Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire

With last month's new advisory from the surgeon general about the effects of social media on the mental health of youth, I raise the issue of what adults might be modeling for children. As addictive as social media is for young people, I encourage all of us, to look at our own relationship with social media. Here is a gentle reminder to be mindful of the time and energy you spend with social media. Like Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young's song "Teach Your Children", let's teach our children well. Put down the phone and be present. Create and model a limited, healthy relationship with social media. Enjoy the podcast!

I am struck by the fullness of the month of June. Between the school year winding down, proms and graduations, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, packing for camp, starting summer travel, and acknowledging Juneteenth, this is an extra full month! So I am offering a short, simple episode to counter-balance the fullness of June. Take a moment, in the midst of your busy month and pause. Empty your agenda, even for just a moment, to be present to your breath, your body, your thoughts. In these quiet moments, there is so much wisdom in stillness and silence. Stillness. Silence. Emptiness. Wisdom. May taking a moment to pause help you appreciate and enjoy more fully the remaining fullness of June. Enjoy the podcast! ALS Links: ALS Association of Greater NY - Donation Link Wayne's Enlighten Podcast episode Vaneese's Enlighten Podcast episode

My guest today is Brandon McNulty. Brandon is a Personal Coach & Meditation Teacher, living in Arizona. Twelve years ago Brandon was one of 15 teenagers in the independent youth group I directed, called TMAD (Teens Making A Difference). It was a treat to reconnect with him and discover what Brandon has experienced in this past decade, from college, to the corporate world of finance, to solo expeditions, mentorship, to a deep desire for self realization and service. Brandon has been on a conscious spiritual journey, immersed in yoga, meditation and mindfulness. Brandon enthusiastically shares his desire to help people reconnect to their authentic power and rediscover a purposeful path forward. Check out the links below for Brandon's website www.flowstate-coaching.com and social media accounts. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Brandon's Web Site: Flowstate-Coaching Email: [email protected] IG: @bmcnults TT: @bmcnultyflow

For today's holiday, we are taking the week off from recording a new episode. Instead, I decided to re-release episode #175 "Called to Dance", that came out in August of 2021. May you hear Hafiz' call to dance and be reminded of your deeper truth, your radiant light. Check out the the links below for Hafiz's poetry, to Barbara Holmes, and the Center for Action and Contemplation. Enjoy the podcast! ------------------------------- Hafiz's poem reminds me that we are called to dance. I've used this beautiful poem as oxygen, especially when I was feeling the darkness and uncertainty of life creep back in. I hear so many people bracing themselves that things are going to be getting worse, before they get better. I don't want to get sucked into the darkness of hopelessness. This poem pulls me away from the despair, shifts my mood, brings me back to a deeper truth, a radiant light that I know lies within us. May we heed the call to dance, see life itself as a beautifully choreographed dance. We were created for joy, to smile, to love and be lifted up and to lift others up. Yes, and may our dancing be contagious! Links: The Gift: Poems by Hafiz, the Great Sufi Master Barbara Holmes Center For Action and Contemplation

On this week's episode, I pay attention to the little things in life that move me. May we be nourished by the little things that happen everyday. May we contribute to the exchange of little things for ourselves, with others and with all living creatures. May the little things comfort and connect us to all that is bigger than us. Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode, I emphasize the importance of taking time to reflect on our experiences. We have a better chance of learning from our experiences when we take the time to reflect on what we just saw, heard, said and felt. There are not only lessons to be learned but growth and even transformation to be had. Apply 4 simple questions to specific areas of life: friendships, relationships, jobs, career, health and life.

What's working for you? What would you like shifted? What would you like to see that is not happening? What would you like to see more of that is happening and you really love?

Here's to manifesting that which helps us heal, flourish and thrive in body, mind and spirit. Start with taking time to reflect. Enjoy the podcast!

On today's episode, I share an unexpected encounter in Dublin, Ireland that I'm calling An Irish Blessing. It occurred on the Grattan Bridge, one of the few bridges over the River Liffey that had benches. I had just finished reading Michelle Obama's book "The Light We Carry" when a man kindly asked if he could sit on the end of my bench. Unintentionally, we both participated in a social experiment, which broke the ice for him to share his life story. I was blessed by his humility, vulnerability and gratitude. I blessed him with my interest and compassion. We carried our light, shared our light and helped shine light into the world. May you be open to your version of An Irish Blessing. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Grattan Bridge The Light We Carry - NYT Review

On this week's episode I describe how I am experiencing Poetry in Motion. Thanks to Upper Nyack's River Hook Preserve, and their Arbor Day celebration, we now have poems displayed at the preserve from a dozen local poets. You can read each poem as you meander through the grounds of the Preserve. I share five of the poems that were on display. May you experience poetry in motion, literally and metaphorically. May we see the organic poetry of nature. May we live our lives poetically, in graceful, intentional motion. Check out links below to learn more about Nyack's Arbor Day Celebration. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Arbor Day at River Hook Preserve Friends of River Hook/facebook

With the celebration of Earth Day a couple of days ago on April 22, I offer an idea that you can practice on any day throughout the year. This practice is a shift in mindset and will not only help you honor the earth, but more profoundly heal the earth. Inspired by Victoria Loorz's book "Church of the Wild: How Nature Invites Us Into the Sacred" try conversing with nature. Conversing with nature, is a reciprocal act, enriching our relationship with our beloved planet earth and allowing the earth to enrich us. Give it a try. Begin with a sense of wonder. A conversation includes both speaking and listening. Converse with the leaves, the budding Spring blossoms, the wind, the rocks and the butterflies. Add this to your spiritual practices. Develop a language of intimate connectedness with other beings and elements. May our conversations with nature awaken a sense of kindred belonging as we restore our planet and our own souls. Check out the link below for "Church of the Wild". Enjoy the podcast! Links: "Church of the Wild: How Nature Invites Us Into the Sacred" by Victoria Loorz

My guest today is Pete Dominick. Pete is a stand-up comic, news commentator, and journo-activist. After 12 years of hosting a 3 hour live radio show on Sirius XM, reporting for CNN, a panelist with Bill Maher and being the warm-up comic for Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert and currently John Oliver, Pete has created, produced and now hosts his own podcast: "Stand Up with Pete Dominick". He describes his show now as 'NPR with personality', for Pete likes to make people laugh and think at the same time. At the time of this recording Pete was considering running for our local Town Council, but recently decided against it. Pete is well qualified for politics, but he felt he didn't want that responsibility to jeopardize his new podcast, work community or family. Check out the show notes for links to Pete's website and podcast, Enjoy the podcast! Links: standupwithpete.com Pete's Podcast: Stand Up With Pete Pete on Twitter