About Me

The Peace Rose

It all started when…

As with many people, I was seeking my purpose in life. Corporate life served my physical well-being, yet since I was a teenager I knew we each have a greater purpose in being here. Discovering how I could serve humanity was my prayer. Being in love and marrying my husband was delightful. Our first child arrived and as she blossomed, I knew we required a (k)new way to be with our children. Our second child arrived, and I knew that my contributions as a photographer helped share the beauty of our world yet I knew a greater mission was in store for us. My prayer was answered when a dear friend introduced me to an educational philosophy that supports the innate curiousity of all human being including our children!

Then, the real journey began!

From there, I found my Joy!

It took a deep excavation caused by an “incident” that nearly took my life. From there, I learned about yoga, meditation and how holistic medicine, therapies and the metaphysical help us work with the innate wisdom of our bodies, mind and spirit. This is where I met more people who know what it means to live in the presence and feel life’s currents to feed, nurture and center us through Love.

I further discovered that as I learn, I am inspired to share with others and they appreciate how I am able to take complicated, esoteric information and distill it into practical application to enhance their daily life for health, wellness and increased vitality.


Brenda Astara Gustin, Ph.D., has focused her life upon peace and freedom. Creating opportunities to live peaceful and happy lives has been possible through her collaborations in co-founding a Sudbury School for children, bridging gaps for non-profits through Mercey Springs and now with Chill Sacramento. She provides yogic techniques for health and wellness through UC Davis Medical Center, her healing center, The Radiant Health Center and in business environments. Her passion for peace expanded years ago through the International Day of Peace, Masahisa Goi’s Peace Pole Project and the Charter for Compassion where she serves as the Northern California Lead in the Gender Partnership Sector.

Spoken by many cultures, Peace and Harmony prevail when we change ourselves and allow the power of nature to nurture, guide and teach us.