Best Of The Aware Show with Michael Gelb: The Art of Connection Part 1

Do you still go to in-person meetings? We have all become accustomed to Zoom, Teams, and online meetings. Since the pandemic, it's good that we have technological shortcuts available. Oftentimes though, a text or email just won't work. Lisa's guest today, author Michael Gelb, argues that true meaningful relationships come from real interaction and are the key to creating innovative ideas and solving problems. Michael is the world's leading authority on the application of genius thinking to personal and organizational development. Listen as they discuss highlights from his latest book, The Art of Connection: 7 Relationship-Building Skills Every Leader Needs Now. This is Part 1 of the interview. Info: michaelgelb.com. 

 Do you believe that humans should mate for life? Is this natural? Relationships can be tough, especially long-term ones. It takes daily practice and patience. Today's guest is Buddhist psychologist, sex therapist, author, and speaker Dr. Cheryl Fraser. She talks about "modern marriage" and relationships. In the past, marriages were arranged, or people came together for the good of the tribe, the farm, and raising children together. She examines questions like, "Is long-term love dead?" and is "til death do us part" still relevant. People who are attempting monogamy may have a tough time. She suggests that long-term relationships can be used as a way to grow. Between 25-45% of people will end up in a divorce. And in certain places, it's much higher. In second marriages, the divorce rate is actually much higher. Dr. Cheryl mentions that there are many alternative ways to be in relationships. Younger people are no longer getting married early. They are waiting until they are older. We change so much in our teens and 20s, and she suggests that we do not rush into marriage. Take time for independence. Long-term love is possible; it just needs help sometimes. She talks about the most important factors in any relationship, including intimacy, communication, fair fighting, and how to repair and apologize if necessary. Dr. Cheryl has a popular podcast called "Sex, Love, & Elephants," and her latest book is "Buddha's Bedroom–The Mindful Loving Path to Sexual Passion and Lifelong Intimacy." Info: drcherylfraser.com.

How many cycles of global warming have occurred over the lifetime of this planet? And where are we going from here? These are the kinds of questions asked in Dr. Anodea Judith's book "Waking the Global Heart: Humanity's Rite of Passage From Love of Power to the Power of Love." This work is considered groundbreaking in the field of Transpersonal Psychology and used as definitive texts in the U.S. and abroad. Today she discusses the history of the melting of the ice caps, the cycles of nature, and how humanity with carbon emissions, population growth, and so much more is affecting the planet. She states that we must evolve into a network which works together to begin to solve some of the global challenges. She talks about how more than 20% of the human population does not have access to clean drinking water. This is an environmental catastrophe. The United States could lead, but it would take a rite of passage. During this time, we are forced to look at terrorism and climate change. There are deaths, but we could look toward rebirth and more sustainable ways of living. As humans, we must graduate to another level. Civilizations are always rising and falling. This is a global world change. Every new moment has people who believe these ideas and concepts will not work. New ideas always get attacked and it may take decades for acceptance. We have an opportunity to move into an age of ethics, rather than an age of power. She reminds us that the cutting-edge of culture never comes from the mainstream – it always comes from the fringe. Anodea has been called "a prophet for our time." A groundbreaking thought leader and best-selling author, she worked as a therapist in private practice for more than 20 years. Today she is the director of Sacred Centers, a teaching organization she founded that offers workshops worldwide.  Judith holds a doctoral degree in Psychology and Human Health, is a  yoga teacher, and  is considered the foremost Western writer on the subject of the chakra system. She also is a faculty member of the Shift Network. Info:  AnodeaJudith.com.

