Gratitude Blooming Podcast

Send us a textWhat if awe begins with remembering? In this episode, co-hosts Belinda Liu and Omar Brownson are joined by Dr. Paul Wang to explore the seasonal shift from budding to blooming—and how the heart holds the wisdom to navigate both. Rooted in Daoist philosophy, plant medicine, and the Gratitude Blooming card of Simplicity, this conversation offers a gentle invitation to slow down, feel more, and choose what truly matters.Don't miss the guided somatic practice at the end of this episode to support your emotional resilience and heart-centered mindfulness this spring.

Send us a textHow might simplifying your focus create space for what truly matters to flourish in your life this spring? A delightful spring energy infuses this conversation as co-host Omar Brownson shares his transformative experience with the Ubuntu Climate Initiative in South Carolina's Gullah Geechee lowcountry. His beautiful poem "Purple Sarongs" captures the essence of gathering on historically significant land where Dr. King dreamed his "I Have a Dream" speech—a powerful setting for visioning 150 years into our collective future.The synchronicity of simplicity emerges as an unexpected through-line when co-host Belinda Liu reflects on her annual community spring equinox experience in Mount Shasta.  She picked the simplicity card in the opening ritual when exploring the threads between money, resources and exchanging in community.Dr. Paul Wang, our special guest for this season, illuminates Daoist cosmology's approach to seasonal change, explaining how April serves as an intentional transitional month and rite of passage towards flowering through the process of budding.  This cycle is an ideal time for us to reconnect with our values and honor what's shifting within and around us. He describes spring's budding energy as concentrated potential—focused rather than dispersed—and offers a powerful three-step simplification process: 1) essentialize core values, 2) eliminate what doesn't align, and 3) embrace what remains by braiding it into unity.When they collectively choose the Gratitude Blooming card represented by the Nasturtium flower with its theme of friendship, the conversation deepens around how self-friendship forms the foundation for authentic community connection. Omar visualizes this as a vessel—a "friendship" carrying us forward together through periods of growth and change. They reflect on how trust accelerates transformation, noting that "change moves at the speed of trust," and how the clearer we can envision possibilities beyond current challenges, the more effectively we can practice that world today.Join us for our first Gratitude Blooming retreats in Mt. Shasta and on the Big Island. Use this promo code to get 20% off your retreat ticket >> BIGTHANKSWhether you're seeking to navigate personal transitions, deepen your connection with natural cycles, or find community in uncertain times, our podcast and in-personal gatherings offer practical wisdom for concentrating your energy where it matters most. -------Create an intentional practice with your own Gratitude Blooming card deck, notecards, candle and much much more at our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com. Your purchase helps us sustain this podcast, or you can also sponsor us here. Learn more about our co-hosts and special guest: Belinda Liu | Hestia Retreat Centers Omar Brownson | Trickster's Guide to Immortality on Substack Dr. Paul Wang | The Dao CenterIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners!

Send us a textThe world around us can feel chaotic and overwhelming, especially in the face of social and environmental challenges. In this episode, we delve into the value of finding sanctuary within ourselves—the importance of the "cave life"—and how it can lead to restorative growth. Our conversation invites you to explore the connections between solitude and community, embracing gratitude while acknowledging grief. We reflect on the transition from winter to spring and how these seasonal changes may impact our mental wellness. Our hosts share personal stories of their own transformative experiences in nature and the significance of finding our inner sanctuary in a fast-paced world. Listen in as we announce exciting upcoming retreats designed to foster connection with nature and one another. Each of these in-person gatherings are designed to grow our inner capacity to navigate the chaos of outer change. Join us on the land this May in Mount Shasta, CA or this October in Hawaii by registering at:  gratitudeblooming.com/retreatsWe are reminded of the resilience we can learn from nature—specifically, the lessons embedded in trees that thrive despite harsh conditions. Join us as we navigate our innate wildness and uncover the pathways toward restoration and community.Don't miss this profound journey toward self-discovery and connection—subscribe, share, and leave us a review!-------Create an intentional practice with your own Gratitude Blooming card deck, notecards, candle and much much more at our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com. Your purchase helps us sustain this podcast, or you can also sponsor us here. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners!

Send us a textWhat if we could harness the wisdom of nature to transform our lives? Join us as we explore this intriguing question with our esteemed guest, Dr. Paul Wang, whose expertise in Chinese medicine and Daoism guides us through the profound themes of grief, gratitude, and self-care. Reflecting on the recent natural disasters in Los Angeles, we delve into the crucial importance of aligning with nature and fostering a sense of collective well-being. Discover the tools of pausing, noticing, and community as we navigate the challenges of rebuilding and reimagining our connection with the environment.As we venture into the intriguing realm of cosmic and personal cycles, prepare to be captivated by the solar polar flip and its potential effects on our natural world. This cosmic event sets the stage for a broader conversation on life's small signals—those subtle cues that can have a significant impact if left unaddressed. With the help of the Gratitude Blooming Card deck, we reflect on the importance of friendship as a source of resilience and balance, drawing parallels to our personal experiences of feeling overwhelmed and the necessity of self-care to prevent burnout.We then transition into a vibrant exploration of friendship as an ecosystem, reflecting on the diversity of human experiences and the interconnectedness of our relationships. The colorful nasturtium flowers serve as a metaphor for the beauty and complexity of our communities, while ancient symbols like the Rod of Asclepius remind us of the healing power of companionship. As we embrace the sweetness and bitterness of life, we invite you to tune into your own seeds of intention, nurturing them as we all prepare for the growth and transformation that lies ahead. If you'd like to practice seasonal living with us to navigate change and challenge with more wholeness, sign up for our new online Change Well Series launching Feb 23 to Mar 16, 2025.  Together, we will embark on a special journey to prepare for the spring cycle through physical, mental, emotional and spiritual alchemy.  REGISTER HERE:https://www.gratitudeblooming.com/changewell-------Create an intentional practice with your own Gratitude Blooming card deck, notecards, candle and much much more at our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com. Your purchase helps us sustain this podcast, or you can also sponsor us here. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners!

