A few months ago, this cohost of Life Mastery Radio hosted a workshop for speech competitors ages 10-17. It was a four-hour workshop online, and I needed to provide time for our students to get breaks and stay active.
I brought in Bonnie Wallace, the founder of Bonnie Wallace Dance. She logged on to the workshop and in two fifteen-minute sessions gave the 30 plus attendees an opportunity to dance, refill their creative buckets, and move their too often sedentary bodies. It was fantastic.
This same Bonnie Wallace was our most recent guest on Life Mastery Radio. In addition to working with women in the creative space of dance for more than 13 years, Bonnie taught our listeners that dancing has a positive effect on every part of our lives.
Life Lessons from the
Dance Studio
1. Preparation is
everything
2. Everything counts
3. Dance is a
conversation between your body and soul
When Bonnie was in preschool her mom enrolled Bonnie in a dance class. At the recital Bonnie was put in front of the class to lead the other students.
“I’ve danced my whole life since then, and I’ve never stopped.”
Bonnie Wallace
Today Bonnie does much of the same thing she did
in preschool – she leads students in the art of dance. Bonnie has developed an
approach to dance that blends a variety of techniques and practices and has
brought the benefits of dance to hundreds of women. Her students benefit
from stretches, exercise, and the opportunity to creatively express themselves
with movement.
“I teach dance classes online now so everyone anywhere can participate. I want to inspire others to move and express themselves with their body.”
Bonnie Wallace
Bonnie Wallace Dance
Throughout our conversation with Bonnie, I made
note of the numerous benefits of dancing:
Engages the whole body, mind, and spirit
Inspires and ignites passion and vitality
Teaches rhythm, coordination, and grace
Gives you access to the fountain of youth
“My mother has taken my dance classes for 10 years. She is healthy and in excellent shape.”
Bonnie Wallace
No fancy equipment is needed. If you can roll your shoulder and/or lift your arm, you can dance
Practice builds talent and technique quickly while working at a comfortable pace
It’s a spiritual, physical, and mental journey all at the same time
Provides connection with something inside and outside of yourself
You can dance at any age
“Many of my students are in their seventies.”
Bonnie Wallace
Dance has its own language. You’ll learn terms such as Dégagé, Passé, Developpe, Relevé, Plié, and Rond de jambe. By the way…you’ll need to take a dance class with Bonnie to learn the meaning of these terms
Increases oxygen, strength, and balance
Continuous movement builds physical and creative muscles
Connects you with the spiritual side of your emotions
Connects your mind-body relationship
Keeps you present and mindful
Improves memory and focus
For Life Mastery Radio listeners, Bonnie invites you to try a free class – no matter where you live. Using this link: https://bonniedance.eventbrite.com You’ll have a chance to learn Bonnie’s contemporary-modern dance style.
Bonnie’s beginner level is one hour, and the more advanced level is slightly longer. You’ll spend about 35-40 minutes warming up before you begin dancing.
We watched a video of Bonnie’s talents on the show. Look here: Bonnie Wallace Dance Class knowing the women in this video are about 4 classes in with Bonnie as their teacher.
“I teach four times a week. All you need to take a class is an 8’ x 8’ space, wear comfortable clothes, place your computer screen where you can see it, have water nearby, a yoga mat (if you have one), an open mind, and ready to have fun and move.”
Bonnie Wallace
Sitting is the new smoking, and we all need to move more!
Our recent guest, Sabine Gedeon likened her journey of transformation unto the metamorphosis that a butterfly goes through. She learned through research just how uncomfortable the process truly is.
In their caterpillar phase the butterfly spends most of its time at earth’s lowest station eating as much as it can. Upon a signal from nature the caterpillar leaves the ground, climbs onto a tree and ushers in the process of “death”, shedding any resemblance of the caterpillar they once were.
“Their insides are completely splattered and turned into a soup-like mush. They undergo metamorphosis at the cellular level.”
Sabine asks us to
imagine voluntarily surrendering every part of ourselves knowing we will be
nothing like our former nature. Can you imagine giving in to the plan of our Creator
without question or hesitation?
“Much like a caterpillar’s metamorphosis, which takes place in stages, I’ve experienced the process of transformation in stages; the first being my surrender to the complete process of discovering a hidden truth.”
Sabine Gedeon
It’s still difficult for Sabine today to use the word rape. It’s the meaning of the word that bothers her, and she never wants to be identified as a rape victim. It happened when she was seven years old.
“My mind wasn’t even developed enough to process it at seven, and it’s not who I am.”
Sabine Gedeon
Sabine was destroyed at
a cellular level many times during her life. By the time she was 25 she hated herself
and wanted to stop the pain. She set out a plan for suicide and gave God an ultimatum.
