BC-077 Intro To A Coach: Arti Kumar-Jain Certified Holistic Cancer Coach

Hello! My name is Arti Kumar-Jain. I am a Certified Holistic Cancer Coach. My journey began when my mom was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer Stage IV in February 2018. As anyone knows in the cancer journey, endless research and constant looking for answers is sought out. The common theme of nutrition and reduction of stress were common elements found in my research. Although my mom passed in August 2019, her spirit lives in me. I am driven to be of assistance to those diagnosed with cancer, friends, family members, and community is part of my in becoming a Cancer Coach. Being of East Asian origin, holistic healing through mind, body, and spirit alliance is crucial and therefore this program at BeatCancer.org is the perfect fit. My focus and passion on health, wellness, and nutrition and living abundantly have come through the formation of the non-profit, Diya Holistic Life Care. I also provide Coaching services and tutoring for children and families through Love & Light 4 Kidz LLC. I am here with you on this journey and know that I am a holding space for you!

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Arti: You do have some time to think, yes, the tumors are growing…I’m talking about active diagnosis. You do have time to think but oftentimes what ends up happening is, anxiety for everybody kicks in and so having somebody on your side like a coach or someone that can help you to realize you do have choices.  And choices embody transformation, right? If we get pigeonholed in something, then our power is taken away. I just want to remind people we do have lots of choices. We just have to be presented with them on the plate.

Automated:  Hello and welcome to the Beat Cancer Answer, brought to you by beatcancer.org the center for advancement in cancer education.

Carl: This is Carl Wagner. I’m here with beatcancer.org, the center for advancement in cancer education and we have one of our great coaches, Arti Kumar Jing. Is that correct?  Good, I got it thank you.  Instead of introducing Arti, I’m going to let her tell you who she is and what all the initials are behind your name. You have a lot of them.

Arti:  There are a lot of them but that doesn’t mean much until you can make something of it.  Yes, my name’s Arti: and the first role that I can tell you is that I am a mom of two girls that are currently four and six and I got into coaching…it’s been about a year’s worth of a journey getting into coaching, especially holistic cancer care. I have had my certification now for about four months and I have been…I started my journey actually when it comes to education, a long time ago, about 20 years ago.

I started working in preschools then I switched into working in elementary schools, got an undergrad in psychology, and did a minor in conflict resolution.  And along my journey, I always said that I especially would leave the classroom if I was paying attention to other needs for the kids besides the pedagogy of teaching.  Then I went into clinical counseling, Mental Health counseling worked in private practices, in hospital settings, in different clinical settings.

And then along the trip…I call it a trip because I really feel like the journey is a trip. I got married and when my family moved back to Virginia, we had kind of moved all over and worked also in another clinical facility. But then I decided I wanted to stay home with my girls.  And my mom who lived in Northern Virginia moved closer to us and she was actually diagnosed with ovarian cancer stage four, back in February of 2018. So, like anyone, when that takes place in your home or whatever. You go through research, you talk to everybody and anybody, you are continually trying to figure out how to beat this thing. So, regardless of beating or not beating, you do make catastrophic changes really quickly.  My mom made a lot of them, I also side by side made some changes.  looked a lot into nutrition, into holistic health and of course, being of Indian origin, my mom was already into some of that stuff. I have always looked into it, but it became very apparent in the research that the holistic approach of mind, body, spirit needs to be in place.

Carl: So, that’s what brought you to beat cancer then?  Or did you look at other things first?

Arti:  Oh no, sorry.  She did pass but long story short in her passing, she had written some life stages down in one of her books, and I looked at it and I was like I realized I was supposed to do more with just her journey but to help others. And that’s when I looked up to beat cancer…it just came to me; the coaching module was going to be implemented because I love coaching. I love therapy too, but coaching is more about helping that person really meeting their goals and their objectives to help them with that forward momentum.  And so, the beat cancer came up and it was right when I read that descriptor.

I didn’t even look anywhere else, I just knew that holistic piece of mind, body, spirit, knowing the story behind the founding of it, knowing that there was a personal element touched for her journey, for Dr. Silverstein’s journey. And then knowing everyone who’s on and a part of that whole entity it didn’t take me long.  I literally signed up the day that I saw the website, there was no question that it was the right fit.

Carl:  Now I see that you also have your own non-profit is that correct?

Arti: Yes.

Carl:  Okay, and go ahead tell us a little bit about that.

