Meditate With Me: Conversations About New Spiritual Paths, Peace, Harmony and Compassion-logo

Meditate With Me: Conversations About New Spiritual Paths, Peace, Harmony and Compassion

Religion & Spirituality Podcas

"I am unlocking the doors to my inner peace by having the courage to ask why. Every question is a step closer to understanding and harmony within myself." ~Jerry I've recently crossed the milestone of 70, and the reflection that comes with it has made me realize that I haven't always been the best steward of my time, especially in the past decade and a half. In my pursuit of proving how bright, inventive and resourceful I could be, I often found myself running too fast, burning the candle from both ends, and in the process, losing sight of the joy of the moment or any joy for that matter. I've come to understand a very fundamental truth – it's not about hoarding time, stretching it thin, or being miserly with it. It's about living and fully appreciating every moment for what it is. Living each moment free from yesterday’s pain and regret, and devoid of tomorrow’s worries and anticipation has become my passion and mission. Mindfulness has been instrumental in this journey. It's allowed me to remain present in the moment, to find tranquility in the chaos, and most importantly, to appreciate 'now'. And from a practical viewpoint I also find I get more done, its better work and I more at peace with the results and myself. Now, while I'm no poet, I find a peculiar peace in paring down my thoughts to their bare essence and expressing them rather raw and unadorned. It helps me shed the unnecessary, getting to the core of what I truly am thinking. Sometimes these bits make sense to others and sometimes not. You may see bits in a smattering of my poetry during our visits. Through this podcast, I, and I hope you, will embark on a journey of self-improvement and understanding, aiming to savor each day, and find peace each hour, and hopefully, each singular moment in its purest form. We will delve into the world of mindfulness, explore its nuances, and I will invite you to join me in meditation during each episode. So, I invite you, dear listener, to join me on this journey. Expect reflections, shared experiences, moments of silence, laughter, tears, and hopefully, the occasional bit wisdom. Here's to the joy of now. No yesterdays, no tomorrows, only now. Only now.

Location:

United States

Description:

"I am unlocking the doors to my inner peace by having the courage to ask why. Every question is a step closer to understanding and harmony within myself." ~Jerry I've recently crossed the milestone of 70, and the reflection that comes with it has made me realize that I haven't always been the best steward of my time, especially in the past decade and a half. In my pursuit of proving how bright, inventive and resourceful I could be, I often found myself running too fast, burning the candle from both ends, and in the process, losing sight of the joy of the moment or any joy for that matter. I've come to understand a very fundamental truth – it's not about hoarding time, stretching it thin, or being miserly with it. It's about living and fully appreciating every moment for what it is. Living each moment free from yesterday’s pain and regret, and devoid of tomorrow’s worries and anticipation has become my passion and mission. Mindfulness has been instrumental in this journey. It's allowed me to remain present in the moment, to find tranquility in the chaos, and most importantly, to appreciate 'now'. And from a practical viewpoint I also find I get more done, its better work and I more at peace with the results and myself. Now, while I'm no poet, I find a peculiar peace in paring down my thoughts to their bare essence and expressing them rather raw and unadorned. It helps me shed the unnecessary, getting to the core of what I truly am thinking. Sometimes these bits make sense to others and sometimes not. You may see bits in a smattering of my poetry during our visits. Through this podcast, I, and I hope you, will embark on a journey of self-improvement and understanding, aiming to savor each day, and find peace each hour, and hopefully, each singular moment in its purest form. We will delve into the world of mindfulness, explore its nuances, and I will invite you to join me in meditation during each episode. So, I invite you, dear listener, to join me on this journey. Expect reflections, shared experiences, moments of silence, laughter, tears, and hopefully, the occasional bit wisdom. Here's to the joy of now. No yesterdays, no tomorrows, only now. Only now.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Part 8 of 8 Beyond Life and Death relax with this short guided meditation

5/31/2024
Contact me through my website or please leave a comment below - I appreciate followers and subscribers, thank you. www.MeditateWIth.Me As we breathe in… Embrace your life as a fragment of an eternal cycle, not limited by the span of your physical existence. As we breathe out… Release any constrained views of life and death. Feel the vastness of existence, recognizing that your story is part of a grand, enduring narrative.

