Pedram Shojai's Blog, page 4

Well.Org Radio Interview with Food Alchemist Christina Avaness

Join me for 30 exciting minutes of great information of food and diet.

Listen to internet radio with PedramShojai on Blog Talk Radio

Wisdom from: Taoist Path

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Seek Ye First the Kingdom of Heaven

The great spiritual masters of old warned about the time we live in. It is a time of great materialism, delusional thinking, narcissistic behavior, and emotional upheaval. They called it the "Kali Yuga"- the Iron Age. It is the era where the earth is the farthest from the Galactic Center and the Source of Light and Love in our Galaxy. As we round the corner and turn back TOWARDS the center, then we emerge into an era of great awakening and enlightenment…the next Golden Age.

It is this disconnection with the Source of Light from which we come that has made the world what it is today. The Shadow is everywhere as people have lost their vision of Who they really are and have fallen into the dreary sleep of materialism. We have gotten lost and are looking for something, anything, to help us feel alive and connected again. Enter the Shadow.

We have been led to believe that it is the bright-shiny things that our culture has to offer that are our ticket out of our misery. Once we get that house, the boats, the vacations, and fly first class all the time…then…then we'll be happy. Trust me, I work with billionaires all of the time and guess what? Most of them are miserable. Sure, they take the trips to Aspen and Monaco and hang with celebrities, but, deep down, they are ailing because they are missing something. SomeTHING? No. That's the problem. There is no THING that can solve this problem. The answer to their problems is not a THING. It is the Source of NOTHING and EVERYTHING.

Waking up to the inner Source of Light and Love (call it God, Tao, Brahma, the Universe…whatever), is the ONLY game in town. Now does that mean changing your wardrobe and taking on a new spiritual name? Does it mean letting your house go into foreclosure and having your kids starve because you are now going to try the "spiritual thing"? No- that's nonsense. That's the mark of hippie counter-culture led astray. A friend of mine calls this the era of "confused communists". There's nothing wrong with providing for your family and enjoying what the world has to offer so long as your ORIENTATION is correct.

Seek Ye First the Kingdom of Heaven

As we enter into this next Golden Age, it is really up to us whether we chose to wake up or to perish into the dreary darkness of sleep and suffering. That which you seek is inside. All of the Power, Peace, Truth, and Wisdom you seek is in the Eternal Present and is available for you to access RIGHT NOW once you drop the story lines you insist on reinforcing. When we stop pretending, we open ourselves up to finding out who we really are.

The Kingdom of Heaven is Embodied in my Flesh

-Hermes Trismesgus

Once we anchor our consciousness in the central query- the question behind all questions, then we open ourselves up to the world of miracles and infinite love. Once we prioritize waking up and finding the True Source of Love, Life, and Light in our own hearts, then the Universe provides us with everything that we need (not necessarily want).

There is a big picture and we are an integral part of it. The delusion of humanity is believing that our individual wants and desires are so super important. We kill ourselves fighting to get the things we think we deserve. Why? Because you grew up poor and you want to prove something to the world? Because you want to attract a woman who'll love you for your car? Why?

Again, there's nothing intrinsically wrong with things- they are emanations of the very Creation we are a part of but let's not lose sight of the Source of all things. I see so many people gravitate to the Law of Attraction nowadays…making vision boards of the expensive things they want and money they wish to make. Careful! Spiritual principles applied towards material gains are dangerous. This is the mark of the Beast. Spiritual Materialism is the ultimate reflection of where we're at in the Kali Yuga…trying to tap into Source power in order to fulfill our narcissistic wishes. Nothing can be more dangerous.

Seek the Internal Light and Wisdom FIRST and then everything else will follow. That doesn't mean give this lip service and get pissed that the Ferrari hasn't arrived yet. It requires letting go and trusting that there's a greater wisdom that will guide us along our True Path. That's when depression and anxiety go away. That's when we can throw out those stupid pills and return to true Vitality and Grace. That's when we can walk the earth and never want anything because all that we need is always provided. That's when we open ourselves up to the realm of magic- the Kingdom of Heaven is closer than you think. Don't "go" there…stop pretending and "come" home.

I can't believe a "Taoist" is saying this stuff  :)

Wisdom from: Taoist Path

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Stay in the Eternal Present and Walk Towards the Light

Staying on path is easy, just get out of the way and follow the leads the Universe (God, Tao, call it what you want) presents to you. The path of least resistance really shows up when we can step into the present moment and stay aware of where we stand.  The problem? TIME. Yeah time. We have memories that are tied to emotions that are unresolved which entrap us in "time". How does this happen?

