Explore every episode of the podcast Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
Dive into the complete episode list for Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Episode 329 Hold Onto Love
11 Nov 2024
00:11:40
On this week’s episode, as I process the devastating election results, I know we are to hold onto love. In addition to the trauma, disappointment, sadness and fear, there is love. Surround yourself with loving, kindred souls. Let yourself be held in love and hold others in love.
I know we are all trying to make sense of this, figure out how to navigate a way forward. As a country, we must wrestle with how deeply ingrained racism and misogyny is. We are in for more darkness and now more than ever, we need to be present and connected with love. Be gentle with yourself, take time to rest and regroup. We need each other, we need to shore up our circles of support. Hold onto love. Hold each other in love. I am holding you, my listeners in love. Enjoy the podcast!
Episode 328 Vote as a Prayer
04 Nov 2024
00:08:32
On this week’s episode, with the election tomorrow, I invite you to see your vote as a prayer, a prayer reflecting the depths of your heart. It is important to stay grounded in an atmosphere of fear. May you release the grip fear has on you. May your heart be aligned with trust, with compassion, with a connection to all the caring people, working for equity, justice and peace.
Remember that your spiritual heart belongs to a collective spiritual heart. There are so many caring people bringing comfort and healing to others, to their communities and wanting to make this world a better place. Tap into that energy of our collective love. Let your vote be a prayer to protect our imperfect democracy, a prayer to protect the most vulnerable, a prayer to heal the divides, a prayer for our earth and all living beings.
Check out the show notes for links to Tara Brach’s website where you’ll find her newsletter, courses and guided meditations. I’ve also included a link she shared for additional resources and organizations. Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Nancy Brenner. A graduate of NYU’s School of Social Work, Nancy is the Care Services Coordinator for ALS United - Greater New York. If you or anyone you love has or had a debilitating disease, you know having an earth angel to guide you through the journey is priceless. And that is who Nancy is: an earth angel - kindly, compassionately present to patients with ALS and their families, providing support, education, guidance and resources.
After recording our conversation, Nancy wanted to clarify the proper pronunciation for ALS is A-My-O-Trophic Lateral Sclerosis and in addition to her explanation of ALS, add that this disease effects the motor neurons, which weakens the muscles in the body. In the darkness of the body’s betrayal, it’s a soothing balm to experience Nancy’s integrity and dedication to her ALS patients.
Please check out the links below to connect with Nancy and the incredible work of ALS United. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I talk about timing - is it everything? And when our timing is off how do we cut ourselves slack and be open to the lessons there for us to learn. Timing does matter and I care about being as intentional as I can be to align my podcast episodes with current holidays or events, but am learning to cut myself slack when my timing misses the mark.
Whether your timing is off or spot on, may you be gentle with yourself, dare to speak your truth, listen to others’ feedback, and encourage authentic conversations, that illuminate, heal, transform. May you respect the importance of your timing and trust that spiritual wisdom is timeless. Enjoy the podcast!
Episode 228 Perry Gartner, consultant, writer, musician
17 Oct 2022
01:01:30
My guest today is Perry Gartner, a C.I. Consultant who jumps into a phone booth to become a drummer, card counter, and writer. Oh and yes, his nearly 2 year employment with Space X. You decide if he is a spy. Perry has a thirst for knowledge, a curiosity for deeper understanding and childlike enthusiasm for life’s simple pleasures. Let us now praise Perry for launching a fascinating newsletter that illuminates passionate details about the Beatles, Charlie Chaplin, and soon to be included: Babe Ruth and Buddy Rich.
Check out the links below to read the well-researched blogs on Perry’s substack platform. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I reference the recent Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, the “Day of Atonement” which, if you shift the first two syllables, can also be thought of as “At-One-Ment”. Regardless of your religious or non-religious affiliation, it is wise to reflect, forgive and cleanse that which blocks us from being at one.
From Judaism to Catholicism, to a Buddhist joke, to whatever spiritual practices speak to you, I encourage you to drop into At-One-Ment. May you find a gentle, compassionate inner voice that helps you acknowledge and reconcile with yourself, with others, with your personification of Divine Love.
May you be at one with everything! :)
Check out the links to hear the Dalai Lama pizza shop joke and Hafiz’ book of poetry. Enjoy the podcast!
This week’s episode is a simple prayer to bless the earth. I share a free form meditation that I say when walking in nature, that focuses on my gratitude for the beauty and wonder of the land, waters and sky. May this accompany you as you walk through the woods, along the river, up the mountain, or through a field of wildflowers. May we pay attention to how mother earth nourishes, nurtures, inspires and sustains us. May we cultivate care, reverence and advocacy for the health and well-bring of our planet. Enjoy the podcast!
Episode 225 Birthday Love
26 Sep 2022
00:06:29
On this week’s episode, I reflect on birthdays, honoring the aging process, embracing life and how we give and receive love on birthdays. How do you enjoy celebrating birthdays for the people you love? How do you prefer to be celebrated on your birthday? Young or old, birthdays are great chance to let the love flow! Birthdays are a chance to pause and absorb how deeply loved we truly are.
Blessed, Happy Birthday to all my fellow Libras out there!!! Enjoy the podcast!
Episode 224 Dancing, Breathing, Present
19 Sep 2022
00:11:04
On this week’s episode, I acknowledge all the responses I’ve been hearing from listeners who are connecting and reconnecting with their angels. With an increase in the employment of angels, I have a sense that the angels are rejoicing with jubilant dancing!
