An Interview with Steve Wood

posted by Jackie Gaston

I've known Steve for a long time and have  known him mostly as a musician.  It was really interesting to me when he responded to my call for interviews.  He provides a fun and needed service to the San Antonio area making it possible for almost anyone to get a close up look at the sites in and around San Antonio, Texas.

Please tell me a little about yourself and your business.


After a career in respiratory therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, I semi-retired (time to get off the road).  Started hosting guests through couchsurfing (couchsurfing.org) and would take guests on rides through the city on some of my recumbent tricycles.  The people said I was a good guide and suggested that I do it as a business.  I liked cycling and recumbent tricycles, so I figured, why not?  I obtained certification as a tour guide and opened San Antonio Bike Tours (www.sanantoniobiketours.com) in 2010, offering guided, narrated tours of historic San Antonio on ultra-comfy recumbent tricycles.  I also sell ultra-high performance human powered vehicles (velomobiles) as well as recumbent tricycles.  The newest extension of the bike business is San Antonio Adaptive Trikes (www.adaptivetrikes.com) marketing recumbent tricycles to the adaptive population (people with balance issues, autism, or other conditions that prevent them from riding conventional bikes. I teach Certified Tourism Ambassador classes for the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau. I also do free-lance photography (www.yourpaparazzo.com) and still do a bit of consulting, training, and certification inspections in the hyperbaric arena.  On July 9, I was issued U.S. Patent #8479734 “Overpressure Protection System and Method for a Hyperbaric Chamber”.


How long have you been a solopreneur?

In some respects, all my life – in my tour guide/recumbent mode, 3 years.

Who do you serve through your business? Who is your perfect client?

Most of my tour clients are visitors to San Antonio, with a smattering of locals.  The perfect tricycle client is one who wants to remain physically active and is not willing to let their challenges keep them from their goals.  It’s so rewarding to see someone’s face light up when they realize that they CAN still ride a bike.

What was your intention when you created your business and do you feel that your intention has changed since you started?

I hoped to generate enough income from the business to allow me to get off the road (I was traveling about 3 weeks per month).  It’s still my intention.

What do you feel has been the biggest challenge you've faced in getting started and maintaining a business that supports you?

Promotion – trying to get the best bang for my advertising and marketing dollars.

How do you feel that the Law of Attraction comes into play in your business?

Though I’ve read your blog, I’m still not sure that it comes into play – I do think that the principles you follow can be useful as a way for people to bring peace or order to their lives.

Do you differentiate your business personality from your private self or do you feel the two are well integrated? Please give some examples or tell me how it comes together for you.

I’ve loved history all my life and been an avid cyclist for about 15 years – this is a perfect integration.

Have you ever had a big flop when launching a product or program?  If so what did you learn from the experience?

In the late 1990’s I started a company to build hyperbaric chambers.  My partner and I put substantial money into development of a prototype machine and were about to go into production when there was a major change in Medicare reimbursement for hyperbaric treatment.  There was a sudden, though overall  short-lived (and lucky for my core business), contraction in the industry which caused us to cancel the project, at a substantial financial loss.  I learned the need for plenty of capital for these type of projects and to not go into a business that is dependent on the decisions of a single entity.

Tell me about a big success you've experienced in your business.  I'm interested in how the idea came to you, what intention(s) you set before you created it, and why you consider it a success.

I had left a company I helped start up and established myself as an independent consultant in the hyperbaric field.  One of my former competitors called me 5 minutes after I announced my new business and offered me a job. I declined the job, but offered to consult with his company.  Over the next year, I did work for him and many other clients, was staying busy and making a good income.  He and his partners later offered me not only a job, but equity in the company. Since I had a year to work with them, I had a good idea about how they did business and how I could help them become more successful.  After 7 years, we had grown the company from 4 to 22 clients – one of the partners was ready to retire so we sold the company and did pretty well.  

Any words of wisdom for others who are interested in starting a one person business? 