When we feel something or have a response to some stimulus that presents itself to us in the moment, we are faced with a choice. Do I accept this for what it is, not judge it, stay in the present and feel what emotion it evokes and be OK with that, OR, do I feel the emotion this stimulus brings up and say "oh, this sucks I don't like feeling this at all…" and run away. How do we run away? Well, we move away from the emotion by trying to counter it with the opposite feeling or energy. This makes me feel sad so I'll thing happy thoughts…OR we think to ourselves, wow that's too much to handle right now, I'm gonna file this away and deal with it at a later time when I'm stronger, richer, better looking, and maybe 3 feet taller. Guess what folks- tomorrow has its own set of "crap" to deal with. So what happens? We keep building charge in our energy field by entrapping our power in time.

Think of it like a time credit card. I don't have the cash to pay for this now so I'll charge it (the American way). And what happens? We get stuck with interest…the high percentage kind. How? Well, next time I come to relax and sink into the present moment where all the Power that ever was or will be resides, something taps on my shoulder…oh yeah…TIME DEBT. I've got all this crap I said I'd deal with at a later date and guess what? Here it is again. We CANNOT reside in the present moment until we either charge off (qi gong techniques and meditation practices) or pay off (handle the stuff and stop committing to things until you're "current") the time debt. We cannot reside in the present moment when we've tied our consciousness to time and this time debt is leading to what I call "Time Compression Syndrome". Its all around us. People have too many commitments and too little time so they're always in a state of panic and chronic stress over it. Why is this so bad? Well, the body is either growing (relaxed non-stress metabolic growth and healthy functioning), or in battle (running from the Lion, fighting the invading Zulu tribe, or…sadly…opening an enormous cell phone bill you weren't expecting).  Ouch. Good luck digesting that pizza now buddy.

So how do we get out of this mess? The answer is to stop committing to things in the future (better boundaries) that don't fall in line with Who we are, and to learn to maintain our "equanimity" in the present moment. Who are we? Well, that's the question of all questions and the only one really worth asking in my opinion

When we can STAY in the present moment, all the power of the Universe is available to us and we are connected to the Source of all Life, Light, Healing, and Inspiration. Call it what you want- Ram Dass was right- Be Here, Now. It's that simple yet we keep searching for some complex solution for our lives.

Treat complexity with simplicity.

Learn to stop doing and step into the real power that is powering the empty space inside each of your cells. Then, we can be aware of the clues the Universe drops on us and, being present and centered, recognize them as omens and spiritual communication with us. We follow and It leads…leading us to the Majesty of Who we are and what this amazing journey is really about.

If your husband or wife is watching some crap on TV right now, go grab them by the hand and go for a walk. Notice the trees and the feel of the breeze on your face. Wake up to the present moment and snap out of the trance. Follow the Light and gather the Nectar and you'll be happy you did

Many of these concepts are discussed at length in my book, RISE and SHINE, and my upcoming book entitled "Time Compression Syndrome".

Wisdom from: Taoist Path

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Radio Interview with Glenn Wollman, MD

I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Wollman about healthcare and wellness today on Well.Org radio. Dr. Wollman is an esteemed "Medical Guide" who helps patients navigate their way through our crazy healthcare system. He's a deep guy with tons of insight and spent several years on the front lines as an ER doc. He's seen it all and has some great wisdom to kick down for people trying to get healthy.

Dr. Wollman is another featured physician in the upcoming "Vitality Movie".

Listen to internet radio with PedramShojai on Blog Talk Radio

Wisdom from: Taoist Path

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Radio Interview with Bruce Lipton, PhD

I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Bruce Lipton, author of "The Biology of Belief – Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter & Miracles" today on Well.Org radio. He is prominently featured in my upcoming movie titled "Vitality". We had a chance to discuss genetics, epigenetics, beliefs, health, new science, and fate. He's good fun…enjoy.

Listen to internet radio with PedramShojai on Blog Talk Radio

Wisdom from: Taoist Path

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Zen Master Yo Hoon Lecture Footage is Up

It took forever…sorry.  Big files and lots of travel but I finally was around long enough to pull this footage out and share it with the world. It needs to be shared. This man is special. He's one of five enlightened people I've met on this planet. Its a privilege to have him around and it was very gracious of him to allow us to video his discourse. "If it helps people…then its OK". He had agreed to give me an interview for the movie I've been working on (Vitality) after this lecture and, I was shocked to hear he was OK with us filming the lecture too. So many of these cats are caught up in their "ancient Chinese secret" and they get very weird about sharing. Not Yo Hoon.

His English is a bit hard to get at first and there are the usual annoying questions at times from a few in the crowd who keep trying to vocally answer questions he asks us to pose ourselves…but listen to this man. He gets it. At one point it looks like the cameraman fell asleep- where's the Zen whack stick when you need it?

The Light is to be shared. I humbly present to you the teachings of Yo Hoon.

