Gratitude Blooming Podcast artwork

Gratitude Blooming Podcast

134 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 45 ratings

Inspired by nature, art and gratitude, the Gratitude Blooming co-hosts Belinda Liu and Omar Brownson bring fresh and diverse perspectives to well-being. For us, heartfulness is the new mindfulness. Gratitude Blooming was inspired by the artist Arlene Kim Suda and her 100 Days of Blooming Love art project. Hear from culture keepers, creators, healers, leaders and so many others who share their emergent practices to build the beautiful world our hearts know is possible. Please rate, review and subscribe. New conversations each week. We want to hear what you're grateful for. Learn more at www.gratitudeblooming.com 

Nature Science Religion & Spirituality Spirituality gratitude spirituality health relationships nature discovery wellness religion self-improvement self-care
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

The Tender Art of Vulnerability and Holding Space

February 17, 2024 18:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MB

Embark on a transformative exploration with us as we reflect on a profound year investigating the intersection of empathy and democracy. Our heartfelt discussions have led us to recognize the unsung heroes who create nurturing environments in every corner of society.  Today, we delve into lessons from our poignant collaboration with the Japanese American National Museum, underscoring democracy's vulnerability through the harrowing history of Japanese internment camps. As we gear up for our ...

Wu Wei: Join our story circle and practice of "effortless action"

February 02, 2024 19:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB

As the seasons begin to change, we find ourselves wrapped in the afterglow of a snowstorm — a perfect time to foster our aspirations and face the hurdles ahead. Join us in a heartwarming journey where we embrace the art of grounding ourselves through meditation, connecting deeply with the earth and our innermost dreams. We'll navigate the ancient philosophy of Wu Wei or effortless action and learn to trust the natural flow of life. With art from Beckie Masaki, we explore the transformative p...

What is nature showing you this season?

January 19, 2024 04:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MB

As the frost of winter blankets parts of earth, we find ourselves wrapped in the cozy musings of transition and the gentle guidance of nature's rhythm. Based on our recent travels, including to a snow-cloaked Yosemite, we invoke the power of nature's symbolism to inform our reflections on the year gone by. Our conversation meanders through the interplay of presence, intention, and the art of slowing down. We begin with a guided meditation that invites you to feel the essence of change and em...

An artist, a poet and a land steward: Our practice of remembrance

January 05, 2024 19:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MB

As we meander through the intricate pathways of artistry, poetry, and land stewardship, Arlene Kim Suda, Belinda Liu, and Omar Brownson uncover the profound synergy these realms share in steering life's grandest inquiries. Our conversation, rich with personal experiences like a recent trip to a sanctuary in Tijuana, spotlights the vitality of communal ties and the bravery entailed in embracing change.  Reminisce with us as we delve into heartfelt discourses about the indispensable roles of ...

Unraveling Modernity: Dancing across cultures and change

December 18, 2023 19:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

As we journey through life, we often find ourselves confronting the paradox of ambition and rest. Come with us, be part of our personal reflections on recent travels, and you might just hear the whisper of your own inner compass urging you to make necessary changes. Let's walk together as we share our tales of self-discovery, pondering the effects of modernity, particularly within the fast-paced tech and startup culture. Have you ever considered the effects of ancestral trauma on your wellb...

Kindling Hope and Gratitude with a Candlemaker

November 29, 2023 17:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MB

You ever find yourself searching for an antidote to the chaos of the world? Let's journey together into the warm, comforting embrace of hope, gratitude, and the soothing scent of candles. Special guest Kate De Palma, former teacher turned candle artisan and founder of Scented Designs, illuminates us with her story of transformation. She shares her leap from the classroom to the candle workshop, and how her newfound passion became a beacon of joy and community. Our intimate conversation cont...

Reimagining Democracy as an Everyday Practice of Listening, Speaking & Asking

November 16, 2023 00:00 - 51 minutes - 35.8 MB

How do you find hope and personal empowerment in the face of war and political unrest?  According to Lea Endres, the CEO of NationBuilder, democracy is the least violent form of government currently known to humans.  It's a system. It's also an idea. And it lives in our imaginations.  Research shows that when citizens are actively engaged in showing up for their community,  it can actually turn the tide in countries that have slid into authoritarianism.  Human beings will not endorse or ...