He showed up in her room as she was about to take a handful of pills, and she
felt him wrap his arms around her.
“I don’t carry guilt, and I don’t carry shame”.
Sabine Gedeon
A powerful statement from
Sabine, who lived a sad and horrible life from the day of her birth. She has had
to understand the emotional and logical side of every actor in her story – her mother,
her father, her aunt, her siblings, etc.
Love equals pain, hurt and disrespect in Sabine’s past. She’s learned to have compassion for people in her life who were living the cycle of abuse. Many times, abuse is generational. Sabine has finally broken that cycle.
“Words of affirmation and quality time are my top two love languages. I never had either growing up. My mother never told me she loved me. I am breaking the cycle of those messages now. I have to give myself the things I’m not getting from others.”
Sabine Gedeon
Sharing her story has given permission for many other people to share their story for the first time. Survivors of abuse and trauma often begin to heal when they start verbally telling their stories.
“The Sabine today is forever evolving, curious and excited. Life is a journey, it’s a path with winding roads, ditches, valleys, mountains, and snakes. I had to forgive my dad so I could build a relationship with God”.
Sabine Gedeon
Sabine is a coach with empathy and compassion who meets her clients where they are. She is honest and transparent about herself so her clients can be the same. Some of her family relationships have healed, but she recognizes her mother is who she is, and if Sabine sets boundaries she controls possible hurtful situations.
Life and leadership are the
focus of Sabine’s coaching business. She helps people practice vulnerability
and gives them tools to be effective leaders.
“When I saw someone I admired I always wondered about their story. For me to stand up and speak, I had to go through some things. I can do it now. Nothing we experience or encounter is vain. It’s all pieces in a puzzle that creates our story to be accepted and loved. I can better relate to people now.”
Sabine Gedeon
On The Journey to Becoming Podcast Sabine shares the stories of women who have become coaches, authors, and speakers. She shares the truth and the full picture so her audience can see that the valley they are currently in is temporary and soon there will be another mountain to summit.
It’s all part of the journey to becoming. See the programs Sabine can offer you: https://sabinegedeon.com/
With over 30 years in investor relations, donor relations and financial education, Konni Harrison is a harbinger of helpful information for any of our listeners who have parents making a transition, or whom have a blended family.
Konni helps families to prepare for those fateful events such as dementia of a parent, death, long-term care, etc., and helps the surviving family members navigate through the conversations that arise regarding asset management. Her online course is called Anxiety to Action – How to Start the Estate Planning Conversation with your Family.
Konni’s father was a
trader on the options exchange. He won a bright yellow Jeep and brought it home
to 16-year-old, Konni.
“My dad wasn’t going to just let me drive it, he said ‘we have to do something with it’. So, we bought a snow shovel to go on the front of our Jeep.”
Konni Harrison
Konni and her dad
started a snowplow business together, and before school Konni would plow the
neighbors’ driveways. She went through 46 clutches and caught the
entrepreneurial bug.
Konni’s parents divorced and less than a year later her mother passed away suddenly.
“I didn’t handle my mom’s death well. I made such great bad decisions.”
Konni Harrison
Then Konni’s Father sued Konni for her mother’s inheritance.
“It got ugly. That was my introduction into the world of family dynamics, divorces, death, inheritance, and lawsuits all rolled into one.”
Konni Harrison
Discovering her three-word purpose in life – Connection, Simplicity, and Security – Konni now provides the same for her clients and those she interacts with.
“First, why do you want to have a conversation about estate planning with your family? How will you lead the discussion? How will you take care of the people you care about?”
Konni Harrison
Konni explains the timing of the estate planning conversation is important. Most often it is forced upon family because of a trigger event. Perhaps someone is facing a medical crisis or has died, or mom starts to show signs of dementia, etc. She insists the time to have the conversation is before the family needs a power of attorney.
“I try to help people avoid the fighting and the backstabbing.”
Konni Harrison
KNOWLEDGE BASE
“The legal language can be difficult to understand. I teach families in the simplest terms how to understand the definitions used in legal language. I am aware of compliance and laws and offer help to families. I work in tandem with state attorneys and the family.”
Konni Harrison
Konni is quick to clarify – she doesn’t focus on the documents, but on the conversations families are having. In many ways she is a mediator/liaison for the families and executors.
FAMILY ASSESSMENT
What’s the trigger(s)? What are the thoughts on death? How can each family member feel comfortable about the problem and the solution?
Konni provides a road map of the most-needed conversations. It’s a priority to make family members aware of the wishes of the family member in crisis (or likely to be).