Duration:00:03:39

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Part 7 of 8 Our Personal Journey and Universal Connection - a three minute guided meditation

5/30/2024
Contact me through my website or please leave a comment below - I appreciate followers and subscribers, thank you. www.MeditateWIth.Me Inhaling... Contemplate your life’s arc from beginning to potential end, and how each moment is a stitch in the broader fabric of time. Exhaling.. Imagine your story mingling with the world's story, extending beyond your lifetime through nature, legacies, and social ties.

Duration:00:03:30

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Part 6 0f 8 The Web of Existence - a short guided meditation about Interconnectedness

5/29/2024
contact me through my website www.MeditateWith.me The Web of Existence As we breathe in… Sense life’s pulse in every corner— from the windswept plains to the hectic cities, to the deep, deep oceans. All elements of Earth participate in this dynamic symphony. As we exhale… Realize that life does not exist in isolated segments but, in a complex, interdependent network,

Duration:00:03:21

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Part 5 of 8 The Cycle of Life

5/23/2024
Contact me through my website www.MeditateWith.Me The Cycle of Life As We Inhale… Feel the universal rhythm of birth, life, sensation, and eventual return to earth, a shared journey amongst all living beings. As we Exhale… Let us acknowledge our mutual dependence. This exhalation symbolizes our unity in the vast web of life, where no creature stands alone. May the Pure Light illuminate your path and Calm guide your steps

Duration:00:02:50

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Part 4 of 8 - Nature’s Interconnectivity - Visualizing our connections with nature

5/22/2024
Contact me through my website www.MeditateWith.me Nature’s Interconnectivity Breathing in… Visualize humanity as a single thread within Earth’s vibrant tapestry, interwoven with countless life forms, contributing to and benefiting from the natural world. Breathing out… Question our perceived Separation or superiority over nature. As you let this breath out challenge such views, and urge yourself to reconsider our place within the ecosystem. As we close this short reflection let us carry these words throughout our day May you experience peace and tranquility for the rest of the day

Duration:00:02:53

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Part 3 of 8 - Humanity’s Tapestry - a short guided meditation about interconnectedness

5/16/2024
Contact me through my website www.MeditateWith.me Humanity’s Tapestry Inhaling… Begin to recognize humanity's role as just one of many expressions of life on Earth. Reflect on our cultural and intellectual endeavors and how they have shaped, and continue to shape, our existence. Exhaling… See the interconnectedness of life. Our survival is intertwined not just with other humans but with all life forms—animals, plants, and even the minerals that make up our Earth. May you feel the gentle thread of connection between all beings, wishing you peace and tranquility for the rest of your day.

Duration:00:02:29

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Part 2 0f 8 Interconnectedness - Elements and Ego

5/15/2024
Contact Me through my website www.MeditateWith.Me Elements and Ego As air fills your lungs, acknowledge the elements within you—the sun’s warmth, water’s flow, air’s breath. You are a culmination of cosmic and ancestral legacy, beyond just a physical presence. Letting go of each breath, release the misconceptions of your identity. Exhale any remnants of ego and confusion, allowing your true self to emerge with clarity and purpose.

Duration:00:01:59

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Part 1 of 8 The Tapestry of Being - first in a series of short reflections about interconnectedness

5/14/2024
Contact me through my website www.MeditateWith.me The Tapestry of Being As you breathe in, consider the complex weave of your being— each thought, emotion, and experience crafting who you are. Just like a tapestry, every thread is essential, from fleeting thoughts to profound emotions, shaping your essence. With each breath out, reflect on your connection to the wider universe. This tapestry of self is not isolated but a part of an intricate and vast cosmos. Feel your individuality blend into the collective oneness of existence.

