Borrowed Time

First of all, apologies for being so missing in action during this last week or so. I was very busy and continue to be busy with the video we submitted to Oprah. Also, blogger has been temperamental, so even though I've posted new blogs, they don't always email out to everyone as scheduled.

Just so we're clear, the video for Oprah is just the beginning. Both Marcus and I have been steadfast in our intention about this: For the highest good is all we're looking for with Oprah or whatever else may come our way in regard to creating a show that is centered around what Marcus does with his clients. I will absolutely be a player in that I created the show with Marcus and also plan on doing my spiritual and hypnotherapy work with clients on the show, and/or with our clients that we are now seeing.

You've seen the video, so you know a little bit, but I want to tell you all a little more...

Bear with me here. It's good that I'm typing because I get rather emotional when I talk about this.

You see, I got a comment today from an angel disguised as a human. This person had no idea she touched me so profoundly. I randomly spoke with her today about hypnotherapy (as she's a teacher at my hypnotherapy school) and when I mentioned the video we submitted to Oprah (she hadn't connected Marcus and me as a couple yet since she only knows him through facebook), she told me I had to pass along a message. This is what she said,

"Marcus' unconditional positive regard for his clients really comes through on the video. That is why I voted for him...like a hundred times or something. I watched a lot of the videos but this was the only one I voted for. I was very impressed and I'm not easily impressed."

Now this is a very nice compliment. But it reminds me of something else.

Recently Marcus' intensity and what some refer to as "aggressiveness" has come up in conversations. Now let me just say here that he is a very straight-forward dude, and once you're his client (in case this isn't already apparent), he will be a very strong presence and advocate for your health. He checks in constantly with his "birdie" (higher wisdom/spirit guides/whateveryouwannacallit), and though he's human, the mass amounts of information and years of study and meditation have helped him to tap into knowing what will best help his clients get out of their own way. But in the past I've had a hard time with people who I've perceived to be aggressive too... The difference is, when I've seen clients speak their truth with Marcus, he celebrates that they are standing up for themselves. He does not get more intense or aggressive. He wants people to speak their truth and find their voice. Also, he doesn't like yelling or being aggressive, but sometimes he turns up the intensity when people are in their resistance...

Anyway, something occurred to me today under the weight of these two things - Marcus' intensity and his unconditional positive regard.

Marcus is literally on borrowed time. (Geesh. Tears are brimming as I write this.)

He's on borrowed time. When his kidneys failed 12 years ago, his estimated life expectancy was 7-10 years. Once he changed to a different dialysis, they estimated 10-12 years.

We are now, ladies and gentleman, in the 13th year.

Everyone that was simultaneously receiving dialysis with him when he was first diagnosed is now dead. Including an 18-year old girl who seemed to be doing well for years, but then..wasn't.

If you were dealing with people who were resisting their own health and happiness and you were living past when all the doctor's said you'd live, you might be a little intense too.

He knows his way is not the only way. We've spoken a lot about this. Heck, he encourages me to seek other martial arts teachers to see what else I can learn from others.

But his intentions are honest and good. He feels sometimes the best way to get people to let go of their shit is to turn up the heat. Also, once a client signs on to work with him, no matter what they're paying or trading, he will give his all to help them. And he has done literally everything he's had his clients do from dancing naked in your home to fasting to meditation, to overcoming obesity, food obsession, martial arts and sitting with the question, "How glorious are you?" 

And as my new friend said, and I agree, "His unconditional positive regard for his clients really comes through."

That's my man. I'm blessed to be with him. He's blessed to be with me too, for certain.

And just so you know, on a daily basis, I cannot think about this...his being on borrowed time. I just do my best to stay present and enjoy every moment we have together.

Maybe we're all on borrowed time. When you think about it, we are. We're all on borrowed time, but I suspect it tastes different when the doctors are actually telling you that you have x months/years to live. Though it's good to remember, and evident with Marcus, that doctors are sometimes wrong.

How would you live your life differently if you were on borrowed time?

How will you live your life differently...knowing you ARE on borrowed time?

Oprah!

It was fun the first time...

You still have time to VOTE! Plus, voting is unlimited, so you can vote many, many times! Also, share on facebook, twitter or just forward an email to your friends. Voting closes July 3rd.

Go to Oprah's website by CLICKING HERE

Share this with everyone you know & vote many, many times! direct URL: http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=19017&promo_id=1

The People Whisperer - My Video for Oprah!

Oprah has a contest for people to get their own television/talk show, and I thought the show Marcus and I have been developing around the work he does with his clients and students would be a natural fit. When the show gets made, I'll likely be the host and resident Hypnotherapist, but for this short submission, we centered things around Marcus. But getting this to Oprah depends on how many votes the video gets... So, all you have to do is go to Oprah's website by CLICKING HERE and voting by clicking the GREEN button below the video.

