Episodi
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On this week’s episode, I honor the legendary poet, author, educator, activist, Nikki Giovanni who died this past week on December 9th at the age of 81. Her rich biography, prolific work that includes writings, essays, conversations, poetry, children’s books, records, tapes, CDs and film, as well as her awards, honors and multiple honorary degrees is expansive and impressive.
Thank you Nikki, for all that you embodied and modeled. Thank you for shining your truth through decades of our collective darkness. Thank you for caring about children and the quality of books they read. Thank you for your wisdom, grace and compassion and finding what binds us even in the face of tragedy. Rest in peace, rest in power and may we continue to be enlightened, uplifted and inspired by you.
Check out the show notes for links to Nikki’s website, NY Times obituary and Wikipedia page. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Nikki's Website
NY Times Obituary
Wikipedia -
On this week’s episode, I acknowledge the spark of light that is ignited at this time of year. As the sun is setting by 4:30pm, shortening our days and expanding our nights, the tradition of lighting up our homes, is a wonderful reminder to honor the light in the midst of darkness.
May we be a spark of light. May we connect with your own community, honor silence, light a candle, and feel the energetic hands of our sacred circle of humanity, join together to breath a new vision forward. May our vision spark a new kind of light. Check out the show notes to learn about the global ritual that Beth Livingston, has been facilitating for 20 years that honors our collective dive into the darkness of winter. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Beth Owls Daughter -
Episodi mancanti?
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On this week’s episode I re-release my conversation form April 19, 2021 with my beloved Aunt Hilly. This spectacular human, Hilary Carr Jones just died on Friday November 15th, so I wanted her voice and spirit honored. Before my conversation with her starts, I share the mystical connection I felt with Aunt Hil as she was transitioning from the physical realm into the spiritual realm, as the Super Full Moon was rising.
May you open your heart and mind to how Source is calling you into the mystical, magical moments of your life. Grateful for the gathering in Camden, Maine this past weekend with a service on Sunday November 24th, to celebrate the life and light and radiating love of Hilary Carr Jones. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Links:
Hilary Carr Jones obit
Super Full Moon -
I am thrilled to feature Clyde and Gracie Lawrence as my guests today. This gifted, brother and sister team, enriched by their 6 talented musician friends make up the electrifying soul-pop band “Lawrence”. Their music is phenomenal, the synergy and creativity of their band is a blast to witness and they are kind, thoughtful human beings living the challenging life of artists with integrity, humility and grace.
When I saw Lawrence the band perform to a sold out Radio City Music Hall show in September, I was blown away by the music, the production, the pure fun everyone was having on that stage and moved to tears by their dedicated fans of all ages and backgrounds. Clyde and Gracie have created something unique and refreshing, I want all my listeners to experience their magic.
It wasn’t until we ended the conversation that I realized I forgot to ask the one question I use to wrap up all my podcast conversations: “What inspires you?” But hopefully you’ll learn what their answer might have been by how they approach life, cultivate a family and community with their band, crew and fans, have the courage to call out the unfairness in the music industry, and infuse integrity in everything they do.
Check out the links below to their website to see their tour schedule (catch the remaining shows of their Family Business tour), how to stream their incredible music, and buy some merch. Also follow the link for their fascinating You Tube docuseries, which offers an authentic behind the scenes look at their Hotel TV tour. Follow the band and Clyde and Gracie’s IG accounts to tap into the magic. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Lawrence the Band: Website
IG: Band
IG: Clyde
IG: Gracie
Lawrence on The Tonight Show
YouTube Channel
YouTube Docuseries -
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! -
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!
Links:
Tara Brach
Mind Our Democracy -
On this week’s episode I acknowledge the heightened sense of fear, anxiety and worry, with 8 days before the Presidential Election. I share wisdom from the spiritual teacher, Tara Brach that our despairing feelings are a reflection of our small Self, which is limited, isolated, and consumed with divisiveness and the illusion of separateness. Our small Self forgets who we are. For when we remember who we are, our true nature, we understand our interdependence and deep connection to each other. We tap into a pure sense of belonging, awaken to our oneness and align our actions with our heart.
My sister-in-law Abby demonstrates, in a moving letter, what it looks like to align her heart with action. What is your heart aligned action? May we awaken to our True Nature. May we think, act and live from compassion. May we align our action with our open heart. And while we are at it, may we create a joyful blue wave! Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Tara Brach
IG: Abby Carr -
On this week’s episode we belatedly honor Indigenous People’s Day. I share an example from my cousin, of how we can acknowledge the dark history of oppression while remaining open to learning, healing and reconciliation.
May we all be inspired to reflect, learn and better understand the history and legacy of Indigenous People. Reconciliation is not just a moment, but an on-going process. May we each seek opportunities throughout the year to learn and engage with Indigenous voices and stories. May we contribute to the healing of past, present and future generations of Indigenous People.
