Episode 119: Running in the Dark: Akshay Nanavanti on Finding the Gifts in the Struggle

Today’s guest is fascinating person with a tremendous story to tell. Akshay Nanavanti came to America at a young age, overcame drug addiction and then joined the Marines. He left his corporate job to drag a 190 lb. sled 350 miles across the world’s second largest polar icecap, swam through underwater caves, was almost killed by a falling boulder while glacier calving – and a whole lot more!

As you’ll hear, Akshay’s greatest struggle came when he was diagnosed with PTSD and struggled with depression and alcohol addiction, which drove him to the brink of suicide. He spent years studying neuroscience, psychology and spirituality to figure out not only what would heal his brain, but what it really takes to live a happy, successful and meaningful life.

Akshay created Fearvana, which he defines as “the bliss that results from engaging our fears to pursue our own worthy struggle.” His book of the same name has been endorsed by the Dalai Lama, with sales from it going to support his foundation.

A lot of what he talks about in this episode has to do with struggle, and you’ll discover why he actually seeks it out. Akshay shows us how we can all live our lives the way that we want to, and we’re blown away by his enthusiasm and how he’s gone after life, especially experiencing circumstances that would have stopped so many people.

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Show notes and links for this episode can be found at http://www.katenorthrup.com/podcast.