Create Harmony

Tell us more about your practices of peace

Ever wonder why rainbows never touch the ground? Or what would happen if we set aside our adult concerns for just a moment and embraced our childlike sense of wonder? Episode 134 of the Create Harmony podcast invites you to do exactly that.

Welcome to "Play it Forward," our special summer series dedicated to capturing the playful, uplifting spirit of the season.  This episode returns us to the magic of storytime – remember sitting cross-legged on the carpet while your teacher read aloud, showing colorful pictures that transported you to other worlds? That's the experience we're recreating, only this time, you get to imagine the illustrations yourself.

"The Rainbow Goblins" tells the tale of seven color-hungry creatures who roam the land capturing rainbows to drink their vibrant hues. When they set their sights on the Valley of the Rainbow – the birthplace of all rainbows – the flowers of the valley overhear their wicked plan through their roots. What unfolds is a beautiful story of nature's clever resistance against greed, ending with an explanation of why rainbows now hover safely above the earth, never touching down where color thieves might reach them.

This story serves as a gentle reminder of the power of imagination, the importance of protecting beauty, and how sometimes the most profound wisdom comes packaged in simple tales. Ready for more moments of peace and playfulness? Join us next week for a guided meditation as we continue our summer journey.

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Tell us more about your practices of peace

Imagine seeing the world through fresh eyes again - where rain creates magic puddles for play, forests hide enchanted worlds, and wonder waits around every corner. That's exactly what this episode of Create Harmony invites you to do.

Summer invites playfulness, and our "Play it Forward" series embraces this spirit wholeheartedly. Unlike "paying it forward," this concept encourages us to rediscover our inner child's sense of wonder and then spread that joyful energy to others. The series alternates between guided nature visualizations and good old-fashioned storytime sessions that transport us back to those magical moments of childhood when imagination ruled supreme.

This week features a reading of Joanna Gaines' beautiful story "The World Needs the Wonder You See," which perfectly captures how perspective transforms everything we encounter. The narrative reminds us that wonder often hides in plain sight – visible only to those willing to look beyond the obvious. Where some see only distance lights in the night sky, others discover extraordinary celestial landscapes. Where some notice only miles of ocean, others glimpse spectacular underwater cities.

The story's message resonates deeply with Create Harmony's core philosophy: what we focus on shapes our reality. By deliberately turning our attention toward beauty, creativity, and goodness, we transform not only our personal experience but potentially the world around us. 

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Tell us more about your practices of peace

Have you ever considered the profound lessons a tiny seed can teach us about resilience? In this soothing guided visualization, I invite you to experience the extraordinary journey from seed to bloom—a powerful metaphor for your own growth through life's challenges.

This episode is part of our summer "Play it Forward" series, designed to cultivate a spirit of playfulness and lightheartedness you can share with everyone you meet. The visualization creates a peaceful space where imagination becomes a way of listening and connecting with something greater than ourselves. 

"Growing Like a Seed" takes you on a sensory-rich meditation where you become the seed, feeling the warmth of soil around you, the gentle touch of rain, and the persistent push toward sunlight. Together, we'll experience the transformation that occurs as you germinate, sprout your first leaves, and strengthen your stalk. But this journey isn't just about ideal conditions—you'll weather intense downpours and face gusting winds that test your resolve, just as we all encounter obstacles in life.  As your imaginary seed finally blossoms into a glorious flower, you'll recognize your own capacity for resilience and transformation.

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To learn more, go to mycreateharmony.com 

Tell us more about your practices of peace

Remember the special magic of sitting cross-legged on the carpet as your kindergarten teacher read aloud from a colorful picture book? That simple joy—that pure, unfiltered delight—is exactly what we're recapturing in this episode of the Create Harmony podcast.

As part of our summer "Play it Forward" series, we're diving into the beloved classic "Blueberries for Sal." This isn't just storytelling; it's an invitation to rediscover your childlike wonder and carry that playful spirit into every interaction. Unlike "paying it forward," when we "play it forward," we spread lightheartedness, curiosity, and joy to everyone we meet. The ripple effect can transform not only our personal experience but the collective atmosphere around us.