Send us a textDiscover the profound insights of seasonal living with the esteemed Dr. Paul Wang, whose extensive experience in martial, medical, and mystical practices illuminates the path to a life in harmony with nature's cycles. Join us as Dr. Wang reveals the art of dancing through life's changes, emphasizing the importance of aligning with the natural rhythms of birth, growth, maturation, and dormancy also known as spring, summer, fall and winter. Explore the necessity of stillness and the magic of connecting with one's center, as we reflect on the releasing time of fall. Together, we challenge the influences of technology and artificial light, urging a return to rest and the inner world.We also delve into the dynamic balance of yin and yang during seasonal transitions, examining its impact on our communities and personal relationships. Through the symbolism of nasturtium in the Gratitude Blooming Card deck, we invite you to embrace the darkness and the hidden treasures it can unveil in your life. As we navigate the powerful emotion of fear, Dr. Wang shares strategies to not only face it but thrive amidst uncertainty, drawing on astrological insights and the guiding intelligences of mind, intuition, and instinct. Finally, we celebrate the concept of fearless gratitude, underscoring the role of self-trust and inner confidence in personal transformation and resilience.-------Create an intentional practice with your own Gratitude Blooming card deck, notecards, candle and much much more at our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com. Your purchase helps us sustain this podcast, or you can also sponsor us here. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners!

Send us a textZen Master and movement leader Norma Wong returns to share her profound insights on tenacity and transformation, illuminating the intricate dance between persistence and stubbornness. And, she shares insights from her new book, When No Thing Works. We pull the dandelion card, representing tenacity, and explore the art of nurturing curiosity and playfulness amidst adversity, much like how dandelions spread their seeds across vast distances. Norma's reflections on her extensive travels (including more than 3 million airline miles) offer a rich tapestry of lessons that parallel the resilience and adaptability of these unassuming flowers, emphasizing the cyclical nature of growth and personal evolution.Tune in to discover how valuing the process over outcomes can lead to thriving practices, both personally and communally. Our conversation centers on the courage it takes to release creative work into the world, trusting it will land where it's meant to grow. We delve into the transformative power of intentional practice, elevating routine into ritual, and the importance of choosing practices that truly serve us. As we navigate life's transitions, the metaphor of autumn invites reflection and renewal, encouraging us to let go of what no longer serves us while embracing the unpredictability of new beginnings. Join us in a conversation that intertwines the beauty of nature with the journey of human growth and connection.“This is deep, no-nonsense grounding, taught lightly, with invitation and humor and curiosity. Profound and embodied in each line... I know I will return to this text over and over.”—adrienne maree brown, author of Emergent Strategy (and previous Gratitude Blooming podcast guest)ABOUT THE BOOKTalking story, weaving poetry, and offering wisdom at the intersections of strategy, politics, and spiritual activism, When No Thing Works is a visionary guide to co-creating new worlds from one in crisis. It asks into the ways we can live well andmaintain our wholeness in an era of collective acceleration: the swiftly moving current, fed and shaped by human actions, that sweeps us toward ever uncertain futures. Grounded in Zen Buddhism, interconnection, and decades of communityactivism, When No Thing Works explores questions like:● As we stand at a threshold of collective change, what leaps must we make?● How can we push through discord and polarization and meet these critical changepoints collectively?● What practices, strategies, and spiritualities can align to vision a sustainable future for our communities and descendents?● How can we step out of urgency to tend to our crises with wisdom, intention, and care?Find more at www.normawong.comMentioned in this episode- conversation with Taj James: https://www.gratitudeblooming.com/podcast-s2/abundance- conversation with adrienne maree brown: https://www.gratitudeblooming.com/podcast-------Create an intentional practice with your own Gratitude Blooming card deck, notecards, candle and much much more at our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com. Your purchase helps us sustain this podcast, or you can also sponsor us here. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners!

Send us a textJoin us for our Empathy & Democracy series, a live podcast and pop-up art series brought to you by the Democracy Center, VC Film Fest and Gratitude Blooming. Guided by the changing seasons, this fourth and final installment centers on the transformative practice of "Fearless Gratitude" in action as we pause together to feel and share the depths of our emotions as we grapple with the complexities of this election year. What if acknowledging the unseen fears and biases in our lives could reshape our story and guide how we show up for these times of great human divides?In this episode, we uncover our shared struggles around vulnerability, courage, humility, and the wild card of life-- themes from Gratitude Blooming's Garden of Fearless Gratitude.Together, with 35 leaders, facilitators, coaches, and community builders, we experienced how gratitude, as a social emotion, can create spaces where even our most challenging emotions can coexist harmoniously.Tune in to remember the power of pausing in shared space to inspire collective action.  This is the crucial work ahead to nurture our democracy for a thriving future.-------Create an intentional practice with your own Gratitude Blooming card deck, notecards, candle and much much more at our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com. Your purchase helps us sustain this podcast, or you can also sponsor us here. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners!