Be in the World with Tenderness

October 27, 2023 20:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MB

Imagine a world where tenderness takes the political stage and grace is nurtured enough to birth something beautiful. In today's heart-to-heart, we sit within the hard cracks and rubble of life, armed with a gentle energy, exploring how we can endure the world's heaviness without being swept away by it. Drawing inspiration from Bayo Akomolafe's call for a politics of tenderness, we invite you to join us in this moment of vulnerability as we turn to the Gentleness card from our deck, a beacon...

The power of a good (or even an uninvited) pause

October 05, 2023 00:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

Have you ever wondered how the power of pause can lead to achieving more? Today, we're joined by Emily Lynn Wendell, who takes us on her personal journey of battling an autoimmune condition while simultaneously building a business. Despite the challenges, Emily's story is one of resilience and creativity. She likens her experiences to building wire sculptures one wire at a time, a testament to her patience and determination. Taking a step back from medical school due to her health situation...

How do you find your authentic courage?

September 27, 2023 01:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MB

Welcome to a journey of courageous self-expression, a voyage across the realms of identity, gratitude, and remembrance. How do you find your authentic courage? In today’s conversation, we explore this question, and so much more. What's more, we have a new segment – a heartfelt invitation around the beautiful questions that reside in our lives. Join us as we engage with you, our listeners, to unveil the questions you are holding. Beat by beat, we’ll navigate the dynamic concept of courage,...

Reframing Fear and Embracing the Unknown: A Creative Journey

September 15, 2023 17:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MB

Ready to reframe fear and the unknown as fertile ground for creativity and change? Our illuminating conversation aims to inspire you to do just that. We explore the "J-curve", a trajectory of change that involves embracing failure and loss, while co-creating a future outside traditional conventions. The dance between fear and creativity forms the heart of this episode. We invite you to consider the vital role of the unknown in collective change and how artists harness this uncertainty. Whi...

Reciprocity: Beyond a 'debt of gratitude'

September 01, 2023 02:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MB

There is more to reciprocity than giving back. Our guest, Christine Liboon, a PhD student in Education, is here to take us on a deep exploration of her findings. She shares her fascinating research around the Filipino concept of 'utang na loob', which she and her colleagues are redefining as a gift rather than a debt. We also explore the symbolism of currency as not merely monetary exchange but a representation of a promise or a commitment. The second part of our journey with Christine lead...

The Art of Surrender: Making Peace with Your Choices

August 21, 2023 17:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

Ever feel like life's pace is too fast? Ever wish you could just press the 'pause' button and breathe? Well, you're not alone. Join us with yoga instructor, Susie Lee, about the power of slowing down, leaning into uncertainty, and finding balance amidst chaos. Susie shares her personal journey with discovering the Gratitude Blooming card deck, which she now uses as a tool to infuse her yoga classes with intention and harmony. Pausing creates room for profound clarity and connection. As the ...

The Power of the Collective Pause

August 04, 2023 21:00 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MB

How can a simple pause unlock the magic of co-creation and our collective superpowers? Join us as we explore the intentions behind Arlene's latest pop-up art exhibit, "The Forgiveness Reflection Booth", and how pausing to connect with found objects in nature can bring comfort, kindness, joy and wonder to our everyday lives. We also focus on the theme of self-care as a powerful reminder from nature of  how nurturing others and our planet can serve as an extension of caring for ourselves. ...

Art and Inquiry: Pathways to Empathy and Democracy

July 27, 2023 17:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MB

What if you held the power to direct the energy of democracy through your personal feelings and actions?  We promise to illuminate this connection as we explore the intersection of art, empathy, and democracy in this live recording at The Democracy Center with director Jim Herr. The journey delves into creating space to pause and reflect on non-attachment, gratitude, and mindfulness. We reveal how kindness and compassion can enrich your daily life, and the profound impact of nature in helpi...

The Emotional Terrain of Democracy: A Deep Dive into Empathy and Vulnerability

July 21, 2023 19:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MB

Ever pondered the intricate dance of empathy and democracy? Well, that's precisely what we set out to explore with our esteemed guests, Sofia Alvarez and Jim Herr, from the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy. Through this collaborative project, we created three reflection booths, inviting people to pause in a public square. Together, we navigated the terrain of emotions, giving individuals the liberty to tap into their own emotions and harness their inner wisdom while we talke...