The charming tale of Little Sal and Little Bear accidentally swapping mothers while gathering blueberries serves as a perfect metaphor for the unexpected connections that enrich our lives. As you listen to the rhythmic "kuplank, kuplunk" of berries dropping into tin pails, you might find yourself transported back to summers of your own childhood—tasting sun-warmed berries, feeling tiny gifts of nature in your palm, and experiencing that perfect blend of adventure and security that defines our happiest memories.

Our intentional alternating between guided nature visualizations and storytime readings creates a beautiful rhythm for summer—balancing active imagination with receptive listening. Both practices invite us to slow down, notice details, and engage with life more fully. In a world that often prioritizes productivity over presence, these moments of playful pause become radical acts of self-care and spiritual nourishment.

Listen, remember, and reclaim that sense of wonder. Then carry it forward into your week, noticing how it changes your perspective and touches those around you. What stories brought you joy as a child? Perhaps it's time to revisit them with fresh eyes and an open heart.

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To learn more, go to mycreateharmony.com 

Tell us more about your practices of peace

Ever felt the gentle sway of a hammock by a riverside? Today's guided visualization takes you on that journey of rest and renewal.

Summer brings a natural invitation to play, and we're leaning into that energy with our "Play it Forward" series. As your host Sally Burlington, I'm guiding you through alternating weeks of nature-based visualizations and whimsical storytime readings—all designed to help you reconnect with that lighthearted, childlike spirit we so often lose in the hustle of adult responsibilities.

Episode 129 features our Hammock Guided Visualization, where you'll drift into a peaceful riverside setting. Feel the gentle breeze, hear the trickling water and chirping birds, and allow your body to settle into perfect comfort as the hammock cradles you. This brief but powerful mindfulness practice centers around our breathing mantra: "breathe in possibility, breathe out gratitude." In just a few minutes, you'll experience how intentional rest can transform your energy.

The beauty of "playing it forward" lies in how this renewed energy doesn't stay with you alone—it naturally overflows to everyone you encounter. When we take these moments to breathe and be present, we bring a different quality of attention to our relationships and responsibilities. As summer unfolds, join us in this rhythm of playfulness and presence. The world needs more of both.

Ready for more? Subscribe to Create Harmony and tune in next week for another delightful story as we continue "childing instead of adulting" through our summer series!

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To learn more, go to mycreateharmony.com 

Tell us more about your practices of peace

Discover the beautiful practice of noticing tiny moments of joy hidden throughout your day in this heartwarming episode of Create Harmony. Your host Sally Burlington introduces a special summer series called "Play It Forward," designed to help you embrace a more lighthearted spirit that naturally spreads to the world around you.

Have you ever considered trading "adulting" for "childing"? That's exactly what we're doing in this episode as we inaugurate our summer story time tradition. Just like when you were in kindergarten sitting cross-legged on the carpet while your teacher read aloud, we're inviting you to reconnect with your inner child through children's literature. Sally reads "When God Made Light" by Matthew Paul Turner, a touching story that reminds us how we all carry an inner light meant to shine brightly.

By alternating between guided nature visualizations and children's stories, the Play It Forward series aims to help you shed your cares and worries, allowing your natural light to shine through and illuminate everyone you encounter.

Ready to reconnect with childlike wonder and spread that joyful energy to others? Listen now, then share how you're finding little moments of joy in your own life!

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To learn more, go to mycreateharmony.com 

Tell us more about your practices of peace

Ready to trade your serious adult mindset for something more playful this summer? The Create Harmony podcast launches a delightful new series called "Play It Forward," designed to help you reconnect with your inner child during the sun-filled, carefree days of summer.

