A Quest for Well-Being

— You are experiencing an intentional life? Do you know what it really means to be intentional and what it is like to do think and act with intention? And most important, can we all live intentionally? Valeria interviews Kelsey Schad — she is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas and holds a master's degree in psychology as well as master's in counseling from Houston Baptist University (HBU). During her time at HBU she completed a thesis on 'Media Influence and Symptoms Associated with Eating Disorders, ' which led her to practice in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings that focused on mental health and addiction related disorders. Through this work she found purpose in advocacy and helping populations that are deeply stigmatized as well as underserved. She took this passion to a Residential Treatment Facility (RTC) where she provided therapy services to adolescent females in Child Protective Services (CPS) who had significant trauma history as well as maladaptive behaviors. Currently, Kelsey works at a Prosperity Counseling Services, which is a private practice in Katy, Texas. She specializes in trauma work and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization's Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Kelsey's passion is rooted in trauma and how attachment styles are impacted. She finds significant value in understanding how we learn to love and how we integrate ourselves into relationships by exploring childhood unmet needs, lack of praise, emotional neglect, and high achievement expectations. To learn more about Kelsey Schad and her work, please visit: psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/kelsey-schad-katy-tx/937865 and prosperitycounseling.org/staff/kelsey-schad-lpc/ — This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— "The belief that I am a separate individual that exists within creation is strong. The perception that I was born and I will die, but while I'm here I am going to do the best that I can. I want to succeed, I want to get as much for me and mine as I can. This is basically what happens lifetime after lifetime. We descend down into creation. We have our life. We go through ups, we go through downs, there's happiness, there's sadness. Everything is duality. There are two sides to every coin. We get something, we lose something, we love, we hate. There's never a sense of true happiness or true satisfaction. It's always just striving on and on and on. It's a grind, it's hard work and eventually the soul starts to come out of this cycle. Lifetime after lifetime, the soul eventually realizes that it's never going to find lasting happiness in this outside world, in this illusion, in this maya. The soul then starts to cry out for something greater than itself. This is where the Supreme Being starts to descend down in the form of a Guru or a teacher. — Gareth Valeria interviews Gareth Duignam — the author of " Waking Up From The Dream: An Extraordinary Journey Of One Man's Spiritual Awakening" Gareth Duignam was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1979. In this book, he shares his life experiences which led him to spirituality. An awakening which directs him towards becoming a teacher able to transmit powerful transformative energies including Shaktipat and the Supramental Force. This honest and enlightening autobiography touches on his life of non-conformity before awakening and his miraculous discovery of what lies behind the veil of illusion. It then goes on to document his inspiring journey to become an irreverent, humorous and loving teacher for the students in his group, True Spiritual Awakening. A unique aspect of his teaching style is the way in which he sees himself as a friend, an equal, and a teammate to his students, rather than a guru. His mission is to empower others to reach the heights that he himself has reached. In the context of this story are many descriptions of epiphanies Gareth has had. His students have noted that when reading these, a transmission of energy can be felt. Therefore reading this book can be a spiritual meditation practice in and of itself. The personality which Gareth retained after attaining the highest level of consciousness is down to earth, funny as hell, and above all kind and genuine. This book is a gift to the world although Gareth would be too humble to say that himself. A must read for modern day spiritual seekers To learn more about Gareth Duignam and his work, please visit: truespiritualawakening.eu — This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— "We cannot handpick which emotions we do and don't want to feel. If we numb or ignore some of them, we crate distance from all of them. Feeling disconnected and numb to our emotions, life can also lose a sense of vitality and zest. In cutting out feeling vulnerable, we have also sacrificed feeling so much joy, peace, and goodness." Valeria interviews Dr. Pauline Yeghnazar Peck — She is a licensed psychologist in CA and NY with a private practice in Santa Barbara. She specializes in working with the children of immigrants to navigate their relationships (with parents, spouses, children) by understanding their background, breaking cultural trauma patterns, and integrating themselves to become fuller and freer versions of themselves. To learn more about Dr. Pauline Yeghnazar Peck and her work, please visit therapywithpauline.com — This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— "Find Freedom, Joy, and Purpose — No matter what you've been through, no matter what you currently face, there is hope. You deserve a life worth living, full of joy and free from distress. You deserve a space to become your best self. " Valeria interviews Christian Holmes — He is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology, Christian has had the privilege of helping clients from all walks of life actualize their health, wealth, relationships, and higher purpose. He works with a lot of clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and self-esteem issues. Before coming to the field of psychology, Christian was blessed to have had a successful career in the music industry as a writer and producer that travelled between Los Angeles and Nashville. Through that process, he was forced to overcome his own fears, anxieties, insecurities and self-doubts. Therapy not only got him through, it helped him build confidence around who he could be and what life could look like. Navigating emotions and relationships can be challenging. Christian knows what it's like to feel stuck and hopeless. he also knows what it's like to have had success and wonder "what's next?" Something he often says to his clients when we get started is "you're not alone in this anymore." He is on your side and although Christian can't take the pain away, he is here to help you face it, transcend it and transform in the process. Your experience is important. He looks forward to getting to know you and supporting you in your journey. To learn more about Christian Holmes and his work, please visit christianholmestherapy.com — This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— "How did I get here?" This question arises after the realization that the person you have spent a substantial amount of time with may be a narcissist. "How could this happen? How did I not see? How did I allow this for so long?" Do any of these questions sound familiar? They probably do because they are all a part of the beginning process of healing yourself from this trauma. What I am here to tell you is that toxic and narcissistic people enter our lives because we have unhealed trauma wounds that can be manipulated. These wounds are often unknown to us, but very known to a skilled narcissist. Easily manipulated using their tried and true techniques- love bombing, valuing and devaluing, shelving, gaslighting, stonewalling, etc. I want to make this very clear- this abuse and trauma is NOT YOUR FAULT. You did not ask for this, nor did you actively and consciously invite this into your life. The shadow (unconscious) side of you left a door open that the narcissist found. Trauma presents itself in so many ways, but a major way it presents is in the core beliefs of ourselves and the world around us. Core beliefs are established in childhood and after traumatic events. Trauma can only be characterized by an event(s) that was unsettling and caused maladaptive responses. There is no trauma gatekeeping here – your trauma is valid and true." — writes Courtney Valeria interviews Courtney Loyola — she is the owner of Onyx Counseling and Wellness Center, and a trauma therapist specializing in narcissistic abuse recovery, dissociation, and complex trauma. She uses a multi-dimensional approach to therapy, allowing for total healing and wellness. Her approach to treating trauma is a 'root based' approach, focusing on deeply ingrained patterns that keep us stuck in toxic and abusive cycles. These approaches are: EMDR, CBT, Shadow Work and Somatic Experiencing. To learn more about Courtney Loyola and her work, please visit: onyxcounselingandwellness.com — This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

—"One of the pillars of integrating psychedelics is exploring the relationship we have with death. This is a matter of integrating the reality of death—death in general and your death in particular—into your experience of living. Integrating death, as a part of the larger integration of your work with psychedelics, is ultimately a spiritual preparation. "There is no fundamental difference between the preparation for death and the practice of dying," Stan Grof has wisely said, "and spiritual practice leading to enlightenment." We believe humanity's intention in the universe is to embody the experience of understanding, compassion, kindness, peace with the unknown and ultimately unconditional love, and going forth to share it. Enlightenment is what happens when there is nothing left to grasp, nothing left to fear, nothing but love. There may still be questions but there is no grasping for answers. There is awareness. If you open the cracks in awareness there is love." Valeria interviews Dr. Ryan Westrum — the author of "The Psychedelics Integration Handbook" Ryan Westrum, Ph.D., M.A. works as a psychedelic integration therapist in the Twin Cities of Minnesota and through video conference internationally. His primary focus is working with individuals integrating non-ordinary state experiences for healing and personal transformation. He also is the host of The Psychedelic Psychologist podcast. Ryan frequently works with people who are dealing with addiction, anxiety, depression, mental illness, stress, trauma, and end-of-life care. Ryan is available for speaking engagements on a myriad of topics and leads experiential groups, like dream work therapy and psychedelic integration groups; and develops psychedelic