Peaceful Ease

In this episode we are joined by Ela and Mario with some news about the Peaceful Ease podcast.  Ela explains how over the months of producing this show, her visions have shifted and she is working on a new direction for Peaceful Ease. Listen and she and Mario discuss how it is so important to be truthful to yourself in all aspects of our lives, and how this has led Ela to change paths on this particular journey of hers.  If you enjoy Ela’s interviews with guests, you will be very excited with the new format of the show. Listen to hear what Peaceful Ease has in store for it’s return in a couple of months!

We are joined again by Rani Bora for Part Two of her interview with Ela. This second half continues to focus on Rani’s book, ‘How to Turn Stress on its Head’. We start the interview with a quote from the book, “A quiet mind is our default mind when we aren’t paying attention to, and taking our turbulent thoughts seriously.” Our minds can become cluttered with thoughts and external influences which in turn can create stress.  As human beings stress is a normal condition to have. But as always it is how we deal with it that is important. How do you cope with stress? Listen as Rani explains what stress is and the best ways of dealing with it. Rather than analysing where stress comes from, one should accept that it is a temporary emotion that we must let come and go as we would anger and anxiety.  If you have trouble coping with stress in your life please make sure to listen to this episode. Rani’s extensive knowledge and advice on this will be sure to leave you feeling better able to tackle this aspect of your life.  Rani is a holistic psychiatrist, wellness coach and speaker. She is also the author of the book “How To Turn Stress On Its Head”, available on Amazon.  Rani is currently working as a Consultant Psychiatrist at the NHS. She had previously trained in several coaching modalities including life coaching, neurolinguistic programming, narrative coaching and emotional freedom techniques (or EFT).  Rani has led and facilitated several training courses sharing the understanding of innate health and resilience. She coaches people 1-1 and in groups. She and her husband, Suraj (who is also a holistic psychiatrist) offer online coaching programmes for entrepreneurs who are struggling with stress and anxiety. Visit Rani on her website: drsranisuraj.com   Links Website  How To Turn Stress On Its Head Listening into Wellbeing 

In this first episode of a 2-part series, we are joined by new guest Rani Bora. Listen as Ela and Rani have a fascinating discussion about how Rani struggled with low self esteem and confidence and this led to her becoming a holistic psychiatrist and author.  Rani shares with us her philosophy and views on spirituality and psychiatry, and how she blends the two. Her approach to this is eye opening. And with her calm and soothing voice, she will leave you feeling very much in peace and at ease.  Rani is a holistic psychiatrist, wellness coach and speaker. She is also the author of the book “How To Turn Stress On Its Head”, available on Amazon.  Rani is currently working as a Consultant Psychiatrist at the NHS. She had previously trained in several coaching modalities including life coaching, neurolinguistic programming, narrative coaching and emotional freedom techniques (or EFT).  Rani has led and facilitated several training courses sharing the understanding of innate health and resilience. She coaches people 1-1 and in groups. She and her husband, Suraj (who is also a holistic psychiatrist) offer online coaching programmes for entrepreneurs who are struggling with stress and anxiety. Visit Rani on her website: drsranisuraj.com Links Website  How To Turn Stress On Its Head Listening into Wellbeing 

We are generally led to believe that anger is a negative emotion that we should be ashamed and embarrassed about. In this episode we listen as Ela describes how it actually can have very positive outcomes.  Anger is a high frequency emotion which can lead to a variety of high energy mental states. It can promote extreme performances such as in theatre or sport.  As with all emotions, it is how it is channeled that is key to a healthy wellbeing.  Hear as Ela and Mario share how they deal with their own anger. This might not be what you expect which makes for a very interesting discussion!  How do you deal with feeling angry? Rather than push this emotion away, after listening to this episode you will know how to visit the dark corner of this emotion and turn it bright.