One of my old business mentors told me that the key to success was to “do what you know”. I agree.  Find something that you’re good at, learn all you can about it, make sure you can communicate your vision to others, and deliver on what you sell.

A Meditation for Your 5th Chakra
Posted by Jackie Gaston


Your 5th chakra performs a very important function in that it controls the communication between your heart (and lower chakras) and your head.  Keeping this chakra clear and open is essential in regard to knowing exactly what you want in life.

I recommend doing this meditation in a seated lotus position or as close as you can get to seated lotus with your hands palms up on your knees. If this is impossible for you, sit in a chair with your feet firmly planted on the ground.

Close your eyes and take three long deep breaths. Hold each breath for a few seconds before completely exhaling.

Relax into the pose and your breath.

Concentrate on your breath and drop your mantra into the space at the bottom of each exhale before you inhale the next breath. 

The mantra for this meditation is:  I trust my intuition.

Listen for what your inner guidance is saying during this meditation. Don't try to stop its flow. Ask for clarification. This chakra wants clear communication. Ask with your heart and with your head. Listen.


Alternate meditation:

I hear my own truth.

To Share or Not to Share

posted by Jackie Gaston

The other day a friend I hadn't seen in a while asked me what I'm doing now days. When I told her that I'm coaching, she was skeptical not only of the concept in general but of the specific type of work that I do.




I could tell that she doesn't believe in my ability to be successful in my business and I've been regretting that I gave her an honest answer. She is someone who loves me and has what she views as my best interest at heart. She just can't wrap her mind around all of this woowoo stuff that I do. She is holding my endeavor in a space of 'this is crazy and you'll never make it.'


This conversation has stuck with me for several days now causing me to consider whether or not it is wise to share my dreams and goals with everyone or just keep them to myself. As I turn this question over in my mind, I've been remembering a time when I had a whole tribe of supporters who saw me in a better place than I could possibly have imagined for myself at the time. They held space for something wonderful in my life when I couldn't catch a glimmer of it myself.


As I notice the contrast in these two situations, it occurs to me that I can share as much as I want with anyone that I want as long as I have not attachment to their reaction. It was lovely and maybe even necessary to have all of that support years ago. It made that part of my path much easier than it would have been otherwise. However, I know that at some point, I would have found a way out of the grind I was in one way or another.


As for the friend who can't believe in my current mission, it's who she is and I've known that about her forever. Although it would be great to have her in my corner, I'm good realizing that she asked about what I'm doing out of genuine interest and a place of caring. I can choose to accept the caring and discard the negative energy while still loving her for who she is. I will, however, be a little more selective about sharing my dreams with just anyone.


I love helping people achieve their dreams.  It's one of the things I do best.  Give me a shout if you'd like to have me as part of your team.

Symbol: Sixteen petals, circle containing a down-facing triangle containing a circle




Location: Throat




Color: Blue




Stones: Blue calcite, selenite, blue argonite




Musical Note: G#




Scents: elemi, sandalwood, neroli, ylang ylang




Body Parts: thyroid gland, larynx, jaw, neck, mouth




Sense: Hearing




Foods: watery fruits, liquids




Asanas: camel, bridge, plow, shoulder stand




Planet: Mercury




Astrological sign: Gemini




Element: ether




The fifth chakra connects the heart and head, emotions and thoughts. It is associated with self expression.

It seems to be one of the most easily clogged or blocked chakras as we sensor ourselves rather than just blurting out every feeling and thought. It seeks truth and clarity in communication.


The planet Mercury, named for the messenger of the gods is good fit for the fifth chakra. This is the chakra that connects the head with the heart and lower chakras. It is the bridge between what is and what is imagined. The energy of Mercury is fluid and fast moving.


As the ruler of the astrological sign Gemini, Mercury is well positioned to perceive the what isness of a current situation while scouting for different perceptions of its reality.


