Counselor Mandy (Eppley) Bird speaks with author and coach Chris Saade about the importance of liberating ourselves from stress. This is critical because of the proven medical research that stress is linked to many illnesses and diseases. Mandy and Chris cover three aspects of stress: Stress of Dissemination, Profound Stress, and Failure Stress. They offer practical tools for liberating ourselves from each of these types of stress. Stress of Dissemination is when we are doing too much – trying to meet everyone’s needs. Instead, we must focus on the essential needs that must to be met. Profound Stress is when we are involved in work, projects, organizations, etc. that are opposite to our authentic nature. When we are not in harmony with ourselves, the cost is very high. When we are aligned with our heart and our authenticity we have the best chance for good health. Failure Stress is when we are not accepting our humanity and are fighting against the authenticity of life itself. Creativity happens through waves of failures and successes. Thus, we must have both of these. Failures are guiding stars to our successes. The good news is that when we liberate ourselves from stress we can experience much more joy and pleasure!

Chris Saâde is the co-director of The Olive Branch Center with his wife, Jessie Thompson, where he teaches courses on engaged spirituality. He has lead more than 200 psychological and spiritual retreats, and continues to serve as a personal Coach for individuals and couples. Chris worked as a licensed psychotherapist for 11 years in private practice specializing in depression and life transitions before migrating into the world of coaching, writing and teaching. He has written 2 books, 2nd Wave Spirituality: Passion for Peace, Passion for Justice and Prayers for Peace and Justice and 2 recordings with Andrew Harvey. www.theolivebranch.net