Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire

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...

For today's holiday, we are taking the week off from recording a new episode. Instead, I decided to re-release episode #175 "Called to Dance", that came out in August of 2021. May you hear Hafiz' call to dance and be reminded of your deeper truth, your radiant light. Check out the the links below for Hafiz's poetry, to Barbara Holmes, and the Center for Action and Contemplation. Enjoy the podcast!...

On this week's episode, I pay attention to the little things in life that move me. May we be nourished by the little things that happen everyday. May we contribute to the exchange of little things for ourselves, with others and with all living creatures. May the little things comfort and connect us to all that is bigger than us. Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode, I emphasize the importance of taking time to reflect on our experiences. We have a better chance of learning from our experiences when we take the time to reflect on what we just saw, heard, said and felt. There are not only lessons to be learned but growth and even transformation to be had. Apply 4 simple questions to specific areas of life: friendships, relationships, job...

On today's episode, I share an unexpected encounter in Dublin, Ireland that I'm calling An Irish Blessing . It occurred on the Grattan Bridge, one of the few bridges over the River Liffey that had benches. I had just finished reading Michelle Obama's book  "The Light We Carry" when a man kindly asked if he could sit on the end of my bench. Unintentionally, we both participated in a social experime...

On this week's episode I describe how I am experiencing Poetry in Motion. Thanks to Upper Nyack's River Hook Preserve, and their Arbor Day celebration, we now have poems displayed at the preserve from a dozen local poets. You can read each poem as you meander through the grounds of the Preserve. I share five of the poems that were on display. May you experience poetry in motion, literally and meta...

With the celebration of Earth Day a couple of days ago on April 22, I offer an idea that you can practice on any day throughout the year. This practice is a shift in mindset and will not only help you honor the earth, but more profoundly heal the earth. Inspired by Victoria Loorz's book "Church of the Wild: How Nature Invites Us Into the Sacred" try conversing with nature. Conversing with nature,...

My guest today is Pete Dominick. Pete is a stand-up comic, news commentator, and journo-activist. After 12 years of hosting a 3 hour live radio show on Sirius XM, reporting for CNN, a panelist with Bill Maher and being the warm-up comic for Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert and currently John Oliver, Pete has created, produced and now hosts his own podcast: "Stand Up with Pete Dominick" . He describes...

The Tennessee 3, surprisingly provided me a profound Spiritual experience this past week. You don't need to be religious or practice Judaism or Christianity to find liberation and resurrection in how the two Justins conducted themselves, in order to rise above the racism and authoritarianism from the Tennessee House of Representatives. Justin Pearson and Justin Jones proudly represented the people...

On this week's episode, just after April Fools Day, we PLAY with the power of PLAY! From definitions, childhood memories and numerous researched benefits of PLAY, I spell out why play is so important. Let play lighten your day, infuse you with curiosity, spontaneity, creativity and joy.  As George Bernard Shaw said: "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."...

On this week's episode, I share how struck I was by a few teams of migrating geese that stopped me in my tracks. Amazed and curious, I learned some interesting facts about geese. Geese have a lot to teach us about conserving energy and working collaboratively together, with rotating leadership. May you let nature and its creatures inspire you and offer important life lessons. May we trust that the...

On this week's episode, I share a recent experience of how humbled I was by Mother Nature . New York's one and only snow storm (so far) this winter caught me off guard and frightened me. Thankfully, I reached out for help, admitted my vulnerability and did my best to deal with the challenge before me. Even when we bump up against disturbing emotions and experiences, we can look at how we treat our...

My guest today is Julie Sherry. Julie is a physical therapist, body whisperer and first time author of her new e-book The Attached Buddha . I was delighted to get to know Julie, her warmth, thoughtfulness and positive, compassionate energy. I am eager to read her book, where she shares her personal and professional journey of integrating mind/body and soul, in her holistic approach to healing. It...

Despite good physical vision, we don't always see clearly. Bias, worry and fear can blind us from seeing things as they really are.  Sometimes we miss what is right in front of us and sometimes we fabricate what is not there. William James, the 19th century American psychologist and philosopher, highlights how little we access the fullness of our seeing, perceiving, and being. We end up living res...

On this week's episode, to close out the month of February honoring Black History Month, I focus on Black Joy . Black Joy can be anything that inspires, supports and uplifts Black culture and people. Black Joy strengthens Black identity, leads to liberation and freedom of expression, can be an act of resistance, as it contrasts the rigidity and control of oppressive structures in non-violent ways....