"Mindfulness - being aware of what is happening within, in connection to the world outside.” Mindfulness is a word that is mentioned a lot in today’s society. But what does it actually mean? As a follow up to Part 1 in this interview series with Clive Holmes, Ela opens up a discussion on this topic. Listen as Clive explains where mindfulness originates from and his personal beliefs on this as a spiritual tool. He also shares his views on the connection between meditation and mindfulness.  Clive Holmes has been teaching meditation for the last twenty five years all over the UK, as well as in Samye Dzong centres overseas. He has completed over a year in intensive retreat and has studied in Europe and India with teachers from Burma, South East Asia, Japan and Tibet. He also has a degree in western philosophy. He is co-editor of  the books “Taming the Tiger”and “Restoring the Balance” by Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche. He also has an honorary appointment as Teaching Fellow in the School of Education at Aberdeen University and is involved in teaching MSc Mindfulness. Links Clive Holmes website  "Meditation & Monkey Mind" ~ Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

In this episode we are joined again by Clive Holmes, one of Ela’s most influential spiritual teachers. Listen as Ela and Clive dive into a deep discussion on the practice of meditation, from its beginnings to its benefits. Clive also explains how you can add meditation to become a natural part of your daily life.  Clive has a very unique way of explaining complicated and deep topics in the most simplest of ways. And this episode is no exception.  Clive Holmes has been teaching meditation for the last twenty five years all over the UK, as well as in Samye Dzong centres overseas. He has completed over a year in intensive retreat and has studied in Europe and India with teachers from Burma, South East Asia, Japan and Tibet. He also has a degree in western philosophy. He is co-editor of  the books “Taming the Tiger”and “Restoring the Balance” by Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche. He also has an honorary appointment as Teaching Fellow in the School of Education at Aberdeen University and is involved in teaching MSc Mindfulness. Links Clive Holmes website  "Meditation & Monkey Mind" ~ Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

This question is asked in the book Wishcraft by Barbara Sher. This book uncovers effective strategies for making real change in your life. Listen as Ela quizzes Mario and he shares with us the 5 different lives he would choose given the chance.  We also hear the 5 different lives Ela would choose. She also talks about some of the most common choices which are revealed in the book, including becoming famous, and why people choose this.  What 5 lives would you choose if you could? You might be surprised to learn that you can combine multiple, if not all, of your 5 interests into this one life. Links Wishcraft, Barbara Sher

In Part Two of Ela's interview with Dr Gogoi, she digs a little deeper to find out more about him. Join us to learn more about his background and what made him interested in psychology and studies of the mind.  In particular he talks about the 3 principles, by Sydney Banks; mind, thought and consciousness. He shares how this has had an influence on his life and work, and the beliefs behind his own journey.  Links Dr Suraj Gogoi’s website Sydney Banks - Three Principles Living

Just as you would switch your computer off and on again to reset it, sleep is the body's natural reset button. When you wake up in the morning you should (hopefully) feel fresh and clear minded. How can we hold onto this feeling as we venture through the day? In Part One of Ela's interview with Dr Gogoi, hear as he explains how our true nature is a feeling of constant wellbeing. He discusses how our ego minds control our emotions, both negative and positive, and how it creates an endless chase of feelings. Dr Gogoi also shares a very interesting analogy with us which will help you become more aware of your thoughts, and how you can control the feelings they create, to improve your mindset. As well as a psychiatrist with 20 years of experience, Dr. Suraj Gogoi works as a Mental Health and Innate Well-being Coach. He is currently also studying an executive MBA at the Manchester University, UK.  He discourages the excessive use of psychiatric medicines, and guides people to discover their peace of mind, happiness and well-being which are all innate and already gifted to us. He runs a private Facebook group community for Heart-Centered Entrepreneurs & Professionals. To find out more about Suraj’s work, visit: www.drsranisuraj.com Links Dr Suraj Gogoi’s website

We are all searching for our purpose in life. Some are more focused on this than others. Ela is very aware of her journey and in this episode she shares what she has been doing to keep on her correct path.  Listen as Ela and Mario discuss the ways in which we can all become closer to finding our purpose. Ela asks us 4 questions; number one - ‘what can you offer, what skills come to you naturally?’ Hear the other 3 questions which will help you find your way back to where you should be.