integration plans with people through therapy and coaching. Ryan graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Psychology; followed by a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Adler Graduate School. He received his doctoral degree in Transpersonal Psychology from Sofia University. Ryan is a registered integration therapist for Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). He is a practicing therapist in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he lives with his wife two daughters and son. To learn more about Dr. Ryan Westrum and his work, please visit: healingsoulsllc.com — This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— "You were taught how to think, what to think, how to be and act, etc. This programming concealed your real identity. Inevitably, over time, one layer, after another, of your "make-up", in the form of thoughts, concepts and imagination, succeeded in obscuring your true identity. In time, you forgot about your innocent and spontaneous nature; you forgot about your Essence. Becoming aware of the add-ons or superimpositions to one's original nature is the first step. Undoing and freeing oneself from all the add-ons is the next step. We are not separate individuals, but formless, Spontaneous Presence, all part of the same Essence. The crux of the subject matter is that we are essentially Spirit Beings. We have always existed, and we will always exist. Our identification with the body-form has kept us ignorant, deluding us into thinking that we are unique individuals. We perceive ourselves as different from each other when it is only the body-form and pseudo-identity that differ." Valeria interviews Ann Shaw — The author of "Who Am I ?" Ann has been fascinated with the ultimate questions of "Who am I?" "Where have I come from?" for as long as she can remember. She spent many periods in solitude and reflection, looking for answers. She practiced meditation, Self-enquiry, contemplation and also attended various solitary retreats. Finding out the meaning of life became the most crucial topic. Driven by a fiery determination and in hot pursuit of answers, Ann immersed herself in a wide variety of spiritual literature from east and west. This included the mystics, teachers and masters of varied traditions, including Ramana Maharshi, Paramahansa Yogananda, Joel Goldsmith, Buddhism, Taoism, Rumi and Sufism, etc. Her interest and passion led her to the academic study of the subjects close to her heart, namely, psychology, theology, mysticism, comparative religion, etc. Armed with intellectual knowledge and graced with several spiritual/mystical experiences, the search continued with a vengeance. The journey had its highs and lows - with long periods "in the desert", until, at last, further down the illusory road, what she was looking for, found her! The teachings of Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj and his Master, Shri Siddharameshwar Maharaj, freed Ann from the illusory "I", thus bringing her search to an end. In 2013-2014, she spent nearly six months in Nashik, India, with her husband, in the presence of Nisargadatta's successor, Shri Ramakant Maharaj, absorbing the teachings and undergoing the various simple, yet, powerful, practices. She had reached her destination! They remained in close contact with Maharaj over the years, while continuing to spread the teachings across the globe and enabling seekers to visit Maharaj in Nashik. Auspiciously, Ann returned to Nashik for a few more months in 2018, to be with her Master. Shri Ramakant Maharaj attained Mahasamadhi in August 31st. Ann is the editor of Selfless Self, (hailed as a spiritual classic), on the teachings of Shri Ramakant Maharaj, which was published in 2015, and has since been translated into six languages. She also edited Maharaj's books, Be With You, (2016) and Ultimate Truth, (2018). Her book Timeless Years with Shri Ramakant Mahararj 2012 – 2022 by Ann & Charles Shaw was published on March 1st 2022. It is a fascinating story of their time in India with their Master and offers a unique and profound insight into Maharaj's life and the Guru-disciple or Teacher-student relationship. Who Am I? published on April 11 2022, offers answers to anyone searching for a greater understanding of who we are and why we are here. And not only that, its uplifting, vibrational wisdom enables a true experience of the Self. This self-help book contains practical guidance and techniques on how to know yourself, put an end to suffering and find lasting happiness and peace. Who Am I? is a refreshing read that crosses all barriers. Not limited by any belief system, philosophy, religion, spirituality, or genre, it speaks to us all. As well as continuing to write books, she teaches Naam Mantra meditation, as she was instructed to do, by Shri Ramakant Maharaj To learn more about Ann Shaw and her work, please visit: whoamibook.co.uk and annshaw.space — This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— "Gracien's soul rode the wave of expansion as a dandelion pappus rides an unfettered wind. Separation dwindled the further he soared to once he came. Suddenly her presence bloomed. In an instant Aya's ripple merged with his. He guzzled her laugh, inhaled her aura, cradled her gaze, consumed her aroma, and melted within her spirit. The birth of creation, the invention of love. The two tumbled through existence, bathing in a lagoon of immortality. The hum of Source caressed