In this episode, the host, Masako, is joined by Akiko Hoshihara—a gifted healer blending Reiki, hypnotherapy, and intuitive readings. Akiko shares her personal spiritual awakening journey and how life’s challenges became gateways to deeper self-discovery and soul-aligned purpose.

The conversation expands into the non-linear nature of awakening, the activation of intuitive gifts, connecting with the Higher Self, and the power of inner child and past life healing. Akiko also reminds us that even when the journey feels lonely, we are never truly alone—and our soul tribe will find us along the way.

This is part one of the conversation—stay tuned for part two in the coming weeks!

About Akiko:

• Website: Akiko Hoshihara

Resources discussed in this episode:

• What is Reiki?
• How to navigate your Saturn Return
• What is Yakudoshi?
• What are sacred geometries?
• The 8 Clair senses
• What is Parts Work?
• 10 ways to connect with your higher self
• Age regression hypnotherapy

Ways to connect with Masako:

• Let's meditate together on InsightTimer!
• Why not meditate? FB Group
• whynotmeditate.podcast IG
• masakozawa_coaching IG
• Website

Support the show

In this sacred conversation, we explore the deep wisdom of the body, the healing power of meditation, and the quiet medicine that lives within us all. Our guest, Dr. Sharon Juraszek, is a doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine, founder of Fermentlicious, and the visionary behind Happy Bellies Mater INC. She shares her personal healing journey, including reversing Hashimoto’s, and her passion for the mind-gut connection, conscious food practices, and the transformative power of presence.

Sharon speaks to how meditation became an anchor on her healing path, helping her listen to her inner whisper and align with a deeper sense of purpose. From cultivating gut health to building mindful communities, she reminds us that true wellness begins within.

About Sharon:

• Fermentlicious - The best sauerkraut!
• Sharon's Ayurveda Practices
• Happy Bellies Matter
• Follow Fermentlicious on Instagram

Resources discussed in this episode:

• What is Saturn Mahadasha?
• What is Vedic Astrology?
• We are made of more bacteria cells than human cells.
• Germ theory vs. Terrain theory
• What are the Ayurveda Doshas?
• What is Hashimoto's Disease?
• Who is Donna Gates?
• "All disease begins in the gut" - Hippocrates
• California College of Ayurveda
• What is Panchakarma?
• The history of Ringling brothers, circus, and Sarasota
• How to live your Dharma (purpose)

Ways to connect with Masako:

• Let's meditate together on InsightTimer!
• Why not meditate? FB Group
• whynotmeditate.podcast IG
• masakozawa_coaching IG
• Website

Support the show

In this episode, host Masako interviews Sintia Mazon, a practitioner based in Istanbul, Turkey, with an extensive background in holistic health and meditation.

Sintia narrates her transformative journey from co-owning a computer learning center until 2000 to pivoting towards holistic healing practices. Initially skeptical, she was introduced to Reiki and subsequently immersed herself in various forms of energy healing, breathwork, and meditation.

Sintia emphasizes the importance of curiosity, self-awareness, and staying present. Masako also shares her own experience of transitioning from a corporate career to exploring more meaningful pursuits, receiving advice from Sintia. The discussion underscores the significance of meditation, journaling, and following one's excitements as a path to personal fulfillment and professional discovery.

About Sintia:

• Niagara Wellness
• YOUniversity
• AwareHouse

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Sahaj Samadhi Meditation
• Barbara Brennan School of Healing
• What is Family Constellation Therapy?
• What is Gestalt Therapy?
• Art of Living Healing Breath
• What is lucid dreaming?
• What is Holotropic Breathwork?

Ways to connect with Masako:

• Let's meditate together on InsightTimer!
• Why not meditate? FB Group
• whynotmeditate.podcast IG
• masakozawa_coaching IG
• Website

Support the show

What is your unconventional addiction? Is it certain food, dysfunctional relationships, dramas, overworking, or mindlessly scrolling through social media? No judgment, we all have at least one thing that we use in order to soothe and numb ourselves.

In this episode, an author, photographer, and certified life coach, Kristine Casart, shares her inspiring journey of traveling the world, seeking a sense of belonging, and healing from childhood trauma and codependency.

In her recently published book, 'The Unconditional Addict: A Guide to Healing, Transformation, and Living with Purpose,' she explores unconventional forms of addiction and discusses how meditation has helped her create mental space, break free from addictive behaviors, and find inner peace.

