⦿ Video Interviews ⦿

⦿ How this interview aligns with our Podcast's MISSION  ⦿

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MISSION: To inform, educate & free* people from 'ignore-ance', inertia, fear, pessimism, negativity, and/or hopelessness

(all aspects above, especially on those highlighted in the Interview Title)

 ⦿ How this interview aligns with our Podcast's INTENT  ⦿

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INTENT: 'To Provide Useful Information, Joy, Love, Edu-tainment, 

Action (aka "Movement'), Positivity & Healing*'

(all aspects above, especially on those highlighted in the Interview Title)

⦿ INTRODUCTION ⦿

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Jacqueline is a great friend of mine from Brazil, a Civil Engineer and and a 'seeker" by heart' (a somewhat rare combination ! 😁), who immigrated many years ago from Brazil to Rome, and then to Paris. 

She talks about the decision-making process to move, the period of readaptation to a new country and culture, provides some tips, life experiences, etc. - among other "thingies" related to the Mysticism and the Spiritual world. 

'As a "Spiritual  Seeker", she participated in the "Work of Conscience" of Ow, she practiced Castaneda's "Magic Passes", read many books from Gurdjieff and Krishnamurti, among others. And, for this very reason, she moved from Brazil, lived in Rome and now lives in Paris. 

So what is Jacqueline looking for? 

She seeks to "remember herself" by being an ordinary person - "as One." 

(which can be translated to 'Como Um' in Portuguese, which is also spelled as 'Comum' (Common in English). 

So, "as  One"  (Unity) becomes 'Common' in Jacqueline's play of words. 

Like an ordinary person.

She thinks that if her line of destiny had already been drawn, she chose to take the risk to walk on this path. The risk of acquiring knowledge, consciousness, and above all, to tap the unknown. 

According to Jacqueline, 'it's that simple'. 

The interview is in Brazilian Portuguese, but with legends to 20+ countries (to be manually set up on YouTube, if not already automatically set up to fit your country/language)

Site

https://lecolibridesminas.wixsite.com/mysite

Facebook

https://tinyurl.com/Le-Colibri-des-Minas

Instagram

https://tinyurl.com/Le-Colibri

WhatsApp Group

https://tinyurl.com/Le-Bresil-Colibri

⦿ How this interview aligns with our Podcast's MISSION  ⦿

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MISSION: To inform, educate & free* people from 'ignore-ance', inertia, fear, pessimism, negativity, and/or hopelessness

(all aspects above, especially on those highlighted in the Interview Title)

 ⦿ How this interview aligns with our Podcast's INTENT  ⦿

🌊        ≋  ≋  ≋     🦯 ☀ 🦯      ≋  ≋  ≋     🌊

INTENT: 'To Provide Useful Information, Joy, Love, Edu-tainment, 

Action (aka "Movement'), Positivity & Healing*'

(all aspects above, especially on those highlighted in the Interview Title)

⦿ INTRODUCTION ⦿ 

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 Janaina Ormart is a Medicine Woman from the Toltec* Civilization & Tradition.  She is also a new friend and teacher whom I deeply respect.  

* The Olmecs were the earliest of Ancient Mexican Civilizations/Traditions (1200 BCE-400 BCE), followed by the Mayans (250 CE-900 CE), then the  

⦿ Toltecs (900 CE-1150 CE), and finally the Aztecs, (1300 CE until the Spanish conquest in 1521).  

More on Toltects below †  

Janaina is an instructor of Kahlay (Toltec energy movements), 'landscaper of internal gardens', a lover of cooking and a practitioner of everyday life.   

She was initiated in various Ancient Shamanic Traditions, including the Arts of the Toltec way,  instructions in Native American Shamanism, Tibetan Dzogchen (aka Tibetan Shamanism), and practices of Taoist Arts (aka Taoism).   

Janaina has formally walked this path for over 25 years.   

Originally born in Brazil, Janaina has lived in several Latin American countries where she had the opportunity to live and learn with men and women of wisdom from an early age.   

She had her first meditation teacher at age 6 and first contact with Taoism at age 10 with Master Mantak Chia.  

At the age of 11, she began to receive in dreams a series of teachings on sexuality that led her to delve into the paths of this sacred tradition.   

Thus she met one of her main instructors of sacred sexuality, Taoist master Alex Ho Kim Wong from whom she received instruction for 8 years.  

