If you have a heart, this is for you. HeartMath helps people emotionally self-regulate to get a better handle on the decisions they make brought about by years of programming and conditioning.
Alan Strydom In a Zeitgeist of emergent mind-expansion modalities, HeartMath comes along with the endorsement of 2 biggies in the conscious landscape - Gregg Braden and Dr. Joe Dispenza. How is HeartMath different from all the rest? Who needs HeartMath? To get the low-down, I sat down with Director, Certified Trainer and Master Coach for HeartMath South Africa, Alan Strydom.
But forget about the lofty titles. To me, Alan is da Dude! I dance to his music as he spins us all on his Ecstatic Dance and Secret Sunrise events. We break bread, sip coffee, down a coldie, catch live music and we bounce-off ideas, often agreeing but sometimes agreeing to disagree. While others prance at talking-the-walk, Alan walks-the-talk. He's authentic, and as I say, he's da Dude!
first-ever podcast: with Alan Strydom on HeartMath
+❤HeartMath SA I've attended one of his HeartMath workshops, and to be honest, a lot of it went over my head - I didn't see the Eiffel Tower as I got distracted from the hovering steel beams. But HeartMath keeps getting bounced around as I listen to today's leading thinkers and iconoclasts. Maybe I needed a second take.
The Podcast Audio
Ending Thoughts Now, having the liberty to squeeze-in pressing questions as he explained (which I couldn't do on his workshop), I think a have a better sense of what HeartMath is - and I'm not sure if this will sink well with him. I don't think he wants HeartMath associated with anything BUT HeartMath - fair enough.
To me, HeartMath is yoga without the asana or Vipassana without the Pali words and so comes wrapped in a different clothing and jargon. The words are different. What he calls heart, I call anahata. What he calls breathing, I call pranayama. What he calls awareness, I call satipatthana. What he refers to as the stimulus-reaction gap, I call vedana. He calls controlling heart-rate variability as self-regulation, I call it body scanning with a calm and equanimous mind.
But the process and destination are the same. Breaking down the anatomy of the process, when we are bombarded with stimuli, we don't react, and from a balanced mind, we make informed decisions (or follow our bliss) without attachment to outcome. This is as concise as I can squeeze it. The main difference I see is that HeartMath uses scientific explanations and scientific instrumentation whereas yoga/Vipassana don't quantify the benchmarks.
Why am I defaulting to yoga and Vipassana? Because I'm a yogi and a Vipassana meditator - that's my point of reference. I am also not suggesting that yoga or Vipassana has a monopoly on breathwork or awareness - many cultures and traditions have discovered that method independently.
I noticed that a lot of new modalities share many things with yoga/meditation - without using the words. Wim Hof never used any Sanskrit word, but he teaches pranayama, kumbhaka, and bandha. Dispenza talks about squeezing the spinal fluid up the spine, but it's again pranayama, kumbhaka, bandha and chakras. I don't blame them. Yoga does not have a clear edge unlike the new science. Yoga is elliptical rather than straight-forward. Yoga is suggestive instead of direct. Yoga can be nebulous instead of being clear-cut. In fact, it is with the incorporation of new science that I began to deepen my understanding of yoga, breath and physiology - resulting in a blueprint for my practice. Because of this, I see HeartMath making these technologies accessible and comprehensible to those who might otherwise be turned-off to any of the esoteric mysticism.
A good example of this repackaging for accessibility and comprehension would be the musical Bourrée, originally composed by Johann Sebastian Bach in the 18th century. During the hippie era of the late 1960s, this song would have been lost or ignored. But Jethro Tull rearranged it into a classical-rock masterpiece and reintroduced it to a new generation, and got them wowed by it. Essentially, this is what the new science is doing...adding tangible science into the esoteric, ambiguous, nebulous world of ancient mystical practices.
So, HeartMath is for whom? I would say it's for science-leaning people who would like to get the benefit of yoga without doing asana or long sits. They recognize a power greater than themselves and are out to get a better handle on reality and existence, or at least appreciate knowing the role they play in it. In short, they don't just want to occupy space and go through life oblivious to the purpose of their existence. So, is it for you? He-he, only one way to find out. Alan can be reached through this website: +❤HeartMath SA
Gabriella Heart Space (Aug 2, 2020) I love how it starts!!! ❤ 🙂
Mark (Aug 2, 2020) Awesome work - a great listen.
