A Quest for Well-Being

— Larry Ackerman's journey began as a very young child on a cold and unforgiving operating table in a hospital in New York City. He thought he would die, he thought something was wrong with him, but what Larry would discover is more powerful than anything he could have ever imagined, the power of identity. Larry is the author of the ground-breaking book, The Identity Code, and today he shares with us how to figure out the most important question in your life., WHO AM I? Your identity: Your uniqueness and the potential it holds. You've probably thought about how identity affects the success of your organization, or even your own. And you've probably wondered about what makes you — or your company — distinctive and why that matters. Clarifying one's core identity is the foundation for creating value and being rewarded for it in return. Looking at the world through the lens of identity reveals purpose, bringing new sight and powerful new possibilities. Valeria Teles interviews Larry Ackerman — the author of "The Identity Code: The 8 Essential Questions for Finding Your Purpose and Place in the World." Larry Ackerman is a leading authority on personal and organizational and the pioneer of Identity-Based Management. He is the president of The Identity Circle, a consulting and coaching firm in Westport, CT. His corporate clients have included AARP, Dow Chemical, Fidelity Investments, Lockheed Martin, Maytag, National Geographic and State Farm Insurance. Larry is the author of two groundbreaking books on identity, Identity Is Destiny: Leadership and the Roots of Value Creation, and The Identity Code: The 8 Essential Questions for Finding Your Purpose and Place in the World. He has been a guest lecturer at the Yale School of Management, Chicago's Booth School of Business, Wharton, Pepperdine, and UCLA Anderson School. He is also the author of numerous articles on identity and its impact on leadership, brand, and culture. Larry is a member of the International Coaching Federation and a credentialed coach who works with individuals and executives. To learn more about Larry Ackerman and his work, please visit: larryackerman.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.

— "When you assess your own life, consider it with the eye of a gardener. Underneath the surface lies rich, fertile soil waiting to nurture the seeds you sow. Even more than you can imagine will grow there if given a chance." By Steve Goodier Are you feeling stuck, stagnant, or unsettled in your current reality? Are discomfort, dissatisfaction, and dis-ease ongoing themes in your life? Are you longing for healthy change, first with yourself and then with others? Seeds of change lie dormant within. Even more than you can imagine will grow there if given a chance. Valeria Teles interviews Holli Kenley — the author of "SHIFTING Bravely: A Path to Growth, Healing, and Transformation." Holli Kenley, M.A., MFT, currently works in the field of psychology as an author, therapist, and workshop presenter. Through her gentle but powerful informative and restorative approach, Holli engages clinical and lay audiences, empowering them with strategies to embrace well and whole ways of being. She has been a six time peer presenter at the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists' Annual State Conferences and a featured or keynote speaker at college level clinical programs, state and national advocacy organizations, and educational institutions speaking on cyber bullying, the power of self-worth, betrayal, relapse, screen dependence, and sexual abuse recovery. Holli has been a guest on over 100 podcasts as well as on Arizona's TV Sandy & Friends speaking on issues of wellness. Holli maintains a private practice in Rancho Mirage, CA. To learn more about Holli Kenley and her work, please visit: hollikenley.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.

— Maybe you are already a high performer, and this episode will also serve as a quick mental check-in for you. Or maybe you are reaching for high performance and stress is limiting your progress. Regardless, Dr. Cindy Sholes explores the secrets that can help you in your journey toward higher mental wellness and performance! In this episode, you will learn seven effective ways high performers relieve and manage stress. While some stress is manageable alone, all of us have hidden stress triggers that can cause our brains to work against us. Valeria Teles interviews Dr. Cindy Sholes — PhD in Neuroscience, University of California at San Francisco. Dr. Cindy is a neuroscientist who has dedicated her life to supporting people who want to make a difference in the world and honor the life they're called to live. She trained alongside Nobel Prize winners and is a certified medical hypnotherapist, Reiki master, business owner, and Les Brown trained inspirational speaker and educator. She is the innovator and co-founder of rREST Inc. and was featured in Wall Street Journal for her 20 years of helping thousands with neuro-emotional behavior modification to live better lives. She believes when you optimize brain function your authentic self will be freed and empowered to lead a purposeful life. To learn more about Dr. Cindy Sholes and her work, please visit: RRESTAcademy.com, mindwaveinstitute.com, and DrCindySholes.com Cindy is also offering a free downloadable meditation for increasing your self worth. Find it at rrest.com/selfworth — 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 know that interoception has such a vital influence on both our physical and emotional health. Our bodies are designed to send us important messages about how our body is feeling, what is the condition of our body, and that's all happening because of this sense called interoception. Interoception is how we are feeling sensations coming from our body, telling us important information about what our body needs for health and well-being. The same holds true on the emotional side of things. These interoceptive signals are giving us clues not only to the physical condition of our body, but the emotional condition of our body. How is our emotional wellbeing? Are we feeling comfort? Are we feeling discomfort? Are we able to understand these messages coming from our body so that we know what our body needs to promote as much comfort as possible? – Writes Kelly Mahler Valeria Teles interviews Anjana Khosla — She is a Conscious Relationship/Trauma Psychotherapist & Coach, Licensed Marriage And Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of CA and TN. Anjana has a deep passion for working with people from diverse backgrounds and her work is rooted in the belief that every human being deserves to be seen and live in a way that brings about peace, self-love, and a positive self-image. Anjana recognizes that this can be difficult when immersed in rigid cultural systems, exposed to trauma, and dealing with intense emotional pain. Extrinsic influences about gender, ethnicity, nationality, physical and mental capabilities, sexuality (and much more) can leave so many people questioning their own existence. In the face of this, daily living itself can feel like a challenge and leave a person feeling isolated and alone. Anjana's hope is to provide people with the support we all deserve to live as fully as possible. Anjana believes that knowing your worth is the backbone of living a healthy, authentic, and fulfilling life. She strives to support all clients and listeners in integrating all aspects of their identity in a way that is in alignment with their own personal values so that they can explore what brings them joy, define what success means to them, and create an all-encompassing definition for health. To learn more about Anjana Khosla and her work, please visit: anjanakhosla.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.

