release grief and resentment, and allow yourself to feel righteous anger when appropriate” (p28). We each have an innate understanding of how significant pleasure is. Yet, we often reject it out of guilt or shame because of how we perceive cultural messages about work ethic. Dr. Northrup asks us to refute these cultural messages. Is it really in the best interest of our bodies and minds to be in a constant state of deprivation, frugality, and morality?  She asks us to question whether endlessly giving, selflessly serving and never caring about ourselves a healthy path to our overall well being. “Don’t hold back from pleasure. Be direct rather than apologetic or coy. Know and ask for what you enjoy, want, and deserve. Don’t settle for what you think should be “enough” to satisfy you (p31) Menopause and BEING AGELESS Once we turn 50, the number most of us associate with aging, it becomes easier to buy into the notion of deterioration. We dry up, shrivel up, and lose life energy. So, how can we remain vibrant, exciting, and full of life?  Dr. Northrup asks that we shift our own perceptions about aging and instead adopt an ageless attitude. “Every woman is an ageless goddess, an expression of the sacred feminine physical form”. (pxi) “As they (women), enter menopause, the transition into menopause typically lasts for 6 to 12 years, many women realize they’re no longer willing to put their dreams on hold and live according to what everyone else wants. Maybe you have a strong feeling you should switch careers, move to a new place, and a relationship, or explore your sexuality in a new way. Pay attention to that yearning. Your creative juices are flowing! Life force is coming through you. The new life you give birth to must include your own… What you are changing into is a powerful, luscious, fertile ageless goddess you were meant to be- an expression of the divine, feminine life force unencumbered by cultural expectations that keep you small, overly cautious, and afraid to upset anybody.  You are in the process of discovering your ageless, goddess self, and she has many ways to express her creativity and experience the pleasures in life, from feeling good in her body and rediscovering her sexuality to beginning a new relationship, project, or way of living…”. (pxiii) “Age is just a number, and agelessness means not buying into the idea that a number determines everything from your state of health to your attractiveness or your value.  You can be younger at 60 than you were at 30 because you have changed your attitude and your lifestyle. To be ageless is to defy the rules of what it supposedly means to be this age or that age. It is, quite simple, to never grow “old”- to never feel as if the best days are behind you and it’s all downhill from her “. (px) What are you afraid to change in your life because you think you might be shamed for making a mistake? Is the desire to be seen as perfect keeping you from expressing yourself? You have to take risks to be adventurous. Repressing the need to grow, and try something new is disastrous for health and well-being. Remember, creativity is the life force.  Cut it off, and you cut yourself off from the source of everything. p129.  Video Highlights  1:13 What does it mean to move through time versus space? Dr. Northrup suggests that in order for us to be an ageless Goddess, we have to stop thinking about age. 2:32 What is happening during menopause? How can we rise to full Goddesshood and take up space, as we should during menopause, versus being small by yielding to the cultural veil? 3:07 What happens during our 50’s when women stop menstruating? During this period, women retain their sacred blood and stop leaking energy. 4:01 What happens to our body when we hit 50? By the time we reach 50 our “aging” lifestyle starts to manifest itself from our sedentary lifestyle. 6:00 What should we say when someone asks us our age? Christiane shares a beautiful passage from her Facebook group. 9:07 How do you get to a place where you become an ageless portal? How can we be in the world and not be of the world? Christiane says we must shift our disempowering perceptions, thoughts, and beliefs. 10:26 What does space consciousness mean? It’s being present and in the moment where time and space expand; where a 3-hour conversation feels like 10 minutes. 12:05 A powerful story of how our thoughts and beliefs can affect our health. 13:21 What is happening to our bodies as we age? Should we fight the aging process? Christiane talks about accepting aging. She shares a famous study by Ellen Lager on aging and how our beliefs are critical for keeping us young. 43:16 Christiane talks about getting over her fears with finances at the age of 50? The ideas she presents are a reminder that we should never allow our fears to limit us and that we can always learn new things. 45:33 Christiane touches on how our viewpoints can age us and how hanging around young people is important to maintain our own youth. Resources: https://youtu.be/4XNoU5xpvGI Sex Life: Being sexy and sensual In our quest to compete in a male-oriented world, it’s easy for many of us to lose our femininity and sexuality.  At the start of the interview, Christiane and I discussed how we were both trained to be men in a woman’s body for the sake of our respective professional fields, medicine and hi-tech. Over the last few months, I’ve been figuring out what I lost during my drive to “success”.  