The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

 

Credit: The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

 

Many famed music producers are known for a particular sound that has its day. Rick Rubin is known for something else: creating a space where artists of all different genres and traditions can home in on who they really are and what they really offer. He has made a practice of helping people transcend their self-imposed expectations in order to reconnect with a state of innocence from which the surprising becomes inevitable. Over the years, as he has thought deeply about where creativity comes from and where it doesn’t, he has learned that being an artist isn’t about your specific output, it’s about your relationship to the world. Creativity has a place in everyone’s life, and everyone can make that place larger. In fact, there are few more important responsibilities. The Creative Act is a beautiful and generous course of study that illuminates the path of the artist as a road we all can follow. It distills the wisdom gleaned from a lifetime’s work into a luminous reading experience that puts the power to create moments—and lifetimes—of exhilaration and transcendence within closer reach for all of us. Credit: The Creative Act; Rick Rubin.

Hustle Harder with 50 Cent

 

Credit: 50 Cent, Hustle Harder Hustle Smarter

Overview

For the first time, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson opens up about his amazing comeback—from tragic personal loss to thriving businessman and cable’s highest-paid executive—in this unique self-help guide, his first since his blockbuster New York Times bestseller The 50th Law.

In his early twenties Curtis Jackson, known as 50 Cent rose to the heights of fame and power in the cutthroat music business. A decade ago the multi-platinum selling rap artist decided to pivot. His ability to adapt to change was demonstrated when he became the executive producer and star of Power, a high-octane, gripping crime drama centered around a drug kingpin’s family. The series quickly became “appointment” television, leading to Jackson inking a four-year, $150 million contract with the Starz network—the most lucrative deal in premium cable history.

Now, in his most personal book, Jackson shakes up the self-help category with his unique, cutting-edge lessons and hard-earned advice on embracing change. Where The 50th Law tells readers “fear nothing and you shall succeed,” Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter builds on this message, combining it with Jackson’s street smarts and hard-learned corporate savvy to help readers successfully achieve their own comeback—and to learn to flow with the changes that disrupt their own lives. Credit: Hustle Harder Hustle Smarter

#ComingSoon Ron Richard Visits Moving Mountains

 #ComingSoon

Entrepreneur, Inventor and Author Ron Richard

Credit: Sasha Talks | Guest Image: Ron Richard

Credit: Someday is Today

Someday is Today by Ron F. Richard

@ Amazon @ GoodReads

About the Author

Mr. Richard has been employed in the medical industry for over thirty-five years and has extensive knowledge and experience in respiratory, pulmonary, and sleep medicine. He began his medical career working in a respiratory department at a large teaching hospital in the Midwest. Upon leaving the medical center, he became involved in owning and operating home care companies, sleep laboratories, manufacturers, and distribution businesses. In addition to these experiences, he was instrumental in developing and designing several products used in the treatment and diagnosis of chronic health care conditions. He has launched over 40 major products resulting in sales of over $1B.

He has held senior-level positions with Nellcor Puritan Bennett, Thermo Electron, ResMed, Qualcomm, SeQual Technologies, and several other companies in the area of sleep and respiratory care sectors. He graduated from Baker University with a degree in Business Administration. He holds certificates in respiratory care and emergency medicine. He has been awarded 15 patents and multiple industry awards due to his focus and dedication to improving health care outcomes. He also enjoys writing music and performing live concerts around the country and has played over 500 shows over the past 10 years. Credit: Amazon Authors

New Insights Coming Soon!

New Guests Join the Authors Table! 

Credit: Authors by Sasha

Interested participants contact here.

Mention Authors by Sasha as reference for priority.

