Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire

This week I feature my new best friend, who takes slowing down to a whole new level. While visiting our dear friends Hilary and Carlo in their Massachusetts cabin in the woods, I bonded with their sweet pet bird, Nugget. Nugget, is an orange breasted wax bill, a tiny, precious bird in the finch family. Nugget is teeny, weighs 7 grams and is just over 2 inches long. This adorable 2 inch finch reminds me that there is nothing more important than the present moment. And when Nugget rests on my finger or wrist, I can't help but drop into full presence. These winter days are a great opportunity to slow down, rest, and honor the hibernation that the season calls us into. What winter rituals help you slow down? What Nugget-like reminders calms and quiets you? May we let the wonders of little nuggets offer us unexpected gifts to bring us into a deeper presence. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Hilary Sweeney's podcast episode Carlo Pellegrini's podcast episode

On this week's episode, I reflect on some of those helpful reminders to slow down. The narrow spout of my electric tea kettle provides an opportunity to slow down, even when I don't think I need to. As the water slowly, gently pours from this thinly curved neck, I relax and smile. Be present…breathe…slow is good…focus on gratitude… all is well. May we honor the internal and external reminders to slow down. May we be nourished and replenished as we slow down. May slowing down help us delight in being more present, more tuned in to ourselves and all the richness of life around us. In the words of Simon and Garfunkel: "Slow down, you're moving too fast. You got to make the morning last." Enjoy the podcast! Links: Simon & Garfunkel: The 59th Street Bridge Song

Today marks the national holiday for Martin Luther King, Jr., a day to acknowledge and honor MLK's birthday and legacy. The mottos for MLK day are: "Remember, Celebrate and Act" and "A Day On, Not a Day Off". I care about living into those mottos. How am I not only remembering and celebrating MLK, but taking action that honors him? How do I not simply treat this day as a day off, but a day on, where l focus on King's wisdom, courage and inspiration? How do I integrate what King stood for, not just today, but throughout my life? So whether you are attending a MLK celebration, watching programs that honor him, listening to his powerful speeches, or reading and reflecting on his inspiring vision, let's make sure to make this a day to "Remember, Celebrate, Act" and "A Day On, Not a Day Off!" Let's do what we can throughout the year to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. and the truth, values, ethics and vision he stood for. May we contribute to freedom, justice, equality and peace for all beings. Enjoy the podcast! Links: www.democracynow.org

On this week's episode I offer two prompts that help us reflect on last year and tune into the coming year. They are more heart-centered than the typical setting of resolutions and goals. It's a mindful way to start off the new year in these early weeks of January. I invite you to reflect on what you were proud of in 2022 and then explore what you are yearning for in 2023. After focusing on the these two prompts, I saw an IG post from Suleika Jaouad who authored these prompts plus 3 additional questions that might be helpful to reflect on as well. Whether you ponder the answers, journal them or share them with a loved one, I'm guessing this heart-centered inquiry will be enlightening for you too. I do believe we are more likely to manifest and sustain that which comes from our heart. May you be filled with pride and gratitude for how you handled the challenges of 2022. May you enjoy naming your heart yearnings for 2023. Enjoy the podcast. Links: IG: @suleikajaouad

On this week's episode, as we start off 2023, I acknowledge our 5 year milestone and reflect on this past year. We launched the podcast in January 2018, so here's to completing 5 years of Enlighten! January 2023 marks the beginning of our Podcast's 6th year! We had a total of 9 guests in 2022, 3 re-released previous guests, paid tribute to 2 people who died last winter, and shared over 30 brief personal stories or guided meditations.

I know many of my listeners join me in seeking to be spiritually connected, grounded and centered, in the face of life's challenges. The desire to see the silver linings, find the gratitude, let go of illusions, be present to what is, guides us on the enlightened path. Hoping that my guests and stories this past year have helped to uplift and inspire you along your journey.

Thank you 2022 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 help us step more fully into our potential in 2023. Happy New Year! Enjoy the podcast.

