Best of Ourselves

Our hard wiring response to change is exactly the wrong thing we need to thrive in turbulence, uncertainty and complexity.  In Jennifer Garvey Berger’s practical new book, Unlocking Leadership Mindtraps, she boils down the problem and ways to free ourselves. In this podcast, we cover the overview of the book released in 2019. Resources Unlocking Leadership Mindtraps Interview with Jennifer G...

In Parker Palmer’s book, Healing the Heart of Democracy, he talks about 5 habits of the heart we need for a robust democracy.  Habit 4 is   A sense of personal voice and agency.  “Insight and energy give rise to new life as we speak out and act out our own version of truth, while checking and correcting it against the truths of others. But many of us lack confidence...

Parker Palmer believes that if taken together, the 5 habits are critical to sustaining a democracy.  The habits are described as deeply ingrained ways of seeing, being and responding to life that involve our minds, emotions, our self-images, our concepts of meaning and purpose in life.  This podcast explores Habit 3:  An ability to hold tension in life-giving ways. Resourc...

This podcast explores Habit 2 in the Parker Palmer’s  5 Habits of the Heart ; habits that are critical for a vibrant democracy.  This habit is entitled:  An Appreciation of the Value of Otherness. Resources: Healing the Heart of Democracy  by Parker J Palmer — link to the book, discussion guide and resources. Full interview with Parker Palmer in 2012 and 2013 Don&#8...

In Parker Palmer’s book, Healing the Heart of Democracy, he cites 5 habits of the heart that will help us move beyond fear.  Using excerpts from a 2013 interview, we examine the first habit — we are all connected. Resources: Parker’s full description of Habit One An Hour Interview with Parker Palmer For More Best of Ourselves Podcasts on Community and Relationships The post...

In this episode, I reflect on a familiar story about an elephant held in place not by a rope, but by a belief that trying no longer matters. Living in northern Minnesota, and hearing directly from friends and family witnessing events in the Twin Cities, I explore how that same limiting story shows up in moments when constitutional rights are being tested. Drawing on the First, Fourth, and Fourteen...

A casual question during a cell phone upgrade sparked an unexpected political exchange—and a deeper inquiry into how we meet one another across difference. This episode reflects on presence, sacred engagement, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s reminder that love and power must work together if we’re to create justice and avoid becoming what we oppose. Resources Healing the Divide The post BOO505 &#8211...

Thanks to Kathy Magnuson for sharing her Awe Journal practice and it’s impact on her life. Resources Finding Awe Awe: The new Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life The post BOO504 – Encore – Noticing Awe-full Moments appeared first on Marcia Hyatt .

A Thanksgiving moment went wrong—a small dog, a sudden crisis, and my brain completely freezing. What followed wasn’t competence or quick thinking, but a powerful lesson in how stress disconnects us from our bodies. In this episode, I reflect on what that scare revealed about presence, uncertainty, and the quiet wisdom our bodies carry—especially during long, difficult seasons. A reminder that whe...

When we contemplate significant changes in our lives, our flight, fight, or freeze response may kick in. We tend to prioritize safety, and our autonomic nervous system can pose a significant barrier to transformation. Learning to move forward without waging an internal war is crucial. Resources Acceptance as a Step Towards Growth Curiosity as a Growth Tool Intentions: Allies for Growth The post BO...

What if strength isn’t something we build for ourselves alone? Inspired by the Grand Portage Band’s response to the closure of our local Coast Guard station, this reflection explores how Indigenous wisdom challenges our dominant story of competition, scarcity, and separateness—and invites us into a different way of living, grounded in connection, love, and shared belonging. Resources Imprisoned by...

Many of us experience stress during the holidays.  In this special episode we explore what helps us be resilient when stress shows up. Resources: University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing on Stress Busy without Stress Podcast Work Your Mindfulness Podcast Accepting What Shows Up Podcast The post BOO500- Encore – Holiday Stress Resilience appeared first on Marcia Hyatt...

