Mountain Zen Den Podcast

Welcome to the mountain! How are your New Year's goals and resolutions holding up? No cause for guilt or shame.  No need to feel bad.  On the journey toward wholeness, every day is Day 1.  A fresh start.  Every day offers an opportunity to learn and grow and begin again. Abraham Maslow, (you know - the hierarch of needs guy), observed, “What one can be one must be”. You and I were created for a purpose.  And deep within each of us is the desire to grow and fulfill that purpose.  We become restless, (or something even worse), when that purpose is ignored or stuffed down.  This is the root of unhappiness and all sorts of sorrows, struggles, and addictions. As we step into the new year we have yet another opportunity to be grateful for the chance to align with nature and to GROW.  To grow and purposefully evolve into the person you know you were meant to be and to live the life you were meant to live.  To connect with Nature for mindfulness and personal growth.  That's what Mountain Zen Den is all about. Why Nature? Because… “The history of humankind is inseparably intertwined with the natural world.” Because “in the movement and stirrings of the seasons, in the silence and stillness found in Nature we are invited into an inward journey where, if we listen we can hear the gentle whisper calling us to reunite with our deepest selves, that part of us that we have inadvertently lost along the way.”  That voice ultimately shows the way to the weary wanderer. Why inward journey? Because, as Rick Rubin reminds us, “Our inner world is every bit as interesting, beautiful, and inspiring as nature itself.  It is, after all, born of nature.” Probably like me, you have felt the change and downward pull of the world over the past few years.  If you can relate I have some good news!  My good friend Erik Stensland and I have collaborated in creating a 30-Day Nature Reset. This 30-Day Nature Reset offers beautiful and inspiring videos of meditative reflections on Nature and the “inward journey”.   Each of these 2 to 5-minute nature videos features chapters from Erik's award-winning book, (now an audiobook as well), Whispers in the Wilderness, have been designed to help keep you on track with your new year's goals and resolutions.  They will guide you on an inward journey through deep and contemplative reflections on Nature through the spoken word, accompanied by thoughtful music and the rich sounds of the natural world.  Erik is one of the most gifted and accomplished nature photographers in the world.   His books and stunning mountain and desert images are breathtaking, reaching deep into the heart and paralleling the human soul, tying Nature in with our humanity.  They have won several national awards, including Best Travel Book of the Year, Best Nature and Environment Book of the Year, and Best Inspirational Book of the Year. He has spent nearly twenty years celebrating the beauty of the natural world through photography and encouraging all of us to listen to the whisper within that calls us to a deeper life. Along with his Images of the Desert Gallery in New Mexico, he owns Images of RMNP based right here in Estes Park, Colorado at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park.  Erik has become a very dear friend and is one of the kindest, humble, and thoughtful people on the planet.  And now I am proud to be introducing him to you. Together we hope you decide to join the movement, connecting with Nature for mindfulness, well-being, and personal transformation. If you are listening on the podcast and would like to watch the YouTube video as well, go to the show notes and open the podcast link on the Mountain Zen Den website. There, you can watch the video i n the show notes Today we begin with Day 1 Introduction. So take a deep breath, straighten your shoulders, soften your forehead, smile, and enjoy!   Photos by Erik Stensland Whispers in the Wilderness by Erik Stensland - https://www.rockytrailpress.com/ Images of RMNP - https://www.imagesofrmnp.com/ Erik Stensland - https://www.erikstensland.com/

Welcome to the Mountain! The end of winter and the onset of summer has brought a beautiful lush, green world to us here on the eastern slope of the Colorado Rockies.  With more rain than usual, followed by cool mornings and incredible sunny days in between, Nature has given the gift of Paradise for us to embrace, explore and enjoy!  I recently had the privilege of narrating and producing an audiobook for my friend Erik Stensland, a well-known and loved, highly respected nature photographer and author, who owns a gallery here in Estes Park, Colorado, as well as one in Abiquiu, New Mexico, north of Santa Fe. He has spent the last twenty plus years celebrating the beauty of the natural world through his photography and books, encouraging all of us to listen to the whisper within that calls us to a deeper life.  A gentle soul, and deep spiritual thinker, Erik has written several books, including "Whispers in the Wilderness".  As a nature-lover and mountain addict, it's one of my all-time favorite books.   In it, he explores the longing we have for the wilderness, suggesting that it is the trailhead for a journey to wholeness.  Erik does a superb job of offering short, daily reflections on the natural world paired with his gorgeous photos from Rocky Mountain National Park, where he encourages us to go deeper within ourselves and discover the healing that nature offers. Today, I'd like to share the first chapter called “Wild Embrace” from his audiobook of “Whispers in the Wilderness”.  I invite you to find a comfortable setting where you can relax and close your eyes and absorb the sounds of nature, peaceful music and Erik's words of wisdom and comfort. Chapter 1 – “Wild Embrace”   “Between every two pine trees there is a door leading to a new way of life.”  ~ John Muir I invite you to go and find the door and the new life to which it leads you. I want to thank Erik for being such a humble and observant vessel, both in his words and nature photography, and especially for allowing us to offer it to you here today.  If you enjoyed today's show, and the message you heard, you can find out more about Erik and his incredibly inspiring books and photography at RockyTrailPress.com.  Also, if you are ever in Estes Park, you will definitely want to visit his gallery there — Images of Rocky Mountain National Park.  It is featured as one of the top things to do in Estes Park by Trip Advisor and others.  Who knows, we may see you there! Be well my friends.  Remember, Life is a gift.  Nature's a gift.  And YOU are a gift back to the world.  We'll see you back here again soon! SHOW NOTES: RockyTrailPress.com ImagesofRMNP.com Erikstensland.com “Whispers in the Wilderness” "Whispers in the Wilderness" Book Trailer on SkyDance Mountain Audiobooks

It's been awhile.  Glad to see you back here.  Today is a new day.  A fresh start to a new you.  A great time to ask the question, “Am I awake to this moment?  To the here and now?  To this moment?” Henry David Thoreau reminds us that the vast majority of civilization leads quiet lives of desperation.  Or maybe if he were around today, he would say “noisy lives of desperation” Lives spent trying to be anywhere but here, now. Today I would like to invite you to remember that all we have is this moment.  Yesterday is gone, a thing of the past, and tomorrow is no guarantee, a thing of the future.  Everything that has ever happened has occurred in this moment.  This moment is where the adventure begins, so why try to live anywhere else? Here at Mountain Zen Den we are all about connecting with Nature for Mindfulness and Personal Growth.  By letting go of stress and finding joy in the moment.  And happiness in the simple gifts of Nature.  And the way we do that is by waking up and becoming Aware.  By getting out of our insulated, isolated shells, and immersing ourselves in Nature. We begin by asking ourselves, “Am I connected and aware of this time and place in the natural world?”  Here is one way you can tell how aware and connected you really are.  Answer these simple questions. “What is currently happening in the natural world around me?” “What is the Season?”  “What is the weather doing?  How about the temperature?  Are there clouds?  What kind of clouds?  Is there a breeze?  What about the moon?  What phase is it in?  Is it waxing or waning?  Where are Venus, Jupiter and Mars?  And the stars… Could I point to Polaris, the North Star in the night sky and identify and name 5 other constellations from where I am standing?” These are simple and telling questions to help get us started to get an idea of how awake and connected we really are. To creation. Here are a few more. “How about the plants and wildlife around me?  What is in bloom right now?  What birds are currently ‘in season'”? How often do we take the time to notice the natural world all around us?  The “Real World” as I like to remind myself. We are probably very aware of the current state of the political world in society and culture – the latest news, politics, economic financial markets of growth and recession, of gas and grocery prices, and even sports and celebrity status.  But how awake and are we to the physical planet we live on? How about our internal world?  Our personal state of being?  Our self-awareness and consciousness of our connection not only to ourselves and our immediate family and relationships, but to every other thing in the Universe… the stars, rocks, plants, trees, and wildlife, down to even the unseen – molecules, atoms and subatomic particles? Why is all this important? Because disconnection with the world leads to disconnection with ourselves. And disconnection from self leads to depression, mental illness, and a host of diseases… The Native Americans had a word for this connection — “Hunkapi”.  Meaning, “I am one with everything”. I was so inspired by this concept that I named our mustang Hunkapi.  (Or “Huni for short). It is humbling, and alternatively comforting and reassuring to step back and become aware of the fact that we are truly one with everything. Buddhism teaches “non-duality” — that flowers and garbage are both organic in nature.  As Thich Nhat Hanh says,   “Looking deeply into the nature of a flower, you can see the presence of the compost and the garbage; but don't be afraid!  You are a gardener, and you have in your hands the power to transform garbage into flowers, into fruit, into vegetables.” But you can only do this if you are awake. Christianity teaches that God the Creator spoke the Universe into existence, and by doing so created everything — EVERYTHING — and then called us into co-creation with Him to “be fruitful and multiply”, and to “have dominion over the Earth”.  Not in a self-serving sense, exploiting Nature as a resource for personal gain, but as benevolent care-takers, lovingly, and wisely nurturing and caring for each and every one of its members. But none of this matters or means anything if we are not awake to “The Call”, and mindful of our place in the Universe. M.H. Clark says it well in the priceless little book, “Outside/In: Questions, Quotes, and Activities to Connect You to Nature” –   “You know the feeling.  You get it when you are standing on the shore, or staring at the sky, or when the storm is passing over, or the season is changing, or the flower you have been watching is finally bursting into bloom. It's the feeling of touching something that is huge and real and true.  It's the feeling of experiencing the wildest, most beautiful parts of the world, and at the same time, experiencing the wildest, most beautiful parts of you. Because to connect to nature is to connect to yourself.  And every time you do, you connect to your mind, your creativity, your senses, your well-being, your health. …open the door, in all kinds of ways, and let the outside in.” [“Awake” by Peter Mayer] If you were with us back in the fall of 2022, this isn't the first time you've heard this song.  We had singer songwriter Peter Mayer with us in Episode 127 talking about living an awakened life on planet Earth.  As we were bouncing ideas around Peter and I discussed the possibility of holding a Mindfulness in Nature Retreat for the purpose of going deeper within to connect with ourselves, each other and the natural world around us.  Well my friends, I am pleased to tell you that this idea has come to fruition. We are scheduled to do this very thing this October 13 through 15 here in Estes Park, Colorado.  You are invited to pend 3 days in the Rocky Mountains with special guest Peter Mayer exploring his songs as vehicles for discussion and contemplation, and celebrating our kinship with Nature. Presented by Mountain Zen Den, this retreat is all about exploring the art of being fully present and connecting with Nature. The goal is to introduce and facilitate a Return to Mindfulness in Nature Awareness whereby, when we return home, we do so more deeply connected to our truest selves, more richly satisfied with our lives, more energized, confident and purposeful in our living, more creative and productive, and happier human beings (the by-product). We want to do this by placing ourselves in an environment that lends itself to our ability to slow down, get silent, be fully present, and Listen.  We'll be sharing more on this in the next couple of weeks, but if this sounds like something you would be interested in please reach out and let me know, and we will send you more information as it becomes available. It would be so good to see you there, and connect with each other for a whole weekend in the beauty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains!  Stay tuned for more info! As we wrap up today's show I'd like to share a thought from the late writer and poet, Max Ehrmann. He beautifully reminds us, “You are a child of the Universe, no less than the trees and the stars.” Thanks so much for being here today!  I look forward to seeing you again next time and invite you to remember, Life is a gift.  Nature's a gift.  And you are a gift back to the world! Go live a beautiful life my friend…