This week, we are joined by beloved movement creatrix adrienne maree brown in a conversation about talking with trees, finding your murmuration, and holding complexity (and each other). With wisdom from Gratitude Blooming's rose card representing choice, the celebrated author of Emergent Strategy joins co-hosts Belinda Liu and Omar Brownson for an insightful conversation on building right relationships, the power of proximity and her new book Loving Corrections. We unravel the threads of how capitalism and colonization pull us away from our local communities and the urgent need for spiritual technologies to navigate global crises. Listen in as adrienne shares her wisdom on staying present and connected with our surroundings and the people closest to us, drawing from personal experiences and collective actions like passing a ceasefire resolution with her community in Durham, NC.How does a budding spring rosebud symbolize the myriad of decisions we face in life? In an illustration rich with metaphor, we explore the intricate paths of personal growth and choices, inspired by the branching paths of a rose drawing. From enchanting writing retreats in Ireland to the meditative act of planting rose bushes, we reflect on the lessons nature teaches us about balance, protection, and growth. Each choice, whether familiar or uncharted, blossoms with its own potential and beauty, mirroring our life's journey.Art and activism intertwine beautifully as we celebrate the power of creativity in times of political and emotional upheaval. Drawing from a spring equinox excerpt from her new book, adrienne maree brown shares how poetry, song, and spells can transform overwhelming emotions into life-affirming art. By turning chaos into creative expressions, we find ways to embrace joy, authenticity, and a positive outlook.  We hope the heartfelt stories and actionable insights shared in this episode inspire you to turn tough emotions into meaningful actions and cultivate beauty and resilience even in the most challenging times.Deepen your exploration of Gratitude Blooming's Card #3 CHOICE / SPRING ROSE by tuning into our song and other episodes on choice here:https://www.gratitudeblooming.com/choiceExplore adrienne's work here:adrienne maree brown is growing a garden of healing ideas through her multi-genre writing, her collaborations and her podcasts. Informed by 25 years of movement facilitation, somatics, Octavia E Butler scholarship and her work as a doula, adrienne has nurtured Emergent Strategy, Pleasure Activism, Radical Imagination and Transformative Justice as ideas and practices for transformation. She is the author/editor of several published texts, cogenerator of a tarot deck and a developing musical ritual. adrienne's most recent book Loving Corrections is now available from AK Press and wherever books are sold. https://adriennemareebrown.net/Get your own Gratitude Blooming card deck, candle and much much more at our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com. Your purchase helps us sustain this podcast, or you can also sponsor us here. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners!

What shapes our identity and fuels our courage to challenge societal norms? Today, we revisit an inspiring conversation with Jim Herr, director of the Democracy Center at the Japanese American National Museum. Jim opens up about his experiences as a Hapa kid in rural Pennsylvania, where he faced exclusion and was told he couldn't be president because of his skin color. His journey from feeling marginalized to leading critical discussions on democracy and empathy offers a compelling narrative of personal growth and resilience. We also touch upon artist Arlene Kim Suda's reflections on cultural identity and the unique pressures mixed-race individuals navigate, emphasizing the crucial role of community in embracing our differences and moving towards a more inclusive society.Curiosity can be a powerful tool against fear. We explore how engaging with what makes us uncomfortable can lead to deeper understanding and diminish fear's hold on our lives. By taking small, intentional steps, we can conquer our anxieties and live more fulfilling lives. To help keep curiosity alive, we introduce practical tools like the Garden of Curiosity note cards and candles from the Gratitude Blooming shop. These simple reminders encourage us to end each day with a moment of pause and curiosity, fostering peace and a sense of renewal regardless of the day's challenges. Join us for this uplifting episode that showcases the transformative potential of curiosity and empathy.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

Embark on a reflective journey with us, as we begin to weave together the wisdom of over 100 episodes, creating a tapestry of insights that transcend time. Imagine uncovering forgotten treasures and gaining new perspectives through the essence of sound, a medium as eternal as the themes we explore. This special installment brings a spotlight to our collaboration with Zen master Norma Wong, who extends her profound influence beyond a mere interview to ongoing projects like 'Kinship with Water'. Revel in the transformative idea of honoring water as a wise elder, capable of teaching us about nourishment, love, and kinship. Norma's voice guides us through the theme of remembrance, urging us to contemplate living practices that shape our journey and nurture the essence of gratitude blooming within us.Join Belinda and Omar as they meander through a conversation that is both a nostalgic look back and an innovative step forward. Through the artful blend of past and present, discover how embracing what came before can illuminate the path ahead. This episode is a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation, filled with poignant moments, thoughtful pauses, and deep dives into the nature-infused lessons that keep our creative fires burning. Tune in for an experience that promises not just to revisit the past but to evolve with it, as we share key insights and stories from our ongoing journey with the extraordinary Norma Wong.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

Have you ever experienced a moment so quietly powerful that it demanded your full presence? This episode, with facilitators Angela Oh and Alex Dorsey, captures just that, as we recount an unforgettable evening at the Japanese American National Museum and the Democracy Center—a night where rose petals and silence laid the foundation for an exploration into empathy and democracy. We unravel how holding space for others, whether in leadership, parenthood, or personal growth, magnifies compassion and ensures every voice in our democratic tapestry is valued and heard.Navigating the nuanced dance of giving and receiving support, we delve into the emotional weight of our 'active giving hand' and its capacity to invoke deep gratitude. Our guests and us share anecdotes that resonate with hope, forgiveness, and the relentless pursuit of self-compassion. By peeling back the layers of our own emotional landscapes, we reveal how embracing vulnerability can lead to a more profound understanding of our intertwined lives and the healing we all seek.As the conversation unfolds, we immerse ourselves in the embodiment of empathy and the transformative act of holding space. Contemplating the gentle balance between bearing the heaviness of being a space holder and the lightness of being held, we explore how creating opportunities for understanding can leave a lasting impact on our communities. Wrapping up with an ode to the practice of gratitude, we reflect on its power to help us appreciate life's goodness amid adversity. Join us as we honor the subtle yet substantial ways compassion and gratitude shape our journeys.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 event 'Holding Space for the Spaceholders,' we're thrilled to welcome the deeply insightful Angela Oh and the adept facilitator Alex Dorsey. They'll share their wisdom on empathetic space creation, the personal cost of conflict, and the nuances of self-expression.Feel the pulse of authenticity and its profound influence on forging human bonds as we navigate the art of vulnerability. Through symbolism from nature's playbook, we assess the courageous act of revealing our soft underbellies and the complexities of authenticity in maintaining relationships. As we anticipate the dynamic exchange in our live podcast series, we invite you to connect with us and our special Democracy Center guests, Jim Herr and Sofia Alvarez, who will share their expertise on the tangible dynamics of holding space. Join us for a heartfelt synthesis of growth, challenge, and understanding, where every voice in the chorus of life is valued, and every moment of silence is powerful.