2013 was...

It was the year I got my worst day out of the way quickly. It was the January 4th I lost my best dog, Homer. It was also the year I became a best-selling author (three times!) and one of those books was all about Homer, so it was especially meaningful.

It was the year of a great visit to Detroit (of all places!) for Metallica's 2nd Orion Music and More festival, where not only did I see my 32nd Metallica show, but also a secret performance of "Kill 'em All" under the name of Dehaan and I got to get my mitts on one of Jame's guitar while Lori sat behind Lars' drum kit. I also won tickets to an advance screening of their IMAX 3D movie, "Through The Never," which was the most amazing filmed concert experience ever!

It was the year I finally left corporate America, after threatening to do so for 90% of my career. Woohoo!

It was the year of certifications as I earned them in: Positive Psychology, Soul Entrainment, Akashic Records, Infinite Possibilities, Playing the Matrix, and a few others I'm sure I've forgotten about. It was the year of meeting Anita Moorjani, Mike Dooley, Andy Dooley and hundreds of other new best friends. It was also the year I was interview on TalkingAboutSuicide.com

It was the year Lori and I had our first joint speaking engagement, our first experience teaching together, our first classes taught at home, and the first time she filled in for me to teach a class. It was also the first time we both interviewed for the same job and the first time I wanted someone else to get a job I interviewed for. It ended up being the year Lori got her dream job, being a life coach at a local hospital.

It was the year I maintained a yoga practice and got hooked on Body Combat classes. It was my first full calendar year of living the Virgin Diet (well, most of the time). It was the year of my first on-line, on-demand course, The Power of Gratitude, and also the first time I taught a webinar.

It was the year Sadie, the three-legged wonder dog, bounced into our lives. It was the year I worked on five feature films, but still have yet to be seen on a theater screen. It was another great year of friends, family, concerts, movies, books, classes, clients, fun, love and growth. Thank you for being a part of it. What more could I ask for?

2013 was my best year so far, and I've got an even better feeling about 2014. Bring it on!

Talking About Suicide

I recently discovered a very cool website, TalkingAboutSuicide.com, working to remove the stigma of suicide attempts by allowing people to openly share their stories. The site was created by Cara Anna, a journalist and suicide attempt survivor, and has dozens of frank, open discussions about depression, suicidal thinking, attempts and what comes after.

In case you didn't realize it, I am a survivor of years of suicidal thoughts and multiple suicide attempts.

You can read my full interview here.
http://talkingaboutsuicide.com/2013/10/27/talking-with-andy-grant/

The Power of Gratitude

My first online course is live, and over 650 people have signed up in the first week! I am blown away.

The course is, "The Power of Gratitude: Learn how to improve the quality of your life with an attitude of gratitude." It is based on my in-person gratitude workshop, but it ended up being longer than my live event (over four hours of content!) and it is cheaper than attending the live event too. Plus, you decide when to take it, what speed to go through it, and you’ll always have access to it. I decided to launch it at the amazing price of only $37, but I want reward my people with a special deal of only $19. That’s right, use the link here and you get this 4 hour+ course for less then twenty bucks!
https://www.udemy.com/the-power-of-gratitude/?couponCode=navitas1




Check this rave review:

“This course is incredible. It really made me stop and think about so many things I take for granted each day. I enjoyed doing the exercises that were included in the course. Your energy and enthusiasm are contagious!” ~Sue

In the course we will explore gratitude from a spiritual, energetic, and scientific perspective. Whether you’ve been keeping a gratitude journal for years, once had a gratitude practice but have stopped, or even if you think the notion of gratitude having any effect on your life is utter nonsense I invite you to join me. You will take part in a number of journaling exercises and learn simple rituals you can use on a daily basis to bring about an attitude of gratitude in your life. I’ll share my story later, but let me say up front that everything I’ll teach you is something I used to think was a ridiculous waste of time – that is until I tried it.

I will share with you scientific studies from the field of Positive Psychology proving the amazing power of gratitude on your health, happiness, relationships and well being. You don’t have to believe I word I say, just be intrigued enough to put some of the practices I’ll share with you to work and then decide for yourself. Sign up now!

Orion Music and More 2013 - Day 2

A superb day and an outstanding weekend.

The day kicked off with our self-guided tour of downtown Detroit, then we were on the first bus to Belle Isle for day 2 of Orion Music and More. All the transportation and entrance problems that plagued many yesterday seemed to be cleared up today.

Our first stop was the Metallica Museum, which is full of old gear, artwork, stage props and some handwritten lyrics. Then it was music time as I managed to see 10 different bands today. 

