“Walking the Labyrinth quiets the mind, opens the heart and grounds the body ... Some find answers to questions long asked, some find healing, creativity, a sense of wholeness ... ” (Veriditas.org) 

Labyrinths are one of the most mysterious symbols known to mankind.  This unique symbol is a geometric shape that does not occur naturally and yet feels very much at home in the landscape. Labyrinths have been part of indigenous cultures for thousands of years and Native American cultures have depictions on their artwork, pottery, and petroglyphs. The Man in the Maze symbol is actually a labyrinth, not a maze. Unlike a maze, the labyrinth has one circuitous path in and out where there are no secret passages, no trickery, and no goal. A labyrinth journey is a walking meditation and each person walks at their own pace with no expectations. Along the journey, we release any thoughts, take our time, and welcome reflection. Labyrinth walking is a moving meditation that can be healing, inspirational, or simply calming as we link the body and breath with present-moment awareness.

In this podcast episode, Anne-Marie Emanuelli, director and founder of Mindful Frontiers LLC, briefly explains the history of Tonglen and guides a short compassion practice to generate kindness towards ourselves and others. It is appropriate for families, individuals, and groups.  

One of my favorite meditation practices is Tonglen and a well-known teacher of this practice is Pema Chödrön.  The word tonglen comes from Tibetan language and translates as giving and taking. Tong means giving or sending, and len means receiving or taking. Pema explains that in tonglen practice “we visualize taking in the pain of others with every in-breath and sending out whatever will benefit them on the out-breath. In the process, we … begin to feel love for both ourselves and others; we begin to take care of ourselves and others.” In basic terms, tonglen meditation uses visualization and breath-focus to transform negative energy into positive. 

The concluding short tonglen practice can be offered for those who are ill, those who are dying or have already passed, or those people in pain of any kind. 

Although this is a shortened version, tonglen is traditionally an extended meditation practice.  Mindful Frontiers LLC can be reached at MindfulFrontiers.net.  

You may also read a blog version of this podcast on our blog & publications page.

The change of seasons is a lesson on impermanence, grasping, and aversion. I’m a green-season person even though I have an autumn birthday and am grateful to live in a region where there is sunshine all year. In this conundrum, mindfulness helps me practice with emotions, thoughts, and sensations conjured up by the change of seasons. I notice the grasping and aversion felt in my body as churning in the stomach and heaviness of the heart. I understand that these feelings are uncomfortable, even depressing. I allow myself to explore the sadness when fall is giving way to winter and remind myself in a moment of wisdom that this is a predictable journey of life and death which is temporary and will in a few months transition again to the seasons of rebirth. I try to make friends with my emotions using self-compassion, reminding myself that the flowers and green leaves WILL return. Apple crisp and pumpkin pie are delicious. Wood burning in the fireplace is cozy and all is well at this moment. It’s the cycle of life.

The family meditation in this episode is done outdoors on a hike or where ever we can find an area to be among trees. We keep our eyes open and can choose to either sit or lie down for this practice. 

Mindful Frontiers offers meditation guidance, coaching, and classroom programs. See more on our website: MindfulFrontiers.net

For a list of all our classes and offerings please check out my Link Tree: Linktr.ee/MindfulFrontiers

In this episode, Anne-Marie Emanuelli, creative director at Mindful Frontiers explains how to bring equanimity into times of transition. It is said that the one thing constant in life is change. Transitions are sometimes difficult and we grow in many ways as we experience times of change. Everything changes, from the seasons, our health, our thoughts, our bodies, to our perspectives on life. The way we understood and thought of life as a child is not what we understand as adults. We continue to learn and evolve as humans based on what is going on right now and how we relate to each situation.

Equanimity is a way to work with change that helps us accept transitions with grace and patience. Equanimity is defined as, “mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.” How do we bring mental calmness and composure to difficult situations? Life can be really challenging and many times it seems we will never make it through. Equanimity helps us bring ease and acceptance into stressful and unpleasant experiences so that we are at peace no matter what changes come into our life.

MindfulFrontiers.net / Linktr.ee/MindfulFrontiers / app.ubindi.com/Mindful.Frontiers

Meditating in nature is a satisfying activity. Many enjoy sitting under a tree or by a stream, lying on our back in a meadow or just sitting on a bench in the backyard. Communing with nature can be a rewarding experience, especially if we are showing gratitude and paying close attention to what is around us. In the book, Awake in the Wild, author Mark Coleman writes, “Nature has the power to transform and awaken us. For centuries, monks, mystics, and other individuals have lived, meditated, and sought refuge in the forests, deserts, and mountains.”