Ela has changed countries again and today she joins us from Sicily, Italy.  This episode focuses on a book Ela is reading, ‘Discovering Your Soul's Purpose’. In particular Ela discusses the 3 types of characteristics of someone looking for their purpose in life; 1. pain, dissatisfaction, 3. restlessness with being comfortable. Ela has been on an intentional journey over the past 6 months to uncover her own purpose. Hear as she explains to Mario how this process is going for her. We are all searching for a purpose. How open are you to finding yours? Links Discovering Your Soul’s Purpose, Mark Thurston

How often do you give encouragement and support to others, yet beat yourself up over not achieving something? Do unto yourself as you would do unto others. The golden rule in reverse. It is time to start showing yourself more self-care and self-compassion. In this episode Ela and Mario discuss being better friends with yourself.  Ela also talks about dealing with anger. Recognize it, but don’t let it overcome you. She explains how she has learnt to deal with her own anger and shares some techniques on how you can do it too. This includes connecting with your emotions and practicing meditation. 

As we approach the end of the first month of the year, many of us may be feeling like we are failing. Failing at the expectations we set for ourselves in the turn of the year. How are your New Year’s resolutions going? If they aren’t going well, that is okay! Join Ela and Mario as they discuss how setting intentions and setting goals are two different things and what we need to do to achieve our desires. Ela also shares with us how she has incorporated belief and change into her life to follow her intention.  Are you aware of the drive behind the goals you have set for yourself? Take a moment to check in with your flow and beliefs and make sure you are on the right path for the right reasons.

Stress. Something that affects us all. Particularly at this time of the year.  There are many factors causing stress in our lives from work, family, relationships. What differs between us all is our ability to let it in, and how to act on it.  We are joined again by Ela and Nicole who discuss what stress is, how it is caused, and the best ways to deal with it. Nicole also leads us through an exercise to recognise if we are experiencing stress and what actions to take.  Do you have trouble dealing with stress? After receiving her Abitur certificate and finishing business management training in the textiles sector, Nicole took over Europe-wide sales management of a known clothing company together with the introduction of IT solutions for an ERP system. She began to work freelance at the intersection between humans and technology. Soon she discovered that in every part of the company, fears kept creativity and energy from flowing freely. At the same time she began participating in trainings with business consultant Eckhard Zahn. Then, in 1988 she registered business as a coach. From there, her work has been focused on development of personnel. She made use of a wide array of methods, from individual coaching through team exercises and measures affecting the whole corporation. Key points are development of executives, conflict management, sales training and adjustments to the corporate strategy. Either per division or holistically, depending on company size. Next to that, she is engaged in individual coachings, education of trainers and support of start-up firms, offering aid in creating concepts, aquiring investors and realization of the project. Other occupations include interim management in distribution, marketing and human resources. Networking is also an important part of my job, connnecting people, skills and functions within and between companies. Links Nicole's Website

We are joined again by Nicole Ehrenberg for her second interview with Ela. In this episode we are talking about forgiveness. An apology is simple to accept and takes a lot less energy than forgiving. Listen as Nicole and Ela discuss the process of forgiving someone and how you can do this if you don't find it easy.  Do you forgive easily? Join us again in the next episode for Part 2 of this interview.  Nicole's work has been focused on development of personnel. She made use of a wide array of methods, from individual coaching through team exercises and measures affecting the whole corporation. Key points are development of executives, conflict management, sales training and adjustments to the corporate strategy. Either per division or holistically, depending on company size. She also offes individual coachings, education of trainers and support of start-up firms, offering aid in creating concepts, aquiring investors and realization of the project. Other occupations include interim management in distribution, marketing and human resources. Networking is also an important part of her job, connnecting people, skills and functions within and between companies.   Links Nicole's Website