  No Comments MZD Podcast – Ep. 133 – Nature Immersion Through Art Therapy Since 2009, facilitator, author, and artist Sherri Phibbs has been gaining a wealth of experience in Nature immersion, and to date, has written three books which, among other things, teach the hungry and willing student how to connect with Nature through art and deep sensory Nature immersion. You don't have to be an artist to enjoy and appreciate the lessons she shares.  In fact, Sherri emphasizes that you need absolutely no art experience previously in order to create.  All of us could benefit from the wisdom and insights offered in today's show.     I found it fascinating when she also shared her experiences with, and discovery that, according to Dr. Michael Cohen, we have over 50 verifiable senses besides the 5 that we are all familiar with.  Having gone through some very difficult struggles and life challenges as a single mom, Sherri now uses Art Therapy as a tool for “de-coding” her spiritual experiences. She teaches guided workshops for stress relief and living a balanced life with purpose and clarity. If you are looking for confirmation in the healing and deep personal and spiritual insights that can be found through connecting with Nature, as well as Art Therapy, I believe you are going to really enjoy today's show.  Come on in…

Can you hear "The Call" to a Great Adventure in your life? Something you know you were meant to do? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be in a setting where it was just you and Nature for an extended period of time? Imagine yourself as a woman, alone on a horse, 500 miles from home… At age 54, Lisa Stewart did just that.  She set out to regain the fearless girl she once had been, riding her horse, Chief, 500 miles home.  Hot, homeless, and horseback, she snapped back into every original cell. On an extraordinary homegoing from Kansas City to Bates and Vernon Counties in Missouri, Lisa exhausted herself, faced her past, trusted strangers, and stayed in the middle of her frightened horse to document modern rural America, the people, animals, and land. The result was a compelling and uplifting memoir, The Big Quiet—One Woman's Horseback Ride Home. Today we visit with Lisa Stewart, author, adventurer, horsewoman, as she shares some of the details of her journey, and experiences of connecting with the Creator through Nature. You are in for a special adventure today! Come on in…

Far too often we pay attention to the loud and brash, which tend to have little meaning, while overlooking the important things that are taking place so quietly and humbly just outside the corner of our eye. ~ Erik Stensland “Whispers in the Wind”   At different points in our lives, the Christmas holiday season is marked by stress and anxiety, overwhelm, overindulgence, undernourishment and sadness and depression.  For many, it is a hollow season of unmet expectations, disappointment and despair.  Instead of Joy we're met with sorrow. Instead of Hope we carry anguish, self-blame, loss and regret… “If only I had done this…If only I had this… If only…” Why does this time of year, meant to be a celebration of Joy to the world and Peace on Earth, goodwill toward mankind, seem to bring the exact opposite?  How is it that we have created self-inflicted traditions that make us manic and weary, ultimately losing all sense of the true meaning of Christmas? In the frenetic hustle and bustle of the holiday parties, frantic last-minute shopping, holiday meal-planning, cooking, baking, overeating, under-sleeping, short tempers and long-distance guilt-tripping, is it even it even possible to find, return to, or better yet, create a world that is Calm and Bright? What does that even look like? And how do we get there? The external world begins with the internal world. It doesn't happen by accident.  That's for sure.  Nowadays, more than ever, there can be found an enormous Resistance in the form of distractions and side trails of every kind, be it cell phone, television, bombarding advertisements, bad news, divisive politics, threats to health, Social Media and beyond.  You know what I'm talking about.  There is no escaping the fact that this Resistance looms over and challenges each and every one of us day to day, moment by moment, until we either bend and break under its pressure, or we strengthen and grow like an athlete purposely training with weights and calisthenics. Sadly, for the average person, it is “unnatural” to slow down.  It is outside of the norm to find, and create for oneself that deep inner peace and calm which generates Hope for a bright today, (let alone the possibility of a better tomorrow).  Before we attain it, we have to believe it exists.  We have to desire and pursue it.  We have to resist the Resistance and seek it like a man whose hair is on fire seeks a lake.  We have to be intensely focused and intentional in our pursuit of it.  This means being brave enough to say “No” to much of what society calls tradition.  It means being perpetually mindful and awake.  It means being brutally honest with ourselves, asking hard questions like, “Is there a better, more meaningful way to celebrate the holidays?”  Something that will bring more peace and calm and treasured memories for years to come?”  “Is there a better way to look at gift giving?” “Why did I choose to give this gift for this person?  Is it something they even want?”  And, “What is the most important, meaningful, loving and caring thing I could do for someone else this holiday?”  Remember, there are other gifts beyond just the ones you can wrap and put under the tree. Paradoxically, creating deep inner calm requires fighting for peace.  Not necessarily in the traditional sense of the word, but in the single-minded focus and intention of marshaling our inner forces to combat the resistance to this calm we seek. It takes fierce inner conviction and confidence to go against the flow and create new “traditions”.  It takes indefatigable intention and resolve to carve out an inner world of serenity and tranquility; to go against the crowd to live in a state of repose. Why is this important, and how do we go about achieving it?  Once again we return to Nature for the answers.  In his remarkable, soul-penetrating book “Whispers in the Wilderness”, nature photographer Erik Stensland provides a beautiful picture of true Calm and Bright in an encounter with a Silent Sunrise. “The rising sun makes no noise.  If you were not paying attention and looking in the right direction, you could easily miss it.  Yet its silent arrival does not make it any less important.  Our very lives and every living thing on this planet depend on that sunrise. Though the sun has important work to do, it does not call attention to itself.  Most days it goes about its work completely unrecognized by us. Far too often we pay attention to the loud and brash, which tend to have little meaning, while overlooking the important things that are taking place so quietly and humbly just outside the corner of our eye.  Somehow we need to retune our senses and learn to turn away from the noise to focus on what is important. In much the same way, we miss the still, small voice that ever so quietly whispers our name.  It patiently waits for us to pay attention to the stillness.  In the quiet and unseen place it is there to meet with us and lead us down the forgotten path, the rarely traveled trail that leads to life as we never knew it could be.” This life is diametrically opposed to the world outside of Nature. This is the message of the season. Where there is fear, courage. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is strife, peace. And where there is darkness, light. A Light that can never be extinguished.  The Light of a Baby in a manger… Calm and bright.   Erik Stenlsand – Images of RMNP “Whispers in the Wind”

“Nature is hungry to interact with us. It wants connection…if you take one step, the world rushes in to meet you.” ~ Asia Suler One of my favorite aphorisms is “Affirm Truth wherever you find it.” It's a philosophy I have more recently come to hold dear and try to live by every day that I'm alive, because I'm finding that as I seek Truth, capital “T”, on my own “Hero's Journey” as Joseph Campbell would put it, I am stretched a little out of my comfort zone. There was a time in my younger days where I felt like I really understood it all, and pretty much knew what Life and the Universe was all about. But I began grow stagnant, dull and unteachable, putting God the Creator in a box, and not allowing for any more wisdom, ways of looking at the world, or growth to take place. Black and white leaving no room for mystery or deeper scientific revelations. I'll be honest, the old self would have been a bit threatened by today's conversation. Probably because I wasn't secure enough in my own beliefs and relationship with myself or my Creator. I no longer feel that way, but trust that as I listen to that still, small voice, I can hear the call of wisdom, and courage and love, and hopefully impart it with diligence to those in my sphere of influence. I am very pleased to share today's guest with you. She is a writer, herbalist, earth intuitive, and the guide behind One Willow Apothecaries— an online hub for learning, healing and connecting with the living world. Combining science with spirituality, she teaches how connecting with the Earth can change everything. In the last decade, she has worked with over 20,000 students, and shares that if she has learned anything, it is that we are at a turning point in this world, and empaths and sensitives are here to midwife that change. Asia Suler is a kind, wise and beautiful soul, and I believe you will really be blessed by today's conversation with her. So without any further ado, let's welcome Asia Suler to Mountain Zen Den. Come on in…