I also share a story where the calming wisdom of Thich Nhat Hanh showed up in an unexpected place, and his presence continues to reveal sweet synchronicities. His simple, yet profound teachings remind me to be still, breathe, and embrace the gift of being present. How many seemingly insignificant coincidences have you experienced this week? Take a moment to reflect, acknowledge and delight in the mystery, wonder, synchronicity and sweetness that infuse your days.
On this week’s episode, I report feedback from last week’s episode “Asking for Signs” that highlight the synchronicity and comfort that listeners experienced. Asking and receiving signs demonstrates the relational aspect of communication with the spiritual world. Whether it is in our relationship with humans or angels/spirit guides, it is important to express what we want and need. Direct, clear, assertive communication builds healthy relationships.
The Irish author and mystic, Lorna Byrne, sees angels as clearly as we all see people. Lorna claims that every human being, has been assigned a personal guardian angel, the gatekeeper of our soul, but most of us don’t access their help. Lorna sadly announces that there are so many unemployed angels, waiting for us to employ them, invite them to be of help to us. As you continue asking for signs, please also consciously employ your angels. And then delight in how they work wonders for you.
Check out the links below for last week’s episode, and how to learn more about Margaret Dulaney and Lorna Bryne. Enjoy the podcast!
Asking for signs from the spiritual realm is pretty automatic for me. Sometimes I ask the heavens, God, Mother/Father Source Energy, Divine Love, the angels, my spirit guides, or the spirits of my relatives and friends who have passed. Regardless of who I ask, I have a deep trust that the spirit world wants to be in communication with me, with us, and is happy to cooperate. I sense that the spiritual realm delights in our connection, eagerly awaits our openness and receptivity, so therefore joyfully offers us tangible signs to support us, reassure us, surprise us and comfort us. Our role is to simply ask.
Feathers are a sign from my mother who died 7 1/2 years ago. As I was communing with my mom on what would have been her 93rd birthday, these beautiful feathers appeared. I invite you ask for signs in order to open the doors of communication with the spirit world. May you delight in the joy, comfort and synchronicity that these spiritual signs provide.
Check out the links below for Cynthia Bardwell’s and Margaret Dulaney’s episodes. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode I encourage us to continue to soar in the midst of the mundane. I read Alessandra Biaggi’s letter to her supporters after losing in this week’s NY Democratic Primary. Whatever spiritual practices Biaggi uses to rise above the ugly assaults, the frustration and disappointment, she continues to impress me.
What challenges or barriers have you faced this week? How have you learned from them? How have you risen above them? What spiritual practices are you utilizing or wanting to cultivate to help you remain centered, grounded, able to see the panoramic view, spread your wings and soar? May we find ways to continue to soar in the midst of the mundane. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode I invite us to soar in the midst of the mundane. Daily stressors, challenges and difficult circumstances can easily de-rail us and throw us off our center. Let the image of this exquisite soaring bird remind us to be in the physical world, while also being able to step back and rise above.
May you cultivate spiritual practices that center you and remind you of your true nature. May you trust that you can rise above the challenges, the ugliness and spread your wings to get the aerial view. May you find ways to soar in the midst of the mundane. Enjoy the podcast!
I used this week’s episode to channel my frustration when one of my weekly groups came to a close. Trust was violated and the facilitator violating trust didn’t acknowledge or own up to his behavior. I marveled at how uncomfortable people can be with conflict, myself included. Do I name the elephant in the room? Do I remove myself from this game of pretending? It takes courage to deal with conflicts honestly.
Most people opt to sweep problems under the rug, clinging to the concept of being the ideal family or the ideal group. They choose dishonest harmony rather than honest conflict. It’s a delicate balance speaking up when everyone else is invested in dishonest harmony. Here’s to not sweeping problems under the rug. Here’s to learning the skills of addressing conflicts constructively. Here’s to the courage and authenticity to live into your truth. Here’s to discerning how and when to address conflict honestly. Enjoy the podcast!
Episode 219 Big Fish
15 Aug 2022
00:11:09
On this week’s episode, I acknowledge the stories we tell ourselves. You know those narratives we create that can be so convincing, we actually believe it wholeheartedly. Well, I have to laugh at myself for the narrative I recently created. I’m calling this one “Big Fish!”
Think of all the narratives we create in our minds, assumptions we make, stories we tell ourselves that then stir up emotions, that then direct our behavior. Note to self: check in with the story! Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it helpful? Does it generate angst or inner peace? It certainly takes mindfulness and intention and discipline to catch ourselves when we’ve created a dramatic narrative, to hold ourselves accountable to the stories we tell ourselves. May this silly story be a reminder to be present to what is, with acceptance, to invest in positive, playful possibilities. Here’s to being patient with uncertainty, to not needing to know all the details. Enjoy the podcast!
Episode 218 Kindness of Strangers
08 Aug 2022
00:11:47
On this week’s episode I talk about random acts of kindness, the unexpected acts that don’t take much effort but reap sweet rewards. Thoughtfulness and kindness can simultaneously surprise us and nourish us. It is both in the giving and receiving of random acts of kindness that we tap into a better version of ourselves. We pop our bubbles of cynicism, despair, bitterness, alienation when we extend kindness to others, or others extend kindness to us.