Her main teachers in the Shamanic tradition were Doña Zilda and Doña Glaucia Mimbi Many Feathers from whom she received the Temazcal ‡. 

  Janaina has also received teachings from Grandfather Thunderstrikes, Elder of the Twisted Hairs, and Ina Laughing Winds, Teacher of Spiritual Sexuality.

  Her root teacher was Chogyal Namkhai Norbu and she has been a member of the Dzogchen community since 2003.   

She continues to receive teachings from Don Carlos Jesús Castillejos of the Toltec Maya Tradition.  

During her formative years, she was a businesswoman and cultural producer in Brazil, where she carried out numerous cultural projects.   

Today Janaina travels between the Canary Islands, Mexico, and Brazil. Plans for extending her in-person workshops to the US are currently being discussed.  

Janaina is also part of the translation team of the Universal Healing Tao of Mantak Chia and is one of the founders and acting director of the International Organisation NAHUALLI Institute for the Preservation and Dissemination of Traditional Cultures.  

Currently, she has been co-leading an ongoing Online Workshop on Sacred Sexuality: Creatividad Florida (Flowering Creativity), in partnership with Teachers and Masters from different Ancient Cultures & Wisdoms, including the Toltec, Tibetan (Dzogchen), and Taoist Traditions.  More info below  ‡‡  

*Toltecs: The Toltecs were a prominent Mesoamerican culture that thrived between the 10th and mid-12th centuries, centered around Tula in what is now Hidalgo, Mexico.   

They are often noted for their strong and militaristic society, with a rich tradition of arts and architecture, evident in their iconic sculptures and pyramidal structures which frequently depicted jaguars, serpents, and birds of prey.  

† The Toltec Civilization & Tradition also refers to a philosophical or spiritual belief system that emphasized personal happiness and wisdom.   

This tradition, separate from the archaeological understanding of the Toltec society, focuses on personal development and ethical living, influencing later cultures and even modern practices. 

Overall, the Toltecs are a complex subject in Mesoamerican history, both as a formidable historical state and as a source of philosophical inspiration that continues to resonate today.  

‡ Temazcal is an ancient shamanic ritual that originates from the indigenous Nahautl (Aztec) and Mayan traditions of Mesoamerica, particularly in areas around present-day Mexico. This ceremony takes place in a sweat lodge and is akin to a spiritual and physical cleansing session.   

The purpose of a Temazcal is multifaceted, involving spiritual rejuvenation, physical healing, and psychological therapy.   It symbolizes a rebirth, as participants metaphorically die and are reborn when they exit the lodge.   The Temazcal is often led by a trained guide, known as a Temazcalero.   

Historically, it has been used for healing the sick, improving health, and during childbirth rituals.   The practice also holds a connection to the Mesoamerican deity Quetzalcoatl, who is said to have given the Temazcal to the people as a gift.  

‡‡ Ongoing Workshop:  Creatividad Florida (Flowering Creativity):  Sexualidad Sagrada Natural (Natural Sacred Sexuality) -  

An Online Event in Spanish & English - 12-week Workshop sessions, from April 6th-July 6th, 2024 - Ancestral Wisdom, Transcultural, Transgenerational. Presentation sessions followed by Q&A 

Event currently in process 

(Recorded past classes available) 

More info on https://nahualli.org/ 

⦿ How this interview aligns with our Podcast's MISSION  ⦿

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MISSION: To inform, educate & free* people from 'ignore-ance', inertia, fear, pessimism, negativity, and/or hopelessness

(all aspects above, especially on those highlighted in the Interview Title)

 ⦿ How this interview aligns with our Podcast's INTENT  ⦿

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INTENT: 'To Provide Useful Information, Joy, Love, Edu-tainment, 

Action (aka "Movement'), Positivity & Healing*'

(all aspects above, especially on those highlighted in the Interview Title)  

⦿ INTRODUCTION ⦿

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Claude Needham (aka Xxaxx) is a multifaceted creator whose journey through art, science, and spiritual exploration defies conventional boundaries. Holding a Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics from FSU his life has been a kaleidoscopic adventure in various vocations—from programming & web development to sculpture, painting & beyond.  

I met Claude in 2010 while interviewing E.J. Gold* (+ info below) and him about the subject of 'Spiritual Gaming' for my Master Thesis named 'Press Play to Grow: Designing Video Games to Catalyze & Integrate Human Development', based on Ken Wilber's Integral Psychology & Theory. 