Today, is the day before Thanksgiving, and as I intentionally stop and breathe and just Be, one word comes to mind. Thankful. This past year has been a year of Growth and Gratitude for us. We just want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for choosing to be on this journey of Mindfulness in Nature at Mountain Zen Den, and we pray for your continued growth and well-being. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year because everything hinges on Gratitude. Without it, life would ultimately be an empty series of drab days coming and going with no meaning or purpose. Without it, we are unable to see or appreciate the beauty and wonder found in the Natural World that surrounds us. And it is everywhere... In the haunting call of the geese overhead as their wings beat the chill fall air. In the warmth and scent of pine needles, hot chocolate, cinnamon and the crackling fire radiating from the wood stove. And in the light shining in the eyes of the ones you love who are gathered around the table. We are invited to live in the moment, receive and be grateful. This Thanksgiving as you contemplate all the blessings the past year has brought, may you find Joy in the simple things — Tranquility in your heart — and Love in the family and friends who surround you.   It's a great day to be alive, and it's a great time to slow down a bit and practice presence and awareness. Today, we're going to do something we've never done before here at Mountain Zen Den. We're going to revisit an early episode and meditation called “Cultivating Gratitude. I rarely go back and listen to these podcast episodes, but I thought this one was unusually pertinent seeing that we just celebrated veteran's day and tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Sort of a no brainer… So now as we dig into the evergreen archives I invite you to sit back and receive the goodness and benefits of the gift of Gratitude. Enjoy! "With Thanksgiving only a couple weeks away, I think it's appropriate that we revisit the concept of Gratefulness and Appreciation; that we practice cultivating Gratitude. When we slow down enough to get out of autopilot, and actually stop and look around – while there are probably lots of things we would like to change in the world and especially in our lives - there is way more to be grateful for than to complain about. It's all where you put your focus. Having just celebrated Veteran's Day here in America, I think of these incredible war heroes who come back from serving their country with only half the body parts they left with, and their attitude and focus is on gratitude for being given the opportunity to serve. They've decided to concentrate their energies on what they can do vs. what they can't. Their focus and determination, and especially appreciation for all the wonderful, and truly important things in life are so inspiring. These are my heroes. The ones who give their all…and I mean ALL so that we can have a safer, more humane world. I never really thought of it before, but I find it very appropriate that we celebrate Veteran's Day just before we celebrate Thanksgiving. If you are vet, and happen to be listening to this today, I want to say, “Thank you”! From the bottom of my heart I am grateful and inspired by your sacrifice and giving spirit. You make this world a better place and we truly appreciate it. Gratitude isn't just a state of mind or of being, it is a Gift. The spirit of Gratitude comes with its own blessings. The more we appreciate, the more we are able to receive. Gratitude opens our hearts for an abundant harvest of goodness in all areas of our lives. The Universe naturally flows towards a grateful heart because that heart is open and receptive to receiving more. So, with that in mind, what are you grateful for today? Don't worry if nothing immediately comes to mind. Gratitude, like any other discipline requires practice and focused energy. When we ask a question, it sets the brain into motion to try and find the answer. So ask yourself often and sincerely, “What am I grateful for?” For your health? For a chance to draw another breath? How about your senses; the gifts of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch? What about a place to live? The simple pleasures and comforts of life that we daily take for granted, things like shelter and warmth and running water, HOT running water, and food, pets, books, and education. Do others in your life know how much you love and appreciate them? These are just a few thoughts to help get you started as you search your heart for what you are grateful for. Like hitting oil or digging for treasure, the deeper you dig, the more you will find. It seems counterintuitive, but as I mentioned Gratitude, like any other quality or state of being requires practice. So let's practice..."

What does it mean to be a “Freethinker”? Today, we meet with one who calls himself  “The Friendly Freethinker” — Chris Highland. A skilled presenter, Chris Highland has given public presentations, taught classes and led retreats for congregations, business groups, high schools, universities, social service workers and youth leaders.  He has taught in Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Pagan, Unitarian, secular and other settings.  His educational style is engaging and inspiring, drawing students or audiences into an active participation in the subject. He is a deep and thoughtful Nature-lover and author of two dozen plus books inspired by writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and naturalist John Muir. In this episode Chris shares the concept of the “Forest of Faith” and “The Landscape of Belief” inspired by the Wild World of Nature all around us.  He also discusses the importance of being present with animals and people alike, and encourages us to truly listen, not just with our ears but with our hearts. Finally, I believe you will love how Chris beautifully reminds us through the writings of Emerson, Muir and Thoreau, that because we are Nature, no one can ever be completely disconnected from Nature.  C'mon in…

Welcome to the Mountain, and another Fireside Friday here at MZD where we meet with guests and share heart-to-heart the joys and benefits of the natural world for mindfulness and personal transformation, naturally! Hey Friends, Brett Wilson here – your host and Trail Guide at Mountain Zen Den, encouraging you to connect with Nature for mindfulness and personal growth – naturally! Come on in… Minnesota singer/songwriter Peter Mayer writes songs for a small planet--songs about interconnectedness and the human journey--songs about life on earth and the mysterious and wondrous fact of our existence. He also writes songs about dress hats, pumpkins and pajamas, and other important stuff. But I love the fact that he writes insanely beautiful songs about spiritual awakening, oneness with the world, and deep connection with Nature. His music has been performed by artists like Kathy Mattea, David Wilcox, and Darryl Purpose, to name a few. His work has been included in songbooks, church hymnals, and folk radio playlists across the country, and he is the recipient of fellowships from the McKnight and the Bush foundations. He has eleven plus albums to his credit, and to date, has sold over 100,000 of them. Today, I am so excited to be sharing a conversation Peter and I had recently, discussing Nature, Spirituality, and everything in between. His Nature-inspired imagery, music, and the stories he tells, so resonate with my heart, and reflect what Mountain Zen Den is all about. You are in for a very special treat, and I don't want to make you wait a moment longer, so lets just jump right in, C'mon! SHOW NOTES/LINKS: Peter Mayer - https://www.petermayer.net/ Peter's New Releases on Bandcamp - https://petermayer2.bandcamp.com/ Ursula Goodenough – Religious Naturalism - https://religiousnaturalism.org/ursula-goodenough/ Rev. Marc Anderson – Buddhist Chaplain at the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life

Welcome to the Mountain! Hey Friends, Brett Wilson here – your host and Trail Guide at Mountain Zen Den, encouraging you to connect with Nature for mindfulness and personal growth – naturally!  Come on in… How are you?  I am so excited to be back with you after an extended hiatus, where we have taken some time to get away, plan, and restructure things at the Den. There is so much to tell you, and I cannot wait to share with you all the incredible human beings and resources we have been meeting and curating just for your well-being and personal development. We are starting a new season here at Mountain Zen Den.  Can you believe it?  Season 6!  Over the past few months I have had the opportunity to face some personal challenges, (aka personal growth opportunities — as do we all), doing some deep thinking, strategizing, re-purposing, and making new friends with some truly wonderful and inspiring people.  We'll be introducing them to you in the next several episodes — musicians, writers, documentary wildlife filmmakers, deep thinkers and spiritual healers — all beautiful souls who are deeply in touch with the natural world.  Stay connected… you are in for a real treat! The challenges, struggles and processes over the past few months have helped me realize more than ever how very short life is, as Michael Singer, author of Living Untethered points out – and I quote, “Sitting on a planet through vast outer space for a handful of years — in the broadest sense, this is the human predicament.  Earth has been here for 4.5 billion years, yet each of us is limited to roughly an eighty-year ride on the planet, give or take a few years.” Well, I have committed to using what's left of my eighty or so years to not only Grow to become to become the very BEST version of myself, my inner Daimon, to use the Greek word for it, but to take a whole bunch of like-minded folks along for the ride — in fact, on a Joy-ride, a Hero's Journey through Nature.  So if this sounds like you, and you haven't already, I invite you to join the Mountain Zen Den Community by subscribing at mountainzenden.com.  You'll get updates and information, and a whole mountainful of resources in our Blog Cabin newsletter. There is so much goodness and positive things happening out there that we'd like to share with you to help you in your journey for Personal Growth and well-being.  I'll just mention a couple of them today, and you can learn more and find the links to them on our resources page at MountainZenDen.com/Resources. Finally, I'm excited to share some personal news.  Over the past couple of years I have been writing a book based on some of the nature-based life lessons learned, insights and personal observations I have made relating to Nature and Personal Growth.  The working title is, Grow You  — Cultivating Your Garden of Well-Being (Transform Your Inner World, Become Your Best Self and Enjoy Life to the Fullest).  It presents Practical nature-based guidance and meditations for becoming the best version of yourself through Personal Transformation — featuring stories, practical ideas taught by experts, and daily meditations you can use on your journey of well-being.  Super excited.  So stay tuned! Now, on to today's show.  In the past, I have often found myself feeling like I am just barely able to keep up with the seasons; always rushing from one holiday or event to another, never feeling prepared or truly able to live in the moment and enjoy it.  So today, I thought we could get a jump on New Year's goals by getting a running start in November — before the holiday season begins, before all of the running around, shopping, parties, and bad-for-you junk food binging, before setting traditional New Years' goals on New Years' Eve, or the beginning of the new year… Can you imagine what a huge advantage you will give yourself by getting a headstart on next year by starting several weeks earlier? So hopefully we can make some forward thinking plans and resolutions that will be well in place by the time New Year's rolls around, and avoid having to undo some of the damage that has been done over the holidays, making it harder to get a running start on the new year.  New Years' goals are great, but new days' goals, lived day by day, lead to a life of excellence.  And isn't that why we are here?  I hope so! Today, let's take some time to explore the concept of “Finding your Purpose” (with a capital “P”).  After all, if you don't know your purpose, how do you know how to make new years' goals and plans? So what do we mean when we say “Purpose with a capital ‘P'? Your Purpose should be your highest goal in life.  Different from your Mission, which evolves and morphs at varying stages of life, your number one Purpose is to nourish your soul.  As Abraham Maslow points out in the hierarchy of needs, “What one can be, one must be.” Now if this sounds selfish, or narcissistic, we need to remember the oxygen mask on the airplane example.  If you don't first take care of yourself, and aren't healthy in every area of your life, how can you help or be of any service to those around you? We all have the same purpose, and as I mentioned, that is to nourish our soul; to discover our unique calling and gifts.  To grow to become the best version of ourselves, actualize our potential and then turn around and help others.  When we find our Purpose and discover our Mission, and are on the path to being all that we can be, (as Maslow reminds us), we naturally give of ourselves, our greatest gift, in service to the world.  So once we discover our Purpose, how do we continue giving our greatest gifts in greatest service to the world? I love the way Brian Johnson, creator of Optimize, and Founder and CEO of Heroic puts it:  He says, we do it by closing the “Gap” between who we are and who we can potentially become by living with Arete.  That is A-R-E-T-E, Arete - the Latin word the ancient Stoics used that can best be described as “Virtue” or “Moral Excellence”.  When we live to our fullest potential from moment to moment to moment, we are living with Arete, thus fulfilling our Purpose in life.  I've found that the most practical way of doing this and to stay on track is to, all throughout the day ask myself, “What would the best version of myself be doing right now?”  And then, most importantly, do it!  Easier said than done. So what is the difference between our Purpose and our Mission? Your Mission is your unique purpose.  What is it that you, and only you can do? It's important to understand that we have many missions in life, depending upon where you are and what stage of life you are in.  For example, if you have children, only you can be a Dad or Mom to your kids.  Your Mission, or “Calling” if you will is to be an extraordinary father and husband, or mother and wife, and a present member of your family.  Something I wish I understood better when my kids were younger… Nature in the wild, and on the farm gives lots of great illustrations of what this looks like – Cows give milk, chickens lay eggs, horses pull plows and give rides, and bees pollinate flowers.  Each of them offers a different product, or service to the planet that only they can fulfill.  And it's the same with people as well.  Only, even more individualized. So how do we find our unique purpose? Your unique purpose comes at the intersection of four areas or circles in your life. What is it you love to do? What is it that you are good at? What is it that you and only you can do best? What does the world need? At the point where these four circles converge is where your unique purpose shows up. Now for some people, it takes nearly a lifetime to discover their unique Purpose.  Sadly, for a great portion of the world.  They never discover their unique Purpose.  And for a very lucky few, they find it very early in life.  But no matter.  It's not a race.  It is a Journey.  A Hero's journey, if you will.  It is your unique Journey that you are called to, if you are still enough to hear, and wise enough to follow. We will talk about this a lot more in episodes to come, but for today, let's just take a little time in our meditation, to ruminate and chew on those four questions. What is it you love to do? What is it that you are good at? What is it that you and only you can do best? What does the world need? As we seek our Purpose and unique Mission in life, if we are on the path of True Love and service, every step we take will be a step in the right direction.  Trust the process.  Trust the calling…   SHOW NOTES/LINKS   Heroic + Optimize with Brian Johnson     Living Untethered by Michael