It’s easier to be kind to the people we know and care about, therefore I marvel at the kindness of strangers. I share a story when six strangers offered multiple layers of kindness that held me, comforted me, supported me when I was vulnerable. These 6 strangers, felt more like my earth angels and I was blown away. May you let in the random acts of kindness surrounding you. May you notice the earth angels who show up in your life. May you be inspired to offer random acts of kindness to others. May we tap into better versions of ourselves as we give and receive random acts of kindness more frequently. Enjoy the podcast!
Episode 217 Body, Mind & Spirit
18 Jul 2022
00:08:45
On this week’s episode, I share a simple ritual that I’ve added to my daily meditation practice. After sitting in silence on the top of Hook Mountain, I stand and facing the morning sun, I do 3 half sun salutations: the first honoring my body, the second honoring my mind and the third honoring my spirit/soul. These simple physical gestures, are coordinated with deep inhales and exhales. The graceful movement of expanding, contracting, stretching, releasing, bowing in reverence, standing in strength focus me. So simple, yet charged with imagery and metaphors.
I then end by gently resting my hands in prayer position, first to my forehead, then my lips and finally at my heart, as I say: “Mother/Father/Source Energy, Infuse my thoughts, my words and all my interactions with your Divine love and light." Closing my morning ritual with these sun salutations nourishes my body, mind and spirit and centers me. May you find the rituals, the gestures, the words that express the depth of your heart. May you nurture and care for your body, your mind and your Spirit in ways that resonate for you. Sending love and light to each of you. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I reflect on the profound images, emotions and precious memories from our incredible 3-week African adventure. From Johannesburg and Capetown we learned of the history and culture of South Africa, both the heartache and the hope, as this country reverberates from the impact of apartheid. We then spent 2 weeks immersed in the land, in the magnificent creatures and in the gracious people of Botswana. What strikes me most about our time in Botswana, was my experience of being humbled everyday. Humbled in so many ways.
Humbled by being in the animals territory, where we respectfully witnessed zebras, hippos, elephants, giraffe, antelopes, water buffalo, lions, leopards, wildebeest, warthogs, baboons, hyenas, jackals, and monkeys, all in their natural environment. Humbled by surprise, daily wonders, and awe. Humbled by the birds, that sang to us, soared for us and wowed us. Humbled by the expansive African sunrises and sunsets. Humbled because we practiced how to be present, be quiet, be patient, be still. Humbled by the stripping away of expectations and agendas, grateful to be a gracious guest in each game preserve and national park. Humbled to be a visitor in the wild animals’ land, to watch them roam, sleep, play, roar, saunter and stalk.
May I bring that African humility to my daily life here at home. Enjoy the podcast!
I am re-releasing my 2018 conversation with Anna Msowoya Keys, to highlight Anna and the incredible work she continues to do through Maloto, the non-profit, community based program to feed, educate and empower the children and women of Malawi, Africa. The community of Mzuzu, in particular, was devastated by the AIDS epidemic in the early 2000s, when Anna was first compelled to respond to the hunger of orphaned children. I volunteered with Maloto for 2 weeks in 2013 with 4 friends and we experienced, first-hand Anna’s powerful dedication and the widespread positive impact she has made. All the incredible people Anna has gathered to support her keeps expanding, so more and more lives are enriched.
I was delighted to recently bump into Anna and her husband, John Keys just after Maloto’s annual NYC Gala last month, which inspired me to once again shine light on her important, meaningful work. I marvel at all the ways Maloto continues to develop and grow. In fact, my cousin, Josh Finn, who was also a guest on my podcast, and the master artisan who has designed and built exquisite furniture all over our home, is in Malawi now, overseeing the woodworking vocational program he started for the teens and young adults. Here’s to honoring Anna and her dream team!
Check out the links below for Maloto’s website and Josh’s project. Enjoy the podcast!
Episode 214 Margaret Dulaney, author & podcast host
20 Jun 2022
01:03:16
I’m enjoying re-releasing episodes from 2018, our first year of the podcast, particularly with people who, 4 1/2 years later, are warranting attention and recognition. Today, I am shining some more light on Margaret Balitsaris (professionally known as Margaret Dulaney) because her new book, “Spend Some Love: And Other Tips on Incarnation” has just been released this summer. Yippee!
Even if you heard this conversation when it first came out, I invite you to listen again, to be reminded of Margaret’s insights and inspiration. You’ll get a sense of this wise, open-hearted human who finds synchronicity in everyday occurrences, humor in life’s journey and divinity all around us. Please tune into her monthly “Listen Well” podcast to hear readings of her open-faith essays, with an emphasis on hope, progress and the inevitable awakening of our souls. And then do yourself a favor and read any or all of her soul-nourishing books. Check out the links below to her three books, which all can be ordered through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and bookshop.org. Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Cynthia Bardwell, a dear friend I met over 30 years ago. Cynthia had a successful career as a buyer in the fashion industry and, after her 3 sons were all school age, switched careers and became an elementary school teacher and later a principal. And although we drifted apart for 20 years, I am delighted to have her back in my life.
Cynthia has invited me into her current journey of accepting and facing the insidious spread of cancer throughout her body. Cynthia sees she has a choice everyday on how to view her circumstances. Her honesty, vulnerability, gratitude, laughter, and humility are refreshing. It is a joy to be in Cynthia’s presence; I am moved and deeply appreciative for all that Cynthia is teaching me about living with intention and integrity, while gracing the dying process with gratitude and dignity.
Check out the links below for the books we discussed. Enjoy the podcast!
