Bounce Back Stronger with Donna Ferris

“You can’t beat yourself up to create something beautiful.” In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris explores strategies and practices to feel like we are enough with Jennifer Schelter, an award-winning actress, artist, author, and yoga teacher. Jennifer shares: To learn more about Jennifer and her writing, classes, and retreats, please visit jenniferschelter.com. If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode 27, “Coming Home to Ourselves with Stephen Cope,” or Episode 4, “A Short Mindfulness Practice.” Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you. Donna’s latest book Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our weekly newsletter, which includes essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow Donna on Instagram or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). #Podcast #NewEpisode #Resilience #Mindfulness #Creativity #ArtAsHealing #Podcast #BounceBackStronger #SelfAcceptance #RetreatLife

“I'm glad I didn't wait until I retired to do the things that I wanted to do…cause now that we've been in rehab, we see people way younger, little kids, people in their twenties that are in worse shape. And it's like, man, at least I had 60 years of doing what I wanted to do.” In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris sits down with Cindy Ross, a seasoned adventurer and writer, and her husband, Todd Gladfelter, whose life took a dramatic turn after a severe spinal cord injury. Together, they share their incredible journey, from hiking the Appalachian Trail and building a log home to navigating the challenges of Todd's recovery. Cindy and Todd open up about the mindset, determination, and grit that has carried them through, drawing parallels between their outdoor adventures and daily battles. They also discuss the importance of community, the benefits of the simple life, the healing power of hiking in nature, and their upcoming cross-country bike trip to raise awareness for accessible nature trails. To learn more about Cindy and Todd, and Cindy’s books and writing, please visit cindyrosstraveler.com If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode 15 “Breaking Broadway Barriers with Madison Ferris” or Episode 34 “Fred Rogers and the Healing Power of Fatherhood with Art Carey.” Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you. Donna’s latest book Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow Donna on Instagram or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). #BounceBackStronger #Healing #Podcast #NewEpisode #Resilience #Inspiration #Recovery #spinalcordinjury #veteran #hiking

"If there's something that you want to do, stop getting in your own way. I am a big example of someone who still, at times, gets in her way with certain things. But if we can figure out that we are the ones preventing us from achieving what we want to achieve, we will." Ever been laid off or had a major career disappointment and wondered, "What now?" Meet Tami Adams, who turned a career setback into a thriving business. In this week’s episode of Bounce Back Stronger, Tami shares her journey from losing her job during COVID-19 to founding her agency, TA Speakers Management. Whether you're navigating a career setback or just love a good comeback story, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire you. Tune in to hear about the power of mindset, the importance of self-care, and how failing first can lead to incredible success. Also, Tami shares the most important thing she's learned after listening to thousands of keynote speeches. To learn more about Tami Adams and TA Speakers Management, visit taspeakersmanagement.com. If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode #24 – “Six Secrets for Navigating Tough Times with Dr. Stephen S. Tang,” or Episode 30 – “You’ve Done Your Best – It’s Time to Let Life Flow.” Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you. To learn more about Donna’s latest book Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens or to receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow Donna on Instagram or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). #BounceBackStronger #MindsetMatters #Entrepreneurship #SelfCare #FailureToSuccess #Podcast #NewEpisode #

“Compassion is a profound doorway - especially now with all the shifting and whirling around us. Can we give ourselves permission to be human, permission to try, permission to practice, permission to do our best?” In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris sits down with Coach Aruni Funtaransky, a mindfulness coach, writer, and senior faculty member at the renowned Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. With over five decades of experience, Coach Aruni shares her deep insights on living yoga off the mat, the power of compassion and gratitude, and the importance of embracing life's obstacles as opportunities for growth. They explore the parallels between 12-step principles and yoga, discuss the challenges of slowing down, and highlight the transformative power of humor in healing. To learn more about Coach Aruni’s books, upcoming events, and weekly newsletter (highly recommend), please visit coacharuni.com. If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode #33 – “Feeling Stuck & Frustrated? This Walking Meditation’s For You,” or Episode #13 – “Find Happiness After Loss with Maria Sirois.” Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you. Donna’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow Donna on Instagram or YouTube @donnayferris or on Facebook @donnayatesferris. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). #BounceBackStronger #Mindfulness #Yoga #Compassion #Retirement #12Step #Healing #Podcast #NewEpisode #MindfulLiving #kripalu