Duration:00:02:10

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S1Ep14 - Working with Our Emotions - meditations and techniques for dealing with emotions can be done a key to a calmer life

5/10/2024
How to Deal with Emotions - Learning to deal with emotions can be done and is a key to a more calm life Hi Everyone, My website - www.MeditateWith.Me I also have audio podcast versions of these episodes available on most of the major platforms including Apple and Spotify Below are the affirmations used in this episode, feel free to copy them and edit them to suit your needs. I admit I sometimes feel stressed but, not in this moment My moments of calm grow longer and stronger every day I admit I sometimes feel anxiety but, not in this moment My moments of contentment grow longer and stronger every day I admit I sometimes feel angry but, not in this moment My moments of forgiveness grow longer and stronger every day I admit I sometimes feel fear but, not in this moment My moments of courage grow longer and stronger every day I admit I sometimes feel stuck in the past but, not in this moment My moments of letting go grow longer and stronger every day With each breath we take, let us strengthen our awareness of our emotions, allowing ourselves to observe them without judgment and respond to them with wisdom. If you believe you may have serious issues with your emotions or feelings, PLEASE, please seek professional help. The meditations, affirmations, and exercises here are my opinion and they have helped me lead a calmer and more centered life. But do not hesitate to seek professional help, you will be better for it.

Duration:00:13:53

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Why Meditate - Begin Your Meditation Practice - Let's Learn How to meditate together

4/24/2024
Welcome to 'Meditate with Me' a guide to a calmer, more peaceful life. If you are like me and suffer from stress, anxiety, sleep issues, and more I would like to share how through and with meditation you can bring these and the other ailments our crazy society under control and lead a happier, more peaceful and meaningful life. Our weekly podcast promises practical meditation techniques, stories, and soothing poetry designed to help you cultivate a reliable meditation practice. Whether you're dealing with life's storms or seeking tranquility, join in each week for insights and encouragement. Tune in, find stillness, and transform your life. Start your journey to a better morning and a better you today!

Duration:00:01:43

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Meditate With Me: The Power of Stillness- mindfulness and meditation techniques to bring some stillness to your life.

4/6/2024
www.MeditateWith.me Leave comments and ask questions, remember asking questions is the answer. Contact me through my website Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQuw-X6mOE-wi9YXdRLVBmg In this episode we discuss the transformative power of stillness. Amidst the chaos of our fast-paced lives, finding moments of stillness is not just beneficial; it's essential for maintaining sanity and inner peace. We discuss the importance of integrating still moments into our daily routines, emphasizing that it's an act of self-compassion and rebellion against the chaos. The episode features a guided meditation, inviting listeners to experience the clarity and tranquility that stillness brings. We encourage our listeners to view stillness not just as a self-care practice but as a radical act of self-compassion, crucial for emotional resilience and mindfulness. Join us in discovering how moments of quiet can transform your day and bring you closer to a serene state of mind.

Duration:00:16:36

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Meditate With Me: Navigating Chaos with Clarity - Strategies & Guided Meditation

2/8/2024
www.MeditateWith.me "By allowing our minds to settle, to become still, we let the turmoil and stress within us sink away, revealing a clearer perspective of the world around us." Join us in episode 12 "Meditate With Me: Navigating Chaos with Clarity" as we explore finding peace amidst chaos. Discover strategies to reduce daily turmoil and engage in a guided meditation for clarity and tranquility. Learn how to minimize the impact of chaos by managing your intake of news and social media, and embrace a more mindful approach to information consumption. This episode is a sanctuary for those seeking to cultivate inner peace and clarity in a turbulent world. Key Points: - Strategies to reduce chaos in daily life - Importance of mindful news and social media consumption - Guided meditation for mental clarity and peace Guided Meditation: Join us for a calming meditation designed to help you settle your mind, let go of stress, and find serenity. Perfect for beginners and seasoned meditators alike, this session invites you to visualize clear waters and embrace stillness. Connect with Us: For more insights and resources on meditation and mindfulness, visit our website at http://www.meditatewith.me Let's navigate life's journey with a calm heart and a clear mind together.

