Living The Present Moment

What does it take to build a dream? Maybe an architect. Steven Jallad designs and oversees the building of homes in Naples, Florida. His path to architecture began with a love for drawing and working with his hands. He followed that passion as the thread in his life. The craft of carpentry during the summers kept his hands working while earning a degree in Architecture from the University of Virginia. Traveling to West Africa with the Peace Corps, he built homes that fit a very different environment. This sparked an interest in green design that took him to Colorado for the next 10 years to build "off the grid" homes - designing in the winter, building in the summer. In 2008, he traded in mountain style for beach style and moved to Naples, Florida. Yet, he hangs on to the thread of passion, continuing to build a dream through architecture. His personal journey inspires us to find the passion in life and continue to follow the thread. The thread from A to B is not always a straight line. Even as we make choi

In my expanded definition, "medicine" is anything that heals the body, mind, emotions, or spirit. As a physician, this includes the Western medications that I prescribe, but it goes beyond to include so much more. In every conversation, it is important to define the context and agree upon the definitions that we are using. Here my context is the expanded definition of medicine: anything that heals the body, mind, emotions, or spirit. Where will you find your medicine? For me, storytelling is a potent medicine that can heal on many different levels. I am so inspired by its power to heal that I now teach "Storytelling as Healing" at FGCU. In researching for this class, I spoke to many storytellers, and that's how I got in touch with Caren Neile. Caren Neile teaches "storytelling studies" at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton, Florida. She is a storytelling performer, an author of books, and a public radio host. She helped to start the Healing Story Alliance, a special interest group of the Nationa

Harvest Bee Farms KT Alaimo, owner and manager of Harvest Bee Farms, is passionate about farming. Devoted to biodynamic farming, he grows "good soil" and good produce is the byproduct. As farmers are aging and wisdom is being lost, he is of the new generation of farmers working to preserve sustainable and healthy farming techniques and wisdom. In this interview, he tells the story of how a college graduate with a degree in history entered the world of farming and the wisdom that he has collected along the way. One of the books that spurred his journey: Michael Pollan's Omnivore's Dilemma                           In this interview … KT Alaimo tells his story of becoming an organic farmer What is USDA organic vs. certified naturally grown vs. biodynamic farming? Learn ways to support locally grown organic farming Find Kenneth T Alaimo ("KT" or "Ken") on Facebook at Harvest Bee Finca Recorded: Wed Nov 21; Released: Fri Nov 23, 2018 Background Music: (public domain) Happy African Village by John Bar

“To make the world a better place by making it more musical.” The mission of Music Together has spread to over 3000 locations and over 40 countries. Parents bring their children from infants to 5 years old to a weekly community music experience. With music and songs from around the world, the curriculum creates the safe space for everyone to sing. Yes! Even the babies! I recently learned about this inspiring organization from Luke Burhenn. Living in Ft Collins, Colorado, he has been attending these community events since his son was a toddler. Now music has become an integral part of their lives. Learn more by listening to the interview. Watch Video: What Families Say About Music Together  The Four Principles of Music Together All children are born musical. All children can achieve basic music competence—that is, they can learn to sing in tune and dance accurately to a beat. It's crucial that parents and caregivers participate in class and model music-making for their children in class and at home

"Writer, Teacher, and Mostly Recovered Nerd," Jean Moroney works with ambitious individuals and teams who know sharpening their mental skills will give them a performance edge. She teaches thinking skills that help us make better judgment calls, align motivation with intentions, and cross the finish line sooner. She believes that we can all learn to become better, faster problem-solvers, more confident decision-makers, and more reliable and resilient self-starters. Jean Moroney has a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from MIT, and another in Psychology from Carnegie Mellon. She has hundreds of hours of training in Marshall Rosenberg’s “Nonviolent Communication,” F.M. Alexander’s technique for body awareness, and Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism. Since starting her consulting business in 1998, she has helped experts from Fortune 500 executives to independent entrepreneurs, artists and writers embark with confidence on new, uncertain projects and finish what they start. Her consulting company is T

