Episode 382 The Gratitude Theory
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
As we enter the week of Thanksgiving, I thought I’d highlight the gratitude theory and the 4 A's of gratitude: Awareness, Acknowledgement, Appreciation and Action. This week is an ideal time to be reminded of the power of an attitude of gratitude. A grateful mindset can lighten us, enrich what is in front of us and help us navigate our challenges. A grateful heart shifts our own mood and positively impacts those around us. May we give thanks every day by cultivating a gratitude theory with the 4 A's. Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the podcast!
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Episode 381 Honoring Jude
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode I honor Jude Vasquez, a beloved soul who shockingly died at the age of 34 from a heart condition. My son, Wil considered Jude not only one of his closest friends, but his bonus sister. Wil took this stunning photo of Jude, his Silver Queen. I describe the unexpected blessings I received when I attended a Celebration of Life gathering for Jude at the Bushwick Flea Market. As Rumi says: “Observe the wonders as they occur around you. Don’t claim them. Feel the artistry moving through, and be silent.” Listen to the podcast to hear of all the small wonders I observed....
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Episode 380 Hope Ignited
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, there were two things that ignited hope for me this past week. One was the championing of ordinary people by the new mayor of NYC, Zohran Mamdani. Witnessing a leader with compassion, courage and integrity stirred in me some much needed hope.The other was how powerfully the black voters came through, once again, to ensure most of the blue wins across the country. As Kieth Boykin points out “Black voters show up for policies that help every body: affordable housing, lower utility bills, jobs, justice and democracy itself!” Hope is ignited in me when we speak...
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Episode 379 Thinner Veil
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, as we are in the heart of the Autumn season, I describe what it means that the veil is thinner. The boundary between the physical world and the spiritual world is more permeable, therefore the veil is thinner. This thinner veil allows for greater, more direct communication with our spirit guides, our deceased loved ones and ancestors. So in this period of the veil being thinner between the physical and spiritual realms, may we acknowledge and honor the dead. May we remember them, tell stories of them, carry on their interests, values and light. May we let go and...
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Episode 378 Tell It Like It Is
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I highlight Leigh McGowan, also known as Politics Girl, who tells it like it is. Her honest, courageous posts inspire me to speak my truth, particularly these days when speaking truth is ignored or punished by this administration. @iampoliticsgirl helped me process the profound, invigorating and joyful experience of the NO Kings protest we attended in NYC on October 18th. And despite 8.2 million people showing up in every state in this country, along with incredible global support from over a dozen countries around the world, Trump and JD Vance attempted to vilify...
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Episode 377 No Kings 2
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I highlight the No Kings 2.0 protest that happened this past weekend and the importance of this event. In addition to it being one of the largest protests in American history, and the solidarity and invigorating energy it filled me with, the protest is one of many necessary actions we need to take to stand up to Trump’s unconstitutional violations. I share a clip from Keith Boykin, who describes the coup that is in progress from this administration. Our democracy is at stake and we must join together to stop the political corruption, military force and...
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Episode 376 Lifted and Lifting
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I highlight the second word in the title of my podcast: UPLIFT. Even in the midst of hatred, violence and negativity, we can focus our attention on what lifts us up and how we might lift up others. I reference Hafiz’ poem about Joy, particularly the line that says “we were created to smile, to love, to be lifted up and lift others up”. May we honor what we were created for - let yourself be lifted up and enjoy lifting up those around you. Let the kindness, thoughtfulness, and gratitude naturally flow with ease. Happy lifting! Enjoy the podcast!
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Episode 375 Honoring Jane Goodall
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...
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Episode 374 Birthday Blessings
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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!
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Episode 373 Fall Equinox
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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...
info_outline My guest today is Matthew Rushing. Not only has Matthew been an outstanding dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater since 1992, he has also choreographed three pieces for the company and became the Rehearsal Director and Guest Dancer in 2010. Matthew was 12 years old when he first saw the Ailey company perform and remembers being transformed; he saw his life danced in front of him and fell in love with the idea of the company! The clarity that followed was not that he simply wanted to be a professional dancer, but that he specifically wanted to dance in this company! 5 years later, at age 17, Matthew manifested his dream.
Matthew has a huge heart for young people in the arts, so along with all the classes he teaches, he co-founded the ASAP Mentoring Program, pairing Ailey students with Ailey professionals.
As part of the 60th anniversary of the company, a video was made of Matthew dancing “I Wanna Be Ready” (a male solo section from the dance “Revelations”). Matthew danced this piece in Alvin Ailey’s childhood church, in Rogers, Texas, which was both exhilarating and humbling for Matthew. It’s breathtakingly beautiful and Matthew says he couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to thank Mr. Ailey, who changed his life and gave him wings to fly.
Check out the links below for the Alvin Ailey website, where you will find photos, interviews and video footage of Matthew’s magnificent work with the company. There are also YouTube links of excerpts of Matthew’s choreography, and a link to Matthew giving an innovative keynote speech to the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts graduating class of 2015. Do yourself a favor and watch it, watch all the YouTube footage of Mathew dancing - he is exquisite and will uplift, inspire and maybe even move you to tears!!!
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Alvin Ailey web site
YouTube videos:
“I Wanna Be Ready”
Keynote speech at Frank Sinatra High School of the Arts
Uptown (2009) Harlem Renaissance
Odetta (2014) tribute to Odetta Holmes
Alvin Ailey: The Making of Matthew Rushing's ODETTA:
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
New York City Dance Alliance
Matthew 28 Collaborative Performance--Gracefarms.org
NYIBC Gala: A Song For You, solo performance