Spirituality & Benefits of Theta Healing

 Meet Chelsea Henderson, Entrepreneur and Theta Healing Practitioner

Credit: Chelsea Henderson

When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up at he age of five, Chelsea’s response was “A Healer”. Since childhood she was an Empath and highly intuitive. Always picking up on the energy and emotions of others was simply a lot of stimuli, and overwhelming at times. As she grew into her teenage years she realized this was not a curse, but a gift. She then learned to use these gifts to motivate, empower, emotionally heal, and intuitively offer words and advice that would provide solutions to other’s problems in life. After studying psychology, pre-med, and realizing neither fields were what she aligned with at the core of her being she began a normal corporate job. It wasn’t until she realized it was not the effort, education, intellectual abilities, or any of that alone bringing her the results she wanted. It was a state of being that she was tapped into at all times, sometimes referred to as the state of “Flow”. After much research on everything from science to spirituality to behaviors and qualities of “The Greats” in history, she discovered a multitude of healing modalities. Now Chelsea practices these techniques to heal, enhance performance in, and mentor other. Chelsea lives with the mission of raising human consciousness and expanding awareness of the true human potential that lives within us all. Credit: Chelsea Henderson's Site

Meet Chelsea Henderson, Healing Practitioner

Credit: Chelsea Henderson

Welcome Chelsea! As a spiritual entrepreneur, how were you initially introduced to spirituality and what role does it play in your life?

I wouldn’t say I was even “spiritual” when introduced to spirituality. I was  too young to understand the concept. I’ve been an Intuitive and Empath  since I was about 5 years-old, and was very energetically sensitive. I picked  up on the energies of those around me in an almost debilitating way. As a  child I was a mute; wouldn’t speak a word to anyone but my mother and  father. My siblings, extended family, school teachers, etc. couldn’t pay me  to speak. Always picking up on the energy and emotions of others was a lot of stimuli, and just overwhelmed me. Crowded places like grocery stores and shopping malls made for a rough trip. It was before I was able to discern between my own emotions and vibrational frequency to what I was picking up on from others. it’d just come in as one heaping pile of discordant information. Since our energy fields are etheric in nature, I think these experiences were my introduction to spirituality and the higher realms we express ourselves in non physically.

Spirituality now plays an integral role in my life, my work, and how I co-create my human experience. As an intuitive healer, life coach, spiritual teacher, and Channeler, my work can’t be done without this collaborative, co-creative effort between spirit and our 3D physical reality. The higher vibrational frequencies of the realms giving me the information must be tapped into from where I stand physically focused into form. It’s all co-creative. 

How would you describe spirituality to someone who perceives it to be a foreign concept?

**We would ask them what their definition of “foreign” is. If they agreed with the general concept that something “foreign” is of an unfamiliar form, different of one’s own- we would say spirituality can never be a foreign concept. It has never been. The essence of who you are, at the core of your being, after every part of your physical structure is stripped away is spirit. Thought forms don’t need a physical structure to exist, that’s just how they enter our physical brain from a universal conscious network. Thoughts are then spiritual. Pure Unconditional love is not only the strongest unifying force on the planet, it’s the frequency of the creator of all that is. God is literally love, both of which are spiritual in nature. Anything that exists but is non physically focused is considered spirituality. Quantum physics, metaphysics, energy, consciousness- it’s all spirituality. **

** = Spiritually channeled response hence the 'we' pronoun referencing Spirit.

​

Chelsea, your work focuses on Theta Healing. What is theta healing and how does it differ from other healing modalities that encompass energy and distance?

The ThetaHealing® technique is a meditation technique and spiritual philosophy – not specific to one religion but accepting them all – with the purpose of getting closer to the Creator. It is a training method for your mind, body, and spirit that allows you to clear limiting beliefs and live life with positive thoughts, developing virtues in all that we do. Through meditation and prayer, the ThetaHealing® Technique creates a positive lifestyle.

The ThetaHealing® technique is always taught to be used in conjunction with conventional medicine. It teaches how to put to use one’s own natural intuition, relying upon unconditional love of the Creator Of All That Is to do the actual “work.” We believe by changing your brain wave cycle to include the “Theta” state, you can actually watch the Creator Of All That Is create instantaneous physical and emotional well-being. We have learned that through the ThetaHealing® Technique intuitive abilities can be used to bring about spontaneous physical and emotional well-being.