Enjoy the podcast! -
As we honor Indigenous People’s Day, may we acknowledge and honor the native people on who’s land we live. May we honor the spiritual wisdom and respectful partnership that indigenous people, all around the world, brought to their relationship with our planet earth, allowing them to live in harmony, reciprocity and balance with all of creation. I’ll share more about Indigenous People’s Day next week, because my guest today has timely information that I want my listeners to have the option to act on this week and next!
My guest today is the inspiring Diana Bianco. Diana has social justice running through her veins. Founder of Artemis Consulting, Diana is passionate about better health for all and helps a range of clients navigate the dynamics of health care environments. Her professional advocacy for equitable and responsible policies and programs also drives her volunteer work for political activism at Flip the Vote. Please join one of the October Flip the Vote events, as a participant or a co-host; it’s an empowering way to help create a blue wave for this year’s elections.
Check out the links below to Diana’s website and Flip the Vote’s website, particularly the October events. Time is of the essence!! Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Artemis Consulting
Flip The Vote -
My guest today is Lila Carr. Lila is a junior at Skidmore College, majoring in Social Work, with a minor in Studio Art. Lila also happens to be one of my beloved nieces, genuinely curious, compassionate and open-hearted. She believes we all are longing to be seen, known and loved and is inspired to carve out a career that centers on seeing, knowing and loving people.
She shares her round-about journey that landed her at Skidmore, from leaning into ‘NO!’ and listening to the wisdom of her body. Lila describes the healing power of art, as a companion, an avenue for self care and expression. As a first time voter, we discussed the upcoming presidential election and how empowered Lila feels to be voting and is actively engaged in making voting accessible to all. Check out the links below to follow Lila on Instagram. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
IG: @lila.carr
IG: @lilas.crafts -
On this week’s episode, I focus on hope, and how my hope has inspired action. I share my experience of the Flip the Vote Birthday Zoom I hosted last week and how the gathering of people I love, focused on our desire to create a blue wave, expanded even more hope.
Hope is a discipline. How are you nurturing hope in your life? What actions are you taking to keep hope alive? May our hope help us see that there is light despite all the darkness. May our hope give us a destination and the energy to get started! Check out the show notes for links to learn more about Flip the Vote. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Flip The Vote -
On this week’s episode, I celebrate my birthday and invite my listeners to attend a Flip the Vote event tomorrow night. The most meaningful birthday gift possible for me, is to ignite people to rally in solidarity for human rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, health care, education, advocacy for the health of our planet and social justice. May the Autumn Equinox bring us in better balance. May my Libra birthday inspire us to harmoniously work together for justice and the collective good of our country.
Check out the show notes for links to Flip the Vote’s rationale, the impact they had on the 2022 election, how to donate and RSVP to attend my Flip the Vote Birthday Zoom tomorrow Tuesday September 24th, 5:30pm (PT)/8:30pm (ET). Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
RSVP for Tuesday 9/24
Flip the Vote Strategy Rationale
Flip the Vote Impact in 2022
Donations to Flip The Vote -
In this heightened political season, we are all inundated with countless emails and texts asking for donations; it’s hard to sift through where and how to invest our time and money. On this week’s episode, I offer a grassroots organization that I have recently learned about that feels worthy of highlighting. It’s called Flip The Vote. They educate and engage concerned people to make the most out of their political investments. They make strategic recommendations based on careful research about where and how to invest in winning critical elections. Attending a Flip The Vote Zoom party, inspired me to then attend an Orientation so I am now jazzed about hosting my own virtual Flip The Vote party.
I want to host this as a Birthday celebration, so it will be the week of my birthday, either 9/24, 25 or 28. Stay tuned, I’d love for my listeners to join me! Check out the show notes for the link to Flip The Vote website. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Flip The Vote
Postcards To Voters
Activate America
Postcards: Take back the House and Hold the Senate -
On this week’s episode, I share my experience of taking Michelle Obama’s words: “Do Something!” to heart. The ‘somethings’ we do, can be spontaneous, planned, casual or organized. Writing postcards to encourage people to vote and spelling out what is at stake with our upcoming election is a tangible way to do something.
Would you be interested in hosting a postcard party? If so, check out the show notes for links to sites that help you get started. I’m jazzed looking for tangible, meaningful ways to DO SOMETHING, do many things that help move our country forward with integrity, hope and JOY. What else are you doing to help elect Harris and Walz? Feel free to share the somethings that you are doing. I’d love to hear form you. Let’s inspire one another. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Postcards To Voters
Activate America
Postcards: Take back the House and Hold the Senate -
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!
Links:
ALS-NY
Nancy's Email -
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! -
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!
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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!
Links:
Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation -
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!
Links:
Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation -
This week I continue to read some practical wisdom from the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. Last week I read the first third of his book “How To Sit”, so this episode includes the reading of the second third 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 remind us to breathe mindfully. May we drop into the present moment and experience that the present moment contains the whole of life. Happy sitting! Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation - Mostra di più
