173: ENCORE: Creativity, Spirituality and Making a Buck with David Nichtern

I’m back after a summer hiatus, and I have much to share with you about how I spent these two months, mostly focused on writing my book. I’ve had the chance to connect more fully with our farm, harvesting, preserving, and canning food. I even experimented with making pickles, drying herbs, and creating herb blends. Many great guests and conversations are coming up for you on the podcast, and I can’t wait to share them with you!We are in the middle of huge astrological events! The ancestor fortnight and eclipse tomorrow are monumental in the way they align. I want to talk about their impact and what you can do during this time. Join me to learn more!Show Highlights:Two powerful cosmic phenomena are combining to make this fall a very intense and transformative moment:Details about the first eclipse: tomorrow, Sept. 17 at 10:34 pm EasternThere are signs of ending and loss, and this is a bad time to make aesthetic decisions. We should focus more on spiritual practices.Details about the second eclipse: Oct. 2 at 2:48 pm EasternThere are signs of working with your hands, manipulation and making things happen. This is THE single most inauspicious day of the year, which makes it a lay-low day. This is a good time to honor our ancestors. For your business, steer clear of important conversations and doing business; stay behind the scenes and work on systems and processes.&nbsp;A recap of important dos and don’ts for now through Sept. 18 and Sept. 17-Oct. 2This is a great time for extra self-care, less screen time, eating easily digestible foods, and getting extra rest.This is a great time for reflection on “what has been” in honoring the ancestors and performing rituals to call them forward.How I use the ritual of offering incense and sweets to a body of water on behalf of my ancestors to reduce karmic friction and disturbancesFocusing on our personal well-being can benefit our businesses by putting us in the best shape possible to be in a good flow to move forward!Resources:Connect with PaulaJoin the Cosmic Business Lab, my year-long container to help you build a business that adds $10,000/month to your income working 4 days a week, all in alignment with your values. Sign up here.Get 1:1 astrological support to align with your purpose, assess compatibility and find auspicious timing for launches and sales in a day-long. Can potentially be in person. Only 5 spots available in the fall. More info here.Get your free Heal Your Money Karma checklist &amp; training here.Ask me anything! I'll be sharing another special episode to answer your questions. Email them to [email protected] with the subject line “AMA.”Get the 2024 Astrology Guidebook and receive all my hand-picked lay-low and auspicious days for the year, plus major transits and auspicious dates from the Indian calendar that you can drop right into your Google calendar. We have added exciting, new features in the latest version of the Guidebook! 100% of the profits go to a school for underprivileged kids in Varanasi.Sign the 2K for Change Pledge, committing as a spirit-led entrepreneur to give $2000 to causes in 2024 in cash and/or services. Learn more and sign up HERE.<a...

This is the last of our summer hiatus episodes, and I hope you’ve enjoyed revisiting some of our favorites. Today’s replay comes from October 2022 when David Nichtern joined the podcast. In this episode, we talk about the crazy ride of serial entrepreneurship and how creativity and spirituality add extra layers of richness to the journey. Don’t miss this conversation with David!David Nichtern is a senior Buddhist teacher who has been practicing and teaching meditation for over 40 years. He was one of the early students of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, who came to the US in 1970. David is a business consultant with companies creating a variety of offerings that integrate meditation into a larger health and well-being context, including Goldman Sachs, Sturdy Meditation, Creative Live, and more. He has been featured in media outlets such as the NY Times, FOX News, and Netflix’s The Midnight Gospel movie. David hosts a podcast based on his book, Creativity, Spirituality, and Making a Buck. A highly regarded composer, David composed the song “Midnight at the Oasis,” which you have probably heard, and he has composed scores for Christopher Guest’s film, The Big Picture. He has also produced multiple records and periodically tours with Grammy-nominated kirtan performer Krishna Das. Adding to his impressive accomplishments, David has played with Stevie Wonder, Jerry Garcia, Lana Del Rey, Maria Muldaur, Paul Simon, and many others.&nbsp;**Please see Resources below for sign-up links for the Cosmic Business Lab and the Cosmic Business Mastermind.&nbsp;Show Highlights:&nbsp;David’s lifelong love affair with music, inspired and nurtured by his familyLearning improvisation from his Uncle Irv—and the important cornerstone that making music could be his livelihoodThe magical place where creativity and spirituality meet–and how these worlds collided in David’s lifeThe hit song, “Midnight at the Oasis” opened many doors for David and brought him success.Mixing spirituality into his music world through yoga, retreats, and his teacherDavid’s astrology aligns perfectly with his life story.Managing his ideas and intuition as a serial entrepreneur with the philosophy “to join heaven and earth”David’s motivation to write his book–and what he hopes people take away from itDavid’s advice about money for spiritual peopleReflections on the most meaningful lessons David has learned from his teachersSpiritual practice helps in entrepreneurship and salesDavid’s answers to rapid-fire questions about helpful advice, grounding habits, favorite hot beverage, last meal on earth, morning routine, an inspiring person, something people might not know about him, what he’s reading/recommending, and what’s bringing him joy right nowResources:Connect with PaulaJoin the Cosmic Business Lab, my year-long container to help you build a business that adds $10,000/month to your income working 4 days a week, all in alignment with your values. Sign up here.Get 1:1 astrological support to align with your purpose, assess compatibility and find auspicious timing for launches and sales in a day-long. Can potentially be in person. Only 5 spots available in the fall. More info here.Get your free Heal Your Money Karma checklist &amp; training here.Ask me...

