Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire

Instead of a guest today, I would like to share some of my own reflections in the midst of this pandemic and only hope that it may resonate and provide a heart connection for you. I know we are at a loss, so much of our lives, as we've known it have shifted, if not fully turned upside down. We will, if we haven't already, experience heart-breaking loss: loss of job stability, loss of reliable income, loss of housing, loss of healthcare, as well as loss of our own health, loss of friends, family and neighbors. And whether you feel it directly or indirectly, there is widespread fear all around us. I don't have any profound answers to all the questions that are swirling in our midst, it truly is uncertain isn't it? I do have a desire though to hold all my podcast guests and listeners in loving-kindness. And so, I am here, dropping into the rawness of uncertainty, wanting to be connected from my heart to your heart. I want you to know that I now add you to my list of people I hold in meditation every day. Many of you I know personally, some of you I may not know personally, or may not have the opportunity to ever meet in person and yet if you are listening, I feel an energetic connection to you. Not only am I grateful that you are listening and supporting my desire to shine light on stories and people who inspire me, but I now consider you part of my extended energetic family. Covid-19 has me focusing on what and who is precious to me and you, dear listeners are precious to me and deeply valued. I would also like to encourage you to scroll through previous episodes and take the time to listen to my guests that you may have missed when they were initially aired. We either have a guest every week or I share a personal story or read from spiritual teachers, and I know it's hard to listen to them all. So if you are needing some inspiration, or simply a distraction in these troubling times, there are many to choose from; we've had so many people from all walks of life overcoming adversity, tapping into inner strength, embracing creativity and living more fully into their light. I trust that their personal stories will uplift you. Links: www.jackkornfield.com www.tarabrach.com

My guest today is Mother Suzanne Toro, one who embodies a compassionate and peaceful heart. In keeping with the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we recorded my conversation with Suzanne via Zoom. Suzanne is an Episcopal Priest, rector of St. John's Episcopal Church in Cornwall, NY and although life has slowed down for many people, Suzanne admits that she has never worked harder since the outbreak of the coronavirus here in NY. Regardless of your religious/spiritual beliefs or non-beliefs, Mother Toro shares universal insights about connection, grace, courage, responsibility, growth and opportunity. She acknowledges that we are meaning-making-machines, seeking to make sense of life, yet in these strange times, when our lives have been turned up side down, we are immersed in so much uncertainty. Suzanne doesn't pretend to know answers or how to make sense of this pandemic, but she knows that we are in this together; and sees how it is bringing us back to ourselves, and a deeper connection with one another for healing. May Suzanne's open mind and warm heart provide comfort for all who are listening. Enjoy the podcast! Links: www.jackkornfield.com www.tarabrach.com St John's Episcopal Church

Instead of a guest today, I would like to share some spiritual wisdom for these difficult times. Addressing and responding to COVID-19 marks an unprecedented moment in our history. Not just for some of us, but for all of us. Because this virus does not discriminate based on geography, culture, race, ethnicity, and socio-economic level, we are all impacted! Again not just in our neighborhood, our town, our city, our community, our county, our country, but all across the globe. Many of us have expressed, that in a strange way, COVID-19 has unified us, and we are all going through this at the same time, together. This is not to dismiss the seriousness of this virus and the devastating, even potentially deadly impact of this virus. That is there, too. However, despite the the isolation felt from social distancing, there are innovative ways people are feeling connected. Have you seen the videos of quarantined neighborhoods in Italy and Spain, with people standing on their balconies, playing a musical instrument, which inspires another person to bring out their instrument, and before you know it, musicians and spectators are all standing on their balconies creating a spontaneous, uplifting moment of intimacy and community. These creative, courageous people are allowing music and song to transcend the experience of alienation. I encourage you to check out the web sites of Brother Richard Hendrick, Thich Nhat Hahn and Jack Kornfield, so much wisdom and compassion to tap into!! Enjoy the podcast. Links:

Brother Richard Hendrick's Web Site Thich Nhat Hahn's Web Site Jack Kornfield's Web Site The Wisdom Of Not Knowing