As I investigated my own beliefs, I discovered a conflict between being sexy and smart. Could I be both? Sadly, in my mind these concepts were an either/or proposition. It wasn’t possible to be “BOTH”. I also started questioning if my judgments from childhood associated sexy as bad or naughty, or as some frivolous tactic that bad girls used because they felt their bodies had more influence than their own intellect. In “Goddesses Never Age”, there is a whole chapter entitled “Goddesses are Sexy and Sensual”. Christiane aptly describes that we are wired for sensual pleasure from the start.  “As long as we’re in physical bodies, we are sexual creatures-whether or not we ever end up taking off our clothes with another person. In the absence of undue shame, we’re drawn to sexuality as naturally as bees to flowers. Flowers are simply sex organs that plants use to attract the bees that pollinate them and keep them fertile, but they’re so much more than that. They’re part of the joy and beauty of life on planet Earth. Women’s sexuality doesn’t exist solely for procreation. WE don’t stop being deliciously alluring just because pregnancy is no longer possible” p 150. While these ideas were enticing to me, the question then became how far down the stiletto heels and red lipstick continuum would I go?  I liked the advice that Christiane offers about what sexy means:  “The aim is not to be like the lost young women on the HBO series Girls, who have sex often but are disassociated from their own pleas and wisdom. Nor should you aim to use sex to manipulate other people, because your Aphrodite power is not a commodity to be exchanged. Using sex that way wouldn’t be wise or ethical. It’s like the power of fire; you can cook with it or you can burn down your village, so use it responsibly”.  p151 In the end, I’m still on this journey of exploration, but this time my eyes are wide open. I’ve found that for me, being a woman means embracing the soft and vulnerable, engrossing my senses and my intuition, allowing myself to navigate in curves versus straight lines, and to ground myself in the deep wisdom and strength we have as women to create a safe loving place for the people we cherish, including ourselves. This is what it means to be a woman. Interestingly enough, since I’ve begun the journey to embrace my feminine aspects I’ve inevitably attracted more male energy. So, the mere act of embracing womanhood is, sexy. Here are some quotes from “Goddesses Never Age” to get you fired up! “Women wrestle with how to be sensual, strong, feminine, and confident in their bodies and their self-expression. We judge ourselves relentlessly about our weight, our breast size, our thighs, our hair. Our self-judgments and shame turn off the life force within us”p155 “A fulfilling sex life begins first with your thoughts and beliefs. As you start to feel sexier, you soon become more attractive on the outside. Both men and women know that women who are turned on and in touch with their own desire for pleasure are sexy. There is no more powerful aphrodisiac than a woman who feels irresistible and relishes it.”  p154. “Sexuality is power. It’s our connection to the creative life force. When you connect with your Aphrodite energy, you remember that you’re worthy of receiving what you desire. You surrender to sexual and other pleasures without fear of displeasing anyone, and you enjoy a bounty of sexual delight that can include multiple orgasms.  To embody Aphrodite’s is to be a diva in the original sense of the word, unapologetic about your longing and cravings and unchecked in your pleasurable pursuits. That’s hard for many of us to imagine, because we’ve been taught not to take too much, not to laugh too loudly, and not to be too aggressive in getting what we want. P157 THE SEAT OF YOUR CREATIVE POWERS: Our souls come into our bodies through our hips at the back of our pelvic bowl, where the sacrum-or “sacred” bone- is located.  This is the place in our body that is called the “spirit door”.  It’s the entryway into the “birthing field”, the place where energy becomes form. Your pelvis and genitals are your sacred center, the area in the body where you access the energy to create everything- whether it’s a book, a relationship, or a baby. When we listen to the call of our pelvic energy to live with greater creativity, take more risks, feel more pleasure, and not be afraid of what others might say or think, we are honoring the creative female force within us.” P106. Taken from Laura Bushnells’ book, “Life Magic”, Dr. Northrup suggests trying out this wonderful practice as a way to get you started on your journey: As you are walking, imagine that a very sexy woman is pressed up against your left side- the side of your body that represents receiving and femininity. Now, breath is that woman and her energy. Imagine drawing in her sensuality and sexuality, and increasing your life force within each breath as it is channeled directly from the Divine through her into you. Do this for 2-5 minutes a day for 21 days.  ” p158 Video Highlights 3:43 What herbs can help with vaginal dryness? Puerarai Mirifica is an herb that Dr. Northrup sells to help alleviate symptoms of menopause and restore their youthful vitality. (http://a-ma-ta.com/index.php/menopause-relief/pueraria-mirifica-plus-capsules-35) 18:12 How can we embrace our feminine energy? When we embrace our creativity, sensuality, receptivity, and lusciousness, we increase our polarity towards feminine energy. As a result, we attract more male energy. 20:06 How do women that embrace sexuality deal with attracting more male energy? If you are embodied in integrity and own both your male and female side, then you will not attract low vibrational energy. If you fully embrace your inner queen, you will only attract Kings. 