Episode 273 Peeling Layers
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I acknowledge the layers in people, situations, causes and choices. It is easy to fall into the trap that any one or any thing is one dimensional. When we get stuck, in that limited view, it’s helpful to be reminded of different perspectives. Thankfully a devoted listener helped me peel back layers of my perspective about Amazon and Jeff Bezos. When we peel back layers, we deepen our understanding and our capacity for compassion expands. There is even room for the layer of forgiveness. May we avoid reducing people into one dimensional aspects. May we notice...
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Episode 272 Labor Of Love
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode I reflect on the history and meaning of Labor Day, and the labor of love it takes to live by our values. I try to stay mindful of the companies that take advantage of their employees and avoid doing business with them. It’s challenging to always take that stand, knowing these companies lure us in with cheaper prices and convenient shipping, but at what cost? Sometimes it is a labor of love to stay true to our values. As much as I can, I want to live by my values, knowing that it can be a labor of love to honor those values. So belated Happy Labor Day and may we all...
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Episode 271 Honoring Bert Hughes
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I honor Bert Hughes, a kind, generous, inspirational man who died on August 16th, touching those of us living in Nyack and well beyond. Bert lived a full, meaningful life, leaving a profound impact on the lives of thousands of people, through music, social justice and his gracious heart. Please check out the links below to two organizations that Bert cared so deeply about: Helping Hands of Rockland, an interfaith volunteer organization that provides support for people who are homeless and Midnight Run, a volunteer organization dedicated to finding common ground...
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Episode 270 Lynn Sinclair
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
My guest today is Lynn Sinclair. Lynn is my aunt, married to my mom’s younger brother, a mother of 3, grandmother of 6 and great grandmother of 2. Even though we rarely see each other, Lynn listens to my podcast and emails me notes of acknowledgement, support or thanks. It’s a meaningful way to stay connected despite the 3,000 miles between us. Now it’s my turn to shine some light on this kind, gracious elder, who has given me so much. At the age of 88, and dealing with her fourth cancer diagnosis, Lynn, reflects on what is most meaningful to her and the anchors to windward that...
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Episode 269 Rays Of Light
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I share a recent experience of being struck by the power of the sun’s brilliant rays of light. Those rays of light, illuminated the woods, penetrating everything around me and reminded me to honor the title of my podcast. I recall the origins of my podcast and how ENLIGTHEN came to be. May this episode remind you to claim your light. May you honor the light within you, even when it is not visible. May you radiate your light today and enjoy shining your light on the light of others. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: IG:
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Episode 268 Gems From Jim
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, a man named Jim offers me gems every time I see him. These gems come in all sizes, shapes and colors. Sometimes we exchange words, sometimes gestures of kind acknowledgment, sometimes I simply watch Jim from a far and witness his slow, peaceful, meditative presence. Jim’s essence exudes humility and light and I walk away from an interaction with Jim feeling soothed, calmer and more aligned. Even though Jim has declined my invitation to have him as a guest on my podcast, I feel drawn to express how grateful I am for Jim and the many gems he offers, simply by...
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Episode 267 Proud Mama
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I talk about that feeling, as a parent, of bursting with pride when your kids are doing what they love, aligned with their gifts and thriving. I share why I am currently kvelling about my daughter, Julia, who is on a world tour with Sam Smith. Next week, on August 8th and 9th, she will be performing with Sam Smith at NYC’s Madison Square Garden. The outpouring of love from so many of her friends, our friends and family who have bought tickets to see her in their cities, all across the country, truly humbles me. Check out the links below for Sam’s tour schedule...
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Episode 266 Human Enthusiast
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I talk about my natural tendency to be a “human enthusiast”. You’ll know a “human enthusiast” when you see one - they are eager to interact with strangers, friends and family, they look for the best in others, are outgoing and comfortable initiating connections. Ironically, the day after recording this episode I found myself in a group situation that had me feeling the exact opposite. In honoring my intuition, I pulled away from the socializing and noticed my need to turn inward. So as much as my natural tendency is to be a “human enthusiast”, I honor...
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Episode 265 Communing with Nature
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode I describe what my daily walks in the woods mean to me. Of course I am entertained and engaged with the creatures and elements, but when I commune with nature, I return home to myself and feel connected to the sacred. With the intensified fires, flooding and record-breaking heat this summer, making its way more directly into our lives, my walks in the woods allow me to deepen my respect and reverence for the planet. It’s important for me to show up and build a healthy, loving relationship with nature. May you be inspired to find your own ways of communing with...
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Episode 261 ALS Awareness
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
When an issue hits us personally, we are more likely to get behind it and do what we can to raise awareness and rally others to get on board. Well, that’s what I am doing today, because our dear friend Wayne Warnecke has been diagnosed with ALS. I want everyone to understand what ALS is and do what we can to fund more research, expand access to care and contribute to the possibility of a cure. Please consider making a donation, of any amount to ALS. See the link below to do so and make the donation under Wayne Warnecke’s name and indicate you are an “Enlighten” listener. Heartfelt...
info_outline With the celebration of Earth Day a couple of days ago on April 22, I offer an idea that you can practice on any day throughout the year. This practice is a shift in mindset and will not only help you honor the earth, but more profoundly heal the earth. Inspired by Victoria Loorz’s book “Church of the Wild: How Nature Invites Us Into the Sacred” try conversing with nature. Conversing with nature, is a reciprocal act, enriching our relationship with our beloved planet earth and allowing the earth to enrich us.
Give it a try. Begin with a sense of wonder. A conversation includes both speaking and listening. Converse with the leaves, the budding Spring blossoms, the wind, the rocks and the butterflies. Add this to your spiritual practices. Develop a language of intimate connectedness with other beings and elements. May our conversations with nature awaken a sense of kindred belonging as we restore our planet and our own souls.
Check out the link below for “Church of the Wild”. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
“Church of the Wild: How Nature Invites Us Into the Sacred” by Victoria Loorz