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 power of story circles within communities like Mending the Arc. Together, we'll reflect on exciting collaborations and the fresh growth they promise, mirroring the renewal we seek in our own lives.With the brushstrokes of Michael Heiser's "Double Negative" and the silent majesty of a winter forest as our backdrop, we reflect on the profound effects of art and nature on our spirit. Solitude, often a catalyst for creativity, becomes a central theme, inspiring introspection and aligning with our intentions for the year. We close with the soulful strains of "Sorrow" by Windows Seat as we also look forward to an enriching collaboration with the Democracy Center, continuing to weave a narrative that celebrates the courage found in both love and sorrow.**Limited Time** Join Belinda Liu and Omar Brownson on Feb. 10 in Los Angeles for our Empathy and Democracy live podcast and pop up art (and tea). Click here for more details. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 embrace the unfolding gifts of the coming year.With each passing story and shared experience, we unearth the profound influence of humility on our journey, mirroring the unassuming strength of Yosemite's ancient sequoias and the steadfast violet. This episode is a tapestry woven with threads of gratitude, intentionality, and the practice of 'Wu Wei'—effortless action that trusts life's currents. As we look forward to a musical tribute to humility with Ariel Loh, we invite you to lend an ear to the harmonies of "Tiger Lily," a melody that cradles the spirit of open-hearted receptivity. Join us for an exploration of how to stand strong yet supple amidst life's ebb and flow, and welcome the new with grace and poise.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 co-creation, the transformative power of saying "yes," and the journey toward aligning with our internal compasses.This episode illuminates the often overlooked yet essential aspects of gratitude and the collective joy found in creative pursuits, all while challenging traditional paradigms that no longer serve our evolving society. As we navigate the delicate equilibrium of reminders, routines, and rewards, we celebrate the artists, poets, and land stewards—who are the custodians of memory and communion. Here's to the recognition of our shared humanity, to seeing beauty in our joint imperfections, and to cherishing each moment of simply being human. Join us for this heartwarming toast to life, community, and the art of human connection!If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 wellbeing? Join as we traverse this path, considering how we can find healing and transformation, even amidst the pressures of the modern world. We'll share our stories of confronting core wounds and navigating the cultural intersections of our lives, inviting you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery.But, it's not all serious introspection. We'll also be shedding light on the joy of cross-cultural dancing, the power of presence and the beauty of transcending metaphors that no longer serve us.  Join us as we celebrate our collective role in co-creating the world we want to live in, embracing the joy and inspiration that comes from meaningful connections and shared stories.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 continues under the soft glow of intention setting and candle rituals. We share our personal experiences, revealing how these practices have brought light and positivity into our lives. The transformative power of ancestral healing, the art of candle hygiene, and the practical use of candles as tools for setting intentions are all threads woven into this enlightening chat. So, light a candle with us as we explore these heartwarming rituals together.Finally, we explore the importance of balance and boundary setting. Co-host Omar Brownson shares his ambitious dreams for sustainable growth while preserving his own wellbeing. We reflect on the harmony between personal and professional life, using the symbol of the Fox Glove flower, a metaphor for singing your heart's song. We wrap up our conversation with a focus on the simple practices that can spark joy, hope, and gratitude in our lives - think candles, note cards, and music. So, join us as we kindle hope and gratitude in the cozy glow of our candle-filled spaces.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 advocate for violence against another group until they have dehumanized that group.  Dehumanization is a prerequisite for violence. Lea reminds us that we each have personal power and agency.  When institutions fail, it's actually civil society that can bring us back into a healthy balance.For our second live podcast series, we reimagine democracy as an everyday practice of listening, speaking, and asking questions in a new way to humanize one another and build our muscle of empathy. Tune into this raw, inquisitive conversation with our live audience, the Gratitude Blooming team, Jim Herr from the Democracy Center, and Lea Endres from NationBuilder.Enjoy the captivating intro and closing beats of the Taiko drummers from On Ensemble to notice more fully with your heart.   Share your perspective as you experience this practice with us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com!   If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 created in a moment of overwhelming emotion. We delve into the importance of creating a space for discomfort to arise and the necessity of channeling a tender energy before taking action.But, our journey doesn't stop at tenderness; forgiveness, too, holds a vital place in our discussion. Ever experienced the therapeutic power of art and music? We're inviting you to pause, reflect, and embrace the themes of healing and forgiveness, creating room for the discomfort of change. Light a candle for healing and listen to our song Forgiveness, for yourself and your community. Reflecting on the anemone card from our deck, a symbol of forgiveness, we navigate through the strength it takes to weather challenging times and the energy required for true forgiveness. Remember, tenderness, grace, gentleness, and forgiveness are the pillars we need in our lives, and this conversation hopes to serve as a gentle reminder.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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, Emily redirected her passion for medicine into exploring integrative medicine, art and somatic work. Her unique blend of modalities, coupled with the importance she places on play and joy, makes for an intriguing insight into managing difficult circumstances. Emily's journey offers valuable lessons on the role of curiosity, patience, and playfulness in maneuvering through life's challenges.In our closing conversation with Emily, we delve into the theme of self-cultivation and the journey of finding hope. Emily opens up about her use of Human Design to find focus amidst her health journey and the role of meditation in connecting with inner strength. Drawing inspiration from the Gratitude Blooming card deck, she shares her insights on patience, hope, and gratitude. Emily's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-care, patience, and the transformative power of a good pause.Join us to listen to the Gratitude Booming x Window Seat music collab: Self-care.Find more about Emily's journey on IG at @emilylynn415If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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, and its myriad manifestations, especially when fear tries to cloud our vision. Also, as a part of our ongoing collaboration with the Japanese American National Museum, we're taking on themes of empathy and democracy. Adding to our exploration, in a few weeks, we will be joined by our esteemed guest Lea Endres, co-founder and CEO of Nation Builder, sharing her insights into the practice of democracy. As we delve into the Gratitude Blooming deck, we're setting our sights on these evolving themes, culminating our journey with a music practice amplified by the power of infinite possibility. So, grab your headphones and join us as we tune into courage and mindful expression.