In Episode 61 we met Bonnie Weiss, a therapist that carries out the Internal Family Systems therapy. In this episode Ela shares with us her experience of another type of therapy she has had with Bonnie Weiss, ‘Legend Work’.  This involves dealing with all of the burdens we have in our lives. These could be burdens gained through experience, or those passed down to us from our parents. The end goal is having all of our burdens, including those of all of our ancestors, buried or burned. In return we gain virtues from our ancestors that we carry with us.  This also leads to Ela discussing how she mixes her background in brain science with her path of spirituality, to shape her overall beliefs.  Links Internal Family Systems Therapy, Richard Schwartz Previous episodes Internal Family Systems - An Expert’s Perspective. Interview With Bonnie Weiss, Psychotherapist (Part 1) Internal Family Systems - An Expert’s Perspective. Interview With Bonnie Weiss, Psychotherapist (Part 2)

In this episode Ela shares an update on the podcast. She explains how the show has taken a different direction to what she had originally planned.  Ela has changed as a person since starting the show. She has been working hard internally to make changes in her own life which has been the main driver of this shift. Listen as she guides us to find the power to make big changes in our own lives.

We are joined again by Clive Holmes, for Part 2 of his interview with Ela.  Clive Holmes has been teaching meditation for the last twenty five years all over the UK, as well as in Samye Dzong centres overseas. He has completed over a year in intensive retreat and has studied in Europe and India with teachers from Burma, South East Asia, Japan and Tibet. He also has a degree in western philosophy. He is co-editor of  the books “Taming the Tiger”and “Restoring the Balance” by Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche. He also has an honorary appointment as Teaching Fellow in the School of Education at Aberdeen University and is involved in teaching MSc Mindfulness. In this episode Clive talks about grace, the meaning of it, and its importance in all of our lives. Do you understand its meaning? Listen as Clive explains why it is necessary for self peace.  Links Clive Holmes website

He has been mentioned a lot in this podcast, and we are finally joined by Ela’s teacher, Clive Holmes, in Part 1 of this interview.  Clive Holmes has been teaching meditation for the last twenty five years all over the UK, as well as in Samye Dzong centres overseas. He has completed over a year in intensive retreat and has studied in Europe and India with teachers from Burma, South East Asia, Japan and Tibet. He also has a degree in western philosophy. He is co-editor of  the books “Taming the Tiger”and “Restoring the Balance” by Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche. He also has an honorary appointment as Teaching Fellow in the School of Education at Aberdeen University and is involved in teaching MSc Mindfulness. In this episode Ela asks him about his interpretation of gratitude, externally and internally.  Links Clive Holmes website 

In the last episode of 2019 we focussed on our ‘word for 2020’. In this first episode of the year we talk about choosing the qualities we want to see in ourselves.  Listen as Ela shares who her heroes are and the qualities they possess. Think of your heroes. And think of the qualities they possess that you admire and look up to. How can you incorporate these into your life to be the person you want to be?  Ela also has an exciting announcement about a new guest who is coming onto the show soon!  Links Ricardo Semler - TED talk  Ricardo Semler - The Seven Day Weekend

It’s the final episode of the year so it is the perfect time to be talking fresh starts and goal planning. Join Ela and Mario as they discuss new year’s resolutions and why these aren’t always the best way to enter a new year. Rather than adding these extra stresses to her life, Ela sets a word which forms the basis of her year. This year it was ‘show-up’. Listen as Ela explains what this means in her daily life and why she chose it. Mario adopted this intention this year and his word was ‘simplify’. Ela shares what her new ‘word’ for 2020 is, and how she chose it. What will your word for 2020 be? 

