Quick Shanti

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of Anaïs Nin and one of her most striking quotes: “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” Spoiler: Courage isn’t always some epic, movie moment. Sometimes, it's as simple as awkwardly telling the barista they messed up your coffee. But those little acts of courage? They add up to something bigger. Anaïs Nin didn’t wait around for life...

Breath, the essential function that keeps us alive, serves as a continuous reminder of our very existence. It's our lifeline to this world. But how have societal ideals severed our connection to the depths of breath? What are some of the limitations we impose on our capacity to take in a deep, gratifying breath? Today's episode is spoken through poem, "Let your belly be round." 📧 Drop a line at e...

Hildegard of Bingen was a remarkable woman whose life’s work is almost unbelievable. Hildegard is a woman known to be many things: a visionary, composer, writer, herbalist, scholar, poet; a polymath in the truest sense. In this episode, we unfold the life, music, philosophy, and absolute genius of Hildegard von Bingen, a woman whose life is still dripping in mystique and marvel, centuries after sh...

In this practice, we’ll cultivate the experience of gratitude. Through the lens of gratitude, we recognize the inherent abundance in our lives, no matter how big or small. Gratitude is not just a fleeting emotion; it is a practice that can enrich your life and the lives of those around you. Like tending to a garden, take time to cultivate gratitude regularly. Return to this meditation or simply co...

Today's topic revolves around a profound phrase originating from the Upanishads, urging us to transcend the barriers that often separate us. The phrase is "Tat Twam Asi" - which translates to "You are that." In essence, it signifies that what we perceive in others is a reflection of ourselves."Tat Twam Asi" encapsulates a simple yet powerful message, encouraging us to shift our perception in the w...

This practice is focused on being here now: in this moment, finding a state of present-moment awareness. Using a body scan, we’ll let go of tension, connect with the body, and become fully aware of our thoughts, emotions, and sensations without getting entangled in them or attaching stories to them. By noticing the body, you understand that you are more than just the body. By noticing the senses,...

Sometimes the most important thing to do is to let things be as they are and not try to force or rush them into a different state. Mindfulness as a gentle exploration - a way to cultivate presence. It’s not something that we can force our way into. In fact, putting too much effort or force into mindfulness can actually hinder our experience. When we strive, or rather struggle, to control our state...

Awe is like a thread that connects us to something bigger. It connects the extraordinary, the mysteries of life’s essence. Experiences of awe are what psychologists call self-transcendent : they shift our attention away from ourselves, but histoircally, this is what the mystics pointed to. In ancient Greece they called it ekstasis , meaning “to be or stand outside oneself.” Awe dissolves the sense...

The Anapanasati practice is a foundational aspect of Vipassana (or Insight) meditation where it serves as the first step in developing concentration and mindfulness. This guided Anapanasati meditation session offers a peaceful space where you can learn to anchor your attention to the breath, allowing the mind to settle and bring a sense of clarity within. Immerse yourself in this meditation experi...

Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Eckhart Tolle, this session invites you to experience a state of no-mind—a state of heightened awareness free from the constant stream of thoughts and mental activity. Just as physical space allows objects to exist within it, there is a space within your consciousness that allows your thoughts, emotions, and sensory perceptions to arise and be experienced....

Today we’re exploring the patterns, meaningful coincidences, and hidden connections that feel like much more than chance. Coined by psychoanalyst, Carl Jung , synchronicity reveals a profound link between our conscious awareness and the unconscious mind. Synchronistic experiences invite us to explore the mysteries and deeper layers of meaning in the worlds within and around us. The way I see it, s...

Reset your nervous system, reduce stress, and restore balance in your body with the 4-7-8 breathing technique. The 4-7-8 breathing technique focuses on extending the exhale and incorporating a specific breathing pattern. Here's how it works: 🧘‍♀️ Breathe in gently through your nose to a mental count of 4 🐡 Hold your breath for a count of 7 🌬 Exhale completely through your mouth to a count of 8,...