21:33 What does it look like when we “own” our masculine power? Dr. Northrup talks about how she developed her masculine side as a surgeon. Hear her delineation about hieros gamos (more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hieros_gamos) 23:41 Find out what sign/house your female (Venus) and male (Mars) signs are in. Inner male is your Mars sign and inner female is your Venus sign. The inside job is creating an inner marriage of the two. Often we are looking for men that have that Mars-like energy until we are integrated ourselves. The goal is to have a playful relationship with our Mars and Venus. It’s not about controlling each side, but playing with them. 28:09 Link to Dr. Nothrups’s favorite book: http://www.amazon.com/The-Game-Life-How-Play/dp/1603865632 and http://www.amazon.com/Outrageous-Openness-Letting-Divine-Take-ebook/dp/B00J0YT4W2 Resources: http://www.drnorthrup.com/sexuality-in-menopause/ http://a-ma-ta.com/index.php/menopause-relief/pueraria-mirifica-plus-capsules-35 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKQRiQ7UuFk Family Life: Letting Go of martrydom Many 50 somethings are facing the sandwich generation; they are caring for their own children as well as their aging parents. Alternatively, there are Millennials or Generation Y children that have returned to the nest. During my conversation with Dr. Northrup, she shares a personal experience of her ageless mother and daughter moving back home. One of my major takeaways from our chat and from a chapter in her book “Goddesses Love without Losing Themselves” was the importance of self-care and letting go. As my children approach their late teens, the challenge is shifting gears and treating them as the emerging adults that they are becoming. I’m being confronted with the task of releasing control and giving them the independence they need. My journey has resulted in looking at my own reticence in letting go, which I’ve associated with the idea of losing my identity as a mother and the impending thought of being emancipated when my kids take off for college. The beautiful discovery from my own identity crises was realizing that part of it was manufactured. Yes, our roles and responsibilities change but we will always be a mother. The part that is real is that my identity can change. In fact, it can expand into something bigger and greater as a result of my new gained freedom. As I enter this new juncture I enter a place of both joyful anticipation and fear.  Perhaps, when you feel fear you can find inspiration for launching into a future full of self-discovery and adventure. Maybe you’ll  find the courage to move forward. Here’s one of my favorite quotes from Christiane’s book “Goddesses Never Age”: “The number one relationship that determines the quality of all the others in your life and sets the tone for them is the one you have with yourself. Are you willing to learn to love yourself enough to discover your depth, own your beauty, and articulate your deepest desires? Or are you going to neglect the work of mining your inner treasures while waiting for someone else to sweep into your life and rescue you from your loneliness, your yearning, and your despair? Each of us is confronted with this choice every day. Only when we have the courage to love ourselves as the divine, ageless goddess we are do we have a real shot at creating heaven on earth with someone else”. P190 “You must learn to complete yourself. You have to see yourself as irresistible and set a high price on your head” p191 “By having a great relationship with yourself, by loving yourself fully, you are serving the world. You’re inspiring others to truly appreciate themselves by modeling what it looks like to appreciate yourself without conceit. To truly love yourself you have to get to know who you are instead of repressing all the parts of yourself that you might have been shamed for in the past. P 193 “…we move into the phase of our lives in which our mothering is no longer required in the same way it was when our children were younger-or our relationships, businesses, or creative projects were just beginning- we have to figure out what to do with the milk of our kindness that is our gift to the world. To support ourselves…. we need new outlets for our nurturance. “p91” You’re never too old to take risks and do what makes you feel alive. Whether you love horses, dance, gardening, fitness, or travel, it’s clear that they all contribute to agelessness and make others feel attracted to you”. P194 “At some point in our lives, perhaps when we’re finished with up-close-and-personal mothering, we need to access and channel our creative energy in ways that give us pleasuring and inspiration – writing a book or poetry, learning how to paint, or learning how to dance. The creative urge can also express itself in coming up with new ideas, new business models, or new ways of working with technology. The possibilities are endless. The older we get the more direct access we have to our creative energy flow.” p 107 But when you’re an adult with a mother who hasn’t figured out how to make herself happy, it’s counterproductive to allow yourself to get drained by her and keep her happy at your own expense. The same goes for a daughter who isn’t happy by the time she reaches adulthood. It’s not a mother’s job to sacrifice herself for the good of her children either. Video Highlights                                                                                        31:06 What happens when both parties are retired? Men move into their heart and women move into their low heart. Women have to let go of the wheel and that power mentality. You don’t get to control your husband or vice-versa. 