Here we are, with Philip McCluskey, the inspiring raw foodist who lost half of his body weight in 2.5 years just from adopting a raw food lifestyle.  If you missed the first part, go see Stephen Hopson Interview with Philip McCluskey, Loving Raw, Part I of II before you read the final part.

Before we call Philip from the back, I just want to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving!  I’ll be writing my weekly gratitude post at the end of the week as usual, after Thanksgiving.    Hopefully you’ll have a moment to look at it despite the holidays.

Okay, let’s do it – I can’t put it off any longer.  This guy is the real deal!  He is proof that embarking on a raw food lifestyle (not diet) works.  His story is one of the most inspiring I’ve encountered in a very long time, which is why I’m thrilled to have him back her for the second part of my interview with him.

PHILIP, COME ON OUT, WE’RE WAITING FOR YOU HERE!!! (SOUNDS OF CLAPPING, HOLLERING, WHOOPING).

Philip McCluskey

11.  What would you say was the defining moment (personal “tipping point” per sey) that forever changed the course of your life?  For example, was it someone who made an impact on you or was it a spiritual revelation?

More than anything I think it was just my time.  My evolution had been continuously pushing me to this point.  But if I were to have to pick an event, I would say it was actually a combination of many, many events.

1. Being pointed and stared at because of my weight when I was in Europe, like I was a freak.
2. Having a lady ask me “How did you get so big?”  And have that echo in my ears for years later.
3. Standing on the scale and seeing the needle hit 400 lbs.

It was time.  It was beyond time.  I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.  I was also going through a shift in consciousness regarding food and spirituality.

I wanted to be FREE!

Stephen’s Response: I know exactly what you mean when you say “it’s time.”   That’s what happened to me earlier this summer when I saw photos of myself with a bulging stomach.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen that stomach inflate and deflate over the years.  This year, I got fed up with it and decided to make a firm decision to move forward, which somehow led me to raw foods.  Like you.

Yes, it’s a shift of consciousness to finally put the bad habits behind us and move forward.   I made sure my subconscious mind knew I was serious by purchasing a Vita-Mix blender, the most expensive kitchen counter-top equipment I had ever purchased.  I wanted to send a strong signal to the universe and my consciousness that this lifestyle change was for real.

All it takes is a firm decision backed by strong action (like buying a Vita-Mix, LOL) and everything falls into place, right?

12.  At Adversity University, I often talk about the value of changing our perceptions in order to deal with adversity.  How have you dealt with adversity in your life?  Give us specific examples of adversity and what you did to overcome them.

It felt like my life was filled to the brim with adversity… a state of misfortune.

1. Only being able to shop at one store in town that had size 58 pants.
2. Having to sit in giant handicap seats at a Broadway show because I was too big for the regular seats.
3. Having to buy two seats on airplanes to travel, just to fit me.
4. Hiding in my home watching movies during all my free time.

These are just a few examples.  Being 400 lbs… well, there were tens of thousands of situations.  Raw food was really the answer for me for all accounts.  After switching away from foods that contained pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemicals, dyes, etc… I noticed a beautiful shift in consciousness.  This coupled with my weight loss and new found confidence propelled me to literally redefine myself in all areas of life.

Stephen’s Response: I hear you my friend – a shift in consciousness.  I’ve only been raw since September 2008 and I already feel this internal spiritual shift.  It’s awesome.  I feel more in touch with my spirit than ever.

And this is just the beginning.  That’s why I love your story Philip – I don’t know if you realize it my pal, but you’ve inspired me to soar and keep going.  You’ve inspired me to let my spirit shine through my eyes and glowing face.

13.  What is your favorite word?  Least favorite?

Favorite: Love

“Whatever the question, love is the answer.”  – Wayne Dyer

Least Favorite:

I don’t think I have one.  Why you ask?  Well, I could say my least favorite is hate, but that would only continue to maintain the feeling of hate in this world.  Energy flows where our attention goes.  If I put my attention on something I don’t want to see in the world, I really only help it grow.

Years ago Mother Theresa was asked if she would march against the war.  She said no, but when you have a march for peace I’ll be there.

Stephen’s Response: Well, I ask because I am interviewing you, LOL.  I ask because I am curious to know if someone like you has a least favorite word that you hear, read or speak of.