"And so if you find yourself stuck, a lot of people say, I need a mentor. My answer is you need a project, and you use that project to attract people who will help unstuck ya." In this episode, Donna sits down with Eric Koester, founder and CEO of the Creator Institute and a celebrated entrepreneurship professor at Georgetown University. Eric has transformed the lives of over 2,200 authors and shares insights from his award-winning book Super Mentors: The Ordinary Person’s Guide to Asking Extraordinary People for Help. During our conversation, he shares how he's helped followers bounce back from career challenges by: To learn more about Eric’s creator programs and books (including the middle-grade novel The Pennymores & The Curse of the Invisible Quill), visit erickoester.com. If you like this episode you may also want to check out Episode #24 "Six Secrets for Navigating Tough Times with Dr. Stephen S. Tang or Episode #25 "From Stress to Success - Three Ways Mindfulness Ugraded My Life." I hope this episode is helpful to you. If it is, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with others. Thank you. To learn more about my latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, or to join our email list, visit donnayferris.com. Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris. If you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). #BounceBackStronger #Podcast #Mentorship #EricKoester #SuperMentors #jobloss #findajob #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #GetUnstuck #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #Opportunity #careeradvice

"What I realized is it's not enough to survive. We've got to bounce back - and we've got to thrive. And so here I am, publishing this book, knowing that loss is one of life's biggest teachers. And it never stops giving." In this special episode recorded live from the launch of host Donna Y. Ferris's new book, Bounce Back Stronger - Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, we dive deep into the science of resilience and explore how our brains can adapt and heal after trauma. Donna also shares three key takeaways from the book, including the importance of making small investments in our healing each day, the value of connection, and the fact that, intuitively, we already know the best path to our own healing. If this episode is helpful to you, please subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with others. Thank you. Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow Donna on Instagram @donnayferris or join her Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging her @donnayatesferris or emailing her at donna@donnayferris.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). #BounceBackStronger #Podcast #booklaunch #SpiritualJourney #Literature #WritingCommunity #Mindfulness #Gratitude #Inspiration #NewEpisode #resilience #connection #Neuroplasticity #Healing #MentalHealth #Wellness #OvercomingAdversity

“Your heart is beating right now. My heart is beating. Air is going into us and out, and we just completely take that for granted, most of us, most of the time. And it really should not be taken for granted. It's really incredible.” In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris interviews award-winning author Roland Merullo. Known for novels like The Talk Funny Girl and “quirky spiritual” road-trip books like Breakfast with Buddha, Merullo shares insights into his writing process, spiritual journey, and the importance of gratitude and meditation. Tune in for an engaging conversation that explores why we should eat and stay in out-of-the-way places, how to write with humor and the joy he has found in working with his daughter. To learn more about Roland’s books, visit rolandmerullo.com. To read his Substack with his daughter Zanny, visit merullo.substack.com. I hope this episode is helpful to you. If it is, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with others. Thank you. My latest book, Bounce Back Stronger—Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donnayferris@minichangeyoga.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). #BounceBackStronger #Podcast #RolandMerullo #SpiritualJourney #Literature #WritingCommunity #Mindfulness #buddha #resilience #Gratitude #Inspiration #NewEpisode

In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, your host, Donna Ferris, guides you through a heartfelt meditation focused on cherishing happy memories of lost loved ones. This meditation aims to support those on a grief journey by utilizing the powerful tool of positive reminiscence. Research shows that recalling joyful memories can significantly improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance psychological well-being. By immersing yourself in these happy moments, you can find comfort and strength to cope with the pain of loss. This meditation is designed to complement professional support, offering you a moment of solace and connection. It is one of a dozen that accompany Donna Y. Ferris' book Bounce Back Stronger—Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens (available here). We hope this episode is helpful to you. If it is, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share it with others. Thank you. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow Donna on Instagram @donnayferris or join her Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging her @donnayatesferris or emailing her at donna@donnayferris.com. Please note that it is recommended that those experiencing loss work with a therapist, psychiatrist, grief counselor, and or grief group. If you’re looking for mental health resources, please get in touch with your medical doctor or insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). Music: Respire by Echowave. #griefhealing #meditation #happymemories #positivethoughts #improvemood #reducestress #psychologicalwellbeing #emotionalregulation #griefhealing #guidedmeditation #healinggrief #bouncebackstronger #healingjourney #meditationforgrief #rememberinglovedones #happymemoriesmeditation #guidedmeditationforgrief #emotionalhealing