Every day, we encounter a barrage of "shoulds" from various sources: societal norms, authorities, self-proclaimed experts, influencers, and even well-meaning friends and family. But these shoulds pile up - and next thing you know, you’re carrying this heavy backpack of shoulds, feeling restricted and limited in your ability to navigate your own path. There's an inherent wisdom that resides within...

In this contemplative meditation, we’ll journey through the elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space. We’ll embrace the wisdom of these elemental forces that reside within us and allow them to guide us on a path toward balance and inner peace. Throughout the practice, we will invoke the presence of each element, immersing ourselves in their transformative energies. Experience the powerful conn...

Sometimes, the things we desire and value the most are hidden in places or situations that evoke discomfort and fear. Paradoxically, it is within these very circumstances that we have the greatest potential for personal growth, self-discovery, and the fulfillment of our deepest desires. Joseph Campbell's once said, "The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure that you seek." Together, we'll unpa...

When we embrace the law of impermanence, it reveals to us profound wisdom: the reminder to fully embrace the preciousness of each passing moment. Just as the breath flows in and out, thoughts arise and fade away, and nature undergoes its cycles of transformation, we too are intimately woven into this grand tapestry of impermanence. We are not separate entities, but integral expressions of the ever...

Wholeness > goodness. In the episode, we heed the wise words of Carl Jung when he proclaimed, "I'd rather be whole than good" to anchor us in this teaching. We explore what it means to be whole; what it means to be human . In the pursuit of individuation, we embark on a courageous quest to explore the vast landscapes of our psyche. We delve into the depths of our unconscious, shining a light on...

The concept of ritual is not limited to religion. It’s a fundamental aspect of human culture and experience. Rituals can help us cultivate a connection with something greater than ourselves, foster a sense of awe, wonder, and reverence, and provide a structure for our meditation practice. Joseph Campbell, the famous scholar, author, and mythologist, believed that the modern world lacks meaningful...

We may perceive ourselves as separate individuals, but we’re so much more. Each of us is a unique expression of the whole, intricately interconnected with one another and the fabric of existence itself. We are all expressions of the same source, experiencing life through our unique perspectives. Beneath the labels, the possessions, the personalities, all the identifiers, what you truly are is form...

This is a Zen parable about a young samurai warrior who seeks the wisdom of a little old monk. He learns a powerful lesson about self-awareness. ---If you have any questions, comments, or thoughts related to today's topic, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'd love to hear your perspectives. Drop a line at ellie@shanti-meditations.com . 🌞 SHANTI NEWSLETTER : http://bit.ly/3nXt0gC

Explore the philosophical and environmental movement of Deep Ecology and its connection to Taoism. We delve into how both philosophies emphasize the interconnectedness and interdependence of all living things and systems, and how this recognition can guide us toward a more harmonious and sustainable way of living. Concepts such as biomimicry, regenerative farming, conscious consumption, and sustai...

The Tao translates as "the way" or "the path." Consider it to be the creative force that flows through all things and brings them into being, It’s the source of everything in the universe. The Tao operates according to its own inherent principles and rhythms, and it cannot be controlled or manipulated by human beings. By aligning oneself with the Tao and following its natural flow, one can achieve...

As humans, we all possess a unique set of desires, biases, and motivations that shape the way we view the world. No one emerges from socialization unscathed. The phrase "Truth waits for eyes unclouded by longing" invites us to explore how our desires, biases, and motivations can cloud our perception of the truth and prevent us from seeing things objectively. The practice of non-attachment helps us...

Discover your true nature and connect with the universal consciousness through the Neti Neti practice. Peel away all the inessential layers as you practice letting go of thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and self-concepts. Experience the freedom of observing your thoughts and feelings without attachment and find a deep sense of peace and stillness within. Join us for this clarifying Neti Neti...

Language, communication, and thinking are tools that point to something beyond themselves. Today we explore the limitations of language and rational analysis in understanding the ultimate nature of reality. We will focus on what reality is not, rather than what it is, and emphasize direct, experiential awareness. Peeling away intellectual limitations can help us transcend the rational mind and acc...