I was attracted to Thetahealing® because the modality combines energy healing, intuitive medicine, and science into one practice. At age 5 I knew I wanted to be a healer and I had to take a lot of wrong paths before finding out what being a healer meant for me. I studied pre-med, but it was too spiritually restricting. I studied psychology which felt better, but still wasn’t the best form of expression for my intuitive abilities. When I found Thetahealing® I felt like I found somewhere I could fit. It was a happy marriage between science and spirituality, which makes for a very effective holistic method of healing. Thus it was the first modality I became certified to practice. Over time it has opened me up to abilities and gifts I never knew I had, and do things I never thought to be humanly possible. 

What forms of healing have been effective in your personal and spiritual growth?

Belief work. Sometimes the only thing holding us back from healing or living the life of our dreams are our negative and limiting beliefs. It’s the old programs we’ve been running, some since childhood, that are no longer serving us to hold onto. If you hold on long enough they will manifest as physical illnesses as well. Clearing limited beliefs, old programs, and patterns was the hardest part for me but the most beneficial. It’s something I practice on myself and my clients in healing sessions. 

If you had a magic wand, what would you like to change (or improve) pertaining the modes of healing that exist within the earth realm?

**If we had a magic wand and could change anything right here right now, we would get rid of old broken systems and create new conscious systems. I.e. educational systems, entertainment and music industries, financial and political systems, institutions etc. We would wave the wand and transform everyone working in these systems into heart centered and conscious beings, serving the highest good of everyone involved in and affected by their actions. 

You didn’t say how many changes, so we would also transform earth and those who inhabit into a symbiotic species and planet. It would be a planet of beings denoting a mutually beneficial relationship between different people, groups, systems and species’ throughout all levels of existence on earth. Thus throughout all levels of existence universally, because as you ascend so does the rest of existence. Ideally everyone would work together to ensure survival, well being, and further evolution on a collective level. There’s no I in team. The more people wake up from the illusion of separation, realizing that we are all connected as one, they will come to realize that this is the key to ensuring their survival, their neighbors, and the world’s.**

** = Spiritually channeled response hence the 'we' pronoun referencing Spirit.

As a healing practitioner and life coach, what have you learned about human beings and their quest for goal actualization? Are there any common themes present among the clients you serve?

Goals…… I’ve never been a fan of them. The common theme present when I’d use systems to track where me or my clients were in relationship to our goals, was that we all left feeling like failures when we didn’t achieve them. I practice the same methods I give my clients so I’ve experienced the repeated feeling of defeat and unworthiness as well. I don’t care how outrageous/unrealistic the goals may have been. Walking away having not achieved them just re-enforced the feeling and re-ran the program that we weren’t good enough. So we stopped working on goals and started working on Alchemy. 

As a Pisces and someone that's studied psychology, metaphysics, mysticism and the like in depth, I’m a combination of a “magician” energy as known by tarot, and a master manifester. I love it, and it’s what I enjoy doing in my own life and teaching to others. I teach (what I think is) a simple method to create something from nothing instead of chasing and reaching from a state of misalignment from where you prefer to be. The first thing I think when I hear “goal” is the fact that I haven’t reached where I’m trying to go. You can’t get there from a state of lack or limitation, which is where you always start when you set a goal. 

Chelsea, you also host workshops where you channel messages. Can you please share how channeling works? Are there any messages you've received that have surprised you during these live experiences?

Channeling kind of works like a radio. My guides will broadcast information on a certain “radio station” and my brain works as the receiver. So when I tune my brainwave state and vibrational frequency to theirs and they tune their frequency to mine- a moment happens where we meet in the middle and link. My brain, the receiver, can then receive the information they’re sending out in the form of downloads. The downloads go through the language center of my brain and convert the information into our human language, in the way that’s best representative of the concepts. That’s how my guides have explained it to me. 