I caught All Shall Perish, a very heavy, hardcore band who got a serious mosh pit going right from the start, then Cauldron who looked and sounded like Kill ‘em All era Metallica. After those more traditional metal acts things got really interesting. The Dirtbombs are a 6 piece band with two bassists, three drummers and a guitarist - but wait there's more! They alternate. A drummer swaps with a bassist and vice versa. They covered INXS’ Need You Tonight with a drummer taking lead vocals into the crowd then taking a drum into the crowd for their final song. Sick and fun. But the funniest band of the weekend is Fidlar, a 4 piece punk band (who introduced themselves as Metallica, LOL) with such classic 2 minute sing along choruses as; “I drink cheap beer, so what, F you!” “I sit home and drink alone, you are such a whore!” and the power ballad “I didn’t know I was so good at making you feel awkward.” Plus all these songs were signed by women at side of stage for some hearing impaired fans. It was hilarious! If these guys show up at a dive near you, go see them.

Then Metallic’s own Rob Trujillo jammed with the unrelated yet similarly named skate board husband and wife Trujillos for a jam know as Trujillo Trio. They were straight ahead thrash who were then joined by Mike and Rocky from Suicidal Tendencies for a raging version of Institutionalized. 

Destroid

I saw a few songs by the drums and guitar duo, Japandroids. They didn’t do it for more so I wandered over for a couple songs by Vista Chino until Fu Manchu started. I dug them a lot as they were pretty straight ahead hard rock and did a great cover of Godzilla by Blue Oyster Cult.

Up next, I dove back into the EDM tent to see Destroid, and I've never seen anything like it before. Three cyborg, Cylon-like creatures playing drums and synth guitars and commanding people to dance and obey them in evil robot voices. Fun as shit! They got a serious pit going and I was totally energized for the main attraction.

Metallica. After the surprise set yesterday, we all knew more surprises would come. They did. I had no idea what song might show up next. At least two songs were premieres for me. Another 6 probably haven’t been heard by me live in over ten years. They sounded tight and looked so amazingly happy. They are really at the top of the world.

The more songs you don’t recognize, the more excited I was.

Setlist:

Blackened

For Whom The Bell Tolls

Disposable Heroes

Harvester of Sorrow

The Day That Never Comes

Carpe Diem Baby

I Disappear

Sad But True

Welcome Home (Sanitarium)

Orion

One

Master of Puppets

Battery

Nothing Else Matters

Enter Sandman

- encore-

Turn The Page

Creeping Death

Seek & Destroy 

Make a Wish kids join Metallica on stage

Detroit is the new home for Orion. While last year's show at Atlantic City was certainly easier for us to attend, if I had to decide right now - I think I'll be visiting Detroit again.

Here is all the official Orion photos, broken down by band.

UPDATE: 6/11/13
Last night I finally figured out the significance of "Dehaan" the fake name Metallica performed under on Saturday. Their upcoming Imax 3D concert film, Through The Never, is more than a concert film, it has a narrative and actors too. The lead actor is Dane DeHaan. So if you recognized that from the get go (which I did not), you might have been in the front row for the big surprise.

Final numbers: Came back with 5 new Metallica t-shirts, 1 new pick, and shows #31 and #32 under my belt. In all, I saw 16 bands over the weekend. And for first time in my life, I got to hold one of James' guitars in my very own shaky hands! And Lori got to sit at Lars' drum set. Sick!

 

Orion Music and More, Day 1

We started off the morning exploring Detroit and the Renaissance Center. Lori and I hopped on the People Mover and took 15 minute ride on this monorail thing which is only two cars long and had a total of 3 other passengers. All we could do was think of the legendary Simpsons monorail episode and laugh. But Detroit has some really cool, unique architecture and some quite beautiful spots downtown - it was surely worth the 75 cents the 15 minute tour took. Met one guy who is a local and said he was going to Orion later too.

Then we roamed the river walk and bizarrely futuristic hotel/GM HQ/mall thing. Took a lot of Larry pictures then hopped on first bus to get to Orion. 

Globe of Death!

After about half the attendees entrance was rejected by malfunctioning scanner systems, we got in, bought 3 new Metallica shirts and entered Kirk’s Crypt since we spotted a very short line. The crypt is a showcase for all of Kirk Hammett’s horror movie memorabilia. It was bigger than last year and more freaking people dressed up inside and turning it into a haunted house. We watched a demo with a makeup pro turning a girl into a zombie too.

Then we had killer food from Detroit’s world famous Slows Bar-B-Q; Triple Threat on a Stick and Mac & Cheese.

