The hot cup of tea with the mountains in the background ~ this image, for me, captures an experience of comfort. I have the time, energy, and resources to enjoy a hot cup of tea in the morning while watching the sun rise above the mountains. Despite all of the turmoil in the world right now, I'm very comfortable-- with all of my basic needs met and then some. This episode explores how to process feelings of empathy and privilege. I feel safe and secure. Can I now offer support to others in order to help them feel safe and secure? How can I offer support in ways that will be truly meaningful-- while recognizing our individual differences and our universal commonalities.

Although Richard may hesitate to accept this title, I feel as though he is an emissary of true wisdom on healing from the Mayan World of Lake Atitlan. As you'll hear in this podcast, he has had profound experiences in giving, receiving, and exchanging healing energy. He does, however, not consider himself a healer. One idea discussed in this interview is that healing occurs from within. True, plants contain chemicals that alter our physiology. And it's true that some individuals can initiate healing in others. As Richard explains in this episode and in his book Natural Healing: Journey to the Mayan World of Atitlan, one's ability to heal is inextricably linked with the power of the mind- the will to survive and an openness to believe.

Richard's books can be found on Amazon. I've just acquired the entire trilogy on Lake Atitlan: recommended reading to anyone interested in natural healing, Mayan culture, and the power of the mind.