Have you ever wondered what happens when we die? When Ash Perrow flatlined on a hospital bed after surgeons accidentally tore a vein during what should have been routine back surgery, he experienced something extraordinary—a state of expanded consciousness where he felt himself becoming "ripples" expanding infinitely outward. In that moment of complete awareness, he made a decisive declaration: "I want to stay for the work that I do and to walk the planet from my heart." Instantly, he returned to his body.
This near-death experience wasn't Ash's first encounter with trauma. Years earlier, the stillbirth of his daughter had triggered severe PTSD and depression, leading to eight months of insomnia and eventually landing him in a mental health facility where he couldn't even sign his own admission papers. But these profound challenges became the catalyst for his remarkable transformation.
Throughout our conversation, Ash shares the difficult but beautiful journey of rebuilding his life from zero—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He explains how he shifted from being a "martyr" who constantly depleted himself for others to understanding the Law of Fair Exchange, where sustainable relationships and meaningful service require mutual benefit. This wasn't selfishness but the foundation that allowed him to truly help others from a place of wholeness.
What strikes me most about Ash's story is his emphasis on trusting that inner voice that offers guidance, even when it leads to uncomfortable decisions like leaving a comfortable teaching position after 22 years or moving away from his daughter to pursue his heart-centered path. Now as a coach helping heart-centered professionals communicate their value, Ash advocates for taking micro-actions—small steps toward the life you want rather than being paralyzed by overwhelming circumstances or seeking endless distraction.
If you're feeling stuck in a life of obligation rather than purpose, Ash's journey offers both inspiration and practical wisdom. Visit ashpero.com for a free inner critic quiz and resources to identify your strengths, or consider reaching out directly to explore how you might begin living more authentically from your heart. Remember his powerful parting advice: "Trust yourself, take the next step."