 Claude views his artistic endeavors as extensions of his spiritual and scientific explorations, seeing each creation as a portrait of non-human entities, whether sculpting in alabaster, painting vibrant landscapes, or delving into printmaking. 

His art is not bound by human aesthetics but is driven by a profound compassion for the material and form, finding beauty in liberating the inherent shapes within raw mediums.  

Beyond the canvas and sculpture studio, he is an avid writer, balancing his narratives between humor, science, and metaphysical musings. 

His technological savvy has not only led to a successful stint in Silicon Valley but also fuels his ongoing contributions to web design and game development, particularly in spiritual and cooperative gaming.  

His eclectic career also includes roles as a museum curator, gold miner, and even a stint in tree planting, each feeding into his deep respect for both the environment and technological advancements.  

In recent years, his focus has shifted towards the intersection of gaming and spirituality, where he merges his love for problem-solving with his quest for deeper understanding, bringing unique perspectives that are both insightful & grounded in real-world applications.  

Always ready to lend a hand, Claude embodies the spirit of service, continually seeking ways to assist others in turning inspiration into tangible outcomes.  Looking ahead, he remains committed to a future filled with creative endeavors, each inspired by a lifetime of curiosity and a passion for discovery.  

⦿ In the Author's words:  

* Early History: 'I came from a very creative family environment that valued the sciences and the arts as natural by-products of an innovative, questioning mind. 

* No-so-recent History: 'PhD in Molecular Biophysics - FSU (1979). Spent the next several years involved in gold dredging, tree planting, door-to-door sales -- basically anything that was outdoors'.  

'I know there exists a multitude of books that profess to tell you 'how it is.'  

That's not my way. First of all my model of "how it is" happens to be fluid. I learned this in physics. If one is trying to calculate the effect of a jet airplane colliding with a bird at Mach 2 it is fair to consider the bird as a spherical mass.  However, if you are trying to determine the genus species of the bird and check it for parasites it does not work to assume the bird is a spherical mass. 

A different model is required. "So if the books aren't about "how it is" what are they? I think lab manuals would be a close approximation.  A collection of guided experiments that contain within their execution gateways into other realities and ways of being in the world -- whatever that is. 

Then it is left to the reader to create their own view of "how it is.'  

⦿ Books  

1. Just Because Club: Your Personal Metaphysical Fitness Trainer https://tinyurl.com/Needham-0 

2. The Original Handbook for the Recently Deceased (Tech Manual-Field Operator's Edition) https://tinyurl.com/Needham-1 

3. Everything Other Than Chess  https://tinyurl.com/Needham-2 

4. Any Game Cookbook: Recipes for Spiritual Gaming https://tinyurl.com/Needham-3  

⦿* E.J. Gold (aka Gene, Jeff Spence & Gorby) is a multifaceted individual known for his contributions as an artist, author, musician & spiritual teacher.  He's a significant presence in the spiritual & artistic communities, exploring themes of consciousness & metaphysics.  Gold has written numerous books on spiritual practices & is involved in the music industry.   

⦿ IDHHB*  

(* Institute for the Development of The Harmonious Human Being) 

Mission  

The IDHHB is dedicated to enabling conscious living & dying, personal transformation, and attaining higher personal, organizational & planetary consciousness, in service to the vision of a living universe. 

IDHHB works with individuals & organizations to provide service tools in these areas, expand perception and awareness, and cultivate high attention & presence. 

It publishes books & periodicals, videogames, 'Objective Art', instructive/inspirational audios & videos (music & DVDs), online training & onsite workshops with instructions & individuals, and programs in diverse experimental areas.  

Link: https://www.idhhb.org/ 

    ⦿ How this interview aligns with our Podcast's MISSION  ⦿

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MISSION: To inform, educate & free* people from 'ignore-ance', inertia, fear, pessimism, negativity, and/or hopelessness

(all aspects above, especially on those highlighted in the Interview Title)

 ⦿ How this interview aligns with our Podcast's INTENT  ⦿

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INTENT: 'To Provide Useful Information, Joy, Love, Edu-tainment, 

Action (aka "Movement'), Positivity & Healing*'

(all aspects above, especially on those highlighted in the Interview Title)  

⦿ INTRODUCTION ⦿

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First of all, Patsy Fordyce is my friend, a true, great one. And I LOVE Patsy! :) 

I met her in a Gurdjieff's 'Work'* environment, here in Austin, TX.  