In this episode we welcome back Bonnie Weiss for Part 2 of her interview with Ela. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet you can do that here: Bonnie Weiss Interview Part 1 In this second half we dive deeper into how IFS therapy works and how it focuses on our self being. We hear how it is used as a healing method within its relationship with spirituality.  Bonnie has taught classes and workshops on inner critic, self-esteem, overeating, and IFS in Israel, Ireland, and at Esalen Institute in California. She is the author of: Illustrated Workbook For Freedom from Your Inner Critic: A Self Therapy Approach, and Self-Therapy Workbook: An Exercise Book For The IFS Process. She currently has a private practice in Mill Valley, San Francisco, and  works with individuals, couples, and offers professional supervision. Feel free to get in touch with her directly at bonnieweiss@gmail.com   Links Bonnie Weiss Bonnie’s husband’s book: Self-Therapy: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Wholeness and Healing Your Inner Child Using IFS, A New, Cutting-Edge Psychotherapy Bonnie’s book: Self-Therapy Workbook: An Exercise Book For The IFS Process Online courses offered by Bonnie Weiss & Jay Earley The IFS Institute

We have heard Internal Family Systems (IFS) mentioned a lot in the podcast over the past few months. In this episode Ela is joined by guest Bonnie Weiss, a psychotherapist, teacher, supervisor, and trainer. She is a licensed clinical social worker in California and New York, and has been practicing since 1974. In this interview with Bonnie we are introduced to IFS therapy. She explains how she got involved with this, and the basis of how it works.  Bonnie has taught classes and workshops on inner critic, self-esteem, overeating, and IFS in Israel, Ireland, and at Esalen Institute in California. She is the author of: Illustrated Workbook For Freedom from Your Inner Critic: A Self Therapy Approach, and Self-Therapy Workbook: An Exercise Book For The IFS Process. She currently has a private practice in Mill Valley, San Francisco, and  works with individuals, couples, and offers professional supervision. Feel free to get in touch with her directly at bonnieweiss@gmail.com   Links Bonnie Weiss Bonnie’s husband’s book: Self-Therapy: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Wholeness and Healing Your Inner Child Using IFS, A New, Cutting-Edge Psychotherapy Bonnie’s book: Self-Therapy Workbook: An Exercise Book For The IFS Process Online courses offered by Bonnie Weiss & Jay Earley The IFS Institute

Why is it so difficult for some people to say no? Listen as Ela and Mario discuss how our culture and upbringing influences this and the reasons why people find this hard to do. You don’t need a reason to say no to things. It is not being selfish, it is a form of self care. It is up to us to figure out the balance that we need in our own lives. In this episode Ela encourages us to be honest in these situations to avoid guilt and stress. She also explains how different issues in our lives impact our ability to say no to make time for ourselves. The only way to grow is to identify and change these behaviours - re-parent ourselves. When you start saying no to the things you don't want, you start making way for the things you do. Do you feel you need more time for yourself and for the things you really want? Maybe you need to say no more often.

We are joined again by Barbara Carrellas to continue her talk with Ela.  The focus of this second half of the interview is educating children/teenagers about sex. Barbara shares her views on the best way this should be taking place.  We also learn the difference between ‘allowance’ and ‘permission’ and how boundaries are introduced. Barbara also shares with us the biggest complaint that her students have when it comes to their sex lives. Can you guess what this might be?  Links PE Sacrifice vs Giving - Episode 16  Barbara Carrellas Un-Blog Urban Tantra  Urban Tantra, GoodReads Ecstasy Is Necessary: A Practical Guide Betty Martin - wheel of consent (youtube video) Scarleteen Cheri Huber 

In this first part of a 2 part episode, Ela interviews Barbara Carrellas about her fascinating work in sex education.  Barbara is an author, artist, innovator, instigator and thought leader in the fields of sex, gender and spirit. She works as a life coach, sex educator, workshop facilitator, university lecturer, and motivational speaker. Barbara wrote, directed and produced films and educational audio series. She’s also the author of: Urban Tantra & Ecstasy Is Necessary. Listen as Barbara discusses how she got into this work, the types of people she helps, and the reasons why she believes in mixing sexuality with spirituality through tantra.  Links Barbara Carrellas Un-Blog Urban Tantra  Urban Tantra, GoodReads Ecstasy Is Necessary: A Practical Guide Betty Martin - wheel of consent (youtube video)

In this episode Ela and Mario continue the discussion on how emotions are neither good or bad, they just exist. It is how we act on them that matters.  The 3 rules to remember; A) there is no such thing as a bad emotion, B) our emotions may not always seem rational, but they are there for a reason, C) emotions can be very powerful but they can be managed.  Ela also carries out a small exercise which will uncover what emotions you feel in different circumstances.

