Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire

The title of this week's podcast "All Is Not Well" isn't my typical "uplift and inspire" focus. However, I want to acknowledge that I unintentionally hurt someone in an episode I released at the end of December titled "All Is Well". I am deeply sorry for the pain that particular episode caused and have taken it down so it can no longer be accessed. When all is not well, I care about being honest a...

On this week's episode, I explore the use of the word "village" as a noun and a verb. From the African proverb "it takes a village to raise a child" to why we, as a country in crisis, need to "village" . We need social connectedness, safe circles, groups and villages, where we can be held and hold others. In our village and as we village, we need to create and use '"alternative economies", based o...

On this week's episode, I share a personal experience of the uplifting "Wouldn't It Be Nice If…"   mindset exercise. This simple phrase is a powerful bridge to move our thoughts from what we don't what to what we do want. "Wouldn't It Be Nice If…"   helps align our thoughts with what is in our highest interest, so the Universe has a better chance of helping us manifest what serves our highest good...

On this week's episode, I acknowledge the informative, inspiring Black History  posts from Kimberly Jones and all I continue to learn from her. We fill the month of February honoring the Black innovators, pioneers, and trailblazers that have shaped our country. We can end the month in solidarity by joining millions of people to boycott the corruption and greed of corporations. On the last day of t...

On this week's episode, I continue the theme of "Listen and Learn" for Black History Month . I was so grateful for the 'moment of resistance" that Keith Boykin illuminates in his commentary of Kendrick Lamar's incredible half time show at the Super Bowl last week. I've transcribed Boykin's commentary in hopes that my listeners will further understand the symbolism, history and meaningful context o...

On this week's episode, as we kick off the month of February and Black History Month , I share Nikole Hannah-Jones' poignant explanation of why people want to ban Black History. They want Black people to believe there is something wrong with them, rather than there is something wrong with our country. They don't want people to be educated and empowered to reveal the lie of our country. With our cu...

I saved 3 quotes this past month that struck me. Without realizing it at the time, each quote lines up with my word for the year: humility. I'm grateful that humility is seeping into my consciousness and unconsciousness.  Are you finding synchronicities and signs that remind you of the word you chose for the year? May you notice the ways your word of the year is showing up for you. May your word o...

Have you ever chosen a word to guide you through the year? This was the first time I've tried it. An inner voice popped the word HUMILITY into my mind. I've been thinking about humility, feeling into humility and on this week's episode, I share some of my early reflections on the word humility.   What word comes to mind for you? What word does your inner voice whisper to you for guidance and growt...

As we remember and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today, I want to continue to learn about MLK and discover ways to continue his legacy in my daily life. I am struck by how much MLK had in common with Jimmy Carter. They were only four years apart in age, and even though the late President Jimmy Carter and Martin Luther King, Jr. never met each other, their philosophies were in alignment. It...

On this week's episode, I share the familiar Native American parable of the Two Wolves. You probably know the common version of a Cherokee grandfather acknowledging to his grandson that there is a battle of two wolves inside all of us, one dark and one light. The grandson asked which wolf wins and the grandfather replies "The one we feed." As much as this version is a gentle reminder that we have...

As we start off 2025, I'd like to take a moment today to acknowledge our 7 year milestone and reflect on this past year. We launched the podcast in January 2018, so here's to completing 7 years of Enlighten!  January 2025 marks the beginning of our 8th year of the podcast. Wow! In 2024, I continued to cultivate my intimacy with nature, and took great pleasure in the everyday miracles that surround...

Even though I initially thought I would skip an episode this week, I changed my mind and wanted to share two simple rituals from previous guests Shawna Emerick and Laura Pensiero. May these rituals help us take a moment to pause, reflect and envision what we want to manifest for the New Year. May we set intentions that help us live more fully, more authentically and more joyfully. May we manifest...

On this week's episode, I honor the legendary poet, author, educator, activist, Nikki Giovanni who died this past week on December 9th at the age of 81. Her rich biography, prolific work that includes writings, essays, conversations, poetry, children's books, records, tapes, CDs and film, as well as her awards, honors and multiple honorary degrees is expansive and impressive. Thank you Nikki, for...