The Alchemy of Gratitude and Intent

July 12, 2023 17:00 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MB

Have you ever considered how gratitude can be a social adhesive, bringing us together to co-create the world we envision? Join us, as we leap into a profound conversation and art installation centered on democracy and empathy with the Japanese American National Museum and the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy. The partners of Gratitude Blooming open up about our journey of stepping into new roles and the power of learning through the process. There's a goldmine here about the...

Riding the Waves of Life's Transitions

July 06, 2023 17:00 - 24 minutes - 16.5 MB

Ever sailed the tumultuous river of life transition, armed with nothing but hope and gratitude? Welcome to the journey of our guest, Charlie Koch, who transforms his life's transitions into opportunities of growth and awakening. Through his weekly family meetings, Charlie discovered the power of Gratitude Blooming, a practice that not only helped him navigate through life's ups and downs but also laid the foundation for an active, empowering life. Harnessing the power of gratitude, Charlie s...

The Garden of Joy: Exploring Coherence

June 26, 2023 17:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MB

What if you could harness the power of sound and nature to experience true coherence in your life? Join us as we celebrate the release of our new album, The Garden of Joy, and discuss our unique collaboration with the Japanese American National Museum and the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy. We share our journey from spring to summer, exploring adaptive leadership, building team culture, trust, vulnerability, and even touching on a tea ceremony in the Bay Area. In this sea...

The Art of Receiving

June 19, 2023 20:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MB

What happens when we shift our focus? Join us on this experimental journey as we kick off season three of the Gratitude Blooming podcast with artist Arlene Kim Suda, and embark on a new adventure that might even lead to a retreat with fellow Gratitude Blooming guests! In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, we draw both the Azalea card, representing hope, and  the Agapanthus card, representing perspective.  We reflect on the significance of these cards and dive into the importance of ...

Beyond the binaries: Who are you finding yourself to be?

June 09, 2023 20:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MB

In this conversation, we delve into the wild card represented by the sweet pea with Iris Podschun (they/them), a somatic coach. Iris, whose name itself holds significance, shares their early memories and their journey of self-discovery as a queer individual, challenging societal binaries and embracing a path of authenticity. Drawing from their experiences in community organizing in Washington, D.C., Iris learned about somatics, a practice that focuses on the mind-body connection. They studi...

Silence, Intent, and Wholeness

May 26, 2023 23:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MB

Join us in this captivating episode of Gratitude Blooming as we delve into the theme of Wholeness with the remarkable Lorrie Adams. In this conversation grounded by the vibrant Forsythia, Lorrie takes us on a journey of self-discovery and healing, sharing her profound insights and experiences. Her Shamans Cave Maker community also crafted the Gratitude Blooming wooden card deck holders!  From a young age, Lorrie felt a profound connection to nature and the world around her. A transformative...

Rooting for you

April 28, 2023 19:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MB

In this episode, urban artist and poet SJ Hazim shares his insights on the theme of Simplicity card #18, represented by the humble daisies. He sees the flowers are rooting for him. He speaks about his journey towards creativity and empowerment through the urban arts, and how he uses his talents and expertise to make a positive impact in the world. SJ believes that INSPIRATION is a powerful force that can drive personal and professional growth. He shares his experiences with finding inspirat...

Unleashing Your Heart-led Courage

April 27, 2023 16:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MB

In this episode, we sit down with Stacey Street, the COO of Richmond Community Foundation, to talk about the power of love, compassion, and courage. Stacey shares her journey of discovering her true source of power within herself, and how she came to see the innate goodness in all beings. We discuss the importance of narrative change and new stories, and how we can all take steps towards equity and caring for each other. Stacey also shares her personal practice of singing and how it connec...

The Power of Co-Creation

April 15, 2023 10:00 - 42 minutes - 28.9 MB

In this episode of our podcast, we are joined by Liz Childs Kelly, the author of the book "Home to Her: Walking the Transformative Path of The Sacred Feminine." Liz shares with us her journey of co-creating the world she wants to live in by trusting in flow, trust, and faith, rather than following a rigid ten-step formula. Liz tells us about how inspiration struck her one morning, leading her to write her book, but how it took a few more years of living before it could be finished. The pand...