— Nate Terrell helps his clients recognize the function of their "inner voice" by having them think about one thing and then switch to another. He explains to them how they can use their "inner voice" and other strategies he writes about in Chapter eight of his book: "Achieving Self-Compassion" to detach from their thoughts and the world outside of them and find greater inner peace by tuning into their authentic selves. Nate defines the authentic self as the permanent part of us that doesn't change as the result of our life experiences, different outward identities, etc. In a nutshell, it is who we are at our most basic level. Nate often asks his clients to close their eyes, journey deep within themselves and connect with this essential part of themselves. They become more relaxed and centered as they reflect on who they really are and what they can do to remain in their authentic selves. He also encourages his clients to look at pictures of themselves and/or read things they wrote when they were younger to connect with this durable component of their psyche that exists beyond their ever-changing thoughts, feeling and perceptions. One of his most compelling discoveries is that he can lead a more effective and satisfying life when he exists in his peaceful, authentic self. Rather than forget about his responsibilities, Nate is better able to clearly focus on what he needs to do at any given moment, free from stress or the distraction of unwanted thoughts, worries or fears. In fact, when he enters the friendly confines of his authentic self, Nate always feels like he is coming home to a welcoming and inviting place within that is always waiting patiently for his arrival. An important component of our authentic selves is our "inner knowing" which exists beyond our thoughts and feelings and provides us with the wisdom we need to do to take great care of ourselves, respond effectively to the challenges we face and grow into our best selves. Your "inner knowing" is always available to you and will never lead them astray. In contrast to our ever-changing thoughts which we experience at the top of our heads, the messages we receive from our "inner knowing" come from a deeper place within and provide us with a strong sense of correctness we can't shake. These messages often come "out of the blue," but are so compelling that we instinctively follow them with serenity and confidence. Valeria Teles interviews Nate Terrell — the author of "Achieving Self-Compassion: Giving Yourself the Gifts of Happiness and Inner Peace." Nate teaches how we can achieve self-compassion and find greater happiness and inner peace by: being our own best friend, developing beliefs that work for us, knowing we are inherently worthy, not projecting our needs onto others, choosing happiness and peace of mind, taking great care of ourselves, tuning into our "authentic self", eliminating negative reactions, appreciating what we already have, and enjoying the present moment. Nate Terrell has witnessed and experienced the healing and transformative power of these strategies in his work with clients and his own quest to be more self-compassionate. Many people believe that it is selfish to be self-compassionate. However, there is nothing selfish about eliminating self-criticism, treating ourselves with kindness, feeling worthwhile, being happy, transcending our worries or finding a peaceful place within. These gifts, which we can give to ourselves at any moment, will fill us with positive energy and caring that we can pass onto others. Nate Terrell very much hopes that you can begin giving yourself the wonderful gift of self-compassion today to fill your life with abundance, fulfillment, and serenity – you certainly deserve it!! Nate Terrell has 40 years of experience as a therapist and currently has a private practice in Mullica Hill, New Jersey. He also has a coaching practice and helps his clients to: — Overcome the challenges they are facing — Become more self-compassionate — Enjoy greater inner peace and happiness — Get "out of their heads" and savor the moment they are in — "Tune into" their authentic selves and inner knowing — Achieve personal and professional success You can sign up for coaching on Nate's website: achievingselfcompassion.com. He looks forward to hearing from you! Finally, Nate provides training on self-compassion, mindfulness, meditation, diversity and many other related topics. You can sign up for self-compassion coaching on Nate's website: achievingselfcompassion.com To learn more about Nate Terrell and his work, please visit: achievingselfcompassion.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.

