Dr. Schroeter is known for her
ability to present complex ideas in a clear and entertaining way. Communication
Breakthrough shows how the brain reacts under stress and provides
powerful body techniques to easily shift moods for successful communication.
Here is a short video of Dr. Vin in action
‘Enlightening & Entertaining’
To book Dr. Vin Schroeter for
media interviews
or speaking engagements please contact her
publicist:
QUOTE from Dr. Schroeter: “I welcome speaking opportunities to share tools for
success in communicating effectively. I am skilled at adapting my material to
meet the needs of a variety of audiences, and enjoy presenting in corporate,
medical, academic or community settings.
I had a forty-two-year career as a clinical psychotherapist, focusing on body-mind psychology. I have noticed a common theme in my professional as well as personal life, which is how people suffer when they do not know how to communicate well. My current passion is to help people communicate better. My recent studies in neuroscience (mind) along with my long-term work in somatic psychotherapy (body) allow me to provide original and effective communication tools.”
Vincentia Schroeter, Ph.D. (Dr. Vin)
Upcoming Book Signings/Appearances
(subject to change):
San Diego Author J.R. Strayve Jr. is thrilled to announce his new fiction novel First Spouse of the United States: Star Athlete & War Hero Battles Societal Boundaries and Washington Elite, which is now available at https://jrstrayvejr.com or on Amazon.com.
Book Description:First Spouse of the United States: Star
Athlete & War Hero Battles Societal Boundaries and Washington Elite
parallels today’s political and social unrest. Politically controversial and
pragmatic, witness an unlikely duo in their quest for the White House. Watch
both Democrats and Republicans facilitated by a complicit media, maneuver to
eat their own.
The
first chapter introduces Marine Corps fighter pilot Lt. Ricardo Chambers – ‘Rocky’
– receiving the Medal of Honor in the White House East Room. Most would say
this is an achievement, like conquering Mount Everest. Rocky is the man most
men would like to be. He is the epitome of what many women would want in a man.
But things are not what they appear to be. The First Lady and President
callously exploit and discard our hero.
Flashback
to Rocky’s idyllic high school years as his life takes a sudden turn, a
forbidden turn. Living an inauthentic and tumultuous life, Rocky carefully
samples more of what could unmask and destroy. Heroism and prowess do not clear
a path for happy-ever-after. It only muddies the water, providing cover for
adversaries lying in wait, ready to spring to the surface and decimate what
they covet and hate.
Quote from J.R. Strayve Jr.: “When Hillary Clinton was
running in 2016 the idea that we could have a ‘First Spouse’ seemed very real.
That reality planted the seed for developing the manuscript featuring a gay
couple in the White House. Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s declaring his candidacy for
the President of the United States validated the need for such a book. I quickly moved forward with the
manuscript for ‘First Spouse of the United States: Star Athlete & War Hero
Battles Societal Boundaries and Washington Elite’.”
Bio: J.R.
Strayve, Jr. has always been fascinated with history and politics. Those
interests coupled with a vivid imagination led to the creation of FSOTUS. The
author was raised in a military household and subsequently spent ten years in
the Marine Corps. One of his first duty assignments was at HMX-1, the
Presidential Helicopter Squadron in Washington D.C. Captain Strayve left the
Marine Corps to raise three children. He now has three grandchildren and is a
Wealth Management Advisor in San Diego, Ca. Interests include politics, Special
Needs and Human Rights. The latter led to the authorship of this inspiring novel.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
First Spouse of the United States: Star Athlete & War Hero Battles Societal Boundaries and Washington Elite
ISBN#: 9781090261007
UpcomingBook
Signings/Appearances (subject to change):
I also was thrilled to be an integral part of the talented team* that coordinated and interviewed many of the authors involved that day ~ and definitely learned so much from and about each author! Here’s the link to the BLOG with author Q & A’s as well as the San Diego Writers Festival website.
Best known for her ability to present complex ideas in a clear and entertaining way, Dr. Schroeter has published in the areas of integrating somatic psychotherapy with other modalities, such as self-psychology, affect (mood) regulation and interpersonal neurobiology. Communication Breakthrough shows how the brain reacts under stress and provides powerful body techniques to easily shift moods for successful communication.
QUOTE from Dr. Schroeter:
“As the 4th of 12 children, I was intrigued by all our different personalities. By age 16, I knew I wanted to be a counselor. Coming from a working class family, I put myself through college and graduate school in order to pursue my dreams.