Here at MZD we talk all the time about the beautiful healing powers of Nature and the importance of connecting with Nature for mindfulness and personal growth… Well today we're going to take you on a beautiful Nature trail in Letchworth State park about an hour south of Rochester, New York. Shaped like an ant from a bird's eye view, this trail offers a first-of-its-kind experience in nature designed for visitors on the autism spectrum – but appropriate and enjoyable for all abilities and ages. It is designed to encourage inclusivity and skill-building, combat isolation, and provide a connection to the natural world in a deep nature setting that is welcoming to all. We had a delightful conversation with Gail Serventi, who along with co-founders Susan Hernstein and Loren Penman tirelessly nurtured the ANT to life as it' three “aunties” and champions in planning, fundraising and seeing it through to completion. What makes this trail so unique is that it was specifically designed with those on the Autism Spectrum (ASD) in mind. It is no secret that Nature has been clinically proven to have a powerful effect on the mind, body and spirit, and the ANT has taken full advantage of her natural and holistic benefits. A little more information about autism, and how this trail benefits not only those on the spectrum, but the neurotypical as well. It is fascinating stuff, bringing hope and practical application to a world of beautiful human beings who are struggling to be heard and understood. Perhaps the first introduction to autism many of us had was through the movie “Rainman” starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, where Cruise, who plays a wheeler-dealer, meets his older brother, played by Hoffman, who is an autistic-savant living his life in a mental institution. What follows is a heart-warming story where two very different worlds collide on a cross-country trip that will change their lives forever. It is said that this breakthrough Hollywood film established a new standard for the realistic representation of autism. It is important to understand that not all individuals on the spectrum are savants who demonstrate extraordinary abilities with math and memory. But classic autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by challenges with social communication, and by restricted and repetitive behaviors. Disrupted routines and things such as loud noises, certain foods and even textures can rapidly bring about aggression, agitation and an intense meltdown to those with autism. The good news is, Nature has been shown to have a beautiful, calming affect on these individuals. Thus, the significance and beauty of the ANT, (Autism Nature Trail). So now with that in mind, on to today's show. Just a heads up… As you probably know, sometimes in the world of podcasting, (as with life in general), “schtuff” happens, and we lost the first minute or so of our introduction with Gail Serventi, so we'll just dive right in to how the Autism Nature Trail got started. Come on in…

“He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.” ~ Lao Tzu   The ancient philosopher, teacher and Stoic, Epictetus said, “Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not.” It takes wisdom and the habit of thoughtful effort to discern the difference.  The things that are within our control are simple and few, but powerful! Our own opinions and behaviors (basically, our responses to outside events and stimuli) Our aspirations and desires The things that repel us He goes on to say, “It is only after you have faced up to this fundamental rule and learned to distinguish between what you can and can't control that inner tranquility, and outer effectiveness become possible.” We are all likely, familiar with the AA Serenity Prayer – “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Serenity, courage and wisdom; three powerful and effective self-mastery tools we can all learn to use to sharpen and apply to every area of our lives.  If you a were person who could practice living this prayer from moment to moment to moment, you would be an extraordinarily wise and happy person who has attained self-mastery.  Whether you want to lose weight, learn to control you tongue, or even start a business, self-mastery is the key. Believe me, I know this is no easy feat!  Thomas a Kempis asks, “Who is forced to struggle more than he who tries to master himself?”  And then he goes on to assert, “This ought to be our purpose, then: to conquer self, to become stronger each day, to advance in virtue.” I mentioned the ancient stoics, men like Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius.  These extraordinary human beings grasped this concept and lived it in their daily lives.  They knew and understood what it meant to struggle.  They were warriors of the mind (vs. librarians of the mind).  They were super engaged in their society and dealt with struggles and challenges beyond what most of us have to face. The Stoic, Epictetus was born a slave, and had his leg broken by his master. He remained crippled for life, and obtained his freedom somewhere in his twenties or thirties, after the death of Nero.  He acquired a passion for philosophy and received permission from his master to study under the esteemed Roman philosopher Musonius Rufus. Epictetus lived a life of great simplicity and eventually founded a Greek school of philosophy.  It was a strenuous curriculum, more like a gymnasium of the mind than an exercise in rhetorical studies.  He was a huge influence on Marcus Aurelius, who went on to become the emperor of Rome, and a highly influential Stoic philosopher in his own right.  During turbulent times, Aurelius ruled with wisdom and justice.  His philosophical work “Meditations' is still studied by philosophers all over the world today. Another Stoic of the time, Seneca, was a Roman statesman, playwright, and adviser to the Roman emperor, Nero. What significance do these ancient, outdated sages and Stoics have to do with you and me today? All three were deeply involved as leaders in their community and culture.  They experienced, felt, and understood the day-to-day outer struggles and challenges of dealing with difficult people and situations, as well as the inner battles and opposition to achieving personal self-mastery.  And, all three understood the importance of living in harmony and balance with Nature.  They lived what they taught. Epictetus and Seneca were banished from Rome for their influential teachings and beliefs.  And Seneca was later forced by Nero to take his own life.  Hard core stuff. Why do we want to study and emulate them?  They personally grasped, and taught the timeless secrets of Self-Mastery that you and I can apply to live a richer, happier, more fulfilling life, day to day to day.  They were all intently pursuing becoming the best version of themselves. Today we are just scratching the surface of attaining the virtue of self-mastery to cultivate in our personal Garden of Well-being.  There is so much more we will cover in upcoming episodes that will be helpful in our practices.  Such as, developing habits that will help us overcome the obstacles that get in the way of our personal best. In today's meditation, keep in mind, we want to focus on becoming a Warrior of the mind vs. a Librarian of the mind.  This means approach it with an earnestness and intensity of a warrior, who will put these principles into practice, not just a student of philosophy.

Welcome to another Walden Wednesday, where we spend a few precious moments of our day to reflect on the beauty and goodness of Nature through some of the most enduring Classics ever written.  Literary gems by naturalists, philosophers, poets and thought leaders, like Ralph Waldo Emerson, John Muir, Enos Mills and Henry David Thoreau.  In honor of the change of seasons, today, we revisit Thoreau's Walden in one of his thoughtful discourses on Life in the Woods; the chapter titled “Spring”. So put on a light jacket, and join me once again on the shores of Walden Pond…

Welcome to another Fireside Friday here at Mountain Zen Den, where we take some time to share heart to heart the joys and importance of connecting with the natural world for mindfulness and Personal Transformation.  Naturally! Do you smell that?  That's the scent of fresh mountain air here in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado in the spring. In today's episode we meet up with an awesome human being, my fellow Rocky Mountain Tour Guide, Ron Francis. Ron has a heart of gold that just shines his love and passion not only for Rocky Mountain National Park, but the real joy that comes from being able to share it with others.    Together we revisit some memories of a few of our favorite mindful moments spent with others in Nature, and share a typical day in the life of a Rocky Mountain Tour Guide. Ron is fast becoming a dear friend, and I am so grateful for his heart for others and for the beauty of the wild places.  It's a great joy for me to welcome him to Mountain Zen Den, and to introduce him to you today.  Come on in and buckle up…You're in for a fun ride!  

Welcome to another Fireside Friday here at Mountain Zen Den.  Come on in… Today we meet with veterinarian Dr. Michael Suit and author of the books, “Finding James Herriot” and the sequel, “Monkey Bars”, as he shares his love for people and animals, along with how he got started as a veterinarian.  He enjoys connecting with people and animals and shares his observations of how animals continue to keep giving back to us humans. He also shares the importance of having faith in yourself and of listening to your head and your heart in your journey of pursuing your dreams.  Finally, he discusses the importance of being brave, not comparing yourself with others, finding your happy place and going for it. I really enjoyed hearing his passion for history, reading, connecting with animals, and why he decided to become an author and write about his experiences as a veterinarian. Michael is an encourager with a great heart and all-around great human being. I know you'll enjoy this episode as much as I did!

