The Art of Centering

Welcome to "The Art of Centering," where we explore art, mindfulness, and personal growth through stories inspired by nature, spirituality, yoga, and meditation, guiding you on a journey of self-reflection and connection.

EP26 - Guided Meditation w/ Vanessa Bennett 12/30/2025

EP26 - Guided Meditation w/ Vanessa Bennett Welcome back to the Art of Centering podcast. Today's episode is a short body-based meditation offered by Vanessa Bennett drawn from our recent conversation. This is an invitation to step out of your head and into your body to notice where you're holding tension and where support already exists. Find a comfortable seat, let yourself arrive, and when you're ready, Vanessa will guide you from here. /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/39565450

EP25 - Depth Psychology, Motherhood, and the Cost of Disconnection w/ Vanessa Bennett 12/19/2025

EP25 - Depth Psychology, Motherhood, and the Cost of Disconnection w/ Vanessa Bennett In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham speaks with depth therapist Vanessa Bennett about her journey from a career in advertising to depth psychology. They explore the importance of authenticity, the concept of depth psychology and shadow work, and the symptoms of disconnection many people experience. Vanessa discusses her book, The Myth of Motherhood, which addresses the societal pressures surrounding motherhood and relationships. The conversation also delves into mindfulness practices, emphasizing a feminine perspective on spirituality and self-care. In this conversation, Vanessa Bennett shares her journey of healing after losing her home in a fire, the role of mindfulness in her recovery, and her transition to living in Costa Rica. She discusses the importance of community, the challenges of remote work, and the significance of following one's feelings of aliveness. Vanessa emphasizes the need for self-compassion and the unique ways individuals can connect with their inner selves. The conversation concludes with a guided mindfulness practice, highlighting the importance of being present in the body. The Motherhood Myth - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vanessasbennett/ /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/39414015

EP24 - Bonus Guided Meditation w/ Kimberly Brown 12/12/2025

EP24 - Bonus Guided Meditation w/ Kimberly Brown This is a bonus episode from the conversation with Kimberly Brown from Episode 23. Here Kimberly takes us on a guided meditation. Think of this as a gentle reset, a chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the part of you that already knows how to be steady. /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/39372590

EP23 - You Were Never Broken: A Conversation with Kimberly Brown 12/05/2025

EP23 - You Were Never Broken: A Conversation with Kimberly Brown In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham speaks with Kimberly Brown, a meditation teacher and counselor, about her journey from psychoanalysis to Buddhism. They discuss the importance of mindfulness, compassion, and emotional healing, emphasizing that true well-being is about reconnecting with our wholeness rather than fixing what's perceived as broken. Kimberly shares her personal experiences with panic attacks and how mindfulness practices have provided her with tools to navigate these challenges. The conversation also touches on the role of spiritual beings in healing and the significance of daily meditation practices. In this conversation, Kimberly and Margaret explore the themes of mindfulness, loving kindness, and the healing journey. They discuss the importance of integrating compassion into daily life, the process of writing and sharing personal experiences, and the idea that healing can begin at any age. The conversation culminates in a guided meditation focused on self-compassion, emphasizing the significance of being gentle with oneself. The meditation will be released as a separate bonus episode. /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/39226665

EP22 - What Your Body Really Needs This Season w/ Ellen Butler 11/21/2025

EP22 - What Your Body Really Needs This Season w/ Ellen Butler In this conversation, Ellen Butler discusses the importance of body respect and how it influences her self-care practices. She emphasizes the need to listen to one's body and respond to its signals, particularly in moments of self-doubt or negative body image. /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/39064150

EP21: The Fall of Light: Art, Grief, and Healing with Haley Floyd 11/14/2025

EP21: The Fall of Light: Art, Grief, and Healing with Haley Floyd In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham speaks with artist and educator Haley Floyd about the intersection of art, grief, and mindfulness. They explore how Haley uses her art as a means of processing her mother's death and the role of creativity in healing. The conversation delves into the importance of being present, the spiritual aspects of artistic expression, and the significance of self-compassion in the creative process. Haley shares her journey of self-discovery through art and encourages listeners to embrace their creativity without fear of judgment. /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/38986595

EP20 - From Metal to Meaning: Danielle Miller Finds the Silver Lining after Breast Cancer 10/31/2025

EP20 - From Metal to Meaning: Danielle Miller Finds the Silver Lining after Breast Cancer In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret speaks with Danielle Miller, an award-winning jewelry artist and educator. Danielle shares her journey into the world of jewelry making, her transition to teaching, and her personal mission to raise awareness for breast cancer through her event, Bling for Boobs. The conversation highlights the importance of community, collaboration, and early detection in the fight against cancer, as well as the role of art in healing and personal expression. /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/38814385