Share this with everyone you know. Voting closes July 3. YOU WANT TO SUPPORT The Video? CLICK HERE to now vote at Oprah's site. Remember, YOUR VOTING NOW Really Makes a Difference. We didn't do it alone though. We had a lot of help. As you can see, Marcus was on camera a majority of the filming, so that left a lot of the logistics to me... I did too many jobs to mention, including sound mixing, producing, and production manager, but I promise I'll hire out once we get funding. We had an amazing DP Allan Palmer, an amazing producer, and Jayme who gracious gave of his resources as well. Also, we could not have done this without Marcus' students, who graciously gave of their time and energy. All in all, it was amazing, and we got it all done in one week. Thank you everybody! One last reminder to VOTE!

P.S. If the links above don't work or if you want to forward the exact link, please use the full link here or try pasting this into your browser.

http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=19017&promo_id=1
__________________________________________________

If you miss my regular, writing blogs, they will start up again now that I'm done with this project. Stay tuned for more, though we must ROCK THE VOTE! until July 3rd!


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Is Jake Pavelka a douche bag?

I know people who've worked on The Bachelor and Bachelorette. In theory, I think it's sort of an interesting social experiment. But I can't stand to watch the show. I've tried. It's in the news. There seems to be intrigue, but they draw everything out so much, it makes me annoyed and impatient. Not very zen, I know, but I think the last thing the bachelor is about is being zen.

This latest one, of which I watched maybe one episode, had a guy named Jake Pavelka. During the show, he seemed like a bit of a tool. I can objectively see that he's cute and has an attractive body, but the minute he opens his mouth or even makes a face, douche!

I wish it were different. I wish The Bachelor would actually cast people who are actually compelling, attractive (holistically), intelligent, and funny. But it seems the priority of The Bachelor is to cast douche-bags and ditsy, silicon-stuffed, cat-fighting women.

Part of why I think Jake is a douche bag is because I've been watching Dancing with the Stars. This show also drags things out tremendously, but at least there's dancing, which I like, and though I haven't watched most of the seasons, Pamela Anderson and Niecy Nash were too enticing for me to pass up. Pamela, it seems, can't help dripping with sex no matter what she's doing; Niecy never fails to entertain and draw laughter. It's mindless but entertaining and a nice way to unwind or take a break from my hypnotherapy studies, blog and book writing.

But every time Jake opens his mouth to answer interview questions, or talks to his partner during rehearsal, or just says some cheesy line to the camera, my stomach literally turns. Marcus says he's a tool, but douche bag is description that keeps coming up for me.

Does anyone else feel this way or am I just being critical?

Has anyone out there ever interacted or worked with him so they can weigh-in?

I hope I'm wrong, but he just seems like an attention-hungry, desperate, douche-bag.

Sorry, Jake. Hope I'm wrong. If I'm not, please take a break from the reality-show circuit, and get yourself to an Ashram to spend some time introspecting. Even if you come out spouting spiritual but douchey vernacular, at least you'll give America a break from your mug.

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Ricky Gervais should be the new Simon on American Idol

Firstly, let me just say I am not one of millions of Americans addicted to American Idol. As a musician, songwriter, singer, pianist and guitarist, hubris often takes over and prevents me from really getting involved. Also, once they're done traveling the country on auditions, I get kind of bored with the karaoke-ness of the show. But I do understand why it's appealing. Watching people fail and succeed in an exaggerated way is exciting and enticing for most Americans. Also, hearing songs you recognize is also nice for most people. So, I get it.

About Simon leaving the show. As much as I'd love to see his spot go to an American, because even though I love Brits generally and in entertainment, they seem to be taking over our television shows, and I'd like jobs to go to my countrymen. Anyway, I think the absolute best choice for Simon Cowell's replacement is Ricky Gervais.

Here's why:

1. He's fearless when it comes to saying what he thinks. Did you all see The Golden Globes? He was completely unapologetic about making fun of everyone and his industry. He is completely irreverent about celebrity and manufactured fame.
   
2. On the Golden Globes, he drank beer on the job, which is sort of an essential for the resident as$hole.
   
3. He has a british accent, which everyone knows makes everything (to Americans) sound better. Insults, being told off, cursing, all sounds so much more refined and acceptable to Yankee ears. Man I wish he'd record my outgoing message for me.
4. If American Idol contestants can survive a Ricky Gervais tongue-lashing, they might actually be able to handle fame, criticism, and the paparazzi.

The only foreseeable problem is that I think Ricky Gervais is actually a really nice guy. Especially when it comes to dealing with normal, everyday people. So he may not be able to look in the faces of these American Idol hopefuls and tell them that they suck. I suppose Ricky is the only one who could really weigh-in on this potentiality. Ricky, could you do it? Could you tell some 22 year old who just sang her heart out on national television that her rendition of "I Will Survive" was just bloody awful? That some guy's version of "Wanted Dead or Alive" was just abysmal? Hmm. Ricky, weigh-in for us, will you?


But still, why hasn't anyone offered the soon-to-be open slot at the American Idol judges table to Ricky Gervais?
He's perfect.
Oh, but give me credit for the idea, ya wankers.