Meditative Story

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.

Jason Mraz, the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, opens up about his journey through a hectic year filled with exhaustion. He shares his transformative hike in the Peruvian Andes, emphasizing the healing power of nature and how it rekindled his creativity. Mraz discusses the conflict between obligation and personal well-being, revealing how mindful disconnection helped him navigate self-doubt. His reflections on recharging energy by grounding himself in the earth illustrate the importance of reconnecting with the infinite sources of energy that surround us.

Tamron Hall, a 2x Emmy Award-winning TV host, journalist, and author, shares her inspiring journey of self-belief. She discusses the impact of her family's legacies, particularly lessons learned from her grandfather and mother. Tamron emphasizes the beauty in trying new things, even when the outcome is uncertain. She also reflects on personal growth, resilience in the face of challenges, and the powerful role of storytelling in discovering one's path. Listeners are encouraged to embrace possibilities and practice mindfulness in their own lives.

Explore the multifaceted nature of love, from the unconditional bonds with pets to the importance of self-love. A gentle meditation encourages reflection on personal connections and the joy found in hobbies. There's a focus on embracing self-care, highlighting the need for personal affection in our lives. Listeners are invited to participate in breathing exercises that connect inner peace with community engagement, celebrating love in all its beautiful forms.