Newsletter

HIGHLIGHTS From This Issue:

• Jonathan offers free weekly coaching sessions on Facebook!

• Inspiration Deficit: The first two interviews!

• Toronto Hay House

• A great new telesummit

• Transformational Travel: Learn about our trip to Africa and an amazing journey to Peru
• Want more from Jonathan Ellerby?  Check out his blogs!
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Join Jonathan’s new free coaching and community Q and A sessions on Facebook

Jonathan is merging his personal FB page with his Return to the Sacred group in a fun, helpful,  new interactive fanpage.  Throughout the weeks Jonathan will be online and answering questions about life, the universe and everything… Regular times to interface live will soon be posted.  This week's topics include the mind versus heart in spiritual traditions, working with the nature of expectation, new ways of looking at time management, and more!  What would YOU like to talk about?

You can also join the conversation with Jonathan on Twitter.

Inspiration Deficit: The first two interviews

Jonathan returned to his home town Winnipeg, Canada in May to be the keynote at a wonderful spirituality and health event. Read the excellent article about Inspiration Deficit: Feel Like Something's Missing in Your Life? Author offers stressed-out folks a way to fill deficit with desire.

Jonathan recently did the following interview about IDD with a wonderful independent writer/reporter Alexis Tirado:

1) What does ”Inspiration Deficit Disorder” mean?  And do most people have it?

An inspiration deficit occurs whenever we feel unfulfilled or somehow unexpressed in an important aspect of life – something is missing. A job we don’t like, a struggle with self image, a relationship we aren’t satisfied with, or a lifestyle that makes room for everyone else’s needs but ours, are all examples of where we may feel an inspiration deficit. When we let these deficits persist they translate into bad habits, poor health, and high stress – that’s the disorder, and yes, sadly, most people have it to some degree and it impacts their health and happiness more than they know.

2) Your book offers a lot of practical information about IDD but can you give us some quick tips right now on how to curb it?

The core goal in ending IDD is learning how to know and honor yourself.

- Find a weekly hobby or spiritual practice that you find restoring and balancing. Do it every week without exception.

- Make decisions based on your values and with a long term perspective in mind – can you live with this choice with pride and for the rest of your life?

- Learn to express your needs in your important relationships.

- Put an end to fear. These three simple above practices can change your life quickly, but be aware that it’s typically fear that has stopped you until this point. So you may need to start paying more attention to how you are letting fear run your life. The book has a lot of advice on this topic – it’s a big one.

3) What inspired you to write a book about lacking inspiration?

In my work with people one on one and in large groups I hear about a lot of problems from divorce, to depression and from addition to people feeling stuck. They sound like very different challenges, but I have discovered that in the end, most of these things are symptoms of a lack of inspiration and integrity. I think it’s one of the biggest problems facing people today. Amazingly, when people learn to correct their inspiration deficit most of their life changes for the better, they become more empowered and feel a greater sense of balance and meaning.

Although Inspiration Deficit Disorder is not officially released until August 15, amazon.com has it on sale now at a discount and it looks like people who order now will receive their copy before the release date.

Toronto Hay House Thank You

I just wanted to personally thank all the amazing people that came my session at Hay House, I Can Do It, Toronto. I was overwhelmed by your turn out and amazing feedback. It was my honor and I am grateful you took the time to join me! Of course, a great thank you to Hay House as well.

A Telesummit  Not to Miss!

Well, they have done it again. Join the Wellness Revolution Summit for this extraordinary collections of authors, healers and teachers in a summit that will make a lasting impact on your life… check it out, it is going on this month!

Transformational Travel

Shamanic Journey to Machu Picchu, Peru

Join amazing healer and spiritual teacher Mark Naseck on an incredible journey to Peru to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This is a once in a lifetime chance to visit one of the most spiritual places on earth, travel on the same stones laid down by the Incas, and do so in the company of a masterful spiritual guide. This will be an extraordinary journey of culture, energy work and spiritual awaking. For many, it will be a dream come true.

Awakening Inspiration Safari, South Africa

And yes, we are going to run another trip to Africa. Monica, my amazing wife, our son Narayan, and I will be running a 14 day trip in September of 2011 to South Africa. We will spend five unforgettable days in Cape Town and eight profound days at a safari lodge in Madekwe. From extensive safari to traditional healing, regular sessions with Jonathan and optional meditation, yoga, and Deeksha,  you will experience yourself as you never have before.

