The Gathering Room Podcast

The state of the world right now is unnerving. In this episode of The Gathering Room, she shares how we can start to heal the parts of us that are in pain or despair over the state of things. Martha says that when we experience trauma, shock, fear, or loss, our psyches can split into different parts to help us cope. To heal this loss of integrity or wholeness, we need to unite all the parts of ourselves that are hurting. And we do this by loving them unconditionally. In this episode, Martha walks us through a powerful visualization exercise to help us access our deepest capacity for love, hope, and joy, so we can welcome the suffering parts of ourselves to “be warmed by the fire of love.”  As she describes it, “We have to come together as individuals held by the intelligence of nature, by the consciousness of the universe.” When we can love all the different parts of ourselves, including our sorrow, our fear, our anger, we can love the people around us. And when that happens, vibrant communities begin to form—like Wilder, the “sanctuary for the bewildered” that Martha created with Rowan Mangan. As Martha shares, “Everything I’ve seen online from the people I respect most, whether they’re politically savvy people or psychologists or community organizers, everybody’s saying the same thing: ‘Join something. Connect, connect, connect.’” Shock, overwhelm, fear, and rage are ameliorated as we connect with others who are feeling the same way. And this coming together of the shards of all of us could be what creates the calm beyond the storm. If you’re feeling devastated or uncertain, isolated or afraid, and you want to learn how to let faith, love, and hope guide you to connection and the next right step, don’t miss this reassuring episode of The Gathering Room. CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Gathering Room Show Notes Join Martha for a Live Episode of The Gathering Room via Facebook See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover how the right hemisphere of your brain, dubbed 'the magician,' can unleash your creative genius! Learn about the decline of creativity from childhood and the societal pressures that contribute to it. Explore how calmness and curiosity can lead to those 'Eureka' moments. Delve into various educational options for nurturing curiosity in children. Finally, uncover the strength found in overcoming adversity and the vital role of supportive communities in fostering personal resilience.

Discover the transformative power of the heart healer within each of us. Explore how self-reflection and acceptance can pave the way for emotional wellness. Art emerges as a vital tool for navigating heartache, illustrating its cyclical healing nature. The conversation delves into the relationship between individual healing and community wellness, emphasizing collective resilience. Learn about the nuances of grief and emotional acceptance, advocating for compassion towards oneself as a key component in the healing journey.

Discover the humorous side of spirituality as laughter becomes a gateway to prayer. Explore the distinction between spiritual and religious faith, and learn how to harness guiding energies for delightful life surprises. Engage in discussions about non-religious spirituality and the role of meditation in fostering inner peace. Uncover the joys of manifesting with integrity, emphasizing lightness over ego, while sharing personal stories that illustrate the magic of spiritual awareness.

Discover how curiosity can ignite your passion and lead to your life's purpose. The discussion emphasizes the importance of pursuing personal interests over societal expectations. Learn how leisure activities can help unveil your passions and navigate anxiety. There’s a meditative journey to explore the interconnectedness of body and mind, providing insights into finding inner peace. Embrace the idea that fulfillment often springs from rest and creativity, encouraging listeners to follow their curiosity wherever it may lead.

Dive into the liberating idea that you don’t always need to do more to achieve more. Discover how embracing minimalism in creativity and relationships can enhance meaningful connections. Learn about the freedom found in simplicity by prioritizing what truly matters. Navigate the balance between joy and obligation, and explore how aligning with your true self can diminish future anxieties. This enlightening discussion offers practical advice on simplifying life for greater fulfillment and purpose.

Martha, a talented watercolor artist, shares her journey navigating the ups and downs of her craft. She reveals how stepping back and embracing rest led to breakthroughs, allowing her intuition to take over during her creative process. Martha discusses the importance of playful experimentation and personal growth, emphasizing that learning doesn’t always follow a linear path. She also highlights her favorite ways to recharge, including laughter and meditation, reminding us that sometimes, doing less can lead to doing more.

Martha is an advocate for authentic connections and self-discovery. She shares her insights on the joy of bewilderment and the importance of stepping away from societal expectations to embrace our true selves. Discover how technology can foster genuine relationships and build community through her new platform, Wilder. Martha also discusses navigating personal integrity, creativity, and resilience in the face of life's challenges. Join her journey of finding others and savoring the simple joys of life!

There are times when really important things are happening, and we really care about the results. At such times, it’s hard not to get stuck in that awful place between hope and fear.In this episode of The Gathering Room, Martha is talking about how hope and fear are on the same continuum. The moment you get attached to a hope, you’re also afraid it won't happen. And the moment you’re afraid of something happening, you also hope that it won’t.As it says in Martha’s favorite book, the Tao Te Ching, “Hope is as hollow as fear. Whether you go up the ladder or down, your position is shaky. When you stand with your two feet on the ground, you will always keep your balance.”Hope and fear are fundamentally future directed, Martha says, so to get off this shaky ladder and plant your feet on the ground, you must bring yourself to the present moment by practicing mindfulness and equanimity.When we are mindful, we are fully present and aware of our surroundings and sensations, and with equanimity, we can maintain a calm state of mind, regardless of challenges.To hear Martha’s insights on how to step off the shaky ladder, ground yourself in the present moment, and mother yourself during difficult times, don’t miss this encouraging episode, which includes Martha’s guided meditation to connect with peace, compassion, and joy. CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Gathering Room Show Notes Join Martha for a Live Episode of The Gathering Room via Facebook See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martha, a life coach and advocate for joy-driven living, shares her transformative journey in prioritizing joy as a strategy for life. She discusses how joy can act as a unifier, enriching experiences even amidst challenges. Martha distinguishes joy from fleeting happiness, exploring the depth of true joy that can persist through grief. She emphasizes the power of joy as a source of resilience and a means to connect with others. Along with personal anecdotes, she offers meditation techniques to help listeners tap into joy, regardless of circumstances.