cliff harvey

CLIFF HARVEY VANCITY WORKSHOPS : “Live The S**T Out Of Life!”

CLIFF HARVEY VANCITY WORKSHOPS : “Live The S**T Out Of Life!”

Sarah Jamieson / Thoughts / , , , / 0 Comment

Cliff Harvey (ND, Dip.Fit, HbT, Adv.Psych-K, Reiki lll) is a Naturopath, author and speaker specialising in holistic performance nutrition and mind-body-spirit medicine. He teaches people how to give themselves the chemical building blocks of health (great nutrition) and how to integrate new patterns of behaviour and actions to achieve their life, health and performance goals.

YogaFORM is pleased to support Cliff, combining personal growth with Yoga is a “no-brainer,” therefore; we thought it would be “neat-o” to offer Cliff’s attendees YogaFORM prior to his workshop!

Join us May 18th at the “Women Empowered” kick off event at Denman Cinemas, as Cliff makes is debut as my special guest at our event. If you didn’t know –  Cliff is also my Health Sponsor for the CARE Canada “Walk In Her Shoes” 101km Event in Vancouver, that I am currently gearing up for on May 20th. He will be attending and signing his best selling book “Time Rich Cash Optional.” Check us out!

 

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS IN VANCITY:

 

Effective Conscious Communication

Date: Thursday, May 24th, 2012

Time: 6:30pm

Location: Tides Canada – 400-163 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

BONUS: Coffee, tea and refreshments provided

Details:

In this workshop Cliff Harvey ND draws on his 14 years of clinical experience as a Naturopath and Mind-Body Therapist to show how we can create more harmonious relationships at home, at work and in any other area of life – with just a few simple intentions, tools and exercises.

You will learn:

  • The value of having Brave Conversations
  • The importance of speaking your truth
  • How to use positive framing to literally transform your relationships
  • How to create better rapport
  • How to create more mindful communication
  • A simple mindfulness exercise to reconnect to your calm centre

Additionally Cliff will outline his 4 Key Communication Skills and demonstrate a simple, effective exercises that will allow anyone, in any relationship to communicate more effectively. (Learning this simple exercise is worth the price of the workshop alone!)

 

Fight Nutrition 101: No BS Nutrition for Fighters

Date: Saturday May 26th

Time: 10am – 12pm

Location: Universal North Vancouver

Details:

In this workshop Cliff Harvey draws on over 14 years helping fighters to train and compete at their best. He has been called ‘the King of the Cut’ for his work helping fighters to make weight and enter the ring or cage in optimal condition and fuelled to fight.

Why you need to make a commitment to be a better athlete…not just a better fighter, and how you can be leaner, more effectively fuelled, and recover better year round.

You will learn:

  • Cliff’s unique 12 phase approach to eating to be leaner and more effectively fuelled year round, and before a fight
  • 5 Golden Rules for Meal Composition
  • How to optimise pre, during, and post-training nutrition
  • The safest and most effective methods for cutting weight before your fight

Living the S**t Out of Life! (An intro to Time Rich Cash Optional)

Date: Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

Time: 6:30pm

Location: TBC

 

Details:

Intro to living time rich, happy and free.

(Consists of talk, followed by discussion.)

 

Based on the concepts in Cliff Harvey’s best-selling book Time Rich Cash Optional: an unconventional guide to happiness.

In this talk Cliff discusses why we simply have to change the way we live and the way we treat each other, for our own health and sanity and for that of the planet.

Cliff challenges the audience to live a life of simple abundance; embrace the unconventional; and begin to spend the currency of our lives (TIME!) on things that make us happier, healthier and that improve the lives of those around us.

Be inspired, motivated and uplifted.

 

Choosing You! Connecting with your life of purpose and reaching the goals that really matter!

[Full Day Workshop]

Date: Sunday June 3rd, 2012

Time: 9:00am 6:00pm

Location: Tides Canada – 400-163 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

BONUS: Coffee, tea, refreshments and fresh fruit will be provided. Bring your Yoga mat as we the workshop will be starting off with a 20min YogaFORM Vinyasa Yoga Class to get you energized and invigorated to start off your full day of “Choosing You!”

Details:

The exercises in this inspiring, motivational and practical weekend workshop have helped thousands around the world live happier, more fulfilled lives.