I can choose my active level of involvement in the process. If I want to completely take the back seat and let them drive, I can. I don’t have to actively listen to what they’re saying. My consciousness could be in a far away corner taking a nap, and when I come back the interaction is over. On the other end I could be fully involved, listen, participate and speak on behalf of my guides. I just want everyone to clearly understand my level of free will, because channeling is never forced or imposed upon me. I invoke it. The strangest thing that’s happened when channeling was just in front of a few people, but I received information in a different language and had to Google it. Thankfully it didn’t hurt my credibility because the message made complete sense. It just opened my mind up to a moment of “Okay, so that’s something that can happen. Good to know.” 

As an avid advocate of the arts, you also write and produce music. What genre of music do you enjoy listening to?

No one ever likes my response to this question, but I actually don’t listen to much music. As a highly creative person I have to be careful of what I feed my mind, so as not to recreate it in my music or reality. That’s the bigness of the innate capability we all have. So I try to limit my exposure to external influences that don’t resonate with me on a soul level. By feeding my soul instead of my mind I found that the music I’d write and produce was always unique, and an authentic expression of who I am. I create the music of my soul, and when I find other people that forge their own path in that way I enjoy listening to their music too. 

What genre of music do you produce to support your creative and spiritual calling?

This kind of relates to my previous response. I’ve been writing music since I was 9. In my teen years of writing for other people I would just write lyrics to fit the form they wanted it to fit. A lot of it was rap and hip hop focused. As a teenager I found it cool and fun to express a gritty aspect of myself through the artists. As I evolved spirituality I found it harder and increasingly less satisfying to write things that weren’t in alignment with who I was. The more you live your truth and stand in your own power, the more uncomfortable it gets to wear a mask. I started producing because it gave me complete creative freedom. 

I spent 10 hours a day for 3 days in my friends studio learning how to make music. I played every sound from scratch, no samples, exactly the way I heard it in my mind. I had never played instruments before, but when my hands hit the synthesizer keyboard I knew what to do. I just closed my eyes and played. Being freed from the creative constraints of staying in a certain lane allowed me to channel my music, and tap into my creative abilities as a producer and songwriter.

I’ve made my own meditation music recently that supports both callings. I’ve also written some songs that just felt good to write. I don't know what I’ll do with them right now which is fine. I wrote them simply for the joy it brought me to do so. It supports my creative and spiritual calling by keeping me in alignment with my highest self. I do have an affinity for certain sounds and instruments. I’ve also noticed an etheric quality that’s pretty consistent throughout my music. I’m drawn to the violin, piano, harp, cello, acoustic guitar, and symphonic sounds.

Is there a ritual or process you emulate to write your music? When do you know you've completed writing an entire piece of music?

I’ve changed the way I initiate writing songs. I used to make the decision to start writing the song based on when I felt I had to have it done by. I would find myself unable to find words or establish a flow. It left me to reach for the material and extract the words from my brain, instead of allowing them to flow from my soul. It was very counter intuitive. Now I start with managing the state I’m in. If I’m properly aligned I’ll just start hearing lyrics in my head and have to rush to my phone or grab a pen and paper. Sometimes I’ll get them in a dream and write them when I wake up. The song doesn’t go away until it’s written though. I usually find myself free writing it in one sitting. Then I’ll structure and rewrite it in another. That’s basically the extent of the process. 

What is the secret to writing music that will be entertained by the media, music, TV and healing industry?

The secret is to not. When you write or create something that’s an authentic expression of you and your truth, the right people will find resonance with it. Just don’t lose sight of what you’re doing it for, and let go of attachment to any particular outcome. Don’t pay attention to the 100 people that don’t find resonance, focus on the 5 that do. Those are your people, you woke them up, they’ll wake up others, and what’s entertained by those industries will change. 

Chelsea, you represent a few roles in your life from a spiritual practitioner to an entrepreneur. Which role among many (healing practitioner, entrepreneur, writer, musician; etc.) came first?

Writing definitely came first. I started writing music lyrics and poetry when I was nine years-old. I barely spoke so that’s how I was able to express myself. I wrote my first children’s book in 4th grade (around the same age), my dad illustrated it, and my teacher published it. At that age nothing is really a role though, it’s a skill or hobby.

What is the best advice you've received as a healing practitioner?