Arti: Sure, the non-profit actually is coaching through the lifespan. We’re looking at health coaching and career coaching.  But cancer coaching is a module where I feel of course that it’s important to help people in disease prevention and also preventative care.  But also, for those who are in this cycle and we also support end-of-life care through coordination with hospice and through palliative care in different organizations. The goal is to make it on a sliding scale and affordable to folks, so currently, we are working on getting some grants it’s in its infancy stage so a lot of it’s just starting to build.

Carl: Wait a minute is this the kid’s nonprofit?

Arti:  No, this is the…the kids are a business.

Carl: Okay, I thought that was an NPO, but that’s your website and that’s your Instagram?

Arti:  Yes, the website is under development but the Instagram and the Facebook page are all live.

Carl: Okay, and do you want to tell us a little bit about that too?

Arti: Sure, lovingly for kids is a module where we provide webinars and seminars for organizations as well as for parents and families. Those who are in therapy and may need a module of coaching, we provide those services. We also provide tutoring.  I’m currently…right now we’re actually looking at a lot of virtual workshops and after school programs in conjunction with other organizations.  That website is actually currently operating, I apologize it is the non-profit website that is under development.

Carl:  Right, I didn’t even know about that.  I thought it was just…I was just talking about the kid’s website. That’s a surprise to me, that’s great.  I have to look at my questions here, excuse me I’m sorry we’re both new at this. When you went through the course what did you find helpful that you probably didn’t know?

Arti:  I actually thought it was really helpful that we so I have had this background of nutrition and looking into nutrition. But I thought it was really Right, I good to have the background of the root cause. For instance, I had…for my mom, we had looked into other avenues.  What could have been the cause? We went to a naturopath and the possibility of maybe hormones or whatnot.  But to get the actual descriptors, behind all of these different types of cancers and what we need to examine. We talk about stress on the body, but then, what particular stressors, for that particular cancer. It’s almost like you could target that organ and how to really build it up to really reduce that tumor growth or whatnot.  That was extremely helpful and very beneficial. Because it was the first time that I got a chance ever to examine the root cause.

Carl:  Yeah, two things that you mentioned, something about meeting people where they are and what you were just talking about, then trying to find the root cause. I think it’s very interesting, that there is no one-size-fits-all approach and that’s one thing that I think is different about our course.  It’s not a diet book, it’s not a cookie-cutter program, or a special protocol.  It’s about observing people and being able to coach them through from wherever they’re at. What did you think was your favorite part of the course that helped you in your coaching?

Arti:  I really have to tell you all the nutrition and stuff.  It’s so hard, Carl because of the fact that everything has been leading to this holistic mind, body, spirit, and taking care of our body.  Feeding it well and then stress reduction and that kind of thing.  The nutrition pieces are really helping because it just solidified more and more of the research that has already been conducted. But knowing that this institute has already far exceeded when they’ve been following this module for a long time.  Even before, some people are now getting on the boat to examine what dairy does to the body or to examine how it does look to eat more cleanly.

That was when I realized that for me, that’s how we can treat this cancer embodiment of preventative and that was really empowering.  Because then, I also feel like…especially in my line of work, where it can, it is about wellness but then preventative wellness and also meeting the person if they are diagnosed.  How we can assist them if they want to make some changes or whatnot.

Carl: Right, I think an important thing to know if people are just seeing these coaching videos for the first time, is that we don’t tell people not to go to their doctors or to follow a doctor’s advice.  But we do help them get their bodies into the best possible situation to heal properly.  Because we don’t say we cure cancer. The body cures cancer and even doctors can’t say they cure cancer.  They might say they killed cancer, but they can’t say they healed the body necessarily. The body does it itself and I think that’s one of the things that’s a big takeaway from all the people that get counseled by our coaches or by our staff. I think we hear that a lot, they’ve never been so healthy since they’ve had cancer.  It was a wake-up call.  So Right, I for you, did you make any personal changes in your life after learning this stuff?

Arti:  I have, right when I was going through that nutrition program, I have been vegetarian for a number of years.  Then I had cut dairy out of my diet and I felt tons better and slowly even more so reducing the animal…whatever, I mean even just examination of how close I come to toxins and soaps and household ingredients.  Just really getting into that…I already knew about the pesticides and food but like really becoming aware and how it’s all linked together.

Carl:  Right, as soon as you get in you start.  Now you’re cleaning out your closet.