In this episode Ela and Mario continue their conversation from last week about controlling our emotions.  The focus is on emotional myths. ‘Sharing problems with others is a burden’. Or, ‘If I share my emotions I will expose my vulnerability and appear weak’. Amongst others. Do either of these sound familiar to you?  Listen how Ela discusses how you can change these thoughts. The world and environment actually changes depending on our perspective on it. And as Ela says, “we are unlimited and editable.” Links Running on Empty, Dr Jonice Webb Seinfeld - The Opposite Clive Holmes

Join Ela and Mario as they talk about energy. Ela discusses how it is present in her life and how not everyone is so sensitive to it.  Also in this episode we hear more about how we all have the power to alter our emotions. Our thoughts always come first. They fuel our emotions. Did you know that you can choose to change how you feel? As Ela’s mentor Clive says, “you can Identify your emotion but don’t identify with it”

Having needs, wishes and desires does not make you selfish. Nor does it make you needy or seeking attention.  Listen as Ela and Marion talk about needs and jealousy. Do you ever find yourself feeling jealous of someone else? This is okay. You are human. This is not a negative thought. Jealousy stems from wanting better for ourselves and this is a good thing! How you act on this feeling is really what matters.  Don't label feelings such as neediness, selfishness, jealousy. They are feelings just like any others. Be aware of them and try and find where they are coming from. Deal with them with attention and compassion and love and great things will happen.   Links Running on Empty, Dr Jonice Webb

How often do you let the fear of what might happen affect your experiences? Join Ela and Marco on this episode of Peaceful Ease as they discuss how a change in mindset can dramatically change how you deal with different situations. Ela gives examples of recent occurences in which she was faced with potential problems. She could have concerned herself with the what-ifs. Instead she explains how meditation and Internal Family Systems therapy has provided the tools to only see the ‘what is’.  Ela sets another challenge in this episode which will make you more aware of how many  ‘what-ifs’ you let in to your own life.

In this episode we welcome back Nicole Ehrenberg for Part 2 of her interview with Ela. If you didn’t catch the first part of this series go and listen to it now on Episode 51!  Listen as Ela asks Nicole more about her. What was the inspiration that led her on this journey to where she is now? Nicole shares how her calling started at a very young age and began with communicating with animals. She also explains how as humans we are all natural and capable healers. Have you been inspired to try Constellation Therapy yet? Links U Change - Nicole’s website 

In the last episode we were introduced to Constellation Therapy. Over the next two we talk with Nicole Ehrenberg who led Ela’s experience with this.  Listen as Ela becomes the interviewer and asks Nicole all about this type of therapy. We dig deeper into what Constellation actually is and how Nicole creates the magic, as Ela calls it, with her work. We also hear more about Ela’s experience with this.  You don’t want to miss this fascinating interview!  Links U Change - Nicole’s website 

The main purpose of this podcast if to create awareness about different options for dealing with different situations. The end goal is that you feel more emotionally balanced and able to express yourself better and have peaceful, happy and inspiring lives.  One of these options is Family Constellation Therapy. Ela recently participated in this and she shares her experience in this episode. This group therapy involves participants representing the family members of another person within the group to help recognise difficult family entanglements.  Ela describes the experience as magical.  Does this sound like something you might be interested in trying yourself?  Links The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

In this episode Ela joins us from her new temporary home. She is currently on the Spanish island Mallorca working on her Internal Family Systems. If you didn’t catch the show about this go listen to Episode 28! Ela talks to us about the new situations she has found herself in since moving to her new home 2 weeks ago. She also shares the ways in which she has dealt with these. Listen as Ela explains how we create our own lives and environment. We choose to be what we are through a projection of the qualities of our minds. How does your mind manifest your life?