We are down to the last two summer hiatus episodes before we return with new ones. As we’ve done all summer, today’s episode is a replay of a great episode from a few months ago. It’s packed with helpful information that you can use as I’m joined by my online business manager (OBM), Ksenia Derouin. We are discussing the role of an OBM and how she has stepped in with solid support in hiring my executive assistant. If you are a business owner looking to hire in the near future, this episode will prepare you to hire your next rockstar team member. I cannot say enough about the life-changing hire of an OBM for my business, and I can only hope that your next hire brings to you what Ksenia has brought to my business!Ksenia Derouin is more than a business strategist and online business manager. She is a dedicated ally for small business owners, working moms, wellness entrepreneurs, and creative minds. She has a heart for helping others realize their dreams. She combines over 10 years of entrepreneurial savvy with a friendly, approachable style. Her goals are to make things simpler and more joyful for business owners as she teaches them to streamline their operations and set up systems that really work to grow a business that’s profitable AND flexible. She is the go-to person for building a business that thrives on your terms and blends professional growth with well-being.&nbsp;Please see Resources below for sign-up links for the Cosmic Business Lab and the Cosmic Business Mastermind.&nbsp;Show Highlights:What is an OBM, and how do you know if you need one?The difference between the roles of a VA (virtual assistant) and an OBM (online business managerConsiderations to measure your readiness to hire an OBMSteps taken by Paula and Ksenia as they started in the EA (executive assistant) hiring process: clarify the role and how it will grow, use tools like ChatGPT to help in writing, post the job to social media and your newsletter community, sort through applicants’ forms and videos, and use a systematic approach to narrow down and rate applicantsLooking for alignment and harmony when considering applicants—and considering what their astrology showsKsenia’s thoughts about what to look for in the hiring processWhat makes a good OBMKsenia’s path that brought her where she is todayKsenia’s changing relationship to productivity over time as she’s learned to prioritize her life and take better care of herselfKsenia’s recommendations about up-leveling the operating systems in your businessWhy it’s important to know yourself, your body, your cycles, etc.Hear Ksenia’s answers to rapid-fire questions about helpful advice, morning routine, and what she’s reading/recommending.&nbsp;Resources:Connect with PaulaJoin the Cosmic Business Lab, my year-long container to help you build a business that adds $10,000/month to your income working 4 days a week, all in alignment with your values. Sign up here.Get 1:1 astrological support to align with your purpose, assess compatibility and find auspicious timing for launches and sales in a day-long. Can potentially be in person. Only 5 spots available in the fall. More info here.Get your free Heal Your Money Karma checklist &amp; training here.Ask me anything! I'll be sharing another special episode to answer your questions. Email them to [email protected] with the subject line “AMA.”<a...