Duration:00:21:37

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Meditate With Me: Navigating Chaos with Clarity - Strategies & Guided Meditation

2/8/2024
www.MeditateWith.me "By allowing our minds to settle, to become still, we let the turmoil and stress within us sink away, revealing a clearer perspective of the world around us." Join us in episode 12 "Meditate With Me: Navigating Chaos with Clarity" as we explore finding peace amidst chaos. Discover strategies to reduce daily turmoil and engage in a guided meditation for clarity and tranquility. Learn how to minimize the impact of chaos by managing your intake of news and social media, and embrace a more mindful approach to information consumption. This episode is a sanctuary for those seeking to cultivate inner peace and clarity in a turbulent world. Key Points: - Strategies to reduce chaos in daily life - Importance of mindful news and social media consumption - Guided meditation for mental clarity and peace Guided Meditation: Join us for a calming meditation designed to help you settle your mind, let go of stress, and find serenity. Perfect for beginners and seasoned meditators alike, this session invites you to visualize clear waters and embrace stillness. Connect with Us: For more insights and resources on meditation and mindfulness, visit our website at http://www.meditatewith.me Let's navigate life's journey with a calm heart and a clear mind together.

Duration:00:21:37

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Meditate With Me: Questions About Starting a Practice: Responses to questions from people starting their practice and a guided breath meditation

1/23/2024
Contact me through my website www.MeditateWith.me In this episode, we discuss the enriching experience of speaking about meditation and mindfulness to a group. We addresses common questions about meditation, share personal insights, and conclude with a guided meditation focused on breath awareness and present moment consciousness. Key Topics: 1. Personal Meditation Experiences: Reflections on speaking to a group about meditation and the impact of such interactions. 2. Meditation Duration: Advice on how long to meditate, especially for beginners, and fitting meditation into a busy lifestyle. 3. Concentration on Breath: Discussing the importance of focusing on the breath as a meditation technique and its role in staying present. 4. Dealing with Distractions: Strategies for handling distractions during meditation and daily life. 5. Meditating During Stress: Tips for using meditation to manage stress, anger, and anxiety. 6. Meditation and Intoxicants: Thoughts on meditating under the influence of intoxicants. 7. Falling Asleep During Meditation: How to approach meditation when feeling tired and the benefits of short meditation sessions. 8. Meditation and the Hippie Movement: Exploring the connection between mindfulness, meditation, and the hippie movement's appreciation for nature and spiritual exploration. Guided Meditation: A calming meditation focusing on breath awareness to bring stillness to the mind and body, suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners. The meditation emphasizes the importance of acknowledging distractions and returning focus to the breath. Memorable Quote: "With each breath, I embrace the calmness and clarity. I am grounded in the present, and my mind is at peace." Connect with Us: Visit our website at [www.meditatewith.me](http://www.meditatewith.me) for more resources and information on mindfulness and meditation.

Duration:00:22:00

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Meditate With Me: Planting the Seeds of Happiness & Joy : Rediscovering Happiness & Joy with Mindful Tips and Guided Meditaion

1/13/2024
Meditate With Me: Planting the Seeds of Happiness & Joy : Rediscovering Happiness & Joy with Mindful Tips and Guided Meditaion Connect with me through my website www.meditatewith.me In this episode we will be covering actionable tips on how to plant the seeds of Joy and Happiness into your next year, these mindfulness tips will help you reconnect with your family, friends and your sense of Joy and Happiness. The guided meditation that we will close with today will help reconnect with your sense of happiness and joy, Thank You for joining s today! Show Notes: Here are some of the points today’s show will cover, keep these notes for your reference as you start and refine your journey to reconnect with Happiness and Joy! 1. Mindful Reflection on Happiness: Take time to quietly reflect on what brings you true joy and fulfillment. This might involve meditation or simply spending time in nature, contemplating what aspects of life make you feel most alive and content. 2. Mindful Goal Setting: When setting goals for happiness, do so with intention and awareness. Be present with your aspirations, ensuring they resonate deeply with your values and desires, rather than being influenced by external expectations. 3. Gratitude with Presence: As you practice gratitude, try to do so mindfully. Instead of just listing things you’re thankful for, take a moment to really savor and experience the feelings of gratitude. Reflect on why each item on your list is meaningful to you. 4. Optimism with Awareness: Cultivating a positive outlook is more than just thinking positively; it involves being aware of your thought patterns and gently steering them towards hopeful and constructive perspectives, especially during challenging times. 5. Mindful Relationships: Building relationships isn't just about spending time with others; it’s about being fully present during the time you share. Listen actively and engage genuinely with those around you. 6. Conscious Engagement in Joyful Activities: When you engage in activities you enjoy, do so with full attention. Whether it's a hobby, exercise, or a simple daily task, immerse yourself fully to experience the joy in the present moment. 7. Holistic Health Care: Pay attention to your body's signals and needs. A balanced approach to physical health includes being mindful of what your body tells you, whether it's the need for rest, movement, or nourishment. 8. Mindful Stress Reduction: When practicing mindfulness or stress reduction techniques, focus on the quality of your practice. Be fully engaged in the moment, whether you're practicing meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. 9. Reflective Adjustment: Regularly take time to reflect on your path to happiness in a mindful, non-judgmental way. Acknowledge your progress and areas for growth and make adjustments with compassion towards yourself. Mindfulness is about being fully present and engaged in each moment of your journey towards happiness. It’s about appreciating the journey itself, not just the destination.