Live in the Future Now with Humility

April 06, 2023 17:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MB

In this episode, we talk to Ain Bailey, the founder of New Seneca Village, as she shares her insights on the Gratitude Blooming card #17, Humility, represented by two connected violets. Ain shares how nature is her first community and how important it is to be in relationship to land for land's sake. She feels the unwavering presence of nature, from the big sky to trees, and how they make her feel seen and known. We delve into her recent big move from the San Francisco Bay Area of Californ...

Finding love that fits: Insights from a love researcher

March 30, 2023 16:00 - 48 minutes - 21.5 MB

In this episode, we sit down with love researcher, relationship coach and matchmaker Soniyah Singh to explore the Gratitude Blooming card #39 Grace, represented by a rose. Soniyah shares her journey of discovering her passion for helping people become the love they want, and how she believes that healing and attracting the right kind of love starts from within.  We discuss the courage it takes to look within and the importance of taking a pause, as well as the dangers of hiding behind perfe...

The Garden of Healing Album - Special Live Edition

March 23, 2023 17:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

In this episode, we sit down with Ariel Loh, the composer and producer behind Window Seat, to discuss his newest album, The Garden of Healing. This album is a collaboration with Gratitude Blooming and was inspired by the themes and art from our beautiful card deck. We discuss the 10 themes of the album, which range from Forgiveness to Patience, and how each piece of music reflects the intention behind each theme. Ariel also shares with us his creative process, which involves utilizing a var...

Beyond Learning: Embodying values and building connection through art

March 16, 2023 19:00 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MB

This week, we sit down with Adam Rosendahl, the founder and CEO of Late Nite Art, to explore the theme of Celebration through the metaphor of a bouquet of flowers. Adam reflects on his journey into facilitation and art, including a transformative experience of being blessed as a baby by a monk who noticed that he had "the hands of an artist". Adam also discusses the power of art and music to help people feel seen and connected, and how Late Nite Art uses an arts-based methodology to support...

Curiosity, democracy and moving from fear to purpose

March 10, 2023 17:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MB

In this episode, we have a captivating conversation with Jim Herr on the theme of curiosity. Jim discusses the importance of self-reflection, looking behind the curtain we create, and questioning who we are. He shares his personal journey of self-discovery and how he overcame the fear of being an imposter or not being good enough. Jim highlights the significance of recognizing our own power and, like Spiderman, the responsibility that comes with it. He shares how he found his purpose in lead...

From Darkness to Light: The Dignity of Time and Boundaries

March 03, 2023 02:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MB

In this episode, we are joined by Emily Golding, Executive Director of Amplifier, a nonprofit design lab that builds art and media experiments to amplify the most important movements of our times. Together, we explore the Gratitude Blooming theme of Choice, represented by the spring rose.  Emily shares her journey of embodying choice, teaching the joy of choice, and leaning into how ideas incubate in young people.  She also discusses the concept of time dignity and how it impacts our well-b...

Balance - From Mountains to Mindset

February 22, 2023 21:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MB

How do you handle "life mountains?" In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Georgina Miranda, a mountaineer, athlete, social entrepreneur, and explorer. Georgina shares her journey and how it led her to discover the power of mindset and inner strength. She discusses the challenges she faced, including climbing Mt. Everest and the implosion of a previous business venture.  Georgina learned that life will give you lessons and the lessons will only get harder if you don't listen.  She shar...

Kneel and kiss the ground

February 16, 2023 21:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MB

In this episode, we dive into our relationship with the natural world through the Gratitude Blooming theme of community, represented by the Bleeding Heart flower. Our guest, Ryland Engelhart, co-founder of Kiss the Ground, shares his thoughts on how we can improve our relationship with nature by spending time and attention on it.  He invites us to imagine building a relationship with nature like having good friends, and emphasizes the importance of tending to and reveling in the living worl...

Sacred Ground - Top soil and composting dead people

February 10, 2023 03:00 - 33 minutes - 23.4 MB

This week, we interview Katrina Spade, the founder of Recompose, a company that provides funeral service by composting the dead. Inspired by the Gratitude Blooming Wildcard - Lilac, Katrina shares her personal journey and experiences that led her to this work, including her childhood growing up in rural New Hampshire and her background in architecture and design. She explains how composting and gardening were a part of her early awareness of the cycles of life and death, and how her work wit...