To receive occasional updates through our travel only mailings, please fill out this form or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Emails will never be shared, sold, or used for any other purpose.

What’s the astrological forecast?

Have you noticed that often the patterns of your life seem to fit in a larger shift in your friends,  family or even the world? Join my friend and Evolutionary Astrologer Deborah Sipple every month as she offers insights into the current cosmic weather.

June 2010

The big news this month is the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in the sign of Capricorn on June 26^th. This lunar event is going to bring a level of heightened emotional intensity to the Cardinal T-square created from Pluto in Capricorn, and the Saturn in Virgo, Uranus in Aries opposition. Think of power, structure, and freedom, all wanting their own way, pulling in different directions.  This is incredibly compelling.  With the  emotional energy of this eclipse it promises some fertile ground for significant changes down the road individually and collectively. If you’d like to explore this a bit further, please visit Talking Sky Astrology.

 

Blogging Like Crazy

Yes, I am now blogging like crazy and you can find my posts all over the place! Three of my more popular locations are:

Join me if you can. I’ll put links to new posts on my Facebook fanpage… let me know if you have topics or ideas you’d like me to write about. Please send your questions to my fanpage, I’ll be happy to  help…

 

 

HIGHLIGHTS From This Issue:

• Reflections and Insights: An Inspired Life is Always Open to Something New

• Have you heard of Inspiration Deficit Disorder?  Jonathan's next book is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com!

• A simple daily breathing meditation that is simple to follow and easy to put into practice.

• Two amazing books for summer reading and a free chapter to explore!

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Reflections and Insights: An Inspired Life is Always Open to Something New.

The hallmark of a growing lively soul is the openness to new ideas, and experiences. The moment you find yourself feeling closed to other worldviews and perspectives you know you are slipping into disconnection from your true self. Hatred, judgment, narrowness, egotism and closed-minded thinking are not a function of the Essential Self. They are not natural to who you are, though with a little wounding and a lot of external influences, many of us become critical of the world around us, comforted only by what is familiar. A resistance to new ideas and perspectives is typically an expression of insecurity and fear.

When you feel challenged by a new point of view, take a deep breath and try to be curious instead of jumping to conclusions. Ask questions and seek to understand the position from a broader perspective.

If you feel like nothing is new or surprising in your life you may want to take a class, go back to school, audit a course, or train in a new subject, craft or skill. Even if you are the best at what you do, learn a new perspective, look at things with a beginner’s mind or try studying something outside your area of knowledge. Exposure to diversity is transformative. Learning should be a life long journey; life is an endless process of learning.

Jonathan’s new book “Inspiration Deficit Disorder: the No Pill Prescription to End High Stress, Bad Habits and Low Energy” is now available to pre-order at a great discount on Amazon.com!

The coming newsletters will feature free excerpts, tips and exercises from the book. Stay tuned as we move two a twice a month newsletter during the summer. Don’t worry, we’ll keep it short, but sweet.

 

A Breathing Meditation that is easy to learn and simple to do.

This month we have a lovely gift from author and teacher Dennis Lewis. He has many free breathing exercises on his website and I love the way he writes them with simple language and clarity. You can learn more about his work at:

Authentic Breathing Resources

The Center for Harmonious Awakening

Sit quietly for several minutes, either cross-legged on the floor or on a chair (without leaning against the back of the chair). Be sure that your spine is erect yet supple. Your hands should be folded gently together in your lap or palms down on your knees. As you sit, sense your weight being supported by the earth and allow the whole sensation of your body to enter your awareness and come to life.

Now, simply follow your breathing as you inhale and exhale. It is through following our breathing through our sensation that we begin to open to the power of breath. During inhalation, sense the temperature and vibration of the air as it flows from the tip of your nose through your nasal passages, throat, and trachea on its way into your lungs. During exhalation, sense the air going up and out of your lungs through your trachea, throat, and nose. (Do not manipulate your breathing in any way during this practice.)

After at least five minutes, rub your hands together several times, put them over your navel, and sense your belly. How does your breathing respond to the warmth and energy from your hands? As you continue to follow your breathing, can you sense your belly expanding (or wanting to expand) as you inhale and flattening (or wanting to flatten) as you exhale, without losing your awareness of the air as it enters and leaves your lungs?

