In this conversation, LA-based cardiologist Alejandro Junger, M.D., a functional medicine doctor, shares his transformative journey from medical school in Uruguay to navigating health challenges in New York, which led him to discover the holistic approach to health.  Facing personal health issues, including depression and allergies, Dr. Junger turned to meditation and detoxification, ultimately exploring various healing modalities at a monastery in India. He highlights the importance of being present and conscious for overall health, sharing a simple yet powerful technique to foster presence by focusing on one's feet during meetings or interactions. This practice, he explains, can significantly impact mental health, stress reduction, and even interpersonal relationships. Dr. Junger's story is a testament to the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, the potential pitfalls of modern lifestyle on well-being, and the profound benefits of mindfulness and holistic medicine. (00:00) - Intro (02:35) - The transformative journey of Dr. Junger (07:59) - From medical school to monastery (19:20) - Integrating presence into daily life and its impact on health (25:35) - Exploring the power of presence and breathwork (26:01) - The humor in mindfulness practices (27:03) - The impact of presence on perception and charisma (27:49) - Harnessing presence for better impression in meetings (28:25) - The profound effect of being present (32:11) - Understanding the physiological impact of presence (36:49) - The connection between gut health, intuition, and presence (38:48) - Expanding the practice beyond sensing your feet