EP19 - Unbroken Spirit: My Mom’s Journey Through Breast Cancer and Beyond 10/17/2025

EP19 - Unbroken Spirit: My Mom’s Journey Through Breast Cancer and Beyond In this heartfelt episode of The Art of Centering, I sit down with my mom, Kathy Goodson — artist, writer, and breast cancer survivor — to talk about her journey through faith, healing, and creativity. What begins as a conversation about spirituality unfolds into something much deeper: a story of truth-telling, recovery, and the strength it takes to rebuild life after diagnosis. My mom shares how she found her spiritual grounding not in religion, but in the rooms of Al-Anon — where honesty, love, and a higher power of her own understanding changed everything. We also talk about her evolution as an artist — from silk painting on the back porch to building her dream studio on a North Carolina mountainside — and how art became her meditation and her medicine. Through laughter, honesty, and a few tears, we reflect on what it means to live fully, to parent differently, and to see the bumps in life as just that — bumps, not endings. Whether you’ve been touched by cancer, walked the road of recovery, or simply love a good mother-daughter story about resilience and rediscovering joy, this episode is a reminder that love, truth, and creativity can carry us through anything. /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/38613895

EP18 - 10 minute meditation for fall change 10/10/2025

EP18 - 10 minute meditation for fall change In this conversation, Margaret Graham guides listeners through a mindfulness practice that emphasizes the importance of embracing change and letting go. She draws parallels between the natural transitions of the autumn season and personal growth, encouraging participants to reflect on what they need to release and what intentions they wish to cultivate. The practice culminates in a sense of gratitude for the body and breath, reinforcing the beauty of change and renewal. /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/38534340

EP17: When the Universe Names Your App: Steven Puri on Flow, Luck, and Listening 09/26/2025

EP17: When the Universe Names Your App: Steven Puri on Flow, Luck, and Listening In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham speaks with Stephen Puri, the creator of the Sukha app, which focuses on mindfulness and self-fulfillment. They discuss the meaning of 'Sukha', Stephen's journey from the film industry to tech, and how yoga transformed his life. The conversation also delves into the challenges of parenting in a tech-driven world, the impact of social media on youth, and the importance of mindfulness and intentionality in raising children. Stephen shares his insights on creating a positive environment for his future children and emphasizes the need for individuals to recognize their potential and take action towards their goals. https://www.thesukha.co /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/38204205

EP16 - Collective Liberation Starts Here: A Conversation with Liz Getman 09/12/2025

EP16 - Collective Liberation Starts Here: A Conversation with Liz Getman In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham sits down with Liz Getman, founder of the Rise Collective, to explore the power of community and the journey towards collective liberation. Liz shares her personal experiences of overcoming challenges and the inspiration behind creating a space where individuals can be their authentic selves. Together, they discuss the importance of using social media for good, the role of yoga in personal and collective healing, and the concept of "friend-raising" to foster meaningful connections. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about building a more inclusive and equitable world. #CommunityBuilding #CollectiveLiberation #RiseCollective /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/38090400

Inside MCAS: Where Kilns, Creativity, and Community Collide 08/29/2025

Inside MCAS: Where Kilns, Creativity, and Community Collide In this episode of the Art of Centering, host Margaret Graham discusses her experiences at the Metal Clay Artist Symposium (MCAS) with her husband Fred. They explore the significance of the event, the classes attended, the competition, and the community of metal clay artists. Margaret shares her artistic growth, memorable moments, and the lessons learned throughout the event, emphasizing the importance of planning and taking time in the creative process. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring metal clay artists and a look ahead to future events. Links: MCAS - Metal Clay Teachers: Amy Brandenburg - https://amybrandenburg.com/ Carrie Story - https://clayrevolution.com/pages/instructors?srsltid=AfmBOorjkKbI88-IFAxXl2mvFMYV6PIfXoc_gHjVjEmVULhxndKyY58d Stephanie Chavez - https://stephaniechavez.com/ AJ Newell - https://www.ajnewellstudio.com Pam East - https://www.pameast.net Grainne Reynolds - and also at : https://craftcast.com/teachers/grainne-reynolds/?srsltid=AfmBOors4T8yn3jebQ3-tLvBSyRD57M-i0TU-8ji_vA9D5AKz2Q8jfGV Facebook group - Metal Clay Now - https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=metal%20clay%20now /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/38005425