You will learn:

– Why being normal sucks!….and how embracing the unconventional can help you live a happier, more fulfilled life
– The value of dissatisfaction and how you can use this to transform your relationship with your life
– How to identify your value set and ethos, so that you can set the goals that really matter!
– How to turn your dreams into realisable goals
– The importance of mindfulness for realising and achieving your goals

Cliff will also show how you can turn negative and self limiting beliefs into positive behaviours and patterns to defeat self sabotage, and will outline his unique approach to daily intention, actions and audits so that you can stay on track!

This workshop includes practical exercises encouraging greater mindfulness, awareness and communication.

Experience the breakthrough of realising your power to choose your life of passion and purpose!
Live the S**T out of life!

FOR MORE INFO ON REGISTRATION FOLLOW THIS LINK: http://www.eventbrite.co.nz/org/2144794195?s=7951665

Cliff Harvey –  http://www.cliffharvey.com/home

“A Liberal Sprinkling of Energetic Healing”: Concluding Interview with Cliff Harvey

“A Liberal Sprinkling of Energetic Healing”: Concluding Interview with Cliff Harvey

Sarah Jamieson / Thoughts / , , , , / 0 Comment

What is my purpose?

Where am I going?

What is the thing called life all about?

This is the modern day conundrum. The majority of our lives are spent of wanting to “attain” happiness, wanting to achieve our dreams and be successful. Yet, most often we start this journey without truly understanding what that even means to “be happy, “be successful” or what my “dream” is. Last night I spoke at an event for a very good friend, acclaimed musician, athlete and fellow philanthroprenuer; which was a fundraiser/ CD release party/ networking gig to connect the dots and meet other inspired people to ask each other “What is life all about?” Then as the evening came to a close he asked us “put up your hand if you – right now- are living your dream, if you can honestly say in four words or less – what life is all about.? Out of the 200 people I would say 50 of us put our hands up.

He continued to say… for those of you would didn’t put your hands up – your task is simple, you need to make a change and you need to do what you love.

The last several weeks articles have build upon this foundation of personal moral responsibility to create the life YOU want to lead. To establish a life full of abundance, does not mean suffering through dead end jobs, making ends meet or always hanging with the cool kids. This decision starts with “Choosing You.”

When my hand shot up into the sky, like a bat out of proverbial (compassionate) hell – my four words were this “Choosing You & Compassion.”

What we “value” in life and what we choose to do each day has to align with our greater purpose, if it doesn’t, or if we are unsure of what we actually value, then we cannot except to find what we are looking for. Values are fundamental. Health is one of those fundamental values. We need to be healthy, in order for our mind, body and spirit to be in a place of acceptance, to be balanced and be ready to take on life in every capacity.

This is the very reason why I have shamelessly plugged Cliff Harvey’s #PMA of awesomeness and made it my self appointed duty to bring his teachings toVancouver, for all of you out there who are walking your own journey towards your greatest selves.

Therefore, with out further adieu, I give you our final full length Interview from Cliff Harvey; man of many talents, do’er of world changing epiphanies, debunker of myths, record holder of everything heavy and performance based, and lastly, a champion of  life….

Part 4: Interview with Cliff Harvey

Apart from Cliff’s mind-body and life coaching, his experience in Performance Nutrition looks to bridge the gap between Naturopathic/Holistic Nutrition and Sports Nutrition.  Whether you are an athlete at the highest level, or someone simply wanting to function better in their daily life, the broad concepts of good nutrition remain the same.

Q: Choosing You and Time Rich Cash Optional is really about a journey of choosing to put yourself first and truly a cross pollination of a serious nutrition overall because of your battle with Crohns Disease, an exploration of mind and body optimal well being and all kinds of serious life advice, Can you offer some sound advice on where someone may start to re evaluate their current lifestyle or nutrition plan?

As an athlete, nutritionist and naturopath you are uniquely skilled in encouraging the greatest health, wellness AND performance through nutrition. Perhaps your lent challenge can pave the way?

You’re right, Choosing You! and TRCO are about putting yourself first to a large degree, but not is a selfish way. When we truly begin to realise what makes us most happy, we realise that it isn’t simply seeking transient states of ecstasy (although these may be fun from time to time!), and it certainly isn’t achieved via the material. Because we begin to see what is truly important (connection, charity, conservation etc – all of which are extensions and actions of a life lived for LOVE) we begin to treat those around us, and the world in general better!