We just have a couple more weeks of my summer hiatus, during which I’m focusing on my writing project and offering you encore editions of some of our favorite episodes. Today’s episode aired about a year ago, and it highlights the value of language and communication in determining the strength and health of our relationships. My guest shares simple mindset shifts in our language that can transform us into more conscious communicators. Join us to learn more!Alejandra Siroka is a former client of mine and a communications expert who has devoted her life to teaching how language and communication shape our lives and relationships. She is the creator of Language Alchemy, a practice that allows you to transform outdated communication patterns, access your deepest truths, and embody your capacity to show up as a mature, compassionate, and authentic human being. She helps clients learn communication techniques that help them maintain a thriving life. Alejandra combines scientific approaches with holistic methods, and she holds three master’s degrees in the fields of language, communication, and transformative leadership. In today’s conversation, she teaches us how to decondition from the power-over paradigm, how to use language to evolve, and how to connect with people with whom you disagree. She also gives her best tips for showing up authentically in your work and life.&nbsp;**Please see Resources below for sign-up links for the Cosmic Business Lab and the Cosmic Business Mastermind.&nbsp;Show Highlights:&nbsp;What is Language Alchemy?The power of transformative language in helping us have authentic communication with collaboration, equality, and compassion instead of domination, power, and competitionOur historical context impacts our language.Respectful micro conversations and connections are the keys in conversations of disagreement.Using communication in relationships where power dynamics exist—and why feedback sessions are valuableOur relationships are affected by our karmic ties with people (and can help determine with whom we should work)A description of the three hubs of communication: belly center, heart center, and head centerAlejandra’s spiritual practice has helped her tap into compassionate, conscious communication.Alejandra’s tips to live and communicate more authentically:Separate your agenda from your intentions.Use spontaneity and “aliveness” in communication instead of being trite and repetitive.What Alejandra’s birth chart says about her vision around communicationAlejandra’s thoughts about living and working in her purposeAlejandra’s experience as an entrepreneur at a very young ageUsing Vedic astrology in businessHear Alejandra’s answers to rapid-fire questions about helpful advice, morning routine, and what she’s reading/recommending.&nbsp;Who Alejandra works with and how she helps her clients with communication and relationshipsResources:Connect with Alejandra Siroka: Website, Language Alchemy Podcast, Instagram, and FacebookBooks mentioned by Alejandra: The Song of the Bird by Anthony De Mello<a...

As we continue with our lineup of summer hiatus shows, we are replaying another impactful episode for you today that originally aired about a year ago. Getting stuck is a feeling that everyone experiences at one time or another in life and business, and I am certainly no stranger to having feelings of stuckness at different points in my journey. I’m discussing getting unstuck, specifically regarding Saturn’s aspect on Mercury in a birth chart. Join me to learn more about why you feel stuck and what you can do about it.**Please see Resources below for sign-up links for the Cosmic Business Lab and the Cosmic Business Mastermind.&nbsp;Show Highlights:Feeling stuck in daily tasks and routinesSaturn’s relationship with Mercury in a birth chart is an impactful and common combination.Saturn aspecting Mercury results in a fear of being visible, questioning our instincts, being stuck in perfectionism, and a fear of being judged.“Breaking up the stuckness” by asking yourself specific questionsTaking the first step in a new direction with intention and accountabilityResources:Connect with PaulaJoin the Cosmic Business Lab, my year-long container to help you build a business that adds $10,000/month to your income working 4 days a week, all in alignment with your values. Sign up here.Get 1:1 astrological support to align with your purpose, assess compatibility, and find auspicious timing for launches and sales in a day-long. Can potentially be in person. Only 5 spots available in the fall. More info here.Get your free Heal Your Money Karma checklist &amp; training here.Ask me anything! I'll be sharing another special episode to answer your questions. Email them to [email protected] with the subject line “AMA.”Get the 2024 Astrology Guidebook and receive all my hand-picked lay-low and auspicious days for the year, plus major transits and auspicious dates from the Indian calendar that you can drop right into your Google calendar. We have added exciting, new features in the latest version of the Guidebook! 100% of the profits go to a school for underprivileged kids in Varanasi.Sign the 2K for Change Pledge, committing as a spirit-led entrepreneur to give $2000 to causes in 2024 in cash and/or services. Learn more and sign up HERE.Help us with research so that we can create the tools to help you build giving into your business (this is also research for a book I'm writing!) Thank you.&nbsp;Join the newsletter for my weekly Resonance Love Letters. Get these exclusive Friday emails with tips on your business, astrology explained, and behind-the-scenes of running a multi-six-figure business! Sign up here.Follow Paula on Instagram @weaveyourbliss for astrological insights, marketing tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at Weave Your Bliss. Paula loves connecting with you there - send her a DM!Will you do us a favor?If you love this episode, I ask you to 1) share it with a spirit-led entrepreneur you...