“Just get started. It doesn’t all have to be done a week from Tuesday. Part of getting started is keeping documents and wishes updated.”
Konni Harrison
People don’t know what to do when they lose someone they love. Thankfully Konni is there to help them know the best steps to take. Everyone should have such a liaison. Reach out to Konni: https://kmhunlimited.com/
Our recent guest, Jonathan Goldman has written a tremendously comprehensive book about all things body. He drives his stories, ideas, and teachings home while navigating his HEV, and helping us do the same.
Before perusing Jonathan’s book, I may have assumed HEV to mean Hybrid Electrical Vehicle describing an automobile. I would have been only partially right. Jonathan calls our bodies Human Energy Vehicle and I have a 1963 model.
The first stop on our discussion journey with Jonathan was to consider the timeless question: “Why are we here?”
“This planet has every level of experience on it, from protozoa to the highest spiritual plane. That’s why so many beings want to be here. This planet is a soul school.”
Jonathan Goldman
Jonathan explains we
wanted to be individualized. He believes we have a road map for this race, and
that we can discover how to keep our HEV running well by working through our chakras.
“We are living a heart life, which conspires to help us leap to new paradigms.”
Jonathan Goldman
Imagine driving your Human Energy Vehicle with a blindfold on. Jonathan calls us blind amnesiacs, and spiritual awakening is the process of remembering we must all go through to reach our pitstops successfully.
“Each of us is an expression of divine love.”
Jonathan Goldman
Many people are desperately
anxious about not knowing, which Jonathan describes as an accurate assessment
of reality. Social media amplifies this anxiousness in our spiritual carburetors.
“We have an attachment to knowing when knowing is not possible.”
Jonathan Goldman
Faith is our fuel through life, and Jonathan claims Faith is a
vibration, not an ideology.
“Faith lives in us, and we must learn to access it. Compassion lives right in front of our heart, and faith lives a little further in front of that. Being grounded spirituality is the deeper dimension of life. It’s who I am, and it integrates all the parts of me. That’s my spirituality.”
Jonathan Goldman
In his book, Jonathan
teaches we are multi-dimensional creatures that exist on many levels at the
same time. We merely need to breathe, be open to who we are, and pay attention.
“I bring myself into sensation. I expand, and my thoughts come. I feel nuances of vibration. I give thought and concept to it. That’s the space of my heart. The deepest place of my heart is humility. My worthiness comes from being a child of god, not something outside of myself.”
Jonathan Goldman
The cause of illness –
losing touch with who you are and what you’re here for.
Jonathan peels back the layers that make up our HEV like the anatomy section of an old encyclopedia.
The layers of our HEV:
1. Physical body, which is densified energy
2. Etheric body. Acupuncture and reiki work in the etheric body
3. Emotional body, which expands and contracts. Crying or laughing cleans your emotional body
4. Mental body, which is a band of belief. We are defined by our beliefs, which can change and morph.
5. Spiritual bodies connect us to what is transpersonal to the universe.
Jonathan offers workshops on Zoom and in person to help all attendees learn to better drive their HEV by understanding all the layers.
Jonathan provided magnificent
understanding to Sympathy, Empathy, and Compassion:
Sympathy says, “I’m
going to do it for you.”
Empathy says, “I’m going
to do it with you.”
Compassion says, “I’m holding
the space so you can do it yourself.”
“Empathy is a human energy. It is the ability to connect with and understand another person energetically and vibrationally; to step into their shoes.”
Jonathan Goldman
”Compassion is a universal force. It comes from the heart of God. It’s about being in a neutral space so whatever someone you care about needs to go through they will be held by you. Compassion is necessary for a teacher and healer.”
Jonathan Goldman
What is your prayer? What do you want? What’s bumping up against a pattern of your energy or belief? Jonathan’s work is to call universal light to that place. Jonathan unties the knots and gets your HEV calibrated properly and back in tune.
Look at all the powerful resources on Jonathan Goldman’s site: EssentialLight.Org
“Most of us are reactionary. In the moment when a strong emotion hits us, we would benefit from disconnecting from what may be a poor reaction. Instead, we should observe the situation and reflect on a better decision for the moment. Disconnect and observe unconditional love. This will always start with self-first. Then giving love to everyone around you will make it well in the end.”
Michael Challenger
Just D.O.U.L. It. Disconnect. Observe. Unconditional Love.
Our guest illustrated this process by wearing a t-shirt as a reminder of the steps:
Just D.O.U.L. It. Disconnect. Observe. Unconditional Love.
Michael Challenger feels he’s been able to navigate life better than most because of his awareness abiding by this acronym.
“The acronym stops me in my tracks. It’s deep enough to get me out of any situation without anger. I’m aware of different reactions possible.”