It’s funny because Choosing You! began as a nutrition book…but as you know there is NO nutrition in it! I wrote a ‘chapter’ on belief and choice as it related to making changes in one’s life as an intro to the nutrition book, and that grew into Choosing You!. With any aspect of health, wellness (and happiness) there are 2 crucial steps in what I call ‘the discovery process’. These are 1) What is the dissatisfaction in life; and 2) What does your best case life look like.

When we have a context of what we don’t want in life we can begin to see how we would like it to be instead, and begin to chart a course towards making that a reality. When we also evaluate and imagine what would be our ‘best case’ life we can begin to also set goals and intentions within that context. On a neurophysiological level we begin to also make that existence safe and appropriate and can start the process of releasing resistance and the belief patterns that drive self sabotage.

The crucial FIRST step though is having that epiphanical moment when you truly, deeply understand that you CAN change your life, and you can start to do it right now…

The Lent Challenge is a bit of fun…

I often throw out a whole lot of ideas and sometimes they get a little traction. My simple reason for partaking in Lent yearly is that it is a great device for realising our attachment to vices, addictions and patterns of behaviour, some of which may not be serving our highest self. Challenges like this can be a great way for people to connect to what is really most important in their lives. (The Lent Challenge articles can be found here: http://cliffdog.blogspot.co.nz/search/label/Lent%20Challenge  )

Q. What has been your greatest hurdle on your own journey? And do you see a common thread in obstacles in your clients?

A. The greatest hurdle on my journey was learning to actually be fully and totally engaged in my process. To fully live the s**t out of what I am doing at any given moment and to not be ‘rushing like a bull at a gate’ to the end goal. 

Many people who know my story might be surprised at this answer. Having lost my Mum tragically, and many other people who were very close to me, being diagnosed with, and subsequently recovering from the worst effects of Crohn’s disease, depression and other calamities, the greatest challenge in retrospect has not been these in isolation as much as transcending some of the limiting aspects of ‘self’ on a deeper level. Of course these tendencies pplayed into other mainfestations (especially Crohn’s) and so there is always a tie in.

What I can say is that working with these proclivities of my personality, and confronting the challenges of loss, grief, trauma and illness has made me a better person, a better practitioner and has allowed me to learn the tools that I now apply with my patients and clients to help them to live happier, healthier lives. So each one of those challenges is a blessing I am grateful to have received…not withstanding that I would give anything to have one more hug from my Mum!

The commonality I see in my clients is that they too are almost always struggling to be here now. I think we are all seeking happiness, and the various things we do are threads that we are weaving into our best case life. One of the greatest gifts I can receive is when someone walks out of my office feeling more ‘now’.

Q. Lets talk performance! Optimal performance seems to have a lot of buzz these days, and for good reason. What are some of the “myths” you are faced with when coaching clients or your athletes?

Wow – there are a lot!

I have just been presenting a number of lectures on nutrition myths and key amongst these are:

1. You need to eat less to lose bodyfat

2. You need to eat less fat to lose bodyfat

3. Saturated fat is bad for you

4. Your diet should be carbohydrate based

5. You need to eat 6+ meals per day

This may be something I will do some workshops on when I am in North Americain May and August. Holistic .

In the mind-body realm I think the biggest mistake that athletes make is to believe that they will succeed and achieve their goals purely by doing the ‘work’ required to get there. The reality is that ‘the work’ is one crucial part of the picture, but if we don’t ‘believe’ that we are able we will subtly self-sabotage our efforts to achieve what we consciously desire. There are solid neurophysiological and bio-evolutionary reasons for this and these too are topics I will be evaluating in lectures in ‘Mind-Body Strategies for Optimal Performance’ inVancouver in May.

Q. What scientific studies are you engaged in at the moment that you are finding sets the bar for what we call the desired outcome of “optimal performance’ and “optimal wellbeing”?

A. I’m not actively involved in any research myself right now, but as a co-owner of several businesses involved in sports supplementation I’m working with some PhD researchers on the applications of several novel, natural products for increasing anaerobic performance. I can’t say too much at this stage though!

Q. Workshops, let’s talk workshops. What canVancouver expect in May and June? What does Cliff Harvey have in store for us Vancouverites?

A. There will be a few workshops offered inVancouver in late May.

I’m really excited to offer the first full weekend workshop of my ‘Choosing You!’ series. This is: ‘Connecting With Your Life of Passion and Purpose and Reaching the Goals that Really Matter!’

It’s a full weekend of value-setting exercises, goal setting, mindfulness and positivity! In many ways this workshop is a culmination of the exercises and tools from both of my books and my years in life and purposed coaching practice.

