Episode 383 Embracing Change
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I reflect on all the change that happens around us and the wisdom of learning to embrace change. There are the changes in season, temperatures, clothes and food, changes in friendships and activities. I also noticed when organizing my Holiday Card list, how many people changed homes so I needed address updating. I was struck by the number of loved ones who have died this past year. Their absence has an impact on me along with a web of other people, all experiencing changes without these individuals in our lives. I am comforted by the Buddhist teaching on...
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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!
info_outline Since launching this podcast in January 2018, it has been important for me to represent people of color throughout the year. In addition, I have ensured that during Black History month, the entire month of February, featured black guests. This year I thought it would be appropriate to focus on the responsibility white people have in dismantling white supremacy, which is the root of racism. I personally am dedicated to doing as much as possible to stay aware of my white privilege and use that awareness to challenge and check in, if I am, in fact, thinking, speaking or acting in anti-racist ways. This year, for Black History month I’ll be reading Layla Saad’s book “Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor”. The book is designed as a 28 day challenge, so I think it is a perfect way for me, and I invite all my white listeners to join me, to rethink our part in healing and restoring dignity to Black Indigenous People Of Color.
There are so many gems in this book, from the quotes inscribed in the front and back of the book, to the Forward written by Dr. Robin Di Angelo, to Saad’s openness, vulnerability, humility and bold courage, guiding the readers to do the critical inner work.
The quote in the front of the book reads:
“Create the change the world needs by creating change within yourself.”
The quote at the back of the book reads:
“You can not dismantle what you cannot see. You cannot challenge what you do not understand.”
So today is February 1st, the start of the month, the start of Black History Month, and an opportunity for white people to participate differently in Black History Month - a month that only exists because of the glaring racial inequity in this country. For Black History month, I want to start a deeper, pro-active journey in doing the inner work to dismantle white supremacy. How much more energy, courage and trust it takes to feel the feelings, sit with the unbearableness of racism and oppression, re-awaken to our humanity, channel our pain, guilt and shame into action and change. Let’s raise our consciousness and acknowledge how we knowingly and unknowingly benefit from racists policies and systems. I hope you will join me in reflecting, journaling, processing, so we are ready and able to make meaningful, tangible shifts to dismantle white supremacy. The work of anti-racism is not a one time event, or simply accomplished by completing a 28 day challenge. I know it is a life long commitment, but I believe, for this moment, this is a good place to start. May you find a meaningful way to truly honor Black History Month.
Check out the links below to learn more about Layla Saad, her website, podcast and purchase her book “Me and White Supremacy”. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
http://laylafsaad.com/
Good Ancestor Podcast