Being human isn’t tidy. In this episode, I share two moments—one small, one life-shaking—that pulled me right into the rawness of shame, fear, and uncertainty. What I’m learning is this: the struggle isn’t a failure. It’s the place where honesty and grace can actually reach us. Resources Living in Uncertainty The post BOO499 – The Trouble of Being Human appeared first on Marcia Hyatt .

A frown, a misunderstanding, and a lesson I’m still practicing: most of the time, it’s not about us. Here’s what that moment taught me about assumptions, boundaries, and staying true to ourselves. Resources Don’t Take It Personally The post BOO498 – The Frown appeared first on Marcia Hyatt .

Ever had a day where everything goes sideways at once? Mine included dog poo, burr-covered terriers, a broken garage door, and a nurse cheering for Tom’s phlegm. This episode explores what happens when we let go of how life “should” be and meet what’s real—with humor, honesty, and a bit of Anne Lamott–style grace. Photo: engin akyurt Resources Living in Uncertainty The Should Shower The post BOO49...

Gratitude is a choice despite what is happening around us.  It is correlated with resilience, happiness and health.  Gratitude is always an option. Resources More about the  Haudenosaunee Research on Gratitude The post BOO496 – Encore – Gratitude is a Choice appeared first on Marcia Hyatt .

Burnout doesn’t always show up as exhaustion—it can appear as impatience, numbness, or a heart that quietly tightens to get through the day. In this episode, Marcia Hyatt reflects on recognizing her own signs of burnout while navigating her husband’s medical care and life’s constant demands. Through the image  “It’s hard to hold hands with a tight fist,”  she explores how stress can clos...

Building our capacity to observe ourselves, builds our capacity to grow and change.  It can be uncomfortable to wake up to our the ways we limit ourselves.  And if you do, the quality of your life changes. Resources Freeing Ourselves From Our Stories Podcast Tuning In Vs Changing the Channel Podcast Anthony DeMello The post BOO495 – Encore – Awareness Changes Your Life appear...

How much do we share — and with whom? In this week’s  Best of Ourselves  episode, I explore the fine line between privacy and authenticity… and what it means to let a little more light in through the cracks in our lives. Resources Help, Please: Lessons From An IKEA Box The Should Shower The post BOO494 – How Much To Share? appeared first on Marcia Hyatt .

Life doesn’t come in neat categories of good or bad. In this reflection, I explore how staying open to the mystery can transform how we meet whatever arrives. Resources Living in Uncertainty The post BOO493 – Bad Luck – Maybe Not appeared first on Marcia Hyatt .

We are stronger when we work together.  Reflections on finding community all around me. Resources Habits of the Heart  by Parker Palmer Full Parker Palmer Interview Power and Love show on building community The post BOO492 – Encore – Finding Community appeared first on Marcia Hyatt .

Some Assembly Required. Turns out that’s not just a warning on an IKEA box—it’s a reminder about life. In this week’s show, I confess to my habit of saying “We’re fine” when we’re really… not. From sleepless nights to bolts and Allen wrenches, I discovered that asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s actually a gift to both giver and receiver. Because maybe the real self-care isn’t doing it all oursel...

I used to think “living one day at a time” meant glowing serenity. But lately it looks more like noticing my cranky, overtired self and walking her home before she has a meltdown. This show explores the messy, human side of being present in the moment. Resources Living With Uncertainty Resilience or What The post BOO490 – One Day At A Time, Sort Of appeared first on Marcia Hyatt .

Creating art has been shown to support healing. It has been shown to reduce loneliness, anxiety and mood disorders.  Art and beauty have also been correlated with reduced need for pain medication an reduced recovery times.  We all have access to this powerful and fun way to grow and heal. Resources What Have I Mythed? Stories for Reflection Art and Healing Foundation The Art of Healing T...

In this episode, I share how unexpected gestures of kindness have touched me more deeply than I ever imagined. From potatoes harvested to simple words of encouragement, these acts have softened old walls around my heart. Together we’ll explore how the heart opens—not by force, but by tending the conditions of worthiness, courage, and compassion. Resources Kindness in Action How to Open the Heart b...