An unbalanced fifth chakra is sometime expressed as a cold, sore throat, laryngitis, toothache or dental problems as well as sores in the mouth or on the tongue. It can also be expressed as a fear of speaking up, stuttering or other speech impediment as well as hearing problems.


A person with a well balanced fifth chakra speaks his/her own truth and can be trusted to speak truth to authority. This person has a high degree of compassion for others and practices forgiveneness.

An Interview with Lindsay Lewis
Posted by Jackie Gaston



My official reason for leaving my former dream job as a magazine editor was “I just want to help people live healthier, happier lives.” It sounded completely idealistic and unrealistic to my colleagues at the time, but to me it was the truest thing I’d ever said. I spent the next six years doing that in any way I could, creating a successful copy writing and then communications consulting business working mostly with health and wellness companies. I kept hearing the call to do more, and finally did. I became a life coach. Now I get to help people create and live the life they want to live, just like I did—because happiness isn’t self-centred. It’s our purpose, our dharma, and the greatest gift we can give to the world.

How long have you been a solopreneur?

Since 2007.

Who do you serve through your business? Who is your perfect client?

A woman with a dream. She wants more than the life she feels stuck in, and feels called to be of service in the world and make a bigger impact. Chocolate-loving is a bonus.

What was your intention when you created your business and do you feel that your intention has changed since you started?

My intention when I created my business was to help people live with less stress and more happiness. It’s changed because the results my first clients experienced changed. They began to live the life that was most right for them. Their dharma. Their destiny. And way less stress and way more happiness was a non-coincidental side effect.

What do you feel has been the biggest challenge you've faced in getting started and maintaining a business that supports you?

Overcoming my own insecurities and self-doubts. This is a classic one for most of us. Thankfully, we’re infinitely capable and immeasurably powerful.

How do you feel that the Law of Attraction comes into play in your business?

I interpret the law of attraction this way: get what you give. I don’t put out fear-based actions, thoughts, or messaging. I don’t make any decisions to do anything if they’re not from a place of being drawn-towards, rather than moving away from. I live from love, and do without doing...in alignment with what’s most right for me.

Do you differentiate your business personality from your private self or do you feel the two are well integrated? Please give some examples or tell me how it comes together for you.

I don’t share everything. I’m clear on what’s private in my life—my family, my relationship with my husband—and clear on what I’ll share. That being said, I don’t have a business personality. My work is my love and my love stems from the deepest part of me. I am who I am and people who work with me get the real me. Every time. I live what I teach.

Have you ever had a big flop when launching a product or program? If so what did you learn from the experience?

I’ve had things I wanted to work out not work out, but I don’t consider them a big flop. The experiences gave me insight into what it is I’m really, truly passionate about, and what I’m here to do.

Tell me about a big success you've experienced in your business. I'm interested in how the idea came to you, what intention(s) you set before you created it, and why you consider it a success.

My biggest success so far has been my 30-Day Happiness Challenge. I set the intention to reach the world, and it went global, with participants from North America, South America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Toronto, Vancouver, New York and more. That’s why I consider it a success.

Any words of wisdom for others who are interested in starting a one person business?

Don’t listen to everyone. Listen to you. You’re your own best source of wisdom.


You can find out more about Lindsay and her work here: www.libreliving.com

Parallel Lives
Posted by Jackie Gaston

I sometimes think that I have literally lead parallel lives. At least I have lived on two different parallels. Austin, TX is just north of the 30th Parallel and I've lived in far, far South Austin. I lived in Boulder, Colorado and one of the main streets there is called Baseline Road. It gets that name because it runs along the 40th Parallel. Of the two, I have to say the 30th is a much better fit for me. It gets so hot here that we stay inside all day about 4 months of the year and I much prefer that to having to put on three layers of clothes and snow boots just to go to the mailbox or take out the trash. It short, I'm a warm weather woman and I know it.