I had a forty-two year career as a clinical psychotherapist, focusing on body-mind psychology. I have noticed a common theme in my professional as well as personal life, which is how people suffer when they do not know how to communicate well. My current passion is to help people communicate better. My recent studies in neuroscience (mind) along with my long-term work in somatic psychotherapy (body) allow me to provide original and effective communication tools.”
SJF: Tell us about the book Communication Breakthrough – how you came up with the theme, how long it took to write it? Why did you write it? Where did you write it?
VS: I was teaching doctor-patient communication at PCOM (Pacific College of Oriental Medicine), when I decided that a book for the public on improving communication, both better listening and better expression, would be valuable. In my clinical practice as a psychotherapist I witnessed marriages end and families suffer partially because people did not know how to best communicate their needs and wants to each other.
I came up with the theme of combining neuroscience with somatic awareness as a lens to view communication. While there are many communication books, no one has combined these two up-to-date methods that can inform best practices. Since I am schooled in both models, I explain them in clear and accessible ways for the average person to apply in improving expression and listening.
I wrote the book over five years, often in the quiet of the library, as I find the focused stillness conducive to my concentration. I did all the sketches for my book, often in the library also.
SJF: What experiences and/or people (parents, role models etc.) in your life influenced you the most and why?
VS: My parents were both strong, faith-filled, and family-oriented stalwarts of getting along with others. They raised a big family and we were expected to help each other and enjoy our connections as siblings. We worked together in the family business and also played sports together. I think that influenced my interest in exploring how people get along with each other.
SJF: What have been your three most memorable experiences (positive or negative)?
VS: Finding the right person to marry, suffering two ectopic pregnancies, and rising from that tragedy by adopting the most beautiful child in the world.
SJF: Which job have you enjoyed the most and why (and the least and why)?
VS: I have thoroughly enjoyed my career as a psychotherapist, especially in private practice for over forty years. I like exploring with people what their defenses are, what their dreams are, and providing a compassionate ear and assortment of tools to help them reach those dreams.
The job I enjoyed the least was peeling skins off of steamed tomatoes in stultifying heat as they came down a conveyer belt in a cannery. It was the summer of 1968. Our family business had just burned down. My parents and we older siblings had to work in the local cannery to put food on the table. So I did not complain. But the monotony would make my mind wander, I would get dreamy, stare off into space and then I would get yelled at. I couldn’t wait for that summer to end so I could go away to college. Which I did.
SJF: Accomplishments/Recognitions?
VS: Professional: I received a Masters in Psychology and my license to practice at age 25. I went back to graduate school, doing research on infant-mother bonding and received a PhD at age 49. I was the Coordinating Trainer for SCIBA, a post graduate training program in Bioenergetic Analysis for many years, as well as teaching and giving workshops and keynotes on subjects related to somatic psychotherapy internationally. I have published many papers on somatic psychotherapy and some of my art and poetry have also been published. I was chief editor of the IIBA professional journal for ten years.
VS: I do not like this question as it seems to invite comparisons of who I am to who I could have been. It would invite a rejection of any younger version of myself. I have learned from my mistakes, which just makes me a person richer for having swum in those waters. I can search my memory banks when someone feels shame or guilt, to see times when I may have been shackled by the bonds of shame or guilt. It helps me understand and identify with others who are suffering. But I refuse to carry shame or guilt around on a regular basis. They weigh too much. I am happy with my past and present.
SJF: What are you most proud of?
VS: Snagging a loving husband who is my best friend, raising a daughter who is a wonderful person to be around, loving two darling grandsons who own my heart and my close bond with my eleven siblings.
Vincentia Schroeter, Ph.D. and 3 of her 11 siblings!
SJF: Any difficult decisions?
VS: Nothing comes to mind. Once I make up my mind, I just do things, even if (for example having to confront someone when there is a conflict) I know it may cause suffering for me, for them or for both of us.
SJF: What’s the most difficult thing about writing?
VS: Just making the time and committing to getting going. Then maybe over obsessing on edits. I am very slow but like to be thorough on proofreading, so it takes me forever to proof other people’s work as well as my own. I go over it a million times like an ant exploring one blade of grass for a long, long time. That can be time consuming but I can’t seem to go any faster, so I have to just accept the tediousness of it.
