Simple Change

021:Exposing the Cracks that the Light May Come In with Sarah Mastriani-Levi

 "Do you realize that by not giving your body enough water, you are telling it to hold onto old cells and that you don't want a new and fresh body." Hydration as a Spiritual Act     Hydration seems to be all the talk these days. With apps, bottles and an entire culture around the subject of getting enough pure water. Perhaps you have even heard of the alkalizing benefits of adding lemon or apple cider vinegar to your water. There are some consistent issues that I run into with my clients on the subject, and I thought could help you to understand why using pure water and quality fresh products is so important. Truly fresh products have a new energy about them they bring the newness of the day to us. Sometimes, I hear clients grumbling when I talk with them about the importance of fresh, organic products. I hear them saying, “Is it really that important? If I'm doing the same thing with a similar product, why isn't that good enough?” Apple cider vinegar, raw and unpasteurized holds the mother culture which creates healthy probiotics and does not contain any preservatives. I often hear about lemon juice in a squeeze bottle and questions of why that or non-organic lemons are not as healthy as fresh organic lemons for alkalizing their water. People talk with me about the convenience of pre-bottled products, like pre-squeezed lemon juice…and that they already have a pasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar they have had in their cabinet for years. Clients tell me that their organic lemons go bad much quicker than the non-organic lemons even when they're not cut. They are surprised when I tell them that is a good sign of a quality product. Within 2 to 3 days anything fresh begins to spoil. Why is that? Because anything fresh living loses its life energy force within three days and the only way to keep it for longer use to add preservatives. Sometimes they continue to question me why they would want to buy anything that has that short of a shelf life? In the United States, we have grown accustomed to food lasting for a very long time after purchase. I talk with them about the importance of renewing and not preserving. What do I mean by that? Every cell in our body, given a healthy environment, will renew itself within a maximum of 13 years. So, that means that every single cell of your body is nothing of what it was 13 years ago. Only your spirit remains and the memories of your experiences. By eating food with chemicals and preservatives we are causing ourselves to be preserved (think ninth-grade biology lab organs preserved in formaldehyde). Okay okay so not all preservatives are quite as strong as formaldehyde but I think you get the picture would you rather preserve your cells or would you rather get brand-new ones all the time because you're giving fresh energy to your body through fresh foods. I hope this helps to explain why it is so important to continue to nurture bodies with fresh pure water. Alkalizing ourselves essentially slows the aging process and does not allow sickness to develop, by helping us to create new cells more rapidly. One such way to do that is through use of fresh organic lemons and raw apple cider vinegar with the mother culture. I also constantly get questions regarding how much water we should be taking in. The general formula is your body weight in pounds divided by two, equals the number (in ounces) you should be consuming.   Do you realize that by not giving your body enough water, you are telling it to hold onto old cells and that you don't want a new and fresh body? Lack of proper hydration puts it into survival mode and it signals, hormonally, for your body to hold on to fats, as well, because you are not going to give it what it needs to stay healthy. Weight gain is often due directly to not drinking enough water. So, as you dive into your new year I want you to think about the spiritual process of renewing your cells not preserving them, and hydrating in order to give your body a consistent message that you will take care of it. From that message, it will learn it does not need to hold onto excess fat or old cells because you're committed to giving it enough hydration and pure organic produce with high life energy to nurture it along the way. Hydrate and regenerate, it’s the key to creating a new and better you.   Connect and Follow Anna Gatmon Email Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn       Connect and Follow Sarah Email Website Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Never miss an episode of weekly inspiration from Simple Change. Subscribe now through iTunes, or Stitcher, or listen to an episode here. Simple Change Theme Music by Hani’el Mastriani-Levi Simple Change Logo by Eden Mastriani-Levi This podcast was edited by Mannafest Living