A warm climate is one of my core values when it comes down to things I want in my life. The other things I really have to have to be happy are a like minded community of friends to spend time with, live music, and easy access to the things I want and need.


I haven't always known this about myself. In fact, it wasn't until I unwittingly deprived myself of all of them that I realized how much value I place on them. That's a hard way to find out how much something means to you. I've decided that there has to be an easier way. I believe that there is and that it's pretty simple. When you feel joy while doing something, it's of high value to you. When you feel relief while having an experience that you haven't had in quite a while, it's a high value to you. When you really miss doing something because it's been weeks since the last time you did it, it's a high value experience for you.


High value experiences change for us over time. We don't place the same value on an experience we loved in our twenties as we place on that same experience in our forties. However, there are some things that we continue to value for long periods of our lives, if not all of our lives. These are our core value experiences. They are the things that make our lives worth living. Among these experiences for most of us are finding and maintaining romantic relationships, relationships with our children, financial security, etc. Then there are the core values that make us unique. I have loved live music all of my life even though I experienced very little of it until I was a adult. Some people are drawn to art, sports or other 'non-essential' experiences. I now feel that it is extremely important to know what your core values are when it comes to making a fulfilling life for yourself. Otherwise, you just go through life taking things for granted and often wondering why you aren't as happy and fulfilled as you want to be.


It is also possible to think something is a high value experience for us when it is really just a quick fix for something else. These are a little tough to figure out on our own because they are usually the result of a decision we made long ago that has now become such a pattern in our lives that we don't realize that we are choosing it. A big part of my work is identifying the underlying thought beneath such patterns so that your true core value experiences can be identified leading to a happier life for you.

A Meditation for your 4th chakra
posted by Jackie Gaston

Your fourth chakra contains your heart energy.  Its is the conncetion between your lower chakras and your higher ones.  Your earthly energies and your spiritual energies converge in your 4th chakra.  It contains your perception of who you are.



I recommend doing this meditation in a seated lotus position or as close as you can get to seated lotus with your hands palms up on your knees. If this is impossible for you, sit in a chair with your feet firmly planted on the ground.




Close your eyes and take three long deep breaths. Hold each breath for a few seconds before completely exhaling.

Relax into the pose and your breath.

Concentrate on your breath and drop your mantra into the space at the bottom of each exhale before you inhale the next breath.

Your mantra for this meditation is simply : I am.

An interview with Darla Bruno

posted by Jackie Gaston


I am a life coach and I work with folks who are dealing with adrenal fatigue and chronic fatigue as well as general burnout to reclaim their lives and energy.  Find me at
DarlaBrunoLifeCoaching.com



How long have you been a solopreneur?

12 Years.

Who do you serve through your business? Who is your perfect client?

Anyone from a parent of a child who is fatigued, to men and women of all ages dealing with chronic fatigue, adrenal fatigue, and burnout.


What was your intention when you created your business and do you feel that your intention has changed since you started?

I started out as a life coach teaching tools to manage stress and align with your right life. I expanded on this and went deeper by specifically serving people in burnout.


What do you feel has been the biggest challenge you've faced in getting started and maintaining a business that supports you?

So far so good! I'm loving watching my business grow!

How do you feel that the Law of Attraction comes into play in your business?

We know that thoughts become things and your feelings are everything. Most of the tools I teach revolve around this concept.

Do you differentiate your business personality from your private self or do you feel the two are well integrated? Please give some examples or tell me how it comes together for you.

Very well-integrated. I live it to give it and practice what I preach. My life and health have undergone a major turnaround because of coaching and self-coaching.

- I've healed from adrenal burnout

- I've transformed my life to be energy-giving rather than draining

- Every day I practice feeling my emotions and letting go of resistance.

Have you ever had a big flop when launching a product or program? If so what did you learn from the experience?

No.


Any words of wisdom for others who are interested in starting a one person business?

Lead with your heart. When I'm in service others and feeling genuinely good about what I do, all else falls into place.