I was usually rejected by a lot of the people I would ask for advice. Which was good because it was my journey to experience and my path to pave. The answers to my questions were revealed to me in the form of lessons and life experiences. Life has always been my best teacher. 

What is the most useful advice you'd offer to a spiritual practitioner in training?

Work from the inside out. Align within first, then act in the world. That way you’ll encounter the path of least resistance and your inner guidance will be loud and clear. 

When producing healing music, what are the essential variables which permit the music to have a healing effect on listeners?

There are healing frequencies that when synchronized with your brainwaves, they create a destress response within the body. For example 963 Hz, 852 Hz, or 741 Hz. There’s also sound healing instruments like crystal singing bowls. A soft, rhythmic, soothing tone of voice of any mantras or vocals also helps. 

Chelsea, one of your aspirations including directing a TV series. What type of artistic genre would you like to direct? Do you also have any desire to act in these TV series?

Sci-Fi, Drama, Fiction, Adventure, Mystery, Fantasy- I’m open to creating anything I’m inspired by. I don’t have a desire to act in them, but that’s not to say I’ll always feel that way. Who knows?

If you could have directed a TV series that existed in the past decade, do you have a favorite show where you'd love to see your name in the credits?

I feel like the best is yet to be created. 

As an artist and healer, you are also writing a book. What is one important thing you would like all future readers to know about you through your writings?

It is my passion, pleasure, and purpose to bring through the information that I do. Me and my guides appreciate the opportunity to share our perspective with them.

You are a talented professional representing a wide array of the creative arts. By any chance, do you tell or know any good jokes? :)

Relationships are like toots. If you have to force it, it’s probably poop. :)

Please share with audiences how they can support your work.

Chelsea @ Theta Healing Here
Chelsea Henderson @ Squarespace Here

Meet Katia R.V. Reed, Author of The Foretold Story

Credit: Katia R.V. Reed

Katia, Welcome to Authors By Sasha. You're an artist of all sorts including being the founder of Victory Seen USA studios. ​How did VSU come into existence? 

Victory Seen Studios came into existence when I was in high school. Originally it was supposed to be called VBrice but my Graphic Design Teacher wasn’t feeling it. After playing around with it she said, “How about VSeeN?” which later became Victory SeeN USA. It is the place I call home to all my art and creations. 

The virtual studio welcomes visitors to explore writing, music, fashion and art of all sorts. When and how did writing become a main anchor of your work? When did fashion design enter the picture along your career path? 

​Writing has always been part of my life since I was a kid. I would keep a diary and write about my days. I would write about the dreams I dreamed, adventures and life’s usual yet unique encounters among many things I experienced. My first piece of work, which was a poem, part of a collective work of my 4th grade class, was published with the help of my 4th grade teacher. I continued writing from there more poetry and stories. Writing also became the anchor in developing my series throughout the years in bringing my creations and characters to life. As for fashion design, it was always part of my life too. Drawing my characters in fashions of my own was something I did. Of course, as I grew, the more I studied the art and production behind fashion design and pursued it on my own through fashion internships while in college for art and animation.

"The Foretold Story" is the debuting novel of a four-part book series that took 19 years to create from inception to launch. Is there a reason why this project remained in the incubation stage longer than other typical multi genre sci-fi fantasy novels? ​How have your writing abilities evolved over this extended time period? 

The project remained in incubation for so long because I was building the whole entire world for it, conceived at the age of 9 years old. Over the years, I have been working on it doing all the art, animation, character designs and story along with the filming of live-action demos. And of course, as I grew, the story and the art matured. During the time, I was also juggling life, mishaps, and other creations of mine such as PB The Angry Paper Bag. I also designed and completed the vision board of the much larger story tied to this book series that is currently in the form of a concept vision board website and the first full-length motion picture movie script in the series titled “Gordon’s Quest” which is completed. As for my writing, I would say my writing evolved in capturing vivid details and the many elements of life as well as strong character development. 

The character names and personalities appear diligently crafted and presented in "The Foretold Story". Which character did you find most challenging to name and why? Are any of the characters inspired from real life personas in your life? 