020:Hydration as a Spiritual Act

 "Bliss lies in the feeling of gratitiude, for others, in giving without expecting anything in return." Brittney Hiller is a wife, massage therapist, yoga teacher, group facilitator, and spiritual creative; in addition to all of that she’s the author of a new children’s book, The Little Laughing Yogini. She is also one of the most joyful people I know. It turns out that it wasn't always that way. She wasn't always able to celebrate the small victories. She wasn't always able to recognize the "small signs" that were put in front of her to see. Brittney takes us on her journey that has brought her to an understanding that "[people] are more powerful than they believe they are." She reiterates that we need people in our lives to help us to overcome obstacles...we can't do it alone. Yoga is a path that changed Brittney's life. It all started with a high school dance class where she experienced yoga for the first time. Brittney said that from her first savasana (final resting pose), she was hooked. She had envisioned herself going away to an intensive in Hawaii to get her yoga teacher training certificate, but doors opened to enable her to get it locally. She found herself practicing yoga on her porch and in the silence the idea of the outdoor yogini came to her. She developed her own outdoor practice and quickly wanted to share it with others. Her dream of having a studio without walls became a reality as she began teaching outdoor classes on the dock at Theravista. At some point she realized that people who had yoga memberships were not going to give up their memberships to come play outside. She knew she had to find a way to offer her own style or genre of yoga. Enter laughter yoga. Brittney went to Atlanta to become certified in laughter yoga. She loved the child-like playfulness and the aerobic work out that comes from each class of laughter yoga. By receiving her certification she found her way back into studios. She found a way to incorporate both laughter and meditation into every practice. From laughter yoga, Brittney suddenly had another revelation regarding the next step to take on her path. Away on a romantic anniversary get-away in the woods, in the quiet stillness between waking and restfulness...she had a story come to her. Although she didn't want to get out of bed at 6 AM on vacation, she got up and wrote down the vision that was being told to her. From that very dreamy "download" birthed The Little Laughing Yogini, a children's book about a little girl who goes into the forest, meets her friends, teaches them laughter yoga and ultimately finds her bliss. The Little Laughing Yogini doll was created as a tactile for of the girl in the book to help children be both comfortable and comforted by the ideas in the book. Through each story that Brittney tells, we see there is a recurring theme of dropping the hustle and the direction comes in the silence.  "Bliss lies in the feeling of gratitude for others, in just giving without expecting anything in return." Brittney has found other creative ways to share her message through forms such as Chair Yoga Classes, Reiki Infused Yoga, Little Yoga Playshops, and Monday Morning Meditations to make yoga and meditation accessible to everyone. All along she had been asking for signs that she was moving in the right direction and one by one she received the...mostly in an entirely different form than she had imagined.She encourages others to "Get aware...and stop trying so hard to find answers" they will come in the stillness. Brittney closes out the episode with an incredible story of giving. She talks about the greatest gift she has ever given and how it enabled her to realize that true bliss is only found in unconditional giving. She shares a moving and vulnerable story of self-realization and taking responsibility for the events that are handed to us. A Simple Change that Brittney recommends is: Practice Self-Love by daily looking in the mirror and telling yourself "I love you"...until you believe it is true. Create that "soul connection." Yet another episode of inspiring stories and full of loving wisdom from the simple changes that shift the way we look at the world and the impact we create. To learn more about Brittney Hiller and The Little Laughing Yogini, please contact her at hello@brittneyhilleryoga.com or visit her at the website: www.brittneyhilleryoga.com Books Mentioned in the Podcast Your Erroneous Zones: Step-by-Step Advice for Escaping the Trap of Negative Thinking and Taking Control of Your Life  by Wayne W. Dyer The Law of Attraction: The Basics of the Teachings of Abraham by Esther Hicks The Little Laughing Yogini by Brittney Hiller et al. Foundations of Flow  by Brittney Hiller -Free Ebook Sources Mentioned in the Podcast Theravista Martha O'Regan Marty Crocker Giftivism Brittney's Guide to Meditation Brittney Hiller Yoga on Periscope Chair Yoga Reiki Infused Yoga with Chris Suddeth Laughter Yoga Children's Yoga Little Yoga Playshops   Connect and Follow Brittney Email Website Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Never miss an episode of weekly inspiration from Simple Change. Subscribe now through iTunes, or Stitcher, or listen to an episode here. Simple Change Theme Music by Hani’el Mastriani-Levi Simple Change Logo by Eden Mastriani-Levi This podcast was edited by Mannafest Living