In this episode we catch up with Ela to hear about what is happening in her life at the moment.  She also shares one of her own poems with us, ‘Shine’. This sets off a deep discussion between Ela and Mario about how we need to love and look after ourselves first before we can do the same for others. Ela explains how she found the inspiration for this poem while she was studying in India.  We also celebrate Peaceful Ease making it into the Top 100 podcast list in Ela’s home country Turkey! 

According to the Ancient Greeks there are 8 types of love. In this episode Ela shares the list with us. From ‘familiar’ love which is that shared between a child and parent. To ‘mania’ love involving anger and jealousy. To ‘Eros’ which is associated with romantic, passionate, and physical love. Listen as Ela and Mario break down each type of love and discuss them in great detail. We hear about the different situations you will find these types of loves and how they might fit into your own life.  Can you think of any more to add to the list? Links Men Marry Women

In this episode we talk not about what love is, but what love is not.  Ela recently came across a quote, “Love is the absence of fear”. This prompted her to extend this list about what love isn’t. She shares that with us here.  We are all responsible for how we express our love to others. It shouldn’t hurt. It shouldn’t demand. It shouldn’t create fear. Can you add any more ideas to Ela’s list? Links Men Marry Women

Listen as Ela shares some very fascinating facts on the history of our planet. The past 4.5 billion years get compressed into just one, meaning 144 years is 1 second. Life appeared 3.8 billion years ago. On the geologic calendar, that makes February 25 Life’s birthday. The dinosaurs arrive around December 10 and disappear on Christmas Day. The first of our ancestors recognizable as human would not show up until the afternoon of December 31.  Widening your perspective makes it much easier to increase feelings of gratitude for the gift of life we have been given. Links The history of life in a single year! Earth’s calendar year  Nearly half the planet's population lives on less than $5.50 a day One-Quarter of World's Population Lacks Electricity

In this episode Ela reads us an old Chinese story which she first heard many years ago. She has carried the lesson of this story throughout her life.  The message behind this is that our journeys are a never ending cycle of good and bad, light and darkness. It’s aim is to teach us to enjoy every aspect of life and to be grateful to be here to experience it all. Always know that the darkness will eventually pass and sometimes things that appear to be negative, turn out to be for the best.  Can you remember a time when you were quick to judge a situation only for it to turn out differently? Links:  The Chinese Man and His Horse 

Join the second part of this interview between Ela and Patrick Munoz, one of the world’s top voice and speech coaches.  Patrick continues explaining to us the work he does and why it’s so important. He also shares stories of some of his most successful cases which are motivating and inspiring. Ela also shares her experience with Patrick and what she has learnt from him. Links:  Patrick Munoz  Patrick Munoz on Yelp Patrick Munoz on Youtube

In Part 1 of this 2-part episode, Ela becomes the interviewer as she introduces a special guest onto the show, Patrick Munoz. Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach based in Los Angeles who Ela has worked under as a student.  Patrick has coached executives and leaders in public speaking for the United Nations, Wells Fargo, Southern California Edison, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, CO Architects, Luxottica, Pharmavite, The Agency, Spokeo and Turner Classic Movies. He is the Voice & Speech Coach for Disney’s top television shows and television and film coaching include: Without a Trace, KC Undercover, Hostage and Van Helsing.  Patrick is in private practice in West Hollywood and works with clients all over the world. Students include Penelope Cruz, Andie MacDowell, Eva Longoria, and New York Times’ Bestselling Author Alan C. Fox. Join this fascinating conversation about the importance of our voices and how Patrick helps his students use them positively.  Links:  Patrick Munoz  Patrick Munoz on Yelp Patrick Munoz on Youtube

Do you suffer from stress? If yes, did you know there are ways to cut it out of your life completely?  Join Ela and Mario as they have a detailed discussion about how stress plays a part in their lives. They both share the tools and mindsets they have incorporated over the years to infact now live ‘stress-free’. You will soon be able to introduce these techniques into your own life to change how you perceive stress. Sometimes it’s just believing in the universe doing it’s best for you.  To put this into practice Ela sets an exercise which will have you taking a look back at some events in your own life that may have turned out much differently than you expected.  Links:  The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle

In this episode we hear Ela read a poem, ‘Hokusai says’, and listen as she and Mario discuss the meaning and beauty behind it. This is a simple but deep passage. It is a gentle reminder to feel, stay aware, be curious. Let life live through you. Ela explains how she lets life live through her. Now it’s your turn to do the same. Links: Hokusai Says, by Roger Keyes

“History is always present in the moment.”   This episode focuses around a book called “The Circle of Security Intervention: Enhancing Attachment in Early Parent-Child Relationships”. It talks about the relationship between parent and child and the balance required to guide a child into a stable life.  We don’t need to ask adults about their history; all we have to do is to observe their pattern in behaviour in intimate relationships. A child’s perception of their parents when they need to feel safe, will impact the adult they become.  Whether you are a parent or not, this episode will encourage a deeper understanding of the relationships in your life.    Links:  The Circle of Security Intervention: Enhancing Attachment in Early Parent-Child Relationships

Get to know Ela better in this episode as she shares more about her life and the experiences that shaped her into the person she is today. Even before she was born Ela suffered a major trauma and a very tough childhood. This eventually pushed her to search for peace and self-love. It was 20 years ago that she embarked on this path and although she has come a very long way, the journey continues. Ela is a shining example that we can all change the way we perceive our life and the world in which we live for the better, despite the obstacles in our way.

Do you find yourself labeling things as good or bad? If so, this episode is for you! Listen as Ela gives us a glimpse into her discussions with her meditation teacher Clive Holmes. The topic is gratitude. This episode is about how our minds and hearts perceive situations and experiences differently. We'll learn how to see things as 'helpful' or 'harmful' rather than 'good' or 'bad'. So that we can evaluate life's events in a constructive way, and create a positive ripple effect in our lives. Are you ready to change your life by changing your mindset?

In this episode Ela and Mario talk about impermanence. Listen as Ela reads a passage from the 17th Karmapa. It’s about starting a new life every single morning. When you wake up, ask yourself: what kind of person will live your life that day? Ela talks about how to start every new day with positive habits, and what you could you be doing differently to successfully organize the rest of your day. She also sets an exercise at the end of the episode, which will help you achieve a more focused and mindful way of living.

Ela is back after an intense week of hiking in the Swiss/Italian Alps. This is something she does every year. As an escape, and as a challenge.  This annual event is Ela’s favorite week of her year. It allows her to go back to the basics. Carrying all she needs on her back and living very simply. It is mentally and physically challenging. And yet it is a conscious choice to take this on. There are many lessons to be learnt in pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone. But one major lesson Ela always takes away from this is that nothing is permanent. No matter how tired, hungry, sad, fed up we are. If we can remind ourselves it is only temporary, it makes it much easier to deal with and get through.  Are you the type of person who chooses to step out of your comfort zone to be challenged?

Where do you hold your stress? Where do you feel tension in your body right now? The tension we have in different parts of our bodies is often a direct result of specific emotions. For instance, pain in the chest, head and around the shoulders means holding sadness, grief and disappointment. Listen to this episode, as Ela explains what kind of feelings cause aches in certain areas of our bodies. You'll also learn how to uncover their cause through awareness and self-compassion. Like Ela says, we may not be able choose our feelings, but we can certainly choose how our body processes them. Links:  Niki Flacks. Acting with Passion: A Performer's Guide to Emotions on Cue

What does it mean to 'turn inward' or outward? In this episode, we hear Ela respond to a listener email asking about the inner and outer journeys. She explains how 'turning inward' and becoming aware of what's happening inside can create magic in one's life and relationships. Walking a journey we don’t really want is a regret for many. So if you have the aspiration to live your life truthfully and want to have the courage to express yourself, this episode is just for you. Links:  The Top 5 Regrets Of The Dying