Depression, anxiety, and addiction can all be linked back to unresolved grief. This can make us feel hopeless. Lisa continues the conversation today with psychotherapist and author John Tsilimparis who explains how to not get stuck in these feelings. We all go through trying times, and he shares ways to handle it. John talks about underlying loss and helps people convert those feelings. Grief is like a stream, and we can move through it. John also discusses why we worry. This can be an addiction as well. John tries to help people remember that things can be good. If we can accept that worry is a protective mechanism, we can study it. It can serve a purpose. We can learn to adapt. He asks us to focus on what is important to us and what we have control over. We have to look for those things, whether it's work, school, family, friends, etc. He talks about how people were so affected by the pandemic, because of the constant uncertainty. He suggests having a daily practice, which includes mindfulness and meditation. Even just 5 to 10 minutes will help and bring you back to your center. He also highly suggests that we reduce screen time. Excessive time on our phones and in front of a computer can affect our sleep and stress. It's important to get outside and spend a few minutes in nature. This can be as easy as just stepping outside and looking at the sun. John Tsilimparis is a distinguished psychotherapist, mental health consultant, podcast host, and former adjunct professor at Pepperdine University and UCLA Extension. He is the author of "The Magic in the Tragic: Rewriting the Script on Grief and Finding Happiness in Our Darkest Days" and "Retrain Your Anxious Brain." This is Part 2 of the interview. Info: johntsilimparis.com.

Millions of metric tons of plastic waste and microplastics are floating in our oceans. This impacts both the fish and ultimately the food we consume. According to the EPA,  "Plastic particles are generally the most abundant type of debris encountered in the marine environment, with estimates suggesting that 60% to 80% of marine debris is plastic, and more than 90% of all floating debris particles are plastic." Dr. Marcus Eriksen is on the show today to discuss the DVD "Our Synthetic Seas," which covers the total issue about plastic and the garbage found in our seas and especially the problem of disappearing sea life as fish are now eating plastic, waste, debris, and more dangerous materials. Marcus is currently the Executive Director of the 5 Gyres Institute. He received his Ph.D. in Science Education from the University of Southern California in 2003, months before embarking on a 2000-mile, 5-month journey down the Mississippi River on a homemade raft of plastic bottles. His experience on the river led to a career studying the ecological impacts of plastic marine pollution, which has included 8 expeditions sailing 25,000 miles through all 5 subtropical gyres to discover new garbage patches of plastic pollution in the Southern Hemisphere and beyond. With an affinity for rafting, his most recent adventure sent him and a colleague across the Pacific Ocean from California to Hawaii on a homemade raft floating on 15,000 plastic bottles and a Cessna airplane fuselage as a cabin. The journey, 2,600 miles in 88 days, brought tremendous attention to the plastic pollution issue.   Info: Algalita.org and MarcusEriksen.com.

Grief and anxiety can feel hopeless and traumatic. How can you not get stuck in the feelings? We all go through trying times, so how can we handle it all? It's about experiencing the feelings while also trying to find beauty and inspiration in our lives. Psychotherapist and author John Tsilimparis talks deeply about these topics today and suggests we find aesthetic ways to empower ourselves. John is a distinguished psychotherapist, mental health consultant, podcast host, and former adjunct professor at Pepperdine University and UCLA Extension. Today he discusses his latest book "The Magic in the Tragic: Rewriting the Script on Grief and Finding Happiness in Our Darkest Days." John shares the idea of "inspiration exposure." He invites us to be self-compassionate. He suggests we hold strong to our boundaries and give ourselves time to heal. The idea is not to move on, but to move through the emotions. John talks about "grief empowerment" and explains how to find meaning and even beauty in grief. He teaches us to find awe and splendor, even in our darkest moments. This can apply to anxiety and even addiction. It's possible to find meaning and purpose in even the smallest things. Info: johntsilimparis.com.

Are you in a relationship? Do you think love is hard work? Half of the US households' children will spend time in a divorced home and are more likely to end up divorced later in their own lives as well. So what can we do about this? Join Lisa today as she talks with Dr. Susan Jeffers, author of "Lasting Love: The Feel the Fear Guide to Lasting Love" about what love really is, how we can create lasting loving relationships, and more. Susan Jeffers, Ph.D., has helped millions of people throughout the world overcome their fears, heal their relationships, and move forward in life with confidence and love. She is the author of many internationally renowned best-selling books including "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway," "Feel the Fear . . . and Beyond," "Feel the Fear Power Planner," "End the Struggle and Dance With Life," and many more. Her latest book at the time of the interview was "The Feel the Fear Guide to Lasting Love." Info:  SusanJeffers.com.