Michael Challenger
This is part of Michaels programs based on his personal journey as a dancer, actor, producer, film maker, etc. He admits to feeling paralyzed by fear in many areas of his life. He called it unconsciously competent.
Michael has always been confident in the execution of ideas but was afraid to talk about the emotions of what the idea meant to him. When he understood how paralyzed he would become at times, Michael studied himself, and discovered his own methodology to conquer fear.
Michael Challenger
His programs now help other people to conquer their own fears.
Michael’s journey is an interesting one of discovery. Both being discovered, and his discovery of self.
“When I was a kid I thought I had a superpower. I was raised by a single mother and knew we couldn’t afford extras like board games. Despite that, I wanted some board games. Without ever voicing this, a substitute teacher began to give me board games. I was convinced I made it happen. I knew I had a superpower.”
Michael Challenger
When Michael was twelve years old, he saw a trio of performers on stage. Even though acting had never entered his mind, he liked what he saw. He had always been afraid to use his voice, but a teacher at his high school suggested he try it.
“I was invited to attend a performing arts program. Despite the preconceived notions in my mind about actors, I showed up. I liked the teacher and became obsessed with performing.”
Michael Challenger
Soon a talent scout discovered Michael and made a comment to his mother that “if Michael sticks with this he will be successful in the industry”.
Michael was soon in
competitions, music videos, and fashion shows. He wasn’t sure it was what he
wanted, but he knew he didn’t want to live merely scratching the surface. At
age 17 he got his first theater gig in Italy.
Michael was embraced by
the country working for a cruise line performing in their shows. He started
travelling to different parts of the world and his career took off. The
opportunities came for Michael because someone saw something in him he didn’t
see in himself. If he had allowed fear to rule his thoughts, Michael would not
have done half of what he did.
The “pressure to be” kept Michael going. He was accountable, easygoing, kind, and enjoying the experience of new things. More and more choices presented to Michael brought with them fear. Fear of taking full responsibility for his life going forward.
“Public speaking was a fear for me. When time came to open my mouth, everything became cloudy. Nothing made sense. Things slowed down and I couldn’t catch my thoughts. I would think to myself, ‘I’m never doing this again’.”
Michael Challenger
Michael eventually conquered
his fear of public speaking, but admits he had to willingly work on it.
“If you don’t practice, even programs like Toastmasters won’t help. Fear can protect us. It gives us the heightened ability to sense danger, but we may also associate it with the bigger and better things we want.”
Michael Challenger
Michael was at one time a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, a television show which brings celebrities into dance competitions despite not being dancers. They are paired up with a dance professional who teaches, coaches, and prepares them for competition.
“Behind the scenes you’re partnered with a celebrity, and you have a very short period to teach them a dance. I witnessed crying, doubt, and fear from these celebrities off camera. They would remark, ‘I’m not going to be ready’; ‘I can’t do this’.
But when the camera came on the fear dissipated. They were ready to go. We are capable of much more than we imagine. Obviously, some people failed on stage, but that’s okay. Being beside them and being the reassurance for them was amazing.”
Michael Challenger
Michael has always had a
knack for coaching others. Now, as a life, performance, and self-development
coach he finally feels fulfillment. He sees in his clients that when pressure
is on them, they are amazing and can push through the fear.
“When you’ve set intentions and you fail, it’s still a good experience. You learn from it.”
Michael Challenger
Michael provided Todd and I some steps to battle fear and melt it away.
Intention. You must be truly
clear about what you want to accomplish.
Action. It takes a
helluva lotta work every day. Action cancels fear.
Consistency. Maintain a
strong work ethic.
Boldness. Make choices without
reservation. If this is truly meant for you, fear will subside.
“When the camera comes on, and/or the curtain goes up, you’ll feel ready!”
Michael Challenger
You will find The Mini Success Workbook free on Michael’s website. HERE
I’m one of those people who recognize exercise as an important path to health. I also have fibromyalgia which often makes exercise uncomfortable. I took on and completed the P90X workout program years ago because my son-in-law was doing it, bringing out my competitive nature.
“If he can do it, so can I” was the thought in my head, despite the twenty years of age separating us. I learned that while growing muscle it must be elongated and stretched at the same time. Yoga, weightlifting, cardio, jump training, and martial arts are all part of the P90X program, and stretching was the beginning and end of each workout. The stretching gave me greater results than the lifting did.
Our most recent guest. Kate Eckman has written a book describing the necessity of stretching our spiritual, mental, and emotional muscles as well. Let’s face it, life is a daily workout with heavy lifting of burdens, relationships, and responsibilities; it’s a bit of jump training when unexpected “fires” need putting out; and it’s like martial arts, too – metaphorically punching and kicking our way out of problematic situations, unfulfilling careers, and healing from trauma or tragedy.