TheLoneRider (Aug 2, 2020) ...maybe we can do a podcast on you too. Your extended stay in Vietnam is a wealth of knowledge and experience 🙂
Mark (Aug 2, 2020) Keep up the podcasting - I actually think you make a great host/moderator. Would love to be on one day, some day 🙂
Nicola Nix Dawn Yoga (Aug 2, 2020) Nice one!!
(July 24, 2020) Making the most of my stay in Chiang Mai, which could abruptly end by July 31, depending on extended visa exemption, I thought I'd come out of the hippie closet and host a fun-filled night with friends. Why not call it a Hippie Night?....more »»
Chiang Mai, Thailand
IMPORTANT PLACES
Bus Station Train Station Chiang Mai International Airport Nong Buak Hard Park - free yoga classes daily
HOTEL
Arun Dara Villa - 7 exclusive rooms, 1 swimming pool for every room, grand opening
Nawa Sheeva Hotel - big rooms, high ceiling, salt-water pool, restaurant, cafe
Nawa Saraan Hotel - low density (4 spacious rooms), stone garden setting, Koi fish pond, Old City location
Arun Suite - 3 bedrooms in a 3-storie guesthouse within Old City, ideal for families
MOTORBIKE RENTAL
Tawan Bike - motorcycle rental | +66 91 635 2863 | Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
USEFUL INFORMATION
Chiang Mai FYI / Tips
crop-burning season in Chiang Mai is between late Feb to early April. But laws change everytime. This year, 2019, there is a 61-day ban on burning so the farmers started burning early. When my plane was approaching Chiang Mai on Jan 24, 2019, there was already a thick blanket of smog covering the entire city (and beyond). But within the city itself, you won't feel it (but that doesn't mean the air is healthy). To monitor air conditions in real time, refer to site: Chiang Mai Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI)
hot season begins March and lasts until June
wet season begins July and lasts until September
best time to visit Chiang Mai is mid-September to mid-February - after the monsoon and before the burning
you have to try Khao Soi, this is north Thailand's culinary staple
the tourist area where most of the hotels, restaurants, ticket offices, tour operators are, is located in the Old City
to exchange your dollars to Thai Baht, the Super Rich Money Exchange give the best rates. There are many branches scattered around Chiang Mai
get a red cab (songthao) outside the train station for Baht 50 (instead of paying B100 if inside the train station) to Old City - if you haggle nicely enough...I did!
shared red taxi (songthao) - B30 standard fare plying all over Old City
for only B50/day, best to rent a bike to go around the Old City - it's a 2.5km2 with lots to discover
FREE daily yoga classes from 9:00am to 10:15am at Nong Buak Hard Park (southwest corner of Old City). Resident and passing-through teachers take turns conducting yoga classes.
Blues/Jazz Bars in Chiang Mai
North Gate Pub - at Chang Phueg Gate, great Tuesday jam session, Blues on Sundays by the 11pm band
Taphae East - 88 Thapae Rd. (just north of Night Bazaar). Fridays at 9:30pm by Chiang Mai Blues Band
Boy Blues Bar - at the Night Bazaar. Mondays at 9:30pm is open mic
Chiang Mai Cost Index
B60 Chiang beer
B250 1 hour drop-in yoga session
B200 one hour Thai body massage at WAYA Massage(highly recommended)
B50 noodle soup with meat
B50 coffee
B40 pad thai
B30/kilo wash-only laundry
B50/kilo wash+iron laundry
B100-150 dorm bed/night
B250 fan room/night
B30 internet cafe/hour
B170-190 Movies Sat-Sun and public holidays
B130-150 Movies weekdays
B100 Movies Wednesdays (movie discount day)
B750 1/2 day Thai cooking lessons
B900-1000 1 full day Thai cooking lessons
B400 Muay Thai boxing ticket
B2500 starting room rate at the luxury hotel, Nawa Sheeva(highly recommended)
Transportation
B450 bus, Chiang Mai to Bangkok
B160-180 bus, Chiang Mai to Pai
B1250 bus, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
B1650 slow boat, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
B210 bus, Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, 3-4 hours
B360 Green VIP bus, Chiang Mai to Mae Sai (Thai border town for visa run to Tachileik, Myanmar)
B50 bicycle rental, 24 hours
B200 motorbike rental, 24 hours
B273 #51 sleeping train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
B638 #7 a/c train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
B50 red taxi fare from point to point
B100 red taxi fare from train terminal to city
Tours
B2000 full day elephant sanctuary
B750 Chiang Rai one-day tour
B1500 mountain biking scenic ride
How to Get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok by Train from Bang Sue Train Station
10:22pm - #51 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 12:10pm, sleeper, 3rd class B270 (non sleeper), 2nd class B438, B728 upper deck, B798 lower deck
Bus from Loei to Chiang Mai
From Loei town center, take a tuk-tuk ride to the bus station, B30. There is only one bus station.