Impermanence - Embracing Loss

January 31, 2023 05:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MB

In this episode of the podcast, "Impermanence - embracing loss," we dedicate it to our beloved podcast producer, Brian Vasquez, who recently passed away. Brian was a self-taught and Grammy-nominated audio producer who never forgot the magic of audio and had a deep appreciation for the craft. He will always be remembered for his love for sound and storytelling.  Brian’s love for audio began at two years old with his first Fisher-Price cassette recorder. On any given day, this small wonder of...

Destiny, like the ocean, you contain multitudes

January 20, 2023 23:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MB

In this podcast episode, Belinda Liu and Omar Brownson sit down with the multi-talented Kameron Green to talk about her relationship to time and how she uses this time of year to reflect on her accomplishments, set intentions, and create an ongoing practice for the new year.  Kameron shares how the pandemic has changed her, both personally and professionally, and how she has shifted her focus on self care, reprioritized her values, and let go of things that no longer serve her. She also tal...

Forgiveness and walking without a map with optimist Simon Sinek

January 06, 2023 01:00 - 44 minutes - 30.2 MB

Join us for a special episode of the Gratitude Blooming Podcast as we explore the theme of forgiveness with author and optimist Simon Sinek. In this captivating conversation, we delve into Simon's personal and professional experiences with forgiveness and how it has impacted his life.  Simon also shares his thoughts on the concept of heartfulness as the new mindfulness and offers some valuable advice on embracing chaos and finding direction without a map. As we enter the new year, this epis...

Revisiting Tenacity from Season 1: Reframing Negative Thoughts

December 28, 2022 19:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MB

As we transition to a new year, we revisit the concept of tenacity and how it is represented by the dandelion. The dandelion is a symbol of transformation, going from a yellow flower to a white puff ball to seeds. Similarly, we can transform our minds by practicing gratitude and shifting our focus from negative thoughts to positive ones. This helps us to cultivate a growth mindset and become more resilient. As we enter the new year, it's a good time to reflect on this theme of tenacity and...

Why Nature? Set an intention with us as we look back and look forward with nature!

December 22, 2022 02:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MB

In this intimate conversation, we look back and look forward on the year and the lessons our team has learned from being in close connection to nature.  Belinda talks about how nature has been a profound and lifelong learning experience for her and how it is accessible and universal to everyone.  Omar shares about the importance of gratitude and mindfulness in allowing us to adapt to change and be present in the moment.  Arlene reminds us of the eternal and our shared humanity through nat...

Why Nature? Set your intention into the wild

December 22, 2022 02:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MB

In this intimate conversation, we look back and look forward on the year and the lessons our team has learned from being in close connection to nature.  Belinda talks about how nature has been a profound and lifelong learning experience for her and how it is accessible and universal to everyone.  Omar shares about the importance of gratitude and mindfulness in allowing us to adapt to change and be present in the moment.  Arlene reminds us of the eternal and our shared humanity through nat...

Exploring Presence and Permission to Grow with author and therapist Jor-El Caraballo

December 16, 2022 00:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MB

In this podcast episode, author and therapist Jor-El Caraballo talks about the importance of presence, permission to grow, sensitivity, memory, security vs. safety, and belonging.  He compares himself to an orchid, a plant that needs very little water, and encourages listeners to focus less on creation and more on spontaneity. He also mentions the importance of consent, disclosure, and reflection in order to save us from the shadow, which is more than the addict of our psyche. We hope you'...

The Art of Gratitude

December 08, 2022 17:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MB

At the heart of Gratitude Blooming is art. All the art is an attempt to bring some kind of healing into the world.  According to the artist and co-founder Arlene Kim Suda, even if the expression of a work reaches just one person at a time, it feels like the slow work needed to build the momentum to create the world we hope and dream to live in. This week we talk more about the power of art - both creating and interpreting it.  Inspired by Oren Slozberg, the Executive Director of Commonweal...

What can bloom from your vulnerability? Conversation with Angela Oh, Civil Rights Lawyer and Mediator

December 02, 2022 20:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MB

What can bloom from your vulnerability? This week, we explore the theme of vulnerability represented by the winter rose with zazen practitioner Angela Oh. She invites us to imagine vulnerability as choosing the unknown, even if it’s scary. Being vulnerable means walking hand-in-hand with courage.  Angela Oh is a renowned civil rights lawyer (though she would never say that of herself) turned Zen priest turned mediator. She shares how to listen to nature and to be in “right relationship”. M...