Episode 212 David Holcenberg, musical director, arranger, orchestrator
06 Jun 2022
01:05:57
I decided to re-release an episode that originally came out on January 29th, 2018, our 6th episode, with my dear friend, David Holcenberg. Today calls for an encore performance, 4 1/2 years after its original release. You see, David is nominated for a Tony Award for Best Orchestrations and Arrangements for MJ The Musical. With the Tony Awards this Sunday June 12th, we wanted to celebrate Dave and encourage you to get to know this hard-working, talented man who we are so very proud of.
Dave graciously invited Paul and me to the Opening Night of MJ The Musical - it was MAGICAL! Despite my own hesitancy to see a show that might glorify Michael Jackson, I was blown away and deeply moved by the entire production. Jackson was portrayed accurately as both troubled and a genius, more flawed and nuanced than any one- dimensional character. The music was phenomenal and I have never seen better dancing on a Broadway stage. I even went to see this spectacular show a second time and no doubt will go again. We had dinner with David recently and he spoke so sincerely about the honor of being Tony-nominated. He felt deeply touched by the outpouring of well wishes and congratulatory notes he has already received from so many people, that he is savoring all the loving support, right here, right now. Even if you heard my conversation with Dave back in 2018, listen again. And by all means, join me in cheering for David Holcenberg at the Tony’s. Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Dr. Andy Krikun. Andy is a professor at Bergen Community College’s Music Department. He teaches songwriting, world music and music business, while collaborating with his colleagues to develop and implement innovative, creative arts programs. Andy shares his journey from folk singer/songwriter to punk rock band leader to lab technician, to web developer, to world music researcher and music educator. Andy earned his Masters in Ethnomusicology at UCLA and his Ph.D. in Music Education at NYU and has been devoted to educating and advocating for the diverse students on the community college level.
Honoring the many mentors he had along the way and having learned where he doesn’t fit in, Andy is honored to be a mentor to those who society deems misfits. Check out the show notes for links to Andy’s work and BCC programs. May we all value the the heart, humility and integrity of Andy and other dedicated Community College professors. Enjoy the podcast!
After seeing last week’s episode summary that acknowledged the strange timing of women’s reproductive health being threatened on the same week we celebrate Mother’s Day, a friend shared Heather Cox Richardson’s newsletter written on the eve of Mother’s Day. I felt compelled to share the history of the original Mothers’ Day and Julia Ward Howe’s conviction that women must make their voices heard.
May we all continue to promote women’s right to have a say in American government. May we honor Howe’s strong belief that women, as mothers, have a special role to perform in the world. May the mothers of mankind have the courage to interfere in the madness. May I, and all mothers, continue to teach our children charity, mercy, and patience. May I and all mothers, be too tender of those of another country to allow our children to be trained to injure people from another country. May Mama Bears throughout the world be inspired by Julia Ward Howe’s devotion to creating the next great development in human history, a lasting Women’s Peace Movement! Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode I share a recent experience of my beloved hiking trails being trashed with trash! My initial reaction of anger and needing someone to blame eventually morphed into sadness. I watched the strong feelings course through me, appreciated the kindness and support from fellow hikers who helped me reframe my irritation. I took the simple action of picking up the trash to redirect me.
If only we could live by John Muir’s advice while enjoying nature “Take only photographs, leave only footprints”! Yes, I will do my part to care for my surroundings. And in the meantime, please pick up your trash! Enjoy the podcast!
Episode 209 Mama Bear
09 May 2022
00:10:35
On this week’s episode, I admit that my Mama Bear instincts have been ignited. That maternal instinct of wanting to protect my cubs from any threat of danger. Whether the threat of danger concerns my own adult children, concerns women if the Supreme Court Justices overturn Roe v. Wade, or the threat impacts all marginalized people. It’s striking that this assault on women, their bodies and their choices regarding reproductive health, occurs the same week as Mother’s Day. May we truly honor mothers.
My Mama Bear feels outraged, yet learning patience, trust and a focus on love. I share excerpts of Annie Lamott’s Ted Talk, highlighting that need to refrain from rescuing others, to look within for serenity and peace of mind. Lamott describes radical self care as quantum. For years, I’ve been teaching the Mama Bear in me to refrain from fixing, saving and rescuing. My Mama Bear is learning to pause even in the threat of danger. I am working on trusting that we as a country will find our own way. May we all practice radical self care. May our radical self care be a gift to the world. Happy Mother’s Day! Enjoy the podcast.
RBG quote: “The decision whether or not to bear a child is central to a woman’s life, to her well-being and dignity. It is a decision she must make for herself. When government controls that decision for her, she is being treated less than a fully adult human responsible for her own choices.”
My guest today is Jim Buehler. Jim, who claims that he is just a “regular guy” recently returned from a 10 day trip helping Ukrainian refugees cross the border into Poland. Jim’s open-heart surgery a year ago metaphysically opened his heart to care deeply about the Ukrainian refugees, enough so to feel compelled to take action. Jim and his college roommate, friend of 50 years, Lorne Adrian, helped the incoming, weary Ukrainian women, children and elderly find warmth, food, shelter, and safe passage to wherever their new upended lives would take them.
Networking with local contacts, Jim and Lorne efficiently and effectively transported families from border crossings to refugee centers and train stations. They bought urgently requested supplies, in particular 5 large generators for bombed out buildings and hospitals.