In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris guides you through a powerful meditation that focuses on body awareness and tension release. Discover how your emotions manifest in your body and learn the importance of releasing this tension for overall well-being. Donna also introduces a simple yet effective technique using a tennis ball to help you find relief and calm. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to reduce stress and build mindfulness in their daily lives. It is one of a dozen that accompany Donna Y. Ferris' book Bounce Back Stronger—Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens (available here). We hope this episode is helpful to you. If it is, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share it with others. Thank you. Donna’s latest book called Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow Donna on Instagram @donnayferris or join her Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging her @donnayatesferris or emailing her at donna@donnayferris.com. If you’re looking for mental health resources, please reach out to your medical doctor or insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). Music: At Long Last by Falls. #BounceBackStronger #Meditation #StressRelief #Mindfulness #SelfCare #DonnaFerris #Podcast

“What makes you feel good? What centers you? Do more of that.” In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris interviews Bob Butera, a Ph.D. in yoga therapy who founded the Comprehensive Yoga Therapy Training at Yoga Life Institute. What is yoga therapy? A discipline that adapts yoga’s mind, body, and spirit practices to mental and physical health challenges. During our time together, Bob shares three simple ways yoga therapy can improve our lives. We also discuss the importance of community and connection and how to find peace in everyday activities like driving in heavy traffic or standing in the grocery line. Finally, Bob will teach one of Donna’s favorite breathing practices – the three-part breath. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to yoga, this episode is for you. To learn more about Bob’s latest book - The Yoga Life: Applying Comprehensive Yoga Therapy to All Areas of Your Life - other books, events, and writing, please visit yogalifeinstitute.com. If you like this episode - you may want to listen to Episode #5 – Leave Guilt Behind with Erin Byron, or Episode #25 – From Stress to Success: Three Ways Mindfulness Upgraded My Life. Also, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share it with others – that is the best way to get it into the hands of those who may benefit. Thank you. My latest book Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow me on Instagram or my YouTube channel @donnayferris and/or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donna@donnayferris.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). #BounceBackStronger #YogaTherapy #InnerPeace #HolisticWellness #MindBodySpirit #YogaLife #Podcast #DonnaFerris #BobButera #FindYourBalance #Meditation #CommunityHealing

"I just felt like the world didn’t need any more sadness - it really needed more prettiness. And I also felt like with flowers, there was this stereotype of women, mothers, older women painting flowers, and I thought I'm gonna own that." In this week’s episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris sits down with Judith Bigham, an artist whose resilience and creativity shine brightly in the face of adversity. Judith, a Rhode Island School of Design graduate, shares her journey from New York City's bustling streets to the Pacific Northwest's tranquil landscapes. After the sudden loss of her husband, Judith turned to her art for solace, transforming her grief into stunning botanical paintings that exude love, passion, and beauty. In this episode, we also discuss the emerging field of neuroaesthetics - and how looking at beautiful colorful things can positively rewire our brains. To see Judith’s beautiful art, watch this episode on YouTube or follow her on Instagram @judithbigham. If this episode is helpful to you, you may enjoy Episode #18, The Healing Power of Wonder, with Caldecott Winner Micha Archer, and Episode #29, Moms, Memoirs, and Mental Health, with Mira Bartok. Please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share it with others – that is the best way to get it into the hands of those who may benefit. Thank you. My latest book called Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow me on Instagram or my YouTube channel @donnayferris and/or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donna@donnayferris.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only).

