Best of The Aware Show with Martha Beck, Ph.D. : The 4-Day Win: End Your Diet and Achieve Thinner Peace

January marks a year since the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. Thousands of people have been affected, and many are still displaced. How do we respond? How can we live a life of both humility and resilience, whether in good times or bad? Today we welcome Rabbi Steve Leder who talks about the fires and how to cultivate tools to use when tragedy strikes. He talks about tending to our inner lives and how important it is to be of service to others. We receive comfort, even in the midst of our suffering, when we reach out to help others. We may all experience stress and trauma at various times in our lives. Success can ruin people the same way disaster can. Rabbi Leder reminds us to always live in the present and know, "This too shall pass," whether it's in good times or bad. We can move forward, and he teaches us to not regret the past. We cannot change it. When we worry about the future, we are not changing it, and that can cause anxiety. Catastrophic thinking does us no good. We do not know what is going to happen. It causes us to feel constant stress. If we can be more in the moment, even for smaller periods of time, it can help us feel much more resilient. It makes a huge difference to be mindful. This also requires a level of faith and spirituality. Rabbi Leder explains about the meaning of prayer. Most people ask for something when they pray. Yet, it is not always about appealing to God. He explains that this is about trying to change ourselves from within. It's not looking outside to a deity; it's about looking inside and realizing we do know how to navigate our circumstances. If you've overcome obstacles in the past, you can overcome them again. How do you do this? How do you find a way? We have the answers within. Rabbi Leder suggests, "When you must, you can." We go through various emotions – faith, anger, grief, and ultimately resilience. Don't let the fire go out in you. Don't let your spark fade. When we stay in the present, we can move forward.  Rabbi Leder is the author of several books including "More Beautiful Than Before: How Suffering Transforms Us," "The Beauty of What Remains: How Our Greatest Fear Becomes Our Greatest Gift," and his most recent "For You When I Am Gone." He is the Senior Rabbi Emeritus of Wilshire Boulevard Temple, a prestigious synagogue in Los Angeles with three campuses and 3,000 families. Info: www.steveleder.com

It's the beginning of the year. Would you like to lose a few stubborn pounds that you may have picked up over the holidays? Have you tried to eat less and work out more? We know how to lose weight, but we still don't do what we know. Why not? Well, according to our guest today, expert life coach Martha Beck, it's because we don't understand the brain-body dynamics of weight loss. Today Martha teaches us that we have to get lean from the brain outward.   In her book "The Four-Day Win" she tells us how to reverse the brain-body programming that makes us overweight, so we can create a new, leaner, and healthier body…for good. Psychology Today, USA Today, and NPR have all referred to Martha Beck as "one of the best-known life coaches in America." She is a monthly columnist for "O," the Oprah Magazine, has been a contributing editor for Real Simple, Redbook, and Mademoiselle, and has written for many other national magazines. She appears frequently as an expert on "life design," on programs such as Good Morning America.  She is the author of "Expecting Adam," "Steering by Starlight," "Finding Your Way in a Wild New World," and more. Info: https://marthabeck.com/

Would you like to be more in control of your energy? Do you want to experience a deeper state of "flow"? Lisa continues the conversation today with guest Christy Whitman, two-time New York Times bestselling author and transformational leader for the past 25 years. Christy teaches how to manifest and create your dream life, through the deliberate application of the Universal Laws. Her latest book is "The Flow Factor: How To Master Your Energy and Enter A State of Flow." She discusses the idea of "flow" and how to utilize daily practices to maintain that state. She talks about conscious and unconscious patterns and how we attract things into our lives. If we shine our light brighter, we can increase our "flow." Christy explains how when we go into judgement, we automatically go into negativity and lack. If you get into a negative place through criticism, you can get out by feeling compassion and light. Even giving ourselves a hug for 90 seconds can help to regulate our nervous system. We can tell ourselves that we are safe and that things will improve. We can choose how we feel. We can choose the words we tell ourselves. This can affect our limbic system. If we go into negativity, it can become a whirlwind, but Christy shares an exercise to offer relief and release. Christy invites us to explore the Universal Laws, including the Law of Attraction. She also discusses the healing "Council of Light" which she learned to channel several years ago. She works with Light and Energy to help others to increase their frequency. She talks about the choices we make and the importance of processing our emotions, so we do not stay in a place of worry, fear, or frustration. She reminds us again to bring in self-compassion as a way to shift our state and get back into flow. We will then be in a better position to bring in a solution. We need to come into a space of neutrality. From there we can get into abundance and flow. She also talks about the Law of Sufficiency and how it relates to the Law of Attraction and Abundance, as well as the importance of the words we speak.  This is Part 2 of the interview. Info: www.watchyourwords.com and www.ChristyWhitman.com