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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. While fear can stifle, it can also spark creativity when viewed through a lens of joy and playfulness. We also discuss the concept of 'enough', inviting you to examine the roots of your fears and construct metaphorical houses to safeguard your dreams.Let's take a moment to reflect on how we protect our dreams. We focus on the power of gratitude and freedom, discussing ways to shield our dreams from fear and nurture playfulness for resilience. We bring to light the significance of creating space for failure from an Asian-American perspective and how the unfamiliar can lead to rewilding our hearts. It's more than a discussion; it's a journey into the unknown. Are you ready?Also, listen to the wildcard song from our Garden of Healing album for inspiration. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 leads us into an important conversation about self-care, joy and reciprocal relationships. Drawing from her personal experiences, she underlines the essence of rekindling joy in activities we love, the significance of introspection, and the need to rebalance life. She makes us rethink kindness and gentleness, not just as virtues, but as tangible bridges connecting self-care and community. As a parting gift, we invite you  to embrace and feel the power of gentleness through music. So, get ready to be inspired and challenged in equal measure in this enriching episode.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 conversation unfolds, we discover how disruption can be a doorway to infinite possibilities, rather than an obstacle. We explore the art of surrender, the joy in receiving, and how nature can aid us in cultivating a sense of wholeness, particularly during unsettling times. We also explore how Susie's creative role with Gratitude Blooming is helping us create beautiful new products that serve as tangible reminders for us to stay grounded and connected. This episode is a rich exploration of the intersections of gratitude, intention, and balance in our everyday lives. You won't want to miss it!If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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.  Enjoy this journey of discovery, healing, and growth.  Let's bloom together!  Meet us in Los Angeles for our live podcast event series with the Center for the Preservation of Democracy.  Or...  join us on a nature retreat this fall by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 helping us connect with our hearts. There's also a discussion with the audience around the themes of intention and curiosity in gratitude and their potential to foster empathy, the concept of impermanence, and how curiosity can help us understand our world better. We traverse the power of emotional reflection and connection, and how they can bring us closer to understanding ourselves and others. There's a profound discussion on the power of language to share our stories and build community, and how art and inquiry help us navigate our feelings. Lastly, we'll uncover the power of music, control, fear, and how connecting with our emotions can help us shape our world.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 talked about our collective journey.We peeled back the layers of vulnerability, delving into its crucial role in a thriving democracy. The interplay of empathy, power, and vulnerability revealed how these elements can foster a healthy space for emotion sharing, resource pooling, and heartfelt expression. Sofia and Jim lent their insights, shedding light on how our Empathy and Democracy series can facilitate a more in-depth discourse on empathy's role in democracy. We also marveled at nature's role in reminding us of our shared humanity—an essential reality check.In a world that seems swamped with uncertainty, we underscored the gentle power of kindness and trust. We explored the art of gentleness and how to coax individuals into creating safe spaces for themselves and others. Join us for one of our upcoming pop-up art installations at the Japanese American National Museum—an embodiment of our collective journey. Help us weave together the narratives of empathy, vulnerability, gentleness, and democracy—a tapestry that promises to be rich in insights and revelations.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 development of empathy and coherence that you don't want to miss.Our discussion takes an interesting twist as we turn our focus onto the art of intention and the fuel it provides to realize our dreams. Get ready for an inspiring story about harnessing the power of intention, attracting the right people and opportunities to create flourishing opportunities. We dive into practical ways of integrating gratitude into your life, from daily meditation to the use of Joy candles. And as we wrap up, we reflect on the symbol of tenacity: the dandelion, card number six from our deck. The resilience it portrays is not just in its ability to grow anywhere, but also in its healing properties. Will you join us as we explore the art, collaboration, and the extraordinary synergy of intention and gratitude?If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 shares how he found a way to explain infinite possibility to a 6-year-old and illustrates the flow of time and possibilities using a riveting river metaphor.From a passive life, Charlie takes us through his transformation to an active life, using his life transitions as a springboard. He divulges his strategies for introspection and way-making, reminding us of the importance of accepting and acknowledging our emotions, even during times of transition. By building his proverbial raft and identifying core values, he illustrates how we could ride the waves of change with grace and resilience. As we paddle down the river with Charlie, we embrace the unknown, the possibilities it offers, and the vulnerability it exposes. Remember, it's not just about navigating the river, it's about enjoying the raft ride of life's transitions with a dash of humility, courage, and of course, gratitude.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 season of renewal, discover the importance of creating space for coherence and community. Learn how connecting with nature and others can help you develop a practice of non-attachment and find your groove. Get inspired by an upcoming art exhibit that fosters deeper connections with nature, and hear about the power of creating objects that embody the human touch. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 intention, the art of receiving, and being grounded. Together, we share insights on hope, community, and transformation. Plus, discover our exciting new T-shirt - "We are rooting for you" - perfect for gift giving!If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 studied under the guidance of Richard Strozzi and explored Aikido, a Japanese martial art, which deepened their understanding of centering practices and the dimensions of height, width, depth, and center.Iris is a Professional Certified Coach and a Somatic Coach through Strozzi Institute. As the Senior Director of Coaching & Collaboration at RCF Connects, Iris coaches artists, change makers, and nonprofit leaders.Iris actively supports healing journeys and the creation of spiritual spaces for more freedom, hope, and joy. They find solace in dancing, reading visionary sci-fi, and spending time with trees, truly embracing the wonders of nature.Follow Iris Podschun's incredible journey on Instagram @thevenerations and prepare to be enlightened by their deep insights and unique perspective.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your feedback with this survey (only takes 30 seconds to complete.). You can also share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast (our labor of love) or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 moment playing outside in the wintry landscapes of New England sparked a sense of wonder and set her on a path of exploration. Drawing inspiration from shamanism and plant medicine, Lorrie discovered the power of intent and the practice of recapitulation, which allowed her to release the burdens of the past and embark on a journey towards wholeness.Lorrie's lineage of Makers, a pragmatic and ancient tradition rooted in Western Europe, holds a rich history of self-healing and connection to the natural world. Through her teachings, she shares the importance of reconnecting with our hearts and listening to the silence within our own beings. In this episode, she shares the first of 6 practices on intent, called The Path of the Heart, from a class that the Makers at Shamans Cave are offering for free for our community.  