019:Brittney Hiller:Giving Yoga a Laughing Twist

Martin Lesch is a husband, musician, songwriter, phenomenal pianist, and teacher, in addition to being fully committed to preserving the art and culture of jazz music. There are a lot of people who love jazz music and kind of idolize the life of the creative artist/ musician, so I feel that his willingness to be open and vulnerable about both the joys and struggles on his path will be extremely insightful. During this conversation we discuss creating, as a legacy of caring about community. We delve into tough subjects like the creative process, addiction, dealing with death and questioning everything. He also discusses his decision to create a new CD Journey through Jazz and to sell it on iTunes. Martin has always had an interest in music. He tells stories of playing the piano from before he was old enough for lessons (starting around 4 years old), simply making up his own melodies and asking his mother what she thought of them. He began taking lessons at 5 and had both good and bad teachers until his tween years, when he finally found a great teacher. That teacher was a stand out because he did two things: asked Martin what kind of music he liked (and let him play that), as well as "taught him music theory from the get-go." Parallel to his childhood interest in music and the arts, he describes growing up in New York City with a family that had some very interesting theological metamorphoses. He describes how his thought patterns changed and were shaped with deep conversations with family and extended family members. Martin grew up playing music and went through  Berklee music school. He was writing, performing and constantly on the road. He had the opportunity to perform with exemplary musicians from all around the world. He spent an extensive time in China, and Europe, as well as touring all over the United States. His greatest desire was"[He] just wanted to create." During that time his meditation practice grew, as did the depth of his commitment to Buddhism. We discuss how "creativity develops in the quiet, not in the noise." Music is definitely another language and form of expression. Jazz solos are like improvisational stories. 'Sometimes you get home at the end of a night performing and you feel like you didn't finish saying everything that you wanted to say..." explains Martin. He then sits down on his piano at home and plays a bit more until he has finished "his story" for the night.   Martin talks about the Jazz tradition of helping younger players to become accepted into the Jazz community, as well as offering them the experience that they need to fully step into the world of improvisational music. We discuss how Martin extended that invitation to my son Hani'el Mastriani-Levi, after hearing a brief video of him warming up for a sax lesson, in a parking lot.     Hani’el in the Parking lot: https://youtu.be/8XSRPIHjl3Q Hani’el’s Debut at Jazz corner link: https://youtu.be/Mn_SNfv7UWo Martin is vulnerable in discussing the risks of creative to show up fully and the bravery necessary.  "Being brave is attractive." "The best art is created in an ego-less space." " Jazz enables your art to be a community activity." He also openly discusses how substance abuse is a huge deterrent to artistic development and progress. We speak about how prevalent it is in the world of art/music and how quickly it can lead you down the wrong path. Martin spent years writing for others and now he says, "I'm writing every night...just that I'm doing it live on stage." The legacy that he desires to create is not just as a musician, rather as a compassionate person who helped to bring empathy amongst others  in the community. A Simple Change that Martin recommends is: Practice Meditation...every day in some way...to create compassion & understanding in all that you do. To learn more about Martin Lesch and how you can support his mission of preserving the art of Jazz music and/or to purchase his new album, please contact him at: leschband@gmail.com or visit him at the website: www.martinlesch.com Sources Mentioned in the Podcast Journey Through Jazz by Martin Lesch  Buy it on iTunes here Jackson Evans Christopher Russell Linus Enoksson Lessons with Jevon Daly Jevon Daly Music Junior Jazz Foundation   Here's Moonlight in Vermont off the Journey Through Jazz album 2016 Journey Through Jazz by Martin Lesch Buy it on iTunes here   Connect and Follow Martin Email Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn     Never miss an episode of weekly inspiration from Simple Change. Subscribe now through iTunes, or Stitcher, or listen to an episode here.   Simple Change Theme Music by Hani’el Mastriani-Levi Simple Change Logo by Eden Mastriani-Levi This podcast was edited by Mannafest Living

018:Martin Lesch:Creating a Legacy of Improvisation and Compassion

Never miss an episode of weekly inspiration from Simple Change. Subscribe now through iTunes, or Stitcher, or listen to an episode here. Today's guest, Natasha Wozniak is a an artist, jewelry maker, philanthropist and committed to bringing awareness to what is really going on today in Nepal. Natasha describes an interesting childhood in Wisconsin that was rich with curiosity and music. At a very young age Natasha lost her father and began her process of searching out those who were living lives "with meaning." While looking through a National Geographic magazine, she read a story of a man in Nepal who walked three weeks in one direction just to reach a spiritual location that was important to him. That article triggered her curiosity regarding what could be so important that someone would walk for three weeks.  While in college, she decided to do a study abroad, and in spite of her initial inclination to go and study in Paris, she redirected and chose Nepal. While in Nepal, she connected deeply with the people that she encountered in the village where she was staying. There were about 100 villagers. She said that she felt the warmth, love and support that she had been deeply craving in her teen years, since her father's passing. She always maintained some contact with her Nepalese friends along with a very clear desire to give back to them.  When the earthquake hit Nepal on April 25, 2015, and Natasha heard that the village she had once lived in was being called the epicenter...she sprung into action trying to determine how she could best support the people. Many people want to help in situations such as these, yet feel confused if their contributions will reach the actual destination. Natasha had a direct connection and someone, on site, who could offer real footage of how donation dollars we being put to immediate usage.  When the earthquake hit, Natasha had no way of realizing how deeply it would affect everything in her life. She has since traveled there several times and is leading groups who would like to visit. Natasha has been highly instrumental (nearly single-handedly) in organizing fundraising efforts and took on the personal responsibility of doing everything possible to rebuild the village. She has even allowed her jewelry making business, take somewhat of "a back seat" as she is putting all of her efforts in to rebuilding not only Rainaskot, but two other villages that were badly damaged in the area.  Natasha is fluent in Nepali and is able to communicate fluently with officials and villagers in Nepal. She and her local colleagues were asked by local coordinators to create a plan to quickly rebuilt permanent homes. This was the ultimate goal of disaster recovery. They, however, have taken it a step further, by not only rebuilding the homes, but also creating an infrastructure for additional income for the villages, by creating "guest rooms" in each home. Her current mission is to both help villagers in Nepal to rebuild their homes but also to provide them economic development opportunities through customized plans, whether through tourism, agriculture, crafts or manufacturing. To learn more about Natasha Wozniak and how you can support her efforts to rebuild Nepal one village at a time and each village one brick at a time, please contact her at: natashawozniak@gmail.com or visit her at the website: www.fundforlamjung.org/ There is a large "donate" button that will lead you to a direct donation page. Sources Mentioned in the Podcast   Natasha's Jewelry business National Geographic Documentary on Earthquake in Nepal Connect and Follow Natasha Email Video of the work in Rainaskot Facebook-Fund for Lamjung LinkenIn   Simple Change Theme Music by Hani’el Mastriani-Levi Simple Change Logo by Eden Mastriani-Levi This podcast was edited by Mannafest Living