About Kristine:

• Get the book "Unconventional Addict"
• Website
• Instagram
• Podcast: Your Unconventional Life

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Calm app

Ways to connect with Masako:

• Let's meditate together on InsightTimer!
• Why not meditate? FB Group
• whynotmeditate.podcast IG
• masakozawa_coaching IG
• Website

Support the show

In this episode of the Why Not Meditate? podcast, host Masako welcomes Waxela Sananda, a spiritual teacher with extensive experience in meditation, ascension, and breathwork.

Waxela shares her journey from childhood meditation experiences to advanced spiritual practices, including working with Dr. Joe Dispenza and shamanic training. She discusses the concept of embodied ascension, the importance of integrating spirituality into daily life, and her own path to balancing work, personal growth, and freedom.

Throughout the conversation, Waxela emphasizes the value of following one's soul's calling and the non-attachment to productivity and external validation. The episode offers deep insights into the transformative power of meditation and spiritual practices.

About Waxela:

• Website
• YouTube Channel
• The Alchemy of Ascension Podcast
• Instagram
• Facebook

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Dr Joe Dispenza

Ways to connect with Masako:

• Let's meditate together on InsightTimer!
• Why not meditate? FB Group
• whynotmeditate.podcast IG
• masakozawa_coaching IG
• Website

Support the show

**Announcement**

A collection of my photography work is currently on display at Pastry Art Café in Sarasota, Florida, through the end of May. If you’re in town, I hope you’ll stop by and see it in person! You can also view all the pieces here.

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In this episode, Vivie Bishop and Hans Hoogeveen share their transformative journeys with meditation, their serendipitous meeting, and evolving spiritual practices. Vivie discusses her extensive experience with Dr Joe Dispenza's meditations, which led to meeting Hans, while Hans recounts his own meditative experiences and the incredible impact on his work as a craniosacral therapist. Together, they founded the Opt for Light Rejuvenation Center in Sarasota, FL, where they offer various healing modalities, including spiritual coaching, craniosacral therapy, and one of a kind Zazen Scalar Lounge.

About Vivie & Hans:

• Opt for Light Rejuvenation Center Website
• Book appointments here

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Dr Joe Dispenza
• What is Cranio Sacral Therapy?
• How to increase cerebrospinal fluid naturally
• What is Zazen Scalar?
• Nikola Tesla and his inventions
• The Invisible Rainbow - Electricity and its impact on our health
• What is EFT Tapping?

Ways to connect with Masako:

• Let's meditate together on InsightTimer!
• Why not meditate? FB Group
• whynotmeditate.podcast IG
• masakozawa_coaching IG
• Website

Support the show

Navigating the new unknown, anyone?

In this episode, we welcome Chetna Lawless, a modern day mystic, healer, and shaman. Having embraced her intuitive gifts since childhood, Chetna discusses the importance of meditation in accessing intuitive abilities and details her journey through various cultural experiences, including Japan, which profoundly affected her meditative practices.

We delve into the relationship between meditation, shamanic work, and personal transformation, offering practical advice for those starting their meditation journey. Chetna emphasizes the role of stillness, the transformative potential of personal inquiry, and how meditation helps in navigating life's chaos. She also shares insights on spiritual growth, manifestation, and the importance of tuning into one's inner voice and intuitive self.

About Chetna:

• Website
• Reach out to Chetna here

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Who is Sandra Ingerman?
• What is Shamanism?
• What is Japanese Shinto Religion?
• Osho's Kundalini Meditation
• Who is Carl Rogers?
• Who is Hank Wesselman?

Ways to connect with Masako:

• Let's meditate together on InsightTimer!
• Why not meditate? FB Group
• whynotmeditate.podcast IG
• masakozawa_coaching IG
• Website

Support the show

In this episode of the 'Why Not Meditate' podcast, Dr. Catherine Corona discusses her over 60-year-long journey with meditation, mindfulness, and spiritual practices.

Catherine elaborates on different levels of consciousness, the impact of spiritual practices on personal growth, and practical ways to integrate mindfulness into everyday life.

About Catherine:

• Instagram
• tiktok
• Sign up for 12 months of daily guided Spiritual Practices
• Receive daily inspirational quotes here

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Inner Realms of Consciousness Meditation
• The Rumi poem we should all read
• Benefits of chanting HU

Ways to connect with Masako:

• Let's meditate together on InsightTimer!
• Why not meditate? FB Group
• whynotmeditate.podcast IG
• masakozawa_coaching IG
• Website

Support the show