This interview is with Benjamin Benumof, President & CEO at IF NOT, THEN WHY?.

Benjamin Benumof, President & CEO, IF NOT, THEN WHY?

Can you tell us about your journey into self mastery and how it has shaped your career?

My journey into self-mastery has been a transformative process that has greatly shaped both my personal life and professional life. I learned at an early age from my grandfather that "Hope is the Staff of Life." This wisdom became a guiding light in my life, shaping my path and purpose. Committed to empowering others, I am dedicated to guiding individuals on their own transformative journeys.

My journey is a powerful narrative of growth and self-discovery through my meditation practice and working closely with Dr. Joe Dispenza, a leading neuroscience and meditation expert. Learning the art and science of meditation and how it can cure a wide range of illnesses and ailments has not only enriched my life but also equipped me to support and inspire others as an author, speaker, and mind-body connection consultant. Through my work, I share these insights to help individuals find their own paths to fulfillment and transformation.

Embracing Spiritual Intelligence: I have delved deeply into the science of spiritual intelligence, offering guidance that helps others achieve a more enlightened way of living.

Overcoming Challenges: Personal hardships became a powerful source of motivation, driving me to help others navigate their own struggles and rediscover a sense of purpose.

Inspiring Growth: My journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of personal and spiritual growth, inspiring others to embrace their own paths.

I believe every experience holds the potential for extraordinary growth and fulfillment. Through my work, I empower others to harness their own experiences and create meaningful change in their lives. The secret is love and gratitude for life itself and the lives of others. My book, to be publicly released on April 22, 2025, is titled "IF NOT, THEN WHY?" My website is www.ifnotthenwhy.com

What inspired you to become an expert in self mastery, and how has your understanding of it evolved over time?

Dr. Joe Dispenza's "Becoming Supernatural" profoundly reshaped my approach to life, work, and success. At its core, the book challenges us to transcend our current reality by reprogramming our minds, breaking free from old habits, and harnessing the power of our emotions and thoughts. This aligns closely with my own work as a coach, author, and speaker, where I aim to empower individuals to unlock their fullest potential.

Dispenza's integration of neuroscience and quantum physics provides a scientific foundation for understanding how our thoughts shape our reality. Concepts like neuroplasticity and quantum fields showed me that we can rewire our brains to break free from limiting patterns, which is a theme I explore in my book "IF NOT, THEN WHY?" -- especially in the context of personal transformation.

The idea that we can change our biology by changing our thoughts and emotions is a revolutionary one that has shaped how I approach both challenges and opportunities.

One of the most powerful takeaways from "Becoming Supernatural" is the concept that we are not bound by our past. Dispenza teaches that we have the ability to break free from old programming, creating new possibilities for our lives.

His insights have allowed me to guide others to view challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and reinvention. Success, according to Dispenza, isn't just about achieving goals -- it's about transcending ordinary limits and achieving extraordinary results in all areas of life.

This holistic definition of success is something I champion in my work as a coach and speaker. I believe that true success is found in aligning the mind, body, and spirit, and Dispenza's teachings offer a practical roadmap for achieving this alignment.

The idea that love, gratitude, and elevated emotions can transform our reality resonated with me deeply. Dispenza explains how these emotions shift our brainwave states, opening us up to new possibilities. In "IF NOT, THEN WHY?", I emphasize the power of self-love and gratitude, and Dispenza's work solidified how these feelings can literally change our brain chemistry and the outcomes in our lives.

"Becoming Supernatural" reinforced the idea that we are creators of our reality. By consciously shifting our thoughts and emotions, we can manifest lives that go beyond our wildest dreams. This message has influenced my work and philosophy, empowering me to help others embrace their full potential and live their best lives.

In your experience, what's the most challenging aspect of self mastery that people struggle with, and how do you help them overcome it?

The most challenging aspect of self-mastery that people struggle with is truly and authentically stepping into the River of Change. Overcoming one's self to become one's best self. That is what is key.

You've mentioned Dr. Joe Dispenza's work in your previous answers. How has his concept of 'heart-brain coherence' influenced your approach to self mastery?

Dr. Joe Dispenza's concept of "heart-brain coherence" has profoundly influenced my approach to self-mastery by highlighting the importance of aligning the mind and heart in a harmonious, synchronized state.

His teachings emphasize that the heart and brain communicate through a powerful electromagnetic field, and when these two energy centers are in coherence, a person experiences greater emotional balance, mental clarity, and a deeper connection to their inner self. This concept has reshaped how I view self-mastery, moving it from a purely intellectual pursuit to a more holistic and integrated process.

Before learning about heart-brain coherence, I often focused solely on cognitive strategies for personal growth. However, Dr. Dispenza's work has expanded my understanding to include the necessity of emotional alignment.