 “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” ~ Albert Einstein In the art of living a full and beautiful, meaningful life, there is an element we don't talk about nearly enough, or put appropriate value on, or even attribute to personal growth, and dare I say, “Success”.  And that is, the art of “Playfulness”. We see it in the natural world all around us — puppies and kittens, calves and goat kids, otters, beavers, dolphins, and children on the playground at recess, running and jumping, skipping and laughing — carefree and jubilant. I hear it every morning; our dogs begin each day with a stretch and a shake of their bodies, collars jingling, sending fur flying in the morning sunlight. They then begin mouthing each other's necks and ears and muzzles, growling, barking playfully, whining and making the strangest guttural grunts and groans; expressions of happy play. The horses in the pasture will suddenly transition from gently nuzzling each other's withers and manes to nodding and bobbing their heads, raising their tails, shaking their manes, and rearing up as if on the battlefield, bearing a fully armored knight in combat, then finally breaking into a wild gallop, charging around the field, hooves thundering, sending clumps of grass, mud, rocks and dust flying everywhere.  It is truly a wondrous sight to behold! Here in the Rockies I have seen full-grown Elk and Moose splashing and jumping in puddles and lakes in the most carefree and playful manor you could ever imagine. Melissa can rarely sit on the couch to write or journal, without out Pippin, our orange tabby, wanting to snuggle and snatch and grasp her pen as it moves across the page.  The urge to play is just too strong. Yesterday, while helping our daughter set up her new six-foot high cat tower for her kitten Zooey, we witnessed a hilarious and expressive display of playfulness.  No sooner had the parts been taken out of the box and the first of four levels partially assembled, when she went absolutely bonkers, scrambling up, over, in and around every corner and level she could find, only to be distracted by the dancing reflection on the wall and ceiling created by a cell phone being used to capture her antics on camera. But playfulness isn't only for kittens and puppies and children. I am so blessed and grateful to be surrounded by friends and family who understand the value and importance of light-hearted playfulness.  Both of my grandfathers, my Dad, Uncles and Aunt, my wife, and numerous friends all have shared a loving spirit of playfulness as a serious part of life.  Synonyms for playfulness could include friskiness, high-spirited, and good-natured. I have a writer friend who, at least once a week, will reach out and send me an amusing and witty, playful text just for fun, as a way of staying in touch and making my day.  He will say things like – “My kids said they want a cat for Christmas… generally I fix a turkey, but whatever makes them happy.” Or this one – “My dog ate a bunch of Scrabble squares. We had to take him to the vet. They said they think he will be okay, but no word yet.” But back to Nature… I think one of the most fascinating displays of playfulness I have ever witnessed in the wild was on a mountaintop. A hiking buddy and I had just summitted Lily Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Standing at 9,786 feet above sea level, we could feel a steady wind picking up. Looking west we gazed at a magnificent panorama of some of the other, higher peaks in the park, including Taylor, Otis, and Hallett Peak. Suddenly, the dark shadow of a very large bird soared effortlessly, not far overhead, breaking the intermittent song of the wind.  He literally just zoomed us, only a few yards over our heads. It was a Raven, broad-winged and black. Then, there appeared more of them hundreds of feet out, almost at eye level; maybe half a dozen or so just riding the wind and looking so magnificent. We noticed one of them carrying something in its talon. It turned out to be an icicle, three or four inches long. Without warning, one of the other ravens swooped down, trying steal the prize! Soon the others joined in, displaying unbelievable aerial skills, performing acrobatics akin to those of falcons and hawks.  They brought to mind a scene from the movie Top Gun, like fighter pilots showing off and putting on an amazing demonstration of speed, accuracy, and skill. It was incredible! We stood there, jaws opened, fascinated and amazed! A few minutes later, the show moved on to another mountaintop, and we smiled in gratitude. I could have watched this marvelous game all day long. Notice that playfulness nearly always seems to be accompanied by movement of some kind. It's as if the body wants to join in with the fun of the mind and soul. Play not only adds pleasure and joy to our lives, but it is beneficial in relieving stress, improving creativity, increasing productivity, super-charging your learning, and even helps connect you with others and the world around you. It is said that “Playfulness is the key to adaption and evolution”. We can easily surmise that Jesus had a light-hearted playful spirit by the fact that He loved children and they loved Him.  So much so that as He was surrounded by them, his disciples tried to send them way and keep them from bothering him, so that He could be attending to more “important” things.  He told them, “Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.”  (Matthew 19:14) (Blessed are the playful, for they shall be light-hearted…) and “a cheerful heart is good medicine. But a broken spirit saps a person's strength.” (Proverbs 17:22)  Just one of the many benefits of playfulness. We fail to remember and place enough emphasis on the importance of imaginative play, recreation and hobbies in successful, healthy and dynamic living. It helps us “outcompete” worry and anxiety with curiosity and passion. In today's complex, chaotic and competitive world, there is a desperate need for healthy diversions, hobbies and recreational activities.  All of the great leaders, teachers, philosophers and thinkers knew this. Socrates found joy in playing with children. Winston Churchill enjoyed painting, reading, bird-watching and bricklaying. His predecessor, William Gladstone, prime minister of England, enjoyed chopping down dead and dying trees, and planting new ones in their place. The process was so consuming to him, he had no time to think of anything but where the next stroke of his ax would fall. For Albert Einstein it was playing his violin. St. Teresa of Avila had a passion for dancing. And for Fred Rogers, you know, Mr. Rogers of the “beautiful day in the neighborhood”, it was swimming. So what is your playful pastime and leisure? What do you enjoy doing for recreation? In today's meditation, we want to open our hearts, minds and souls to the light-hearted spirit of recreation and play, and explore how we can incorporate a habit of playfulness. MEDITATION So when you're ready… Invite the spirit of Playfulness into your entire being…your world…your life… Be free to explore and question your sensory world. What are your earliest childhood memories of play? What were some of your favorite childhood stories? What elements of creativity, imagination and playfulness did they evoke? Where have you felt the most playful and alive? Maybe it's the swimming pool or favorite swimming hole. Maybe it's the mountains. Perhaps it is Disney World or a favorite theme park. What is one thing you can do today, this very day to incorporate play, leisure, and a light-hearted spirit into your day and improve the quality of your life? Now, just imagine it and play there…

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.” ~ John Muir, Our National Parks For this Fireside Friday we talk about why we love the mountains. And about our “Disorder” There is something so invigorating, soul-awakening, renewing, restoring, refreshing and healing about being in the mountains for us. (That's not the disorder). The disorder we have is the let down and sadness we feel as we head down out of the mountains. For both of us, it is actually physically depressing – altering our moods and making us long and ache for them. It seems that no sooner have we left them, that we then begin planning our next trip high up into the mountains to camp, climb, hike, or just simply Be... Perhaps you share the same disorder, and wonder exactly what the draws is to this beautiful topography. Today we share a few of the countless things we love about the mountains, and hopefully help make you feel like you're there.

Today on Walden Wednesday we continue reading Enos Mills' classic, Wild Life On the Rockies. Mills was a huge nature lover and nature guide who lived in the late 1880's, early 1900's. He wrote his experiences and observations of the West, and mostly about his beloved Rocky Mountains. I love the chapter we are visiting today called, “The Beaver and His Works”. Here, Enos points out the antics, and importance of the beaver, a keystone species that supports the entire biological community. Without this industrious creature, our streams, rivers and landscapes erode and dry up, leaving an ugly, dry, barren land. Something to chew on for sure. Dam straight. Beaver dam that is! So sit back here by the stream and enjoy, “The Beaver and His Works” from Wild Life on the Rockies, by Enos Mills.

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.” ~ C.S. Lewis You are to be thanked and congratulated you for being here!  Either as a regular subscriber and part of the MZD community, or maybe a first time listener, chances are, you are here for two reasons — you love Nature, and, you have a desire to grow and become the best possible version of yourself for Optimum Personal Transformation.  The Greeks had a word for this — Arete´, which roughly translates to Virtue or Excellence. Throughout the past several episodes, we've been taking a look at the concept of cultivating your “Garden of Well-being”; that is, intentionally and thoughtfully, mindfully seeking ways to weed out the undesirable thoughts, vices and habits in our lives, and to plant, nurture and grow more goodness, virtue, and excellence in its place; things that signify mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health.  Things that aid us in becoming our best selves, and in turn, help make the world a better, more beautiful place to live in.  It's kind of a no-brainer question really. “Do you want to want to be happy and reach your full potential in your life?  Or are you content to just be a mediocre version of yourself?” If you answered, “Yes, I want to live up to my full potential”, then good for you!  This is a sign of mental and emotional health.  To be discontented with mediocrity in one's self is not a bad thing.  To want to be the healthiest human being you can possibly be should be the goal of every one of us.  Put another way, as Krishnamurti says, “It is no measure of your health to be well-adjusted to such a profoundly sick society.” Sadly, most of the planet has fallen asleep, and either doesn't know, doesn't care, or is afraid to leave their comfort zone to do something about it.  But not you.  That's why you're here.  You're on a journey.  A quest to be your best possible self through connection with Nature. There is one caveat to all this personal growth stuff though.  And that's pride and the feeling of being better than, or having arrived.  With pride comes stagnation and the unwillingness, or even the ability to Listen.  And when you no longer listen, and can no longer hear, you stop growing. That's why today we're going to talk about cultivating Humility.  Humility is a slippery, elusive and almost vaporous thing.  Like seeing an angel, or shadow out of the corner of your eye.  The moment you focus on it, think you've acquired it and the “piety” that comes with it, in that moment it begins to evaporate.  The fire turns to smoke and disappears into thin air.  “I'm proud of my humility!”  See what I mean? Rick Warren tells us that humility is not denying your strengths.  It is about being honest about your weaknesses.  C.S. Lewis put it another way, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.” Humility is close kin to Gratitude.  It is impossible to be Grateful without having a humble heart. So what does humility look like? Humility is letting someone go ahead of you in line when you notice they are in a hurry. It is choosing to clean your office bathroom, even though you own the company. In Nature, it is the mother Great-Horned Owl incubating her eggs for a full month, never leaving the nest even once, until her brood puts on a second set of down feathers. Native American hunters respectfully asking permission, with a heart of gratitude, to take the life of a deer or bison in order to provide food and clothing for the tribe. A mighty oak giving shade and shelter to a sparrow. It is God becoming man, though King of the Universe, choosing birth in a smelly stable to serve and save mankind… I think you get the picture. So with these images in mind, let's begin today's meditation with a heart filled with gratitude. MEDITATION When you're ready… Today we stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon.  With a heart that is full, yet small.  Silent.  In awe. Here, nearly a billion tons of rock have been carved out of the ground.  All of the river water on Earth could fill this canyon and it would still only be half full.  Standing at its widest point you stare 18 miles across to the other side.  This canyon stretches for 277 miles and is more than a mile deep, so vast it can even be seen from space. A beautiful mystery of this blue planet, the question fills you with wonder.  “How did the Colorado River, only one tenth the size of the mighty Mississippi carve its way into this beautiful, enormous canyon?”  No one knows for sure.  It boggles the mind. Layers of strata and geology, with their hues of burnt red, amber, golden yellows, greens, browns and even black earth tones of endless variety tell only a part of the story of this place.  The ancient story of eons and time almost before time.  Layer upon layer of schist, shale, sandstone and limestone, serve as a reminder that life is beautiful, full of wonder and mystery.  Majestic and timeless.  Knowledge is fathomless and unending.  The Universe is big.  We are small. As your tiny mind struggles to take it all in and absorb the details and meaning of this place, you look down and catch yourself, almost losing your footing.  This is a dangerous place, but the danger is part of its incredible beauty.  It is a place to be appreciated, yes.  But first and foremost, it is a place to be respected.  With this realization comes a depth of appreciation and humility you have never known before.  A true view of life.  An honest appraisal of your own smallness and frailty.  And deep, sincere appreciation of the fact that you have been invited in to play an important role in this gift called Life. You smile and slowly bow your head and say, “Thank You!” Let's stay here a little longer and try to soak it all in… “To go far, you must begin near.  And the nearest step is the most important one.” ~ Krishnamurti And I would add, be wise and humble enough to take the step nearest you with a grateful spirit. Photo by Gautier Salles on Unsplash

“True well-being is knowing, trusting, and following your inner guidance.” ~ Paul Hudon Today we meet with writer, speaker, columnist and author of the book, “Your Inner Guidance – The Path to Discovering Your True Happiness”, Paul Hudon.  Paul lives just 100 miles or so down the road from us here in Colorado, where, when he's not writing and speaking, or walking in the woods with his dogs and his wife Jane, he helps her grow and sell flowers as a business.  Beautiful life… Paul is a kind and gentle soul, and he and I had a great time talking about his spiritual journey of how he discovered and came to trust his inner guide, his book, and the concept of listening in Nature.  I think you'll really enjoy today's show — Come on in!… 

Welcome to another Walden Wednesday, where we spend a little time in nature reading the works of some of the greatest thinkers, naturalists, writers, and lovers of Nature the world has ever known. Authors like Emerson, Whitman, Muir and Thoreau. If you are a tree lover, I think you are really going to enjoy today's time together as we read another chapter from Wildlife On the Rockies by the early 1900's naturalist, wildlife photographer, and Nature writer, Enos Mills, in his fascinating chapter “The Story of A Thousand Year Old Pine”.   So sit make yourself comfortable and lean back against the bark of a wise, ancient friendly tree and listen to “The Story of A Thousand Year Old Pine”, from Wildlife on the Rockies, by Enos Mills, friend of John Muir and Father of Rocky Mountain National Park.