Mini-workshops will also be offered on:

– The Mind-Body Link in Creating Optimal Health

– Mind-Body Strategies for Optimal Performance

– Effective Conscious Communication

And also No BS Nutrition and Fight Nutrition (specific nutrition for fighters and combat sport athletes).

Stay tuned over April, as we will be rolling out Cliff’s May and June workshop schedule!

“”If you believe you can or if you believe you can’t – you’’re right.” ~ Henry Ford

 

Sources:

Cliff’s Website: http://www.cliffharvey.com/

Cliff’s Books “Get em Here”: http://www.cliffharvey.com/#!__books

Mike Averill (Music, Philanthroprenuer, Traveller, Life of Abundance Seeker) : http://www.myspace.com/michaelaverill

Conscious Communication: An Interview with Cliff Harvey

Conscious Communication: An Interview with Cliff Harvey

Sarah Jamieson / Thoughts / , , , , / 0 Comment

 “Com.mu.ni.ca.tion ~ A process by which information is transfered. The act of exchange; of  thoughts, actions, messages.. Connection.

Con.scious ~ Aware of and responding to one’s surroundings, environment, and of ones own existence; awake.”

As a coach in corrective mechanics and integrated yoga, I am well placed to educate my clients how at the cellular level the mechanical, physical, bioelectrical and biomechanical functions of all our systems – “our physical body” – provide  “communication and feedback” to one’s mind, and ultimately, how one’s mind (through our thoughts, needs, attachments etc) can ultimately affect one’s physical body as well.

As the great Buddha once said, “What we think, we become.” But what about communicating outside the “bubble” of our own internal world? We know that humans require connection; without connecting with others and our environment, we would not survive. We would wither away in solitude and cease to exist. From the dawn of time humans evolve by connecting to one another and to our surroundings. This gives rise to a new level of communication – Conscious Communication.

Our overall well-being is fundamentally linked to the ability to effectively and clearly communicate our needs in the universe, and our purpose in life.

Photo of Effective Conscious Communication Workshop

The New Thought Movement in 1904-1910 was pioneered by Thomas Troward who strongly influced the idea of ‘conscious communicaton” and claimed that thought precedes physical form and that “the action of the mind plants the seed, the nucleus which, if allowed to grow undisturbed, will eventually attract to itself all the conditions necessary for its manifestation in outward visible form.”

The law of attraction; abundantly shows us that “like attract like”; that positive thoughts attract positive outcomes and negative thoughts attract negative outcomes.  Much like the phrases, for example: “I need more money” or “I’ll never find love”,   (which we have all uttered from time to time)… allows the subject (you and me) to continue to “need money” or “never find love”. Why? Simple. You are not communicating a solution, an action. You are not communicating the goal, you are in essence only communicating the problem and until we make a conscious decision to communicate and focus our thoughts on the result. For instance; “I have more money now” or “I am currently walking the path of love.”

Let’s take that one step further. COMMUNICATION WITH ANOTHER!

What is the difference between being a good communicator and being a master of conscious communication skills? Communication as a general term can be very wide spread and interpretations and intentions can vary from person to person, culture to culture etc.  Conscious Communication implies first and foremost that a level of ‘consciousness’ is present. As the communicator, we need to be aware of at least four key elements.

1. Be aware of the self. This applies to the intention behind the conversation, personal agenda, emotions, fears, and opinions that may progress or hinder the flow of communication. Taking responsibility for your feelings and making it as easy as possible for the other person to understand your point of view.

2. Be aware of the other person. The ability to keep an open mind and be open and respectful to their emotions, fears, opinions and worldview is crucial in communicating.

3. Be aware of the environment. The ambiance dedicated to the conversation will shift the flow substantially. Is the environment ideal, does it add or take away from the experience of the conversation?

4. Be aware of the support structures that may help or hinder effective communication; for example a coach, a mediator a professional to offer feedback and keep the flow on track.

ET the Movie

Keeping on track with my 4 week introduction to Cliff Harvey, author of “Choosing You” and “Time Rich Cash Optional”, whose speaking engagements and workshops draw people from all over the world.

One of Cliff’s workshops is based on “Conscious Communication,” where he draws from more than 14 years  clinical experience as an ND and as a mind-body coach to show how we can create more harmonious relationships at home, at work, and in any other area of life with a few simple intentions, tools and exercises.

