Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire

On this week's episode, I share a visceral experience that refueled my hope in humanity. On Sunday November 6th, two days before Election Day, I witnessed NYC's biggest block party: the NYC Marathon. My inspiring son-in-law, Ross Pederson, ran the 26.2 miles and it was exhilarating being there to cheer him on and witness this spectacular event. I was moved to tears by so many inspiring runners, reflecting a wide range of ages, shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and abilities.

What a representation not just of diversity on so many levels, but of care, support, encouragement, fear, despair, frustration, tenacity, and achievement! We are capable of so much more than we imagine, light years beyond our limiting beliefs. And we are also capable of being present to each other with more love and tenderness than I've experienced collectively in a long time. I felt like I was peering into a world I want to live in. A world of challenges and support. A world of generosity and patience, of enthusiasm and empathy, of overcoming obstacles and crossing a finish line with exuberance, of being stretched and held. A world of individual achievement and collective joy. May we cultivate our hope in the human spirit, hope in humanity. Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode, I acknowledge the political waves before us, with tomorrow November 8th being election day for the mid-terms. I reflect on the waves of paranoia, waves of activism, waves of fear, and waves of spiritual centeredness. With these waves comes a wide range of emotions from fear, anxiety and panic to denial, apathy and avoidance. My dear friend Bette who expressed how troubling the political climate is, articulated her desire beautifully: "I want to intentionally choose how to ride the wave." How are you riding this political wave so that your inner wisdom is heard, your intuition is honored, your need for silence and stillness is cultivated, your energy for action and involvement is empowering and positively impactful? May we find peace in the eye of this storm. May our voices be heard to herald hope and sanity and deep peace. PLEASE VOTE and encourage others to VOTE! Enjoy the podcast!

My guest today is Patty Murray - just to be clear, that is 'Patty Murray, the sister' - not 'Patty Murray the senator!' Patty is a musician, songwriter and mental health advocate extraordinaire. Even though Patty doesn't have a social work license, she has the heart and soul of social worker, having compassionately championed her sister's medical and mental health care for nearly 40 years. As a free lance musician, Patty has brought her music and joyful spirit to clubs, recording studios, and facilities for those we deem 'marginalized'. She cares deeply about valuing the worth and dignity of everyone she meets. Patty knows intimately how vital it is to change our perception, resources, access to resources, treatment, research, policy, culture and legislation, regarding mental health. I am honored to call this compassionate, courageous, joyful human my friend. Check out the links below for Patty's website and her social media platforms as well as her 4 part web series "Special Kind of Wrong". Enjoy the podcast! Links: FB: @pattymurraymusic IG: @pattymurraynyc Twitter: @pattymurraynyc www.pattymurrayband.com www.specialkindofwrong.com Ad for Charles Booker of Kentucky National Alliance on Mental Health - NAMI

On this week's episode, I talk about timing - is it everything? And when our timing is off how do we cut ourselves slack and be open to the lessons there for us to learn. Timing does matter and I care about being as intentional as I can be to align my podcast episodes with current holidays or events, but am learning to cut myself slack when my timing misses the mark. Whether your timing is off or spot on, may you be gentle with yourself, dare to speak your truth, listen to others' feedback, and encourage authentic conversations, that illuminate, heal, transform. May you respect the importance of your timing and trust that spiritual wisdom is timeless. Enjoy the podcast!

My guest today is Perry Gartner, a C.I. Consultant who jumps into a phone booth to become a drummer, card counter, and writer. Oh and yes, his nearly 2 year employment with Space X. You decide if he is a spy. Perry has a thirst for knowledge, a curiosity for deeper understanding and childlike enthusiasm for life's simple pleasures. Let us now praise Perry for launching a fascinating newsletter that illuminates passionate details about the Beatles, Charlie Chaplin, and soon to be included: Babe Ruth and Buddy Rich. Check out the links below to read the well-researched blogs on Perry's substack platform. Enjoy the podcast! Links: perrygartner.substack.com Twitter: Perry B Gartner Twitter: Beatles Praise Twitter: Chaplin Praise Nine Men's Morris Segue Records Wayne's podcast episode Vaneese's podcast episode

On this week's episode, I reference the recent Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, the "Day of Atonement" which, if you shift the first two syllables, can also be thought of as "At-One-Ment". Regardless of your religious or non-religious affiliation, it is wise to reflect, forgive and cleanse that which blocks us from being at one. From Judaism to Catholicism, to a Buddhist joke, to whatever spiritual practices speak to you, I encourage you to drop into At-One-Ment. May you find a gentle, compassionate inner voice that helps you acknowledge and reconcile with yourself, with others, with your personification of Divine Love. May you be at one with everything! :) Check out the links to hear the Dalai Lama pizza shop joke and Hafiz' book of poetry. Enjoy the podcast! Links: The Gift: Poems By Hafiz, The Great Sufi Master Dalai Lama pizza shop joke

This week's episode is a simple prayer to bless the earth. I share a free form meditation that I say when walking in nature, that focuses on my gratitude for the beauty and wonder of the land, waters and sky. May this accompany you as you walk through the woods, along the river, up the mountain, or through a field of wildflowers. May we pay attention to how mother earth nourishes, nurtures, inspires and sustains us. May we cultivate care, reverence and advocacy for the health and well-bring of our planet. Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode, I reflect on birthdays, honoring the aging process, embracing life and how we give and receive love on birthdays. How do you enjoy celebrating birthdays for the people you love? How do you prefer to be celebrated on your birthday? Young or old, birthdays are great chance to let the love flow! Birthdays are a chance to pause and absorb how deeply loved we truly are. Blessed, Happy Birthday to all my fellow Libras out there!!! Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode, I acknowledge all the responses I've been hearing from listeners who are connecting and reconnecting with their angels. With an increase in the employment of angels, I have a sense that the angels are rejoicing with jubilant dancing! I also share a story where the calming wisdom of Thich Nhat Hanh showed up in an unexpected place, and his presence continues to reveal sweet synchronicities. His simple, yet profound teachings remind me to be still, breathe, and embrace the gift of being present. How many seemingly insignificant coincidences have you experienced this week? Take a moment to reflect, acknowledge and delight in the mystery, wonder, synchronicity and sweetness that infuse your days. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Thich Nhat Hanh's Mindfulness Essentials series: How To Sit How to Walk How to Eat How to Relax How to See How to Fight How to Connect How to Love

On this week's episode, I report feedback from last week's episode "Asking for Signs" that highlight the synchronicity and comfort that listeners experienced. Asking and receiving signs demonstrates the relational aspect of communication with the spiritual world. Whether it is in our relationship with humans or angels/spirit guides, it is important to express what we want and need. Direct, clear, assertive communication builds healthy relationships. The Irish author and mystic, Lorna Byrne, sees angels as clearly as we all see people. Lorna claims that every human being, has been assigned a personal guardian angel, the gatekeeper of our soul, but most of us don't access their help. Lorna sadly announces that there are so many unemployed angels, waiting for us to employ them, invite them to be of help to us. As you continue asking for signs, please also consciously employ your angels. And then delight in how they work wonders for you. Check out the links below for last week's episode, and how to learn more about Margaret Dulaney and Lorna Bryne. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Asking for Signs Episode Margaret Dulaney/Listen Well Lorna Byrne Angels in My Hair Stairways to Heaven