Meditative Story

Tom Mustill, a nature filmmaker and writer known for highlighting wildlife conservation, shares an astonishing tale of a near-death encounter with a humpback whale while kayaking. This moment profoundly shifts his perspective, reminding him of the wonder in nature beyond the lens. He reflects on childhood lessons of empathy and responsibility, the pursuit of capturing wildlife, and the importance of personal storytelling. Ultimately, he reveals how parenthood reignites his curiosity and encourages a deeper connection with the natural world.

Nadia Owusu, a Ghanaian-American writer, shares her journey of identity and belonging shaped by her childhood as the daughter of a UN diplomat. She recounts stepping off the plane in Ghana after 19 years, experiencing a mix of nostalgia and novelty. Through family ties and traditions, she reflects on her connection to her heritage, from sensory memories at a roadside market to the joyful embrace from her grandmother. As she participates in familial celebrations, Nadia discovers that home is not just a place but a living culture she carries within her.

Gracia María, a modern-day medicine woman rooted in Peruvian traditions, shares her powerful journey of healing and family reconnection. She reflects on the joy of dancing with her father and the pain of childhood trauma, including her brother's disappearance. Gracia discusses her path to becoming a healer through plant medicine and the challenges of family misunderstanding her spiritual calling. After her father's passing from COVID, she leads a heartwarming ceremony, illustrating the magic and commitment needed in her work, even after loss.

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.