This month marks the one-year anniversary of the devastating wildfires that engulfed several communities in Los Angeles. Today's guest, Ellie Rose Pasternak,  shares her harrowing account of escaping the Pacific Palisades fire on January 7, 2025. Ellie grew up in the Palisades and previous fires in the area had never reached her family's house. When the fire began that morning, she and her Mom, Glorrie, who was also home at the time, were not overly concerned because the fire still seemed quite a distance away. At this time, there were no firefighters or engines in the neighborhood, so it seemed as if they were safe. Ellie then describes how she suddenly saw another fire on the other side of her house. She and her mom were keeping in touch with neighbors, and no one could understand what was happening. Ellie went outside, and as she was walking toward what she thought was an orange pylon in the road, she realized it was another fire. She ran as fast as she could to her house and alerted her Mom that they needed to leave immediately. It was now an emergency situation. By this time, their house had lost electricity, and they quickly gathered their animals including 4 dogs, 1 cat, 2 geckos, and 2 turtles. They rapidly gathered medications and a few articles of clothing and threw it all in the back of her car. Ellie describes how overwhelming it was and how things quickly changed in a matter of minutes. At this point, they thought they would be home the next day. In the past, the fire had never reached their home. Afterward, family friends were able to get into the neighborhood only to find that the Pasternaks' entire house was lost. Ellie's father, Dr. Henry Pasternak, is a very well-respected veterinarian who has practiced integrative medicine, using both holistic and Western therapies, for several decades in West Los Angeles. During the time of this taping, the family was sleeping at the veterinary office. The clinic was still open and operating during regular hours and housing many animals in need. Although they are in shock, Ellie explained that they are trying to find some sense of normalcy and are so grateful that they were able to escape with their animals with them. This is just one of thousands of stories of people and animals affected by the devastating fires in Los Angeles in January. If you are interested in making a donation either to the Pasternak family, or to the animals they are helping, pls call the Pasternak Veterinary Center at 310-268-2275. They are also accepting donations via Venmo @EllieRoseUke. To drop off donations in person, visit the clinic at 2038 South Sepulveda Blvd; West Los Angeles, CA 90025 or email [email protected]. For further information about Dr. Henry Pasternak and the veterinary clinic, visit www.pasternakvetcenter.com.

Would you like to be more in a state of flow? If you've been knocked out of flow, how do you get back into it? Our guest today is Christy Whitman, two-time New York Times bestselling author and transformational leader for the past 25 years teaching how to manifest and create having it all in life, through deliberate application of the Universal Laws. Her latest book is "The Flow Factor: How To Master Your Energy and Enter A State of Flow." She discusses the idea of "flow" and how to utilize daily practices of universal law. When you are in lack or limitation, this can easily take us out of flow. Sometimes there are bumps in the roads, from everything as small as stubbing your toe, to having a flat tire, to someone making a rude comment to us, which can affect our feelings and throw us off. Christy talks about "bushwacking moments" that can take us out, yet, when you are intentionally in this conscious state, flow is more powerful than the contrasting experiences. People typically think of flow as a state where time doesn't exist. It can be painting, running, taking a yoga class, or doing any creative activity where you feel in the zone. These are moments that show up in our lives from time to time, but what creates this flow? Christy defines it as connection with the infinite. We have access to this unlimited, universal energy at any time. This is pure, positive energy. We are all the conduit of energetic flow. When we are successful, laughing, giddy, flow feels good.  When you have a pessimistic attitude or feel a little negative, you have fallen out of flow. And when this happens you attract more of the same. We can so easily fall off track, just because of a thought. Christy explains how it can be thoughts of lack, disapproval, or discouragement. We can think we are not good enough or not worthy of receiving. Frustration is also one of the biggest thoughts that can cause us to be out of flow. Christy shares how joy and success all exist right now. She talks about steppingstones that help us get back on our path. It's small steps. If someone is in despair, they need a bridge to start to feel better. How do you get from there into abundance and flow? Peace, harmony, and compassion for yourself can start. It calms the limbic system. When you go into the state of neutrality, it's easier to soothe ourselves. When we experience contrast, our natural fight, flight, freeze, or fawn reaction begins to accelerate. Our energy can get caught. We need to release the energy by coming into a space of neutrality. From there we can get into abundance and flow. Unconscious thoughts create our reality and as we check in with our emotions, we can learn to make changes. Christy teaches us ways to quickly get out of a negative state and into a flow of joy and abundance. It starts with being compassionate to yourself first. This is Part 1 of the interview. Info: www.ChristyWhitman.com