017:Natasha Wozniak: Rebuilding a Village-One Brick at a Time

Never miss an episode of weekly inspiration from Simple Change. Subscribe now through iTunes, or Stitcher, or listen to an episode here. Today's guest, Nick Snapp is a family man, engineer, coach, speaker and host of the Make It Snappy Productivity Show Podcast in addition to being the productivity specialist and podcaster at Inspire Me Solutions. Nick, being trained as an engineer initially felt that he had to chase the corporate lifestyle. He enjoyed the people in the corporate world, but he always knew that there was something missing. As years progressed, he realized that environment wasn't for him. In his experience, he would find a lot of people who were depressed and stuck doing the "corporate thing" which led him to answer his calling of becoming an entrepreneur. February 2015 was Nick's turning point and also the time when he decided to pursue the "entrepreneurial thing." He started his business with LEAN SIX SIGMA studies for products and companies. The job required more time spent away from his family, which he could not afford, so he got a coach to find some solutions. A program in L.A. made him identify what he was good at and what accolades he had always received in the past and they were all about PRODUCTIVITY. Since then, he has been hitting it hard in the productivity space. Nick views productivity as "working on the right things and spending your time working on your best activities. Defining what those best activities are, is the most productive thing that anybody can do". Getting involved in this productivity line got Nick thinking about every moment of his life. He came to know that your time really matters as an entrepreneur and on the outset you are the only person accountable for what you are getting done. When he first started, he was struggling with procrastination with his website; he just could not get it together. Later on, he finally decided to build the website at all cost in two weeks with the help of stickK.com. StickK.com is a helpful online tool that asks users to sign Commitment Contracts, define their goals, acknowledge what it’ll take to accomplish it, and leverage the power of putting money on the line to turn that goal into a reality. As an entrepreneur, Nick is not afraid to push limits on what he feels that he can do. He started experimenting with coaching on air, with having panel answering questions from listeners and even with his wife or kids on, doing commercials. He’s never been afraid to execute whatever he feels is solid and consistent with his message and brand that adds value to people , however possible. The majority of Nick's clients are parents who feel overwhelmed, lacking focus and feeling distracted. Nick also experienced that previously ,which led him to learn productivity. Nick wants to inspire and help people live their lives where they want to, do things that they want to do and help them get their time back. Nick also developed a group coaching program, as he believes that the clients support each other. It’s a group with a common mission and similar mindsets to help each other. Some Simple Changes that Nick recommends: " Getting around people that think like you." " If you have an idea, it's going to sit our there in “idea land” until you set a date and commit and you tell people what you are doing." To learn more about Nick Snapp and how you can get your time back, to spend more time doing what you love, please contact him at via email: nick@makeitsnappyshow.com or visit him at his website: www.makeitsnappyshow.com Sources Mentioned in the Podcast Inspire Me Solutions Make It Snappy Show Sarah Featured on Make It Snappy Show Lean Six Sigma StickK Site Prison Break Coaching Program The Productivityist Podcast   Connect and Follow Nick Email Make It Snappy Productivity Show Inspire Me Solutions, LLC Facebook Make It Snappy Productivity Show Facebook Twitter LinkenIn Simple Change Theme Music by Hani’el Mastriani-Levi Simple Change Logo by Eden Mastriani-Levi This podcast was edited by Wildstyle Media