Kate Eckman is a master
of physical education. She is an elite, competitive swimmer. Peradventure, her
swimming career started with a little “competitive” mindset like P90X did for
me, but she stayed with it for years.
When Kate was four-years old she overheard her mother talking to Kate’s swim teacher. The teacher commented, “your daughter is not a good swimmer”.
Kate’s four-year-old mind absorbed perhaps her first limiting belief: “I need to perform at a high level to be worthy of praise, pride, and love from others. I’ve got to be a champion swimmer even though I don’t like swimming.”
Kate did become a
champion swimmer, but at a high cost. She was obsessed with performance and perfectionism;
in constant turmoil with the pain of insecurity.
Once a limiting belief is established (as it was for Kate) we spend our whole life looking for evidence that it’s true. Eventually we become spiritually and emotionally overweight and unhealthy with our limiting beliefs and will need to consciously delete the thoughts that don’t serve us, like changing our diets to lose unwanted pounds.
“It’s like a toxic virus on your computer you delete to the trash. Then you must cocreate a new thought system for yourself; download truth and live your life from that place. Have a purpose greater than yourself.”
Kate Eckman
Kate’s book is for everyone who struggles with mental health issues (That’s about all of us); and is dedicated to her friends Sam and Raf who took their own lives. She has learned life’s important lesson: money, fame, and good looks do not make you happy. In that pursuit you are always seeking for the next bigger, better, more expensive things, and it takes more and more of the same to satisfy you.
Her book is a fun and easy read. You’ll return to it again and again as the need comes up to work out a different spiritual muscle group. As with any exercise program you must be willing to show up and not be great…yet. In fact, a dance coach started her first lesson with Kate by saying, “Let’s start with failure.” Kate thought, “I can do that“, and it took the pressure off.
“The ultimate rebellion against my inner perfectionist.”
Kate claims the Universe rises to meet you when you take a risk by getting out of your comfort zone and doing just that is the 1st Step to Kate’s program outlined in her book.
Kate’s 10-Step Plan:
1. Stretch Your Comfort Zone
2. Lift Yourself Up
3. Feed the Burn
4. Strengthen Your Core
Confidence
5. Build Your Emotional
Muscles
6. Boost Your Mental
Metabolism
7. Step Up Your
Spiritual Stamina
8. Embrace Your
Endorphins
9. Rock the Freedom
Freestyle
10. Cool Down with Inner Calm
“I was staying with my friend who looked stunning on her way to work one morning, and she began personal commentary about how she hated her hair, and she had gained weight. She was ripping herself apart.
I shouted, ‘stop it right now. That’s my friend you’re talking about. Knock it off.’
I realized I talked to myself the same way my friend was talking about herself. I decided to speak with nonjudgement, and to be kind and compassionate, not only to others, but to my inner critic. I had to get real with myself and say, ‘you have judged and criticized yourself harsher than anyone’.”
Kate Eckman
Kate has a 5-minute minimum
sit and stare time every day.
“It’s a non-negotiable adult time out. I sit, reflect, and check in with myself. I ask my inner child ‘how are you doing and what do you need right now?’ Then I listen; not to the ego, but to the divine wisdom we can download at any time because we always have access to it. I bring it down into my heart; into my body. If you do the same, like me, you’ll start to hear the truth and get the answers you seek.”
Kate Eckman
Kate cautions us that we
might feel a little scared or anxious.
“Great. It means you care. Show up and bring the joy. Be in the present moment. Be prepared, then picture yourself as a swimmer or track runner in the blocks. Get set. Ready. Go. Just do it. Show up, do your best. That is success.
Failure is our unwillingness to show up. Failure is not being willing to try. Failure is falling asleep to the truth of who we are and not believing how truly powerful we are.”
Kate Eckman
The ultimate fulfillment
is an inside job. Kate works with people to identify their special sauce and unique
gifts, helping them tap into it, and lean into it when they’re struggling. Find
out more here:
On December 14th, 2014, while walking with friends into a restaurant for dinner, Scott Schilling’s legs stopped working and began to tingle. He was suddenly disoriented, and things were spinning around him. Friends noticed his gray color and profuse sweating.
Scott went to the emergency room at a local hospital and was misdiagnosed with a migraine. He was sent home. That night his head pounded in so much pain he cried out, “God, help!”
The answer Scott received
was, “Get on your knees”.
“God I’m choosing to believe your plan is to wake me up and serve others for the rest of my life. I need your help and guidance to do that. I was cradled.”