Today's show continues the conversation with the author of the mega-bestselling book, "The Four Agreements" don Miguel Ruiz, and his son, don Jose Ruiz. Together they talk deeply about truth, individuality, and belief systems. They ask us to enjoy life for the limited time we are here. Try to enjoy every moment, while also acknowledging that there is suffering and hardship. They talk about the power we have and how we can change "the story" through our awareness. They explain how the ancestors say we are living in a dream. It is up to us to decide, and to have courage and discipline to change the dream through our habits and by getting to the root of our truth. Don Miguel Ruiz was born into a family of healers and raised in rural Mexico by a curandera (healer) mother and nagual (shaman) grandfather. The family anticipated don Miguel would embrace their centuries old legacy of healing and teaching and as a nagual, carry forward the esoteric Toltec knowledge. Instead, distracted by modern life, Miguel chose to attend medical school and become a surgeon. A near death experience in 1970 changed his life and he began an intensive practice of self-inquiry.  He continues to devote himself to the mastery of his ancient ancestral wisdom.  His book "The Four Agreements"  has been a mega-bestselling book for years. Don Jose, his son, grew up in a long lineage of Toltec Teachers. His father, the Nagual don Miguel Ruiz, and his grandmother, Sarita, passed on their Toltec Teachings to don Jose, who carries on the family tradition of teaching Toltec wisdom. In 2010, don Jose Ruiz released his first book titled "The Fifth Agreement" in partnership with his father, don Miguel Ruiz.  Following this publication, don Jose began traveling around the US, Mexico, and South America.  Don Jose inspires people in many different ways including through his book signings, lectures, seminars, and hosting intensive journeys to Teotihuacan and other sacred sites around the world. This is Part 2 of the interview. Info: miguelruiz.com and theuniverseofnow.com.