After that it was time for the first bands to start. Caught The Bronx and liked them a lot. Then we moved on to local band Battlecross who were the heaviest of heavy with tremendous in sync head banging and a great cover of Slayer’s “War Ensemble.” After that we roamed in the Met Club tent and got to pose with Metallica’s gear, check out the new Metallica pinball machine and cavort with a whole lot of other Metalli-crap, followed by the car show and Globe of Death - a cool motorcycle stunt show, which was also something done by The Simpsons.

Dropkick Murphys

The next band was Boston’s own Dropkick Murphys and I must admit I had no idea these guys were big anywhere outside of New England, but they got a big crowd and rocked hard. They also represented Boston in a major way, thanking everyone for support after the marathon bombing, playing their Red Sox, Bruins and Mickey Ward inspired songs, plus Shipping Up To Boston and a cover of AC/DC’s T.N.T. - just when I thought that was the highlight they told us Metallica was playing a surprise set of old shit - we bolted and I got there as The Four Horsemen was starting and I quickly realized they were playing Kill ‘Em All from start to finish. Heaven! This surprise was cool beyond words. I’d only recently accepted they’d play only once, then they pull this out. I love this band. Needless to say, they kicked ass and then it tool a little bit to find Lori again. With her full permission, I left her behind as I raced to see the mighty Metallica. She got there too, but by then there were thousands of bodies between us.

Secret Metallica Gig!

Kill 'em All, start to finish.

We eventually found eachother and headed to the EDM tent for Bassnectar. Lori didn’t last long, but I had a blast. He played some Hendrix, Nirvana, Beatles and even Motorhead all remixed, sampled and dancified with an insane amount of bass. The kids loved it. It was the next generation mosh pit, everyone going off in sync but without the violence.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers closed the night. Most of the hits are a bit slow, for my taste, to follow Kill ‘Em All and Bassnector, but once they cranked into Higher Ground I was rejuvenated. Man, I forgot how many radio hits RHCPs have had over the years. Much like last year, the bus ride home was a blast with the whole bus singing Creeping Death, and one out his mind fan trying to choreograph different verses for front and back of the bus, and then even calling for the elderly bus driver to take a verse. The driver responded by turning up the volume. Smart dude.

Great day. And tomorrow is the REAL Metallica show - can’t wait to see what tricks they pull out next. 

Metalli-stats

I'm writing this at 35,000 feet above the ground flying to Detroit for Metallica's Orion Music & More festival. 

This next Met show is my first show since the last show which was the best show ever. Last June at the inaugural Orion in Atlantic City, I won snake pit passes and was in the 2nd row as Metallica played their Black Album in its entirety. I'd be lying to say I'm not disappointed they are only playing one night as opposed to two this year, but I am psyched to see what surprises the band might have in store for me, plus discovering a slew of new bands to become a fan of (last year I fell for Ghost and Volbeat), and I'm really excited to dive into the EDM tent (Electronic Dance Music). I don't know squat about it but every now and then I hear a hard rocking bass-heavy track that makes me think I'm ready for an all night rave. 

Sunday night will be my 31st Metallica show. This is the fifth time I've flown to see them, and the trip gives me a new city and state not just for concerts but for visiting at all. The goal is to visit all 50 states, this puts me at 29 I believe. 

My Metallica t-shirt count is now at 102 with more to be purchased this weekend. And one of the coolest things about these festivals is meeting people who put my numbers to shame. In Atlantic City, the tiny woman in front of me in the front row was at her 50th show. And she lives in Japan!

Larry The Lizard picks up his Orion pass

GM Renaissance Center, Detroit

My Personal Experiences with Holotropic Breathwork

Healing and Mystical States Are Just a Breath Away: Personal Experiences with Holotropic Breathwork is all about my experiences with Holotropic Breathwork - an amazing modality for healing via non-ordinary states of consciousness.

The book covers six of my first-hand accounts of breathwork. I dig deep into my journals and share details for the first time. I'm doing this because I want more people to now about the powerful, mind-warping trips they can take merely with their breath. Holotropic Breathwork is the most powerful personal growth and transformation tool I have encountered. It was nothing short of miraculous for me.

In case you didn’t realize it, you don’t even need a Kindle device to read Kindle books. There are apps that allow you to read Kindle books on just about every device from a PC to an iPad.

Get the whole collection!

Loving Yourself: A Workshop for Men

I'm teaching a new workshop next month - Loving Yourself: A Workshop for Men – on Thursday, May 9th 6:30-9:30pm at Heaven on Earth, in Pembroke Ma

No, this isn’t about masturbation. This is a live workshop about what we truly want and desire most, yet so few men are willing to even speak of it: Love. We will focus where I believe love starts, self-love.

Do you feel unable to ask for the love and support you want?

Do you feel blocked in expressing your love for others? What about for yourself?

If you can’t fully love yourself you can never give or attract the amount of love you desire and are worthy of.