016:Nick Snapp:Helping Others Get Their Time Back

Deb Williams is an accountant, money coach and podcaster committed to helping others not only identify their money story, but to move through it to a place of prosperity and joy. Deb takes us on a little journey that led her to the move from happiness into joy. She describes growing up in a home with addiction and then marrying an addict/alcoholic. Only in her 30’s did she truly realizing how dysfunctional the situation was for she and her young children. Twelve step work (with Adult Children of Alcoholics) was instrumental in her understanding the madness that she had grown up thinking was normal. She acknowledges that you never graduate from the program of life. Deb became a Certified Public Accountant and worked primarily in that world, until she decided to make a shift in the way that she was working and living. Recently she created a new reality of walking and talking differently through a process that took about four years. She reached a stage where she realized that she didn’t have to be the CPA that she thought she was supposed to be. She realized that she was trying to make a statement all along. Her life shifted by dropping her judgments and “victim mentality.” She no longer needed that to be validated. The “listening” part of addiction work led her to believe that coaching could be a new direction for her own career to shift. Deb describes her process of finding clarity in her direction as being, ”like a puzzle,” where you can only see part of it a time until it all begins to come together. She had to lose everything, marriage, kids leaving home, losing her investments/retirement…until she was ready to shift her lifestyle. She felt that everything was running simultaneously on different tracks. She says that her fear was based around losing what she thought mattered to her, when really it didn’t matter at all. Community was part of what brought her into a space that enabled her to reclaim her power and “be enough”.  Exercise and a healthier lifestyle increase her awareness on many levels, as she found her own way of doing movement. Deb has used coaches that have been polar opposites in approach, spirituality and/or ability, in order to hone skills that she knew that she needed, to be successful in the new direction that her life has been taking. She says she is in the process of developing a consistent lifestyle including a commitment to taking brave actions. She began the company of Financial Karma, which includes a podcast. Her clients learn their financial archetypes and become bravely aware of their money story. She discusses depression and how people use their depression as a mask to hide behind their greatness. Today, she wants to inspire women who are willing to talk about their emotions and the connection to their “big picture” money story. She tries to help others bring awareness and realize their dreams. Some simple changes that Deb recommends are: "Find an exercise that you are already ready to start doing." "Get out of your own way." “Embrace others and validate them. Use what you know. Be willing to try new things. Be brave…keep getting up and doing things that you believe in…” To learn more about Deb Williams, please contact her via email deb@financialkarmacoach.com. Sources Mentioned in the Podcast Financial Karma Website & Coaching Sarah Mastriani-Levi's feature on Financial Karma Podcast Coaching with Mannafest Living Coaching with Greg Faxon   Connect and Follow Deb Email Facebook Twitter LinkenIn Simple Change Theme Music by Hani’el Mastriani-Levi Simple Change Logo by Eden Mastriani-Levi This podcast was edited by Wildstyle Media

015:Deborah Williams:Helping Others Discover their Financial Karma

Emily Alexander is an artist, film maker, mom, daughter and now more than every committed to helping others to do more of what they love. Emily starts her story describing her clear calling to be an artist from a very young age. Although she grew up in what she called "the Conservative South," she describes a huge amount of support from her family and great cultural appreciation. The Arts were nurtured from a young age and an integral part of her upbringing. She, not surprisingly, found herself in art school...followed by film school in New York. After film school she had a job offer in Los Angeles that she felt was to great to refuse. Venice Beach, CA was a wonderfully supportive lifestyle. She led a juicy, and vibrant lifestyle as a film maker and she felt very at home. That was, until she encountered a difficult break-up...which led her back to North Carolina. Upon her return to North Carolina, she found herself quickly falling back into familial roles and found it difficult to accomplish her initial plan of taking a break at home and then returning to California. She decided to study to be a Massage Therapist and stay close to the home front. Her practice as a massage therapist continued for several years...as she was not only married, but also had a daughter. She said that in spite of her decisions regarding how to make her massage practice resonate with her personal style, she still felt empty. She was making great money, but on some level she felt that she had "sold out on her dream" to be an artist for the security she wanted to provide for her husband and daughter. Not long after coming to that realization tragedy struck from several angles. She surprisingly lost her mother from a brain aneurysm...followed by losing her daughter's best friend in a drowning incident. The grief caused Emily to spiral into a deep depression that she was unable to pull herself out of, even with medical intervention. Emily shows great honesty and vulnerability as she describes the intensity of  her personal struggle. She really opens up and allows us to comprehend the mental thought process that led her to checking herself into a mental institution. As a last resort, to help her, she and her doctors decided it would be best for her to go through electroshock therapy. She outlines her trepidation and her grand relief to see that this was in fact a very helpful method/treatment for her.  Emily tells a story of finding a box of broken crayons in the ward that re-opened her eyes to exciting and healing art can be to everyone, but especially to those suffering with depression. From that moment she realized that she needed to do whatever was possible to bring art supplies to psychiatric wards everywhere. She used her personal struggle as a launch pad for helping others. She’s doing a lot within her community with her own art work, and helping others to learn about how art can help them find their souls and purpose in life. One simple change that Emily recommends is:  Emily describes a priority/value shift wherein she stopped the process of coveting things...that were just objects...and rather using extra funds to towards meaningful experiences, whether they be solo or shared with others. To learn more about Emily Alexander and how you can contribute to her vision of bringing art supplies to those suffering with mental illness, please contact her via email ladyalexander@gmail.com. Sources Mentioned in the Podcast Tim Burton Edward Scissorhands Venice Beach Restoring Antique Silverware Charles and Linda Gupton's "One of a Million Project" featuring Emily David Foster Wallace- Burning Building Analogy   Connect and Follow Emily Email Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkenIn Pinterest *Disclaimer-Neither Sarah Mastriani-Levi, nor anyone associated with Mannafest Living either endorse/support or discredit any medical decisions regarding treatments or methods described here. This episode is shared solely to enable to Emily to share her experiences as a process to rediscovering her life calling/vision. Simple Change Theme Music by Hani’el Mastriani-Levi Simple Change Logo by Eden Mastriani-Levi This episode was edited by Mannafest Living

