Guest host Clay Villanueva joins Paul Kerzner for episode 30 of the "Are You Being Present?" podcast series.  The title and topic of this podcast is "Presence Through Plant Medicine" and was selected because of the amazing effect this medicine has on the present moment.

Clay is a facilitator of ayahuasca ceremonies who has been working with the medicine for the past 6 years.  Through his personal experiences, dedication and hard work many people have had truly profound and life changing adventures under his guidance and care.

It is important to note that plant medicines, such as ayahuasca, are powerful psychoactive substances that should be respected, researched and only taken under professional advisement and observation.  Choosing a qualified, respected and experienced facilitator is important.  

During the podcast Clay discusses how he was introduced to the medicine and what his first experiences were like.  After doing some research on the internet he chose to go to a retreat down in Peru where he was given ayahuasca by a local shaman.  Over the course of 10 days he sat in 4 ceremonies where he had a variety of visions, epiphanies, and emotional releases.

Paul and Clay spend some time talking about the many opportunities, challenges and experiences they have both had and witnessed in ayahuasca ceremonies.  They also discuss the need for proper preparation and what a person might encounter during a ceremony.

If you've been interested in learning more about plant medicine and its profound affect on the present moment then this podcast is for you!  It is advisable that you to do your research and learn as much as possible before signing up for a ceremony.

We thank Clay Villanueva for joining the podcast and look forward to having him back soon.  If you'd like to learn more about plant medicine you can contact Clay on Facebook or join one of the ayahuasca Facebook groups.

Please visit our website to learn more about presence and mindfulness: https://www.areyoubeingpresent.com

The Presence Projects welcomes guest host Nikki Golly to the 29th episode of the "Are You Being Present?" podcast series.  The title and topic for this podcast is "Nutritionally Present" and was selected to bring awareness and provide information on how nutrition affects our ability to be present.

Nikki was invited onto the podcast because of her extensive knowledge, personal experiences and passion for nutrition.  She is the owner of Fuel Your Body, is a Micro-Nutrient Educator and offers Nutrition Coaching for those looking to improve their diet and outlook on life.

Many Americans still don't fully understand the connection between the foods they eat and the effect it has on their mind, body and spirit.  During the podcast Paul explains how nutrition is the cornerstone of health and wellness as well as a foundational component of mindfulness and presence. 

Later in the podcast Paul and Nikki discuss how the body requires high quality fruits, vegetables, lean meats and supplements to operate properly and maintain a clear thought process.  There are also quite a few foods which should be avoided at all costs due to the negative impact it has on the body which include gluten and dairy products.

Since there are considerable portions of society that don't fully understand proper nutritional concepts our hosts take some time to discuss and provide healthy options that can improve your wellness and ability to be present. 

If you're looking for some amazing nutritional tips that can help you become more mindful and live in the present moment then this podcast is for you!

We thank Nikki Golly for coming onto the podcast and sharing some great nutritional information.  If you'd like to learn more about Nikki please visit her website: http://2fuelyourbody.com/

To learn more about being present please visit our website: https://www.areyoubeingpresent.com

The Presence Projects welcomes guest host Chris Anderson to the 28th episode of the "Are You Being Present?" podcast series.  The title and topic for this podcast is "Guiding With Presence" and was selected because guidance is an integral component of the human experience.  Whether being guided by others, or developing your own inner guidance system, learning to be present and living a more fulfilling life is enhanced with the types guidance we seek.

Chris works for Arizona Outback Adventures and is a multi-day guide manager.  His entire working career has been in the outdoor guiding industry and and now helps manage, train and support his fellow guides.  We invited Chris onto the podcast because of the many experiences he has accumulated over the past 15 years guiding people through new adventures, overcoming fears and breaking through old and limiting behaviors.  The beauty of his work is that by bringing people into nature there are amazing opportunities to shift into the present moment since nature is always present.

During the podcast, Paul and Chris discuss how important and rewarding it is has been to provide guidance to those in need traversing life's many challenges.  By offering support and encouragement they have both witnessed incredible shifts in perceptions and significant growth for the people they have worked with.

Later in the episode Chris spends some time talking about how mental and physical discomforts arise during challenging hikes and adventures.  He goes on to talk about how one of the biggest crutches we have in modern life is distraction from discomfort.  When you're out in nature you have no choice but deal with being uncomfortable.

We thank Chris for joining us on the podcast and look forward to having him back soon!

If you're interested in having a guided outdoor adventure please check out Arizona Outback Adventures: https://aoa-adventures.com/

Please visit our website to learn more about being present: https://www.areyoubeingpresent.com