 

An Interview with Cliff Harvey on Conscious Communication:

Q. Cliff, in one of your workshops called ‘Effective Conscious Communication’. Your 3 main themes are (1) The value of Brave Conversations, (2) The importance of speaking your truth and (3) How to use positive framing to literally transform your relationships. That’s pretty powerful stuff. Without giving away any secrets… what do you hope your participants will walk away with after one of your workshops?

 A. Particularly over the last few years of Life and Purpose coaching I have noticed real challenges for people arising from poor communication, resulting in stress, anxiety and poor health. We all know how to communicate…but seldom do we know how to communicate compassionately, effectively and in a way that allows us to be more harmoniously aligned with others AND our highest goals, values and purpose.

My hope is that participants in this particular workshop will walk away with a few simple, effective tools that they can apply straight away in order to create happier, more fulfilling relationships with those around them. 

Q. You mention that you draw on your clinical experience working with patients and clients to formulate this and other workshops. Are there any particular experiences that have influenced the communication tools you outline?

A. There really are too many to name! But in essence the tools that I apply in practice and that I teach, have come from a lifetime of experience and spiritual practice. One of the great things about moving more and more over the years into Life & Purpose Coaching and Mind-Body-Spirit medicine has been the integration of all aspects of my ‘life’ into my ‘work’.

For example I grew up doing yoga with my Dad which gave me an early insight into midnfulness, the mind-body connection as well as tenets of Eastern Philosophy.

I went on to research and become involved in Buddhist practice for many years from my early teens, as well as investigating mystic Christianity, Sufism and many, many other contemplative traditions. When I integrated this learning (and the many realisations along the way) with the scientific and medical knowledge I had garnered studying nutrition, strength and conditioning and Natuopathic medicine, it was quite a powerful combination!

The intention and compassion based aspects of the communication strategies I teach definitely rest on this basis. The ‘action’ based tools have arisen from study of various things like NLP, Ericksonian Hypnosis, Psych-K and other modalities.

But I think most importantly taking the intention of love and compassion, and cultivating awareness –  allows you to learn and grow from difficult situations, with difficult people and this learning process is something I also teach in tthe workshops.

A few very special people in a very special time and place in my life had a huge role to play in one of the ‘lynchpin’ exercise I teach for encouraging ‘conscious communication’ –  and so a big thank you for that goes out to Kriya, Dale, Lise, Jennifer, Alex, Christine and Derek at our wonderful Zorba-Buddha house in Kitsilano may it long reside in our hearts and memories!

Stay tuned next week, as we wrap up our 4 week introduction to Cliff’s mind-body coaching and sneak peek at his upcoming workshops in Vancouver.

 

Sources:

Cliff’s Website: http://www.cliffharvey.com/

Time Rich Cash Optional: http://www.timerichcashoptional.com/

Katoa Health: http://www.katoahealth.com/workshops–courses.html

Time Rich Cash Optional: “An UNCONVENTIONAL Guide to Happiness”

Time Rich Cash Optional: “An UNCONVENTIONAL Guide to Happiness”

Sarah Jamieson / News, Reviews, Thoughts, Writers / , , , , / 0 Comment

PART 2: A Review of Time Rich Cash Optional, a book by Cliff Harvey

Hap.pi.ness ~ state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.

Un·con·ven·tion·al ~ not bound by or conforming to convention, rule, or precedent; free from conventionality.

Cliff is the Author of Time Rich Cash Optional (an unconventional guide to happiness) and Choosing You! ~ How you can choose to live the life of your dreams.

I have spent the last week nose down, knee deep in Cliff’s book “Time Rich, Cash Optional. An Unconventional Guide to Happiness,” and seriously I cannot put it down.

Apart from the raw and down to earth feel, ability to paint a clear and “unconventional” picture of how to tangibly achieve our purpose, and even getting to the root  of how we place meaning on words like: “TIME,” “RICH,” “CURRENCY,” “HAPPINESS”… etc. – this book offers well-crafted exercises helping you along your own journey to the age old mantra…. “Don’t worry, be happy.”

I would like to share with you a couple of my favorite chapters.

 

Chapter 3: Becoming Unconventional “Why being normal doesn’t work”

“If you are not living the way you would like to, you have to ask yourself: why not? What ever you are doing is leading to a set of results. If those results are not the ones you want, then you obviously have to change your actions. Taking this step is not easy. We have been told over countless years that normal is good and abnormal is bad. We have been conditioned, and we have told ourselves that “fitting in” is the best way to progress in life. The problem is that this isn’t even remotely true.”