014:Emily Alexander:Using Art to Find Your Soul Purpose

Never miss an episode of weekly inspiration from Simple Change. Subscribe now through iTunes, or Stitcher, or listen to an episode here. Marty Crocker is the wandering yogi, massage therapist, husband, golf pro, and leading the way with an idea he calls gifitivism.Marty describes how a yoga class in college showed up and derailed a previously presumed future in the corporate world. Yoga led him to  develop a consistency in his life. He describes how yoga brought him joy and a desire to share with others, from a place of service. Yoga became his form of meditation and quieting his mind. His practice brought him personal awareness and and understanding of the importance of breath work.  Through his personal work in yoga, he describes a process of discovering bodywork and his initial resistance to treat others outside of the yoga studio setting. Originally, he would do body work during the time he was teaching, with students rotating to the "treatment" mat throughout the class. He found, and still believes the hands on assistance in yoga leads to a deeper sense of connection, both to the practice and to his students. He talks about connection, not correction, as a place of understanding.  He has built a long term client base that know they can depend on him. He is reticent to directly define the work that he does with clients, feeling that labels divide and create separation rather than creating a place of connection. Marty explains that because of the clarity he has that massage and yoga are his life purpose, he feels no worries regarding where they might lead him and whether he is "doing the right thing." Even as a pioneer, he describes that there is no questioning if this is the right path for him. Marty describes the idea of giftivism and its basis of trusting contribution. He says that once you truly understand your personal value, you no longer question if the universe is going to provide for you.He opened a smoothie shop that entirly functioned on a "pay what you want basis." The real challenge for many who embark on or even simply strive to understand this path is to learn giving without any expectation of gain. It is entirely trusting the collaborative process of the universe...creating zero attachment to the outcome. We talk about the flip-side of the coin and the difficulty of many to know how to receive. We touch upon the internal conflict that often arises regarding worth and deserving.  More than anything, Marty wants to inspire the younger generation by exposing them to this idea of radical generosity. His biggest tip to creating lasting change and awareness is to sit quietly for 5 minutes daily and bring your focus to your breath and your being. Marty's joy is contagious and his generosity will get you thinking about where in your life you can give more and expect less.  To learn more about Marty Crocker and his inspiring work, please contact him via email martycrocker@gmail.com. Sources Mentioned in the Podcast Giftivism Marty's son's work with Giftivism Pay What You Want Smoothie Shop Video of Beach Yoga   Connect and Follow Marty Facebook Facebook Beach Yoga This podcast was edited by Wildstyle Media.

013:Marty Crocker: Creating Connection with Radical Generosity

Never miss an episode of weekly inspiration from Simple Change. Subscribe now through iTunes, or Stitcher, or listen to an episode here. Charles Gupton is a photographer, videographer, documenter, producer, husband, partner, and seriously interesting individual to chat with. He will ask questions that will make you think, and challenge you to reconsider some of what you were certain of previously.   In his work (at Charles Gupton Productions), he and his wife Linda, strive to create finished products that are in alignment with the deeper value system of each company. If the client has never defined its deeper value proposition/ message, Charles has developed a unique process to help the clients to learn more about themselves.He describes an in-depth process of quality client acquisition through the use of deeper and more thorough questioning, to truly get to know the client in a way that others have not made the effort to know them. He also has a podcast called The Creator's Journey, wherein he and Linda help others share stories of personal triumph and redemption. Charles describes his work as having shifted from "results driven" to "process driven" in order to be more present for the journey and the possible solutions that may arise. Charles will inspire you to approach both business and personal relationships differently by connecting to your natural curiosity to nurture and deepen relationships through real, honest and vulnerable conversations that allow you to show up uniquely and shamelessly as yourself.   To learn more about Charles Gupton and his phenomenal work, please contact him via email at cg@charlesguptonphoto.com or on his website www.charlesgupton.com. Sources Mentioned in the Podcast Charles Gupton Productions The Creator's Journey Podcast Man's Search for Meaning Connect and Follow Charles Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

