In this tender and whimsical episode, Alexander Blue Feather invites you into a weekend of poetry, play, and presence with Harvey Pink Feather. From basement pirate poetry sessions to the gentle rhythms of 'Blossomise' by Simon Armitage, their world unfolds in haikus, laughter, and the quiet magic of shared moments. As winter lingers and spring stirs beneath the surface, this is an offering to hold both—the hush of snow and the promise of bloom. Harvey’s voice rises like birdsong, her love for haikus and pirate tales weaving joy into the stillness. Come, linger in this space where poetry and love lead us home. Winter's Edge Wise Circle starts Tuesday, March 4, 2025 (6 weeks) Grab your seat at viralmindfulness.com/wise-circles

As winter lingers and the first whispers of spring stir beneath the surface, how do we honor this in-between season? In this episode, Alexander Blue Feather reflects on Imbolc, the Gaelic festival marking the midpoint between winter solstice and spring equinox. He explores the themes of rest, renewal, and the quiet work happening beneath the surface—both in nature and within ourselves. Drawing from Katherine May’s wisdom and his own creative practices, he invites listeners to slow down, tend to their roots, and embrace small rituals of light and stillness. Plus, updates on Wise Circles, new watercolor prints, and the music that’s been carrying him through this season.

Mentioned in this episode:

✨ Imbolc and the art of honoring winter’s pause

✨ Katherine May’s reflections on midwinter

✨ Music as a companion in silence and transformation

✨ Small rituals to welcome renewal

✨ Updates on Wise Circles & creative offerings

Tune in and join this journey of deep listening, reflection, and gentle awakening.

Join me in solidarity for a powerful moment of silence. As I approach the final 30 hours of an at-home profound noble silence journey, I’m inviting you to step into your own quiet for just ten minutes.

It all began at 4 AM PT on Monday, December 30, 2024, when the call of an owl—an extraordinary first in my 13 years here—woke me from sleep. These past days of silence have been intense yet illuminating, and I’d love for us to connect in this shared stillness.

What might emerge for you through the practice of silence?

To help you "make sit happen," I’ve created a ten-minute silent meditation. Take a moment for yourself, and send your love and light my way as I complete this week of silence.

I’ll return on Monday with words and the opening of enrollment for Winter Wise Circles. Curious about the schedule? Visit viralmindfulness.com/circle to learn more.

Join me for a calming guided meditation where we explore the quiet beauty of winter. Together, we make “sit” happen, creating a space for stillness amid the busyness of life. With the soft glow of a candle and Katherine May’s reflective words as our inspiration, we’ll journey inward to connect with the rhythms of this season. Through grounding practices and mindful breathing, we’ll honor the winter’s lessons of rest, deceleration, and tending to our roots. You'll learn to invite all aspects of yourself—thoughts, feelings, and sensations—into the present moment, cultivating a sense of belonging within. Key Takeaways: Practice inclusivity by inviting your feelings and thoughts to "sit" with you.

Connect with your inner light and explore how it flourishes in the quiet margins of winter.

Embrace winter’s lesson of slowing down and honoring stillness. Reflect on nurturing your roots and keeping the sun’s energy alive through light and silence. May you leave this meditation with peace, kindness, and a renewed connection to the steady heartbeat of life.

In this reflective holiday episode, Alexander shares a cherished memory from 1985 as a seventh-grader in Salt Lake City, Utah. He recalls performing in a regional production of Scrooge, The Musical, playing several roles, including George, the lovable street urchin. This experience, filled with camaraderie and creativity, left a lasting impression—especially a poignant interaction with a kind, artistic gay man who gifted him a hand-painted Christmas card.

Alexander transitions to the present, sharing how winter solstice and the holiday season are shaping his emotions and spiritual journey. He reflects on missing time with Harvey, adapting to family gatherings, and navigating feelings of vulnerability and sadness. Inspired by Katharine May’s “Incantation for Solstice Eve,” he emphasizes the importance of rest, stillness, and embracing the rhythm of winter.

In a metaphor of trees shedding their last leaves, Alexander finds clarity in letting go of expectations and honoring his internal season of winter. He reminds listeners that New Year’s resolutions don’t have to start on January 1st and celebrates the power of candlelight, music, and silence to sustain light in the darkest days.

This episode blends nostalgia, mindfulness, and heartfelt honesty, encouraging listeners to embrace their own cycles of rest and renewal.

In this episode of Viral Mindfulness the Podcast, I invite you into a season of slowing down, reflecting, and reconnecting. From howling at the full moon in Provincetown with Harvey and Nova Rain to embracing the calming metaphor of snail juice, I share stories and insights from my 31 Days of December at-home-retreat. Together, we explore themes of reweaving ourselves, cultivating silence, and resisting the allure of constant digital distraction. Plus, I have an exciting announcement about my new limited-edition watercolor prints inspired by rainwater and nature's gentle beauty. Tune in for inspiration to embrace winter’s stillness and steep in life’s deeper rhythms. Podcast Soul Siblings: Enjoy 20% Off WATERCOLOUR PRINTS, Enter Code at checkout: BLUE20 → https://www.viralmindfulness.com/gallery/prints

Before you dive into a longer meditation, take a moment to check in with your mind. Where are you at right now? To ground yourself in the present, it can help to ask a few simple questions, ones that bring you into direct contact with what's unfolding inside you.

Here's another question and touchpoint: What is the quality of you thoughts right now? Is your mind busy? Drowsy? Is your mind surprisingly still?

Are your thoughts raging? Peaceful or gentle? Obsessive or calm?

Explore the quality of your thoughts and the landscape of your mind, in this present moment...

*Inspired by the words of Pema Chödrön

In this episode, I reflect on the experience of engaging in a 7-day meditation challenge, offering insights on the power of simple, short meditations and the universal struggle with meditation. I share personal experiences of how incorporating even brief, 1-minute meditations has led to greater consistency and depth in my practice this week. Drawing from the wisdom of Pema Chodron, the episode emphasizes that meditation is not about achieving perfection or escaping thoughts, but about creating space to witness the mind's activity without judgment. This process of noticing and allowing thoughts to come and go, Alexander Blue Feather suggests, is at the core of true meditation practice.

I also share the joy of community meditation sessions, expresses gratitude for a birthday gift, and looks forward to upcoming personal events and gatherings, including attending a retreat at Kripalu. The episode closes with words of encouragement, reminding listeners that meditation is a revolutionary practice that allows us to hold space for our thoughts, feelings, and deeper emotions, such as grief and pain.

Before you dive into a longer meditation, take a moment to check in with your mind. Where are you at right now? To ground yourself in the present, it can help to ask a few simple questions, ones that bring you into direct contact with what's unfolding inside you.

Here's the next question: Are you experiencing any physical sensations? Pain, tightness, relaxation? Explore your body and its sensations, in this moment, on your own...

*Inspired by the words of Pema Chödrön

Before you dive into a longer meditation, take a moment to check in with your mind. Where are you at right now? To ground yourself in the present, it can help to ask a few simple questions, ones that bring you into direct contact with what's unfolding inside you.

Start with this: What are you feeling? Can you connect with that? It could be an emotion or a sensation in your body—maybe you're feeling calm, agitated, tired, or even in pain. Don’t try to fix or change it, just notice. Can you simply be with what’s here, in this moment?

Inspired by the words of Pema Chödrön.