As of today, Patsy has been in the 'Work' for an amazing number of 64 years! 

 Second, Patsy is for me an example, a role model. A strong, transparent, vibrant, loving being. Especially due to her age of '88 years-young', as well as her exquisite mix of clarity, friendliness, humbleness, feistiness, kindness, energy, wisdom, generosity, lucidity & sense of humor. :)  

As Patsy describes in this interview, she identifies herself (as a Psychological/Personality 'Auto-Pattern') with the Enneagram Type #8, known for the attributes of 'Protectiveness, Independence, Confrontational, Energy & Vitality, Loyalty, Fear of Vulnerability, Desire for Truth & Generosity'  

In her long life, she has integrated quite well her natural talents & 'higher callings' - by leading, organizing & connecting People & Organizations to support Special Ed (aka 'disabled') children in Education at Governmental levels, and by being a 'beaming icon of many of these attributes in her community circles. Those who know Patsy know what I'm talking about... :)  

I met her at CCH (Church of Conscious Harmony), a Contemplative Religious Organization in Austin, TX that strives to integrate Contemplative Christianity (as taught by Father Thomas Keating †) with the 'Work'; of  Gurdjieff'* - mostly as taught by Maurice Nicoll ‡ (Jungian Psychiatrist/ Gurdjieff student/Christian advocate)  

* People References:  

* Georges Ivanovich (G.I.) Gurdjieff (circa 1866–1949) - aka Mr. G. 

Influential Spiritual Teacher: Gurdjieff founded the spiritual movement known as the Fourth Way*, focusing on the integration of various spiritual traditions & practical methods for self-development & awakening. Encountered various spiritual traditions & secret schools during his travels, synthesizing these into the Fourth Way*, a method of Inner Development that integrates physical, emotional & intellectual aspects. 

* The Fourth Way

Approach that emphasizes a simultaneous development of all 3 centers (mind, emotions & body) for true self-awareness & awakening. Mr. G. established the Institute for the Harmonious Development of Man i(France, 1922), teaching his methods through exercises, movements & practical tasks geared to promote self-awareness & inner growth. 

* 'The Movements'

Developed a series of sacred dances & movements essential for achieving harmony between body, mind & emotions. Mr. G's teachings impacted modern spiritual & psychological thought, influencing notable figures such as P.D. Ouspensky, Maurice Nicol & J.G. Bennett.  

He also either taught or influenced artists, businessmen, socialite & 'celebrities', including Architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Movie Director Peter Brooks, writer Marianne Williamson & Hollywood actors Orage, James Coburn, Peter Ustinov, Katharine Hepburn & Robert De Niro. 

* Enneagram

 Introduced the Enneagram as a symbol for understanding universal laws & processes, which later influenced the creation of the Enneagram of Personality (tool for categorizing  personality types & fostering personal growth)  

† Father Thomas Keating (1923–2018) 

Catholic Monk & Priest, known for his contributions to contemplative prayer & spirituality. 

* Contemplative Prayer

He developed & popularized Centering Prayer, a method of Silent Prayer emphasizing interior silence and the presence of God, drawing from early Christian mystics. Promoted interfaith dialogue & understanding. Work profoundly impacted contemporary Christian spirituality, renewing interest in contemplative practices & inspiring many to seek deeper relationships w/ God through silence & prayer.  

‡ Maurice Nicoll (1884–1953)  

British Psychiatrist & Esoteric Teacher: Nicoll focused on psychological &spiritual development, blending the teachings of Carl Jung, Gurdjieff, and Ouspensky. Bridged traditional Christian spirituality & Esoteric Teachings of the Fourth Way, helping individuals reconcile their Christian faith w/ modern spiritual practices. Emphasized inner transformation & the deeper, symbolic meanings of Christian scriptures, providing unique views on how these traditions can complement & enhance each other.  