​The character I found the most difficult to name would be Midas, the main character of the story. I wanted his name to be as powerful as his father, Titan. A few months past, I went through numerous names from all different cultures with no success in finding a suitable one. And then I thought back on my high school English class when we studied in-depth Greek mythology. As I pondered, I liked the story of the King Midas with the golden touch. And strangely with the theme of the story, the name was a good fit. I then attempted to find the perfect middle and last name which failed. Then finally, a mentor of mine suggested Midas’s last name be Aurelin because AU stands for gold. So, I ended up naming Midas, “Midas Aurelin” and adjusted the spelling of Aurelin to Aurulien to make it more unique. I also eventually gave up on the middle name hunt but then in the story, Aurulien slowly transitions into becoming Midas’s middle name which was not planned but just happened and works out great maintaining the flow with his new last name which you will discover later in the book. As for the inspirations behind each character, as all artists do, I was inspired by some of the people I met along the way in my life’s journey and experiences while others are from dreams. 

Do you have any custom writing rituals you enjoy when sitting down to write? Where do you seek inspiration from when you encounter writer's block? 

​Yes, I have a nice cup of hot tea with ginger slices or a chai tea latte. I also pray before I start to work. I have Ivan Torrent music playing softly in the background. I have some of my favorite pieces of sea glass and a small jar of blue topaz that my nephew gave me. I then like to wear my Star Wars 1980’s tee-shirt and have my Legend of Zelda art book in hand. If it is nighttime, I like to light my crackling vanilla scented candle that a dear friend gave to me. I always enjoy writing by candlelight. I also have my creation “PB The Angry Paper Bag” pin on my desk where I can see it. Once my station is surrounded by my art and things I like, I am then ready to begin the writing and creating process. When I have writer's block, there are a couple of things I do. Sometimes I go for a walk in nature and let the nature around me inspire me. I also stay in prayer. The other thing I do is go into my big box of ideas that I wrote down throughout my life to bypass writers block especially when it's time sensitive. Sometimes I will stop working on the writing as a whole and go work on another project or even talk to some close friends about possible ideas. 

"The Foretold Story" takes place in New York City. Is there a reason why this city resonates with you as an author? If this story were to take place in another major U.S. city, would the premise of the story be different? Would the roles (not the personalities) of the characters differ than the original? 

New York City is my home. And some of my adventures took place there. If this story took place in another city, it wouldn’t be the same because the experiences didn’t happen there and as a result would be different.

If music was being orchestrated to support "The Foretold Story" in a motion picture, what genre of music would you incorporate in the film? Are there any musicians you'd invite to collaborate with La Musique Studio? 

If I had the opportunity, I would work with Hear My Declaration Band, Ivan Torrent, Seal, Parov Stelar, and John Williams along with a bunch of unknown musicians from all musical genres to come together to create this motion picture soundtrack for The Foretold Story movies. If Michael Jackson, Prince, and George Michael were still alive, I would want them all to be part of this. I would also have a few top-secret cameo band surprises and alliances. At that point, people would not only be coming to see the movie, but they would most certainly be coming for the music. 

Katia, what do you do for fun when you're not writing, designing or mixing beats? Art is a way of life. Is there any escaping it even in the leisure? 

For fun I like to play video games, read comic books and manga. Go to the movies. Study astrophysics. Go to Comic Con. I like adventures on the ocean, beach, and in nature. I like going to see operas, theater and ballets. I love having afternoon tea with friends. I like going to art museums and planetariums. Can I escape art even then? Nope. It’s in my DNA. No matter what, I am constantly analyzing and studying everything. Even the street corner. My mind followed by my hands are constantly creating which is why I always have a notebook or sketchbook with me. I am always getting inspired and getting new ideas. It never ends. 

Your novel hosts a very captivating book cover. What tips can you offer writers for choosing the right book cover to reflect their writing efforts? Your guidance can assist writers who produce their own book covers as well those who purchase covers from third parties.