What if? This is the intention or theme for this guided meditation. Find a quiet place outdoors – the backyard, a city park, next to a stream, or in a forest and enjoy this practice alone, with your family or a group of friends. It is appropriate for all ages. 

The poem used in this meditation is by Kai Siedenburg from her poetry compilation entitled Poems of Earth and Spirit. The poem What if? is found on pages 41-42. With gratitude to Ms. Siedenburg for her beautiful poetry that is inspiring for meditation and contemplation of Mother Earth.

Anne-Marie Emanuelli is the founder and Creative Director at Mindful Frontiers LLC, an education-based mindfulness meditation center offering workshops, classes, and coaching for children, families, individuals, and classrooms. For more information please visit the website at MindfulFrontiers.net.

Meditating in nature is a satisfying activity. Many enjoy sitting under a tree or by a stream, lying on our back in a meadow, or just sitting on a bench in the backyard. Communing with nature can be a rewarding experience, especially if we are showing gratitude and paying close attention to what is around us.

Recently, I spent 4 days in a hermitage at Lama Foundation. This is something I’ve enjoyed since 2008. When I was teaching, a personal retreat helped me nurture inner strength before going back to the classroom. As a retired educator, I enjoy silent retreats as a way to feed a relationship with nature and all life forms. This fall, I’m looking forward to a 7-day group retreat at Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center. I highly recommend retreats to parents and individuals; it’s a great way to draw inspiration from stillness, tranquility, and inner wisdom while close to nature.

The following practice is intended for families to practice together in a natural setting. Find a quiet place outdoors – the backyard, a city park, next to a stream, or in a forest and enjoy this practice together. It is appropriate for all ages.

Anne-Marie Emanuelli is the founder and Creative Director at Mindful Frontiers LLC, an education-based mindfulness meditation center offering workshops, classes, and coaching for children, families, individuals, and classrooms. For more information please visit the website at MindfulFrontiers.net.

You can find links to all of our classes, workshops, and articles, and sign up for our monthly newsletter at Linktr.ee/MindfulFrontiers

SEL and Mindfulness work well together to nurture healthy relationships. The areas in which mindfulness contributes directly to SEL are self-awareness, self-management, and social awareness. By cultivating an awareness of what is going on in the body and mind right now in the present moment and accepting this with gentleness and kindness, we understand and manage our emotions, thereby nurturing positive relationships and decision-making.

In this podcast, Anne-Marie Emanuelli, Creative Director of Mindful Frontiers LLC shares an SEL and Mindfulness practice that can be done in families or other groups. It involves sharing our emotions and where they are felt in the body. We build self and social awareness in this practice. 

We can be reached at our website: MindfulFrontiers.net. This podcast is registered to Mindful Frontiers LLC. 

Mindfulness can be brought into our daily activities so that anything we do becomes meditation. Doing the dishes, cleaning the house, driving the car, drinking coffee or tea and walking with a pet can all be done mindfully. In this episode, Anne-Marie Emanuelli shares a practice using the five senses that can be applied to any activity and one that families can do together. Are you ready to bring present moment awareness into your daily life? Ok, let's go... 

Podcast inspiration and links:

Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation website: https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/

Mindfulness in Daily Life: https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/be-mindful-in-daily-life

More mindfulness gathas can be found at https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/practice-right-now

Mindful Frontiers website: MindfulFrontiers.net

Link tree page with everything Mindful Frontiers: Linktr.ee/MindfulFrontiers

Mindful Frontiers Youtube Channel with guided meditation for all ages: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2_ITJgY4mI7U1feUDiDlpA

We all have busy schedules and some days are more hectic than others. Just getting out of the house to school can be a major challenge some days. In this month’s podcast, I talk with the Oberczynski family. This conversation is an honest look at how they are trying to bring balance and relaxation into their family routine. Sarah & Sam believe in mindfulness and their energetic children, Zia & Rowan, understand what mindfulness is which is an important foundation in creating a relaxed home life. I hope your family will learn from this casual conversation.

This podcast is dedicated to bringing mindfulness and meditation to families with children. It’s our vision and my life path to “Welcome a Mindful Future; one child, parent, family, community; one present moment at a time.”

If you’d like to be a guest, please reach out via email ([email protected]). 

Located at 302 Paseo del Pueblo Sur - Taos, NM on the main road through town at the corner of Siler and Paseo. Just south of Smiths grocery store and north of Randall Lumber.