Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Jim Keegan of Tempe

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jim Keegan . Check out our conversation below.

Jim , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I wake up around 4am I start my day with slow deep stretch yoga and breathing followed by meditation lasting anywhere between 5-30 min. This is all done with a learners mindset even after 30 years of practice I am still meeting my mind and body on the mat each day. At that point its time to take my fur son for a walk for about 1 mile. 4 mornings a week I then jump on my road bike doing about 30 miles give or take. 2 days a week when I’m not riding I do resistance training.

The work day begins like a lot folks checking email and checklists. I will see private clients for a variety of health reasons like physical rehab or injury prevention. These sessions maybe physical or a something like counseling session.
Through out the day I eat 95-100% whole foods and drink only 2 couple cups of coffee in the morning and about a gallon of water. through out the day.
The food as fuel and hydration to help recovery are an everyday habit like most of what I am saying here, At night my wife and I take turns making the best possible meals often with some wine and always with love.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
At IWS Integrative Wellness Strategies the non-profit I cofounded with Dr, Vanessa Ruiz we lead weekend retreats and seminars for veterans for renewal and resilience. These events provide somatic mobility training to release stored patterns of trauma functional nutrition to ease inflammation and regulate hormones to better handle new stress and heal the mind and body from stored stress, PTSD. While doctor Ruiz deals with a lot of the mental challenges I handle a lot of the physical ones, The dynamic or our blending these tools together often have great profound effects than simple talk therapy.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
This is a truly funny question to be asked… I often explain to people that you can tear up the script you have been living and write a completely new one. The world can not tell me who I am or who I am becoming, it’s tried.
I have reinvented myself a few times and I am about to write a whole new script. I wont share just yet but in about 6 months I will be making an announcement about a huge change for me. Its very exciting. If you don’t like the life you’re living change it!!! Change is the only constant in our universe and most people are afraid of change. I embrace it.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Many times. Everyone has thoughts about giving up. Only the truly strong keep going. Over the summer I was living in France on the Col du Tourmalet a massive mountain used almost each year in the Tour de France. I was riding my bike up and it was a windy day making even tougher, My mind said to me “you could just turn around and go home and get warm and eat some food no one will know”, I pondered this thought for a couple seconds and said back to my mind “I would know” of course I kept going and all was good in the world. This inner conversation happens in all people some don’t hear it others cower to it and some push past and summit the mountain. I am one of those who push past the limitations of a fearful mind.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My health, my wife, my dog, my bike, movies, wine, laughs and using my strength to help other heal as I have done now for 30 years . To be of service to those who are in need.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
Good one. What would be is me in my formless existence. Another way of saying soul.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://integrativewellnessstrategies.org
• Instagram: jimkeegan
• Facebook: Jim Keegan