As I’m taking a summer hiatus, stepping back from content creation, and focusing on my writing project, we are airing some of our favorite episodes that deserve to be repeated.&nbsp;Today’s episode originally aired a little over one year ago and features powerful insight into understanding intuition and working with the energy of Saturn to overcome obstacles.&nbsp;I’m joined by my friend, mentor, and client, Dr. Robert Svoboda. He is an expert in the knowledge of the Vedic sciences from the traditional Indian teachings, and it’s always an honor to welcome him to the show. He wrote The Greatness of Saturn, a book I highly recommend if you want to understand your obstacles, triggers, and things that keep you from rising to your highest potential. As the planet that holds and unfolds our karma, Saturn is an important planet to understand.&nbsp;**Please see Resources below for sign-up links for the Cosmic Business Lab and the Cosmic Business Mastermind.&nbsp;Show Highlights:Saturn: its importance, qualities, and effect on us as humansSaturn’s remoteness, separation, isolation, dissatisfaction, and slowness mean it doesn’t encourage quick gratification.Saturn’s rule over old age, sickness, and deathThe positive qualities of Saturn that can be accessed when we understand discipline and impulse controlSaturn’s role in stripping away our desires and helping us see what really mattersSaturn’s role in helping us see what we are supposed to do in the world–and what we are not supposed to doSaturn’s role in teaching us to be quiet and calm, enduring what needs to be endured (as we endure, we purify our karmic reality and have better and clearer awareness)Saturn’s role in helping us navigate obstacles, clear obstacles, and learn to be of serviceSaturn’s role in clarifying the right goals for alignment with our dharmaHow Saturn helps us tune into our intuition to know what do toKey takeaways from Dr. Svoboda: “When working with Saturn, we have to be calm and patient, knowing when to rest and how to cultivate our intuition. We have to be willing to change our course and always start slowly when we attempt something new.”Resources:Connect with PaulaJoin the Cosmic Business Lab, my year-long container to help you build a business that adds $10,000/month to your income working 4 days a week, all in alignment with your values. Sign up here.Get 1:1 astrological support to align with your purpose, assess compatibility and find auspicious timing for launches and sales in a day-long. Can potentially be in person. Only 5 spots available in the fall. More info here.Get your free Heal Your Money Karma checklist &amp; training here.Ask me anything! I'll be sharing another special episode to answer your questions. Email them to [email protected] with the subject line “AMA.”Get the 2024 Astrology Guidebook and receive all my hand-picked lay-low and auspicious days for the year, plus major transits and auspicious dates from the Indian calendar that you can drop right into your Google calendar. We have added exciting, new...

As I’m taking a summer hiatus, stepping back from content creation, and focusing on my writing project, we are airing some of our favorite episodes that deserve to be repeated.&nbsp;This episode originally aired in May of this year when I was in the middle of a major planetary transition. I’m sharing helpful information about making transitions from different planetary periods and how to best support yourself. Join me!**Please see the Resources Section below for sign-up links for the Cosmic Business Lab and the Cosmic Business Mastermind.&nbsp;Show Highlights:Understanding Vedic astrology: primary planetary influences (along with secondary, tertiary, etc.), signs, and housesSigns that you are in a planetary transition—and what it might feel likeMy personal vulnerabilities during the transition out of my moon period into my Mars period as I face the unknownTo support yourself during a planetary transition:&nbsp;Use a remedy.Reflect on the previous period.Do something significant to mark the end of one period and the beginning of another.Take notes as you move through a new planetary period.Remain calm.Different planets have different energies that express themselves through you.My advice to someone in a planetary transition:Don’t make quick changes to your life during this time.Lean in slowly and be skillful in making decisions.Resources:Connect with PaulaJoin the Cosmic Business Lab, my year-long container to help you build a business that adds $10,000/month to your income working 4 days a week, all in alignment with your values. Sign up here.Get 1:1 astrological support to align with your purpose, assess compatibility and find auspicious timing for launches and sales in a day-long. Can potentially be in person. Only 5 spots available in the fall. More info here.Get your free Heal Your Money Karma checklist &amp; training here.Ask me anything! I'll be sharing another special episode to answer your questions. Email them to [email protected] with the subject line “AMA.”Get the 2024 Astrology Guidebook and receive all my hand-picked lay-low and auspicious days for the year, plus major transits and auspicious dates from the Indian calendar that you can drop right into your Google calendar. We have added exciting, new features in the latest version of the Guidebook! 100% of the profits go to a school for underprivileged kids in Varanasi.Sign the 2K for Change Pledge, committing as a spirit-led entrepreneur to give $2000 to causes in 2024 in cash and/or services. Learn more and sign up HERE.Help us with research so that we can create the tools to help you build giving into your business (this is also research for a book I'm writing!) Thank you.&nbsp;Join the newsletter for my weekly Resonance Love Letters. Get these exclusive Friday emails with tips on your business, astrology explained, and behind-the-scenes of running a multi-six-figure business! Sign up...