Scott Schilling
In answer to prayer,
Scott’s headache sub-sided and he had a restful night’s sleep. The next day he
worked hard as usual and saw a neurologist as a follow-up.
Scott was surprised to learn he’d had a full-blown cerebellum stroke and consequently spent 6 days in intensive care. While researching these types of strokes, Scott learned he may not speak again; may not have balance again; and may not be able to drive again.
“That was all unacceptable.”
Scott Schilling
Scott wanted to make sure other people know they can come through a circumstance when the odds may seem against them, and his fifteenth book emerged.
“If you’re living, you’re going to take a hit every now and then. It’s not the events that count, it’s how we react to those events.”
Scott Schilling
Regarding his near-death experience a friend commented, “Scott, I didn’t know you’d gone through that. What did you say to yourself after it was over?”
Survivor’s guilt can come into play, as it did for Scott. He noticed everyone who’d had a stroke with their facial deformities and twisted limbs. “Why me?” He thought. “Why did I survive without problems? What’s the reason? What do I do from here?”
Scott remembered creating his mission 11 years before his stroke: “To create a worldwide community of over a million people; cause over 100 million dollars in charitable giving; and impact 100 million people on the planet.”
“God’s plan and timing is perfect. You can believe it’s perfect, or you can believe the event shouldn’t have happened, but you can’t believe them both at the same time. Pick one and live it.”
Scott Schilling
Besides his amazing story and mission, Scott also shared during our interview the Four Stages of Competence:
1. Unconscious incompetence: We don’t know what we don’t know
2. Plausible deniability: You know that you don’t know. It’s decision time
3. Consciously Competent: You know that you know. You decided to learn a new skill which you didn’t think you could master.
4. Unconsciously competent: You know that you know, and it has become second nature. You operate on autopilot in that new skill
Since Scott is a trainer
and coach, he clarified ways to mentor others:
“Model from stage four but teach from stage three.”
Scott Schilling
“Leaders act differently than those who are not leaders” is a philosophy Scott shared.
Scott suggested we need
more balance, and there are little things we could all do better. He urges us
as a nation to return respect, honor, and dignity to the planet.
“Respect is how I treat you; honor is how I lift you up, dignity is how we both feel after that’s done.”
Scott Schilling
“Over the last couple of generations, we’ve taken responsibility from individuals and it’s not helping them. Respons-ibil-ity is the responsibility to respond. Take control of your life by taking responsibility for everything in your life.”
Scott Schilling
Three positions we often
take are:
“It’s your fault” – blaming another“
I screwed up” – shaming ourselves
“Well…it was because…” – justification and making excuses
Scott offered us many
gems of information during our interview and throughout his book. He is kindly
inviting you to join his Bee Konnected Community.
“Bee Konnected is a worldwide global community. It’s dating software for the business world. We match people with their ideal customer in less than two minutes, and there are courses to help people grow businesses.
Scott Schilling
As a Life Mastery Radio listener, Scott is giving you a free Bee Konnected account. Fill out your profile and join the community of world changers. It is all permission based, so no one will spam you or contact you without your approval.
Growing up as part of a family of 8, and being the second oldest, Wendy De Rosa was a very sensitive child. She picked up anxiety because she didn’t have much play time and was overly responsible.
Wendy became disconnected from herself as her existence settled into taking care of other people. At the young age of 19 Wendy had a nervous breakdown.
“The empathic sense is the first of our senses to develop in the womb. We are created with the ability to feel through our sentient body. Experiences from a young age will either develop our sensitivities or disconnect us from them.”
Wendy De Rosa
As hard as her childhood was, Wendy feels grateful for the overcoming; the wisdom, stamina, and understanding that came of it. Wendy is now an intuitive healer, and when she began to understand chakras, realized she is empathic as well.
“While growing up, no one was talking about being an empath. It’s not part of parental conditioning to develop empathic skills in our children. Today, more empaths are coming out of the empathic closet because there is so much trauma to heal from.”
“Empaths are leading the way since we are not about having a surface conversation, we’re about going deep and having connected relationships, transforming the world with creativity.”
Wendy De Rosa
Wendy explained an empath feels the energy of others in space, in person, and/or in the collective through their sensory system. It can be emotional energy – a vibratory energy. Overly empathic people may feel that the energy of others has crossed over the boundary of their own energy body.
“This happens because we have a central channel and a grounding cord, & seven spinal chakras. The chakras underlay the anatomy of our body. It is spiritual. The energetic anatomy is the presence of our light, truth, and essence.”
Wendy De Rosa
Wendy explained profoundly that childhood wounds to our chakras may cause contraction and powerlessness in the energy and vibrational sources of our body. Our boundaries are breached, and we become victim to the beliefs and conditions of events that happened in our family of origin.