Imagine a Jewish girl born in Columbia attending a Catholic school, nearly converting, running away to New York, then Chicago, then spending 20 years in Jamaica to start Negril Yoga Center, the first yoga center in Jamaica. Raquel Austin's life story is full of twists and turns and plenty of life changes. She shares her story of following her passion, finding purpose, one foot in front of the the other, one day at a time. Her entrepreneurial drive will surprise you. Even at her age, Raquel is ready to write the next chapter of life changes. Negril Yoga Center is for sale. Check it out online. She is ready to turn it over to the next person who will take it higher. Visit negrilyoga.com In this interview … Life changes ... twists and turns of Raquel Austin The story of Negril Yoga Center Wisdom, looking back on life Find Raquel and Negril Yoga Center online at negrilyoga.com. Recorded: Wed Sep 11; Released: Fri Sep 14, 2018 Interview by Dr. Joel Ying. “People of passion and purpose, doing interesti

Time stood still. Even the air in the room refused to move, when Dr. Larry Friedman launched into a teaching story. As a resident doctor-in-training, we rotate through many different areas of medicine. Looking back at memorable moments during that time, the teachers that captivated me the most were the ones that told stories. In the early 2000's, I still remember the moment when Dr. Friedman told us the riveting story of the race to find the cause of a mysterious illness that would come to be called AIDS and later be attributed to a virus that attacks the immune system, HIV. Dr. Lawrence Friedman, MD, is the Director of the Division of Adolescent Medicine in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine since 1997. He sees patients, teaches medical students and residents, and is active in research with a particular focus on HIV and AIDS in the pediatric and adolescent population. The Special Adolescent Clinic (SAC) for HIV-infected youth serves as a component of the Ryan W

If you are like me, fortune tellers are scary! Tapping into some secret knowledge, they make pronouncements about my future. It is as if they are taking away my free will and I no longer have any power to change my life. I am trapped in my life, rather than master of my life. In this interview, Jamie McCall shatters this stereotype as just one of the traps of the intuitive reader and the client. Intuitive reading can be used as a tool for empowerment. Intuition (whether it is your own or someone else's) can help you makes sense of the world in a new way, show you the patterns of your life, and bring greater clarity in your own motivations and actions. With  this new understanding of your own motives and perceptions, new opportunities for change and growth can open. We use intuition everyday when we decide if someone is "having a bad day" or "in a good mood." We use our intuition as a "gut instinct" when we say "that just doesn't feel right." Intuitive readers using oracle cards, tarot decks, tea leaves, ast

“It is our stories that make us human.” In medical school, I learned all the technical details about heart transplant. I studied the medical criteria that makes you a candidate, the drugs required post-transplant, and the labs and physical symptoms to monitor. Yet, what I did not yet learn were the stories. Those stories came later in medical internship and residency. I met the real people and learned their stories of love and loss behind the words “heart transplant.” We sometimes fool ourselves as a culture to believe that medical science can solve all the problems of the “heart” with just a surgery or a medication. However, even when we cannot know all the stories behind the weathered faces that we encounter, it changes our own humanity to acknowledge that there is a story there. It changes how we are present to the facts, how we open to listen, and how we honor time. It is our stories that make us human. In sharing those stories, we can also heal the heart. My friend, Sonja Greene-Smith, shares her remark

"One Life. No Compromises." says Andrew Bustamante in his  workshop series. As a US Air Force combat veteran and former CIA intelligence officer, he now brings the skills of international espionage to everyday life. When you change your perspective to "see your world through the eyes of a spy," you can leverage the skills of influence, intrigue and intent to create advantages in your daily life. Listen to this interview to discover how you can bring this spycraft into your "one life" with "no compromises." Create the life that you want using his tips and tactics. In this interview … What is espionage? Using the skills of espionage in everyday life. Learn more about the 3 steps of spycraft: Contact, Exchange, Compromise. Find Andrew Bustamante online at AndrewBustamante.org. Recorded: Fri Jul 27, 2018, on LivingthePresentMoment.com/studygroup Interview by Dr. Joel Ying. “People of passion and purpose, doing interesting things, living the present moment.” LivingthePresentMoment.com/podcastshow