I know that we are living in an uncertain and scary time with COVID-19. Businesses and schools have closed, many are struggling to make ends meet and I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my podcast. We will eventually return to a sense of normalcy. In the meantime, I hope these conversations serve to connect us and uplift us. This episode was recorded before the coronavirus outbreak, but I plan to offer readings and word of encouragement over the next weeks. I want to be with you in this, as we go through this together. My guest today is Maria Lugo. Maria is an executive life coach, home school educator, justice consultant and host of a local public access television show. From doing the personal work to discover her soul purpose, to knowing that growth happens outside of our comfort zones, to being a believer in learning from our experiences and a deeply spiritual person, Maria brings energy and passion to her personal and professional life. She finds creative ways to relate to people from all walks of life, inspiring them to step more confidently into their potential. Maria is the consummate advocate for the gifts and destinies of her two sons. Both of Maria's sons: Emmanuel Lewis and Gabriel Lewis have been guests on my podcast. I invite you to listen to these episodes to get a sense of how impressively Maria parented these outstanding young men. How greatly I treasure Maria's insights, devotion and leadership, not to mention her newly discovered passion for tango dancing! I trust you, too, will be inspired by Maria's zest for life! Check out the show notes for links to Maria's sons' conversations with me and links to Maria's projects and contact information. Enjoy the podcast! Links: [email protected] M.A.D.E. Transitions HNE Network Enlighten Podcast Episodes: Gabriel Lewis Emanuel Lewis

My guest today is Lisa Green. Lisa shifted from being a professional singer, actor, and producer, to being a writer, and innovative realtor with a flare for interior design. Lisa is from Australia and moved to the states over 30 years ago. She also happens to be one of the most courageous spiritual warriors I know. Lisa understands grief intimately and as devastated as she was when her 16 year old son Jesse died, 7 years ago, she knows that grief will never outweigh the love. Writing has been a healing outlet for Lisa, not only for processing her emotions, but trusting that she can provide compassionate companionship for others who have lost a loved one. She reads a deeply moving excerpt from her writings "My Impossible" that poignantly captures both heartache and hope. Lisa continues to model for me and our community how to show up with dignity and humility to some of life's biggest challenges. Check out the show notes for links to connect with Lisa. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Wright Bros. Real Estate

Instagram

My guest today is Rick Velleu. Rick is a scenic artist, filmmaker, design creator, and consummate storyteller! Rick's innovative career reflects his many creative talents including: making stage props, a scenic artist for theatrical backdrops, a draftsman for an Egyptologist, using his many gifts on Jim Henson's creative team, the character designer of "Dora the Explorer", co-creating his own documentary film production company and to landing his current job as Director of Marketing and Content for the Environmental Defense Fund. The thread that connects all these experiences is Rick's passion to make things, be it paper maché cows, murals, drawings, community theater productions, films, do-it-yourself weddings or meaningful stories that help save the planet. Rick is inspired by the blank page and that process of making art, acknowledging that it is both supremely infinite and terrifying!! Check out the show notes for links to Rick's projects and the Environmental Defense Fund, particularly a site that offers a one-stop shop to search for sustainable solutions. Enjoy the podcast! Links: EDF School Play (Amazon Prime) Eyepop Productions BoatLift, An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience (YouTube) Supply Chain Solutions Center Made In Ghent

My guest today is Gail Blache-Gill. Gail is a professional choral singer, conductor, pianist, educator, and minister of music. Born and raised in Trinidad, Gail moved to NYC when she was 17 years old. She first attended Lehman College in the Bronx majoring in math, then joined the choir at Brooklyn College, before moving to Princeton, NJ to complete her studies at Westminster Choir College. Gail toured with "Porgy and Bess" for 9 years, taught music in Brooklyn, Hawaii, Harlem and New Jersey, sings with the Alvin Ailey Gospel Choir, conducts the Haitian gospel choir, The Spirituals, based in Brooklyn, NY, and is currently the Minister of Music at The Church of St. Paul and the Incarnation in Jersey City, NJ. Authentic, vulnerable and compassionate; Gail has learned to be a deep listener: to the past, to young people, to the numerous doors that open before us; a sign, she believes, of the universe's loving support. Gail believes the only reason we are here on this earth is to love; help each other and be kind to each other. Music has been a natural vehicle for Gail to be an instrument of God's peace. She claims that singing is her passion and music is her ministry. Join me on March 12th at the NY Historical Society's program 'Black Women and the 19th Amendment' to hear Gail and her gifted friends sing. See links to this event in the show notes. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Brent Staples NY Historical Society March 12 Program The Church of St. Paul and the Incarnation Jersey City, NJ Alvin Ailey Gospel Choir