012:Charles Gupton: Leading Others to Deeper Self-Discovery

Never miss an episode of weekly inspiration from Simple Change. Subscribe now through iTunes, or Stitcher, or listen to an episode here. Soness Stevens remembers growing up with a childhood dream of being a ninja. She takes us along, with her amazing story-telling ability, from her younger years moving frequently in the US to her now home in Japan. She shares personal stories of connection with her brother Chris, her “Ninja Master.” His words of “Ninjas Never Give Up,” seemed to be the driving force that never allowed her to quit through her tough childhood…and perhaps even beyond. She offers a story of being hurt and wanting to confide in her Barbie, who felt completely unrelated-able, with her unfading smile. Soness’ spiritual path began to be evident to her following an interview for a paper products company in Florida, in her early 20’s. She saw herself walking into an industry that would lock her in a direction that did not feel progressive. After turning down a lucrative job offer, she decided to get her MBA at Harvard. For her to be able to specialize in what she was pursuing, she needed to be fluent in Japanese. This required a year’s studies in Japan. While in Japan, she became Japan’s first Feng Shui consultant, as well as the English voice of Hello Kitty. Following her realization that she needed more than a year to truly learn Japanese and the Japanese culture, Soness decided to make Japan her “always” home. She has lived there now for 20 years. Since then, Soness has built a life teaching connection and compassion through public speaking. She has a nationally broadcast television show, as well as a career as a university professor. She walks both students and coaching clients through their personal “Speaking Journeys” and teaches them how to create TED/TEDx worthy speeches. She helps them to define core thesis’ and to find value to offer to others. Soness is also a TEDx speaker and speaker coach for other speakers. As a global communicator has done multiple TEDx speeches herself. She incorporates connection and compassion to all of her lessons teaching others to recognize the “oneness” and similarities we all share. Additionally, she describes the Japanese method of “reading the air” to integrate the intuitive nature that once was so commonplace in the Japanese culture. You can see one of her talks here. She also took time to share about her latest online teaching program, “How to Create a TED Worthy Application,” helping others to get their messages out to the world. More than anything though, Soness describes her process of “teaching others to be at home with themselves.” Her heart is huge and her commitment to the success of others is to be appreciated and valued. Take a moment to listen. You will be inspired and your heart will be warmed from her truly amazing journey to where she is now. To learn more about Soness Stevens and her life changing work, please contact her via email at sonessstevens@gmail.com or on her website www.yourspeakingjourney.com. Sources Mentioned in the Podcast Your Speaking Jouney- Coaching with Soness Taoism Connect and Follow Soness Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

011: Soness Stevens: Practicing Compassion to Learn to Read the Air

Michelle Grandy tells of huge personal changes that have helped her to not only create a healthier lifestyle, but also to guide others to shift their vision as well. She begins with a story of growing up in the inner city of Washington, D.C. Her Grandmother was her primary caretaker and role model, as a community activist. She taught her to smile and always remain positive. Michelle developed chronic asthma as a kid and remembers constantly being dependent on medicines for her survival. She speaks of needing to “take herself to the emergency room” when no one was available to help her. She grew up believing that chronic lung disease was her fate and that medications would forever be a part of her life. That was until she read the Veganist on a plane trip seven years ago. Michelle learned a way that would free her from a lifetime of medicines. It was veganism. She made the shift to veganism “cold turkey.” She desperately wanted her entire family to join her in veganism. After all, she was free from medical intervention and medicines within three months of choosing veganism. She wanted to “breathe into the normalcy of living,”and for everyone to join her. She discusses the struggles of wanting something badly for others, and coming to the realization that they had to want it for themselves, for it to be a lasting change. She talks about her decision to leave the world of corporate banking following learning yoga, and seeing what a profound effect it had on her life. As she went deeper into her personal development work and had a vision to create a business that could inspire others, exactly as she had been inspired. She wanted to shift others vision through foods, focusing on the constant awareness of foods that heal the body. She wanted to teach others to be “mindfully still” and listen to their bodies. She mentions the struggle of others’ in her close friends and family circle seeing yoga as possible sacrilege and needing to teach the practices under the title of “mindfulness.” This enabled her to create an “entry point” into many of the organizations that would not have been as accommodating under the title of yoga. Today she teaches yoga (mindfulness), coaches, speaks and cooks for others who are ready for change. To learn more about Michelle Grandy and her life changing work, please contact her via email at michelle@ohhmichelle.com or on her website www.ohhmichelle.com. Sources Mentioned in the Podcast Ohhmazing Wellness: Shift Your Vision and Create the Healthy & Happy Lifestyle You Deserve Kathy Freston on The Oprah Show Kathy Freston, Veganist Connect and Follow Michelle Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Never miss an episode of weekly inspiration from Simple Change. Subscribe now through iTunes, or Stitcher, or listen to an episode here. This conversation was recorded out of the studio, via phone, as Michelle was driving. Hence the sound quality difference. I believe that her message is powerful and worth listening to and digesting. Stick with us and you will be inspired.