Arti: It became even more of a pronounced enhancement…because it’s almost like…they say cancer is transforming for the patient and then it also becomes the embodiment for the family, I feel. And so, therefore…my mom even had said…in a way and I feel the same way, that in a way, it is a blessing to have it because you live in a very mindfully different way when you have this disease that comes into your life.

Carl: Yeah, well mindful,  if you have studied some of the holistic ways of dealing with things but the unfortunate thing is for most cancer patients they go to the doctor and they’re told get in for surgery, get in for chemo right away and they don’t have time to think about anything. so, it’s really good. I think as the coaches start to coach…especially the person who cooks in the house and everybody becomes healthy and the neighbors see that and there’s this ripple effect. I think when that happens, that can cause people to become mindful.  Instead of just a patient or a number even they’re treated like a tumor.

So, even if people are going through a medical protocol, it’s great to get a coach like Arti, because she can be there with you and through the whole process it’s a great shoulder to cry on, even. Because when people are telling you to do one thing, but your heart’s telling you to do another thing, you need somebody on your side.  Everybody else is just scared and pushing you in a medical direction when really you need to heal your body as well.  Sorry, I didn’t mean to steal your thunder.

Arti:  Oh no, I could totally [inaudible 14:36] what you just said.  The fact is that you do have some time to think.  Yes, the tumors are growing…when you’re…I’m talking about active diagnosis. But you do have time to think but oftentimes, what ends up happening is anxiety for everybody kicks in and so having somebody on your side like a coach or someone that can help you to realize you do have choices, and choices embody transformation. We often…if we get pigeonholed in something then our power is taken away. But I just want to remind people, we do have lots of choices.  We just have to be presented with them on the plate.

Carl: Right, and you as a patient, you have some control.  You’re not completely a victim, you’re not completely out of control.  It didn’t start overnight; it won’t end overnight. I’m not a coach, I am the CEO of the organization so I just make sure the lights stay on here and make sure everybody else does their job well. So, I know enough to be dangerous, I guess. I leave all the professional stuff up to everybody else.

All right, let me look at another question we have here. What was your health journey? You didn’t have a cancer diagnosis; you are like me.  My stepmother who I grew up with, she died of cancer, her father died of cancer, her mother’s second husband died of cancer.  So, I’ve seen it a lot.  And everybody that’s on the board, everybody has anything to do with us, our organization intimately, has either had cancer themselves or somebody very close to them had cancer.  And a lot of people find us the same way that they did.

They wanted the cancer to mean something, instead of something just bad, something positive, something that they can take and help other people and that was the whole reason that Susan started the organization. She didn’t get this information in time to help her husband but she made sure that she would not let one more family, if she had anything to do with it, go through what she went through.  And I think I’m hearing the same story from you, is that correct?

Arti: Yes. Carl, I really appreciate you saying we’re not…when I’m talking holistic, I do believe in allopathic, homeopathy, all of our medicines together. But I just really want again, back to the idea that chemo is not your only option. For instance, if my mom could have gotten back in time, she would have made the decision to do the Chinese the TCM, Chinese Medicine a little earlier. But she didn’t want to do it both side by side, but one of my examples to you is, I said it earlier, how do we help people? How can I be part of the journey to make sure that they have well-informed care, and that’s what all patients deserve?  Especially cancer patients who we don’t just decide chemo is your only option.  No, let’s look at all of your wide range and then go ahead.  If you want to do all the cards, by all means, let’s do all the cards. Or if you want to do this, at least to help empower you to make sure that when you rest with your decision, you really get to rest with it.

Carl: Right, you’re not left not knowing at least. And just the empowerment mentally knowing that you’re able to participate in your healing. I think it is a big deal and that’s one of the things that our coaches are great at. They’re just there to help you and whenever you’re stuck, just call and take some time to go over what’s going on. I think it’s really helpful mentally, for people. Yeah, so let me look again. I’m very unprofessional.

Arti:  Oh my God, please.  What I want to share is, it was interesting, we were talking about the journey behind where I got to the kids. I actually had formulated the business card for the non-profit and on the back, it had the services we were providing. It said cancer support. I then, like I said, when I was thinking in my brain, I really want some type of cancer coach, right? And I was like, is it out there?  The google search and the [inaudible19:20] search for google, I put in cancer coach and that’s when beat cancer came up.

Carl: That’s great.