You’re right though  – energy flows where our attention goes.    I once read somewhere that during a presidential campaign if you focus on the candidate you like the least, you are actually giving that person more power and energy.    Once I became aware of that, I shifted my attention to the person I wanted to win and tried to ignore the other one.    I guess it worked!

Speaking of marching for peace, have you ever heard of the “Peace Pilgrim”?  It was the name of a book and as well as the name of a woman from quite some time ago who marched across America in the name of peace.  It was quite an inspiring book and I highly recommend it.  I’ve read it at least two or three times because I was so inspired by it.   I think you’d enjoy it too – she told reporters she did not have a name other than “Peace Pilgrim.”

14.  What was the most embarrassing moment of your life that you now look back at and laugh, cry or smile?  What was the lesson(s) you learned?

I don’t even think I could pick one; my life was filled with embarrassing moments.  If my shirt lifted, and someone saw my stomach accidentally, that was tragic for me.  Not being able to do any of the standard exercises in gym class year after year while in school.  Walking out of the door every day, embarrassment…

The lessons I learned – humility, self-love, patience, gratitude.  I learned to really love others that were “different.”  I learned that by giving myself a daily dose of love I could have prevented this a long time ago.

More than anything… I learned not to give a shit what other people think!

I know who I am now and continue to be release attachment from the opinions of others.

Stephen’s Response: I’m not surprised that you are the loving, accepting person that you are today because of went through.  Isn’t it interesting that some of the adversities we face end up teaching us how to be more loving and accepting?   I can definitely identify with feeling left out and embarrassed because of the monstrous hearing aids that I wore while in elementary school.  I certainly felt like someone from outer space.  But looking back, all of these things I (and you) experienced were divinely orchestrated events, designed to shape and mold us into the loving people we are today, wouldn’t you agree?

Ah, I love that “I learned not to give a shit what other people think of me.”  Have you heard of the book from the 70s (or thereabouts) called “What Other People Think of You is None of Your Business!”    It’s true, who cares what they think?  Why is their opinion so important?  Are they paying your bills?

If not, the screw them, right?

LOL.  Okay, maybe not but……..

15.  What 3 books, blogs and/or mentors have influenced you and why?  (ONLY THREE IN TOTAL)

“Anastasia” – Vladimir Megre

The greatest superhero of our time.  It’s pretty much a must read if you live on this planet and are ready for manifesting and co-creating heaven on earth.

“Way of the Peaceful Warrior” – Dan Millman

I read this book every year.  I support Dan and all of the books he has out.  It was a powerful tool in helping me transition out of complacency to recognize the true peaceful warrior within me.

Brother Sun Sister Moon – Movie

This was a key tool that guided me along the process of breaking away from what society thinks and really go for happiness in every situation.  It also helped to awaken the nature and animal lover in me.

Stephen’s Response: I read Dan’s book, “Way of the Peaceful Warrior” and saw the movie.  Loved both!  Haven’t seen the movie “Brother Sun Sister Moon or “Anastasia.”  I’ll have to put those two on my every expanding list of things to see and read.

16.  Name the top 3 articles from ”Loving Raw“ that you believe readers at Adversity University would benefit from.  (ONLY THREE IN TOTAL)

• Born Again
• The Naked Truth
• Trusting In The Universe

Stephen’s Response: My favorite was definitely “Trusting the Universe” because it spoke to my spirit and reflected a strong sentiment that I have about trusting the universe to help coordinate what you cannot do for yourself.  I’ve experience many situations that I could not have created on my own.   Those divinely orchestrated events NEVER fail to awe me.

What’s interesting is that people are starving to hear simple truths.  No wonder Randy Pausch’s “Last Lecture” at Carnegie Mellon University ended up touching millions of people!

17.  What do you hope God will have to say to you when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

Welcome home.

Stephen’s Response: Simple yet profound!

18.  Being deaf, I am always curious to know which sounds other people love and hate to hear.  Tell us a sound you absolutely adore and a sound you detest.

Sounds I love… The crunchy crinkly sound of leaves being blown across the ground.  Wind rustling through trees as the branches wave to me while I lay on the ground.  The sound of someone breathing softly while sleeping.