This Fireside Friday finds us exploring The Mindfulness Journey, and how it shapes who we are and where we wind up in life. We also discuss how Mindfulness and Nature are inseparable for us. The Mindfulness Journey is a return home… A few resources we mention include: “You Are Here” by Thich Naht Hanh “Wherever You Go, There You Are” by Jon Kabat-Zinn “The Nature Fix” by Florence Williams “Vitamin N” by Richard Louv

Today we're going to talk about… …Patience. Did you feel the tension in the pause, as your legs got jittery, your toes began to tap, and you wanted me to fill in the word and get on with today's meditation? Patience is the heart of what mindfulness is all about.  It is the embodiment of living in the now.  We see examples of patience in nature all the time: Seeds planted in the soil take time to grow and stick their head above the soil, and bloom and grow and bear fruit and flowers and vegetables. (Clock time vs. Horticultural time). Caterpillars in cocoons take time to become beautiful, brilliant butterflies. Bees patiently gather pollen for nectar, one flower at a time. A tiny acorn becomes an] giant oak tree… Gestation period for newborns.  Humans – 9 months, Elephants – 2 years (That would certainly give you plenty of time to get little Dumbo's room ready for sure!) And perhaps the best example of patience seen in Nature is found in water.  Canadian poet Margaret Atwood says, “Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall, it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that, my child. Remember you are half water. If you can't go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does.” All of these examples in Nature are about growth and transformation of some kind.  When we can be in the moment, let go, and trust and allow – we begin to recognize that in its timeless, ancient wisdom, the Universe is unfolding right on schedule, and everything is happening exactly as it was meant to.  This brings an incredible peace that passes understanding. Patience is the kind and wise sister of persistence.  Together they make a killer combo in personal growth in getting what you want.  Especially when it comes to relationships. Patience is not only a virtue, but a very wise character trait to build.  Its opposite, Impatience, can cause road rage, start wars, bring financial disaster, ruin diets and even destroy relationships. The beautiful thing about patience is that there are opportunities every day and everywhere for us to practice it. Here are a few things you can do the next time you find yourself waiting in line or get stuck in traffic: First of all, take a deep breath in and remind yourself to be determined to remain in the moment and enjoy it to the best of your ability.  It's a great exercise in building focus and mental fitness. Now imagine yourself 30,000 feet above the noise and stress and worries of the world.  Try to see the big picture.  The stars and planets aren't worried or in a hurry, neither should you be. Picture yourself in your favorite Nature setting – Maybe a quiet forest, beside a babbling brook or river, or in a tranquil lake cabin or on a salt spray ocean beach. Do breathing exercises and enjoy a mini meditation. Think of everything you have to be grateful for… Pray. With a list like that, there's no reason to ever be impatient or stressed out again. Remember, obstacles make you stronger, and the more there are, the stronger you become. MEDITATION So when you're ready, make yourself comfortable, seated with your feet firmly planted and your spine upright, and close your eyes. Breathe in deeply… and exhale completely.  Do this a few times and settle in… Picture yourself in a beautiful garden.  The most beautiful garden you have ever seen. Not an ordinary flower garden or vegetable plot or nursery. Bigger. Not merely a well-tended city park filled with plants and flowers and shrubs, or tall trees and interesting landscape features. Better. Imagine a glorious, living, breathing, continuously-growing, ornamental garden that holds your gaze and entire being transfixed. Luminescent. Fascinating. A garden that breathes life into your very soul, as you breathe in the aromatic fragrance of gardenias, lilacs, roses, honeysuckle and freesia. Framing this garden are waterfalls, brooks and ponds, surrounded by a canopy of the most beautiful and interesting trees alive on the planet. (Describe trees, shapes, etc.) Birds and bees and butterflies on fairy-like wings grace this garden with magic and motion. The waters, teeming with fish, frogs, tadpoles, and turtles bring a sense of abundance and unspeakable joy. A fawn next to its mother pauses its grazing to lift its head and stare at you with wonder and interest. Deer, raccoons, rabbits and other wildlife stir and fills the canopies and corners of the garden with sounds of playfulness and delight with the very joy of their being. Massive mounds, rocks and hills and other unique and interesting landscape formations lend a sense of strength and character to this sanctuary. Winding whimsical pathways lead past fountains and water features, tree-houses and a stunning array of serendipitous surprises and gifts in every nook and corner along the way. A bliss-filled wonderland… Now imagine this is your personal Paradise.  This Garden of Bliss represents your inner world.  Your Garden of Well-Being. Imagine what it would have looked like before it was ever a garden.  A barren land filled with potential.  How long did each plant take to grow into the mature fullness of its true nature.  That which it was meant to become. What kind of incredible vision, persistence and patience was required to bring it to its fullness in this moment? Now sit and enjoy the fruits of Patience… “The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” – Leo Tolstoy Let them work for you in the setting of Nature for becoming the best version of yourself.    

“My book should smell of pines and resound with the hum of insects … ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson Welcome to another Fireside Friday here at Mountain Zen Den.  Come on in… Today we share one of our favorite Personal Growth tools – Journaling. aka – Scribing, memoir writing, keeping a diary… Ideas include: Why Journal? To slow down and observe and record your thoughts To better Listen For Healing (A cathartic exercise) To better understand yourself and the world To share your view of the world To record favorite quotes, authors and passages To remember how you were feeling To become a better, more honest and authentic writer To leave a Memoire or Legacy What kind of journal should I get? How to journal (We share a few tips and ideas) Keeping a Gratitude Journal A few of our personal journaling practices “The eye was placed where one ray should fall, that it might testify of that particular ray… ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson Links to a few recommended books: A Life in Hand (Creating the Illuminated Journal) by Hannah Hinchman The Magic by Rhonda Byrne

Here are on this Walden Wednesday, we slow down and spend a few precious moments of our day to truly listen, to the thoughts, ideas, and writings of some of the greatest thinkers, naturalists and lovers of Nature the world has ever known. Writers like Emerson, Whitman, Muir and Thoreau. In today's time together we continue our visit with adventure naturalist, wildlife photographer, and Nature writer Enos Mills, as he recounts his thrilling and exhilarating adventures as the Colorado snow observer in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, encountering avalanches, dangerous precipices, starvation and hypothermia by falling though ice into a freezing river, and even mountain lions and bears.  Always a stoic, he calmly treats these occurrences as just another day in the life of a Colorado Snow Observer.   So sit back and relax as we enjoy part 2 of the chapter “Colorado Snow Observer” the first chapter from Wildlife on the Rockies, by Enos Mills, friend of John Muir and Father of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Want to learn how to meditate? It's simpler than you may have thought. Today we share a bit about our personal meditation journey and practices, and offer a few practical tips that may help you with yours. We also discuss some ideas from a couple of wonderful books we have been reading lately by Hal Elrod, Michael Singer and Ryan Holiday. (See links below). Glad you're here, c'mon in! Brett & Melissa “The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod “Stillness is the Key” by Ryan Holiday "The Untethered Soul" by Michael Singer

“Along with love, compassion is the face of altruism.  It is a feeling deep in the heart that you cannot bear other's suffering without acting to relieve it.” ~ The Dalai Lama   We come together at MZD to connect with Nature for mindfulness and personal growth.  We talk about it all the time.  In fact, we have been focusing on, and training if you will, how to cultivate personal strengths and traits that we desire to see show up in our lives as the best version of ourselves… things like… Do you find yourself struggling in a specific area, (or areas), of your life and personal growth?  Perhaps, fear and doubt, anger, addiction, selfishness, pride or lack of compassion. If you said “Yes”, you are not alone.  I do too.  In fact, it is a common human experience that we all deal with.  Once we realize that, we can begin to lighten up on ourselves and start to practice a little Self-Compassion.  And that's what we're going to talk about today.  Cultivating Compassion. There is a whole string of character traits, qualities and disciplines we may choose to cultivate and master in our lives, but I can't think of one any more practical and rewarding than cultivating compassion.  It's what everyone craves, and what the world desperately needs. So what is Compassion? One definition of compassion is: (noun) 1. “A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.” In his book, How to Expand Love, the Dalai Lama tells us that there are 7 steps to improving your ability to grow and share your love with the world. Recognizing friends Appreciating kindnesses shown to you in your past.  (Especially those past kindnesses of your early childhood) Returning Kindness when it has been shown to you Learning to love The power of Compassion Total commitment Seeking Altruistic Enlightenment Altruism is showing unselfish concern for, or devotion to the welfare of others. The Dalai Lama points out that to begin with, we need to accept that “the mind is fundamentally there much like the blue sky that exists behind dark clouds.“ We need to trust and see beyond or through the clouds all the goodness that is there. We have to overcome the tendencies to put others into categories, labeling them as “friend“ or “enemy“. This is how we practice what's known as equanimity, that is, a mental or emotional stability; a calmness under tension or stress. Easier said then done.  Perhaps that's why we start with Self-Compassion. How are you in the self-compassion department? The best way to answer this question is to look at the way we talk to ourselves when we mess up or are feeling down. In her book Self-Compassion, Kristin Neff says that self-compassion begins with not being self-critical. Talk kindly to yourself as you would to your best friend. Be encouraging. Show up with presence and compassion. We need to realize that suffering, struggling and failure are all part of the human experience. We all have to deal with it at one point or another in our lives. It is vital that we see the sameness in our common humanity. We all experience pain, struggles and suffering. We need to clearly see our reality in a non-judgmental way – our pain, our suffering, our shame, our fears and anxieties… Just observe yourself mindfully. Detached, and maybe even amused.  You can't have self-compassion if you are not being mindful.  It is the 30,000 foot view. This is the only way we can see the reality of our life clearly without getting caught up and entangled in our emotions.  This exercise can be done as a “Noting Practice”, a concept discussed by Dan Siegel in his book Mindsight (The new Science of Personal Transformation).  He says to simply note what you are observing.  You have to “name it to tame it“.  Identify what you are experiencing, call it what it is, and then you can deal with it, with a wise and thoughtful response. Finally, we need self-efficacy, that is self-confidence, or your ability to trust yourself. Cultivating self-efficacy is best accomplished through self-compassion.  That's a lot to bite off in our short time together, but if you're interested in going deeper, I will leave links in the show notes. So if you're ready, let's begin our meditation today in a beautiful, peaceful mountain garden…   How to Expand Love by His Holiness The Dalai Lama Self Compassion by Kristin Neff Mindsight by Dan Siegel

