Fearvana – Turning Fear into Happiness

“Fearvana inspires us to look beyond our own agonizing experiences and find the positive side of our lives.” The Dalai Lama

After overcoming drug addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcoholism that pushed him to the brink of suicide, Akshay has dedicated himself to a path of mastery and service.

Today, he is a US Marine veteran, ultra-runner, explorer, speaker, entrepreneur and author of the book – Fearvana: The Revolutionary Science of How to Turn Fear Into Health, Wealth and Happiness.

Topics of discussion 

• PTSD, Survivors Guilt and the journey beyond.
• Defining disorder – how it affects our identity.
• Escapism, fear, escaping our demons – WHY?
• The healing process – “we are not our thought or emotions.”
• FEARVANA defined – The bliss that results from engaging our fears to pursue our own worthy struggle.
• Worthy Struggle – Find, Live and Love Worth Struggle.
• Why having a goal and purpose is paramount.
• Learning to suffer well.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Meditation and exercise.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

To live beyond yourself.

How would you define success? What does success look like to you? 

The constant evolution of the Self in service of yourself and others.

What is one tool, skill, resource, or technique that has helped improve your effectiveness and/or productivity? 

Time Chunking – working in blocks of task focus.

What advice would you give someone that needing/wanting to make a change in their life?

Build a positive relationship with suffering.

If I would serve you your last meal what would you request?

Korena food and fondu.

What activity gives you the greatest sense of joy? 

Running, exercise and what I do that is channelled into service of something.

If you could pick one book to pass down to your children or future generations what book would it be? 

The Success Principles(TM) – 10th Anniversary Edition: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Jack Canefield

FEARVANA: The Revolutionary Science of How to Turn Fear into Health, Wealth and Happiness by Akshay Nanavati

What quote, phrase or message would you text or tweet to everyone in the world?

“….I firmly believe that any man’s finest hours – his greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear – is that moment when he has worked his heart out in good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.” Vince Lombardi

Do we all have a Hidden Why, a purpose?

Yes, and I believe it is self-created and defined.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

Getting clarity on what your path is and worthy struggle and then being able to engage with it every day.

What do you believe is the underlying motivation behind everything you do? 

Service and love.

How to connect with Akshay

Jump on to Fearvana dot com and connect. Link here.

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.