Are you in control of your stuff? Or is your stuff in control of you? Mary Jo Zeller is a moving consultant. She has supported thousands of families in downsizing, relocating, and getting organized. She received her Masters Degree in Gerontology in 1978 from the University of Illinois, Springfield. Her service record with older adults spans 40 years having worked in community based services, retirement communities, assisted living and long term care communities.   She currently is the Director of MySolutions a service of The Arlington of Naples. Interview by Dr. Joel Ying. “People of passion and purpose, doing interesting things, living the present moment.” LivingthePresentMoment.com/podcastshow In this interview … What is clutter Tips on tackling clutter How clearing clutter can improve your life Find Mary Jo Zeller online at www.MySolutions.org. Recorded: Fri Jul 6, 2018, on LivingthePresentMoment.com/studygroup Books on Clearing Clutter      

Debra Frenkel is the founder and executive director of the non-profit, Freedom Waters Foundation. The mission of Freedom Waters is to provide therapeutic marine experiences to those with special needs. Learn more at www.freedomwatersfoundation.org. She gives an inspiring interview on following that inner voice of guidance. Interview by Dr. Joel Ying. “People of passion and purpose, doing interesting things, living the present moment.” LivingthePresentMoment.com/podcastshow In this interview … Starting a non-profit organization Following the inner voice Learn about therapeutic marine experiences Find Debra Frenkel online at www.freedomwatersfoundation.org. Recorded: Fri Jan 26, 2018, on LivingthePresentMoment.com/studygroup

Are you having trouble meeting your health goals? Michelle Joy Kramer is a Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Health Coach who helps individuals and corporate teams achieve their optimal health through healthy lifestyle changes. Michelle tells us how we can overcome the roadblocks to optimal health. As a certified health coach, she helps clients with goals like weight loss, improving energy level, and overcoming medical problems. The top changes that she recommends might surprise you. The biggest challenge, she says, is getting her clients to slow down enough to stretch, floss, and meditate. Her top 3 tips to improve your general health today: Listen to your body. Start the day off with dark leafy greens. Exercise. Move every day. Michelle is a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City. She is accredited by The American Association of Drugless Practitioners and has completed Continuing Education and Certification Programs for Health Counseling through Purcha

Sharon Bruckman is the founder and CEO of Natural Awakenings Magazine and Franchise. She tells us how this dream got started by identifying a simple need of the community. She is passionate about health and wellness. Her story will awaken your entrepreneurial spirit. The motto is “Healthy Living – Healthy Planet.” Natural Awakenings Magazine is a local magazine in many different communities that is part of a national franchise. Many people use the magazine as a go-to to find information and local community events in their calendar. Look for a copy of this FREE magazine in your area or online at www.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. Interview by Dr. Joel Ying. “People of passion and purpose, doing interesting things, living the present moment.” LivingthePresentMoment.com/podcastshow In this interview … Discover the origins of Natural Awakenings Magazine Sharon Bruckman shares her entrepreneurial advice Find the connection and support that you need to live a healthy lifestyle Find Sharon Bruckman online at w

Every life transition requires planning and introspection. Whether you plan to retire or begin any other major life transition, Marianne Oehser gives practical and insightful coaching. Marianne Oehser is a retirement consultant, a Certified Retirement Coach, and founder of Retire & Be Happy. Visit her online at RetireAndBeHappy.com. She is a seasoned expert committed to helping people create a happy, fulfilling “post-career” phase of their lives through her workshops, seminars, public speaking, and individual coaching. She also works with singles and couples to successfully build and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships – after all, having a solid relationship is central to creating a happy, fulfilling life. Marianne has retired twice after spending over 40 years in the corporate world. She holds a Masters of Management from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management in Chicago. She received her training and certifications from Relationship Coaching Institute and Retirement Options. Inter

