Well-being and wellness, it should be noted, are not the same. “Well-being” is an aspirational state of life, while “wellness” refers to the interventions humans perform on themselves to improve their health. Our state of living is not always well, and sometimes there is a need for measures that bring us closer to alignment with the universe.Frederick Tsao from the book Dawn of an Era of Well-BeingIn our quest to overcome the challenges that stand in the way of a better future—an era of “well-being” as our program frequently makes reference—we need to consider paths to spiritual betterment which help show us the way. Our guest today is Alberto Villoldo, a trained practitioner of western medicine who has also spent decades studying the shamanic healing practices of the Amazon and Andes. Dr. Villoldo will engage our hosts with a penetrating conversation investigating how shamanic traditions of South America can inform the western thought process. At the nexus of science and spirituality lies the key to our evolution as a species, and the basis of a healing process that will make true well-being accessible. This discussion delves into the evolution of the human brain and its chemistry, and how the shamanic tradition can help reinforce our connection to both nature and a higher level of consciousness.Alberto Villoldo, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and best-selling author who has studied the shamanic healing practices of the Amazon and Andes for over 30 years. He is the founder of the Four Winds Society, and his recent books include The Heart of the Shaman: Stories and Practices of the Luminous Warrior and The Wisdom Wheel: A Mythic Journey through the Four Directions For more information on Shamanic Energy Medicine, please visit this link to Alberto Villoldo's organization The Four Winds Society Dr. Villoldo's latest book The Wisdom Wheel: A Mythic Journey through the Four Directions can purchased here The Heart of the Shaman: Stories and Practices of the Luminous Warrior can be purchased here