Fitting in is safe. Fitting in provides the anonymity to “fly below the radar” and not open yourself up to criticism; however, no one who ever changed the world did so by being normal”

“There will never be the “perfect” time to do something.”

I love this chapter! Why? Quite simple really, I have never tried to be normal, quite the opposite actually. Many of my students enjoy the “unorthodox or unconventional” nature of my classes and workshops and my whole life has been centered on being authentic and unique to the best of my (at sometimes eccentric and nutty) ability. However, with that being said, I have also found myself straying from my real purpose to fit others definition of “normal” and so this chapter truly re-affirms self coaching strategies to hone in on staying true to your path and your own truth in life.

 

Chapter 4: Work, Live, Play “Becoming a ‘Life Artist’

“Our relationship with “Work” defines how we feel about it. The idea of work provides a lot of mental stress to us – it is our relationship with our work situation that makes it stressful. The approach that we take to our work day defines how we actually perceive it. We can love what we do because we enjoy the sense of satisfaction and fulfillment it gives us. When we are very good at something, and we are able to translate it into a career, it can be as if that’s what we were put on this earth to do.”

What if we don’t have this? What if we do not know exactly what we want to be doing?”

We have all pondered these questions, and luckily practices like yoga and martial arts, even long distance running (since I do this, I can preach its value), enables us to tap into the center of the brain that starts to process… the larger, more profound questions of life. Ultimately, Cliff, and other wise peeps before our time, distinctly state that we, and we alone have the power to change and manifest our purpose – our happiness in life.

As Cliff so valiantly puts it; “your job is a conduit for your life’s purpose. Creating YOUR art, expressing YOUR truth,’ it’s pretty simple when you take away all the smoke and mirrors and fluffy stuff we humans like to put forth to make it all so dramatic. Reality is this – if you loved your job, loved how it made you feel, well, would this not make you in essence “happy.”

Happiness is an experience, a connection, not a store bought item. It’s a fragment in time, and if we choose to live and love to the fullest in every moment, then we can string all of those moments along to make a lifetime of – happiness.  Dalai tells it best…

Consider this passage from one the Dalai Lama quotes on happiness:

 “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

Consider the following. We humans are social beings. We come into the world as the result of others’ actions. We survive here in dependence on others. Whether we like it or not, there is hardly a moment of our lives when we do not benefit from others’ activities. For this reason it is hardly surprising that most of our happiness arises in the context of our relationships with others.

Happiness is determined more by the state of one’s mind than by one’s external conditions, circumstances or events- at least once one’s basic survival needs are met.” – Dalai Lama

 

Last week we introduced Cliff and his message of lasting “awesomeness.” I gave snippets into his life, and why he chooses to pass on his experience to help others live happier, healthier lives through his lectures and workshops. Read the following Q&A segment to learn more about Cliff’s up coming workshops and book tour.

Part 2: Interview with Cliff Harvey

Q. In writing your book Time Rich Cash Optional, what was your ah-ha moment? What brought you to write this book about time, currency, and unconventional means of achieving happiness?

A. I think the ah-ha moment actually came well before actually writing Time Rich. The most profound awakening (in this respect at least) came when I was traveling inSouth America. I spent many months wandering, and in some respects I think I was trying to reconnect to my purpose.

I absolutely love what I do, and at the time I also loved what I did. But I felt like I could do so much more and was struggling to get a handle on ‘how’ I could work and be in order to be of the most service.

I came to realize however, that the most important thing that I can do in my practice, life, writings and teaching is to encourage happiness. I can do this moment-to-moment, day-to-day…in any job! And so finding my ‘perfect’ job or work-life path completely imploded in upon itself as a concept, and all that was left was each breaking moment.

And so in many respects even as I was writing Choosing You!, Time Rich Cash Optional was beginning to formulate in my mind and many of the themes began appearing on cliffdog.com (my blog).

Its eventual form was heavily influenced by what I could see occurring in the world economy at the time and the situation that we are still playing out (with the GFC and its aftermath.) Many, many people have begun to re-evaluate what actually drives their happiness, passion and purpose…

Q. “Close the door, change the record, clean the house, get rid of the dust…stop being who you were and become who you are.” – Paulo Coelho (The Zahir). This quote resides on your facebook page and considering this article is about being “Unconventional” I am told you religiously wear no shoes, you prefer bare-feet. How does a strength coach winning world records in weightlifting, stay so zen and balanced? How do you regulate this duality?