— Energy healing is a way of balancing the flow of energy in the human body and the subtle energy systems. When we experience trauma, grief, loss or other disturbances to our equilibrium, these experiences get stored as emotions in our systems. These stored emotions can cause blockages by building up and stopping the flow of energy. As humans we are very adept at storing these build ups of energy in varied and surprising places within us - often expressing as ill health in some way. Radiance has shown Theresa Voigt that when heavy emotions, pain or trauma is stored in the body, disconnection and disharmony is the result. By accessing these stores of energy, releasing them and creating space for flow, harmony and balance can begin to be restored. By opening our hearts and surrendering to the liminal spaces within us, change and transformation is possible. It all begins and ends with the heart. In this way healing becomes an internal search for reclamation of balance and wellbeing. Something that is within reach of all of us. Trusting ourselves to embrace our ability to realize our original blueprints, make the necessary adjustments, and emerge as a new version of our best selves is something we are all capable of. A way of living where we fall in love with ourselves. In all the ways. This is the power of Radiance. Valeria Teles interviews Theresa Voigt — She is an Energy Alchemist and Soul Coach based in Sydney Australia. Theresa believes in awakening women to deeply believe in and live their value and worth so they can create a life they are proud and empowered to live. With a Bachelors in Adult Education and certifications including Reiki Master Teacher, RAW Level 11 Practitioner, Bush Flowers, Meditation, and Energy Healing, she brings all her skills to her sessions. Radiance is the latest iteration of her service and creates pathways for healing which are multi-dimensional and transformation. The essence of those she works with guides the frequencies of change as core issues are identified and released, gently but powerfully moving them into a state of freedom and flow. To learn more about Theresa Voigt and her work, please visit: theresavoigt.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.

— Certified Yoga Therapy expert Lillah Schwartz clearly explains movement principles, basic anatomy, breath awareness, and the central elements of alignment-based yoga to help you uncover your own healing potential and move toward back pain relief. Her book, Healing Our Backs With Yoga, includes step-by-step instructions with 27 pose sequences, 285 color photos, explanations, hints, and cautions take the guesswork out of yoga so you can practice simple and powerful poses aimed at healing your back. Whether you are a seasoned yoga teacher or a first-time yoga practitioner, Healing Our Backs With Yoga offers the keys to unlock the natural healing capabilities of the body. The book also includes clear instructions along with hints and cautions to guide the readers on their healing journey, and is written with all levels of yoga practitioners in mind. The average person and beginning yoga student will find the background information on physiology helpful in starting a practice to help heal back pain. Other levels of experience will learn to think of their practices in a new light. And, yoga teachers will find new ways to help students along with a new way to think of their own practices. Valeria Teles interviews Lillah Schwartz — the author of "Healing Our Backs With Yoga: An Essential Guide To Back Pain Relief." Lillah Schwartz, C-IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist, is an Asheville-based yoga teacher, teacher trainer, and author, with more than 40 years of experience. She shares with students what she has learned from years of study with master yoga teachers including BKS Iyengar, along with ongoing exploration about fascia, back pain relief, keys to healthy aging, and the physics of consciousness. Her teaching resources include her signature book, Healing Our Backs with Yoga: An Essential Guide to Back Pain Relief (2016), several courses designed for Yoga U Online, a You Tube Channel, a Vimeo class Library, weekly Live Online classes, and private consultations. To learn more about Lillah Schwartz and her work, please visit: yogawithlillah.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.

— "We need to understand what happiness really is. A lot of people think that happiness is simply an emotion or feeling that we experience when things are going well in our lives. However, happiness is actually much more than that. Happiness is a state of well-being that includes not only emotions, but also physical and mental health, a sense of meaning and purpose in life, and positive relationships with others. In other words, happiness is about more than just feeling good – it's about living a good life." Valeria Teles interviews Saman Nasir — a Healer, Meditation Coach, Certified Hypnotherapist, A Member Of The American Hypnosis Association, Instructor At The Hypnosis Motivation Institute, And Speaker. Saman Nasir is known to her friends and clients as Samy. She is a Hypnotherapist who has worked with people from all walks of life, helping them to work through their fears, phobias and anxieties. Samy has also helped clients to lose weight, get over addiction, and give up procrastination for good by addressing the root cause behind unhealthy patterns. An Honors Graduate from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, Samy is a highly skilled and experienced Hypnotherapist who is passionate about the ability of hypnosis to help people to reach their goals. Though her private practice is based in Los Angeles, California, she has clients worldwide who reach out to her for help. Samy has seen firsthand how hypnosis can change lives, and that is why she chose to be an instructor in the Nationally accredited college of hypnotherapy, where she herself graduated from. If you are looking for help with self-sabotage, Samy can assist you in getting answers from the subconscious, and releasing emotions that hold you back from living your true life. Allow me to introduce you to Samy, a gifted hypnotherapist and teacher who speaks five languages and has a passion for helping people to rise above their challenges. Whether you are looking to heal from a breakup or simply get out of your own way, you will find Samy to be a warm, supportive and insightful guide on your journey to success. To learn more about Saman Nasir and his work, please visit: dontwaittolive.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.

