Meditative Story

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.

Terence Blanchard, a legendary jazz trumpeter and five-time Grammy winner, reflects on his transformative journey from a shy New Orleans youth to a confident musician. He shares heartfelt memories of caroling that connect him to his community and cultural heritage. Blanchard emphasizes the vital role of mentors in shaping his identity and artistic path. Through personal anecdotes, he explores the intersection of music and resilience, showcasing how mentorship can unlock one's potential and inspire a future filled with creativity.

Kathryn Nicolai, creator of the Nothing Much Happens podcast, shares her journey of self-discovery during a transformative year in Italy. She reflects on childhood lessons of self-sacrifice and the struggle to voice her own needs. Faced with challenges from a neglectful host family, she learns that it’s okay to take up space and assert herself. Kathryn emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and nurturing connections through awareness, ultimately guiding listeners to embrace their true selves and prioritize personal fulfillment.

A father reflects on a holiday in Tenerife, watching his son navigate the journey of learning to swim. Their emotional connection grows as he moves from a hands-on helper to a mindful observer, embracing the importance of trust and independence. The discussion encourages listeners to practice letting go and realizing that mistakes are part of mastering new skills. With themes of perseverance and the joy of achieving challenges, this engaging narrative inspires confidence in both children and parents alike.