As of June 28, 2020 (still on Covid schedule), there are only 3 night trips: 8:30pm, 9:30pm and 12 midnight. 9 hours, B470.
The bus makes the following stops at the following times from a 9pm Loei departure: Phu Ruea (9:50pm), Phitsanulok (12:40am), Uttradit (2:20am), Lampang (4:35am)
Final bus stop is at the Red Bus Arcade, Chiang Mai, 9 hour-trip, arriving 6am (from 9pm Loei departure).
Take a red songthaew to Old City, B50. They'll try to charge you B100, but they'll take B50 (just assure the driver you won't tell the other passengers).
How to Get a 60-Day Thai Tourist Visa and then Extend by another 30 Days
60-Day Thai Tourist Visa
NOTE: There is no need to go back to your country to get the Thai tourist visa. Any major city with a Thai Embassy will do. Apparently there is also no need to have an invitation from a Thai establishment to justify the visa.
Bring the following to the Thai embassy:
a) proof of money (bank statement will suffice)
b) flight booking to Thailand
c) onward flight back to your country from Thailand
d) filled-in tourist visa form
e) 2 passport pictures
f) hotel booking in Thailand (they didn't ask me for this but better be safe)
g) passport with at least 6 months validity
After handing over all the documents, they will ask you to come pick your passport with the visa the following day from 4 to 5pm. That's it!
NOTE: after 2 successful attempts, I was already questioned the 3rd time.
30-Day Extension
NOTE: When your 60-day visa is close to expiry and you want to extend your stay. No need to leave Thailand.
bring the following to the Immigration Office:
a) passport (make sure your Tourist Visa hasn't expired yet)
b) Baht 1900
c) photocopy of your passport + visa duration date stamp + TM6 card (white immigration card) and sign all the copies
d) completed TM7 visa extension form (available at the Immigration Office)
e) one 4cmx6cm passport picture
submit the above to the Front Desk. They will give you a stub with your number on it. Take a seat and wait for your number to be called
when your number is called, your picture will be taken. Then go back to your seat. They will call you again.
when they call you again, they'll give you your passport with your extended visa. That's it!
when there are no lines, the whole process can take only 10 minutes
General Travel Tips
arrive early - in case there is a snag (visa snag, documentation snag, transport ticket snag, etc.), you will have ample time to troubleshoot the problem if you arrive early (to the airport, to the bus terminal, etc.)
put detailed itinerary on the Calendar apps of your smart-phone according to timelines - this is where you do all your thinking and planning. Once written down, you don't have to think anymore while you are on the journey...you just follow the steps. This frees your mind for something else that might happen while you are already en route
avoiding scams - as a general rule, I ignore the touts or anyone I don't know who call out to me. The calling comes in many forms - "Hi! Where are you from?", "Excuse me! Excuse me!", "Where are you going?". I don't look them in the eye and I remain non-verbal with them. If you reply to them, you just gave them an 'in' to hound you. In order not to look rude, I smile and wave the 'not interested' hand to them, without looking at them.
power bank - hand-carry your power bank. Do not check it in. You can be called in when you are already inside the plane to go all the way to the loading dock so you can personally remove the power bank...and chances are, you'll have to surrender it to them. And you might delay the plane departure!