Duration:00:23:18

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Meditate With Me: Planting the Seeds of Happiness & Joy : Rediscovering Happiness & Joy with Mindful Tips and Guided Meditaion

1/13/2024
Meditate With Me: Planting the Seeds of Happiness & Joy : Rediscovering Happiness & Joy with Mindful Tips and Guided Meditaion Connect with me through my website www.meditatewith.me In this episode we will be covering actionable tips on how to plant the seeds of Joy and Happiness into your next year, these mindfulness tips will help you reconnect with your family, friends and your sense of Joy and Happiness. The guided meditation that we will close with today will help reconnect with your sense of happiness and joy, Thank You for joining s today! Show Notes: Here are some of the points today’s show will cover, keep these notes for your reference as you start and refine your journey to reconnect with Happiness and Joy! 1. Mindful Reflection on Happiness: Take time to quietly reflect on what brings you true joy and fulfillment. This might involve meditation or simply spending time in nature, contemplating what aspects of life make you feel most alive and content. 2. Mindful Goal Setting: When setting goals for happiness, do so with intention and awareness. Be present with your aspirations, ensuring they resonate deeply with your values and desires, rather than being influenced by external expectations. 3. Gratitude with Presence: As you practice gratitude, try to do so mindfully. Instead of just listing things you’re thankful for, take a moment to really savor and experience the feelings of gratitude. Reflect on why each item on your list is meaningful to you. 4. Optimism with Awareness: Cultivating a positive outlook is more than just thinking positively; it involves being aware of your thought patterns and gently steering them towards hopeful and constructive perspectives, especially during challenging times. 5. Mindful Relationships: Building relationships isn't just about spending time with others; it’s about being fully present during the time you share. Listen actively and engage genuinely with those around you. 6. Conscious Engagement in Joyful Activities: When you engage in activities you enjoy, do so with full attention. Whether it's a hobby, exercise, or a simple daily task, immerse yourself fully to experience the joy in the present moment. 7. Holistic Health Care: Pay attention to your body's signals and needs. A balanced approach to physical health includes being mindful of what your body tells you, whether it's the need for rest, movement, or nourishment. 8. Mindful Stress Reduction: When practicing mindfulness or stress reduction techniques, focus on the quality of your practice. Be fully engaged in the moment, whether you're practicing meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. 9. Reflective Adjustment: Regularly take time to reflect on your path to happiness in a mindful, non-judgmental way. Acknowledge your progress and areas for growth and make adjustments with compassion towards yourself. I also will be leading: A Guided Meditation focused on recalling moments of joy and happiness, involving deep breathing, visualization, and reflective thinking. The meditation aims to help listeners identify and cherish their joyful experiences and use them as a shield against life's darker moments. Memorable Quote: "Remembering moments of joy is important not only to recognize what brings us happiness but also to remember how joy feels, especially when darkness surrounds us." Connect with Us: Visit our website at www.meditatewith.me for more information and resources on mindfulness and meditation. Mindfulness is about being fully present and engaged in each moment of your journey towards happiness. It’s about appreciating the journey itself, not just the destination.