My guest today is Everett Bradley. Everett is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, dancer, and actor, who honors his mother's courage and tenacity to have advocated for her son's musical passion. He describes the turning point in his career from performing in the production STOMP!, to the Broadway show "Swing", to singing and playing percussion with Hall & Oates, Bruce Springsteen, and Jon Bon Jovi. Nearly 15 years ago, Everett created a soulful holiday show called Holidelic, that is by far one of the most uplifting, funk-filled, dynamic shows, I have ever experienced, driven by Everett's motto "GIVE LOVE!! Everett gives his love everywhere he goes and has been involved with the organization SAY, that creates an artistic home for youth who stutter. Everett, aka "Rev Ev", is also a Universal Life Church minister and has officiated 14 weddings, bringing his enthusiasm for life and love to yet another setting. He acknowledges the richness in replenishing himself in nature, with silence, solitude, and space; it is there he can honor his inner wisdom and nurture his creativity. Being in his presence, I am nourished and inspired by Everett's honesty, humanity, authenticity, and integrity. Check out the show notes for links to Everett's beautiful website, look for his tour with Bon Jovi 2020 and please join me next December to see Everett perform his magical Holidelic show. You'll also find the link for the transformative work of SAY. Enjoy the podcast! Links: www.everettbradley.com www.bonjovi.com www.brucespringsteen.net/ www.say.org

My guest today is Vaneese Thomas. Born in Memphis, TN and immersed into the music royalty family of Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas and Marvell Thomas, Vaneese is an incredible soul/blues/R&B singer/songwriter and producer. She has produced recordings and written songs for Patti Austin, Freddie Jackson, Bob James, Larry Coryell, Melba Moore and Diana Ross. In addition to concerts and recordings, Vaneese has worked in film and television: she was the voice for Grace the Bass for PBS' Shining Time Station, Clio the Muse in Disney's Hercules and for nearly 20 years, sang on countless jingles. Vaneese feels blessed to have a rich career as both solo performer of her own music and the amazing opportunities to be a background vocalist for legends like: Luciano Pavarotti, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, and Eric Clapton as well as to be one of Aretha Franklin's background vocalists for ten years. You can see Vaneese singing background vocals in Bruce Springsteen's recent movie "Western Stars". Vaneese shares memories from her time at Swarthmore College, what prompted her to move to New York, the people and bands that welcomed her and the gracious doors that have opened for her. I am so grateful for our 38 year friendship; our spiritual explorations; and how we have shown up for each other along this journey of life. Check out the show notes for links to Vaneese's website - purchase her music and come hear her live! Enjoy the podcast! Links: Vaneese's web site Peaceful Waters Music "Down Yonder" on Spotify "Ebony Man" - YouTube video

In honor of Black History Month, I am excited to announce our 3 fabulous guests starting next week: Vaneese Thomas, Everett Bradley and Gail Blache-Gill. But for today, I want to start off Black History Month by reading a children's story. This story resonates with my longing to do what I can to dismantle white supremacy. The book is called "Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness", written and illustrated by Anastasia Higginbotham. Check the show notes for links to Anastasia's website. Whether you purchase this book or find your own creative ways to address the scary, uncomfortable ways we avoid these issues, please join me in doing what we can to dismantle racism. As the book says, we can be white without signing onto Whiteness! Enjoy the podcast. Links: www.anastasiahigginbotham.com Not My Idea Rev. angel Kyoda williams www.enlighten.nyc Enlighten on Instagram