The difficulties of childhood--and as we grow--often shape who we become. What does it take to see our experiences for what they are, to finally come home to ourselves, no matter what we've gone through? As I'm realizing, it can be simple and immediate, as one's life is witnessed with care and loving curiosity. Piano music composed and performed by Jessica Roemischer

Amidst a torrential storm, a chance encounter with a woman at a cafe ends up protecting me. When I arrive home safe and sound, I think to myself, that was an angel. And I realize, angels can look like ordinary people, appearing suddenly and unexpectedly to help us. Music - Amazing Grace, arranged and performed by Jessica Roemischer

The lives of children - their adventures, discoveries and joys can enrich each and every one of us! Here, I share wonderful examples as I've observed children playing, surfing on the ocean, and learning the piano. The podcast concludes with a rendition of Beethoven's beloved melody, "Ode to Joy," played by my student, Leo Tagliazucchi-Claridge

A peek into my little music school, where children are allowed the freedom to create their own music, to learn the songs they love, to find their own voices. And that voice is the soul, it's that part of a student that's his or her essence, the thing that's the source of confidence, of who they really are! That's what inspires me to teach the piano and to share the beauty of music. The podcast concludes with a story by one of my students. "Christmas with the Leopards," read by William Dale, age 9. Piano music - "Jingle Bells," arranged and performed by Jessica Roemischer

Since my father's passing, amidst the grief and memories, his spirit is coming to me. It's arising through messages I receive in prayer to him. And, interestingly, it's taking the form of animals whom I notice in my daily walks near the ocean. Here I describe an extraordinary encounter with a raven. As I endeavor to forge a life free from fear and anxiety, my dad's presence--more than ever before--is assuring me that he'll be there. Original piano music composed and performed by Jessica Roemischer

As I was sitting overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a majestic sea eagle swooped and glided, just ten feet above me. This miraculous moment inspired a contemplation on freedom, healing, and how the space to soar, unimpeded, can reveal a vast healing power accessible to each and every one of us. Original piano music by Jessica Roemischer

As I sit overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the waves crashing below me, made huge by a cyclone churning out at sea, I contemplate what it takes to make it through - to overcome trauma and the painful experiences any of us has experienced. What does it take to come through the barrel of the wave, the vast, rolling difficulties of life, and to emerge intact from it all. Original piano music by Jessica Roemischer

In this episode, I read a chapter from my memoir, "In Duet with God." It's the story of Flora, who entered my life when I was eight. She was my childhood nanny. As the decades unfolded, I'd realize that Flora was a beacon of light in the darkness, and that the story of this beautiful and loving soul was something I had to tell the world. Music is the Shaker hymn, "Simple Gifts," arranged and performed by Jessica Roemischer

I woke up this morning thinking about my dear dad, who passed just a few months ago. And I was overwhelmed with a deep grief that my dad isn't here with me anymore, in the way he was. And what came to me was the love he had for me and for music, and for the music I created especially for him. So I was inspired to listen to music I'd created to give him for his 85th birthday, just three years ago--a special CD for my daddy. And as I played the music, I thought of that ephemeral place between this life and the next, between this embodied life and the feeling of those loved and now in that blessed world beyond the here and now. Music is "My Wild Irish Rose" by Chauncey Olcott, arranged and performed by Jessica Roemischer

As I sat on the beach, the water gently ebbing and flowing, I glimpsed a little boy. He was just 2 or 3-years old, and carrying a blue bucket and a shovel. Intently digging a sand pit, he walked back and forth to the water's edge. Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, a little French bulldog appeared. He ran up to the boy and for just a moment, the two became delightful companions. Here, I share the poignant interaction between them, and how the smallest of moments can have such profound meaning. Piano music - "Blue Sea Mist," composed and performed by Jessica Roemischer