Check out the show notes for links to the organizations that Jim trusts, as well as some articles written about his heart-driven experience. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I share my joy and gratitude for last week’s Earth Day, while reminding us to care for our magnificent planet everyday. From sunrises, illuminating moon light, budding and blooming Spring flowers and trees, to the melodic chorus of birdsong, and a special encounter with a deer, nature is full of wonder.
I don’t tire of my surroundings. Each day I walk the Hook Mountain trail. Each day I say some version of a gratitude Mother Earth prayer and I marvel at how the same path, the same prayer can nourish me so deeply. I am truly at peace in nature, and feel she is my daily teacher. Every day, over and over and over again, I hear nature’s wisdom, am comforted by her metaphors and soothed by her healing energy. Certainly honor our planet and give special gratitude for the abundance of Mother Earth, on Earth Day and everyday. Let the gratitude flow freely. We can build that intimate partnership, all year long with nature. She needs our attention, care and advocacy. And believe me what the sky, land, waters and all their miraculous wonders offers us in return, is priceless.
Enjoy the podcast!
Episode 206 Thing In The Spring
18 Apr 2022
00:08:57
On this week’s episode, I reminisce on the vision of Bob Fox, a radical Catholic priest, who was instrumental in shaping the roots of my early faith. Ignited by my brother Dan, who organized a family Zoom last week, with my siblings and our almost 92 year old Dad, we discussed the impact Bob Fox, our close family friend, had on our lives. Bob’s legacy of love, creativity, compassion and courage certainly left a lasting impact on each of us.
In the 1960s Bob Fox created 2 innovative, inclusive projects: Summer in the City and Thing in the Spring, bringing together artists, musicians, dancers, people of different races, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds to re-vitalize some of New York’s burnt out inner city neighborhoods. I gave it a different twist this year and although we didn’t organize a collective clean-up, nor do we celebrate Easter religiously, I knew I wanted to gather with my adult children and their partners to share a meal and delight in the vibrancy of Spring. So in honor of Bob, I called our picnic in the park hang, Thing in the Spring!
What does your version of Thing in the Spring look like? Mother Earth is ignited with inspiration. Be inspired! Inspire others! May your version of Thing in the Spring be a joy and delight to you and those around you. Enjoy the podcast!
Links: “Fox Sight” compiled and edited by Bea McMahon
Episode 205 Anne Macksoud, educator & filmmaker
11 Apr 2022
00:53:30
My guest today is Anne Macksoud. Anne is an educator, documentary filmmaker and by my accounts, an inspiring activist. My Aunt Hilly (Hilary Carr Jones), who was thrilled to recently reconnect with her high school friend, Anne, after 62 years, knew I would also feel a kindred spirit connection with Anne and her meaningful work. Saddened by the suffering they saw around them, Anne and her business partner, John Ankele created a film production company in 1985 called ‘Old Dog Documentaries’, which is still thriving. “Their films are about the subtleties of the human experience and the complexities of our collective challenges.” Woven through education and activism, Anne and John’s documentaries cover social justice, climate change, spirituality and aging.
Check out the show notes to find links to Anne’s website, films, and trailers. I am confident you too, will resonate with Anne’s vitality, humility, wisdom and her compassionate, courageous heart so clearly infused in all her films. Enjoy the podcast!
One of the first flowers of Spring is the crocus. I get so excited when I spot the first one of the season. Amazing how these small, delicate white (sometimes purple) flowers can bring me so much joy at the promise of Spring. With all the colorful splashes of crocuses around me and inspired by a poem by Jo Sorley called “Crocus-Minded”, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to be crocus-minded. Being crocus-minded is a sweet reminder to be courageous, take a stand, address issues that need to be addressed. The poem reminds me to respond pro-actively, to persevere, and take necessary risks.
May we find the courage to be crocus-minded, to stick our neck out, care enough to think through and work through hard ground. May we believe in the new life and hope of Spring and have the courage to address the wrongs, injustices and inequities, trusting that we can say what needs to be said. May we dare to be crocus-minded in big and small ways. Happy Spring! Enjoy the podcast!
Episode 203 Phowa Meditation
28 Mar 2022
00:12:14
On this week’s episode I explain the phowa meditation, typically done at the bedside of a dying person. In these past 15 years, I have said the phowa for loved ones as they were dying, I’ve said it for myself everyday as part of my spiritual practice and I have said the phowa meditation numerous times from a distance, for my mom, for friends, for friends’ family members, for people in the dying process, for people soon after they have died, to help their peaceful transition.
For some reason, in the past 2 weeks, the phowa meditation was in high demand. In addition to saying it for people in Ukraine who are witnessing and experiencing horrific deaths, people close to me are requesting the meditation for loved ones who are dying or struggling to let go, or who have recently died. So I felt drawn to share it with you, my listeners. Say it for yourself, say it for your loved ones, say it for your loved ones that have already died, say it for the refugees, the marginalized, the oppressed and most vulnerable. May the phowa meditation wrap you in compassion, facilitate forgiveness and deepen a true peace within you. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, my guest Bob Levy, entrepreneur and consultant, takes time to reflect and envision a new chapter in his life. How do we actually make the golden years golden? Crediting his mother, Bob has had the courage to embrace change throughout his life, be it change in careers, relationships, homes and communities. Averse to the finality in the word retirement, Bob prefers the words re-imagining and re-engaging for this new chapter. He is eager to take his life and work experiences, his skills and passions and find a fun, satisfying way to give back.