Join here:   https://www.shamanscave.com/courses/72-free-spirals-class-promotionAlso available on their website is a description of a basic recapitulation practice Omar and Arlene reflected on at the closing of this episode.  You can try out on your own: https://www.shamanscave.com/beginning-practices/the-recapitulation Read more about their Woodworking Philosophy:We strive to make all our products with wood either sourced from our property in Kentucky or from local lumber yards. We are able to make almost all of our turned (round) products from limbs and logs cut on our almost 30 acre property.Our design process uses intent:  We look for the piece of wood that has the right qualities and feel to produce our intended outcome. We consider what species of wood to use for each piece. We ask:What wood is best for its purpose? How will the finished product look and feel?” We also consider the person using the object (if possible)Will the form, feel, species and finish fit the use and aesthetics of the customer?”If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your feedback with this survey (only takes 30 seconds to complete.). You can also share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast (our labor of love) or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 inspiration in the face of challenges and how it has helped him to overcome obstacles and achieve his goals.He also emphasizes the importance of empathy and authenticity in leadership and relationships, and how being vulnerable and making emotional investments can lead to deeper connections and positive outcomes.Through his work with Creative Pathways and Means, SJ is dedicated to helping others tap into their own creative potential and find pathways to success. He is a true champion of authenticity and creativity, and his message is sure to inspire and uplift anyone looking to make a positive impact in their own lives and communities.Don't miss his closing practice on how to get inspired when you just aren't feeling it!Find out more about SJ here:SJ Hazim is a committed and dedicated individual who is deeply committed to the pathway of the creator's journey. He believes that creativity is an essential part of personal and professional development, and he is dedicated to helping others tap into their own creative potential. Through his work with Creative Pathways and Means, SJ has helped develop a range of tools and frameworks designed to support the creative development of individuals and organizations.As a practitioner of the urban arts, SJ is also deeply committed to using creativity as a means of empowerment and self-direction. He believes that the arts have the power to transform lives and communities, and he is dedicated to using his talents and expertise to make a positive impact.In addition to his professional pursuits, SJ is also committed to his own continuous improvement. He believes that learning and growth are ongoing processes, and he is constantly seeking out new opportunities and experiences that will help him to evolve and grow as a person. Whether through his work with Top Teer and Creative Pathways and Means or his personal development, SJ is committed to the journey of the creator and is always striving to be better and to make a positive impact on the world. He is now diving into poetry to improve with how some DEI initiatives are rolled out. Look for Authentic Expressions every second Saturday in Topeka, KS at Omni Circle Group, or in a city near you. Connect with SJ:Facebook- Sj Hazim Instagram - @sjhazim LinkedIn - Sj Hazim Tik Tok- @AuthenticExpressionsIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your feedback with this survey (only takes 30 seconds to complete.). You can also share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast (our labor of love) or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 connects her to her body and intuition. Join us as we explore the importance of stepping into love, taking risks, and giving ourselves permission to be who we truly are.Don't miss Stacey's practice at the end of this episode.  It's such a simple and powerful way to connect to our bodies!Learn more about Stacey here:Stacey Street is delighted to serve the Richmond Community Foundation as Chief Operations Officer. Stacey has over 25 years of development, marketing and non-profit management experience. Most recently she was Director of Capital and Major Gifts for Planned Parenthood Shasta Pacific, where she coordinated a significant capital campaign that raised $6.5 million.Prior to Planned Parenthood, she served as Executive Director for the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society, where she successfully helped the organization navigate the aftermath of a devastating fire in the shelter.Stacey also has extensive experience in arts administration, having served as Executive Director for the California Symphony for over eight years. Previous experience in the arts include roles as Interim Executive Director and Director of Development and Marketing at Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Patron Services Associate for San Francisco Opera and Special Events Manager for Handel & Haydn Society in Boston.Stacey graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard University with a B.A. in Anthropology. She is a classical vocalist who sings with the Peninsula Women's Chorus and has studied voice privately, as well as performed solo recitals for over 25 years. Stacey lives in the Bay Area with her blended family.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your feedback with this survey (only takes 30 seconds to complete.). You can also share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast (our labor of love) or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 pandemic hit, and Liz found herself driving an RV across the country, dreaming of what the future could hold. She shares with us how her work was not done with her. It took six or seven years to complete. Liz was famished for information on the history of the divine feminine and her extensive research shows that even Neanderthals had carvings that resembled maternal symbols.This episode will leave you inspired to co-create the world you want to live in and to trust in the flow of life. Tune in to hear Liz's unique perspective on the sacred feminine and her journey of bringing her book to life.About Liz:Liz Childs Kelly is a writer, award-winning researcher, educator, community builder, and host of the popular Home to Her podcast, which is dedicated to amplifying the voices of the Sacred Feminine. She is also the author of the new book, Home to Her: Walking the Transformative Path of the Sacred Feminine. Her writing has been featured in a variety of online publications, including Forbes, Mashable, Rebelle Society, Human Parts (a Medium publication), and Braided Way, as well as the Girl God Books anthology Just As I Am: Hymns Affirming the Divine Female. An initiated priestess in the 13 Moons lineage, she also holds certifications in Reiki, as well as Vinyasa and Yin Yoga.Liz lives in rural Virginia with her family and can often be found exploring the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains or wandering in the woods behind her home.Learn more about her work at:www.hometoher.comIG: @hometoherYouTube.com/channel/@hometoherFB: www.facebook.com/groups/hometoherIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your feedback with this survey (only takes 30 seconds to complete.). You can also share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast (our labor of love) or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 California to rural Alabama and how she feeds and is fed by nature. Ain discusses the vision of New Seneca Village, a non-profit retreat space and network that offers nature-based restorative residencies for cis, trans, and non-binary Black, Indigenous, and women of color leaders working towards racial, economic, and social justice. We explore the question of how we can practice the future now and the resources that are available to us, including time, space, nature, and connection to others. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation about the importance of living our future vision in the present moment, for the betterment of the world to come.Find out more about Ain's passions:Ain Bailey (she/they) is a restoration practitioner whose work is in service to Sacred Futures. She understands sacred futures to be representative of many things, most prevalently in this moment it is  defining itself as any present treated with deep reverence and a committed intention to practice our collective, liberated future now.She is the Founder and Co-Executive Director of New Seneca Village, a retreat center space and social ecosystem for cis, transfeminine and non-binary women leaders of color focused on restoration, connection and visioning.They are also the Co-Founder and Co-President of Jubilee College, an emerging alternative two year college designed to engage students in exploring relational and spiritually grounded leadership for a post-capitalist world. Each of these collaborative projects, along with her healing centered coaching practice, are grounded in creating containers within which folks can connect with themselves, with others, with nature and higher consciousness to access their individual sovereignty, purpose and agency for the benefit of the collective.Ain lives and works on the unceded and ancestral land of the Coosati and Muskoke people, colonially known as Alabama.When not working, they can be found vigorously avoiding screens, reading, contemplating, journaling, making up songs and playing with their dogs, Bijoux and Sega. References:https://www.ekvn-yefolecv.org is the Alabama native eco-village that they are a member of.http://jubilee.gift is a community that is exploring money as sacred. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your feedback with this survey (only takes 30 seconds to complete.). You can also share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast (our labor of love) or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 perfection and trying to fit into a one-size-fits-all definition of love. Join us for a heartwarming conversation with a born relationship coach who is passionate, warm, magnetic, and fiery!Find out more about Soniyah at:www.finding-bliss.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your feedback with this survey (only takes 30 seconds to complete.). You can also share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast (our labor of love) or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 variety of instruments and found sounds to create a unique and immersive sound. We discuss the power of music in promoting mindfulness and introspection, and how The Garden of Healing can serve as a tool for listeners to connect with themselves and nature.Join us as we celebrate the release of The Garden of Healing on the 2023 Spring Equinox and delve into the world of ambient music and mindfulness with Ariel Loh. Listen on Apple, Spotify or wherever you find your music. This is the first of four music collabs. Enjoy! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your feedback with this survey (only takes 30 seconds to complete.). You can also share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast (our labor of love) or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 teams from all industries to improve their creative confidence and break routine ways of thinking. He emphasizes the importance of pro-activism and creating experiences that make people feel deeply connected, seen, and supported.Throughout the episode, Adam shares his insights on how to tune our instruments to be in harmony with the world around us and how to move beyond the first step of learning to truly embody and live out our values. This episode is a reminder to celebrate the things that bring us joy and connection, and to use our creativity to build a better world.Enjoy our closing reflection question to help you explore what you'd like to be celebrating in 10, 40 or even 100 years from now! Here's more on Adam and where to explore his work!Adam Rosendahl is an internationally renowned facilitator, team engagement expert, and the founder of Late Nite Art®, a connection and creativity firm based in San Francisco. He works with the world's top companies to create transformational learning events that help teams take more risks and build meaningful relationships. At its core, his work is about humanizing people beyond the roles they play at work. Over the past 10 years, Adam has led 500+ events, impacting 10,000+ people across 15 countries. His clients include Pixar, Instagram, and Southwest Airlines – as well as prisons, schools, and nonprofits across the globe.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrosendahl/IG: https://www.instagram.com/theadamrosendahl/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adameliasrosendahl/TEDx Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/adam_rosendahl_how_to_use_the_arts_to_unlock_deeper_connectionLate Nite We are co-creating the world we want to live in, and we want to hear from you! Share your feedback with this survey (only takes 30 seconds to complete.)If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow.You can also share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast (our labor of love). Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 leading an initiative for democracy preservation at the Japanese American National Museum and ensuring that no one is left behind. Join us as we explore the beauty and challenges of self-reflection and making room for those who may not agree with us.We are co-creating the world we want to live in, and we want to hear from you! Share your feedback with this survey (only takes 30 seconds to complete.)If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow.You can also share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast (our labor of love). Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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-being with a focus on the importance of setting boundaries and saying "no" in order to create space for our "yes." Emily shares her personal story with balancing work and motherhood, and the importance of taking time for ourselves to nurture our well-being. She also explores the challenges faced by the younger generation, including eco-anxiety and the pressure to constantly be "doing," and offers insights into how we can create a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Read more about Emily and her work here:As an Irish/Latina native of the eastside of Los Angeles, Emily is keenly interested in how the stories we tell shape our collective identity. In her 10+ years in the social impact space, she has collaborated with philanthropists, artists, activists, technologists, journalists, and scholars to launch large-scale media, art, theatre, dance, and film projects that expand our notion of public life. To date, Emily has secured over 17 million in funding from over 100 grantors spanning from the Knight Foundation, the Hewlett Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the U.S. Department of State, and global brands like Johnson & Johnson, The North Face, and Louis Vuitton for projects across the United States and Latin America. Program partners have included the U.N., the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Guggenheim Museum, Facebook, and ViacomCBS.Emily is the Executive Director of Amplifier, a design lab that amplifies the most important social movements of our times. Prior to Amplifier, Emily spent seven years running the national grantwriting and comms firm Girasol Consulting, and served as a writing professor at Occidental College. She has served as a panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts' Folk and Traditional Arts grants program and spoken about narrative shift and culture change work at Johns Hopkins University, George Washington University, and on ABC and FOX news. Her writings on politics and culture have been published by Zocalo Public Square and by Harvard University and New York University journals. Emily holds a master's degree in Journalism from Georgetown University and an undergraduate degree in Modern Literature from UC Santa Cruz. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, creative writing, vegan nachos, and adventures in revolutionary motherhood!Check out Amplifier's social media toolkit for the Well + Being campaign!We are co-creating the world we want to live in, and we want to hear from you! Share your feedback with this survey (only takes 30 seconds to complete.)If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow.You can also share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast (our labor of love). Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 shares her thoughts on grieving the disappointments in life, the significance of awareness in creating change, and the harmony between humanity and nature. Join us as we explore the wild truth of life's mountains.   We hope Georgina's story inspires you to tap into your own inner strength and find balance in your own journey.  