EP14 - What if you’re already healed with Sarah Sparks 08/08/2025

EP14 - What if you’re already healed with Sarah Sparks In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham speaks with Sarah Sparks about her profound journey of spiritual awakening, healing, and self-discovery. Sarah shares her experiences of facing dark moments in her life, including a near-suicidal crisis, and how these experiences led her to realize her purpose and the importance of trusting her inner voice. The conversation delves into themes of empowerment, the significance of letting go of old identities, and the journey towards living a healed life. Sarah emphasizes that everyone has the potential to be their own healer and encourages listeners to embrace their divine connection. /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/37734110

EP13 - Light Within, A Guided Meditation 07/25/2025

EP13 - Light Within, A Guided Meditation In this short and gentle meditation, Margaret Graham invites you to reconnect with your inner light—the radiant energy that lives in your heart. Using breath, visualization, and mindful touch, you’ll expand this light from a flicker to a steady presence. Whether you’re holding your Centering Pendant or simply sitting in stillness, this practice helps you reCenter, breathe deeply, and remember that your light has always been there. /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/37544285

EP12 - From Catholic Roots to Soul Ministry: Rev. Nancy Neal’s Spiritual Journey 07/18/2025

EP12 - From Catholic Roots to Soul Ministry: Rev. Nancy Neal’s Spiritual Journey In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret speaks with Reverend Nancy Neal about her spiritual journey, experiences with meditation, and the importance of stillness and connection. They explore how Nancy's background in eating disorders led her to a deeper understanding of spirituality and the significance of daily practices in maintaining a connection to oneself and others. The conversation emphasizes the need for silence, the power of group meditation, and the role of love in spirituality. Connect with Reverend Nancy Neal at: Or at the Dawn Retreat Center: /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/37214410

EP11 - Mindfulness, Motherhood, and Making Peace with Your Body 06/27/2025

EP11 - Mindfulness, Motherhood, and Making Peace with Your Body In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham engages in a heartfelt conversation with her cousin Ellen about her personal journey with eating disorders and body dysmorphia. They explore the impact of societal expectations on body image, the importance of mental health in recovery, and the role of mindfulness and intuitive eating in healing. Ellen shares her experiences of grief and acceptance as she navigates her transformation, emphasizing the significance of community support and the practice of yoga in her recovery process. The episode concludes with a guided mindfulness meditation led by Ellen, encouraging listeners to reconnect with their bodies and embrace their journey towards healing. /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/37118575

EP10 Vipassana Round Two: When Stillness Hurts 06/13/2025

EP10 Vipassana Round Two: When Stillness Hurts In this solo episode, Margaret Graham shares her experiences with Vipassana meditation, detailing her journey through a 10-day silent retreat. She discusses the strict rules of the retreat, the daily schedule, the challenges of meditation, and the emotional breakthroughs she experienced. Margaret reflects on the importance of preparation, the dining experience, and the sensations felt during meditation, ultimately highlighting the liberating and transformative effects of the retreat. In this conversation, Margaret Graham shares her profound experiences with Vipassana meditation, detailing the emotional and physical challenges she faced during a recent 10-day retreat. She reflects on the liberation she felt from pain, the importance of understanding impermanence, and the necessity of sitting with discomfort. Margaret also discusses the historical context of Vipassana meditation, her struggles with physical pain, and the decision to use a chair during meditation. Ultimately, she emphasizes the importance of self-care and personal growth through meditation, acknowledging that her experiences shape her perception of the world. /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/36975500

EP9 - Leadership isn't Perfection - It's Presence w/ Allison Jordan 06/02/2025

EP9 - Leadership isn't Perfection - It's Presence w/ Allison Jordan In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham speaks with leadership coach Allison Jordan about her journey to becoming a coach, the importance of self-awareness in leadership, and the practices that help her and her clients stay centered. They discuss the challenges of confidence, the significance of self-commitment, and the tools that can aid in personal growth and healing. Allison shares her insights on how introverts can thrive in leadership roles and emphasizes the need for grace and compassion towards oneself. You can reach Allison at /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/36820000

EP8 - Speak, Sing, Heal: The Energy of Your Voice 05/16/2025

EP8 - Speak, Sing, Heal: The Energy of Your Voice In this powerful episode of The Art of Centering, Margaret sits down with Khaki Martin, a sound healer and Reiki master who left a high-pressure career in broadcast journalism to follow a deep spiritual calling. What began as a breakdown became a breakthrough—sparked by a chance Reiki session and a return to her voice. Khaki shares how chanting, vocal vibration, and sound healing helped her reconnect with her inner self, reclaim her voice, and support others in doing the same. From the science of resonance to the ancestral wounding around women’s expression, this conversation invites you to explore the healing potential of your own voice. If you’ve ever felt silenced, stuck, or uncertain—this episode is a heart-opening reminder that your voice is more than sound. It’s your soul speaking. /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/36536970

