Living Through Death: In the Light of Ayurveda and Yoga

In this episode I am speaking with Mitch Hankins, founder of InstinctualWellBeing.com. Mitch was diagnosed with a very serious health condition, that was likely going to require very serious treatment options. Through his research and perseverance, Mitch navigated the modern health mine field of information and mis-information to find an approach which allowed him to live well and happily through natural means. Our conversation ranges from: discussions on the AIP Diet the effect of stress as a silent killer the unspoken problem in the alternative health community of Orthorexia the power of meditation and inner development for lasting well-being what it really means to be healthy Today's guest is Mitch. Mitch is a husband, cat dad, author, health coach, yogi, paleo/AIP enthusiast, and your guide at InstinctualWellbeing.com. Your host is Ryan. Ryan Kurczak is a Kriya Yoga Meditation teacher. He has written several books on Kriya Yoga Meditation and other metaphysical topics. Ryan offers 2 year Kriya Yoga Meditation online learning intensives through https://kriyayogaonline.com/. (Keep scrolling ALL THE WAY DOWN to the bottom of this text to find the Podcast Play Button.) Resources Mitch Mentioned in This Podcast The free "mini course" I mentioned where I talk about "Illness OCD": https://www.instinctualwellbeing.com/5-mistakes-autoimmunity/   Books I recommend to help with Emotional Healing: https://www.instinctualwellbeing.com/emotional-healing/   A truly fantastic book to help address disordered eating (don't be fooled by the name - this is a truly profound book!): https://www.amazon.com/Diet-Eating-Should-Be-Easy-ebook/dp/B07C685Q6L   Blog post - Emotional Meanings Behind Autoimmune Conditions: https://www.instinctualwellbeing.com/emotional-meanings-autoimmune-conditions/    The 'Other 20%' blog post I mentioned: https://www.instinctualwellbeing.com/other-20-percent-to-healing-autoimmunity/   The Career book I mentioned: https://www.amazon.com/Pathfinder-Orson-Scott-Card/dp/1416991794   

In today's episode, I will be talking with Ann DuPre Rogers, executive director for Resources for Resilience, about how understanding ACE Scores can heal our society and improve our personal well-being.  We also touch upon ways to help children experience a mindful body centered meditation to increase resilience. This particular podcast was inspired by the work Melissa Baker, my wife of 18 years, was so passionate about. She had a strong drive to share this information and pioneered its dissemination in and around Asheville, NC where we lived for 10 years. Even in the final weeks of her life, she would brighten at any opportunity to discuss these topics. She has left behind a legacy of powerful professionals in the Asheville area to carry on this profoundly healing work. It is my hope that you discover a way to bring this knowledge to your own community. I was also inspired by all the questions I received from meditation students asking about the value of meditation for children.  While I think meditation is fantastic to learn at any age, in our current culture, the trainings and techniques promoted by Resources for Resilience will likely have a more immediate effect on a child's well-being. https://resourcesforresilience.com/  

Can death make us whole?  Can we be healed through the dying process? As of today, this does seem like a very real possibility, even in the face of its painful reality. In today's episode, I am speaking with Vincent DiPaola, A Clinical Ayurvedic Practitioner and Yogi, about how living through death can transform our spirit. Both Vincent and I have lost some of the most important people in our lives in these past 2 years. It felt appropriate to explore the possibility of healing and growing when such apparent tragedies shake our world. Today's guest is Vincent. Vincent DiPaola is a graduate of the California College of Ayurveda (CCA), located in Nevada City CA. In 1972 he studied Yoga & Meditation in India, where he first came into contact with Ayurveda. He had been practicing and studying these ancient systems of India ever since. He is presently undergoing the 'Clinical Ayurvedic Practitioner' internship program at CCA.  https://vinayaka.life/about/ Your host is Ryan. Ryan Kurczak is a Kriya Yoga Meditation teacher. He has written several books on Kriya Yoga Meditation and other metaphysical topics. Ryan offers 2 year Kriya Yoga Meditation online learning intensives through https://kriyayogaonline.com/.  

Jim Nolan, ex-police officer turned sociology professor (and I-Ching enthusiast), joins us for a conversation on Indra's net. Jim takes us through a journey of understanding how an ancient Vedic myth can help communities heal social disparities. Dr. Nolan is a professor at West Virginia University. He teaches courses in the area of crime and social control. His research currently focuses on neighborhood dynamics, police procedures, crime measurement, hate crimes, and equity and inclusion in higher education. He is also the author of The Violence of Hate: Understanding Harmful Forms of Bias and Bigotry.

Karen White, fellow astrologer and successful relationshipeer, joins us for a discussion on the the top 10 characteristics of a good relationship. Relationships are successful because of one's ability to love and support a partner and also to receive that same support. Here Karen and I dig into our own 5 most important qualities that contribute to a lasting (at least as long as it is able!) and worthwhile relationship. For more information on Karen White and her work, please visit: www.divinetimeastrology.com.

Jim Norton, retired Methodist Minister, joins us for a discussion on the impact of trauma on our bodies, minds and spirit. We discuss ways of understanding, working with and growing from the traumas common to the human condition.

Why is it important to live for today? Can living for today improve our personal lives, our society or our health? In this episode we discuss the inspiration behind the podcast, and the topics that can lead us individually and collectively to a greater sense of wellness.