Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire

Thanksgiving invites us to tap into the power of gratitude. Even in the midst of all the suffering in our broken world, paying attention to what we are grateful for, can bring us back to center. Having just returned from an incredible trip to Australia and New Zealand, I share some of the things about travel that fills me up with deep gratitude. There is so much to be thankful for, on so many levels. You don't need to travel to generate gratitude. Simply turn to your 5 senses and notice what stimulates and inspires you. What sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches nourished you today? When you focus on how your senses were stimulated, it inevitably brings you back to gratitude…for all you saw, heard, smelled, tasted and touched. Let your five senses cultivate your attitude of gratitude. And may we honor our Indigenous People this Thanksgiving! Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: Julia Adamy

On this week's episode, I tell how I discovered that I have a new nickname: The Meditation Lady! From an unsuspecting group of people I don't personally know, it turns out that I've been referred to as this nickname for a few years. It wasn't until we recorded this episode, that my husband learned of my new nickname. He got a kick out of it and I hope you do, too.

Hopefully this will get you thinking of how you might be perceived by others. Would their observations of you spur a nickname? If so, what might yours be? Feel free to share with me your nicknames! I'd love to hear them!! Enjoy the podcast.

My guest today is Daniel Ralph Mfaya, also known as Dani. Dani is an extraordinary dancer, model and creative director. Dani grew up in France & currently resides in the United States, but is traveling the world as a dancer on the Sam Smith Gloria Tour. Because my daughter, Julia is the bass player in Sam's band, I've had the pleasure and honor of meeting Dani, the other dancers, background vocalists and band members. Dani is a seasoned dancer, having performed and choreographed with Beyoncé, danced with Sidi Larbi's Belgium Dance Company & Royal Ballet of Flanders. Dani shared the video of an extraordinary dance called Mea Culpa that moved me to tears and gave me a sacred window into Dani's heart and soul. We recorded this conversation at the end of September when the Sam Smith tour had a break between the North American tour and the Asian tour. By now the tour is in Australia, where I will see, in person, my daughter, Dani and all the other performers for their last shows of 2023. Check out the links below to follow Dani and the incredible artistry he embodies. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Facebook Instagram IG: Sidi Larbi

On this week's episode, I share a moving spiritual practice called Letter from Love, inspired and launched by Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of the book Eat, Pray, Love. I read examples from Elizabeth and Suleika Jaouad as well as, one I wrote. May these examples and this podcast encourage you to write a letter to yourself from Love. Whether you write one or you integrate this as another tool in your spiritual practices on a regular basis, I hope you can tap into what Love wants to say to you and let that love comfort and hold you on your journey. These letters from Love bring solace, comfort, and peace - something we all need now more than ever. Check out the links below to learn more about Elizabeth Gilbert's project and the inspiring writings of Suleika Jaouad. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Elizabeth Gilbert Suleika Jaouad IG: Suleika Jaouad

It is easy to lose sight of our humanity when so many in the world are suffering. Yet it is exactly our humanity that I don't want to lose sight of as the frightening conflict in Israel and Gaza intensifies. On this week's episode, I share some heartfelt quotes that have helped me align with love, as if we were seen in the eyes of the Divine, help me align with our innate goodness, with peace, with oneness and our humanity. Check out the links below for quotes referenced and the book "See No Stranger" by Sikh activist, Valarie Kaur. Particularly during trying times, may we chose love, may we hold onto our humanity. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Valarie Kaur Ted Talk Maha Rose Thomas Merton Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander

My guest today is Andrea Maxine Frade. Andrea is a Transformational Coach, Healer, Bodyworker and Somatic Practitioner. Having been a podcast guest in January 2019, I am delighted to reconnect with Andrea and learn about all the meaningful changes in her personal life, spiritual life and professional work, in the past 5 years. Andrea is tuned into her own personal process of growth and evolution which she often sees reflected in the healing process of so many of her clients. Andrea focuses on the purpose behind her work, encouraging women not to forget who they are and why they are here. Andrea honors transitions, the in between space that holds the potential for the ALMOST! Check out the links below to contact Andrea and sign up for an online workshop she is co-facilitating tomorrow Tuesday October 17th with Abi Keene (also a previous podcast guest) called "Who Am I Now: How to Create the Change You Long for That is Aligned with Who You are NOW." Enjoy the podcast! Links: Andrea's Web Site Abi Keene's Web Site

On this week's episode, I share some of the history and facts about Indigenous Peoples Day and our efforts as a country to move in the direction of healing and justice. What might seem to some like a simple name change can lead to real social progress for Indigenous Americans. Today is an opportunity for reflection, recognition, celebration and education. May we honestly admit our dark history of the brutal treatment of Indigenous Peoples. May we address the current state of discrimination and its ripple effect toward Indigenous Peoples. May we honor the rich cultures, histories and invaluable contributions of Indigenous Peoples who have inhabited the Americas for thousands of years. May we humbly learn from Indigenous Peoples' spiritual wisdom and respectful partnership with our planet, its elements, creatures and resources. May we contribute to the healing of past, present, and future generations of Indigenous People. Check out the links below to learn more about Indigenous Peoples. Enjoy the podcast! Links: worldbank.org IPD Facts whitehouse.gov What Is Indigenous Peoples Day?

My guest this week is Jesse AlFord. Jesse is a Circus Coach and Lighting Designer, who stayed in our guest bedroom for a few days at the request of our dear friends and previous podcast guests, Carlo Pellegrini and Hilary Sweeney. Carlo and Hilary are producing The Legend Cirque - an immersive expression of the gripping tale of the Headless Horseman, narrated by Washington Irving, with world class aerialists and acrobats in a circus tent in Sleepy Hollow, NY. Jesse drove up from Louisville, KY to design the lighting for the show, but as a freelancer, he also designs the lighting for ballet, opera and theater. I thought it fitting to shine some light on the guy who lights up artists and venues. I appreciate Jesse's curiosity, warmth and thoughtfulness in not only how he collaborates with artists but how he lives his life. Check out the links below to follow Jesse, as well as the link for The Legend, which runs now through 10/29. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Jesse's Web Site IG: Jesse IG: Westchester Circus Arts The Legend

Today marks the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Even though I am not Jewish, I've always appreciated the intention and meaning behind this day of reflection, a day to atone for the ways we have harmed others or ourselves.

I share once again the Buddhist Prayer of Forgiveness, an appropriate prayer to help us atone and cultivate at - one - ness. May you be at one with yourself, at one with your family and friends, at one with our planet and at one with the Divine. Forgiveness is key! Enjoy the podcast.

On this week's episode, I acknowledge the layers in people, situations, causes and choices. It is easy to fall into the trap that any one or any thing is one dimensional. When we get stuck, in that limited view, it's helpful to be reminded of different perspectives. Thankfully a devoted listener helped me peel back layers of my perspective about Amazon and Jeff Bezos. When we peel back layers, we deepen our understanding and our capacity for compassion expands. There is even room for the layer of forgiveness.

May we avoid reducing people into one dimensional aspects. May we notice that as we peel back layers, there is beauty, humility, vulnerability and precious nuances. May we practice the power of forgiveness for ourselves and others.

Enjoy the podcast!