“Pain gets suppressed in the body either consciously or subconsciously. I think this isn't talked about enough. When you start to express that suppressed pain in any sort of movement, not just yoga, it allows you to release heaviness in the body.” In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris delves into the healing power of yoga and meditation with grief yoga teacher Kim Bernardo. After experiencing profound personal loss, Kim turned to yoga and now guides others to find strength and resilience through her specialized grief yoga practice. Discover Kim's unique blend of yoga and meditation techniques that help her students achieve resilience and peace amidst grief. Kim also shares three essential yoga postures designed to release pain and bring a sense of calm. Tune in to learn how yoga and other movement practices can transform your healing journey. To learn more about Kim's grief yoga classes, follow her @travelandbalanced on Facebook and Instagram or email her at travelandbalanced@gmail.com. If this grief episode is helpful to you, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with others. You might also like listening to: Episode #5, Leave Guilt Behind, with Erin Byron, and Episode #13, Find Happiness After Loss, with Maria Sirois. My latest book on resilience, Bounce Back Stronger—Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Transcripts for all guest episodes can be found on my website donnayferris.com. Follow me on Instagram or my YouTube channel @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donna@donnayferris.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only).

"Everybody has a treasure. Everybody is a gem in some way. And that's why I'm so curious. That's why I ask people questions because I like to try to discover or plumb their being or their soul and find out what is that special spark that makes them unique and interesting." In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris interviews the illustrious Art Carey, an acclaimed author, journalist, and editor with over 34 years of experience at the Philadelphia Inquirer. Art shares insights from his interviews with legends like Fred Rogers and Jack Bogle and discusses his exploration of health, fitness, and human resilience through his writing. Discover how his passion for fitness, inspired by his grandfather, led him to write the enduring health book Body for Life and how his column "This Life" delved into the philosophies that sustain and fulfill us. Art also discusses his recent heartwarming project with his son, building a cabin in Maine, and how this experience helped him overcome a decade-long battle with depression. To learn more about Art’s books, events, and editing services, please visit artcarey.com. If this episode is helpful to you, please subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with others. Donna's latest book called Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow Donna on Instagram or her YouTube channel @donnayferris or join her Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging @donnayatesferris or emailing donna@donnayferris.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only).

Tune into our latest podcast episode for a powerful meditation that combines mindfulness and movement to help you overcome barriers and walk your way to inner peace. This meditation is one of a dozen that accompany Donna Y. Ferris' book Bounce Back Stronger - Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens (available here). We hope this episode is helpful to you. If it is, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share it with others. Thank you. Click here to join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes. Follow Donna on Instagram and YouTube @donnayferris or join her Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging her @donnayatesferris or emailing her at donna@donnayferris.com. If you’re looking for mental health resources, please reach out to your medical doctor or insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). The music for this meditation is Walz for Walter by Fleece Mob.

“There's always something that's going to test us and try to knock us off kilter. But if you stay resilient and open, I swear you will receive blessings, opportunities, epiphanies, and a connection to the divine that gets stronger and stronger and stronger.” We are thrilled to welcome our first repeat guest, the internationally renowned psychic medium, spiritual teacher, and real-life ghostbuster Cristina Leeson. We had so much fun talking (I don’t think I’ve ever laughed this much in an interview) with her about the ghostly encounters detailed in her new book, Live in the Light, Respect the Dark and the practical steps she recommends to protect your space and connect with your spirit guides. Cristina also shares her guide's message with us: "This is the perfect time to let go of the anchor of toxicity so we can manifest the life of our dreams." I hope this episode is helpful for you. If it is, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with others. Thank you. To learn more about Cristina's book, events, and services, please visit innerlighthc.com. My latest book called Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Please follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donna@donnayferris.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only).

“People sacrifice sleep. They put it last, and I'm hearing things like, I'll sleep when I die, sleep is for the wicked, or you want to show that you're a superhero by not needing more sleep...” This is our third episode in Mental Health Awareness Month, and this week, we are focusing on a fundamental activity that directly affects our mental health. What is it? Sleep. Our guest is Julie Wright, the visionary founder of We Sleep, a pioneering company dedicated to helping individuals and businesses conquer poor sleep and end insomnia. Julie’s journey into the world of sleep is guided by a profound motto: "Sleep and your dreams will come true." With her groundbreaking book, The Natural Sleeper, Julie provides invaluable insights, practical tips, and techniques to help us all reclaim our nights and wake up refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to embrace each day with vitality and purpose. In this episode, Julie shares: Julie’s approach is refreshingly open, and provides encouragement for listeners to explore various solutions to find what works best for them. To learn more about Julie’s book, events, and services, please visit wesleep.co.uk. I hope this episode is helpful to you. If it is, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with others. My latest book called Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donnayferris@minichangeyoga.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only).

