Name: Sah D’Simone
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Instagram: @sahdsimone
Q: What inspired you to enroll at IIN?
A: It was several things, actually: I’d been on a deep spiritual journey in India and Nepal and wanted to keep the momentum going and keep myself accountable for growth moving forward. The moments of spiritual awakening that I experienced on that journey made me curious about a life of helping others. So when a friend of a friend introduced me to the program, I sensed that IIN was the right step in that direction for me, to test my potential for sharing knowledge and being of service.
I love that IIN goes beyond food alone, because nutrition is just one part of a healthy life. IIN also recognizes that facets of your life beyond what you eat impact your health ‒ like relationships, physical activity, career fulfillment, and spirituality. IIN also doesn’t push one-size-fits-all solutions for clients, which was important to me.
IIN’s approach focuses on the fact that we’re all different and that what works for one person may not work for another. And what’s incredible about IIN is that it teaches not only nutrition (you’ll discover more than 100 dietary theories!) but also how all areas of life integrate with one another, so you can figure out what works best for you and, eventually, your clients.
The program was perfect because as I continued to travel, I could take the classes anywhere that had an Internet connection.
Q: How are you using your Health Coach Training Program education?
A: Where do I start?! The foundational training I received at IIN set me up to feel confident and relaxed enough to be bold and brave about my approach to health and happiness and share it with others.
Since earning my certificate, I’ve written two internationally bestselling books; taught all over the world; touched the lives of millions with my viral videos; launched a top-rated spirituality podcast; appeared on television talk shows; spoke at TEDX; and worked with global organizations like Google, Meta, and more. It’s been quite an amazing journey, and it all started at IIN.
Q: How did your understanding of spirituality expand upon taking the program?
A: During the program, I was first introduced to visiting faculty members like Deepak Chopra, MD (who later became a mentor for me), and learned about things like positive affirmations. This was the first time I’d heard spirituality explained in modern, relatable ways. This stood out to me in stark contrast to the serious teaching style I’d encountered at the monasteries and ashrams where I studied overseas. It helped me redefine spirituality for myself and introduced me to a dynamic and cool new way of sharing wisdom for a new generation.
Q: Did IIN help you find a way of eating that works for you? If so, tell us more about that journey.
A: IIN and learning about bio-individuality helped me eat in a helpful way and overcome some past issues with food and body image that had long haunted me. After IIN, I was vegan for almost eight years, which was a big shift! Then about a year ago, I started to eat meat and become more flexible, which is what’s right for me right now.
I think that’s the best lesson I learned at IIN ‒ what’s right for your lifestyle will change, and we must be willing to listen to our bodies and adapt our approach as needed. Just as we constantly evolve, so do our health and needs. All we need to do is listen and respond.
Q: How do you nourish yourself beyond your plate, with primary food?
A: Primary food is one of the main reasons I love this program! That foundation is why I’m such a proud IIN ambassador (take my free Sample Class!).
If you don't have your career ‒ what I call your flow state, or your impact and contribution ‒ in check; if you don't surround yourself with the right people, understanding relationships as a reflection of who you are; if you’re not moving your body and spirit…then, of course, you’re not going to look or feel good!
But if you tend to all the areas of your life so that they nourish rather than deplete you, you can thrive as a whole being! In that way, the primary food concept takes IIN teachings beyond healthy eating and into a healthful lifestyle.
Q: Health is not a destination; it's an evolution and a journey. How does this resonate with you?
A: We’re living right up until we die. We are sentient, biological organisms – constantly evolving and changing and shifting. Caring for our mind, body, and spirit – nourishing and nurturing ourselves – is about maintenance and dedication. We must check in with ourselves, define our needs, and tend to them carefully, to ensure we keep going and keep growing. If that ain’t a journey, I don’t know what is!
Q: How are you living a life you love? How did the program help you achieve this?
A: Living a life I love means genuinely working on myself every day and creating an impact. I believe that the depth of one’s impact is directly related to the extent of their personal development and liberation.
What I loved most about my experience with IIN was that the more I transformed my own internal world, the more I could help others. And the more I helped others, the more I could transform my inner world. It’s such a beautiful, sustainable cycle!
The IIN program was a catalyst for me. I worked as a holistic Health Coach in New York City for two years and worked with a lot of clients. It helped me to test my material and get great at coaching people.
Through coaching others, I learned a lot about the human mind, condition, and potential. Through coaching others, I’ve helped heal myself as well.
Q: If you could tell your pre-IIN self one thing, what would it be?
A: I would tell myself that imposter syndrome just means you’re doing big things, honey. Don’t be afraid. You cannot create a genuine impact without stepping out of your comfort zone, so try to view imposter syndrome as normal and a sign you’re on the right track. Just because something is challenging or hard doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad or wrong… discomfort can be a necessary signal that you’re doing the most important work!
Q: What is your morning routine?
A: My morning routine varies! Today, I woke up, prayed, meditated, and relaxed with chai tea. Then I jumped into work, recording intros for my podcast. But most days, I wake up, pray, meditate (which includes breath work), then either do a yoga class or go for a run.
So I guess you could say my typical “morning routine” recipe includes movement, meditation, and prayer. Oh, and another thing that I always have incorporated into my spiritual routine (just not always in the mornings) is dance. That’s how my Sah Method spiritual dance practice was born!
Q: What music do you play to get out of a funk?
A: OMG, I have so much good music for this! Check out my Spotify page, where I have an amazing dance-medicine playlist to help you break free from your funk. But don’t just listen…get up and let the music move you! That’s where the real magic happens.
Q: What's your favorite on-the-go snack?
A: Lately, since I’ve been in Bali, I’m all about fruit! Dragon fruit is especially convenient ‒ just slice, scoop, and eat!
Q: What's one thing you can't run your business without?
A: Good question! For me, it’s humor. You must be playful, lighthearted, and humorous when you're helping the world, or you’ll burn out. Being your own boss and helping people can be tough! If you’re not actively reminding yourself to bring joy into the space and encouraging the people around you to do the same, you'll quickly lose your passion and focus. For me, in my work, laughter really is the best medicine!
Q: We’re calling our IIN graduates and community members Well BeIINgs. How do you embody well-being?
A: Lately, I've been thinking about death and dying (not in a morbid way, but as an area of research as I prepare to spend time at the Home of the Dying in Calcutta), which has given me this nugget to chew on. If someone thinks of me when I’m not there and they experience peace at the thought, that’s when I know I’m embodying well-being. That’s a sign of wellness. And that is what I wish for you, too.
You can start living a life you love, right now. Take Sah's free Sample Class if you were inspired by his story!
