Episode 416 Invigorated by Yosemite
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I share how invigorated I was after 6 days of hiking in Yosemite National Park. I’ve had Yosemite hiking on my bucket list for 50 years and am delighted I finally experienced a section of it’s profound peace and awesome beauty. I felt healthy, strong and empowered walking in the high altitudes, through shaded forests, over sunny granite, and up and down rocky switchbacks. I was so uplifted and inspired by the mountains, meadows and lakes and trust that this intimate communion with nature will live in me forever. May you find refreshment this summer in lakes,...
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Episode 415 Evening Strolls
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I describe my appreciation for evening strolls. In addition to the physical benefits of walking after dinner, evening strolls provide an opportunity to process our day, enjoy our surroundings and nurture an easeful, gentle unwinding of the day. When my kids were young, we took evening strolls, that later turned into adventure walks but it has been about 25 years so I am happy to return to this simple practice. I am grateful that my husband and I are carving out time 4-5 days per week to add evening strolls to our self care routine. May you try out an evening...
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Episode 414 Grateful For Greece
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, having just returned from 12 glorious days in Greece, I am filled with gratitude. A week-long yoga retreat, plus 4 additional days on a nearby island were a fabulous way to kick off my retirement. My beloved God-daughter, Aliya runs the retreat and is a gifted, inspiring leader, who creates a very special experience for women from around the world. I am still absorbing all the magic of Greece: sparkling waters, dolphin sightings, delicious food, playful energy, hearty laughter and soul sister connections. How grateful I am to return to Greece after 45 years, to...
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Episode 413 Barry Danielian, Musician & L. Ac
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
My guest today is Barry Danielian. Barry is an extraordinary musician, playing trumpet while touring with Blood, Sweat & Tears, Tower of Power, and Bruce Springsteen, to name a few. Barry is also a Licensed Acupuncturist and Board Certified Herbalist. Barry is currently a doctoral candidate at the Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts and he plans to complete his doctorate this December. Barry describes his affinity to eastern philosophy, his martial arts and his ability to express and integrate Eastern and Western concepts. Barry is jazzed when he can help people cross...
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Episode 412 Jocelyn Jane Cox, Author
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
My guest today is Jocelyn Jane Cox. Jocelyn is a former competitive figure skater, coach and current writer. I was very moved by her recent book “Motion Dazzle: A Memoir of Motherhood, Loss and Skating on Thin Ice”, which was described as “a tribute to her mother, a love letter to her son and a testament to resilience as a caregiver.” Jocelyn’s beautifully written memoir captures her vulnerability, humor and relate-ability. We discuss how the book came about, her focus on one day that embodied both suffering and celebration, as well as the lessons learned when we take a leap of...
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Episode 411 Evolving Retirement
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I acknowledge my retirement from 47 years of my professional career. I’ve had various roles, responsibilities and titles. It has been an honor to work with children, teens, adults, policy makers, teachers, parents, researchers and social workers from all backgrounds. As I bring my private practice to a close, I am humbled from all that I have learned. I am filled with gratitude as my clients process a wide range of emotions and co-create a healthy, intentional goodbye. I embrace all the ways I will evolve in this next chapter of my life. Enjoy the podcast! ...
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Episode 410 Cait Conley
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
My guest today is Cait Conley. Cait is running for Congress in NY District 17, determined to stop Donald Trump and cowards like Mike Lawler who enable him. Cait was born and raised in the Hudson Valley, graduated at the top of her class at West Point, served 16 years as an Army officer, and broke barriers as one of the first and only women in Special Operations leadership and was awarded three Bronze Stars. Cait’s career as a public servant continued at home, protecting security and democracy while serving as Director of Counter-Terrorism on the National Security Council at the White...
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Episode 409 Andrew Kravatz
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
My guest today is Andrew Kravatz. Andrew recently completed his junior year at Fordham University, majoring in Political Science. Andrew is an intern for Cait Conley who is running to win the Democratic primary for Congress to flip NY District 17. With so many people complaining that young people are not politically involved, I was impressed with Andrew’s passion to be the change he wants to see. He describes his confidence in Cait’s background, service to our country, as well as the values and policies that she stands for. Andrew appreciates the loving examples from his...
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Episode 408 Peonies For Alma
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I share my giddiness in the birth of Alma (a dear friend’s baby) as her arrival coincides with the blossoming of our first peony. As these magnificent buds blossom and expand, I offer blessings to sweet Alma as she expands the hearts of all who are in her life. Welcome to the world, sweet Alma! You are in good company with the blossoming of the peonies! May we all be blessed by your presence. May we honor your beauty, your vibrancy and your healing energy. May we celebrate all of the known and to-be-discovered ways you make this world a better...
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Episode 407 Jean Wine
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
My guest today is Jean Wine. Jean is a thoughtful, engaged, inspiring women, who at age 97, happens to be the oldest guest I have had on my podcast! Jean grew up in Worcester, MA, attended college in Maine, where she met her husband, Buddy, before settling in Westchester County, NY. Jean combined her gifts in art, education and enriching lives with her career at American Field Service (AFS). She cultivated lasting friendships with people around the world and traveled extensively. Jean is proud of her beloved children, Linda, Buzzy and Judith, their partners, her four grandchildren and 2...
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