Meditative Story

Shani Tran, a therapist and content creator passionate about healthy relationships, shares her heartfelt journey navigating a tough obstacle course with her father. She humorously reflects on their complex bond, revealing lessons about accepting loved ones as they are, not as we wish them to be. As she recounts pivotal moments, including her graduation and a chaotic birthday trip, Shani emphasizes the importance of owning one’s happiness and the power of presence in our relationships. Join her for insights on resilience and emotional independence.

From the outside, Niall Breslin — known by legions of Irish fans as Bressie — appears to have led a charmed life. He’s had a professional Rugby career, achieved national stardom as a musician, and been a coach on The Voice of Ireland. But behind all those achievements lies Niall’s struggle with repressed emotions and generations of unresolved pain. In this week’s Meditative Story, Bressie shares how he learned to embrace the parts of himself he once buried. The parts that showed him how to heal and led him to become one of Ireland’s leading mental health advocates.Find out more about Bressie: https://www.niallbreslin.com/Follow Bressie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bressie/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.

When the way we talk about our own bodies becomes negative and self-deprecating, it’s time to rewrite that inner monologue. Actress and director Kim Fields, star of The Facts of Life, Living Single, and the Netflix series The Upshaws, leads us through a process of reevaluating the words we say to ourselves. It’s an invitation to send love to every body part, even the ones that make us feel self-conscious or less than, and to find appreciation for all that our bodies can do.Find Kim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimfieldsofficial/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.

Joseph Goldstein is a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society and a well-respected author on Buddhism. He shares his transformative journey from uncertainty to growth, emphasizing the importance of embracing the discomfort of not-knowing. Goldstein discusses how accepting uncertainty can unlock creativity and new possibilities. He introduces the concept of a 'yes mind' in mindfulness, urging listeners to accept all sensations. Through 'yes meditation', he encourages confronting inner resistance, leading to deeper self-awareness.

AD, a WNBA player, discusses the profound journey of self-discovery that follows the loss of their basketball career. They poignantly reflect on the challenges of redefining identity beyond sports while sharing memories of joy and camaraderie associated with the game. AD explores emotional struggles related to long COVID and how these experiences shaped their understanding of worth and personal connection. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace their multifaceted identities and recognize the importance of vulnerability and acceptance.

Embrace playfulness and alertness with a unique meditation inspired by April Fool's Day. Discover the wisdom of The Fool and how pranks can enhance mindfulness. The discussion reveals the transformative power of insight, emphasizing that thoughts aren't absolute truths. By sharing a personal story about a family secret, listeners learn the freedom found in redefining perceptions. This engaging blend of storytelling and meditation encourages a fresh perspective on life.

Eric Whitacre, a Grammy-winning choral composer and conductor, shares his journey from feeling like an outsider in northern Nevada to embracing his passion for music. He reflects on stargazing alone, discovering profound insights about isolation and self-acceptance. A dramatic leap into turbulent waters serves as a turning point for him, balancing his lively energy with introspective moments. Joining a college choir ignites his creativity, leading to the composition of 'Water Night' and fostering deep connections with music and community.

Psychology professor Dr. Laurie Santos is the host of The Happiness Lab podcast – and of Yale’s most popular course ever. (More than 3 million people have taken her "Science of Wellbeing" course online.) In this story, journey with Laurie to an island in Puerto Rico where she is one of only a few humans among thousands of monkeys. The company of non-humans, it turns out, can help us better understand ourselves.If this episode resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a moment to share your reflections by rating and reviewing Meditative Story in your podcast player. It helps other listeners find their way to the show, and we’d be so grateful.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.

Dallas Taylor, a creative director and the voice behind the podcast Twenty Thousand Hertz, opens up about his journey through anxiety and self-acceptance. He reflects on how recognizing one’s struggles does not mean being broken but simply being human. The conversation highlights the powerful role of music in overcoming personal challenges and fostering connections. Dallas also emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, urging listeners to view distractions as opportunities for growth and to harness the power of breath for emotional resilience.

Morgan Harper Nichols, a talented songwriter, poet, and artist diagnosed with autism as an adult, shares her inspiring journey of self-discovery. She reflects on feelings of isolation while studying abroad and how stepping into the unknown opened doors to finding her place in the world. Through personal anecdotes, she explores the complexities of cultural identity and connection, revealing the power of storytelling and poetry in fostering belonging. Her experiences illustrate how embracing one’s uniqueness can lead to transformative growth.