In this episode, we guide you through a ten-minute meditation focused on the art of surrendering the outcome. This practice isn't about giving up, but rather about recognizing that we've done our best and it's time to let go of persistent thoughts, release control, and trust in the flow of life. We'll start by helping you relax your body and focus on your breath. As we move through the meditation, we'll explore the concept of surrendering and how to let go of attachment to outcomes. You'll be guided to visualize something you've been striving for and learn to release control over it, trusting that whatever happens next is for your highest good. This meditation is one of a dozen that accompany Donna Y. Ferris' book Bounce Back Stronger - Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens (available here). We hope this meditation is helpful to you. If it is, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share it with others. Thank you. Visit donnayferris.com to join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes. Follow Donna on Instagram @donnayferris or join her Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging her @donnayatesferris or emailing her at donna@donnayferris.com. If you’re looking for mental health resources, please reach out to your medical doctor or insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). The music for this meditation is Quiet Lake by Paths.

“I’ve always told people who deal with a family member or someone they love with schizophrenia or some severe or even brain trauma, the essential person is in there. It's this disease or accident or whatever, that's hijacked the brain.” This is our second episode in Mental Health Awareness Month, and our guest is National Book Critics Award-winning memoir author Mira Bartok. This conversation is for anyone who loves someone struggling with a mental health condition or is looking for inspiration to create their way out of a difficult place. We spend much of our time discussing Mira’s The Memory Palace, a beautiful memoir about keeping the connection with our mothers no matter how difficult the task. (So, in a way, this episode is a Mother’s Day episode, too.) Mira Bartok is a Chicago-born artist, writer, and the author of over twenty-eight books, including the children's book "The Wonderling," which will have a sequel in 2025. I loved my time with Mira and hope you will too. To learn more about Mira’s books, events, and writing, please visit mirabartok.com. I hope this episode is helpful to you. If it is, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with others. To learn more about my latest book, Bounce Back Stronger—Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, click here. To join our email list and receive our newsletter, which includes essays on ways to live a more peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donna@donnayferris.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only).

In this first episode for May Mental Health Awareness Month, we delve into the meaning of "The Peace That Passes All Understanding" as we lead you through a serene, meditative journey of self-discovery and tranquility. Through simple steps, discover how to release past and future worries and remain grounded in the present moment. Experience the inherent calmness within you, regardless of external circumstances. Conclude feeling rejuvenated and better prepared to face whatever challenges may arise with a peaceful state of mind. This meditation is one of a dozen that accompany Donna Y. Ferris' book Bounce Back Stronger - Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens (available here). I hope this meditation is helpful to you. If it is, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with others. Thank you. Click here to join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes. Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donnayferris@minichangeyoga.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). The music for this meditation is Outside the Sky by Elements.

“Quickly after coming to Kripalu, I noticed that when we asked people why they were there, 80 percent of them said, I want to come home to myself... There was this kind of desperation to come to someplace that felt like home. And what is that? Well, that's being at ease with how it is in the body, how it is in the mind...beginning to notice how it all is, and being okay with it...” ~Stephen Cope Join us for a special episode of Bounce Back Stronger as we sit down with one of the most influential thinkers in the yoga world, Stephen Cope, Scholar-in-Residence at the Kripalu Center. Stephen’s teachings have profoundly impacted countless lives, including mine. From his books "The Wisdom of Yoga" to "The Great Work of Your Life," Stephen's unique talent lies in seamlessly blending ancient wisdom with contemporary psychology, offering deep insights into the human experience. In this honest conversation, Stephen shares his journey to Kripalu and current challenges - and he dives into his latest book, "The Dharma In Difficult Times." He offers invaluable wisdom on how yoga and meditation can guide us through life's difficulties—helping us find ourselves and fostering clarity and resilience along the way. This conversation meant so much to me personally, and I hope it is helpful to you, too. It is a true gift when someone you've admired from afar is everything you hoped for and more. To learn more about Stephen’s books, events, and writing, please visit stephencope.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with others. You also may want to listen to our Episode #11 "Find Your Way to Peace and Happiness with Sharon Salzberg." To join our email list to receive our monthly newsletter which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life as well as book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donnayferris@minichangeyoga.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only).