SJF: What do you envision for the book, Communication Breakthrough?
VS: Global Dominance. Just kidding. I want it to be lifted by a strong wind and carried across the miles into homes, offices and classrooms and picked up by folks who are lonely or angry or scared or sad and need a little nudge to improve their relationships with others. They read, learn and start practicing tools for better listening and tools for clearer expression, and viola, they feel happier. (Interpersonal happiness is more satisfying than global dominance anyway).
SJF: Any fears? Doubts?
VS: Do I ever feel fear? Yes. Do I have doubts? Sometimes. I may feel anxious before a big presentation and tend to bind my anxiety by being over-prepared. But that is better than being under-prepared, so in these cases, fear is my friend as it can help me be alert to being as ready as possible. Then I usually do some centering, some self-acceptance mantra, breathe and feel the excitement right before going out on that stage!
We are thrilled to welcome our new SJF Communications client, Tommy Anderson. Tommy is the author of the new military thriller Haboob Wind. Tommy is also on board as a screenwriter and producer of the optioned film “Haboob Wind” with Global Edge Pictures, currently in pre-production. IMDB Link
Tommy Anderson, a native of Madison, Wisconsin, is a retired veteran (active duty and reserves) with 23 years of experience in several military organizations including the U.S. Army, Army National Guard and Air National Guard. After his military retirement he spent 25 years in public service as a police deputy and dispatcher, firefighter and medic. Tommy has a MA in Public Administration, BS in Fire Engineering and AD in Fire Science. Anderson serves on the board of directors forUS4Warriors and its offshoot, Veteran’s Publishing, Inc. He is also a life member of the American Legion, Veteran of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, 32nd Infantry Division Association, International Association of Firefighters Alumni Association, and U.S. Air Force and U.S. Air National Guard Fire Chief’s Association.
It’s 2021, 20 years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America and celebrations to the heroes and survivors are suddenly disrupted by a long-planned terrorist attack within the U.S. An Electronic Pulse Weapon (EPW) missile attack along with a ground terrorist assault is launched at a Southern California military installation — supported by thousands of sleeper cell members, who camouflaged themselves into the fabric of American society as patriots working in trusted positions in the government, law enforcement, FBI and CIA.
The invasion, called Haboob Wind (a violent Arabic dust storm), is orchestrated by a radical jihad army formed after the U.S. pulled out of Iraq in 2011. A vintage strike force, led by veteran military officers, is called on to defeat the terrorist group. In an epic battle of good versus evil, Anderson confidently showcases the resourcefulness and patriotism of our veterans to protect our life, liberty, and freedom against all odds of modern warfare.
Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications with Tommy Anderson, Author, ‘Haboob Wind’
SJF: Tell us about the book ‘Haboob Wind’– how you came up with scenario, how long it took to write it? Why did you write it? Where did you write it? Etc.
TA: I started gathering notes for my book in 2014 based off current events going on in the world. One of the last jobs I had in the military was wartime operations planning for my unit. I looked at current events and history and came up with a ‘what if’ scenario that would revolve around a current terrorist threat and applied a ‘what if’ to the story line. I wanted to write a gripping thriller that would revolve around these threats and the military and law enforcement response to them. I wrote it at home, on trips, recorded notes while driving. It took two years to write the book then approximately another to do cover design, the editing process, and marketing.
SJF: What experiences and/or people (parents, role models etc) in your life influenced you the most and why?
TA: My father with his mid-western values and his approach to his service in World War II, his business, and humbleness. Other role models are heroes I served with in the military and on the fire department.
SJF: What have been the three most memorable experiences (positive or negative) in the military or after?
TA: My first day of Basic Training at Fort Dix New, Jersey in January of 1971, being appointed to the Fire Department, and the birth of my daughters.
SJF: Which job/MOS etc. did you enjoy the most and why and the least and why?
TA: The least was my original 05B20 which was as an infantry radio telephone operator (RT0), that job was interesting, but I was sent to Fort Gordon, GA because of my test scores and ability to handle Morse code and was sent to the Cryptology Communications Course. I was confined to an office and not in the field. After getting off active duty and going into the Army National Guard I entered an Air Cavalry unit and went back on active duty to Fort Rucker Alabama and air crew flight school. I stayed in Aviation for another 10 years when I transferred to the Air Force (Air National Guard). I entered into crash rescue and enjoyed that the most, rose through the ranks to a position of a Deputy Fire Chief in the United States Air Force.