Are you familiar with the concept of "The Four Agreements"? Do you strive for personal freedom? Today's special guests, Toltec masters don Miguel Ruiz and his son, don Jose Ruiz, talk about the power of The Four Agreements and the importance of awareness. The Four Agreements are a powerful code of conduct for attaining personal freedom, and awareness is the first step toward freedom because we cannot be free if we don't know what we really are. Together they deeply discuss these concepts and how death begins at the moment of conception – your physical body can die at any moment. We must enjoy the preciousness of this life. Don Miguel Ruiz was born into a family of healers and raised in rural Mexico by a curandera (healer) mother and nagual (shaman) grandfather. The family anticipated don Miguel would embrace their centuries old legacy of healing and teaching and as a nagual, carry forward the esoteric Toltec knowledge. Instead, distracted by modern life, Miguel chose to attend medical school and become a surgeon. A near death experience in 1970 changed his life and he began an intensive practice of self-inquiry.  He continues to devote himself to the mastery of his ancient ancestral wisdom.  His book "The Four Agreements"  has been a mega-bestselling book for years. Don Jose, his son, grew up in a long lineage of Toltec Teachers. His father, the Nagual don Miguel Ruiz, and his grandmother, Sarita, passed on their Toltec Teachings to don Jose, who carries on the family tradition of teaching Toltec wisdom. In 2010, don Jose Ruiz released his first book titled "The Fifth Agreement" in partnership with his father, don Miguel Ruiz.  Following this publication, don Jose began traveling around the US, Mexico, and South America.  Don Jose inspires people in many different ways including through his book signings, lectures, seminars, and hosting intensive journeys to Teotihuacan and other sacred sites around the world. This is Part 1 of the interview. Info: miguelruiz.com and theuniverseofnow.com. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! This is Part 2 of a very special rebroadcast, as we air Dr. Therman Evans's presentation at the Agape International Center of Truth's "Revelation of Spirit 2000 Conference." Dr. Therman Evans is the founder and CEO of Whole Life Associates, a graduate of Howard University undergraduate (BS) and medical school (MD), the former Vice President and Corporate Medical Director of Cigna Insurance and Healthcare Corporation, as well as the National Health Director and Washington Bureau Chief for Rev. Jesse Jackson's Operation Push. Additionally, he studied and achieved his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees in theology from the United Christian College of New York.  Dr. Evans was appointed in 1998 and formally installed as Pastor of Morning Star Community Christian Center (MSCCC ) in 1999. As the Senior Pastor, he has brought the message of "wholeness" in mind, body, and spirit to the dynamic and growing membership and ministries of the Morning Star congregation. He talks about Divine Timing and being at the right place at the right time. He weaves his practice as a medical doctor with his wisdom as a preacher and gives a speech that glorifies the magnificence we are as human beings. Info: thermanevans.com.

Do you realize how truly magnificent you really are? In today's very special rebroadcast, we air Dr. Therman Evans's presentation at the Agape International Center of Truth's "Revelation of Spirit 2000 Conference." Dr. Therman Evans is the founder and CEO of Whole Life Associates, a graduate of Howard University undergraduate (BS) and medical school (MD), the former Vice President and Corporate Medical Director of Cigna Insurance and Healthcare Corporation, as well as the National Health Director and Washington Bureau Chief for Rev. Jesse Jackson's Operation Push. Additionally, he studied and achieved his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees in theology from the United Christian College of New York.  Dr. Evans was appointed in 1998 and formally installed as Pastor of Morning Star Community Christian Center (MSCCC ) in 1999. Today he talks about how to have Heaven on Earth. As the Senior Pastor, he has brought the message of "wholeness" in mind, body, and spirit to the dynamic and growing membership and ministries of the Morning Star congregation. He weaves his practice as a medical doctor with his wisdom as a preacher and gives a speech that glorifies the magnificence we are as human beings. (This is Part 1 of his inspirational speech.) Info: thermanevans.com.

Would you like to be more creative? Would you like to learn how to manifest and feel the magic again in your life? Lisa continues the conversation with Colette Baron-Reid, an internationally respected author, artist, educator, spiritual intuitive, medium, and oracle expert. Today she discusses her latest book, The Art of Manifesting: A Meditative Drawing Practice to Rewire Your Brain and Create Your Reality, which she co-authored with Anna Denning. She explains how she is an empath and an artist.   Colette talks about being responsible for your energy and knowing when it's time to step away. This is an inner job. You can only change how you feel, and not change others. She discusses her 40 years of sobriety and how relationships may change throughout the years. She talks about how the universe can be playful, especially when it comes to manifesting. Colette explains studying line art and how she realized her doodles looked like neurons.  She researched the connection between doodling and the brain and how this puts us in a state of flow. Drawing in this way keeps us in the theta state. She asks us to think about "how we want to feel" and how that's so important for manifestation. With brain plasticity, it's been proven that we can become a completely different identity and go beyond limiting beliefs. If we want to feel inspired, doodling and art can put us in that state of mine. It can help us feel unstuck. We can learn to trust and surrender. It's a state of flow. The universe is always listening, and we can learn to recognize the signs. This is just another tool for us to use. That's how we can experience the magic and manifest our dreams! This is Part 2 of the interview. Info: www.colettebaronreid.com