Most often this wounding happens in our Root Chakra. Wendy called this “Marinading in root chakra” which happens from womb to age 7 of childhood.
“The societal systems around us do not nurture development of self during the root chakra years. We are not only developing our physical construct, but additionally, how to survive, how to bond and build attachment to others, a sense of safety and security, and the ability or inability to trust.”
Wendy De Rosa
Sadly, what happens often is our safety during the root chakra years is compromised on some, or many levels. We subconsciously learn, “I’m wrong, I’m bad, and/or it’s not safe to be me.”
When we feel disconnected to ourselves, the root chakra contracts, and other energy centers (chakras) must compensate for the lack of grounding.
“The second chakra blows open and our spirit energy is elevated higher in the energy system. We are forced to open to, and operate from, what everyone else is feeling. This leads to peace-keeping, becoming overly responsible, and hyper vigilant.”
Wendy De Rosa
Wendy reports the second chakra is the empathic power center. Its job is to feel subtle energy and emotion, to be soft and sweet. When the compensation for the loss of the root chakra takes place, we may feel shame, and learn to mistrust our own intuition. We disconnect. Our grounding and sense of empowerment is broken.
The signal from, and to, the central body is: “I am not whole”.
The good news is WE CAN HEAL! Wendy’s
book explains how.
“Each of us must have healthy root and sacral chakras to be in balance. The root chakra that is shut down can be opened back up.”
Wendy De Rosa
By recognizing the break, bringing breath and awareness to this area, and claiming safety for ourselves, you and I can take our bodies back. We can be safe. We can trust ourselves again.
Wendy provides journaling exercises and
meditations in her book to help us begin and learn the process of healing. She explains most of us can benefit by working
on the root chakra.
“We may always be working on the root and sacral chakras. Some of our energetic history is multigenerational and may be deeper than our own human experience.”
Wendy De Rosa
A personal note from this newbie to the chakra/energy center community – I’ve tried a few of Wendy’s mediations and am thrilled with the insight I’ve already gained. As an untrained chakra learner, I’m certain her book will benefit those of you with even deeper chakra prowess than I have.
Diana Ross and the Supremes had it
right all those decades ago when they sang, “Stop! In the name of love!”
Our recent guest, David Kundtz had a personal crisis years ago in which he learned the importance of STOPPING in the name of self-love. Unhappiness hit him suddenly and knew he could not carry on with his schedule at the time. He had lost sight of what was most important.
David walked away from work, friends, and family for a month and stared at the ocean. He did nothing. The benefits of this grinding halt of life became evident later.
“I was scanning my life; what was important; what my values were, and who I wanted to be.”
David Kundtz
David Kundtz is now author of The Art of Stopping – How to Be Still When You Have to Keep Going
We are born with inner wisdom and a voice of self-awareness. The distractions of the world keep us from hearing that voice. David claims if we shut up and are still, we can hear that inner voice. We will discover who we are.
David defines The Art of Stopping:
“Doing nothing for a moment or a month to wake up and remember who you are and what you want.”
“While stopping, just be still. Don’t try to figure anything out. Close your eyes and be still. No rules. Do nothing as much as you possibly can.”
David Kundtz
Many people may not STOP. David thinks they fear facing themselves.
“Imagine yourself in a room for 30 minutes doing nothing. Is that scary? Would you be pacing? Would you feel alone without your smartphone? There is no horrible monster waiting for us, and if there is, isn’t it time to face that monster? Instead, maybe you’ll find you can enjoy being alone with yourself.”
In his book, David explains three ways we can STOP:
Still points – brief moments of pause
Stopovers – taking a break for a day or two
Grinding halts – a week or a month of getting away
We’ve been taught over the years to make a daily task list, to journal, to find time to meditate, and to save up our breaks for vacations once or twice a year. David would claim none of these are STOPS. He might say they’re counterproductive.
“Making a list sets you up for failure because you’re likely not going to get it done. You’re going to be disappointed. The list doesn’t matter. Burn it or throw it away. Open yourself to every day and let things happen.”
David Kundtz
Mediation is not STOPPING, either. Mediation requires rules, methods, and procedures. We’re told to clear our mind, and that when a stray thought enters, we are to immediately dismiss it. David says STOPPING has no rules. Sit still. Be quiet. Go inside and get to know yourself better. STOP in the name of love – love for self.
“Stopping is about accessing your inner life where distractions are gone, and you can be authentically you, which makes all your relationships more authentic. Mental illness is increasing, depression is increasing, suicide rates are increasing. If people tuned into their inner self, those problems might be solved.”
David Kundtz
What are the features and benefits of
STOPPING?