SJF: Accomplishments/Recognitions?
TA: Numerous, most proud of my Presidential Meritorious Service Medal for developing a war time operation plan for Crash Rescue Units – for Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Actually, too many to list.
SJF: What are your top 3 values in life?
TA: God, My Family, My close circle of Friends.
SJF: If you had to do it over again…
TA: Yes, on the fire department if I stayed home the day of my accident, I wasn’t scheduled to work. I would have obtained my private pilots license. Otherwise I’m happy with my life and I’m where I should be.
SJF: What are you most proud of?
Tommy Anderson and his wife, Lidia Shaw Anderson
TA: I’m extremely proud of my wife and family, I’m proud of my career on both the fire department and the military. I’m proud of this country even with it’s bumps in the road.
SJF: Any difficult decisions?
TA: Which day? To write the book – yes! In discussing it with my wife if we were to do, it would be a big commitment and financial hit.
SJF: What’s the most difficult thing about writing?
TA: Keeping focused on your story line, characters, plot, and details. I’ve developed my own way of doing that and I think each writer does. Also, not forcing a story but to let it come out naturally.
SJF: What do you envision for the Haboob Wind film?
TA: With the momentum that is moving forward from the production company, main screenwriter, veteran’s community and the fans, we must do it right and accurate. We are striving for that and I love how it has brought other veterans into supporting the movie and helping in how ever they can. I see it being a big and popular film. That is the vision that so many share with me.
SJF: Any fears? Doubts? ever?
TA: Always every day. If you don’t have any fears and doubts in your actions, you can never improve and grow in life. It all depends on how you handle it. Are you a captive to them or in control of them? I prefer to be in control. Since the start of my book until today everyday has been different and challenging.
Dr. Schroeter will have a Communication Breakthrough book signing at Barnes & Noble, Grossmont Center (5500 Grossmont Center Dr #331, La Mesa, CA 91942) on Saturday, September 29th from 1 – 3 p.m.
Best known for her ability to present complex ideas in a clear and entertaining way, Dr. Schroeter has published in the areas of integrating somatic psychotherapy with other modalities, such as self-psychology, affect (mood) regulation and interpersonal neurobiology. Communication Breakthrough shows how the brain reacts under stress and provides powerful body techniques to easily shift moods for successful communication.
QUOTE from Dr. Schroeter:
“As the 4th of 12 children, I was intrigued by all our different personalities. By age 16, I knew I wanted to be a counselor. Coming from a working class family, I put myself through college and graduate school in order to pursue my dreams.
I had a forty-two year career as a clinical psychotherapist, focusing on body-mind psychology. I have noticed a common theme in my professional as well as personal life, which is how people suffer when they do not know how to communicate well. My current passion is to help people communicate better. My recent studies in neuroscience (mind) along with my long-term work in somatic psychotherapy (body) allow me to provide original and effective communication tools.” – Vincentia Schroeter
With the 2018 theme ‘Things We Don’t Talk About’, this year’s memoir competition ran from
April 25th through June 9th.
Marni Freedman; Photo by Julia Alicia Photography
“A panel of judges reviewed 160 entries and ten finalists were chosen. These ten winners along with additional top writers from previous memoir showcases have their written pieces included in the upcoming 2018 SDMWA Memoir Anthology – Shaking the Tree – brazen. short. Memoir”. – Marni Freedman
“The 10 Winning writers were assigned a writing coach in July for a month to refine their theme and cut or polish their piece. One of two professional directors (Hannah Logan and Tracy Jones) were assigned to each of the winning writers. After the Director’s audition and casting process, the writers, directors and actor will have collaborative round table discussions. The director will take the notes from the collaborative round table and work with the actor/actress. The memoirs will ultimately be directed and then performed on the stage on October 22nd”. – Kristen Fogle
Saadia Esmail, What Not to Say in an Arranged Marriage
Lynn Gahman, The Great Escape
C.J. Elliott, Red Speedo
Krissa Bruemmer, Mom Should Not Be Trusted
Cost is $20. Free parking. Tickets are now on sale online. General seating – First Come, First Served. Last year was sold out. Online ticket sales will end on 10/21. All tickets must be paid for by credit card upon registration. Tickets purchased online will be available at Will Call in front of the Theatre starting at 6pm.