* Work References  

* Gurdjieff 

All & Everything Series (Magnus Opus)

1. Beelzebub's Tales to His Grandson  https://tinyurl.com/ycbul3m6 2. Meetings with Remarkable Men https://tinyurl.com/y7gn9m38 3. Life is Real Only Then, When "I Am" https://tinyurl.com/y8fpn3rj  

Views from the Real World 

https://tinyurl.com/y9w56vyz 

In Search of the Miraculous (by P.D. Ouspensky, including Mr. G's teachings) https://tinyurl.com/y7wzrh5n  

* Bio Movie 'Meetings w/ Remarkable Men' (Peter Brooks, 1979) https://tinyurl.com/2m6ff4y8  

† Father Thomas Keating 

Open Mind, Open Heart: The Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel https://tinyurl.com/24x79d7d  

‡ Maurice Nicoll 

Psychological Commentaries on the Teaching of Gurdjieff & Ouspensky (6 book set) https://tinyurl.com/eurekaedition-complete-set 

    ⦿ How this interview aligns with our Podcast's MISSION  ⦿

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MISSION: To inform, educate & free* people from 'ignore-ance', inertia, fear, pessimism, negativity, and/or hopelessness

(all aspects above, especially on those highlighted in the Interview Title)

 ⦿ How this interview aligns with our Podcast's INTENT  ⦿

🌊        ≋  ≋  ≋     🦯 ☀ 🦯      ≋  ≋  ≋     🌊

INTENT: 'To Provide Useful Information, Joy, Love, Edu-tainment, 

Action (aka "Movement'), Positivity & Healing*'

(all aspects above, especially on those highlighted in the Interview Title)  

⦿ INTRODUCTION ⦿

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Athan Schindler is the founder & owner of Strive Strength & Conditioning, located in Bastrop, Texas (Great Austin Metropolitan Area). He is an ex-Special Ops 'Warrior/Spy' - currently an Entrepreneur, Strength & Conditioning Coach, and Podcast Host @ Doing The Work.  

He is also the founder of  Bastrop Fitness Project, a holistic wellness center in Bastrop, TX, offering diverse services such as a Gym (Weights, Cardio, Stretching), Pilates and Jiu Jitsu studios, a Recovery Room (Sauna + Cold Plunge), a Cafe, and various therapeutic treatments.  

Athan holds a Master of Science degree and is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). His career has been marked by a deep commitment to supporting and lifting others, using his extensive experiences in sports and fitness to guide & mentor those facing similar challenges.  

⦿ In addition to his work at Strive Strength & Conditioning, Athan is actively involved in the Bastrop Fitness Project* (more info below). Athan completed his education at the UT at Austin & leverages his knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on his community.  

⦿ Prior to his career as an entrepreneur, Athan has had a distinguished career in the U.S. Army, specializing in Special Operations ('Special Ops') - serving a role that could be summarized, in my own words, as a 'mix of a Warrior/Soldier & Recon Inteligene Asset'.   He served as the non-commissioned officer in charge of the Master Fitness Trainer Course at Camp Mabry, where he played a critical role in training and mentoring soldiers to become Master Fitness Trainers.  

Athan was responsible for the training, daily operations, and mentorship of a 6-men  Long Range surveiilance (LRS) team, focusing on military and fitness operations. His military career included numerous special operation assignments, highlighting his extensive experience and leadership in high-stakes environments.

  Strive Strength & Conditioning - which was first established in Austin, Texas, Bastrop's 'big sister/neighbor' - is Bastrop's premier fitness destination since 2012, dedicated to empowering both busy professionals & families on their journey to embrace strength, vitality, and complete wellness.   

Within Strive's vibrant community, Athan and his specialized team seamlessly blend expert coaching with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, fostering an environment ripe for personal transformation and growth.  

 Through Strive team's steadfast commitment, they've empowered countless individuals to discover newfound confidence, surpass their goals, and unlock their fullest potential on transformative journeys, where together, they redefine what it means to thrive. 

⦿ * The Bastrop Fitness Project is dedicated to providing comprehensive wellness and fitness services to the Bastrop community.  Athan and his team leverage their extensive background in fitness and coaching to support individuals in achieving their health and wellness goals, fostering personal growth & transformation.  It offers a variety of fitness programs and rental spaces for commercial use, emphasizing a holistic approach to fitness and well-being.  

⦿ Links

Strive Strenght & Conditioning  (Bastrop, TX - Great Austin Metropolitan Area)) https://www.strivebastrop.com 

Bastrop Fitness Project  https://www.bastropfitnessproject.com 

Athan Schindler's Podcast @ Doing The Work https://www.youtube.com/@athanschindler 

Instagram 

https://www.instagram.com/athanschind... 

Linkedin 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/athan-sch...