Forrest Leichtberg’s Consciousness Network

As a 17-year-old debilitated by a rare, benign, but metabolically active parathyroid tumor, Forrest Leichtberg could not have imagined that four years later he’d be on the path to inspiring the Santa Barbara community. Now 22, Leichtberg not only survived, but he’s also giving back to the world that gave him a second chance by curating events with his company, the Santa Barbara Consciousness Network.

“I was totally broken and despondent,” he explained. “I was in crippling pain throughout my body because of a tiny tumor.”

To fight the illness, Leichtberg researched the personal-development field and connected with unorthodox healers, spiritualists, and nutritional advisors with whom he was able to defeat his illness and find his purpose. Upon beating the tumor, he felt a burning desire to share his newfound knowledge with the community. So he founded the Santa Barbara Consciousness Network, which now holds monthly events that feature talks by transformational leaders, live music, and what amounts to a trade show of sorts for conscious-minded entrepreneurs, yogis, massage therapists, tarot card readers, and Reiki healers. Said Leichtberg, “I’m just happy to have a place that helps people share their knowledge, power, and growth potential for the betterment of humanity.”

The next gathering is on Friday, July 8, 7-10 p.m., at Unity of Santa Barbara (227 E. Arrellaga St.). The guest speaker is Christine Lang, a renowned medical intuitive and author of The Body Whisperer: Your Symptoms Tell Me Your Truth.

See sbconsciousnessnetwork.com and facebook.com/SBConsciousnessNetwork.