Marni Freedman and San Diego Writers, Ink, in association with the San Diego Memoir Writers Association and San Diego Writers Network are thrilled to announce the ‘Wine & Cheese Book Launch‘ for the 1st Annual San Diego Memoir Showcase Anthology – ‘Shaking the Tree – brazen – short – memoir’ and other books by local authors:
“With the 2018 theme ‘Things We Don’t Talk About’, this year’s memoir competition ran from April 25th through June 9th”. – Marni Freedman
“A panel of judges reviewed 160 entries and ten finalists were chosen. These ten winners along with an additional top 25 additional writers from previous memoir showcases have their written pieces included in the Memoir Anthology”. -Kristen Fogle, San Diego Writers, Ink
Marni Freedman (BFA, LMFT) is a produced, published, and award-winning writer. After graduating from USC Marni began her career with her play, “Two Goldsteins on Acid,” produced in LA. She worked as a script doctor and script agent. Her play was made into a film, “Playing Mona Lisa,” produced by Disney. Marni has written for Tony Award-Winning Harvey Fierstein, Academy Award-nominee Elliot Gould and Emmy Award-winner, Johnny Galecki. Marni teaches at SD Writers Ink, UCSD Extension, runs the SD Writers Network and produces a yearly theatrical Memoir Showcase. Marni edits The Literary Vine Anthology and Shaking The Tree: the Memoir Showcase Anthology. Marni is also a therapist for artists and writers. Her welcoming, easy-going nature and solid background are the underpinnings of what makes her such a popular writing coach. Her first book, 7 Essential Writing Tools: That Will Absolutely Make Your Writing Better (And Enliven the Soul) is an Amazon Bestseller. Marni recently co-authored a play, A Jewish Joke about a 1950’s comedy writer facing the Hollywood Blacklist – it won the NY Solo Show for best drama and critics choice for the Union Tribune, received high critical acclaim and will be going off Broadway in January of 2019. Her next book, Permission to Roar, For Thought Leaders Who Want to Write will be out on September 15th, 2018. This year Marni is launching the first annual San Diego Writers Festival in conjunction with the downtown library on April 13th of 2019. You can find Marni at www.marnifreedman.com or at thefeistywriter.com, a writing hub to help writers find their authentic voice.
San Diego Writers, Ink is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We offer classes, groups, workshops, readings and other literary events at The Ink Spot and other locations throughout San Diego County. San Diego Writers, Ink, nurtures writers and fosters a literary community by Serving as a hub for the literary community, Promoting literature, Providing artistic development for writers at all levels, and Facilitating artistic collaboration.
San Diego Memoir Writers Association San Diego Memoir Writers Association is a community of local writers committed to the craft and business of memoir writing. Our purpose is to create a community of inspired, nurtured, and educated memoirists. One of the ways in which we do this is by hosting monthly member meetings with speakers who educate our writers on both the craft and business of memoir writing. Writers of all levels are welcome and encouraged to join us to help build their own writing tribe. Founded in December of 2016, San Diego Memoir Writing Association is located at Liberty Station in Point Loma.
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When was the last time that you ‘unplugged’ from your devices and appreciated or partook in ‘nature’?
If your answer was today, this week, recently etc. – No worries…but if there’s a gap…there’s definitely hope!
In this interview, you will ‘virtually’ meet SJF Communications’ clients Sebastian Slovin and Sonya Mohamed, Owners of Nature Unplugged in Encinitas, California. We spent some great quality time ‘unplugging’ outdoors together at the beautiful San Dieguito County Park in Rancho Santa Fe for this fun photo shoot, inspiring conversation and of course, connecting with nature!
And now…without further ado..please sit back, relax and enjoy our SJF Communications interview with Sebastian and Sonya, owners of Nature Unplugged!
Sonya Mohamed and Sebastian Slovin, Nature Unplugged
SJF: Welcome Sebastian and Sonya! So nice to chat with you both today. What compelled to create Nature Unplugged together?
Sebastian: The origin of Nature Unplugged began about 10 years ago, when I started by providing unique outdoor experiences around San Diego. The aim was to get people off of their devices and out into nature by combining movement and mindfulness practices. I offered a variety of outdoor experiences – such as guided hikes, outdoor yoga, surfing, stand up paddling, and snorkeling – based on my expertise and background as a professional bodyboarder (boogieboarder), yoga instructor and nature enthusiast. My time in the ocean and on the mat inspired the services/experiences that Nature Unplugged provided.