If you are a regular listener to the podcast, you’ll know that I’m in the middle of a hiatus for the summer as I take time to focus on my writing project. During this time, we are airing some of our most impactful episodes that deserve a second act. Today’s episode aired almost a year ago and features the sister duo from Samadhi Collective. They merge their varied interests and talents to create beautiful and inspiring Instagram content, always sharing their love for all things India. Join us!Samadhi Collective is an online space and community created by sisters Kamala and Jahnavi. The collective is dedicated to spirituality and self-growth through Sanskrit, Yoga Sutra recitation, mantra, philosophy, art, and music. Their sessions and courses are rooted in authentic ancient philosophies and spiritual practices, which they share with clarity, simplicity, and depth. The sisters spent a large part of their childhood and teenage years in the Himalayan foothills of Rishikesh and have lived for more than ten years in India. Being influenced by Indian philosophy and culture since birth, they have cultivated practices such as meditation, Yogasana, Ayurvedic lifestyle, and Hindustani classical music. Kamala and Jahnavi are currently based between India and Nepal, where they have lived for the past two years. In this episode, we discuss creating a business around your passions, the power of chanting, finding balance with social media, and more!**Please see Resources below for sign-up links for the Cosmic Business Lab and the Cosmic Business Mastermind.&nbsp;Show HighlightsThe sisters’ deep connection to India and Indian cultureThe beginnings of Samadhi Collective as an online business during the COVID-19 pandemic and a beautiful merging of their interests and talentsMantra practice is the backbone of their business and an extension of their lifestyle.The beauty and meaning of the Sanskrit language in mantras, chanting, and musicChanting the Yoga Sutras completely embodies what Samadhi Collective is all about. (Hear an example!)Business CAN be a spiritual practice.Encouraging children in the Indian traditionsThe sisters’ perspective on using social media without harming their practice, purpose, and presenceIndian culture illustrates the weaving together of all the different elements of life.The sisters’ take on living in their purpose and their dharmaYour spiritual practice can include all parts of your life, as long as you are devoted and dedicated.Hear Kamala and Jahnavi’s answers to rapid-fire questions about helpful advice, morning routines, and what they are reading/recommending.Resources:Connect with Samadhi Collective: Website and Instagram*Recommended books: Sad Vani: A Collection of the Teaching of Sri Anandamayi Ma by Atmananda, Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda, and The Unadorned Thread of Yoga by Salvatore ZambitoConnect with PaulaJoin the Cosmic Business Lab, my year-long container to help you build a business...