“Now is now.” ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder We're going to get back to the basics. Can you imagine how awesome it would be to wake up every morning to the amazing beauty and wonderful sounds of nature? We just got back from an amazing hike along Carter Lake and had our senses bombarded by the beauty and restorative powers of Nature… Links to Scientific Proof of the Restorative Powers of Nature We were reminded that there are things all around us everyday that would bring so much joy and happiness and peace if we would just take the time to notice them.  It's called living in the Now. Now is all we've got.  Yesterday is gone.  Tomorrow hasn't come, we just have Now.  And if you think about it, it's ok.  We couldn't handle anything more.  Nor would we want to.  Now is where we live and the only place we can find joy.  Notice we didn't necessarily say “Happiness”. There's a difference between joy and happiness.  Joy is a choice, it's lasting – happiness is serendipitous, it comes and goes.  Joy is deep and underlying.  It sees beneath the surface the beautiful, lasting goodness of the Universe all around us.  The smell of snow or rain in the air.  The preciousness of your children sleeping in their beds at night or pups laying at your feet. Being in the now means being present to the little things as they occur all around you… When you wake up in the morning, what's the first thing you notice or are aware of? Try this tomorrow morning if you can remember – as an exercise in presence. If you wake up to an alarm, take note of its tone.  Probably annoying at first thought, but without judging, just notice it.  What about outside?  Is it daylight yet.  Are the curtains drawn?  Is the room warm? Pay attention to the details.  Feel the floor underneath your feet.  As you shower, just allow yourself to take in all of the delicious feelings and senses available to you – the hot water running over your body, the smell of your shampoo and soap, the sound of water hitting the tub or shower floor – does it sound a bit like rain or a waterfall?  The point is – enjoy all that is surrounding you, for these senses were given to you for just that reason – to enjoy! You can continue this process as you go about the rest of your day.  When you make breakfast, coffee or tea, notice the aromas, the flavor the warmth of the eggs, toast, bacon or oatmeal, the coolness of the orange juice, cereal or fruit salad. Same with doing the dishes, enjoy the hot, soapy water, the fragrance of the dish liquid, the process of cleansing… you get the idea. The things we take for granted, the mundane, the routine, the everyday – taking out the trash, driving to work, taking the kids to school or practice… opportunities are all around us for finding joy in just being alive, if we are open to them.  This is what it means to be alive. Better yet, there is something that will take us to an even higher level of transcendence and joy, and that is, not only being present to receive nature's goodness, but being available for our loved ones and present to the people in our lives who mean the most to us.  As human beings created for love and relationship, here is where we will find our deepest joy. In his book, “The Power of Now” Eckhart Tolle says that presence is needed to become aware of the beauty, the majesty and sacredness of nature. It's also needed to become aware of the beauty and goodness of our family, friends, fellow workers and the world around us. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and all is well with the world.  The natural world that is.  The truth is, our human world can be pretty messed up at times, as evidenced by all the… you hear in the news every day. A while back we talked about the fact that whatever you focus on, you get more of… Today we're going to focus on the beauty and benefits of Nature's restorative powers.  

Welcome to Walden Wednesday! Today we visit with naturalist and nature writer Enos Mills as he shares from the first chapter of his wonderful book, “Wild Life On the Rockies”. Relax in the mountain winter solitude and enjoy…

Welcome to the Mountain! Every season has its purpose and has something to teach us. The Dead of Winter – Teaches us about Hibernation & Dormancy Dormancy: The state of having normal physical functions suspended or slowed for a period of time. The state of being temporarily inactive or inoperative -Dormancy is when living things such as plants are awaiting the necessary environmental conditions such as temperature, moisture, nutrient availability, etc. 4 TYPES OF DORMANCY Hibernation – low metabolic rate, reduced heart rate, slow breathing and lowered body temperature. Obligate hibernators– can sleep regardless of access to food and temperatures. Ex. European Hedgehogs, mouse lemurs, various ground squirrels & butterflies Facultative hibernators– hibernate when it's too cold and the food supply decreased Ex. Black-tailed prairie dogs (Bears, squirrels, groundhogs, marmots, skunks, raccoons, opossums, dormice and bats are examples of mammals that hibernate.) Diapause – (Observed in all life stages of arthropods, like insects, common during egg and pupa stages. Marker by lower metabolic activity.) Aestivation – (desert plants & animals- low rainfall and high temps i.e. “dry heat”) Brumation- Dormancy in reptiles (only wake up to drink water and then go back to sleep) Can last 8 months. Triggered by decrease in daylight hours. (e.g. Snakes) Just like us, plants are deeply affected by temperature and sunlight. Plant growth slows as the day length slows, thus commencing the dormancy process. In today's show we discuss the idea of slowing down in the winter.  Instead of fighting these feelings of being a little more tired than usual, we invite you to get into the flow with Nature and slow down a bit…go dormant, as much as possible until spring when there is more sunlight and the days start to grow longer.  And… use this dormant time to look back at past failures and successes and plan for future outings and hikes and camping trips, and other adventures!

What are you grateful for today?  What's the first thing that comes to mind that you are thankful for? This is always a good place to start our meditation practice. On Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, we celebrate the gift of Courage, for which I am truly grateful. If it weren't for the courage of leaders like Dr. King, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and a host of unnamed others, so many of the freedoms and benefits and pleasures we enjoy today would not be available to us. Did you know that “Fear not!” is the most repeated command in the Bible?  366 to be exact; one for every day of the year plus leap year!  This should be encouraging.  Literally! So what is Courage?  What does it look like and how do we attain it? Let me start by saying, courage is not the lack of fear.  It is the willingness to act in the face of fear; an acknowledgment of the fear and then, “fearing not”, so to speak. Philosopher, Brian Johnson, founder and CEO of the company Heroic, and the creator of Optimize says, “Of all our basic virtues, courage is the one that helps us to live exactly the way we want and provides the psychological fuel we need to create, take risks, help others, and face hard times.”  Put another way, Socrates said that a person is courageous “whose spirit retains in pleasure and in pain, the commands of reason about what he ought or ought not to fear.” Courage comes from the Latin word for “Heart”.  And just like the heart pumps blood to your organs throughout your body, Courage pumps energy to your other Virtues of Well-Being. If you're a regular listener to this podcast, you've probably made the decision to step out of your comfort zone to become the best version of yourself.  It takes courage to make the decision to set out on a new and risky adventure.  Like Indiana Jones, you don't know what dangers await…be it quicksand, rockslides, poisonous snakes and precarious twists of the road…all the scary unknowns you will have to face on your journey of Personal Transformation, figuratively speaking of course.  But you have decided in advance to face those unknowns with courage.  Right? According to the “Indiana Jones of psychology”, Robert Biswas Diener, author of the book The Courage Quotient, the definition of Courage contains two primary internal elements: It is “The willingness to act, and the ability to control fear.” He says, “When you can successfully curb your fears, and boost your ability to take action, you are better able to live a full and virtuous life.  You are more likely to face challenges with grace, connect with and inspire others, and be a force for good.” If you are like me, and struggle with fear of one kind or another, I want to help you see that you have more courage than you realize. We need to look back in our past and remember that, like the cowardly lion in The Wizard of Oz, we have demonstrated courage in some of our darkest moments. So…it's important to remember all the moments in life when you faced your fears and overcame your situation with courage.  You can do this in your quiet time as you meditate.  Take some time today to remember and picture yourself doing this. Another thing you can do to cultivate Courage is to create a courageous “role” for yourself; a persona of a person whose courage you admire. Todd Herman, in his book The Alter Ego Effect, dressed kids up in Batman or Dora the Explorer outfits, and observed that it dramatically boosted their courage.  They were more gritty and persistent in going after their goals. Another interesting study, conducted by Ellen Langor in her Harvard lab, called “The Psychology of Possibility”, dressed ordinary adults up like Air Force pilots and tested their eyesight.  She discovered that just by dressing the part dramatically improved their vision.  That is wild!  There is amazing power in the imagination and role-playing. Revisiting The Courage Quotient, remember, Courage contains two primary internal elements: It is the “The willingness to act, and the ability to control fear.” Willingness to act begins by developing a New Narrative; an inner dialog of Affirmations we learn and remember by repetition.  So the next time you feel fear begin to overshadow you and keep you from taking a next step towards being your best self, you can try saying things to yourself like, “I face my fears with courage.  Anything is possible.  What if it all works out?  What if goes right?  Fear is an illusion of the mind.  I set myself free from the fearful stories in my mind.  I have access to all solutions and answers.  There is nothing to fear.” MEDITATION Questions to ask ourselves: “What is one area of my life where I know that fear is holding me back and keeping me from accomplishing something I really want to do?” “What can I do to boost or pump up my willingness to act?  And, ‘What tools can I use to successfully curb my fears?'” “When was a time I courageously faced my fears in order to get accomplish something I wanted?”  “How can I see all those times in my past when I have demonstrated courage in the presence of fear?”   Quote for the Day: “It matters not how straight the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” ~ William Ernest Henley – Invictus   RESOURCES Brian Johnson – Optimize The Courage Quotient by Robert Biswas Diener The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman

Great to have you here on a Fireside Friday at Mountain Zen Den. We're almost half way through January!  So how are you doing with your goals? Today we discuss the concept of staying on course with your dreams, goals and New Years' resolutions.  Here are a few tips and lessons learned from our mountain climb on Mt. Elbert – 14,440' above sea level, Colorado's highest peak. A few of the points that came up: Plan ahead Pack and Prepare well Enjoy the Journey Keep the Goal in Mind but remember, ultimately, the Journey is the Goal It's about “Who is the person who attempts and accomplishes this amazing thing?” Beware of False Summits Be tougher than your dream (Don't give up) Hercules & Epictetus Remind yourself of your “Why” Celebrate the Victories Stay the course! Oscillate with your natural rhythms. Remember…the Buddha says, “A pot is filled drop by drop.” Optimize with Brian Johnsonhttps://www.optimize.me/