Try out our closing practice on returning to your personal basecamp at home or in nature! We are co-creating the world we want to live in, and we want to hear from you! Share your feedback with this survey (only takes 30 seconds to complete.)If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow.You can also share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast (our labor of love). Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 world. Join us as we discuss the significance of putting time and attention into our relationship with nature and learn how it can bring joy and fulfillment to our lives.The nonprofit Kiss the Ground is on a mission to awaken people to the possibilities of regeneration and the name of their organization was inspired by this Rumi poem. Today, like every other day,we wake up empty and frightened.Don't open the door to the study and begin reading.Take down a musical instrument.Let the beauty we love be what we do.There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.- Rumi, 13th centuryLearn more about Kiss the Ground at https://kisstheground.com and watch their film on Netflix. We hope you enjoy the closing practice of nurturing quality time with a fresh cut flower or potted plant inspired by Ryland's own relationship with nature! We are co-creating the world we want to live in, and we want to hear from you! Share your feedback with this survey (only takes 30 seconds to complete.)If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow.You can also share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast (our labor of love). Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 with Recompose is focused on creating a more natural and sustainable way of dealing with death. She also talks about the challenges and successes of starting and growing her business, as well as the legal and societal hurdles she faced in this field. Additionally, she shares her thoughts on the funeral service industry and its impact on the environment and the rising conversation around end-of-life and climate change grief. The goal of Recompose is to make composting the default solution and to create a gathering of community to legalize and prove that it is safe. With this in mind, Katrina aims to make the entire experience, including decomposing human bodies, beautiful and to create rich topsoil in 30-60 days.Enjoy our closing practice on thinking about your own legacy and what you want to consciously leave behind!--------If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow.You can also share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com where you can support the podcast even further. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 technology gave his imagination permission to run wild as a sportscaster, a preacher or a musician. He would always remind us that “sound is eternal.” We also feature our conversation with Karen Mack, the founder of LA Commons, an arts organization that helps communities tell their stories and artists create dynamic works of public art, including with nature. Karen shares her insights on how art and community work together to create meaning, and how technology can both connect and disconnect us from each other. She also reflects on the importance of imagination and the beauty of nature. We hope you enjoy the closing practice of listening with presence as a way to cherish the relationships that truly matter to you!Support for Brian Vasquez's family can be made here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/lets-rally-for-brians-battle-against-leukemia--------If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow.You can also share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com where you can support the podcast even further. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 talks about finding joy in the work that she does, and how that has helped her to love her jobs in philanthropy and in the entertainment industry. Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation about how to make the most of the time we have.Kameron Green is a multi-talented professional who wears many hats. As the Vice President of Professional Learning & Family Philanthropy at Southern California Grantmakers, she plays a significant leadership role in developing and implementing programs that enable members to increase their knowledge, skills, competencies, and networks. Additionally, Kameron is also a radio personality and producer, currently hosting the “Radio-Free Top 23 Countdown,” and co-hosting the Stellar Award-winning show, “Spread the Word,” on 102.3 Radio Free KJLH-FM and worldwide at kjlhradio.com. With a background in education and marketing, she is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, with a B.A. in Mass Media Communications. Kameron is passionate about mentoring young people of color and inspiring them to dream with purpose.Arlene's story of destiny this week was inspired by this song of Dido: https://youtu.be/f3DFaIovZxcAnnie Lennox and London City Voices perform a choral version of ‘Dido's Lament' taken from the 10th Anniversary Edition of ‘A Christmas Cornucopia'--------If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow.You can also share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com where you can support the podcast even further. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 episode is particularly relevant as we reflect on how we want to show up and what we want to experience in the coming year. The anemone flower represents the theme of forgiveness in the Gratitude Blooming card deck. Remember, forgiveness can be one of the greatest gifts we give or receive. Take some time to consider how you can express gratitude for being forgiven.--------If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow.You can also share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com where you can support the podcast even further. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

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 how we can cultivate it in our own lives. Remember, we have the power to choose which thoughts we want to focus on and to transform our minds for the better.Please consider making a donation to support the Gratitude Blooming Podcast at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=XB4YL5S75X6S2 Every donation helps us continue to bring you inspiring stories — and as a thank you, you'll receive a digital card deck subscription worth $200!Go to www.gratitudeblooming to sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date with new episodes and other exciting updates. 

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 nature.Nature is a source of stillness and presence, and  it can help us to understand the cycles and transitions of life. Experiencing nature allows us to deepen our practices of stillness and presence, and provides an anchor points for understanding the world around us.This week we invite you to take a moment to go outside. Find some soil to put your feet or your hands in. And remember that connection that we all have to the earth that is always available to us.Please consider making a donation to support the Gratitude Blooming Podcast at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=XB4YL5S75X6S2Every donation helps us continue to bring you inspiring stories — and as a thank you, you'll receive a digital card deck subscription worth $200!Go to www.gratitudeblooming to sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date with new episodes and other exciting updates. 

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'll join us on this journey of connecting with nature, culture, and self. Please consider making a donation to support the Gratitude Blooming Podcast and sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date with new episodes and other exciting updates. Every donation helps us continue to bring you inspiring stories — and as a thank you, you'll receive a digital card deck subscription worth $200!Support our listener-driven podcast with a donation today!Bio of guest: Jor-El Caraballo is a licensed therapist and cofounder of Viva, a therapy practice with locations in New York, California and Pennsylvania. Caraballo earned degrees in psychological counseling from Teachers College at Columbia University and is the author of the recently published The Shadow Work Workbook: Self-Care Exercises for Healing Your Trauma and Exploring Your Hidden Self now available wherever books are sold. You can keep up with Jor-El and Viva on Instagram@jorelcaraballo and @vivamentalhealth