A few years later, I met Sonya. While I grew up exploring the beaches and waves of Southern California, Sonya adventured in the woods of Valley Forge National Park near her home outside of Philadelphia. It wasn’t long before we started to explore ways to combine our individual skills and passions and share them with the world. We were fortunate to enroll in the MA of Leadership Studies program at the University of San Diego. It was there that our vision for Nature Unplugged really came together.
While at USD, we began to create curriculum specifically designed to help people cultivate wellness through healthy relationships with technology and a deeper connection to nature. Our focus right now is creating momentum for this movement. We offer workshops, speaking engagements/presentations, and one-on-one coaching. Our vision is to create conscious individuals and thriving communities through healthy relationships with nature and technology.
SJF: That’s awesome! What a way for each of you to live your purpose! Sonya, please describe 3 types/groups of people that would be ideal Nature Unplugged clients
Sonya: Sure, we work with several categories:
New Professionals/Millennials
We work with new professionals and millennials who are seeking work-life balance and want to prevent or manage burnout. This group often works in jobs where tech/screen times are heavy and finding balance is critical for their success in work and happiness beyond their professional roles.
Parents, Caretakers and Educators
We work with parents, caretakers and educators who are raising and developing young people in this digital age. We offer plans/tools/tips on how to teach healthy boundaries with technology and how to reconnect youth to the outdoors and nature.
Students
We work with adolescents (middle school/high school) who may have an imbalance with their tech use/screen time. This could be due to gaming/social media/etc.
Sonya Mohamed and Sebastian Slovin, Nature Unplugged
SJF: What motivates you as entrepreneurs?
Sebastian and Sonya: We are both highly creative and are energized by the process of starting something new. We feel uniquely equipped – with our personal, professional and educational backgrounds – to create and share tools and resources that can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and communities.
SJF: Any roadblocks or challenges with Nature Unplugged along the way? Any challenges working together as partners/spouses?
Sebastian:While we’ve had some wonderful successes over the years and built great connections with individuals and communities, we’ve also had some challenges along the way. We work with people of all ages, though our formative work was primarily with adolescents ages 12-17. Often we would connect with parents who were very eager and committed to helping their children become less attached to/dependent on their smartphones, video games, or other devices. As you can imagine, that’s not the same mindset and eagerness the youngsters met us with.
As for working together as partners/spouses, there are sometimes added challenges and conflict with our dual roles. It can be hard to separate our personal and professional boundaries. Purely from a business partner standpoint, we are also quite different people. Sebastian is fueled by the larger abstract thinking and brainstorming where Sonya has more of a task and process orientation. Most often this is a useful balance that produces both the innovative ideas and the ability to implement them and bring them to life. It can also lead to misunderstandings and frustrations, as there’s a natural tension between the two.
That being said, we are grateful and feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn a lot about work and leadership dynamics through our MA in Leadership Studies program. We’ve learned (and continue to learn) how we work best individually and as partners. With styles and approaches that are very different, we have learned how to capitalize on our strengths and manage our tension points. The awareness and attention to those differences make for a great partnership.
SJF: Thank you for that incredibly astute explanation! Despite potential challenges you two work very well together!
SJF: How would you talk about Nature Unplugged to your 13 year old self(selves)
Sebastian: Great question! I’d say: “ You know 13 year old Sebastian, when I look back on my my life, do you know what stands out? It’s the relationships I’ve had, the face to face time, and the adventures of mixing it up out in the ocean and in nature. Your time is precious. Do what makes you feel alive”!
Sonya: I would say: “Never lose sight of your wild self. Run a muck outside as often as you can for as long as you can. Find some friends, get out into nature, explore and goof around. Play is not something reserved for children! You’re going to face a lot of pressure to conform and to take yourself more seriously. Stability is valuable, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of your happiness. Get in touch with what you want and don’t be afraid to go for it. It will be tempting to fill all your free time with tasks, and TV shows, and social media. Be careful there, you won’t be happier for it.
SJF: Why should we unplug?
Sebastian: Simply put: it feels better when we do. There is a growing body of research supporting the benefits – mentally, emotionally and physically – of getting off our devices and outside.
Sonya Mohamed and Sebastian Slovin Nature Unplugged
SJF: Pricing points?