A. Ha ha ha. They key is that there is no duality, and no dichotomy. The moment is the moment, whether sitting in meditation or lifting 380lb with one hand from the floor! We can so easily fall into the trap of seeing thing as being of the mind, or of the body, or of the soul or spirit. But in reality these are all aspects of the human condition and cannot be separated. Although we may have a focus there is no such thing really as a solely physical, mental or spiritual exercise. The bare foot thing is interesting. It was only when I lived in Vancouver that I realized this was something out of the norm. Growing up in Aotearoa (New Zealand) it is pretty common for people to not wear shoes for a good portion of the year (although this is declining.) There are so many health benefits in my opinion for this, but also other subtle nuances. Being barefoot is a great metaphor for a simpler, less material existence. Walking barefoot is also a beautiful, mindful exercise – one that connects us with Mother Earth. Finally it’s a great way to encourage people to walk more softly (another great analogy for taking care of this planet we share…)

Next week we explore, “Conscious Communications with the self and other” and relate this to how we explore our meaning of communication and connection on and off the mat.

 

Sources:

Time Rich Cash Optional: an unconventional guide to happiness:  http://www.timerichcashoptional.com/

Website: www.cliffharvey.com

Blog: www.cliffdog.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/choosingyou

Choosing You: An Interview With Cliff Harvey – “Live the S*** out of life!”

Choosing You: An Interview With Cliff Harvey – “Live the S*** out of life!”

Sarah Jamieson / Events, News, Reflections, Reviews, Thoughts / , , , , , / 0 Comment

“Life has to become, more and more, closer to laughter than seriousness” ~ Osh

Choosing You! by Cliff Harvey

For centuries we have looked upon motivators, great leaders, gurus, elders, chiefs and other influential people in our lives to inspire us in progressing through our own personal journey of greatness.

Our traditions, experiences, trials and tribulations, passed down from one person to the next are a form of story telling that can give us a glimpse of the common thread that lies within each of us – the power to live a life of abundance, and a healthy happy long life in connection with those closest to us.

I have been given the opportunity to probe the mind of someone I consider to be “a guru”, “a great leader”, a “change maker”; someone who has lead me on a personal reflection of my own, to discover my own truth, my pursuit for compassion and love; and I wish to share that with you over the next several weeks.

In May and August 2012, Cliff Harvey; author, motivational speaker, world recognized mind-body-coach and naturopath will be holding workshops and seminars inVancouver(focusing on several areas of Life and Purpose, Spirituality, Holistic Health and Wellness), whilst on a North American speaking and book tour.

Cliff began his journey in the health and wellness industries as a strength coach and nutritional consultant and has had the privilege of working with Olympic medalists and world champions,RugbyCanada, BCRugby, Emirates Team NewZealandand Field HockeyCanada,  as well as populations with chronic illness and special populations. Cliff also holds specializations in the areas of Psych-K; as an Advanced Facilitator; Reiki Level lll (Master); and is a Homeobotanical Therapist. Aside from his workshops and seminars, Cliff is also an accomplished author; his books including the 2007 release: “Choosing You” and his latest offering: “Time Rich Cash Optional: an unconventional guide to happiness” released in 2011.

Over the course of the next 4 weeks my Saturday morning blog will take you on a journey of personal reflection, as I introduce Cliff’s methodology and holistic teachings, in hopes of giving you a glimpse of his upcoming workshops and seminar scheduled this summer.

An Interview with Cliff Harvey

Q. Let’s start with your upcoming workshops; currently inNew Zealandand what your thoughts are forVancouver?

A. The real focus, both here and on my North American tour is to roll out a weekend workshop based on the exercise from both Choosing You! and Time Rich Cash Optional. There’s also be a lot of additional material drawn from 14 years in practice helping people to be happier and healthier. I’m really excited to be able to connect with people in that type of setting and present some extremely practical tools and exercises to help them deeply connect with their life of passion and purpose and to set and achieve the right goals…the goals that will make it a reality.

Outside of that I will be presenting several workshops on the Mind-Body connection – both from a health/life perspective and also for athletes to achieve sporting and performance success. The final workshops are focused on Holistic Performance Nutrition and Conscious Communication skills…so really there is something for everyone!

Q. You have two main portals; your publishing and work as an author and speaker and your holistic clinical work as a natuopath and mind-body coach (among a plethora of other modalities). You are incredible accomplished for an early 30 year old, and seem to have achieved what most work up to later on in life, what has been your driving force to excel? How have you balanced all the work, play and education? How do you manage it all?