Learn to pay attention
Relaxation
Solitude
Boundaries are set
Embrace the shadowed, hidden side of ourselves
Sense of purpose. Why are we here?
“More is not better. Bigger is not better. Faster is not better. Stopping is counter cultural, but when you practice it, you’ll see how important it is to each of us. It takes no money and no special equipment. We just have to shut up and listen.”
David Kundtz
Do nothing as much as possible. The
more you try, the better you get. You might discover you’re not a bad person to
hang out with after all.
Celine Anelone Brozovich, our recent guest, was once flying high as an engineer and MBA. She was receiving awards and being rewarded. With working all the time, not sleeping, and not exercising, Celine burned out. With that all-too-familiar physical, emotional, and mental burnout there follows weight gain, chronic diseases, and even an attempted suicide.
Celine learned of lifestyle medicine. This is a type of care supported by a medical doctor which includes mindfulness, nutrition, and care for your entire body – not just treating disease. Celine lost a great amount of weight, and her depression became controlled.
Today, Celine Anelone Brozovich is the founder of FromHow2Wow, a health and productivity company created to build employee morale and reduce employer healthcare expenses. In a nutshell Celine works across the organization to teach and coach. She leverages Lifestyle Medicine programs that are scientifically based with proven results and sound business principles to deliver a program with sustainable results.
Celine explained on the show that Lifestyle Medicine is defined by six pillars:
Nutrition
Mind/Soul
Life Purpose
Body
Environment
Connectedness
When these pillars of care are coordinated with a medical doctor who understands Lifestyle Medicine, chronic diseases can be reversed.
“I ate whole foods 100% plant based. There are 80,000 edible plants in the world, and if 80% of your diet can be plant-based you will see dramatic results.”
Celine Anelone Brozovich
Celine is a proponent of
eating every day from all five food groups, drinking plenty of water, exercise,
and working on your emotions.
“Forgiveness is key.”
Celine Anelone Brozovich
Once Celine’s health so dramatically improved by the changes she made, she began to share the information to as many people as possible. Once her doctor (who wanted to put her on medication) saw results of Celine’s new diet, he started listening to her. Now The American College for Lifestyle Medicine exists, and doctors receive training in the six pillars mentioned.
“It’s a growing community of doctors who are learning the power of food and nutrition on the health of their patients.”
Celine Anelone Brozovich
Not convinced that Lifestyle Medicine is for you? Here are some shocking statistics:
Every 36 seconds, an American dies from heart disease
Four seconds later someone dies of a heart attack
Six to ten Americans suffer from chronic disease
One out of three children born today will develop diabetes
“The cost to treat these diseases may be astronomical for businesses. Prevention, and personalized nutrition is the answer.”
Celine Anelone Brozovich
Americans eat 190 pounds of sugar a
year. There are 61 different names for sugar hidden in foods. Foods are
produced to make us addicted and keep us that way.
“Sugar is as addictive as cocaine. When you change your diet, you must remove the sugar. It’s poison. Get your sweets from whole fruits. Instead of getting only bad carbs, you will benefit from fiber, vitamins, and minerals, too.”
Celine Anelone Brozovich
Celine provided a recipe for a no-bake
healthy brownie. The ingredients include dates, 100% cocoa, walnuts, vanilla,
cinnamon, clove, and pinch of salt combine in a blender.
“It’s a brownie that heals you!”
Celine Anelone Brozovich
Celine was very clear in her advice to
us:
“Step one is to become aware that change in your diet is needed. Start making those changes. Take a short walk daily and throw out the sugar. There are no super foods. Eating a little of all five food groups is the super choice. Go slow. Educate yourself.”
Celine Anelone Brozovich
Find Celine and her programs available for you right here: https://fromhow2wow.com/
Though deep in the throes of childhood family chaos with two unstable and unhappy parents -- divorcing, marrying others, then remarrying Sherry Stirling Fernandez still knew she was destined for great things.
And that is something she wants you to instill in you! Along with the clearly defined pathway to achieve it!
Though deep in the throes of childhood family chaos with two unstable and unhappy parents -- divorcing, marrying others, then remarrying Sherry Stirling Fernandez still knew she was destined for great things.
And that is something she wants you to instill in you! Along with the clearly defined pathway to achieve it!
Sherry's new USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller Life Mastery: Personal Progression Toward an Infinite Potential makes the case that if you are not progressing toward a better version of yourself, you can never achieve any true sense of joy.
“Enjoyment of life is far stronger than living in fear. It’s much harder to clean up the negativity once you’ve let it in. Keep the door closed and be selective of who you let in your ‘house’. Practice a lifestyle that keeps your thoughts in control.”
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