First, I would like to thank you for your compliment on my book cover. The tips I would offer is first and foremost, have fun doing your book cover. At the same time, you have to take it seriously and find a balance because your book cover is the first thing the eyes see. It’s your sales pitch. Its business. Do a few different covers. Play around with composition and color schemes. Don’t rush it but do it. Allow it to flow. Ask yourself what your story is in one sentence. Work off that answer. Sum it all up in a book cover. This is what I did as I designed my own book cover for The Foretold Story book. 

As an entrepreneur managing a studio, what are some projects that you're most proud of? Are there any new projects being launched in the coming months?

Some of the projects I am most proud of is my novel, Gordon’s Quest Movie 1 Full Motion Picture Screenplay, PB The Angry Paper Bag, and My Box18 music. A few of many. There are some new projects and finishes coming soon. One being The Foretold Story Book 1: Part 2 due around Christmas of this year. Others are top secret and will be unveiled in time. 

​

Credit: Katia R.V. Reed

Please share with audiences where they can support your work.

The official website for The Foretold Story Book Series is www.theforetoldstory.com There on the website you will find social media and more information about the book including the purchase links. Please like, share and if you read the book, please leave an honest review. I would love to hear your thoughts on it. Also, my artist website is www.vseen.net and the Gordon’s Quest concept and vision board website is www.gordonsquest.net If you wish to contact me, you can do so through any of the websites.

Meet Kathy Gruver, Motivational Health Speaker

Credit: Kathy Gruver

Hi Kathy! It's been at least 3 years since we last crossed paths. What new endeavors are keeping you busy?

So much. I started increasing my hypnosis and coaching practice. My speaking engagements multiplied and I have the privilege of traveling around the world to deliver my talks on stress, mindfulness and communication. I’m studying more and more and just finishing up a phenomenal coaching program. On a personal note, I left a 20 year relationship, my father passed away and I’m in a great relationship now with a phenomenal man. 

One of your initiatives highlights the correlation between stress and communication. What are the common pitfalls of communication that yield more stress in life overall? 

Oh absolutely. It is so difficult to communicate well while in a stressful situation. There are several reasons for that. First off we tend to be in a reactive state rather than a responsive state when we’re stressed. Also, when we are stressed we are looking for danger in the environment and that means we are more sensitive to negative things. So we are going to be seeing things through the lens of negativity. That definitely can lead to misinterpretation, knee-jerk reactions, hurt feelings and judgments.

How have you become a better communicator while educating and sharing your insights with audiences? 

​For me personally, in teaching others to communicate well it has really forced me to look at my communication habits. I was always an interrupter. I was so sure I knew what the end of the sentence was I would just start talking over people. For the most part I stopped doing that. And I have mostly eliminated the word ‘but’ out of my vocabulary. ‘But’ and ‘should’ are two words that I recommend people eliminate.

I recall you sharing while growing up Mountain Dew was your 'go to' drink. :) As your health and wellness interests developed over time, your outlook shifted to improve oneself by learning about different modes of medical and holistic healing. How has your wellness journey evolved specifically over the past decade? 

​

LOL. Oh yes the Church of Mountain Dew. That was a thing. The more I learn and the more I expand my capacity for knowledge the more I have to really take a look at myself and question what I’m doing with my life. Whether it’s nutrition or healthy relationships or communication or meditation. Once you have knowledge of something it’s really hard to go back to those old ways.

And I wouldn’t want to.

You've penned at least seven books. Out of your book collection, which book was the most challenging to write and why? 

​

Well, the first was not easy because I have no clue what I was doing. Lol. But I guess I have to say Journey of Healing was in parts the most difficult. I told a lot of personal stories in it. There’s one chapter on how I was badly bullied as a kid and it was really hard to put on paper. Very few people knew that. I told the story of how I was walking home from school one day and was jumped by a girl. The only people that ever knew that were me and a few friends that were there and the girl and her friends. Having to write that brought up a lot of shame and humiliation. But once I got it out (and cried a little bit), I will admit I found it to be incredibly healing! I think writing is one of the most cathartic things we can do for ourselves. And I’ve had so many incredible compliments on that book and specifically that chapter. So I know it really has an effect on others.