On this week's episode, I acknowledge the spark of light that is ignited at this time of year. As the sun is setting by 4:30pm, shortening our days and expanding our nights, the tradition of lighting up our homes, is a wonderful reminder to honor the light in the midst of darkness. May we be a spark of light. May we connect with your own community, honor silence, light a candle, and feel the energ...

On this week's episode I re-release my conversation form April 19, 2021 with my beloved Aunt Hilly. This spectacular human, Hilary Carr Jones just died on Friday November 15th, so I wanted her voice and spirit honored. Before my conversation with her starts, I share the mystical connection I felt with Aunt Hil as she was transitioning from the physical realm into the spiritual realm, as the Super...

I am thrilled to feature Clyde and Gracie Lawrence as my guests today. This gifted, brother and sister team, enriched by their 6 talented musician friends make up the electrifying soul-pop band "Lawrence" . Their music is phenomenal, the synergy and creativity of their band is a blast to witness and they are kind, thoughtful human beings living the challenging life of artists with integrity, humil...

On this week's episode, as I process the devastating election results, I know we are to hold onto love. In addition to the trauma, disappointment, sadness and fear, there is love. Surround yourself with loving, kindred souls. Let yourself be held in love and hold others in love. I know we are all trying to make sense of this, figure out how to navigate a way forward. As a country, we must wrestle...

On this week's episode, with the election tomorrow, I invite you to see your vote as a prayer, a prayer reflecting the depths of your heart. It is important to stay grounded in an atmosphere of fear. May you release the grip fear has on you. May your heart be aligned with trust, with compassion, with a connection to all the caring people, working for equity, justice and peace. Remember that your s...

On this week's episode I acknowledge the heightened sense of fear, anxiety and worry, with 8 days before the Presidential Election. I share wisdom from the spiritual teacher, Tara Brach that our despairing feelings are a reflection of our small Self , which is limited, isolated, and consumed with divisiveness and the illusion of separateness. Our small Self forgets who we are. For when we remember...

On this week's episode we belatedly honor Indigenous People's Day . I share an example from my cousin, of how we can acknowledge the dark history of oppression while remaining open to learning, healing and reconciliation.  May we all be inspired to reflect, learn and better understand the history and legacy of Indigenous People. Reconciliation is not just a moment, but an on-going process. May we...

As we honor Indigenous People's Day, may we acknowledge and honor the native people on who's land we live. May we honor the spiritual wisdom and respectful partnership that indigenous people, all around the world, brought to their relationship with our planet earth, allowing them to live in harmony, reciprocity and balance with all of creation. I'll share more about Indigenous People's Day next we...

My guest today is Lila Carr. Lila is a junior at Skidmore College, majoring in Social Work, with a minor in Studio Art. Lila also happens to be one of my beloved nieces, genuinely curious, compassionate and open-hearted. She believes we all are longing to be seen, known and loved and is inspired to carve out a career that centers on seeing, knowing and loving people. She shares her round-about jou...

On this week's episode, I focus on hope, and how my hope has inspired action. I share my experience of the Flip the Vote Birthday Zoom I hosted last week and how the gathering of people I love, focused on our desire to create a blue wave, expanded even more hope. Hope is a discipline. How are you nurturing hope in your life? What actions are you taking to keep hope alive? May our hope help us see...

On this week's episode, I celebrate my birthday and invite my listeners to attend a Flip the Vote event tomorrow night. The most meaningful birthday gift possible for me, is to ignite people to rally in solidarity for human rights, women's rights, LGBTQ rights, health care, education, advocacy for the health of our planet and social justice. May the Autumn Equinox bring us in better balance. May m...

In this heightened political season, we are all inundated with countless emails and texts asking for donations; it's hard to sift through where and how to invest our time and money. On this week's episode, I offer a grassroots organization that I have recently learned about that feels worthy of highlighting. It's called Flip The Vote . They educate and engage concerned people to make the most out...