A. That is a great question Sarah…

So often people start with ‘How do you fit it all in?’ Not what the driving force is!

I guess the driving force for me has been quite simply that I had a realization that whatever we do, if we are living a life that is congruent with our ethos and values and congruent with our highest purpose, is a conduit by which we can make people happier. All of the things I do in practice and in my speaking and writing have that as the end goal or highest purpose. I also have very eclectic tastes and marry that with a tendency to become super-engaged (some may say obsessed!) in things that interest me. So I have done, and continue to do several different things as part of my work-life. I see the whole complex (work-life-play) as being one in the same, especially when you love what you do, and do what you love.

Take today for example: I got up around 6am, had a leisurely breakfast, then did some writing, planning for clients, communications (email etc) and then headed to the gym at 10am for my usual training day which consists of 90min of weightlifting and a further hour of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. After that it’s home for a short siesta in the sun and then back to the office to either see clients or do more writing or project work. It’s currently 6pm NZ time and in effect I have trained for 2.5 hours, chilled for some time and worked or 7 hours thus far, I may or may not go for a surf, a walk on the beach or to a friends for dinner. It’s not a conventional schedule and some may see it as hectic, but really it’s not…it’s just a flow of life.

So often people think they ‘don’t have enough time’. But that just means that they are spending time on the inconsequential. I sometimes wonder how to fit all the things I really want to do and love doing in, but that has quite a different context to feeling like time is the enemy. The key is to simply look at life as an adventure. Do things, try things, love things. And part of that is loving to lie down, chill, relax and have quite time too. My latest book looks at the idea that time is the very currency of life, and therefore happiness…

Q. Why “Choosing you”? This is a title that I am sure jumps out of the stands for most people, and as we know the title of the book is usually the hardest to “choose” when writing a book (or at least that’s what I have heard from authors). What is your personal connection with the title?

A. Choosing You! is a book about the power that we have in choice. The title actually came to me early on in the process (as did Time Rich Cash Optional) and I think that it sums up very effectively the onus of the book, which is that you can choose who you want to be and how you want to live, and you can do it right now. 

Q. In 2001 you were diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and you mention in your bio that this lead you to re evaluate your health and the meaning you placed on what constitutes “health.” Can you elaborate of some of the fundamental changes or epiphanies you have had re structuring your life and living with Corhns?

A. The diagnosis affected me on many levels. At the time I became very sick, lost around 36lbs and was constantly in severe pain, unable to eat many foods as everything seemed to affect me negatively and was heavily anemic due to blood loss. It was at that time that I had a great realization – that LIFE is a choice. I could allow myself (a choice) to slip into a semi-permanent hospital bed (or a grave!) or decide to fight for life. I chose the latter and the rest is history. Things didn’t correct themselves over night but it was certainly the turning point on my road to recovery. In the subsequent years I had many realizations of the interconnectedness of the mind, body and spirit in health, and this lead me to become much more holistic in my clinical practice, and incorporate spiritual concepts that I had learned over my youth and adolescent years, and in doing so integrated a lot of what previously was my home life and work life, until even they gained greater synergy.

The most important thing that hardship does though is makes you more human. The various things I’ve been through, from illness to grief, trauma and loss, have all made me more empathic, more compassionate and ergo a better person and better practitioner. 

Cliff Harvey, ND, Dip.Fit, HbT, Adv. Psych-K, Reiki lll

Learn how you can transform your deepest driving desires and intentions, as well as how to access your hidden potential and recognize the possibilities that are always unfolding around you. Feel free to follow along and purchase Cliff Harvey’s books, “Choosing You” and “Time Rich Cash Optional” and unlock the tools and inspiration to move to the next phase of success and fulfillment, with effortless ease.

Join us over the next 4 weeks as we look at Cliff Harvey’s integrated approach and vision for his upcoming seminars.

Week One: a Hip Guide to “Unconventional” Happiness

Week Two: Conscious Communications with the self and other

Week Three: Mind-Body Strategies for Optimal Performance on and off the mat

Week Four: Choosing You! Connecting with your life purpose

 

Sources:

Katoa Health Publishing: www.katoahealth.com

Website: www.cliffharvey.com

Blog: www.cliffdog.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/choosingyou

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cliffharveyauthor

Author’s Amazon Page: www.amazon.com/-/e/B004JBBX66

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