Are there any writing tips you can share with new authors?

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Absolutely. I actually coach other authors and have an entire talk I give on writing books. The first thing is just go for it. Put pen to paper or fingers on the computer keys, or dictation and just get it out. And don’t think about it as writing an entire book. That seems so incredibly overwhelming. Think about it as writing a few sentences that become a paragraph that become a chapter that becomes a book. Break it down into doable chunks of what you want to say. As far as publishing goes, everybody thinks they want a traditional publisher. And that’s great for some but isn’t usually unfit for most authors. Think about what you really want from writing that book. Why are you writing the book? If it’s going to be a vanity project or something that you sell at your office or give away to friends and clients, a traditional publisher is not going to be the route to go for you. There are many low cost if not free self-publishing options that will get you the results you want. Also know that traditional publishers are not easy to get. Many will only go through an agent, which also takes a while to obtain. You have to write proposals that can be up to 50 or 60 pages. And it’s not quick. Most books through publishers take 12 to 24 months to get on a shelf. 

You've designed a privileged life and career that takes you all over the world for speaking engagements. Is there a particular city or country you're wanting to visit?

All of them. Can I say all of them? I have been truly privileged that I’ve been to the top seven places that I’ve always wanted to visit. I would love to go to Istanbul. I would love to go somewhere in Asia, maybe Japan or Vietnam. I’ve never been anywhere in South America and would love to see Machu Picchu. I think that might be the only thing that’s really left on my bucket list.

​I want to see everything.

As an avid fan of hip hop dance, who are your favorite music artists that entertain your senses?

If you could be a musician, whom would you love to collaborate with? 

This is a really hard one for me. I am terrible at knowing musical artists. I just dance to whatever my teacher puts on and I love it. I do love Lil John. Which is sort of funny for a middle-aged white woman. I really like harder music. Driving beats and lots of swearing. LOL. Which is also contrary to being in the healing arts. But it’s just what I like. Growing up I was a huge fan of Van Halen and Queen. Always wanted to sing a duet with Eddie Van Halen. Now I’m really dating myself.

You also host Women's Transformational Retreats. Who are the ideal candidates that can benefit from this wonderful activity? What types of transformations take place at these various venues?

Thanks for mentioning those. Of course they are on hold because of everything that's going on in the world. But when they are back up and running they are phenomenal for anyone who's at a crossroads in their life, who wants to stretch themselves and experiencing things that they might not experience otherwise. We do dance class, trapeze, improv, things that are really scary for some but stretch you out of your comfort zone. It's really an adventure. Just like life.

What is the most daring thing that you've done in the past year? What did you learn from this experience? 

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That’s really a tough one. I have been staring at that question for a while. I live my life in a daring way so nothing is really standing out. I decided to restructure my practice and cut back on massage to add in more coaching, hypnosis and speaking. Then that sort of fell apart with the pandemic. This might be a weird answer but I fell in love. And after getting out of a 20-year relationship that is pretty scary and daring. Didn’t think I would get back into a relationship so quickly, but less than a year after leaving my ex I happened to fall in love. I really had to trust and allow myself to be vulnerable to let that happen. That seemed pretty daring.

As a former actor, how can the universe ( or Hollywood ) entice you to play yourself on Netflix or the big screen?

I’d do in a heartbeat. LOL. I really do miss acting and have on numerous occasions considered moving back to Los Angeles and giving it a shot again. I was really damn good at it and think now with what I know about business and marketing and having a bigger confidence in myself. I think I would have a better chance at a career in it. Everyone tells me I look like a young Meryl Streep so perhaps we can play each other. LOL.

Please share with audiences how they can contact you and support your valuable projects. 

Oh sure, I’m all over social media. I run a really fun Facebook group called The Empowerment Project and I’m on LinkedIn and Instagram. My sites are www.KathyGruver.com & www.KathyGruver.coach for anyone interested in working with me one on one. I love to help, so please reach out. I know this is a difficult time for many and you don’t have to go through this alone!