their souls but then the vibration flickered and popped – crackling like the fires of earth. The soul known as Gracien awoke, then remembered. With this remembrance came a new force, a gravity which longed for his return. Plucked from divinity and pulled downwards like a lightning bolt, he thundered back to earth." – From Dreams of Antiquity Valeria interviews Joe Hehn. He is the author of Dreams of Antiquity: The Awakening and Meditation For Beginners: Learn the Basics of Meditation through a Fun and Concise message! Joe is also a mindset and spiritual mentor and speaker. Through a decade of dedication and determination, studying dozens of belief systems, religions, faiths, and spiritual practices, Joe discovered something revolutionary – the process of transforming one's mind and perspective while making a deep and authentic connection to spirit. Encouraged by his late wife to write a book, Joe began doing so as he continued traveling the world, healing, finding meaning, and learning – all while expanding his understanding of his own mind and spirit. Dreams of Antiquity is the story he was meant to share, an epic tale of one man's soulful quest, through many incarnations, learning to love again. Joe's other passion is helping others transform their life by teaching them how to wield the power of their mind and spirit. This is done through a private mentorship as well as his online membership and community. He's a deeply grateful man who has finally found what he had been looking for all along, self-love and the power to transform his life into something beautiful. Joe is happily committed to his fiancé, Suzanne, and their little boy, Oliver Holden. They're moving back to Southern California and enjoy their families, community, and blessed lives together. To learn more about Joe Hehn and his work, please visit joe-hehn.com — This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— "Experiencing uncomfortable emotions, distressing thoughts, painful sensations, or disturbing events is challenging. This can lead to fighting reality through denial, diversion, and other forms of avoidance that are often slippery and not fully in one's awareness. Perhaps it's that you left that self-help book to collect dust on your bookshelf, or that you are avoiding finding a good therapist. It can be subtle and completely internal, like that sense of confusion during tough moments, almost a "does not compute" feeling . ACT sees avoidance as a key component within most psychological suffering. Acceptance is ACT's alternative to avoidance." – Dr. Josie Valeria interviews Dr. Josie Valderrama — the author of "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Journal: Prompts and Techniques to Practice Acceptance While Building the Life You Want." Josie Valderrama is a licensed psychologist and author who is passionate about healing through mind-body integration, consciousness exploration, and celebration of ancestral identity. Her therapy practice focuses on the intersection of BIPOC, queer and alternative sexualities including consensual non-monogamy. Her book, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Journal was released in May of 2022. To learn more about Dr. Josie Valderrama and her work, please visit: drjosievalderrama.com — This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— The hottest new trend in mind-body wellness, Nia—which stands for Neuromuscular Integrative Action—is the most advanced form of fusion fitness, blending martial arts, healing arts, dance, and spiritual self-healing to create a high-powered, synergistic workout that no isolated exercise technique can match. Created by fitness pioneers Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas, Nia presents an entirely new philosophy of exercise—one that will not only keep you in fantastic shape, but will also help you rediscover the joy of movement and being at home in your body. The Nia Technique promotes strength and muscle definition without the use of weights, and its freeing, dance-like regimen provides a medium for self-healing. You'll tighten, tone, lengthen, strengthen, and lose pounds and inches—and have fun doing it! You'll learn to follow "the body's way"—a breakthrough fitness concept that teaches you to move in the way that most benefits your individual body; and you'll learn to use visualizations and vocalizations that enhance the benefits of each workout. The overall regimen is phenomenally effective because its holistic approach unites the body and the mind and creates an exhilarating path that anyone can follow toward a healthy, fit physique, lasting weight loss, and an unlimited sense of your fitness potential. Valeria interviews Debbie Rosas — the author of " The Nia Technique: The High-Powered Energizing Workout that Gives You a New Body and a New Life." Debbie is the founder and co-creator of the Nia® Technique. Dedicated lifelong to self-healing and self-mastery, Debbie has been a pioneer in the body-mind fitness industry since 1976. Credited with establishing the mind-body fitness category, she is a leading fitness innovator, teacher, author, choreographer, performer, healer and artist whose work greatly influences the lives of thousands worldwide. After nearly 40 years, Debbie continues to offer classes, workshops and training online and in-person around the world. To learn more about Debbie Rosas and her work, please visit: nianow.com — This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.