Bob’s non-traditional approach to life, his intellectual curiosity, meaningful connections with his wife, sons and grandchildren, and his search for new ways to contribute to important causes, may inspire you to contemplate your own legacy. Check out the show notes for links to Bob’s email and website. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, as nature transitions from winter to spring, I share some wonder and wisdom I discovered in watching the natural world thaw. When I paused and paid attention to the sights and sounds of snow and ice melting, I was inspired to look at what needs to soften within me. There are certainly concepts, emotions and behaviors that need to melt in our world. How can we transform our internal fog into mist and mystery, hope and healing?
May we be guided by nature’s lead to melt anger and blame, dissolve disconnection and cutting ourselves off, soften our overwhelm. Engaged spirituality during times of suffering invites us to thaw, melt, soften that which is rigid in our hearts. Thaw duality, thaw harsh judgement, thaw perceptions of enemies, thaw closed mindedness, thaw hatred, thaw war. Melt into compassion, forgiveness, and healing as we align with a vision of love and transformative possibility. Enjoy the podcast!
Today marks the 200th episode of our podcast! We launched our podcast in January 2018, just over 4 years ago. Looking back over these 4 years, I am deeply grateful for this podcast, all my guest and all my listeners.
It began as my heart’s desire to shine light on everyday people who inspire me. We’ve had a wide range of guests: musicians, social justice activists, artists, yoga teachers, educators, actors, dancers, writers, photographers, filmmakers, researchers, students, formerly incarcerated people, politicians, entrepreneurs and humanitarians. These 150 guests had a quality, a life story, or an experience that inspired me. Be it creativity, courage, humor, overcoming adversity, learning spiritual lessons from difficult challenges, perseverance, resilience, gratitude, grace and humility.
Thank you for celebrating our 200th episode with me! May each episode moving forward enrich your journey of living a little more mindfully, a little more authentically, a little more joyfully. Honored to partner with you as we each radiate love and light on our enlightened path and out into the world.
Episode 316 TNH Guided Meditations
05 Aug 2024
00:16:08
This week’s episode contains Guided Meditations found at the end of Thich Nhat Hahn’s book “How To Sit”. I’ve spent the past three episodes reading aloud portions from this book, a third of the book at a time. Even if you have read this book, I hope my readings have allowed you to absorb the wisdom more fully.
Many people have asked me for more guided meditations. Why not offer a few from the master of mindful meditation? May these guided meditations help you integrate meditation more readily. May these guided meditations build your mindfulness skills, inspire and nourish you. Happy meditating! Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, we look at cluttered drawers, how they become dumping grounds for random odds and ends and how they call us to action! Every once in a while, our cluttered drawers need our attention, need us to empty, sort and organize. Not always easy to acknowledge, but important to address.
I think of a cluttered drawer as metaphor for life. How much personal clutter do we ignore, let build up until it shouts at us to attend it? How much collective clutter do we dismiss, in hopes it will go away… if we simply forget about it? As we end the month of February, “Black History Month”, “Black Futures Month”, how much racism clutter remains in our personal and collective drawers? How can we individually and as a country, steeped in systemic racism, unpack our clutter, sort through the items we prefer to ignore, minimize or pretend don’t exist?
Hoping this inspires you to take the time to empty out your cluttered drawers, physically and metaphysically, personally and collectively. May we have awareness of what lies under the surface. May we take responsibility for the wounds that get ignored, buried and dismissed. May we be inspired to take action that clears the clutter and promotes healing. Enjoy the podcast!
Episode 198 Yin Wisdom
14 Feb 2022
00:10:50
On this week’s episode, I share some wisdom I learned from Yin Yoga that can easily be applied off the yoga mat. The philosophical foundation of Yin Yoga is to practice having awareness of what is, with acceptance. That so resonates with all of life. Awareness of what is with acceptance, in my body, in my mental state, my emotional state, would only enrich my spiritual state of being. Three principals of Yin Yoga are: 1. Meet your edge; 2. Stay in stillness; and 3. Hold it for time.
So in a Yin Yoga class, we get into a posture, meet the edge of discomfort (not pain), stay in that posture in stillness and hold it for time. We can stay in a posture for 3-7 minutes. In Yin Yoga, we are targeting the Yin tissues of the body: the fascia, joints and ligaments. In Yin Yoga we move slowly, gently, staying present to what is, with acceptance. Yin invites us to let go of any doing, to yield, to receive.
We all have both sides, both Yin and Yang. In our fast paced world of productivity, competition, and over-doing, may you be open to balance your life with more Yin energy. May you invite a slower, gentler approach that allows you to meet your edge, stay in stillness and hold it for time. May you be nourished and pleasantly surprised by the gifts that await you as you bring awareness to what is, with acceptance. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I explore my desire to acknowledge, honor and celebrate Black History Month in a meaningful way. An inspiring article from Shaun King’s newsletter “The North Star”, written by Kendi, a student at NYU, introduced me to a new term “Black Futures Month” which integrates past, present and a hopeful future.