When the heart and brain are in sync, the emotional body supports the mind's intentions, creating a flow of energy that leads to greater effectiveness in manifesting desires, cultivating well-being, and achieving long-term transformation. I began to recognize that self-mastery is not just about controlling thoughts but also about fostering emotional harmony.

The practice of creating heart-brain coherence has helped me tap into deeper states of awareness, where the body and mind are not in conflict but rather work as a unified force.

By consciously focusing on my heart, slowing my breath, and tuning into positive emotions like gratitude and love, I've been able to shift my energy, reduce stress, and approach challenges with a clearer, more grounded perspective. This state of coherence empowers me to make decisions that are not only rational but also guided by intuition and emotional wisdom.

Moreover, as I integrated this practice into my daily routine, I began to experience more resilience and personal alignment. My approach to self-mastery evolved from merely setting goals to cultivating a sustainable, inner sense of balance. This shift has allowed me to act from a place of authenticity, rather than reacting from old patterns or external pressures.

In summary, Dr. Dispenza's concept of heart-brain coherence has transformed my journey toward self-mastery by emphasizing the vital connection between the mind, emotions, and body. It has shown me that true mastery comes from a unified state of being, where clarity, emotional intelligence, and intentionality flow together to create lasting transformation.

Can you share a personal story of a moment when you faced a significant setback in your journey of self mastery? How did you overcome it?

Yes, for me, the culmination of a very stressful career and lots of ambition fueling my thoughts, emotions, and actions, I had a very difficult time several years ago after my first real "loss" as a prominent water law litigator. COVID-19 came soon thereafter, and life seemed to be at an all-time low for me.

I had to learn the science and art of meditation. Dr. Joe Dispenza's work completely changed my life and taught me how I could reprogram my thoughts and behaviors. It taught me how I could overcome myself to become my best self. This is what my book IF NOT, THEN WHY? is all about.

How do you integrate the practice of self mastery into your daily routine, and what tangible benefits have you noticed?

Integrating self-mastery into my daily routine has been a transformative journey, deeply rooted in both mental practices and physical activities that nurture my body, mind, and spirit. One of the most significant tools I've incorporated is a dedicated meditation practice, which serves as the foundation for my inner work.

Each day, I set aside time to engage in mindfulness meditation, where I focus on cultivating presence, awareness, and heart-brain coherence. During these sessions, I practice deep breathing, tuning into my body's sensations, and centering my mind on gratitude or intention. This practice helps me reset my mental state, allowing me to start the day grounded, clear, and aligned with my purpose.

In addition to meditation, I connect to nature through activities that promote both physical and mental well-being. Surfing, yoga, hiking, and walking on the beach are integral to my routine, offering unique opportunities for flow and connection to the natural world. Surfing, in particular, is an exhilarating practice that demands full presence and focus.

It challenges me to be in the moment, letting go of distractions while riding the waves. The balance between the mental focus required to surf and the physical exertion it demands creates a powerful synergy, boosting both my confidence and mental clarity.

Yoga and hiking complement this connection to nature by offering opportunities for movement and stillness, both of which are essential for maintaining balance. Yoga allows me to strengthen my body while fostering flexibility and mindfulness.

The mindful stretches and breathwork help release stored tension, promoting emotional and physical healing. Hiking, particularly in nature-rich environments, allows me to deeply reconnect with the Earth, giving me space to reflect, recharge, and gain perspective.

Walking on the beach is another meditative practice I cherish. The rhythm of the waves, the sound of the ocean, and the sensation of sand beneath my feet create a perfect environment for mindfulness and reflection. These moments bring a sense of peace and clarity, offering a pause in my day to recalibrate and reconnect with my inner self.

Through these practices, I've noticed tangible health benefits—both mental and physical. I feel more balanced, grounded, and resilient in the face of life's challenges. My stress levels have significantly decreased, and I experience greater mental clarity and emotional stability.

In your book 'IF NOT, THEN WHY?', what's one key insight about self mastery that you believe can be transformative for readers?

In "IF NOT, THEN WHY?," one key insight about self-mastery that I believe can be transformative for readers is the concept of "delayed gratification," particularly when applied to the coherence between the heart and mind. In today's fast-paced world, the desire for instant rewards is often at odds with deeper, long-term fulfillment.

However, when we learn to embrace delayed gratification, especially in the context of aligning our thoughts and emotions, we open ourselves up to a more profound and lasting sense of peace, abundance, and love.

Delayed gratification is the practice of resisting immediate impulses in favor of greater rewards that emerge over time. When we apply this concept to our emotional and mental states, we begin to recognize that true self-mastery doesn't come from seeking quick fixes or fleeting moments of pleasure.