Arti:  So, literally the only thing…I’m a researcher, so I researched the hell out of everything. For instance, the Health Coaching, I looked at in-depth. Where am I going to do my program? Who’s the provider of the services? How much time have they spent?  But right away, the click happened because of the way that the mission statement and how…and her journey and everyone who is supporting this cause.

Carl:  Susan was an early adopter. She was pre-google. She was pre-internet, so she was doing this for 35 years before we filmed it.  Yeah, she…and people had a different mentality. They followed their doctor’s instructions right to death, literally. The thing about Susan is, she is a dynamic researcher. I mean, the amount of studies, she can just quote offhand it’s just amazing.  When she’s talking about something, she doesn’t just say it as an opinion, she backs it up with the studies it came from, and 35 years of experience in the street. Working with people and counseling people and teaching other counselors to counsel people. So yeah, it’s like I said, it’s because we got some people that are in our industry that aren’t even as old as how long she’s been doing it for.

Arti: That’s amazing.

Carl: Yeah, but it’s a delight for us to see it. This is her legacy is to have coaches out and there’s no shortage of people to talk to. If they’re willing to talk. Okay, so now I’m going to look up that question, let’s see what we got here. Have you coached any clients at this point?

Arti: For the cancer module, I have one…my organization does a lot of pro bono work or slack, we just take the donations right and we’re in the building phase. But I have one person that I have talked to in India and I’m helping. We’ve had phone…two-hour sessions and she’s actually not the patient, it’s her husband.

Carl: Yeah, the caregiver.

Arti: The caregiver. And so, we have gotten an opportunity and I’ve given…she asked for a few tips here and there and we have our next call actually coming up. We give some time in between, we try to make a few of those modifications she had asked for and I just reminded her of…you do the things also, like some of it was nutritionally based, so do it together.  So that, he doesn’t feel like he…so now she understood the concept behind doing things as a couple. [inaudible22:38] just he is the pain.  He needs to do, and she appreciated that too, I think instead, let’s do it together.

Carl: No, that’s good. You can’t have somebody who’s your spouse or your family not participate, because that just makes it so much harder for you. Again, it makes you feel alone. But just for clarification, I want people to know that, or are watching this for the first time, that many of the people that I’m going to be interviewing or many of the people that have been interviewed in the past. They’re very new, they have completed our course, they…for the most part, we’re catching them for these interviews just to introduce them and may not have had a lot of clients at this point. Some people have, some people…because we’re just starting this program of interviewing. I have had a great deal of experience but other people are just getting started but that doesn’t mean they’re any less qualified.  Now, when you’re looking at the course, do you feel like this was a good starting point for this type of knowledge?  And is this something that has inspired you to go further with it?

Arti: Oh, for sure. When you help develop plans with that person who’s…you just will continually…but all of the resources and the books that have been provided are very easy reads. Plus, like you said, the research corroborates it.  So, it’s nice to know where to go, and then we have a great support network on our Facebook group collaboration team to be able to go to. I feel like there’s a lot of hand-holding which is awesome.

Carl: That’s something that makes us different.  We don’t just let you go. Yeah, excellent. So okay, where can people find you?  Well, I don’t know how long we’ve been on the phone, but we’ll start closing it up.  Where can people find you?

Arti: Sure, right now you can go on my Facebook page via The Holistic Life Care.  Our website is under development like I said, we have…you can contact me by email.

Carl: Okay, I’ll make sure all the links are in the description.

Arti: And the email, email is great, and then we have our business phone line. And oh, I’m sorry, Instagram.  Instagram and Facebook page.

Carl: Yeah, I’ll put everything in the description. I just wanted to give you a chance to say it and one bonus question, if you had one final tip or words of wisdom for anybody that might be listening or wanting to counsel, anything it’s your show.

Arti: Trust your gut.

Carl: Good one, always knows. Yeah absolutely, is there anything else that you’d like to add?

Arti:  I always love that book Eat Pray Love, like really. It sums up everything, I feel like I’m in that movie.  I feel like we eat well, we…whatever your definition of prayer is and just love well.  I feel like you can really…we can really do a lot.

Carl: Terrific, yeah, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cut you off.

Arti:  No, you didn’t.

Carl: Oh, okay alright, is that it?

Arti:  That’s it.

Carl: Okay, terrific.  It was wonderful getting to meet you.

Arti:  You too, thanks Carl for your time.

Carl: You’re welcome and I’ll get this all edited up and I’ll let you know when it’s ready.

Arti: Okay, alright, thank you.

Carl:  Okay, bye now.

Arti: Bye.

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