Ladies, we adore you, but you will not be able to attend this event. This is an experiential workshop especially for men. The evening will be a combination of guided meditation, lecture, and exercises rooted in energy work and research from Positive Psychology.


Unconditional love is the greatest gift you can give to yourself. Let’s make it happen.
Be sure to bring a notebook and pen for journaling exercises and to capture your “aha” moments.
Thursday, May 9th 6:30-9:30pm. $49. Click here to register.

Homer the Hound Dog's Guide to Happiness: 6 Life Lessons I Learned From My Dog!

Today, two months after losing my beloved dog Homer, I'm proud to announce that the eBook full of his wisdom, love and photographs is available. Homer the Hound Dog's Guide to Happiness: 6 Life Lessons I Learned From My Dog! can be downloaded for the Kindle, and in case you didn't realize it you don't need a Kindle device to read Kindle books. There are apps that allow you to read Kindle books on just about every device from a PC to an iPad.

Homer the Hound Dog’s Guide to Happiness: 6 Life Lessons I Learned From My Dog!(Insights and photographs courtesy of my dog of 9 1/2 years)

When my dog Homer (affectionately called Homey) died suddenly in early January, 2013 it was one of the most emotionally painful events in my life. Homer had been by my side every day for over nine years.

In my initial days of grief, I began to realize all the wonderful things Homer taught me. I even consulted an animal communicator, or pet psychic. The messages received from Homer confirmed that I had to write this book.

This guide to happiness allows Homer to live on, touching more people.

I want to say thank you...

More love for Homer.

Life Lessons From My Dog

Homer

Six Life Lessons Homer Taught Me

Live In The Moment

The present moment is all that matters, nothing in the world lives this way quite like dogs and Homer rocked that out hard.

He jumped off our bed each morning ready and eager for the day. He never held a grudge or was stuck in the past. When Lori or I came into the house, whether we’d been gone five minutes, five hours or five days, Homer was waiting at the door. Tail wagging, face radiating, absolutely thrilled to see us again. He greeted every moment like it was a long lost friend.

Treat Everything Like It's Your First Time

Each meal, each treat, each walk, each person was met by Homer with such vigor, excitement and fun. His energy and enthusiasm was infectious. Everything was a celebration. Homer had a lust for life unlike any other dog I’ve met.

Ask For What You Want

Homer was a master manifester. He would sit, whine, stare, drool, beg… whatever it took to get what he wanted. It never failed to work. His perseverance and tenacity was amazing. People always gave in and gave him a treat, pet, hug…whatever it was that Homer wanted.

Unconditional Love

Give and receive it. Be a conduit of love. Homer enjoyed other dogs but he loved people. He lived to sniff, snort, and smell people, and nothing made his eyes light up like being pat by a stranger when he was out for a walk. 

Homer loved and protected our kitten, Marge, to such an extent that when Marge became fully grown and would lunge at Homer and smack him in the face with her paws, he wouldn’t even bark at her. He just took it, because he loved Marge.

Don’t Judge

Don’t judge yourself or others. Most of the time Homer was a Zen Master - so sweet, easy going and relaxed. Once, a neighbor's dog bit Homer in the cheek. Homey just stood there shocked, like “What’s your problem, man?" But when thunder or fireworks struck; lookout! He would be a shaking mess and bolt for a spot in the basement without any windows to ride the storm out. It was his own personal panic room. He didn’t care what I thought, what you thought, and he didn’t cast judgment on himself for his anxieties, his many anxieties. He was also the rare dog that hated car rides. He would start drooling and trembling just seeing us pack luggage. The back seat of our car would be a lake even after a short drive with Homer in the car.

Leave An Impact

Homer was hit by a car and died Friday Jan 4, 2013 at the age of 9 1/2. The outpouring of love and support from friends, family and neighbors has astounded me. Homer gave nothing but love and has left a sad hole.

The sky seemed duller when I first opened my eyes this morning. The house too quiet. Life itself seems stiller, emptier.

It hurts to wake up and not have him laying at my feet.

It hurts to look out any window and not see him in the yard.

It hurts to see his tracks in the snow, knowing their won’t be anymore.

It hurts to not hear his many sighs and moans; he was like an old Jewish man.

It hurts to not to have my living alarm clock wake me up to get him breakfast.

It hurts to put on my socks and shoes without him coming to sit beside me.

It hurts to walk into each room and find it empty.

It hurts to not hear his early warning system when anyone comes down our driveway.

It hurts to not put my used dish on the floor for my heavy breathing dishwasher.

It hurts to see each toy, knowing it won’t be played with again.

It all hurts because there was so much love and joy.

Now it has moved on. We were spoiled.