Ayni and Light of the Andes
November 12, 2012
Hosted by John D. Schmidt
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Guest Information
Episode Description
Dr. James E. Williams, doctor of integrative medicine, accomplished author, and founder and President of Ayni Global, joins ZOOM’D to discuss his latest book, Light of the Andes, a personal account of direct experience with indigenous wisdom and his shamanic journey deep into the heart and high peaks of the Andes. James explores the indigenous way of being discovered amidst the Q’ero peoples of Peru, termed Ayni, a form of living based on reciprocity, responsibility, and holistic integration of the individual (I), community (We), and nature (It). While born centuries ago and lived through many ages, James describes how Ayni holds relevance as a sustainability principle today, potentially serving as a guide to the modern world as it struggles to re-gain balance with nature and among peoples of the planet. Anyi is examined in four parts: general introduction; personal journey leading to its discovery; the wisdom of Ayni; and translation into a living realization today.
ZOOM’D Leadership
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Business Channel
ZOOM’D takes you out to big picture issues of the day, in to up-close-and-personal capacities of leadership, and toward a desirable future of constant renewal.
Whether focused on the economic crisis, energy, climate change, or sustainability at large, ZOOM’D looks at what is really going on. We’ll examine patterns at play, drivers behind them, perspectives of leadership, and the importance of changing the way we pursue the future.
ZOOM’D uniquely interweaves emphasis on the objective and subjective—on tangible shifts needed in systems, institutions, governance, and behaviors; and on intangible values, cultures, and leader mindsets needed to see, shape, and orchestrate the shifts.
ZOOM’D bridges the conceptual to the practical for all in business, government, and civil society to benefit from and to activate leadership around.
John D. Schmidt
John D. Schmidt is the founder and CEO of Avastone Consulting, an international consultancy committed to the vitality and sustainability of client organizations and the larger global community. He serves as advisor to global corporations and nongovernmental enterprises, and is a thinker, designer, and practitioner in integral approaches to complex challenges and human development.
John’s expertise offers a rich foundation for ZOOM’D. He is a seasoned consultant with 30 years experience in getting to the heart of matters, discerning what is really going on, and framing appropriate actions. He focuses on deep understanding—listening for surface realities—and deeper truth. He makes sense of complexity, integrating the long view with the here-and-now.
John values the interiority of life and how the developmental nature of mindsets shapes the world we live in—across economic, social, and environmental arenas. He is dedicated to his own growth and contemplative practice, spending 25 days per year in retreat. He is creatively gifted in developing other leaders through deep immersion experiences.
John serves as guest faculty and contributor to learning institutes, universities, and community service organizations. He is a board member of the SHIFT Foundation (which develops young global leaders) and Kosmos Journal (a voice of global awakening). He passionately pursues active enjoyments of life—he is a road cyclist, skier, fly fisher—and lover of the ocean.