Duration:00:23:18

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Meditate With Me: Reflections on the Year Gone By - Inner Dialog and Guided Meditation

12/26/2023
https://www.MeditateWith.me This is, in fact, notes I wrote to myself late one evening last week. I decided to allow you into my head just a little bit. These my instructions to me on how to look back at the last year. So with that, here we go. Tonight I'm seated on my cushion beside our family Christmas tree, enjoying its soft light. It is also the winter solstice, a time of reflection and renewal. I was about to begin my meditations, but I picked up my iPad and instead began to write. It is important for us, me most assuredly included, to reflect upon the past year. We need to do this with no emotional attachment so we can remain in the moment and not allow ourselves to try to live in the past and lose our moment now. As we savor our precious moments, we can recall them to ground ourselves when we need it, which we all will sometimes we do need to recall our precious moments, our little paradises, our moments of profound peace and love. These are the threads in the tapestry of our life. So savor them, but be cautious about trying to go live there again. We need to reflect on our career and business successes too, and learn from them without becoming attached in succumb to living in the past again because it feels good. We need to reflect on the less successful or pleasant parts of the year. These moments are as important to our growth, happiness and peace as the good times again observed them without judgment, repulsion, fear, or hurt. These moments are precious too, and also a part of the tapestry of our life. We remember they are now in the past and show us in important lesson in impermanence that bad times are temporary. But take heart and embrace these moments. And if they still need comforting, embrace them, as you would a toddler who is suffering, crying and looking to you for comfort. Comfort these moments too, and comfort yourself. Learn to love and console yourself. Sitting here, I realize there were many times this was the most depressing time of the year in my life. Life is tough and without a sound path, it can just be really hard. But this year I can sit beside our tree and smile. I credit this to new friends, old friends, new books, new experiences, new outlooks, and a new beginning in a mindful lifestyle. I'm learning to embrace the down times as much as the good times. Learning from both equally and possibly even more from the dark. I'm learning to accept the impermanence of all things, both the good and the bad. Life is a dance that whirls us through the light in the dark. Sometimes in that dance, the light leaves and we learn the steps of the dance of life from the light. And then sometimes the dark will lead. And we learn this depth of the dance of life from the dark. But it is the whole dance we must learn. And I would encourage you to learn the dance and not be overly concerned about who is today's teacher. If it seems I talk too much about the dark, it is because there is no light without the dark. And while the dark may seem a slap in the face, we do not exist without it as much as we do not exist without the light. The light is our joy, our happiness, our successes, the beauty in all that we perceive that makes our lives worthwhile. But without that contrast, life would be a dull, gray blur. So as I sit here tonight, friends, I ask you to join me in reflecting on the past year, incorporating the lessons we learned from the good and the not so good, and importantly, hanging on to those precious moments of light for the occasion. When you feel that darkness is all around, grasp the light and allow it to envelop you, be happy in it. These are the moments. These truly are the moments. Be happy friends. Live today. Live well. Live fulfilled. Live with gusto. And please accept my best wishes for the new year. May it be filled with peace and happiness.

Duration:00:15:40

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Meditate With Me: Reflections on the Year Gone By - Inner Dialog and Guided Meditation