32:56 Northrup shares family stories about her mom and explains how her mother inspired her to be the woman she is today. 38:58 How has your own role as a mother and caretaker evolved? Dr. Northrup shares some tips about self-care when we are bogged down with taking care of both of our parents and our children? She explains how important it is to see our children’s capabilities and how Millennials need our support because of economic shifts. She states that old ideas of children leaving the nest don’t necessary apply. Christiane Northrup, MD- Ob/Gyn, visionary pioneer, and women’s health expert   Christiane Northrup, M.D., board-certified ob/gyn, former Assistant Clinical Professor of ObGyn at Maine Medical Center, is a visionary pioneer and the foremost authority on everything that can go right with the female body! Dr. Northrup is a leading proponent of medicine that acknowledges the unity of mind, body, emotions, and spirit; internationally known for her empowering approach to women’s health and wellness, she teaches women how to thrive at every stage of life. Dr. Northrup stays in touch with her large community worldwide through her Internet radio showFlourish!, Facebook, Twitter, her monthly e-letter, and her Web site, www.drnorthrup.co - 
5/26/201648 minutes, 50 seconds
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Change Your Thought = Change Your Destiny – Dr. Joe Dispenza

What if changing your thoughts could change your destiny?  Total transformation is possible, but it first starts in your mind.  CJ talks to Dr. Joe Dispenza, one of the researchers in the award-winning film What the BLEEP Do We Know? !, about his new book “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself” and his upcoming Seattle Event “Getting Your Shift Together”. - See more at: http://www.fireitupwithcj.com/total-transformation-joe-dispenza/#sthash.u0aBKpxj.dpuf   SHOW SUMMARY   Segment 1: How can you track transformation scientifically?: Dr. Joe shares the transformations he’s witnessed during his workshop and how he is tracking these changes scientifically.  Learn the types of brain changes scientists have been able to track before and after attending Dr. Joe’s  workshop.  Segment 2: Total Transformation: Dr. Joe shares the miraculous health changes that have most astounded him over the last 12 mos. Segment 3: Be the Creator of Your Own Reality:  What are 3 key ingredients to making real change? What does neuroscience  have to do with any of this? Segment 4: Manifestation: How is this work akin to manifestation?   What are some common mistakes or misunderstandings people have when trying to manifest their dreams? Other Shows Like This: Richard Bandler (Founder of NLP): http://fireitupwithcj.com/626-the-creator-of-neuro-linguistic-programming-richard-bandler/ - See more at: http://www.fireitupwithcj.com/total-transformation-joe-dispenza/#sthash.u0aBKpxj.dpuf ABOUT OUR GUEST   Joe Dispenza, D.C., studied biochemistry at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. He also holds a BS degree with an emphasis in Neuroscience. Dr. Dispenza also received his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree at Life University in Atlanta, Georgia, graduating magna cum laude. Dr. Dispenza’s postgraduate training and continuing education has been in neurology; neuroscience; brain function and chemistry; cellular biology; memory formation; and aging and longevity. He is an invited member of Who’s Who in America, an honorary member of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, the recipient of a Clinical Proficiency Citation for clinical excellence in doctor-patient relationships from Life University, and a member of Pi Tau Delta – the International Chiropractic Honor Society. Over the past decade, Dr. Dispenza has lectured in 26 different countries on six continents educating people about the role and function of the human brain. He has taught thousands of people how to re-program their thinking through scientifically proven neuro-physiologic principles. As a result, this information has taught many individuals to reach their specific goals and visions by eliminating self-destructive habits. His approach, taught in a very simple method, creates a bridge between true human potential and the latest scientific theories of neuroplasticity. He explains how thinking in new ways, as well as changing beliefs, can literally rewire one’s brain. The premise of his work is founded in his total conviction that every person on this planet has within them, the latent potential of greatness and true unlimited abilities. – See more at: http://www.drjoedispenza.com/joedispenza/ctab/RiVCRSVFNQ==/about#sthash.Nmera7WS.dpuf - See more at: http://www.fireitupwithcj.com/total-transformation-joe-dispenza/#sthash.u0aBKpxj.dpuf What if changing your thoughts could change your destiny?  Total transformation is possible, but it first starts in your mind.  CJ talks to Dr. Joe Dispenza, one of the researchers in the award-winning film What the BLEEP Do We Know? !, about his new book “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself” and his upcoming Seattle Event “Getting Your Shift Together”. - See more at: http://www.fireitupwithcj.com/total-transformation-joe-dispenza/#sthash.u0aBKpxj.dpuf
5/25/201615 minutes, 6 seconds