Expanding Consciousness in the Community: Recent Episodes
Peter Dennis
My definition of Consciousness is simply awareness of what’s going on around us and what’s going on within us. As well, I believe that, as our consciousness expands, our spirituality grows. So, those people who are helping us to expand our consciousness are actually helping us to become more spiritual.
The idea of this program is to feature people who, in my opinion, are the consciousness-expanders. They may not all see their contributions as advancing spirituality but, by connecting us, increasing our awareness and encouraging more positive engagement, that’s exactly what they are doing… and they are the ones who I will be featuring on this program.
We talked about what spirituality is, what gets in the way of its development and how to advance it.
Once you have heard recording #5, you won’t need any instructions for following this guided meditation. So here it is again, without the instructions. (17:51)
Many prefer to listen to someone else’s voice in order to get into a meditative state. This recording provides a guided meditation script along with instructions for following it. (31:23)
This recording explains how to induce the meditative state and what you can do once in it. (11:26)
In this recording, I outline some of the many benefits that are derived from a practice of regular meditation. (2:30)
1.This short recording is intended to clarify what meditation is and clear up some of the myths about it. (4:00)
Sandy Murray has had a long and impressive career in business and as an entrepreneur. He is also a digital artist, a sailor and a mentor to many. As a mentor, Sandy provides free advice and wise counsel to entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs. His expertise ranges widely from accounting and finance to sales and marketing and to almost everything in between.
Ingrid Taheri is best known, these days, as the Artistic and Executive Director of The Annual High Notes Gala. This gala has been held now for several years, it attracts a number of celebrities and it has a few important objectives. The main ones are:
•To raise awareness among the public about mental health.
•To raise the image of those experiencing mental health issues.
•To educate the public about mental health.
•To reduce the loneliness of both victims and their families, and to encourage both to ask for help.
In addition to producing The High Notes Gala and other consciousness-raising events throughout the year, Ingrid is also an accomplished musician. As well, her background includes having been a sales representative, a music teacher and a corporate communications professional.
Catherine Page and Doug Knispel manage the Richmond Hill Budokan. Catherine has a background in Chinese Medicine and, in addition to her health and wellness practice, she manages the Budokan’s programs of Tai Chi, Qigong, Meditation and Yoga.
Doug is the head Martial Arts Instructor at the Budokan and among his many credentials, he holds an 8th Degree Black Belt from the Canadian Jiu Jitsu Association.
Cyndi Shi is a natural Teacher and Entrepreneur. Still in her mid-twenties, she has built a fast-growing business of approximately 200 music instructors who teach children music as well as real life lessons such as self-confidence, self-esteem and the value of hard work.
Jane Haque is about to launch her first book. It’s entitled: Freeing The Feelings and, although it’s a memoir, it’s also a template that anyone can use to tell their story and awaken to more awareness of who they truly are.
Jane’s recent involvement in sponsoring and supporting a Syrian refugee family has also expanded her consciousness.
Mental Health First Aid is rapidly gaining prominence in our society. It’s saving lives, it’s reducing overall health care costs and it helps the average citizen to step up and be a part of the solution. Susan Kagan is a forerunner in teaching this important subject and in raising it in our community’s consciousness.
Carol Thompson is an athlete, advocate and a champion of mental health awareness. She raises consciousness about mental health in various ways and we talked about some of them, including my favorite, the Treasures Thrift Store.
Opal Rowe is an entrepreneur in the full sense. She is also the current Chair of The Richmond Hill Board of Trade. My conversation with Opal covered both topics and my advice to you is to grab a pen and paper, and take some good notes.
Sherry Bennett is the owner and operator of The Bayview Concierge. She is also on a mission of raising consciousness in the community about the very controversial and often misunderstood subject of medical cannabis.
Paul Meschino is a Chiropractor who specializes in Network Spinal Analysis. He is also a man of science and a teacher who presents a series of seminars under the umbrella title of “Explore the Mysteries of Life”. In both he is fully aware that he is directly expanding consciousness.
George Stavrou recently asked me to write a chapter in his book, SixtyMag, on the subject of Meditation. I agreed, wrote the chapter and then George interviewed me on that subject. This podcast features that interview.
Brian Chamberlain is a well-known figure in Richmond Hill. He is a successful entrepreneur in the high tech industry, he has entered political races at both the provincial and federal levels, and he champions various groups and projects around town, particularly those supporting a healthy environment. Brian expands our consciousness on many fronts.
Sandra Corrado is the Owner and Founder of Next Level Consulting. She teaches Zumba, Pilates and Yoga. She is certified in Hypnotherapy, NLP, Reiki, Identity Mapping, Timeline Therapy and Psychosomatic Analysis. With this wide range of therapies and methodologies she helps her clients to understand themselves better, overcome obstacles and achieve the goals they decide upon.
Mark is what many consider to be 'an old soul.' He is an experienced entrepreneur, author, musician, and meditator. A man of many hats, Mark likes to call himself a "Creative Contractor" with a philosophy of working towards the benefit of others.
Alex Karolyi is The Artistic Producer of Shadowpath Theatre Productions: “Shadowing great playwrights and creating new paths in theatre”.
In my recent conversation with Alex, we covered some of her thoughts on performing, writing, creativity, being an entrepreneur and generally expanding consciousness in the community.
Eleanor Silverberg is a professional who advises and supports Caregivers. She is a speaker, a seminar leader and the author of two books, the latest of which is: “Keeping It Together”. Eleanor is expanding consciousness in a most important and often neglected area.
Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur, Fitness Expert, Igor Klibanov talks about entrepreneurship, running his business, fitness and weight management.
Born in Kenya, raised in Tanzania and educated in England, Shishir came to Canada, entered the workforce, learned how things worked and started his own business.
At age 50, he decided there was more to life than making money and this podcast tells us how he then set out to apply the knowledge and wisdom he had acquired to make this a better world.
Heather Skoll is the founder of We Can Change The World Day. She is the Creative Director of Life Notes Wisdom, a Kripalu Yoga Teacher, a one-on-one Holistic Therapist, the Founder of Gap-Gen, a Toastmaster and a Public Speaker.
Marj Andre is the Founder and Director of OnRichmondHill.com and Connecting the Community