As you begin to observe more clearly these movements of your breathing, you may start to experience a sense of energy deep in your belly, at the level of about an inch or two below your navel. During inhalation, you may feel this energy filling your entire belly. During exhalation, you may feel the energy becoming more compact and concentrated. Really let yourself experience (and enjoy) this expanding and contracting sense of energy in your belly as your breathing continues.

Continue working in this way with your breathing for another five minutes or more. When you're almost ready to stop, give yourself a couple of minutes to sense the energy, or at least some of the energy, being absorbed into the cells of your belly and back toward your spine. Then bring your attention back to the whole sensation of yourself just sitting there, breathing. Watch, sense, and feel everything that's taking place, including your breathing, until you are ready to stop. See if you can sense yourself as a breathing being.

Two Amazing Books for Summer Reading:

I am thrilled to let you know that the newest version of the groundbreaking classic Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom by Christiane Northrup, M.D., is now available (for preorder before May 25) in bookstores across the United States. Dr. Northrup walks her talk, she’s been a great inspiration to me and her work has changed the lives of countless people – especially women. 

I share in Dr. Northrup’s joy and excitement when I tell you that the revised Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom is now an essential guide for how to truly flourish in a female body, not merely avoid disease. More than simply an update, the newest version of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom is an entire rewrite! In fact, the new Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom is an owner’s manual designed to teach you everything that can go right with your body.

 

 

Scott Blum has done it again! This talented co-founder of DailyOm has launch his next book with incredible success and reviews. The #1 best-selling e-book is now available as an expanded-edition hardcover. Now with two additional chapters, this first printed edition of Summer's Path by DailyOM co-founder Scott Blum presents the remarkable story of Don Newport, an engineer who comes face-to-face with his personal destiny under extraordinary circumstances. After losing his job and his health insurance, Don learns that he has a terminal disease, with only a few months left to live. On his deathbed, he meets Robert, a brazen angel of death who promises to help him with a graceful exit. As Don prepares to say his last goodbyes to his loving wife, Robert attempts to change Don's perspective about his mortality and proposes an exceptionally unique option.

Robert leads Don through an astounding meditation of life and death and reveals various healing and spiritual concepts, including walk-ins, animal communication, embodiment, and soul destiny. On this magical journey of self-realization, Don discovers that it's never too late to learn profound life lessons about ourselves and our loved ones.

Join our member community and receive the first chapter of this fascinating book for free!

 

 

HIGHLIGHTS From This Issue: 

• Become a member of www.jonathanellerby.com and receive a free download of his chapter on “The Path of Service” from his acclaimed book “Return to the Sacred.”  

• Two Amazing new releases by Dr. Judith Orloff and Michael Neill  

• Take the “spirituality survey”  

• World class personal support for your fitness goals  

• An Unforgettable event may 27th to 30th 

• Spiritual Cinema Circle

• How To Remember and Interpret Dreams, by Dr. Judith Orloff

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 The Path Of Service

In studying the world’s religious traditions and the teachings of the great masters of each, I have always been struck by the universal emphasis of one common message: service others and make the world a better place. The message is simple enough and most people take it to mean that it’s important to be kind and considerate of others. While I do feel that is a part of the message, I am certain they meant something more: that each of us should find ways to invest time and energy in projects and causes that contribute to wellness of all. This could be volunteering at a hospital, having a service focus in your work, getting involved in a local environmental project or taking a neighbour under your wing and helping them through a hard time. It is not always easy to do, especially when life is busy or challenging. 

I wrote about the “Path of Service” in my book Return to the Sacred , and tried to help people develop a deeper feeling for how giving to others can be rewarding. The chapter begins with a story that many people have told me is one of their favourites in the book. This month if you login as a member of this site, you can visit the Resource Page and download this PDF for free. I hope you enjoy it.