Wisdom from: Taoist Path

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Memorial Day…Why we Fight

On this memorial day, we sit here spinning around on a globe with war all over. Some of it seems to make sense and other conflicts, well, not so clear. There's a lot of mercenary energy out there now…lots of wars waged for corporate and political interests. There are also wars for resources…oil, ore, and water…more and more so. Some fight to survive. Some fight for what's fair. Others- well they fight because it pays the bills.

I just recently sat and watched the The Lord of the Rings Trilogy again and remembered why I LOVE Tolkein and Peter Jackson so much. There are masterpieces out there and this is one of them…truly.

One particular line that stuck with me was from Legolas looking out on the horizon and telling Aragorn that there was a "restless malice" rising and that it would have to be met in battle.  Restless malice?  Yeah…there is evil in this world and it can't let things be. There are people and forces on this planet that are not at ease and their inner demons drive them towards behavior that is malicious and very disturbing. Most people are good but it is this "restless malice" that is at times simmering and others boiling over (Nazi Germany) that forces the good people of the world to step up and fight for what's right and just.

Here's one of my favorite parts from the movie…it is an interaction between Sam and Frodo when all hell's broken loose and they had fallen into the hands of Faramir's forces with Orcs all around:

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

: That there's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo… and it's worth fighting for.

There's some good in this world and it's worth fighting for. That is the Hero's journey. I'm not a fan of war and am certainly not happy with how things are going around the globe but let's look at this for a second. War calls upon us to challenge who we are and fight for what is good and right in this world. It is what calls on us to step up against the "restless malice" and to define and defend what's right. Look, I didn't make the rules. Arjuna and Krisna discussed this very thing on the battlefield.  Why must I fight those men who I have no personal quarrel with?…Because you must.

If there's some greater meaning to all of it…well I don't know. Is it a chance for us to learn and evolve? Is it God's plan that we can't understand? Is it some demonic plague that drives us with Martian/Warlike energy to destroy each-other and parasitically feeds off of the energy?  Not sure…I've heard it all.  Does it make sense? Not really.

What does make sense is the inner struggle within all of us and maybe war is the externalization of a spiritual process that cleanses the soul. We all have our inner demons which we must face. We all must take a stand for what is right and do the right thing DESPITE what we feel at times. This means facing ourselves and facing the desire for power of dominion over our brothers and sisters. Remember, in the end Frodo bailed. He could not throw the ring in the fire. He could not slay his dark side BUT his compassionate mercy for Smeagol ended up saving him in the end.  It ended up saving the age and giving Mankind hope.

Was it his compassionate acts that saved him when he himself couldn't? The world had gone to war against Evil and he was the crux of the whole thing. He COULD NOT slay his inner demon but his good deeds and mercy for another ended up saving the day.

Look…the reasons for war, evil, poverty, hunger, and all things horrible are not too clear but one thing is- there is GOOD in this world and it is worth fighting for. We are essentially good inside and we, as a species, just want to all enjoy our lives with family, friends, and nature. Maybe, like Frodo, it is our compassion for our fellow humans and our good deeds that will save the day. Maybe slaying the devil cannot be because he is built into the human algorithm…how can you know the Light without the challenging darkness? Maybe doing the right thing despite all things is what changes us and saves us in the end.

This memorial day, let's remember those good men and women who have fallen for a good cause all over the world. Let us take our hats off to the people who fought for our freedom and let us honor the good in humanity. The restless malice will change banners and switch teams over the years. It roves around and starts trouble. It is a restless vampirical force that pulls our boys off to battle- sometimes just and others not. Let's remember that our constitution was written in a way that required an "enlightened citizenry". We all need to wake up and fight for what is GOOD in this world and that doesn't mean with tanks and bombs every time. If you don't take a stand against Monsanto, then there will be no more natural seeds left to eat…we won't have the ability to grow our own food (restless malice). If we allow the energy interests to fool us into thinking alternative energy is too expensive the we miss the restless malice at work…we are fighting wars for oil. If we don't learn to take care of ourselves and tap into our Vitality, then we are allowing Big Pharma to take over our bodies and effectively make us slaves.

Restless Malice? Yeah, its all around. Don't fall for the bearded stooges they put up on those lists…those are the decoys. This memorial day, let's wake up and fight for what's right. Let's fight for our right to grow our own food, drink clean water, harvest the power of the sun, and take our health back. Will there never be people who are angry and want to hurt us?  Sure, the devil works in many ways but let's focus on the more imminent danger in front of us right now. Harness your inner light and wake up from the sleepy trance you are made to be under.

There's some good in this world and it is worth fighting for.

Wisdom from: Taoist Path

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The Answer is a Few Breaths Away

In this modern age of terrabyte data transmissions and the world of Google at our fingertips, things move fast…really fast. This, in my opinion has led to the compression of TIME in our consciousness. This time compression syndrome as I like to call it can be seen in people all over the modern world. The earth is spinning and revolving around the sun at roughly the same rate it has for millions of years and yet, in our modern world we're all short of time.

