Meditative Story

Silvia Vasquez-Lavado, the first openly lesbian woman to climb the Seven Summits, shares her journey to understanding the importance of self-compassion over conquering mentality. She recounts the challenges faced while preparing to climb Denali, highlighting the value of resilience and personal growth. The podcast explores themes of self-compassion, forgiveness, and the practice of Tonglen meditation for finding peace and stability in challenging times.

Jacob Sartorius has been making music and short videos since he was a kid. By age 14, he had millions of social media followers who loved his honest, heartfelt content. But on the flip side of that love, he discovered a darker side to his celebrity — one that took him by surprise and threatened his own well-being. Until a simple technique, and a new friend, helped him find a way back to himself, one breath at a time.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.

David Whyte, a renowned poet and author, shares his journey of self-discovery amid the windswept landscapes of Wales. He candidly discusses battling self-doubt and the transformative power of place, revealing how a hawk in the Galapagos sparked profound insights about identity. Whyte reflects on deep connections formed amidst loss, highlighting friendships that endure despite life's challenges. He intertwines nature and poetry, illustrating how memories and emotions are tied to the landscapes we cherish.

Nate Berkus, an acclaimed interior designer and author known for his work with Oprah Winfrey, reflects on his journey of self-discovery through designing his childhood bedroom. He shares how transforming an unfinished space helped him assert his identity while navigating family dynamics. The conversation explores the importance of mindful design in fostering personal growth, the freedom of creative expression in parenting, and concludes with a guided meditation that highlights the connection between outer space and inner awareness.

Restaurateur Danny Meyer shares how a simple plate of pasta in Europe ignited his passion for food and creativity. He reflects on the joys of communal dining and the importance of paying attention to everyday experiences. The podcast also explores mindfulness techniques and encourages listeners to share their reflections.

Photographer Stephen Wilkes shares his unique approach to capturing light and perspective. He reflects on caring for his resilient mother, turning darkness into art. The podcast delves into the transformative impact of photography and finding calm in chaos.

Lindsey Stirling, a Memory violinist, shares heartwarming stories about her dad's impactful storytelling and enduring legacy. The episode explores the power of family bonds, self-awareness, and the influence of personal narratives in personal growth. Through meditation, listeners are guided to reflect on their own stories and embrace gratitude for the lessons learned.

Kristin Windbigler shares her journey from rural California to San Francisco, emphasizing the value of living abundantly off the land. She explores the importance of community, self-sufficiency, and working together to solve urgent problems. The podcast reflects on the universal truth that differences fade away when people collaborate. Kristen's story inspires listeners to embrace openness beyond constraints and reflect on their labels and identities.

Pastry chef Duff Goldman discusses how his creations speak louder than words, exploring family dynamics, emotive cooking, and the power of art in non-verbal communication. The episode includes a guided meditation on interpreting non-verbal cues and wraps up with a call for personal reflections.

Nataly Dawn, a singer-songwriter and one half of the band Pomplamoose, recounts her journey of adapting to life in a small French town after moving from the U.S. She candidly shares her struggles with language and the insecurities of being a beginner. As she learns French, Nataly discovers joy and connection through creativity and shared experiences with her classmates. Embracing a beginner's mindset transforms her challenges into opportunities for growth, underscoring the beauty in exploration and mindfulness.