Meditative Story

Andrea Gibson, a celebrated spoken word artist and activist, opens up about their journey with chronic illness. They share how food not feeling like an enemy led to embracing the body as a source of joy. From the joy of basketball in winter to dancing at queer clubs, Gibson discusses the highs and lows of self-acceptance. Their stories highlight the power of movement in coping with struggles while advocating for embracing spontaneity in life and dance.

Tami Simon, founder of the esteemed publishing house Sounds True, shares her journey from feeling alienated to discovering a sense of belonging. She delves into her experiences navigating identity in new environments, confronting societal expectations. A poignant retreat on Cortez Island catalyzes her transformation, highlighting themes of connection, nature, and intimacy. Tami's story emphasizes the power of emotional openness and mindfulness, inviting listeners to explore their own paths to belonging.

Jon Foreman, a talented land artist, transforms natural materials into stunning ephemeral art, drawing inspiration from the Pembrokeshire coast. He shares how his creative journey ebbed and flowed with life’s responsibilities, showcasing the importance of finding art in everyday moments. Listeners will be captivated by his experiences of blending creativity with parenthood, and how mindfulness fuels his art. The stories remind us that even amidst chaos, creativity can flourish, weaving connections between art, nature, and family.

Dive into heartwarming reflections on the power of kindness in everyday life. Listen to personal transformations sparked by small, mindful gestures that uplift connections. Enjoy touching stories, like the joy of sharing Milano cookies and how a simple smile can brighten someone's day. Discover how acts of encouragement in various settings, from hospitals to high school theaters, create a positive ripple effect. Finally, explore the importance of community and the deep bonds that kindness fosters among us.

Eddie Huang, author of the memoir Fresh Off the Boat and founder of Baohaus, shares his vibrant journey of opening a Taiwanese restaurant in New York City. He reflects on the importance of personal dreams versus societal pressures, exploring the emotional landscape of food as a connector of culture and identity. Eddie delves into his unique experiences navigating different cultures while emphasizing authenticity. His candid struggles with balancing passion and practicality offer listeners inspiration to embrace their individuality and pursue mindfulness.

Meredith Goldstein, the writer behind the Boston Globe's Love Letters column, shares her journey from viewing relationships with skepticism to embracing the present moment. She reflects on the challenges of ambition during her youth and how the pandemic inspired her to appreciate simplicity. Goldstein discusses the joy found in daily routines, the balance between personal fulfillment and connection, and the transformative power of mindfulness. Her insights remind us of the beauty that lies in slowing down and savoring each experience.

When Fred Minnick returns from his military service as a photographer documenting the war in Iraq, he finds himself haunted by what he saw through the lens of his camera. Trauma, as a result of the battlefield and his childhood, holds a grip on him until a bag of barbecue potato chips unlocks something in his brain. An untapped talent — he was born with a remarkable sense of smell — serves as a lifeline back to the present moment, and back to himself.Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.comSign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No boys. No dresses. As a teen, Moj Mahdara, founder of the fashion media company Beautycon, knows she’s different. And growing up in a traditional Iranian household, she struggles to reveal her own true identity. When two long-term houseguests descend — her grandmothers — Moj is shocked to learn that each woman has a surprising story of identity of her own. She learns secrets. She also learns that generations before her, family members had fought to define themselves. And it’s through these old souls that Moj finds the strength to stand in her own truth. Listen here.Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.comSign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lawyer and master communicator Jefferson Fisher loves taking care of other people. You can feel this in the supportive videos he posts on his wildly popular social media channels. Again and again he puts the wants and needs of others ahead of his own. In his story this week, Jefferson discovers the power of showing up for himself, and when he does, he’s given the chance to show up more fully for others.Find Jefferson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jefferson_fisherFind Jefferson on Facebook: https://facebook.com/justaskjeffersonEach episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.comSign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Elizabeth Lesser, author and co-founder of the Omega Institute, shares her awe-inspiring journey as a midwife and the life lessons learned from witnessing births. She reflects on embracing life's challenges, such as divorce and loss, revealing how these experiences foster resilience and wisdom. Lesser emphasizes the beauty of staying open to life's uncertainties and the importance of accepting pain to cultivate growth. Through vivid stories and meditation, she encourages listeners to deepen their emotional awareness and connection to both body and mind.