Media Kit:
Interview Q&A for Awakening the Tiger Within
Author: Joy Heartsong
1. What was your inspiration for writing this book?
As I worked with my clients over the years, I found more and more people asking me to help them gain more clarity, release fears or unblock old patterns. I sensed that at a deep inner level, they already knew what to do. I am able to help clients connect with that inner knowing, move beyond their fears and make the changes they really want to see. I have a desire to share some of these techniques with others who may be experiencing similar challenges.
2. Tell us about the “Tiger Within.”
The tiger is a symbol for our inner power and the higher power that lies within. It is a symbol of empowerment, blending courage with inner strength and wisdom. The “Tiger Within” is in each of us whether we are aware of it or not. It is always with us, ready to help us reclaim our power and see the world through eyes of peace.
3. Healing is a popular topic these days with different opinions about how to accomplish it. How do you suggest people begin to heal themselves and their lives?
First, I’d like to explain what I mean by healing. Healing is a sense of oneness and peace with all that is. I do not use “healing” to mean being cured of a health condition. Healing affects mind, body and spirit. A good place to begin is to focus more on connecting with the inner stillness deep inside you, and follow the guidance you get. You may find that answers come from a variety of sources: messages from other people, even strangers, from the lyrics of a song or from a sudden “knowing.” Keep an open mind. Be willing to see your life differently. Let go of old habits and ways of thinking that are draining your energy, mentally, emotionally and physically. Experience new ways of being and doing. If you’re looking for answers beyond what traditional medicine has to offer, experience the benefits from complementary health care such as Healing Touch, which balances and connects your energy, or massage. Ultimately, do what makes you feel at peace with yourself and the world. That’s true healing. (My story, to illustrate, if time.)
4. Your book explains the importance of letting go of fears and limiting beliefs. What kind of fears and beliefs do you feel limit us?
We have so many fears: fear of failure, fear of not having enough, of being laughed at or ridiculed, fear of change or loss, and more. Beliefs that limit us, often without our being aware of them, include: not feeling good enough, smart enough or worthy of love. Some people believe they are powerless, that what they say or do doesn’t make any difference so they can’t change anything. Others believe they need to please everyone else because it’s selfish to do what feels good to them, or they won’t be accepted if they speak their truth.
5. In your book, you talk about making changes in your life instead of feeling stuck or victimized. If someone wants to change her (or his) life, what do you suggest?
I think there are six important ideas to consider.
- First, be sure you’re really, really ready to make some changes. If you aren’t ready to let go of the security of the known, difficult as it may be, you’re not ready.
- Then, I encourage you to have a clear goal in mind, a vision of what you desire, or you may end up in a worse situation. Go into that quiet place of knowing deep inside, and find out what makes your heart sing. Then believe you can have that.
- Commit to making changes. It’s not about changing someone else. It’s about changing yourself and the way you see others and interact with them and the world around you.
- If it seems too daunting to make a big change all at once, take smaller steps toward the change. For example, change the way you respond to one person in your life, or get up an hour earlier to make quiet time for yourself.
- Ask for help when you need it. Schedule sessions with a counselor or therapist, go to a support group, or call a phone support line. Find out what skills you’ll need to achieve your goal and practice, take classes, or learn and research online.
- Believe in yourself, see yourself making the changes you desire and attaining your vision. Know you can do it.
6. You rely a lot on your inner guidance. How do you learn to trust the inner voice?
You learn to trust it by listening and following. Make it a practice to listen quietly for 15-20 minutes one or two times a day with more frequent periods ranging from seconds to a minute or two throughout the day. Listening more often is more effective in building trust than one longer period. As you connect with that place of inner knowing more and more and follow its guidance, you’ll begin to build a trusting relationship with it much as you do with a very good friend who always has your best interests at heart.
7. In our society, there is a lot of conversation about creating abundance, and you speak about it here in your book. What do you think is the most important thing a person can do to create abundance?
Giving gratitude for what is with love and peace in your heart. Being grateful for what you are experiencing and what you desire helps create more of that in your life. For example: Thank you for providing all I need to feel nourished, peaceful and loving.
8. One of your suggestions is that we be at peace with how things are. That is a difficult thing to accomplish. What are some tools for creating that kind of peace?
The best tool is being fully present with what is right now, in this moment, without judgment, resistance or would-a, should-a, could-a’s. It’s when our thoughts and attention stray from the present into past experiences or future unknowns that we lose our sense of peace. Another tool for peace is connecting with others through our hearts rather than with our minds.
9. Tell us about compassion and how that plays into personal power.
I think of compassion as seeing through the eyes of love. That applies to other people, animals and the world in which we live. Compassion is unconditional love. It’s connecting with, and trusting in, the higher power and knowing you are one with it. When you have that sense of empowerment, you know who you are and no longer try to use worldly power to protect yourself or gain control over others.
10. Your book tells us to realize we are one with everything. Do you have an actual experience of that oneness and how can I obtain that same feeling?
Yes. When I was very ill and lay in bed without moving, eating or drinking for two days, I was suddenly surrounded by a loving, peaceful presence that was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. I sensed it was the Holy Spirit making me aware of its presence. I wanted that feeling of peace and unconditional love to last forever. I felt totally at one with all that is in that moment. As that feeling subsided a little, I knew that I was to stay in my body, get out of bed and heal.
11. How important is self love in the day to day process of releasing beliefs that are harmful?
Self love is essential. When you love yourself and can connect with that place of love within, anything is possible. You’ll have the self-confidence and knowing that will help you move beyond the fears and limiting beliefs and be able to make the changes you desire.
12. In your book, you make reference to balancing the mind, body and spirit. How do you suggest a person does that?
Begin by noticing how your body feels. Do you see a connection between the physical signs and signals you’re getting and your thoughts, experiences and dreams? Then listen to what your heart is telling you and connect with your inner tiger, that place of knowing deep within. What insights are you getting that will help you balance your mind, body and spirit? Rely more on your intuition and inner guidance than on your mind. If you sense your energy is low, either rest or do more things that energize and excite you. If you’re feeling stressed or overworked, make time to do quiet activities like listening to music, painting, reading, writing or meditating. Set priorities to give you the time and resources to bring your life into balance. Hands-on therapies like Healing Touch specialize in balancing and connecting physical, mental and spiritual energies, relaxation and pain relief. Massage or yoga may also help.
13. If someone would like a copy of your book, how can they get one?
Copies of Awakening the Tiger Within are available at Poor Richard’s bookstore, Second Impressions, and Sammy’s, all in Colorado Springs. Buy the Book here at a discount from the Author or buy at Retail from Amazon.
