Finding Glimmers: Embracing Moments of Joy and Hope Amid Life's Chaos with host Paula Jenkins
Jump Start Your Joy®
In this week's episode of Jump Start Your Joy, I'm talking about the concept of 'glimmers,' which are the small instances of joy, hope, or inspiration that counterbalance life's triggers. The episode aims to provide listeners with ways to identify and cherish these glimmers, especially during times of chaos and uncertainty. It's my intention that Jump Start Your Joy continues to be a comforting space through this podcast, offering weekly moments of respite and inspiration for all listeners. I'd love to hear from you about how you've seen glimmers in your world, and you can email me a or tag...
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Journey into Sacred Spaces: Building Labyrinths with Master Builder Lars Howlett
Jump Start Your Joy®
In this episode of Jump Start Your Joy, I’m thrilled to welcome Lars Howlett, a Master Labyrinth Builder and Advanced Labyrinth Facilitator, to explore the captivating world of labyrinths! Lars brings extensive knowledge about labyrinth building, labyrinth symbolism, and the power these sacred spaces have to transform lives. We dive into Lars’ unique journey from photography teacher to apprentice with a renowned labyrinth master builder, giving listeners an inside look at what it means to create these intricate paths. Lars also shares fascinating insights about the historic labyrinth in...
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Rediscovering Purpose and Connection: The 25th Yale Divinity School Reunion and The Transformative Power of the Labyrinth
Jump Start Your Joy®
In this heartwarming episode of Jump Start Your Joy, I’m taking you along with me on a journey back to Yale Divinity School for my 25th reunion—a place where old friendships, profound growth, and life’s deeper questions all come together. Reuniting with friends, revisiting cherished memories, and even leading a Labyrinth walk, I found myself reflecting on what it truly means to reconnect with both people and places that have shaped who we are. I’ll share the magic of the labyrinth as both a spiritual tool and a metaphor for life’s journey—how its twists and turns mirror our own...
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The Yale Divinity School Labyrinth, Ecological Renewal and Spiritual Journeys with Christopher Freimuth
Jump Start Your Joy®
In this episode of 'Jump Start Your Joy,' join Paula in a rich conversation with Christopher Freimuth, a Yale Divinity School student and owner of CF Gardens in New York City. The episode unpacks Chris's journey from his rural upbringing in Connecticut to becoming a professional gardener in New York City, with a focus on the spiritual and ecological significance of gardening. Chris shares how he employs gardening to create ecological habitats and foster a connection to nature for his urban clients, emphasizing a meticulous approach to sourcing materials and plants. In this coversation, we talk...
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How Illana Burk Revolutionizes Ethical Business with Joy and Integrity
Jump Start Your Joy®
In this episode, Paula is joined by the remarkable Illana Burk, a coach and consultant with a passion for helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs thrive. Illana shares her journey from being a dancer to becoming a successful business mentor, diving into her philosophy on building values-based businesses. The conversation is filled with practical advice, laughter, and a fresh perspective on modern entrepreneurship. Key Points That We Discuss: Illana Burk's background and journey from dancer to business mentor. The concept of 'feral preneurs' and how it differs from...
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Liminal Space: Finding Comfort and Joy in the Space In Between
Jump Start Your Joy®
Liminal space is defined as the transitional space that can be physical, metaphorical, spiritual, or emotional. Pulling from examples in Disneyland, Proper People, & Station Eleven I'm looking at how we navigate through liminal space when we encounter it. Read the full show notes: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/2022/02/liminal-space/ In this episode, I'm discussing: - the definition of liminal space - the four types of liminal space: physical, emotional, metaphorical, and spiritual - examples of liminal space in every day life - intentional liminal space and happenstance liminal space, and...
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Navigating Politics And Self-Care With Expert Tami Hackbarth
Jump Start Your Joy®
Read the full show notes: In this episode, I'm joined by Tami Hackbarth, a seasoned author, activist, and advocate for 100% Guilt-Free Self-Care. Together, they explore the crucial intersection of self-care and activism, especially vital in today’s political climate. Tami shares practical strategies for sustaining joy and energy, even when the world feels overwhelming. Key Takeaways: Self-Care is Essential: Prioritize self-care to maintain your energy and effectiveness in activism. Incorporate daily practices such as walking, meditation, and screen-free time to manage stress and...
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Transforming Life and Leadership Through Kindness with Lara Heacock
Jump Start Your Joy®
Read the full show notes: In this episode of Jump Start Your Joy, host Paula Jenkins welcomes Lara Heacock, executive coach, and Editor-in-Chief of Kind Over Matter. We discuss the practices of kindness and joy, and how these have become essential tools in navigating today's world. Lara shares her journey from corporate America to becoming an advocate for kindness, including tangible tips for practicing self-kindness and integrating these values into professional settings. With a deep dive into the emotional facets of empathy, integrity, and resilience, this conversation offers valuable...
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Return to Nature with Emma Loewe
Jump Start Your Joy®
Read the full show notes: Emma Loewe is the co-author of The Spirit Almanac, and she is the senior sustainability editor for mindbodygreen, and she has released the amazing book, Return to Nature: The New Science of How Nature Landscapes Restore Us. In it, she shares the different kinds of landscapes, how they effect your mental health, studies about why they improve your mental health, and things you can do to counter-act the effects of climate change on these landscapes. This discussion fits so well into this month’s theme of “finding home,” and I hope you love this conversation...
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Celebrating 37 Years of Joy: An Interview with Retiring Educator Molly Barnes
Jump Start Your Joy®
Read the full show notes: In this heartfelt episode, Paula interviews Molly Barnes, the beloved principal and superintendent of Sunol Glenn Elementary. Molly shares her passionate journey in education, reflecting on the joy and challenges of her career. Listeners get an inside look at her unique approach to fostering a welcoming and enthusiastic school environment. Discover the powerful moments and intentional choices that have made Sunol Glenn Elementary a special place for students, parents, and staff alike. As Molly prepares for her well-deserved retirement, she discusses the importance of...
info_outlineMindfulness is a great way to find more joy and center yourself. In this time of transition, when things feel difficult, it's great to have a few easy, go-to mindfulness tools.
The five are:
1. Notice your emotions, and share them with someone else.
2. Breathe, as taught by Thich Nhat Hanh. I share his practice of inhaling, exhaling, and smiling.
3. Observe (or spend time in) Nature. As discussed in my previous episode with Emma Loewe, author of Return to Nature, nature has restorative properties for humans. When you feel stressed, take a moment to look out your window or take a break for a walk if you have the time.
4. Meditate, using a visual or guided meditation.
5. Spend time walking a labyrinth, either by physically walking a labyrinth or using a hand labyrinth.
Resources:
Emma Loewe on Jump Start Your Joy
Insight Timer (Sarah Blondin) - for guided meditations
Insight Timer (my channel: Paula Jenkins) - for guided meditations
World Labyrinth Locator to walk a labyrinth
Veriditas, a non profit that offers courses on about labyrinths
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