EP7 Saying Yes: The courage to be seen, w/ Alma Dunnavant 05/02/2025

EP7 Saying Yes: The courage to be seen, w/ Alma Dunnavant In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, Margaret Graham and Alma Dunnavant explore the transformative power of yoga and spirituality. They discuss Alma's journey from a strict evangelical upbringing to discovering yoga as a path to healing and self-discovery. Alma shares her experiences with different yoga lineages and emphasizes the importance of genuine connection and self-acceptance in her practice. The conversation highlights the significance of breathwork, personal growth, and the role of community in fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and the divine. In this conversation, Alma Dunnavant shares her journey of self-discovery through music, chanting, and yoga. She emphasizes the importance of finding one's voice, embracing challenges, and saying 'yes' to opportunities that promote growth. Alma discusses the process of unlearning limiting beliefs and the significance of surrounding oneself with inspiring individuals. The conversation highlights the value of self-compassion and being open-minded in the pursuit of personal and spiritual development. /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/36267760

EP6 - Living Your Deepest Knowing: A Conversation with Alex Fisher 04/18/2025

EP6 - Living Your Deepest Knowing: A Conversation with Alex Fisher In this engaging conversation, Margaret and Alex explore the intersections of art, mindfulness, mental health, and spirituality. They discuss the importance of holding space for others, navigating personal and professional growth, and the challenges of embracing one's authentic self. Alex shares their journey as a death doula and the impact of grief on their life, while also touching on the significance of community and intuition in personal development. The episode concludes with a focus on compassionate curiosity as a tool for self-discovery and understanding. /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/35891460

EP5 - My Mental Health Journey 03/28/2025

EP5 - My Mental Health Journey In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham shares her personal mental health journey, exploring themes of social anxiety, depression, and the impact of family dynamics. She discusses her early experiences with mental health, the role of medication in her recovery, and the importance of mindfulness and self-discovery. Margaret emphasizes the need for self-care and permission to heal, encouraging listeners to share their own stories as a means of collective healing. /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/35707815

EP4 - My Spiritual Journey 03/28/2025

EP4 - My Spiritual Journey In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham shares her personal journey of spirituality, detailing her transformation from an atheist upbringing to experiencing a profound spiritual awakening. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to embrace a higher power, the challenges she faced along the way, and how her connection with spirituality has influenced her life and work. Through meditation, reflection, and the creation of a centering pendant, Margaret explores the themes of love, manifestation, and personal growth, inviting listeners to consider their own spiritual journeys. /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/35679075

EP3 - My Mindfulness Journey 03/15/2025

EP3 - My Mindfulness Journey In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham shares her personal mindfulness journey, exploring the definitions, challenges, and evolution of mindfulness practices. She discusses the intersection of mindfulness and art, the role of her centering pendant, and the importance of self-awareness. The conversation also touches on her experiences with yoga teacher training and a silent meditation retreat, highlighting the impact of mindfulness on mental health and personal growth. /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/35709265

EP2 - My Artist Journey 03/13/2025

EP2 - My Artist Journey In this conversation, Margaret reflects on her journey from childhood to becoming a full-time artist. She discusses the influence of her family, particularly her parents and grandmother, on her artistic development. Margaret shares her experiences in college, the challenges of transitioning to a career in art, and the importance of support from loved ones. She also talks about her initial ventures into jewelry making with Grit Goods and the decision to focus solely on her art career. The conversation concludes with a mindfulness exercise, emphasizing the importance of being present. /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/35006365

EP1 - Introducing Our Podcast 03/12/2025

EP1 - Introducing Our Podcast In their very first episode of the Art of Centering podcast, hosts Margaret and Fred introduce themselves and share the inspiration behind their podcast. They discuss the themes of healing that will be explored, including art, mindfulness, spirituality, and mental health. The conversation delves into the impact of mindfulness and meditation on their lives, the types of guests they hope to feature, and the importance of building a community around shared experiences. The episode concludes with a mindful moment, emphasizing self-acceptance and connection. /episode/index/show/cb7b6d97-bb93-4382-9fd9-647f8af9fd47/id/35006325

The Art of Centering

TOPICS