May we, as Kendi states: “reflect on the tumultuous journey of Black people in America and the community’s triumphs against all odds.” Let’s celebrate and support today’s activists, authors, and freedom fighters, while embracing a Black Futures Month that highlights progress, active activism and an investment into a better Black future, that only ensures a healthier future for all of us. I am also excited about a future that reflects what white people have examined themselves, their guilt, their silence, their courage and vulnerability. What am I doing as a privileged white woman to combat racism, change the world and become a good ancestor? What are you doing? May this month: “Black History Month”, “Black Futures Month’ inspire each of us to invest in a healthier future for all of us. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode I honor the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, peace activist, author and spiritual leader, Thich Nhat Hanh, who recently died at age 95. He was the embodiment of his inspiring values: engaged Buddhism, peace activism and mindful living. My own meditation and spiritual practices have been enriched by this gentle, wise soul for 4 decades. Since his death, I’ve immersed myself in reading more about Thich Nhat Hanh’s extraordinary life. What a tremendous supply we can access of videos, audios and articles along with over 100 published books written by Thich Nhat Hanh that include his memoirs, journals, children’s books and poetry.
I read aloud an article posted on Fellowship of Reconciliation's (FOR) online magazine that illuminated for me a comprehensive, broad stroke of Thich Nhat Hanh’s life. May you also fill your senses, thoughts and hearts with the inspiring wisdom and compassion of Thich Nhat Hanh, for I believe he was and will continue to be one of the most influential spiritual leaders that has graced our world. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode I reflect on the legacy of Sidney Poitier and Martin Luther King, Jr. The gifted actor, director and activist, Sidney Poitier died on January 6th, 2022. The following week we honored MLK Day, a hard-fought national holiday to pay tribute to the leader of the Civil Rights Movement.
Both these men had such a significant impact on me, from early childhood, through my formative years in the 60s and 70s. These 2 incredible men of courage and leadership each found their unique way to access their gifts, live in integrity, and challenge the humiliating, oppressive ways Black people in the United States are treated. Both these men were articulate, dignified and implemented mindful ways to reach into the heart and conscience of Americans, particularly white Americans. It is no surprise that they knew each other, supported each other and had a great respect for one another.
The motto of MLK Day is “Remember, Celebrate, Act” and “A Day On, Not a Day Off!”
Let’s do what we can throughout the year to honor these men and the truth they stood for. Don’t let someone pull you so low as to hate them. Stand into your values in times of challenge. Acknowledge how easy it would be to react in bitterness, yet seek to transform the suffering into a creative force. Channel your anger to positive. Forgive. Keep loving. Live into the redemptive power of love. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode I explore some of the ripple effects of Covid-19. Seems like everyone has been directly or indirectly impacted by the recent Covid surge! The virus has spread exponentially. And whether you’ve had the virus or someone in your close circle has had it, most of us have been up close and personal with Covid. With our personal Covid stories, the ripple effect of Covid continues.
I humbly acknowledge the devastating loss and grief that Covid has created for hundreds of thousands of people. Covid, like life, entails both devastation, heartache and loss alongside gratitude, heart connection and blessings. And as I sit with the ripple effects I have experienced with Covid, my soul is nourished by the tender gifts, the heart openings, the ah-ha moments of what came into focus for me.
My big epiphany is that the most important ripple effect of Covid has been LOVE. LOVE for ourselves, LOVE for one another, LOVE for those hurting, struggling, suffering, forgiving, grieving, helping, supporting. LOVE heals us, binds us and transforms us. Whatever your personal Covid story is, may you let the ripple effect of LOVE course its way around you, through you and from you. May the ripple effect of Covid-19 and this global pandemic be a reminder for all of us to LOVE a little more genuinely, graciously and richly. Enjoy the podcast!
Last week, for the first episode of 2022, I shared my personal experience with Covid. On this week’s episode, I reflect on this past year, thanking my guests from 2021 and acknowledging that 2022 marks the beginning of our 5th year of the podcast.
In the year 2021, we had a total of 19 guests, plus 2 tributes to dear friends, previous guests who died this year: re-releasing my conversations with Peter Fish and Tony Falco. We recorded 12 of our 19 guests via Zoom, with only 7 being able to be here in person. This past year, I shared 24 stories or guided meditations. I told personal stories, reflected on “whiteness”, communed with angels, and deepened my reverence for mystics and mystery. I became more curious to actively learn more about the Native people of where I live - the Lenni Lenape people. I dropped into more intimacy with nature and welcomed the everyday miracles that surround us.
I hope that my guests and stories this past year have helped to uplift and inspire you along your journey. Thank you, 2021 for another year of inspiring guests, personal reflections, stories and meditations. May we all practice restoring humanity, dignity, compassion, and justice. May you be safe and healthy, and join me in searching for the mysterious, wondrous ways the Universe is conspiring to support us in 2022. Enjoy the podcast.
Episode 192 Covid: Up Close and Personal
03 Jan 2022
00:09:38
I typically begin the new year by reflecting on the past year and expressing gratitude for all my podcast guests. Instead however, on this week’s episode I’m going to bring Covid up close and personal, because in fact, Covid has been up close and personal for me this past week. My husband Paul and I had scratchy throats on the day after Christmas that quickly developed into all the Covid symptoms: sore throat, cough, chills, congestion, low-grade fever, headaches, and sure enough 3 days later we both tested positive for Covid.
As our symptoms intensified in the middle of the week, I was brought to tears a few times by the thoughtfulness and kindness of others. My tears would flow each time a friend went out of their way to leave, on our door step, a test kit, a bag of groceries, Chinese herbs and cough syrup. I was challenged to receive the love, take it in, absorb it and let the power of love be as medicinal as the Chinese herbs were. Covid, up close and personal, reminded me of what it feels to tap into wholeheartedness. WHOLEHEARTED people live with courage, compassion, connection, and the willingness to be vulnerable. So many of our family, friends and neighbors were the courageous, compassionate ones helping Paul and me feel connected through our Covid isolation; I was the vulnerable one learning how to receive their love.