Host Sally Burlington introduces this summer rhythm where we'll alternate between nature-themed guided visualizations and storytelling episodes. Today's visualization, "Dandelion Bloom," invites you to imagine yourself as a fluffy white dandelion, your unique gifts represented by countless seeds ready to drift into the world. Through gentle guidance, you'll release attachment to the past, embrace the clean slate of now, and visualize your positive influence spreading far beyond what you can see.

Whether you're seeking a mental reset, a moment of mindfulness, or simply a break from "adulting," this episode delivers a calming experience designed to help you embrace summer's lighthearted spirit. The guided meditation balances stillness with imagination, offering both relaxation and inspiration in under ten minutes.

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To learn more, go to mycreateharmony.com 

Tell us more about your practices of peace

What does "getting wild" mean to you? Far from reckless behavior, true wildness might simply mean living unrestrained and growing in your natural environment. In this heartfelt exploration, I share how my definition of wild—digging in garden dirt, feeling sunshine on my face—differs drastically from my college-aged daughters' interpretation.

As our lives become increasingly dominated by technology and structure, reconnecting with our wild spirit feels more precious than ever. This wildness doesn't require climbing mountains or taking risks; it's available in micro-adventures right in your backyard. Whether it's trying a new recipe, picking roadside flowers, or simply allowing yourself to go to bed before finishing all your work—wild is a spirit, not a specific set of actions.

Take a moment today to consider what wild needs to look like in your life. Where can you bring a tiny piece of unrestrained living into your day? These small moments of authentic connection might just be the key to finding the peace and contentment we're all seeking. Subscribe now to join our community of intentional living and discover more ways to create harmony in your everyday life.

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To learn more, go to mycreateharmony.com 

Tell us more about your practices of peace

Finding peace, contentment, and joy in everyday life becomes easier when we connect with nature through gardening and intentionally incorporate more plants into our diets. Plants engage our senses, lift our spirits, and provide enormous health benefits that support both mental and physical wellbeing.

• Transitioning to a sunnier yard has allowed for beautiful flowering plants like hydrangeas, gardenias, peonies, and foxglove
• Inheriting fruit trees and bushes has brought unexpected abundance with peaches, cherries, figs, plums, and pomegranates
• Growing plants benefits mental health by lifting spirits and creating joy
• Preparing fruits and vegetables immediately after shopping makes healthy eating more convenient
• Finding the right balance of plants and protein is key to a healthy lifestyle
• Staying curious about nature helps maintain wonder and may spark new interests

Keep growing something—even if it's just a small succulent on your desk—to experience the joy of nurturing life and discover peace through connecting with nature.

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To learn more, go to mycreateharmony.com 

Tell us more about your practices of peace

Dive into the aromatic world of herb gardening with this sensory-rich exploration of cultivating your own little patch of culinary magic. What started as a scaled-back garden plan turned into a discovery of how these versatile plants engage nearly all our senses—sight, smell, touch, and taste—creating an immersive connection to nature right on your windowsill or backyard.

From kitchen staples like thyme, basil, and rosemary to the visual appeal of purple-tinged sage and bright lime-green mammoth basil, this episode unpacks the diverse personalities of common herbs and their uses. Learn about the anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary, how mint aids digestion, why aloe vera deserves a spot in your home, and which sneaky herbs (looking at you, mint and lemon balm) will take over your garden if given the chance. Whether you're creating a caprese salad with fresh basil, cucumber-dill salad for summer gatherings, or infusing water with grapefruit mint, these versatile plants enhance everyday cooking while providing genuine health benefits.

Beyond cooking, discover how herbs can transform your wellbeing—chamomile for sleep and anxiety, echinacea for immune support, turmeric and ginger for inflammation and digestion. With practical tips on selecting vibrant leaves, proper storage techniques, and the perfect timing for adding herbs to dishes, you'll be equipped to start your own herb garden adventure. As we embrace the philosophy to "eat more plants," herbs offer an accessible gateway to bringing more plant-based goodness into your life while engaging all your senses in the process. Ready to rub some sage between your fingers and experience the multi-sensory joy of herbs? Your garden awaits!

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To learn more, go to mycreateharmony.com