Time compression is an issue with consciousness itself…not time. What is time? An artificial construct that allows us to meet for coffee and agree on something. Consciousness? Yeah- that's the only game in town. It is the quality of our consciousness that determines how we experience LIFE- not time. However, it is our entrapment and mental pathology that binds us to the concept of time.

The question really isn't how much time do we have but really how much ENERGY we have and how present we are in the living breathing moment. There is no time in the eternal present. When we learn to "stop the world" and tap into the infinite energy in the eternal present, then we have just stepped out of time.

When you find yourself getting worked up and feeling this Time Compression Syndrome creeping in, take a moment and "pop in the clutch". Take a few deep breaths and step out of the "time wave" you feel caught up in. Take a sip from the Fountain of Eternity and gather your awareness back to the present moment.

YOU are in charge of that dial. You are the only person that can guide the speed and frequency of your consciousness and you are the only person who is in control of how you emanate here on the planet. Slow down, breathe deeply, and check in with yourself. Time is an illusion. Step back into the driver's seat and gather yourself. Mastery is a few breaths away.

CLICK HERE to listen to a helpful Buddhist mediation that will help you with this.

Have fun.

Wisdom from: Taoist Path

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New Radio Show with Pedram Shojai

I had a lot of fun talking about mysticism, spirituality, conspiracy theories, and much more with Lance White.  He's a great host and we had a lot of fun…I hope you enjoy it!

JUST CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO HEAR THE SHOW.

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Pedram is interviewed on BBS Radio

Wisdom from: Taoist Path

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Meaning and Purpose in Life – Why you can't be Healthy without Them

Everybody talks about Complementary and Alternative Medicine in different ways. It seems like we've all got our opinions and they are all over the map at times. One "slogan", if you will, that I see tagged to this type of medicine is the famous- "Mind, Body, Spirit" line. I want to delve into the meaning of this because I have patients walking in claiming they want "wellness" throwing around these phrases haphzarardly.

The essence of the Mind, Body, Spirit argument hinges on the idea that, in order to be well and whole, we need to be healthy in each of these areas and that each area feeds into the others…engendering more wellness for the entire system.  Let's start with the easy one first- Body.

When it comes to wellness, we all get this level.  Stop my cough…help me poop…no more headaches…Since the body is our primary sensory array and, frankly, where we live, its easy to see when there's a problem here. Wanting a healthier, more resilient body is a worthwhile pursuit and most people want this- at least nominally.

The Mind gets a bit more complicated as many people are reluctant to admit they have problems here. There's a huge stigma on psychological illness and nobody wants to be "crazy"…of course we all are. The Mind is our operating system and it is the interface between who we think we are and our experience of the world. Where these two collide- we have issues. Stress is responsible for 90% of doctor's visits and so its our relationship to stress, the world, our careers, and life itself which can really impact our health. Most people get this on an intellectual level…take some time off…get some sleep…have some fun and take a load off. Controlling our stress response, then, becomes a critical component in our overall wellness.

When we start talking about Spirit, however, is when we lose most people. Most of us in the West have funky notions of Spirit in the first place- many stories tied to far off angelic realms where we get to go if we get good grades and avoid cheating on our spouse…

I'm going to paint this picture slightly differently here. Spirit is our deepest connection with the Source of Who we are and it is our LIFELINE to the life force which animates the other two (Mind and Body). Spirit is the critical piece of the puzzle that gets the whole show on the road. It puts us in line with our Destiny…gives us MEANING and PURPOSE in life. These are the things that animate us and give us Vitality.

I'll often delve into questions along these lines with patients who are quick to deflect them and insinuate that we should just focus on their stomach issues.  Let's not dig deep- let's just get a new coat of paint on this sucker and drive off again…no need to look into anything serious. I won't see these patients because they seldom get better. Unless we're willing to look into the WHY of a problem, we miss the valuable spiritual lesson that comes with it. Without meaning and purpose in life, what's the point of getting healthy and staying that way?  Really…what's the point of anything?

Now we understand how people can sit around and eat garbage while playing video games all day. Without the spark of LIFE, the whole wheel of Vitality has no reason to turn.  Life becomes a dreary and drab deal with days blending into one-another.

One day we wake up really sick and then we panic …racing to the DOCTOR to fix us. We give away all of our power and go home with bags of chemicals and drugs…all designed to down-regulate, inhibit, or block the natural functions of the body…a Body that is in conflict with itself- with its Mind, and a body that has lost connection to its Spirit.

We then go in for a pedicure in order to make ourselves feel better and are assured that we're in the right place when there's a sign in the window that boldly reads "Wellness"…ahh….the Promised Land. I'll take some cucumber water to wash down this fist full of pills

Wisdom from: Taoist Path

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