I’m taking a hiatus this summer, stepping back from content creation to focus on my writing project, so we will be sharing some of our favorite episodes over the next few weeks. These are impactful episodes that you might have missed, or if not, they certainly deserve to be revisited. Today’s episode first aired last September and is a solo episode in which I share what it means to be a spirit-led entrepreneur. I use this term a lot, and I think it’s a unique and revolutionary way to do business. Join me!**Please see the Resources below for sign-up links for the Cosmic Business Lab and the Cosmic Business Mastermind.&nbsp;Show Highlights:A spirit-led entrepreneur can be in almost any type of business.The four foundational pillars of a spirit-led entrepreneurLeading with purposeTapping into intuition and cultivating practices that are in alignmentLeading with our valuesBeing ethical in everything, diligent in caring for our world, and reducing harm in every way possibleEngaging in collaborationFinding and building community with like-minded people and always seeking opportunities to connect, support, and cross-pollinate our ideasCentering wellness within our workCarefully considering our capacity to prevent overworking and planning for meaningful time off and practices that bring us joyResources:Mentioned in this episode: Rest is Resistance by Tricia HerseyConnect with PaulaJoin the Cosmic Business Lab, my year-long container to help you build a business that adds $10,000/month to your income working 4 days a week, all in alignment with your values. Sign up here.Get 1:1 astrological support to align with your purpose, assess compatibility and find auspicious timing for launches and sales in a day-long. Can potentially be in person. Only 5 spots available in the fall. More info here.Get your free Heal Your Money Karma checklist &amp; training here.Ask me anything! I'll be sharing another special episode to answer your questions. Email them to [email protected] with the subject line “AMA.”Get the 2024 Astrology Guidebook and receive all my hand-picked lay-low and auspicious days for the year, plus major transits and auspicious dates from the Indian calendar that you can drop right into your Google calendar. We have added exciting, new features in the latest version of the Guidebook! 100% of the profits go to a school for underprivileged kids in Varanasi.Sign the 2K for Change Pledge, committing as a spirit-led entrepreneur to give $2000 to causes in 2024 in cash and/or services. Learn more and sign up HERE.Help us with research so that we can create the tools to help you build giving into your business (this is also research for a book I'm writing!) Thank you.&nbsp;Join the newsletter for my weekly Resonance Love Letters. Get these exclusive Friday emails with tips on your business, astrology

I’m taking a hiatus this summer, stepping back from content creation to focus on my writing project, so we will be sharing some of our favorite episodes over the next few weeks. These are impactful episodes that you might have missed, or if not, they certainly deserve to be revisited. Today’s episode was featured over two years ago as I recorded a live interview at a retreat in Baja, Mexico, with my yoga teacher, Scott Blossom.&nbsp;Scott Blossom is a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. He is skilled at elegantly combining science with the experiential practice of yoga. Scott studied for a long time with the founder of Shadow Yoga, Shandor Remete, and he was also a student of Dr. Robert Svoboda. A yoga teacher since 1997, Scott has been an integral part of my life for more than ten years. In today’s conversation, Scott shares his journey into traditional Chinese medicine, yoga, and Ayurveda; what lights him up about his work; and his advice to others who are figuring out their purpose. We also discuss the decolonial worldview, waking up the inherent truths inside us, and the important role that yoga can play in overall awareness.&nbsp;**Please see Resources below for Scott’s contact info and available resources, along with sign-up links for the Cosmic Business Lab and the Cosmic Business Mastermind.&nbsp;Show Highlights:Scott’s journey of discovering yoga as a helpful study tool as a pre-med student and diving headlong into Eastern medicine, meditation, and spiritual practiceCombining spirituality and scienceScott’s work with his patients to help them trust traditional Chinese medicine in the Western worldPrana–”the nexus between Ayurveda and hatha yoga”The benefits of cultivating a relationship with PranaThe efficiency of your circulatory system can determine your biological age.Scott’s work around Ayurveda and the microbiome—and how science is proving now what Ayurveda has always knownThe core of Ayurveda: how the microcosm and macrocosm reflect each otherScott’s perspective of living in his purposeScott’s advice to others who are trying to find their purposeHow Scott survived the pandemic by paying attention to the basics, like sleep and mental healthHonoring the ancestors of our land, our practice, and our familiesYoga, traditional Chinese medicine, and Ayurveda can be ways to re-light a fire.Allowing “all the voices” to grieve and heal together over racial injusticeHear Scott’s answers to rapid-fire questions about helpful advice, grounding habits, favorite hot beverage, last meal on earth, morning routine, an inspiring person, something people might now know, what he’s reading right now, and what’s bringing him joy.&nbsp;Resources:Connect with Scott BlossomWebsite (find info on courses and events)InstagramFind Dr. Svoboda’s Ayurveda and Microbiome courses here.Books mentionedAll About Love by Bell HooksBraiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererConnect with PaulaJoin the Cosmic Business Lab, my year-long container to help you build a business that adds $10,000/month to your income working 4 days a week,...