Here’s to 2022 being a year we all practice living WHOLEHEARTEDLY! Be healthy, be gentle, be kind, be courageous, compassionate, connected and vulnerable.
My guest today is Alison Heller. Alison is a lawyer who left her law practice to become a writer. Alison has published 3 books, and her most recent novel “The Neighbor’s Secret” just came out this year. We discuss her book, her writing practice, what it took for her to leave her 14-year NYC law career, and how we treat ourselves in the process of writing, working and living. I am just as fascinated with the relevant themes she weaves into her novel, as I am with Alison as a person. Alison’s gracious, honest, open, curious exuberance will inspire you to read her books, too.
Check out the Show Notes for links to Alison’s website, Instagram & Twitter, along with links to the comedian Gary Gulman, and Jon Kabat-Zinn, the author we reference. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s podcast, I acknowledge how noisy our world and own minds can be. I invite us to explore ways that we can stop the noise and drop into quiet and stillness. Whether it is through meditation or journaling or other avenues, may we open up opportunities to stop the noise and dive deep into our inner sanctuary.
I read from the wise soul, poet and philosopher, Mark Nepo who has provided such intimate companionship on my journey. I highly recommend his book “Things That Join the Sea and the Sky: Field Notes on Living” to inspire you to stop the noise. May you explore, play with, be nourished by the different ways that you stop the noise, that you create silence in your world. May you trust that stopping the noise, from time to time, helps you not retreat from the world, but helps you to live more fully in it.
As Rumi said “When I am silent, I fall into the place where everything is music.” What do you hear, learn, experience when you stop the noise of your mind?
On this week’s episode, I continue to read some practical wisdom from the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. Two weeks ago I started reading and covered the first third of his book “How To Sit”. Last week I read the middle portion of that book, so this episode includes the reading of the third and final portion of the book.
Whether you are new to mindfulness and meditation or a seasoned veteran, may this help you cultivate your inner peace. May this guide you to breathe mindfully and encourage you to be a gardener that tends to your inner garden. Come home to yourself, experience the richness of being present, calm and at peace. Happy sitting! Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I share a simple ritual we created this Thanksgiving, inspired by Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants”. My desire was to honor the Lenni Lenape people who’s land we live on, to honor Mother Earth and to acknowledge what Debra Beal, my guest from last week uncovered for me about the origins of Thanksgiving from the indigenous perspective. She said that the original Thanksgiving feast was a celebration by the colonizers once they had massacred a substantial number of Indians. I wanted to take that information and incorporate it into the way my family celebrates Thanksgiving. I think it is critical to be aware and conscious of our history and do what I can to weave it into how we celebrate this holiday.
The 12 of us gathered in my home, took turns reading the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address. This translation of the Mohawk version of the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address was developed and published in 1993, and provided courtesy of Six Nations Indian Museum and the Tracking Project.
May we bring this depth of gratitude for the natural world not just once a year on Thanksgiving, but every day as we cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Blessings, love and deep gratitude.
Episode 188 Debra Beal, Woman of the Ramapough Lenape Nation
22 Nov 2021
01:14:26
My guest today is Debra Beal. Debra was one of the women featured in Lisa Levart’s photography exhibit “Women of the Ramapough Lenape Nation”. Debra shares her own assimilation experience of how her parents initially downplayed their Native American culture when she was a child, only to pursue and embrace a relationship with her Lenape tribe when she was a young teenager. As her father’s bumper sticker read “I was Indian before it was cool to be Indian”.
Debra has recently retired from her 33 year career in NY State’s Office of Mental Health and is exploring the ongoing delicate balance to integrate the fullness of who she truly is. Her Indian name “Walela” translates as Hummingbird, which symbolizes Debra’s desire to create harmony in the world, by building genuine, compassionate relationships, helping people and being a conduit for healing.
Check out the show notes for links to see Debra featured in Lisa’s photography exhibit at Bergen Community College, opened through November 24th, as well as in Myles Aronowitz's documentary. I hope this inspires you to learn of the Native people of your land; let’s make Thanksgiving more meaningful, by educating ourselves and our extended family of our true history with American Indians. Enjoy the podcast!
Episode 187 Liz Moyer Benferhat, Change-Maker, Facilitator and Coach
15 Nov 2021
00:56:43
My guest today is Liz Moyer Benferhat. Liz is a Change-Maker, Facilitator, and Coach who has taken her experience in social impact/sustainable development and international development to a new level. As the founder of We Heal For All, Liz facilitates Circles, Circle Training, and One-on-One Coaching, acknowledging that we are in a great transition, politically, culturally and environmentally. We Heal For All programs focus on co-creating what it means to collectively heal in the 21st century. We live in complex times and Liz explores healing as both a tool to thrive and an opportunity to impact deeper culture and consciousness shifts. Through meditation, storytelling and resonance practice, Liz addresses the interconnectedness of climate justice, social justice, sustainability, and mental health.
Liz’s holistic approach, understanding of how our internal world reflects our external world, respect for the ancestors, and her courage to shake up whole paradigm systems definitely excites me. Liz is manifesting visions and concepts my soul has longed to see come to fruition. Thank you Liz, for bringing my dreams into reality. Check out the Show Notes for links to Liz’s website, We Heal For All, to see which of her programs speak to you. Enjoy the podcast!