In honor of the re-release of her amazing bestseller, “Second Sight”, Judith Orloff MD has gifted me a wonderful article that I’d like to pass on to you. I cannot recommend her work and writing enough. A fantastic teacher and wonderful person. As above, to access this wise and helpful gift, login and receive Dr. Orloff’s article:


How To Remember and Interpret Dreams  

    



Judith Orloff, M.D is author of the new updated bestseller SECOND SIGHT, an inspiring and controversial memoir about coming to terms with her intuitive gifts, upon which this article is based. Her other books are Emotional Freedom, Guide to Intuitive Healing, and Positive Energy. She is assistant clinical professor of Psychiatry at UCLA and an international workshop leader. For more information about new updated edition of Second Sight and Dr. Orloff’s books and workshops visit www.drjudithorloff.com  

   

 





Another fantastic new release is “Supercoach” by Michael Neill. I first met Michael at a Hay House authors’ event and knew he was the real deal. Funny and genuine I was happy to meet him and now am thrilled to see some of his best work summarized in this book. Good solid guidance for managing stress, balance, and pursuing your dreams. His website is http://www.geniuscatalyst.com/ 

 

 



 

 

  

 

Have you taken “spirituality survey”? We hope to have over 3000 replies by the summer and are over half-way to our goal. Check out this short and fascinating survey, you’ll learn something about yourself and when you see the results you may be shocked to learn something new about spirituality today. Please feel free to copy and send the link to this survey to as many people as you can. Share your voice! Spread the word.  

 

http://www.thespiritualitysurvey.com/  




 

I've always believed that the body and soul are closely connected. It’s hard to emphasize one without the other suffering, and yet respect to both seems to create a synergy that is nothing short of magic. Your physical fitness not only impacts your self-image and self-awareness, but also your hormones, your moods, your digestion, sleep habits and metabolism. Take the time to learn more about a healthful diet and commit to fitness program today.   

 





The biggest challenge for most people in this process is knowing what to do or who to believe. After a year consumed with my young son (who is now almost two!) and my first major book, I have drifted away from my fitness routine. I have been blessed to connect with and now receive support from one of the finest personal trainers I have ever met. Brandon Wagner  has worked at with celebrities, CEOs, stay at home moms, teenagers and world class athletes.

I met Brandon while he worked as one of the lead personal trainers at Canyon Ranch, home of one of the most renowned fitness programs. He now runs his own business making the services of his team and himself available to people everywhere. He is based in Tucson, but does phone consults, travels to train trainers and leads group programs across the nation. Take some time to check out Fit Specialists . After being involved in fitness programs and personal training for 14 years, I can honestly say Brandon’s approach is better than anything I have experienced yet.

www.fitspecialists.com 

 
Don’t forget this amazing event May 27th to 30th in Toronto, Canada. I’ll be there along will all of my favourite authors and teachers. It’s an unforgettable forum in a beautiful city.  



 

  LOVE MOVIES WITH HEART & SOUL?
   

   

Love movies with heart and soul? Spiritual Cinema Circle is the only DVD club delivery four thoughtful, inspiring films on DVD monthly to your home.  Films are hand-picked from film festivals around the world.  Each monthly volume offers a combination of shorts, documentaries and features you won’t see at your local Cineplex.

 www.spiritualcinemacircle.com   

 

Inspired Living
 

January 2010, The End of Stress

 

HIGHLIGHTS From This Issue

• How to End Stress

• A new FREE less stress audio program for you to down load

• “The Spirituality Survey”

• Great Books to Heal and Transform: gifts for the holiday season

• Amazing web resources and more.

TELESEMINAR: a special series not to be missed…

I'm excited to announce that I will be speaking with a very special group of some of the world's leading speakers and authors.  

They have been assembled for an event called “Living on Purpose - A Global Telesummit”

Please accept my free invitation by going to:

Living on Purpose

MONTHLY TIP:

We are heading into a season that is intended to be about family, connection and joy, but for many people it’s a time of financial burden, personal stress and family tension. There are a few simple things you can do to make this holiday time simpler and less stressful.

1. Set reasonable goals and limits. Don’t over commit and be sure you actually plan for downtime and protected time for the things and people you love most. Build your obligations around those things.

2. Stay fit. A little regular exercise, brisk walks, winter sports and other active times will help you to keep your head clear and your body resilient. Even 15 minutes 5 times will make a world of difference.

3. Master the moment. Practice deep breathing and a commitment to be intentional instead of reactive this season. Keep a few simple words or affirmations in mind and return to them every time you feel your levels of stress rising. Examples of helpful holiday affirmations: “I cannot control what other people think, I do my best, and let go of the rest.” Or “this is my time to enjoy who and what I love, reacting hurts me more than others and waists my time.”

4. Have fun. Whatever you do, be sure to make time to play this season. Try to build your holiday activities around something other than eating and drinking.