Sebastian: For more information about Nature Unplugged presentations, workshops and coaching plans and pricing email: sebastian@natureunplugged.com or call: 858-775-6486
SJF:What is yourMotto/Tagline and how it evolved for Nature Unplugged?
Sebastian: Our mission/motto: Cultivating consciousness in the digital age
SJF: Describe your awesome, simplistic (yet extremely effective) Nature Unplugged Logo Design
Sonya: I designed and created the logo, using the ‘N’ from Nature and ‘U’ from Unplugged to create something beautiful and relevant to our work.
SJF: Who are Role Models in the entrepreneurial, fitness, academic etc world for you both?
Terri Monroe
Zachary Green
Brene Brown
Fred Kaufman
Jack Kornfield
Michael Phelps
Jon Kabat Zinn
Byron Katie
Michael Gervais
Jim Carrey
Paulo Coelho
Thich Nhatt Hanh
Jose Stevens
David Whyte
Dr. Seuss
SJF: Wow, such a great list. We’ll need to follow up and see any connections that might ensue!If you had to do it over again, (starting a business)….
Sebastian: We would have done it sooner! It’s scary (we still feel that fear a bit) and it’s taken us some time to lean into the discomfort and just go for it.
SJF: But…if you didn’t ‘go for it’ we wouldn’t be working together! So glad you leaned in!
SJF: Describe a workshop/presentation for Nature Unplugged
Sebastian and Sonya:
TITLE: “Nature Unplugged: How to Cultivate Consciousness in the Digital Age”
Presentation:
This interactive and dynamic presentation is all about thewhat and the why.What are we filling our time with and why? The focus is on why balance between time we spend/spent with technology and out in nature is important, and then practically speaking, how to find balance when we’re constantly being pulled and lured into imbalance. We explore the latest research on increased tech use and the benefits of nature, sharing our own personal stories in search of balance. Also included are tools and practices offered as takeaways to inspire attendees to take action and create meaningful change in their daily lives.
SJF: How much time are the presentations?
Sebastian and Sonya:
Typically 1 hour but can range 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
SJF: Where do you teach/provide the presentations?
Sebastian and Sonya:
We’ve presented in a wide variety of locations such as: schools (5th – 12th grade), universities, and businesses.
SJF: How about the Workshops:
Sebastian and Sonya:
Workshops are highly interactive and are a combination of content, small group work, and personal reflection and practice. More than simply delivering information, we provide opportunities for reflection, guide practices and offer tools to make immediate and impactful change.
SJF: How much time is spent in your workshops?
Sebastian and Sonya:
We offer half-day (4 hour) and full-day (8 hour) workshops.
SJF: Where do you teach/provide the presentations?
Sebastian and Sonya:
We hold workshops on site at schools (5th – 12th grade), universities, and businesses. Workshops out in nature (parks, reserves, etc.) are also available.
SJF: What are some of your Workshop Learning Outcomes?
Sebastian and Sonya:
Discover (or rediscover) the beauty and benefits of nature
Regain control of the tech/media in your life by setting healthy boundaries
Live more intentionally by developing or deepening your mindfulness practice
Reclaim a spirit of playfulness and reinsert free time into your day
Try new things, learn to lean into discomfort and push the edges of your comfort zone
Understand your values, how they inform your behaviors and attitudes, and learn how to align your goals to them
Build capacity for self-reflection and self-awareness
SJF: Anything else you’d like to mention?
Sebastian and Sonya: Thanks so much for your time Susan and SJF Communications. We really appreciate it. The only thing we’d like to share with your readers is:
“We’d love to hear from you and continue the conversation. What obstacles are you facing? What do you want to know more about? What about Nature Unplugged resonates with you? Don’t hesitate to reach out!”
SJF: Please let us know how to find Nature Unplugged
SJF Communications proudly welcomes our new client, Encinitas Author Sebastian Slovin, who recently released his highly acclaimed memoir, “Ashes in the Ocean“. Sebastian’s book is a poignant reflection of his heartfelt journey surviving, learning from and ultimately becoming resilient after the unfortunate suicide of his Father, South African legendary swimmer Vernon Slovin. Sebastian was only 6 years old when his father passed away.
Sebastian Slovin, Author of ‘Ashes in the Ocean’
We invite you to stop by at Sebastian’s upcoming book signing, this Sunday, May 20, from 12 noon – 2 p.m. at Warwick’s in La Jolla as part of their ‘Weekends with Locals‘ program.