Who would you be without your trauma? Lisa continues the conversation today with Dr. Sue Morter. Known as "Dr. Sue," she is an internationally acclaimed speaker, master of Bioenergetic Medicine, and thought leader bridging science, spirituality, and human potential. She is the founder and CEO of the Morter Institute for Bioenergetics and host of the podcast, "The Art of Awakening" and Gaia TV's "Healing Matrix." Today she will discuss her brand-new book, "The Anatomy of Awakening: The 5 Hidden Codes to Unlock Your Higher Consciousness and Live Your Divine Destiny." Dr. Sue talks about hidden trauma and explains how we can unlock it from the body. She explains how it is possible to heal once we acknowledge how to come home to ourselves. We can look at our emotions, heal, and surrender. We can self-heal. We can regulate our nervous systems based on breath. It can happen quickly. Dr. Sue explains how this is a vibration. It is a frequency. We can change in a moment according to quantum physics. Our quantum self is not bound by time. You do not need a trauma, such as a near-death experience, or physical illness. Awakening can happen instantaneously. The subtle energies can set you free. She invites us to create the space to feel something that's softer. Breathe. Take time to relax your nervous system. Feel your feelings. We can begin to become whole when we change our perspective. Dr. Sue also teaches a short exercise involving a deep belly breath, which will help us feel calm. We can release our solar plexus and relax. We can allow energy to flow, which allows our wisdom to be unleashed. This is a system to organize the chaos. We can then approach life from a different perspective and from a place of wholeness. This is Part 2 of the interview. Info: drsuemorter.com.

Would you like to learn about natural methods of healing? Did you know there are proven, helpful gadgets which can reduce pain? Our guest today is Dr. Norm Shealy who will discuss some of the latest cutting-edge technologies available for pain management, depression, and stress. Since his creation of the TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit for pain control in the 1970s, world-renown neurosurgeon Dr. Shealy has been at the forefront of several new non-invasive devices that have been proven to be effective for pain management. He will discuss some of these amazing technologies on the show.   Dr. Shealy is a Neurosurgeon and former Harvard Professor, and is currently President of Holos University Graduate Seminary, which offers doctoral programs in Spiritual Healing and Energy Medicine. He holds nine patents for innovative discoveries, has published more than 300 articles and 22 books including "Life Beyond 100" and "90 Days To Stress-Free Living." Tune in and learn a relaxation technique that could change your health! Info: www.normshealy.net

Would you like to understand how the stories you tell yourself are affecting your physiology? What impact do they have and what's underlying them? Today's guest is Dr. Sue Morter. Known as "Dr. Sue," she is an internationally acclaimed speaker, master of Bioenergetic Medicine, and thought leader bridging science, spirituality, and human potential. She is the founder and CEO of the Morter Institute for Bioenergetics and host of the podcast, "The Art of Awakening" and Gaia TV's "Healing Matrix." Today she will discuss her brand-new book, "The Anatomy of Awakening: The 5 Hidden Codes to Unlock Your Higher Consciousness and Live Your Divine Destiny." Dr. Sue talks about how we can resolve unresolved emotions that we don't even know we are carrying. She invites us to look at life without our trauma. She believes we are inherently rich, abundant, and healthy. When we choose to incarnate, we may believe we can operate with only certain capacities. We get shut down over the course of life. Under it all, is something completely whole. We can receive these gifts of wholeness which are waiting for us. Many people get there through pain. The unconscious life tends to run our lives. We keep going with these patterns, yet Dr. Sue knows we can evolve. We come here to become more conscious. We can live lives of bliss, healing, and infinite possibilities. She invites us to have the light of our awareness shine brightly. When we allow it, we can awaken. Our filters can disappear and we can live a life of brightness. We can allow these universal energies to flow. Dr. Sue says how we may feel lost, sick, or confused right now. She asks us to take a "time out" and trust that there's more. She discusses her first book, "The Energy Codes" and talks about the imagination of who we are and who we can be. We can animate our potential, awaken it, and not get caught up in duality of life. If we can be present with ourselves no matter what is going on, we can learn to be more compassionate and therefore create a new reality. We can evolve through the imagination. This is what we are truly meant to be living. It's the timeless version of ourselves. We are meant to flourish. We are meant to love ourselves. We can come home to ourselves. It's our true nature. This is Part 1 of the interview. Info: drsuemorter.com.