On this week's episode, I reflect on GRACE - the word, it's multiple meanings and the energy of GRACE. The concept of Divine Grace means that we are loved for who we are, as we are, not from our actions or efforts to prove ourselves worthy. Whether we are describing the fluidity, flow and effortlessness grace of a dancer, or the pause to give thanks, or the courteous goodwill of taking responsibility for one's behavior or granting special favor by extending a grace period, or the ultimate gift of unconditional love, grace is thankfully woven into our lives.

May we be graced by kindness, graced by forgiveness, graced by rich opportunities, graced by love. May your holidays be graced by GRACE!

On this week's episode I share my fascination with owls, a recent up close and personal experience with owls and highlights of what owls can teach us. Owls ground me, quiet me, remind me to slow down, be still and listen to the my own inner wisdom. According to Ted Andrews, "Owls represent the Mystery of Magic, Omens, Silent Wisdom, and Vision in the Night. No bird has as much myth and mystery surrounding it than the owl. The owl is the symbol of the feminine, the moon, and the night. It has been believed to have great healing powers both in North America and on other continents. The owl is the bird of magic and darkness of prophecy and wisdom." My intimate encounter with Jules, the screech owl, mesmerized and humbled me. Check out the show notes for links to the book and resort center I referenced. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Jen Leahey - Animal Connections Specialist at Miraval Miraval Specialist Spotlight-YouTube Miraval Berkshires "Animal Speak: The Spiritual and Magical Powers of Creatures Great and Small" by Ted Andrews

My guest today is Myles Aronowitz. Myles is an extraordinary photographer, filmmaker, animator and artist. From his unusual childhood surrounded by music legends, to making movies in NYC's East Village at age 11, to a successful career as a photographer for film and television, Myles respectfully allows whoever and whatever he is filming to reveal its true nature. He has honed the gracious skill of being a 'fly on the wall' to capture the wonderment in humanity and nature. He tells visual stories that invoke transformation in the story and the viewer. Myles treasures collaboration, his artistic community and everyday miracles. Check out the links below to Myles' website and some of the deeply moving films we referenced. Enjoy the podcast! Links: MylesAronowitz.com Myles' Vimeo Channel Lush Photography Storytellers: Beverly Little Thunder Women of the Ramapough Lenape Nation Animation Intro Eagles Nest Ice Storm Tropic of Cancer The Cove

Fitting for the week following Thanksgiving, this week's episode is a conversation about gratitude. In whatever way you celebrated Thanksgiving, I hope you can tap into a list of what you are grateful for on a regular basis. I am part of a wonderful yoga community called Journey to the Peak (we use the initials JTTP). The co-founders of JTTP, Shawna Emerick and Patrick Heffernan, both have been guests on my podcast and are treasured friends. They recently started recording conversations with members from our JTTP community focusing on the theme for the month. I was delighted to be invited to have a conversation with Patrick on gratitude. What are you feeling grateful for? What gratitude practices have you implemented? May this episode inspire you to be more intentional to integrate gratitude into your life. Check out the links below for other conversations with Shawna and Patrick, all the benefits of becoming a JTTP member and the gracious offerings Shawna and Patrick make to welcome people into our JTTP community. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Video Conversation Patrick's Web Site Journey to the Peak Shawna's Web Site Podcast Episode with Patrick Podcast Episode with Shawna

My guest today is Lydia Ignacio, a holistic therapist and coach, who is on a mission to awaken, heal and inspire humanity to reach higher heights. She integrates intuitive, energetic healing modalities and cares deeply about the health and vitality of her community. Lydia calls herself a transformational ascension coach. The concept of ascension, is both personal and metaphorical, with Lydia's roots in the northern tip of Manhattan - Washington Heights. It's fitting that the name of Lydia's business is "Reaching Heights, LLC" helping people reach higher heights and bringing her community together to soar. Taking therapy and the human experience to new heights, Lydia's enthusiasm and wholehearted approach to life is uplifting! Check out the links below for Lydia's website and her social media platforms. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Reaching Heights LLC Web Site FB: @ReachingHeightsLLC8 IG: @Reaching_Heights Twitter: @Reaching_Height