Sounds I could do without… Complaining.  Whining.  Words spoken without regard for the power they have.  Not really defined sounds I guess – but it sure feels like it in the moment.

Stephen’s Response: Fascinating!  I have to admit this question was really for my own enjoyment than for the readers.  It fascinates me to learn what sounds hearing people like or dislike because I hear none of it!

19.  We all have our likes and dislikes.  What would you say turns you on and what turns you off?  Give the first answer that comes to your mind without censoring or editing it.

Turns me on… Smile.  A smile of “knowing” from a cute girl across the room.  That smile that speaks volumes to me in just a second.  The connection behind the smile more than anything.  The silent prayer that says, “I know”, “I love you”, and “I recognize the God in you” all in one moment.

Turns me off… Drama.  People and situations that manage to manifest drama or unnecessary chaos in my life despite my efforts to pursue bliss in every moment.

Stephen’s Response: Haha, who likes drama?  We have enough of it in this world, don’t we?  As for the smile – it’s quite powerful.  I make a point of smiling when I’m out in public and am consciously aware of how it can make another person’s day, especially if he/she is having a bad one.  It seems that a genuine smile can truly melt barriers, wipe away anger.  Such is its awesome power, which reminds me…….

I was watching a movie, the title of which I cannot remember but there was a scene where I was watching a young, handsome man who was recovering from Iraq War injuries in a military hospital somewhere in the United States.   Two or more of his limbs were missing because of a roadside bomb that exploded when his caravan rode over it.

As the scene in the hospital room was unfolding, this war veteran was being visited by a friend who was in perfect shape with functioning limbs.   As the two of them were talking, the injured guy gave the most beautiful smile.  It made me cry because the man’s smile was so brilliant that I forgot for a moment that he had missing limbs.

Philip, that is, my friend, the power of a genuine smile!  You have it in your videos and photos.   It’s hard to miss.

For those of you in the audience today, try giving a beautiful, genuine smile in the supermarket as you shop for Thanksgiving stuff today.  Conduct an experiment and you’ll be rewarded with smiles even from the scruffiest of people.

Bottom line, a smile has the power to transform, right Philip?

20.  What’s the biggest, boldest dream you have for yourself Philip?   In other words, using inspiration from the movie, “The Bucket List” (Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freedman, 2007), what’s on your bucket list?

Co-creating a world in which we manage to keep our technology, and go back to the garden at the same time.  Not a space of moving backwards and having to go through disaster and be humbled as a people.  Rather moving forward, raising our consciousness, and making the choice to pursue that way of life just because it makes the most sense, and is truly the answer for every economic, global warming, relationship, and community issue that we currently have.

Stephen’s Response: I had to smile when you said you’d like to see a world where we could be humbled as people without having to go through a disaster to experience it.  Remember 9/11?  The whole nation practically bonded because of that event but then it wasn’t long before we went back to the “same ole, same ole.”  Sad, but true.

You are on to something here Philip–I’ve seen scores of people across the nation trying to help raise our consciousness.  I think embarking on a raw food lifestyle is definitely helping me raise mine.   I am astonished at how eating raw has raised my spiritual vibration and brought me closer to my inner spirit.

21.   And finally but not least, where can we find out more about you?

Check me out at Lovingraw.com.

You can also find links to my Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, YouTube, and GI2MR accounts there as well.

Or, catch me when I dance through your state for a lecture, dinner party, or just because…

Thank you so much for the opportunity to share with you and your readers.

Thank you for being the Change we want to see in this world.

The time for Love is now.

Pursue Happiness at all costs.

Philip McCluskey

Turning to the audience:

Whoa!  “Catch me when I dance through your state for a lecture, dinner party or just because….”

Are you coming through Ohio or neighboring states by any chance?    Don’t be surprised if I end up coming back to my old stomping grounds in New York City in the near future.  In fact, I’ve been contemplating a return visit these days.  It’s been at least 10 years since I’ve visited my old hometown.  I think it’s time.

P:hilip, thank you so much for coming here – I had a great time today and wish you the very best with your ongoing raw food journey.  May God bless you!!!

To everyone else:  Have a FABULOUS THANKSGIVING.    I hope my interview with Philip has inspired you to no end, regardless of whether you have embarked on a raw food lifestyle or not.

Until next time, enjoy!

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