FREE INTERVIEWS: Pick of the Month

Helpful interviews about managing stress, finding meaning and explorations of the world of spiritual practice and philosophy.

Jonathan is interviewed by Kelly Howell on Theater of the Mind: Navigating Self Help Safely

Jonathan is interviewed by Greg Voisen on Inside Personal Growth: Interview on Return to the Sacred

UPDATES

Larry King Live – Thank you to everyone who sent me congratulations for my appearance on Larry King. It was my honor to speak about the Sweat Lodge disaster in Arizona and to share the true beauty and safety of this ancient ceremony, when properly done. To learn more, see my article on beliefnet. Interview: Sweat Lodges After the Angel Valley Tragedy

Canyon Ranch 7 day Event March 14 to 21– follow this link to learn more about this amazing and truly life changing 7 day program at the Life Enhancement Center http://www.canyonranchtucson.com/featured_events/

See you in Toronto! Join me and the nation’s leading teachers of health, inspiration and personal growth at Hay House, I CAN DO IT Toronto. May 27 to 30.

I CAN DO IT!

SPECIAL OFFERS AND PROJECTS

Free Stress Less Audio. Some of you have been waiting, and some of you have just learned…

It is my gift to you! Share it with friends, family and coworkers, just send them the link and they can download it FREE. Click here to download my new audio “How to Rise Above the Stress of Change and Troubling Times” You will find over one hour of short practical tips, exercises, stories and teachings that will help you to overcome the challenges of change, stress, worry, and fear. LINK

The Spirituality Survey. We are often told by religious leaders, media and scientists what “most people believe” and what people “should believe.” But what if people could speak for themselves? What would the face of modern spirituality look like? Would it be more or less religious? More or less traditional? Is God still relevant? Where do people find and feel the Sacred? You can help shape how we understand spirituality today. Take this short 4 question anonymous survey. www.thespiritualitysurvey.com

READING RECOMMENDATIONS

This month I am honored to recommend three books I truly love, but three people I truly admire!

It's Not The End Of The World: Developing Resilience in Times of Change

 

 

 

 

 

Joan Borysenko has done it again. I love Joan! Not only does she live what she teaches, but what she teaches is so brilliant, simple, compelling and clear. There is no doubt this book can help you to find a practical path and perspective to manage stress and increase how quickly you recover from set back.

“Resilient individuals face reality head-on, take action, find deeper meaning in life, laugh often, and are masters of improvisation. A new kind of natural selection is already having its way with us. As change and uncertainty escalate, those who are prone to stress will be less able to compete, but hopeful, stress-hardy people will rule the world. This book by Joan Borysenko, a world-renowned expert on stress, health, and human potential, is the tool chest needed to step into a bold new future that works for us all!”

http://www.joanborysenko.com/

Emotional Freedom: Liberate Yourself from Negative Emotions and Transform Your Life

 

“Judith Orloff MD, bestselling author and UCLA psychiatrist, invites you on a remarkable journey where you can embrace more happiness and mastery over negativity than you may have ever known. Our world is in the midst of a meltdown. She describes how to stay intuitively and spiritually centered in our times." Judith is another one of those rare people who has had a brilliant career with tremendous success, and yet remains down to earth and good hearted. What she offers in this book is truly a powerful tool that takes people beyond simply managing stress, and into the depths of healing and resolution. It is an important book that could change your life.


 http://www.drjudithorloff.com/


The Hope: A Guide to Sacred Activism                       
                                   



“THE HOPE is a long-awaited compelling guide that helps people respond to current global challenges yet also serves as a much needed wake-up call to inspire action through Sacred Activism—the transforming force of wisdom, love and compassion-in-action to affect radical change in the world.”I believe so deeply in the message in this book. As I have written in Return to the Sacred, the path of service is one of the most universal, the most powerful and the most needed today. I thank Andrew Harvey for this great message and passion to draw people to make the world a better place. He shows us that to be wise and to be spiritual, is to make a difference.  



http://www.andrewharvey.net/

Jonathan’s book is now in paperback!                                              



Return to the Sacred: Ancient Pathways to Spiritual Awakening (A Hay House book, 2009)

 

 

 

  

 Your Spiritual Personality: Finding the Path that is Right for  You  (A Sounds True Audio Learning Course)






RESOURCES

Website of the Month: Check out the balanced and inspiring natural health information with Dr. Andrew Weil at:

www.drweil.com