— Everything is relationship and lovemaking. It is in our active looking and touching, smelling and licking, appreciating, praising and honoring the other; through interactive, interconnected play, interpenetration and mutual receptivity, darkness and light, masculine and feminine, dynamic creativity without end, that magic happens and pleasure flows, the world becoming alive to itself, including us fully alive to ourselves. Love is so much more than we think it is. We are love. What we want is to turn inside out. We want the big love that comes through the portal of our hearts to shine fully on the outside. To be not just something private, not just to be shared with some- one we are intimate with, but something to be shared with everyone and everything. Turning inside out means allowing the mess, the bloody wetness of the inside of the body to show; for the truth of us to be seen, as it were, on the outside. To show our vulnerable confusion and fear. For there is no separation. No division. It is to be just like the movement of energy in our torus-shaped field, allowing that which is at our core to become visible outside. Fierce, uncompromising, honest, free and wild. We are Love. Valeria Teles interviews Julia Paulette Hollenbery — the author of "The Healing Power of Pleasure: Seven Medicines for Rediscovering the Innate Joy of Being." Julia Paulette Hollenbery is a bodyworker, therapist, mystic, healer, and facilitator. For more than 25 years she has guided countless clients into deep confidence and self-authority. She is passionate about sharing her life-long love of the mystery, real sensual relationship, and the life of the body. Julia lives and works in London. To learn more about Julia Paulette Hollenbery and her work, please visit: UniverseOfDeliciousness.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.

— Reiki is a gentle yet powerful Japanese method of natural healing, which promotes stress reduction, relaxation, restoring ease and clarity, emotional release, creative flow, and support for physical healing, amongst other benefits. Translated as "Universal Life Force Energy," Reiki (pronounced ray-key) involves the light laying of hands on or over the body to help shift, strengthen, and/or restore more balanced energy throughout the body. Reiki can also be sent and received from afar. A practitioner acts as a channel or conduit for Reiki with the intention to support healing; in this sense, Reiki can never harm - it can only do good to support any person of any age, animal, or intention. (Re)Discovered in the early 1900s by Dr. Mikao Usui (of whom the Usui System of Natural Healing is named), Reiki has been passed down from practitioner to practitioner through trainings/attunements.​ While Reiki does provide many healing benefits, it is not meant as a substitute for medical advice/diagnoses or medication; rather, it can be practiced in complement with a medical practitioner, as needed. A session involves the client lying down on a table (similarly to massage), open and receptive. Light touch or no (auric) touch is used, based on personal preference. A one-hour Reiki session can produce the effects equivalent to 4 hours of restful sleep. It can: help remove blocks in the body - physical, mental, emotional, creative, and spiritual; foster peace and compassion; relieve tension; empower goals and intentions; and support healing of past or present conditions. Sometimes one will experience physical sensations, abstract or vivid visuals, messages, memories - all connected with the intention guiding the practice. You do not have to "believe" in Reiki in order to experience the value/benefits from it, although a willingness to receive allows for a strengthened energetic connection. Reiki does not have a specific attachment to any religious affiliation; it can only enhance your current spiritual/belief system. Valeria Teles interviews Steven Todd Smith — He is a Certified Usui/Tibetan Reiki Master Teacher & Practitioner, based out of Los Angeles, with his energy healing practice, Reiki For Creative Minds. Immersing himself in a Reiki-guided lifestyle back in 2012, he has had the privilege of supporting thousands of individuals, people and animals, both in-person and remotely. With a BFA in Drama from New York University, Holistic Health Coaching Certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and Plant-Based Nutrition Certification from Cornell's T. Colin Campbell Foundation, Steven takes a whole-istic approach to life, connecting with others heart-to-heart, infusing creativity and playfulness, and embracing a grounded simplicity that helps to make Reiki accessible and relatable to anyone and everyone. His mission is to help others reconnect with a more balanced and aligned state of body, mind, and spirit, release unnecessary stress, and fill up every day with greater direction, inspiration, gratitude, love, and light. In addition to providing support with Reiki treatments, he also teaches classes for those who are interested in incorporating Reiki more directly into their lives for their own well-being and sharing the gift with others. To learn more about Steven Todd Smith and his work, please visit: reikiforcreativeminds.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.