Why Gratitude? Explore & Practice with the Gratitude Blooming Team

November 23, 2022 19:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MB

We're taking a step back this week to explore the question of "Why gratitude?".   One answer is self-care. The brain has a biological bias to focus on the negative and gratitude disrupts this bias. This negative instinct sits in our amygdala, which while only the size of an almond is nearly as old as the dinosaurs.  The other "why gratitude", and the one that is truer to our hearts, is because we are human beings and yearn for a deeper connection to each other and the world around us. Gra...

Our Full Length Conversation with VC Tang on Self Care inspired by the Allium Triquetrum/3-Cornered Leek (Card #10)

November 15, 2022 12:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MB

Our Full Length Conversation with VC Tang on Self Care inspired by the Allium Triquetrum/3-Cornered Leek (Card #10)  We're cooking up some gratitude this week with this long-form interview with VC Tang on the theme of self care as it relates to community care.  We hope this conversation inspires you to nourish yourself by cooking and eating with others! VC is an author, cook, and martial artist who happens to have an MBA and an entrepreneurial spirit.  She just released her first cookbook ...

Our Full Length Conversation with VC Tang on Self Care inspired by the Allium Triquetrum/3-Cornered Leek (Card #10)

November 15, 2022 12:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MB

Our Full Length Conversation with VC Tang on Self Care inspired by the Allium Triquetrum/3-Cornered Leek (Card #10)  We're cooking up some gratitude this week with this long-form interview with VC Tang on the theme of self care as it relates to community care.  We hope this conversation inspires you to nourish yourself by cooking and eating with others! VC is an author, cook, and martial artist who happens to have an MBA and an entrepreneurial spirit.  She just released her first cookbook ...

Our full-length conversation with Pastor Keith PK Jenkins on Growth and the Grapevine (Card #33)

November 11, 2022 10:00 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MB

Our full-length conversation with Pastor Keith PK Jenkins on Growth and the Grapevine (Card #33) This week, we’re excited to preview an upcoming episode on the theme of Growth and the grapevine by sharing our long-form interview with Pastor Keith PK Jenkins. Keith is a strong leader who through humility and compassion gains access to the hearts of other leaders. His honesty and integrity creates opportunities for him to be a bridge builder. He effectively communicates cross-culturally and ...

Collective Acceleration with Zen Master Norma Wong

November 01, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 42.1 MB

Teacher and thought partner Norma Wong (Norma Ryuko Kawelokū Wong Roshi) joins us to reflect on everything from ancestry to neuroscience to her own childhood influences. Abbot of Anko-in, an independent branch temple of Chozen-ji, Norma articulates the Collective Acceleration of this moment, which also serves as the title and inspiration for the second season of our podcast.  Inspired by the Gratitude Blooming theme of remembrance and the poppy, Norma challenges us to exercise more choice. ...

Were it not for shadows, there would be no beauty

October 25, 2022 04:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MB

This week’s theme of Wholeness embraces both the light and shadow. Artist Arlene Kim Suda shares this inspiration from Jun'ichirō Tanizaki — 'Were it not for shadows, there would be no beauty.’ We are encouraged to remember the beautiful grays and that our wholeness will never destroy us.  Joined by the intuitive and thoughtful strategic advisor and executive coach Stephanie Ervin, she reminds us that “We are more than our jobs that we show up to do.”  Her company is named Feathership and ...

Everything is alive and everything is listening to you

October 18, 2022 05:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MB

Life is not a script. It is a conversation. Life is going to life. How are you connected to it?  Cultural anthropologist and culture keeper Dr. Erika Powell shares when she learned to pray from a Lakota elder. In a meadow in South Dakota, the elder shared: everything is alive and everything is listening to you.  Before this moment, she asked whose inbox was getting my prayers. When she connected to the life all around her, everything changed.  She says, your purpose is to be human and to ...

Twitter Mentions

@zeneca_33 2 Episodes
@arella_eth 1 Episode
@misfitrobots 1 Episode
@afromcle 1 Episode