Meditative Story

As a runner of marathons and ultramarathons, author and advocate Mirna Valerio knows a thing or two about finding reserves of power within herself. When she makes the decision to leave her job as an educator and build a new career around inclusivity in the running world, she must find a different kind of strength to take action and learns that it’s always there for her, even when her fear doesn’t go away.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SG Goodman, a celebrated singer-songwriter from rural Kentucky, shares personal stories that highlight the importance of community and small acts of care. She recalls mowing her neighbor's lawn as a child and the life lessons learned from caring for Miss Betty, emphasizing how these simple gestures create lasting connections. SG explores her family's farming roots, reflecting on the reciprocal nature of community support. Music serves as both solace and inspiration in her life, transforming her experiences into heartfelt songwriting that underscores the beauty of everyday relationships.

Explore the vibrant traditions of Día de Muertos, where death is celebrated with joy and humor. Delve into the heartfelt practice of creating an ofrenda to honor ancestors, blending grief and joy in a unique way. Discover La Catrina, a playful symbol encouraging acceptance of mortality and the importance of living fully. Reflect on cultural attitudes toward death and the healing rituals that normalize it. Conclude with poignant insights on life's interconnectedness with death, affirming that embracing life means acknowledging the inevitable.

Louie Schwartzberg, an award-winning cinematographer renowned for his time-lapse and high-speed photography, shares profound insights about time and mindfulness. He reflects on how his childhood shaped his perception of time, influenced by his mother’s resilience. Louie discusses his shift to unstructured living in Elk which changed his understanding of present moments. He reveals how his inventions in time-lapse photography unveil hidden natural rhythms, arguing that human perception of time is limited. The conversation culminates in a guided exercise to appreciate fleeting moments.

Angela Ahrendts, a distinguished business leader renowned for her transformative roles at Burberry and Apple, shares her personal journey towards finding sanctuaries that nurture her spirit. She delves into childhood memories of lying under a maple tree, finding solace in a secret hideaway beneath the stairs, and the profound impact of a morning routine on her clarity. Angela recounts a pivotal moment with a bald eagle that inspired her to embrace bold decisions, emphasizing the importance of crafting daily rituals that cultivate gratitude and openness.

In precisely chosen words, the writer, artist and Zen priest Zenju Earthlyn Manuel tells a story from her girlhood, a road trip from LA to Louisiana in 1957. While five-year-old Zenju sits in the back seat dreaming of cowboys, her parents navigate an altogether different landscape. From them, from the trip, Zenju now believes she’s learned how to find her way in the world, in her skin.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do you find joy in your life? For entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author Reid Hoffman, it’s through the act of genuine, honest, and intimate conversations with friends. Once a self-described misfit, in college, Reid finds his place. He connects with people who share not necessarily his interests but his curiosity, and his dedication to asking big questions. It is in asking the big questions, in discussing the answers, that Reid learns and grows – and begins to discover the meaning of his life.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Having trouble quieting your mind at night? Join Rohan for this soothing, nighttime meditation designed to ease your body and mind into a restful sleep. Drawing on the close connection between mindfulness and relaxation, Rohan takes you step by step through the process of turning down your senses until all that remains is the quiet calm of rest.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Morgan Saylor, an actor renowned for her role as Dana Brody in "Homeland," shares her unique journey from a mathematics enthusiast to a creative powerhouse. She discusses how her love for Sudoku and puzzles helped her rebuild trust in herself. Delving into the intersection of acting and infinite possibilities, Morgan reimagines relationships as entwined infinities. She also highlights how rehearsal serves as both problem-solving and a meditative practice, blending the arts with mathematical elegance.

By the 1980s, Diana Nyad had left competitive swimming behind, embarking on a successful career as a sports broadcaster. But after a meeting with “Superman” actor Christopher Reeve — whose throw from a horse left him paralyzed from the shoulders down — she is reminded of a challenge that fueled her early athletic ambitions, and re-commits to living everyday just past the limit of what seems endurable.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.