010: Michelle Grandy: Shifting Your Mindset to Create a Wellness Lifestyle

Peter Rossetti dives deep into his journey of personal growth and development. He tells of ultimately leaving the corporate design world and financial security, in search of maximizing his potential as a leader, speaker and designer. He was compelled to leave his initial graphic design direction, in pursuit of a more meaningful graphic design business with soul and purpose. Peter is an independent creative and considers himself a life-time learner. He shares that the secret to making work fun is that he always follows his curiosity. His commitment to spirituality and design with soul set him on a journey of self discovery. He went through a time of being a spiritual nomad and now works with clients as a consultant to crafting their personal visual story. Peter uses unique methods to help his clients develop clarity regarding what they want their brand to represent. The "Why" of business is paramount to the "Who" and the "What" when he enters the design process with a client.  He has tools and exercises that help them create clarity, coupled with a diametrically different way of listening deeply to the clients truest vision of themselves and their work. He discusses methods of creating clarity, drafting desires as well as a value mapping process. Peter guides holistic practitioners and professionals to a place of "delightful agitation" to discover their inner artist and find a brand that is in alignment with their direction and purpose. Every process is different, but but ultimately finding a direction that embraces self-love is the goal. He uses a unique method that is deeply entrenched in the importance of self-care. He is interested in social impact issues. Peter is also an advocate and speaker for the Type 1ist, and an active mentor for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for newly diagnosed families. Additionally, Peter is active in The Healthy 1 Organization: focused on transforming the lives of individuals with type I diabetes through education and training on lifestyle-medicine care. To learn more about Peter Rossetti and his inspiring work, please contact him via peter@uppercaseP.com or at his website www.uppercaseP.com. Connect and follow Peter Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

009: Peter Rossetti: Designing a Personal Vision of Self-Love

Anna Gatmon shares her discovery of spirituality and how it became a wonderful and empowering force that guides her in her work today. She describes her path and some of her life experiences that led her to becoming quadrilingual (Hebrew, Swedish, French and English). Paris was Anna’s home for 10 years as she worked as both a model and fashion model.  Her unique beauty was featured on multiple magazines and in ad campaigns. She says experiences, at that time, with her family of origin began to crack her open to the idea that there was something greater that was accessible to everyone. In her late 30's her discovery of Findhorn was pivotal in her spiritual development. At Findhorn she learned to embrace their two primary philosophies/principles: Everyone can connect, through their own divinity, to God/source/higher power. Nature has a consciousness. We discuss the process of losing ego in order to collaborate with the divine. She encourages others to be a channel, through which spirit can flow.  Anna speaks of how a path filled with experiences of the divine opened up to her, when she was ready to look deeper within. Anna encourages, "Get close to nature to connect to your divinity." She speaks of her understandings and writings on the four keys of Embodying the Spirit: Expansive presence Attentive Listening Inspired Action Faith Filled Knowing and gives examples of  how to recognize timelessness and expansive states by bringing more nature into your life. Anna encourages the use of fresh herbs as a quick and very effective method to quickly connect your expansive presence. She takes time to describe what brings her fun and when she feels bliss. Additionally, she goes deeper into how the modern spiritual path has very different manifestations than the paths of the sages before our time. Here’s a link to a video of Anna explaining how in even the seemingly strict technical world, spirituality can be found. Anna Gatmon speaking about the iPhone as a Spiritual Experience Anna references her book that will be released shortly  Embody Your Spirit- A practical Guide to Bringing Spirituality Down to Earth. You can click the link Embody Your Spirit to download the first chapter, as her FREE gift to you.   To learn more about Anna Gatmon and her amazing work, please visit www.annagatmon.com or contact her via www.annagatmon.com/contact.

008: Anna Gatmon: Guiding Others to Embody their Spirit

Lisa Vogt shares her journey leading up to the creation of her podcast Ever Better. She describes her shift in work environment from what was once enjoyable, to that which became "soul-sucking" and without joy in the corporate world. After leaving Nextel, she and her husband Tim shared a vision, they were determined to give back to their community and create a place where children could be invested in learning and the art of play. They opened Play Wise Kids. She then moved on to work with the international SOS Children's Villages , to make a difference in the lives of thousands of foster children around the globe. She and I discussed our involvement and shared interest in the Good Life Project (where we met), the inspiring work ofJonathan Fields , as well as our experiences at Camp GLP in upstate New York in the summer of 2015. The Good Life Project is an inspirational and motivating community for spiritual and creative entrepreneurs. Lisa encourages, "Be willing to push through the discomfort that sometimes accompanies finding a community or tribe that can support your life's direction." She tells of her discovery that she is not only a project-oriented person, but also now embraces the idea that she is a creative individual. She has learned that creativity is the driving force behind her desire to make a such a huge difference in her own life and the lives of others. Lisa references her podcast Ever Better Ever Better Podcast as well as her book Ever Better: Five Sources for Personal Growth, Happiness and Confidence which can be purchased on Amazon. We also discusses thermography as a healthier and safer alternative to mammography Video Explaining Breast Thermography To learn more about Lisa Vogt, please visit lisaconsults@gmail.com.

007: Lisa Vogt: Motivating Others to be Ever Better

Simple Change is a podcast designed for listeners who are ready to create lasting change, in the middle of a shift or just plain fed-up with doing what everyone else is doing. Simple Change listeners want a new and inspired outlook as a motivation. The goal and tone of this podcast is to inspire others to step into a transformational process. through the simple changes, be they physical, mental, emotional or spiritual and to discuss the lasting impact they can create in your life. Holistic Health and Lifestyle Coach Sarah Mastriani-Levi of Mannafest Living shares conversations with inspiring people who will offer tips and tools to create impact and lasting change through a series of small steps.

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