Episode 354 Childer of Wonder
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I talk about my love for the word wonder. Wonder slows me down, drops me into curiosity, and then opens the rich doors to gratitude. Even as a senior citizen, I consider myself a child of wonder. Let the magnificent gifts of Spring re-ignite your sense of wonder. Check out the show notes for links to hear the poignant words of Dot, a 96 year old woman who strives to live in awe and to the timeless wisdom of Rachel Carson’s The Sense Of Wonder. May we embrace what it means to be a child of wonder. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG:
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Episode 353 I Am Because We Are
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode I explore the African proverb Ubuntu, which means ‘I am because we are.’ The phrase came to me in meditation last week and has stayed with me everyday. How do we honor our universal bond that connects all humanity? In the midst of hatred, divisiveness and injustice, how do we deepen our compassion, find forgiveness and treat others with respect? Nelson Mandela’s commitment to Ubuntu reminds me that we are all interconnected and that we have a responsibility to care for one another. ‘I am because we are’ is a phrase and philosophy I am inspired by. I...
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Episode 352 Bless The Earth
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, as we celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, I talk about what it means to bless the earth. From cleaning up trash in our local parks to cultivating more awareness and responsibility to care for our planet, we can bless the earth. I share the earth blessing meditation that organically came to me and through me years ago, that is a part of my daily spiritual practice. May we bless the sky, the land and the waters. May we all bless our precious planet earth. May everyday be Earth Day. Happy Earth Day! Enjoy the podcast!
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Episode 351 Slow and Steady
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I provide a guided meditation to help ground us in these tumultuous times. Carve out a few minutes for silence, stillness and slow, steady, replenishing, deep breaths. You are not alone. I hold you, my dear listeners in loving-kindness and compassion. Enjoy the podcast!
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Episode 350 Hands Off!
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I share my invigorating experience of attending the NYC “HANDS OFF” Protest this past Saturday April 5th. I was energized and grateful to take a stand against Trump’s lies, corruption, and destructive chaos. Our collective power to show up, organize and have our voices heard across the country is inspiring! I appreciated the art work, the shared values, the chants and the singing that created a powerful sense of solidarity. Participating in this protest gave me a renewed vision of actually creating a real democracy - of, by, and for the people!! Let’s...
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Episode 349 Wisdom from the Planets
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I share some insights of what is reflected in the planets that help explain the tumultuous time we are now experiencing. Some astrology basics have not only helped me feel connected to the cosmos, to mystery and that which is bigger than us, but also has provided some much needed HOPE! Now is the time to align with our values, with our communities and with the wisdom of the planets! Let’s take a stand for what we care most about and move this country closer to this dream of democracy. Let’s create the healing transformation our country needs. Check out the...
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Episode 348 A Start To The Day
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode I share a recent “start” to my day that startled me and had a startling impact on others. Thankfully everyone is safe & sound and an outpouring of love was felt in the process. I hope you are getting the rest you need. I hope Mercury Retrograde hasn’t thrown you off. And if you have been thrown off, that you can find the laughter and the gifts infused within. And most of all I hope you have a tribe, a circle of loving support that has your back. May you lift up and be lifted up by those you love. May we embrace the start of each day with gratitude and grace....
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Episode 347 All Is Not Well
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
The title of this week’s podcast “All Is Not Well” isn’t my typical "uplift and inspire” focus. However, I want to acknowledge that I unintentionally hurt someone in an episode I released at the end of December titled “All Is Well”. I am deeply sorry for the pain that particular episode caused and have taken it down so it can no longer be accessed. When all is not well, I care about being honest and humbled. I want to take responsibility and hold myself accountable. I offer this public apology with humility, seeking grace. Thank you for bearing with me when I make a mistake....
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Episode 346 We Need To Village
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I explore the use of the word “village” as a noun and a verb. From the African proverb “it takes a village to raise a child” to why we, as a country in crisis, need to “village”. We need social connectedness, safe circles, groups and villages, where we can be held and hold others. In our village and as we village, we need to create and use ‘“alternative economies”, based on mutuality and the common good. I also explain how strong communities and living with joy are forms of resistance. May we village with one another, strengthen our communities and...
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Episode 345 Wouldn't It Be Nice If......
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I share a personal experience of the uplifting “Wouldn’t It Be Nice If…” mindset exercise. This simple phrase is a powerful bridge to move our thoughts from what we don’t what to what we do want. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice If…” helps align our thoughts with what is in our highest interest, so the Universe has a better chance of helping us manifest what serves our highest good. When my friend Cynthia and I brainstormed and implemented the ““Wouldn’t It Be Nice If…” possibilities, it shifted our thoughts, our feelings and...
info_outline On this week’s episode, I honor Black History Month as well as the visionary, forward-looking spin on celebrations of Blackness in February, called Black Future Month. We need to do both: look back in history, while dream forward into the future, nurturing the on-going movement for racial justice. And we must face the suffering and trauma of the present moment.
I resonate with the quote: “No one is free when others are oppressed”, because it captures that it is not only the oppressed who suffer but the oppressor who suffers for they have been disconnected from their humanity. I share an excerpt from Mandela’s “Long Walk to Freedom” that crystalizes this truth. Mandela also highlights how critical it is to look back at history, be mindful of the present and intentionally live into a future that respects and enhances the freedom of others. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
IG of Lee Merritt @leemerrittesq
Lee Merritt on Twitter
IG of Patrice Cullors @osopepatrisse
Nelson Mandela “A Long Walk to Freedom”