"Is that even legal?" That was my first thought. In this interview, Dennis Shuman tells us how to care for our own dead at home. As a volunteer with the organization, Final Friends, he gives workshops on the history and legal details of home funeral. You might be wondering what home funeral has to do with living the present moment. As a society we tiptoe around death, you cannot be present to life without also being present to death. "Show me the manner in which a nation cares for its dead, and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender mercies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land and their loyalty to high ideals. " ~ Sir William Gladstone Interview by Dr. Joel Ying. “People of passion and purpose, doing interesting things, living the present moment.” LivingthePresentMoment.com/podcastshow In this interview … History of caring for your dead at home Legal details of home funeral Modern conventions on death and dying Find out more about Home Funeral and caring for your dead

Today’s story is called, “Legacy of Love.” It is the final story in a set of stories, and it gives the whole set its title. When I was gathering stories into a theme, I realized that all my stories were in some way about love, the many forms of love, and perhaps all stories at their heart are about love. LivingthePresentMoment.com/podcastshow  DrJoelStoryteller.com Dr. Joel Ying presents “Legacy of Love” © 2017 Joel Ying. All Rights Reserved. I share the story because it inspires me. and I hope that it inspires you (or at least leaves you thinking). The story begins with a quote from a hymn. This is not the traditional melody, but how I hear the words of the song, “Balm of Gilead.” The story gives the perspective of one man and the experience of one family. I do not present it as TRUTH, but as the "truth of their experience." We can learn so much about our own perspectives and widen our own lives by understanding (we don't have to agree) with the experience of others. The gift of "walking in someone e

Interview by Dr. Joel Ying. “People of passion and purpose, doing interesting things, living the present moment.” LivingthePresentMoment.com/podcastshow Ana hosts “The Radio Show with Sex Appeal.” You can listen to her LIVE online radio show on Wednesdays at 9pm Eastern Time. You can even call in to join the conversation. Find her online at AnaSpeaks.com. Her website will tell you that “Ana wants to live in a world where everyone is comfortable in their own skin, a world where we engage the power of our minds to create magical lives from the bedroom to the board room (especially the bedroom), and where all meals include dark chocolate or bacon … maybe both, with zero calories … of course.” As a Certified Life Coach, Ana brings all of her experience to the radio show to create a safe space for honest and open communication. In this interview … Meet Ana of AnaSpeaks.com Discover what she has learned from her guests on "Love, Sex, & Intimacy" "Let's talk about sex..." Ana hopes to promote open, safe, a

Interview Series by Dr. Joel Ying. “People of passion and purpose, doing interesting things, living their present moment.” LivingthePresentMoment.com/podcastshow Dr. Paul Jones is a Family Practice physician in Naples, Florida, and currently the President of the Medical Staff at Naples Community Hospital (NCH). He continues to work in both the office and hospital caring for his patients. In 2014, NCH awarded him the physician of the year award. I recently met up with Dr. Jones at a Physician Wellness Group at NCH that he had organized in response to the increase awareness of physician burnout. While burnout has been a common topic in many fields, physician burnout has been an important topic in medical news, especially lately with the increased demands on physicians, higher rates of burnout, and shortage of physicians. The simplest dictionary definition of "burnout" is physical or mental collapse from overwork and stress. However, burnout is more than simple fatigue and the need for vacation. Burnout is cos

Interview Series by Dr. Joel Ying. “People of passion and purpose, doing interesting things, living their present moment.” LivingthePresentMoment.com/podcastshow Noa Baum is a speaker, storyteller, and author. I first met Noa Baum at the Stone Soup Storytelling Festival in South Carolina where she was a Featured Teller, and then recently hosted her in Naples, Florida, for a performance. Born and raised in Jerusalem, she performs folk tales and personal stories from her unique background with a focus on stories to heal and build bridges. She performs a one-woman show that is now an award-winning book — A Land Twice Promised: An Israeli Woman’s Quest for Peace. In her performances and workshops, she views storytelling as peace work. Her recent TEDx talk inspired this interview, "Beyond Labels: Bridging Differences Through Storytelling." Read more about her TEDx talk on my prior blog post. In this podcast … Meet a dynamic storyteller from the Washington D.C. area. Learn the power of storytelling. Discov