Fourth Chakra – Heart Chakra - Anahata

posted by Jackie Gaston


This post is part of an ongoing series about the chakra system.  If you would prefer to read all of the information in one place, please go to my goodies page and download my free ebook, Chakras 101.





Symbol: Twelve-petaled lotus, circle containing two intersecting triangles


Location: Heart


Color: green


Stones: emerald, jade, green tourmaline, rose quartz


Musical Note: F#


Scents: rose, geranium, palmarosa , lavender



Body Parts: heart, shoulders, arms, hands, lungs, thymus gland, breasts


Sense: Touch


Foods: leafy green vegetables


Asanas: camel, cobra, fish


Planet: Venus


Astrological sign: Libra


Element: Air


The fourth chakra's location in the middle of the body makes it the bridge between the lower and higher chakras. The first three chakras are concerned with the individual self in terms of survival, creation and power. The heart chakra balances these elements with the last three chakras which are more concerned with the connection to the higher realms. It's energy is mostly feminine with nurturing qualities.


The fourth chakra relates to the planet Venus which is named for the goddess of love. It is notable that the Goddess Venus was said to live between the heavens and the earth which seems appropriate for the chakra which connects the lower and upper chakras.


Libra with its scale relates to the heart chakras tendency to seek balance between the higher (head) chakras and the lower (body centered) chakras. Libra is also a sign that is associated with relationships which are ruled by the hears.


An out of balance fourth chakra is sometimes expressed as jealously, neediness, low energy, over sensitivity or putting the needs of others ahead of ones own. In physical terms it can be associated with breast or lung cancer, heart disease or a tendency to injure the hands, arms or shoulders.


A person with a balanced and healthy heart chakra is loving and giving but is very self aware when it comes to taking care of his/her own needs. This person is accepting of him or herself which allows him/her to be more accepting of others. He/she tends to attract people who don't have agendas.

That Inner Voice
posted by Jackie Gaston



Chuck Pyle calls them his posse. Jim Patton claims to have at least 27 voices in his head. We all have them. The problem is, which one to listen to at any given time. If they wouldn’t all talk at once, life would be so much easier.

You know what I mean. There is the voice that says,” That cookie sure would taste good.” And the voice that says, “Hey, I thought we were trying to lose a few pounds” followed by “it’s just one cookie.”

Then there are those voices that offer advice and we just don’t listen. They say, ”This is not a good idea” but we have already told someone we would do something and don’t know how to get out of it. Sure enough, it turns out to be something we feel that we would have been better off not doing. Of course, if we don’t do it, the guilt voice chimes in loud and clear.


So how do you get in touch with your inner voice, the one that really speaks to you highest good ? Sometimes you don't have to do anything at all. When you start to do something and you get that feeling that is just doesn't feel right, that's your inner voice.


When the same phrase or item keeps showing up in your life over and over again, that's your inner voice. All you have to do is notice it. An example of this in my life is when North Carolina kept showing up in my life. I'd see photos of it in magazines. Someone would mention it in a casual conversation. It would be in the news for some reason. It was happening frequently enough that I had a conversation with a friend about it. A few weeks later I met this great guy from...North Carolina. Because I'd had all these North Carolina things showing up, I may have paid him a little more attention than I normally would have. We've been together 14 years now.

I find that meditation is a great way to contact it. Ask for guidance before you start to meditate and be open to whatever thoughts drift through your mind.

The simplest way that I've found to get an answer from my inner voice is to ask it a question directly. I ask if one option is a good one for me and take a deep slow breath noticing how I feel it in my body. Does my body feel tight somewhere or is there relief? Then I ask about the opposite option and repeat the process. One option is going to feel a lot better than the other.

There are times when I am better at selecting which voice to heed and which ones to tell to shut up than at other times. I ask which one best serves my greatest good at this moment. That one usually gets louder if I get very quiet. Then I listen carefully to whatever it has to say. It hasn’t been wrong yet.