Instead, it arises from cultivating patience and inner coherence, particularly between the heart and mind. By allowing ourselves to cultivate emotional balance and alignment over time, rather than seeking immediate external validation or instant results, we create the space for long-term growth and transformation.

When the heart and mind are in coherence, we experience a powerful energetic alignment that supports our goals, desires, and deeper emotional needs. This alignment enables us to manifest not only material abundance but also emotional fulfillment and love.

The process of delayed gratification in this context means allowing ourselves to sit with discomfort, uncertainty, or even a lack of immediate results, while trusting that the long-term rewards of coherence, balance, and patience will be far more fulfilling than short-term satisfaction.

For example, in relationships or in personal growth, the practice of delayed gratification allows us to avoid impulsive reactions, giving space for thoughtful responses that reflect our true desires and values. In turn, this creates more sustainable and meaningful connections and experiences. By mastering the art of delayed gratification, we learn that true abundance and love are not things that can be rushed or forced, but are the natural byproducts of inner alignment and emotional maturity.

In essence, this concept of delayed gratification teaches us as a profound reminder that by mastering our internal state and cultivating patience, we can manifest a life filled with lasting love, abundance, and fulfillment.

How do you see the relationship between self mastery and leadership? Can you provide an example from your coaching experience?

I see self-mastery and leadership as hand-in-hand. The relationship between self-mastery and leadership is deeply intertwined, as effective leadership begins with the ability to lead oneself.

Self-mastery is about cultivating emotional intelligence, discipline, and clarity—qualities that empower a leader to respond thoughtfully, remain calm under pressure, and inspire others. A leader who has mastered themselves can foster trust, accountability, and empathy, which are essential in guiding others.

I've seen this dynamic in action through my coaching of a managing attorney at a law firm. This attorney was struggling with addiction, which was not only affecting his personal well-being but also undermining his leadership abilities. His struggles created a tense atmosphere within the firm, especially with the associate attorneys who felt unsupported and uncertain in their roles. The attorney's inability to manage his own challenges was reflecting in his capacity to lead, making it difficult for his team to thrive.

Through our coaching, we focused on developing self-mastery in three key areas: emotional regulation, accountability, and communication. We began by addressing his addiction, creating a space for him to gain clarity on his patterns and the impact they had on both his personal life and his leadership.

We worked on cultivating mindfulness practices to help him become more aware of his emotional triggers and reactions, empowering him to make more conscious choices rather than reacting impulsively.

We also explored the importance of vulnerability in leadership, which he initially resisted but gradually embraced. By being open about his struggles, he built deeper trust with his team. The managing attorney learned to communicate more effectively, offering guidance and support to his associate attorneys with greater empathy and understanding. As his self-mastery grew, so did his ability to lead from a place of authenticity, inspiring his team through his example of resilience and growth.

The results were striking. His relationship with his associate attorneys improved, as they felt more empowered and supported in their roles. The firm experienced a shift in energy, with the team working more cohesively and feeling more aligned with the firm's values. This transformation demonstrated that true leadership is not about control or authority but about self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

Looking ahead, what do you think is the next frontier in self mastery that people should be focusing on, and why?

Meditation is, in my view, the next frontier in self-mastery because it provides a powerful pathway to tap into the Universal Spiritual Intelligence within us and around us. This Intelligence is the underlying force that connects all of existence, and meditation allows us to access it. When we align our heart and mind through meditation, we unlock our highest potential, creating a life of purpose, peace, and fulfillment.

This concept is not just spiritual—it is being confirmed through modern science. Neuroscience has demonstrated that meditation physically changes the brain, strengthening areas associated with emotional regulation, memory, and focus. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting healing. On a biochemical level, it boosts neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which improve mood and reduce anxiety, highlighting the deep healing power of meditation.

Quantum physics offers another layer of insight. At its core, quantum physics shows that everything in the universe is interconnected. Meditation, when practiced with intention, allows us to tap into this interconnected field of energy. The mind and spirit move beyond individual limitations, entering a space where our thoughts and intentions align with the universal flow. As we tap into this quantum field, we become conscious creators of our reality, guiding our lives toward greater abundance and love.

By meditating regularly, we not only align with this universal intelligence but also begin to master ourselves. Meditation offers a means to observe and release limiting thoughts and behaviors, cultivating mindfulness that extends into every aspect of life. As we create inner peace and clarity, we begin to make decisions with greater wisdom, compassion, and confidence.

Ultimately, meditation is a tool for transformation. It helps us move from reactionary living to conscious creation. It connects us to the universal wisdom that governs the world, allowing us to be our best selves. Through this practice, we can shape our future, achieve self-mastery, and experience deep spiritual and physical well-being.