Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire

As the light shifts with shorter days and longer nights, we experience more physical and emotional darkness.  On this week's episode, I share a poem that has been a beautiful reminder for me that the light does come, even when the darkness enfolds us. May we trust that the light will come. May we know that the light is seeking us. May we lift our faces to let the light find us. Follow the links be...

For the past decade I've tried to incorporate into our Thanksgiving gathering, a simple ritual that honors Indigenous People. On this week's podcast, I share the ritual I tried this year. The Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address calls forth gratitude for the people, the earth mother, the waters, the fish, the plants, the food plants, the medicinal herbs, the animals, the trees, the birds and the fou...

Thanksgiving invites us to tap into the power of gratitude. Even in the midst of all the suffering in our broken world, paying attention to what we are grateful for, can bring us back to center. Having just returned from an incredible trip to Australia and New Zealand, I share some of the things about travel that fills me up with deep gratitude. There is so much to be thankful for, on so many leve...

On this week's episode, I tell how I discovered that I have a new nickname: The Meditation Lady!   From an unsuspecting group of people I don't personally know, it turns out that I've been referred to as this nickname for a few years. It wasn't until we recorded this episode, that my husband learned of my new nickname. He got a kick out of it and I hope you do, too.  Hopefully this will get you th...

My guest today is Daniel Ralph Mfaya, also known as Dani. Dani is an extraordinary dancer, model and creative director. Dani grew up in France & currently resides in the United States, but is traveling the world as a dancer on the Sam Smith Gloria Tour . Because my daughter, Julia is the bass player in Sam's band, I've had the pleasure and honor of meeting Dani, the other dancers, background vocal...

On this week's episode, I share a moving spiritual practice called Letter from Love , inspired and launched by Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of the book Eat, Pray, Love . I read examples from Elizabeth and Suleika Jaouad as well as, one I wrote. May these examples and this podcast encourage you to write a letter to yourself from Love. Whether you write one or you integrate this as another tool in...

It is easy to lose sight of our humanity when so many in the world are suffering. Yet it is exactly our humanity that I don't want to lose sight of as the frightening conflict in Israel and Gaza intensifies. On this week's episode, I share some heartfelt quotes that have helped me align with love, as if we were seen in the eyes of the Divine, help me align with our innate goodness, with peace, wit...

My guest today is Andrea Maxine Frade. Andrea is a Transformational Coach, Healer, Bodyworker and Somatic Practitioner. Having been a podcast guest in January 2019, I am delighted to reconnect with Andrea and learn about all the meaningful changes in her personal life, spiritual life and professional work, in the past 5 years.    Andrea is tuned into her own personal process of growth and evolutio...

On this week's episode, I share some of the history and facts about Indigenous Peoples Day  and our efforts as a country to move in the direction of healing and justice. What might seem to some like a simple name change can lead to real social progress for Indigenous Americans. Today is an opportunity for reflection, recognition, celebration and education. May we honestly admit our dark history of...

My guest this week is Jesse AlFord. Jesse is a Circus Coach and Lighting Designer, who stayed in our guest bedroom for a few days at the request of our dear friends and previous podcast guests, Carlo Pellegrini and Hilary Sweeney. Carlo and Hilary are producing The Legend Cirque - an immersive expression of the gripping tale of the Headless Horseman, narrated by Washington Irving, with world class...

Today marks the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Even though I am not Jewish, I've always appreciated the intention and meaning behind this day of reflection, a day to atone for the ways we have harmed others or ourselves. I share once again the Buddhist Prayer of Forgiveness, an appropriate prayer to help us atone and cultivate at - one - ness . May you be at one with yourself, at...

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...

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...

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:...

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, g...

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...

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...

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...

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 exac...

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 deep...

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. Ple...

My guests today are Art Bridgman and Myrna Packer, an inspiring couple who have collaborated in choreography and performance since 1978. As co-directors of their own dance company, Art and Myrna embody the depth and breadth of collaboration, curiosity and creativity. I've witnessed their performances for 40 years and marvel at their tenacity and innovation as true dance artists. I trust their stor...

With last month's new advisory from the surgeon general about the effects of social media on the mental health of youth, I raise the issue of what adults might be modeling for children. As addictive as social media is for young people, I encourage all of us, to look at our own relationship with social media. Here is a gentle reminder to be mindful of the time and energy you spend with social media...

I am struck by the fullness of the month of June. Between the school year winding down, proms and graduations, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, packing for camp, starting summer travel, and acknowledging Juneteenth, this is an extra full month! So I am offering a short, simple episode to counter-balance the fullness of June. Take a moment, in the midst of your busy month and pause. Empty your a...

My guest today is Brandon McNulty. Brandon is a Personal Coach & Meditation Teacher, living in Arizona. Twelve years ago Brandon was one of 15 teenagers in the independent youth group I directed, called TMAD (Teens Making A Difference). It was a treat to reconnect with him and discover what Brandon has experienced in this past decade, from college, to the corporate world of finance, to solo expedi...