12/26/2023
https://www.MeditateWith.me This is, in fact, notes I wrote to myself late one evening last week. I decided to allow you into my head just a little bit. These my instructions to me on how to look back at the last year. So with that, here we go. Tonight I'm seated on my cushion beside our family Christmas tree, enjoying its soft light. It is also the winter solstice, a time of reflection and renewal. I was about to begin my meditations, but I picked up my iPad and instead began to write. It is important for us, me most assuredly included, to reflect upon the past year. We need to do this with no emotional attachment so we can remain in the moment and not allow ourselves to try to live in the past and lose our moment now. As we savor our precious moments, we can recall them to ground ourselves when we need it, which we all will sometimes we do need to recall our precious moments, our little paradises, our moments of profound peace and love. These are the threads in the tapestry of our life. So savor them, but be cautious about trying to go live there again. We need to reflect on our career and business successes too, and learn from them without becoming attached in succumb to living in the past again because it feels good. We need to reflect on the less successful or pleasant parts of the year. These moments are as important to our growth, happiness and peace as the good times again observed them without judgment, repulsion, fear, or hurt. These moments are precious too, and also a part of the tapestry of our life. We remember they are now in the past and show us in important lesson in impermanence that bad times are temporary. But take heart and embrace these moments. And if they still need comforting, embrace them, as you would a toddler who is suffering, crying and looking to you for comfort. Comfort these moments too, and comfort yourself. Learn to love and console yourself. Sitting here, I realize there were many times this was the most depressing time of the year in my life. Life is tough and without a sound path, it can just be really hard. But this year I can sit beside our tree and smile. I credit this to new friends, old friends, new books, new experiences, new outlooks, and a new beginning in a mindful lifestyle. I'm learning to embrace the down times as much as the good times. Learning from both equally and possibly even more from the dark. I'm learning to accept the impermanence of all things, both the good and the bad. Life is a dance that whirls us through the light in the dark. Sometimes in that dance, the light leaves and we learn the steps of the dance of life from the light. And then sometimes the dark will lead. And we learn this depth of the dance of life from the dark. But it is the whole dance we must learn. And I would encourage you to learn the dance and not be overly concerned about who is today's teacher. If it seems I talk too much about the dark, it is because there is no light without the dark. And while the dark may seem a slap in the face, we do not exist without it as much as we do not exist without the light. The light is our joy, our happiness, our successes, the beauty in all that we perceive that makes our lives worthwhile. But without that contrast, life would be a dull, gray blur. So as I sit here tonight, friends, I ask you to join me in reflecting on the past year, incorporating the lessons we learned from the good and the not so good, and importantly, hanging on to those precious moments of light for the occasion. When you feel that darkness is all around, grasp the light and allow it to envelop you, be happy in it. These are the moments. These truly are the moments. Be happy friends. Live today. Live well. Live fulfilled. Live with gusto. And please accept my best wishes for the new year. May it be filled with peace and happiness.

Duration:00:15:40

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Meditate With Me: 5 Minute Meditation to Bring Peace and Tranquility to the Holidays

12/20/2023
Hello everyone, This is Jerry, and I'm glad you stopped by today. I want to leave a short meditation for you to help you through any moments of stress that you may experience this holiday season. Unfortunately, our chaotic world adds stress to situations even at the most joyous times. So, take a few moments and give yourself the gift of tranquility. To begin - Find a quiet and comfortable space where you won't be disturbed, either sit or lie down in a relaxed position. Gently close your eyes now and take a few deep breaths. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your stomach to expand. Then exhale slowly through your mouth, blowing gently. As you do this, feel your shoulders, relax and fall and feel the tensions of the day release. Now do this two more times each time, allowing your body to relax and release more and more of ypur stress. Now visualize a serene and peaceful place that you're familiar with. A quiet spot in the forest, a peaceful beach, a place by a stream or a river. Or your favorite chair on the porch where you enjoy a coffee. Imagine all the details of this place; the sounds, the smells, the colors, the feeling of the air on your skin, the total ambiance of the place and with each breath imagine yourself becoming more and more relaxed and at ease. If your mind wanders, and it will, it's normal. Gently acknowledge these thoughts that appear. Acknowledge them. Don't judge them and then bring your focus back to your breath and your peaceful place. If these thoughts persist. Just ask them to please take a place on this shelf and you'll deal with them tomorrow and bring your breath and your mind back to your peaceful place. Remain here as long as you like, allowing your mind and body to deeply, deeply relax. When you're ready. Slowly bring your awareness back to now. Gently wiggle your toes and fingers and become aware of the activity in sounds and smells around you. And then gently, softly, open your eyes. Taking a moment to feel grateful for this moment of peace. Remember, even a few minutes of meditation can significantly reduce your stress. Do this often, carry it with you and take this affirmation and maybe even jot it down on a card and carry it with you " With each breath I invite peace and tranquility into my life, creating a space where stress cannot dwell.” And now, as always, I leave you with my wish for peace and tranquility for the rest of your day.

Duration:00:05:48

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Meditate With Me: When a Bird Sings - A Broad View of Dharma

12/19/2023
Dharma - there is no one word to define Dharma, I perceive it as follows, - The word of God, the truth, voice or energy of the cosmos, the Buddhas teachings, the Holy Spirit – the Truth before it was written, the essence of these truths without the weaknesses of human language and the lack of humankind’s understanding. I firmly believe we are all one, made of the same stardust, and we live in the same reality, we experience happiness, joy, the same loss and suffering in the same ways.

Duration:00:22:55