Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire

On this week's episode, I honor Dr. Jane Goodall, for her groundbreaking work as a naturalist, scientist, conservationist and dedicated activist. Even up to her death last week, at the age of 91, Jane Goodall embodied her mission to create a world where we can live in harmony with nature. I share some of her quotes that perhaps will encourage you to carry on her legacy. Check out the show notes for links to her obituary, website, TED Talks and National Geographic documentaries. She lives on in our hearts and hopefully in our actions. May we allow her beacon of light to keep shining. Enjoy the podcast! Links: NYT Obituary Jane Goodall Quotes TED Talk Jane Goodall Institute Website JANE - A Film by Brett Morgen Jane Goodall: The Hope National Geographic Special

On this week's episode, I share how full and grateful I am to be celebrating another year around the sun. I felt blessed on my birthday, plus the days before and after, soaking in nature, people, wonder, connection and so much love! James Taylor's song "Shower the People" was my internal soundtrack all week.

May you feel surrounded by blessings and remind yourself that even in the midst of outrageous and despairing political news, we can focus on the love, connection, wonder and joy that is also accessible to us. Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode, I acknowledge the Fall Equinox, when the length of the day and night are equal. Can you feel the promise of new beginnings in the fresh, crisp air of Autumn? I am partial to the symbolism of the Fall Equinox, since my birthday is September 23rd. The Fall Equinox and the Libra qualities of balance, justice and equanimity course through my veins.

May we all take time this Fall to reflect on what we stand for, what brings us meaning, what makes us a valuable person and how we can make this world a better place for all. My birthday wish is that we stop those who are trying to dominate others, we bring an end to those taking power away from the marginalized. May we empower ourselves and each other, as we strengthen the principles of democracy. Let us celebrate the Fall Equinox with clarity, gratitude, courage and decisive action for our greatest good. Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode, I explain the triple nine portal of last Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The number nine invites us to close old cycles and prepare for a fresh start. Triple nine energy equals Release, Align, Rise. It's not too late for you to focus on what you what to release, how you can forgive yourself and others with compassion and rise into a higher vibration.

Reflect on what no longer serves you. Envision how you can show up more consciously and confidently for yourself, your relationships, your work and the proactive work needed in our country now. Let these three words be your guide: RELEASE, ALIGN, RISE! Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's podcast I remember my mother, Sylvia Sinclair Carr Berking, whose birthday was less than 2 weeks ago, on August 28th. It would have been Mom's 96th birthday. She was 86 and a half when she died on February 7th, 2015. It's nearly 11 years since my mom died and I think of my Mom on a regular basis. I am so grateful for my mother's generosity, humor and her spiritual curiosity.

In the last two years of her life, Mom articulated what she was living for and trusted that the Universe would help manifest that desire. Being confined to a wheel chair after her left leg was amputated, didn't stop Mom from being on the dance floor of her granddaughter's wedding!! May we be inspired to articulate our dreams and make room in our minds and hearts for them to happen. Enjoy the podcast!

On this Labor Day, as the summer comes to a close and you (hopefully) enjoy a day off, time with family and friends, before the school year starts, let's not forget all those who have risked so much to protect our work force. May we advocate for even better working conditions that reflect social justice, decent work and the safety and health of all workers. Happy Labor Day! Enjoy the podcast. Links: AFL-CIO The Dark History of Labor Day (YouTube)

On this week's episode, I share my recent encounter with a hawk feather and all that brought up for me. What words, images and spiritual wisdom do you associate with a hawk feather? May the qualities of gentleness, softness, light, spirit, gliding and expansion bless you this week. May you feel the presence of the spiritual realm guiding you, watching over you and protecting you. May the hawk feather remind you that you have the strength to conquer any challenges that come your way. May you see things from a higher vantage point, sharpen your vision and have the clarity to make decisions with confidence. May you embody being as light as a feather. Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode I acknowledge how helpful it is to remember and reignite some of the meaningful experiences we've had, even if life tends to tuck them away on a shelf. Being with my cousin and her husband last week, and their genuine interest in my June trip to Vietnam, I remembered and reignited a deeply moving experience I had. My visit to the Tu Hieu Temple where Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh was ordained at the age of 16 and where he returned to for the last 8 years of his life, was recalled and honored. I am so grateful to remember and reignite how important that visit to the temple was, what it felt like to be in the energetic presence of an Enlightened One. May you remember and reignite some of your meaningful experiences and delight in their richness. Checkout the links below for Thich Nhat Hanh's website, his obituary and a list of his best-known books. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Blue Cliff Monastery NY Times Obit Best Known Books: Being Peace Peace Is Every Step The Miracle of Mindfulness The Art of Power True Love Anger

On this week's episode, I share my vision of what heaven entails and the magnificent glimpse of heaven I experienced at my niece's wedding last week. The couple's radiance of love, compassion, mindfulness and integrity raised the vibration for us all to break down the illusion of separation and show up with our best selves. This incredible couple, how they live their lives and their inspiring circle of friends, truly enlightened me. My soul was refreshed and nourished and I was infused with more hope than I have felt in a long time. I hope you, too, are enjoying some glimpses of heaven. Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode I revisit the power of humility. I had chosen the word HUMILITY for my word of 2025 and as we enter the 8th month of the year, it continues to be exactly the word I needed. Humility can be applied in any situation - casual interactions and intense interactions. Humility can be used for our own self talk or the way we approach people and situations.

It's humbling to recognize that I am only in charge of my own life. Humility helps me be honest about my strengths and weaknesses. Humility gives me the patience to listen to others, admit my mistakes, demonstrate empathy, remain curious and be of benefit to others. What a wise, important teacher humility is! Enjoy the podcast!