“The awakening of consciousness is the next evolutionary step for mankind.” ~ Eckhart Tolle´ “The key to growth is the introduction into higher dimensions of consciousness.” ~ Lao Tzu It's good to have you here for another Meditation Monday.  I know you probably have a very busy schedule, like most of the planet…  Thanks for showing up. So how've you been? Are you having a good start to your New Year? Or are you finding it difficult to maintain or keep up with your New Years' resolutions? If so, I've got good news.  You're not alone.  You may find today's show quite helpful.  We are going to be talking about the concept of Transcendence. Continuing on with our series here at Mountain Zen Den where we've been discussing the concept of cultivating what we call your “Garden of Well-being”…That is, traits and qualities you would like to develop and have in your life; things like Gratitude, Love and Simplicity, Joy and Tranquility; developing an appreciation for Beauty, and a sense of Wonder.  Last week we talked about cultivating Wisdom.  Now we're going to try and put it all together, and talk a bit about “how” we do this.  In the midst of life's struggles, sometimes it can be really hard to maintain our focus and stay the course.  “I don' feel like showing Gratitude, or Faith, or Love or Joy when things aren't going my way.” So how do we do it?  We do it through Transcendence. What is Transcendence? I like to think of Transcendence as allowing oneself to rise above the mist and clouds of doubt and confusion and obtain a 30,000 foot view in order to live in a new understanding of life with joy and grace and ease.  It is a complete surrender and trust in that new perspective or lens through which we choose to view the world. In their book, The Inner Work – An Invitation to Freedom and Lasting Happiness, Mat & Ash, (also known as the Yoga Couple), break down the work of Dr. David Hawkins, best known for his book Power Vs. Force and The Map of Consciousness, which is a proven energy scale to actualize your ultimate potential.  Deep, exciting, heady stuff, I'll admit, but simply put, a proven method to becoming your best self. It was Abraham Maslow who said, “That which a man can be, he must be.”  You and I were created with a purpose in mind, and until we begin working toward realizing that purpose, we will never be completely free or happy.  That, my friend, is what the Inner Work is about.  And as the name suggests, it is work, but as you strive to become the best version of yourself, there comes new, powerful joy and energy, transforming you into that which you were made for; Clark Kent becoming Superman, so to speak. So step into the phone booth and let's begin…   As we start on the journey of personal transformation, we encounter the limiting themes of consciousness like shame and guilt, hopelessness, grief, fear, anger, desire and pride.  These are all lower themes of consciousness, egoic thought patterns we can all identify in our life, and then aim to transcend them.  It begins with recognizing and identifying them. Shame, for example, is the lowest theme of consciousness, rooted in the thought, I am unlovable, unworthy, unwanted and undesireable, “It is triggered by perceived rejection. Shame represents the complete opposite of the Truth, and is the ultimate forgetfulness of who we truly are.  It can range from mild embarrassment to the epitome of “evil” and rejection by the Divine”. It generally stems from the mind's story of past experiences and memories of rejection, failures, embarrassments, abuse or neglect.  We've all been there in one way or another.  The really sad and ugly thing about shame is that, taken to its extreme, it can lead to suicide, murder, genocide, rape, hate crimes and torture.  Bottom line, shame represents the ego's desperate cry for love by ironically trying to prove how unloved and unlovable it is.  It's the darkest of places to be.  I know.  I've been there. So how do you and I Transcend this lowest theme of consciousness and all of its many layers?  In The Inner Work, Mat and Ash teach that “in order to let go of the story of shame, we have to replace it with compassionate understanding of ourselves and others.  We do this by remembering that we were, and always are, innocent.  Our innocence is still there, and can never be taken – only temporarily hidden due to misunderstanding. Our ultimate healing will eventually come by forgiving all those who wronged us in the past, thereby setting ourselves free…  For as we do unto others, we do unto ourselves.”      This is so beautiful, and yet so seemingly difficult, if not impossible.  What are some practical steps we can take to do this? Well, we can begin by developing a New Narrative.  An inner dialog of Affirmations we learn and remember by repetition.  We release the old thoughts and replace them with the new. For instance, your New Narrative to transcend the theme of Shame could look something like this: I am always loved. I can never be beyond God's love.  I am perfect as I am.  I am whole and complete exactly as I am.  Other's opinions of me have nothing to do with me, but are a reflection of themselves. Anyone projecting shame is living with their own shame.  I give this shame back to its sender.  I love myself.  I am divinely beautiful.  I am loved as I am.  I am accepted.  My voice matters.  I will not allow abuse any longer.  I will speak my truth. You get the idea… Can you feel that?  That shift in Energy as you affirm the Truth that you are loved and whole just the way you are? You can do this with all of the limiting themes of consciousness that are holding you back from being your best self; with guilt and fear and anger, etc. To learn more you may want to check out The Inner Work by Mat & Ash for starters. We'll leave a link in the show notes. Now, if you're ready, let's do our meditation for the day…   As you begin meditating in the mountains today, focusing on your breath, picture yourself letting go of old, destructive thoughts and habits and feelings and emotions, and replacing them with new, energizing, loving healthy ones… The Inner Work by Mat & Ash Nature Soundscape Rocky Mountain National Park Courtesy National Park Service

Great to have you here on a Fireside Friday at Mountain Zen Den. Winter is definitely here!  Today Melissa and I discuss and share some tips, thoughts and ideas on how to connect with Nature on really, really ridiculously cold winter days. A few of the ideas we talk about include: How do you define “Nature”? Grounding/Earthing The benefits of simply looking at trees and other Nature Starting an indoor herb garden Creating a Nature niche Reading Nature books Watching Nature movies Putting together nature puzzles as a family Setting up a tent in your house for “indoor camping”! Listening to the sounds of Nature Taking a “Nature Memory Walk” Do Nature sketches, artwork and journaling  Forest-scented incense and candles Studying Nature Field Guides Be in the moment with your pets and generate oxytocin Buck up, dress appropriately, and get outside anyway! Links to a few suggested books: Healing Trees – A Pocket Guide to Forest Bathing by Ben Page Nature Anatomy – The Curious Parts of the Natural World by Julia Rothman The Nature Fix – Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams

Here are on this Walden Wednesday, we are celebrating National Bird Day by taking a few moments out of our day to slow the heart and mind down enough to truly listen, and absorb the thoughts, ideas, philosophies and writings of great thinkers, naturalists and lovers of Nature like Emerson, Whitman, Muir and Thoreau. And then, as always, we give you a little time at the end to just “Be”, in a natural environment, and settle into a deeper state of awareness as you go through your day, fully-awake, fully-present, alive and intentionally growing into becoming your best self. Today we are visiting the writings of one of my heroes - naturalist, wildlife photographer, and Nature writer Enos Mills, who lived at the base of Longs Peak, one of the highest mountains in Colorado. Widely regarded as the “Father of Rocky Mountain National Park”, he worked and fought hard for the legislation that, in 1915, eventually won the preservation and protection the 415 square miles of paradise in the Colorado Rockies that now make up what is the 10th oldest, and now the 3rd most visited national park in the U.S. This was all due to a “chance” meeting he had as a young man with the wizened old nature sage John Muir, who inspired and encouraged him to establish Rocky Mountain National Park, considered by many to be the “Crown Jewel” of the national park system. Mills went on to not only take on Muir's advice, but he wrote about the beautiful mountain wilderness of the area and its wildlife that he loved and treasured so much. It was said of him that he was a kind of evangelist of the wilderness, and that when he preached the gospel of the wilds, you were convinced of the sincerity of its divine invitation.   Today we will visit with Mills in a passage from his book, Wildlife on the Rockies, (one of my favorites), titled “Bob, and Some Other Birds”. Something to consider as you listen, is Mills's heart for educating people about the preservation of our precious wild lands. In fact he coined the term “Nature Guide” and is the founder of the nature interpretive program widely used by our rangers today. So now, in honor of National Bird Day, I invite you to sit back and enjoy this passage from Wildlife on the Rockies, one of his 18 beloved nature books. I love how he poetically reveals to us the “brave pines”, and the eagles soaring in the “quiet bending blue” sky over the Rockies. May you be inspired by the beauty and intimate connection with birds and nature that Enos Mills so greatly treasured.

Hey Gang, so glad you have joined us today, because this is an exciting day for us here at MZD!  Not only are we celebrating our 100th episode, but it is also our first Fireside Friday where we sit back here in the Zen Den, as we like to call it, and have a chat with writers, and naturalists, artists, musicians and great thinkers and lovers of Nature, all for the purpose of personal growth through connection with Nature. And I'm especially pumped to be introducing a very special person in my life, the only other person I know personally who is as crazy about Nature and wildlife as much as I am, and who I am crazy about – my Best friend, my wife Melissa… And together, we are just a little more crazy than we are apart, which you will definitely pick up on in today's episode, as we share a few tips and ideas that we've been learning that have helped us immensely in this past stretch, especially since the pandemic hit. Well there happens to be a beautiful snow falling outside today, so grab your favorite beverage or hot drink, and come on in and have a seat by the fireplace on our first Fireside Friday as we talk about Ten Simple and Practical Things You Can Do Right Now to Dramatically Improve Your Life. Ten Things You Can Do to Improve Your Life Right Now   Meditate Do Affirmations Visualize what you want Excercise Read Personal Growth Books Journal Get Quality Sleep Move regularly throughout your day - 10,000 steps per day Eat healthfully Get Outside and Enjoy Nature! If you want to learn some Meditation Basics you can check out MZD Episode 79 – "How to Meditate" "The Miracle Morning" by Hal Elrod  

In the most recent series here on Mountain Zen Den we've been talking about cultivating what we call your “Garden of Well-being”… Today we will discuss cultivating Wisdom in our lives. What does this mean? What picture comes to mind when you think of wisdom?... (Socrates, Aristotle, King Solomon, Confucius, Gandalf, Dumbledore, Yoda…“wise you are”, or maybe an owl…) What does Wisdom look like? And why do we need to cultivate it anyway? Wisdom has been defined as: “Knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action.” Meaning, it is Life Experience thoughtfully reflected upon, and then lived. It is the ability to make thoughtful observations, that is “If…then…” assumptions, to see the end outcome, or result of good and bad choices and decisions, and then make the right decision. So how do we cultivate Wisdom in our Garden of Well-being? You don't have to be an old, white-bearded sage to begin cultivating Wisdom. (Especially if you're a woman). It begins with Listening; truly listening, observing, thinking and reflecting on what is true and right, and then acting accordingly upon that observation. If you can do it once, you can do it again, and then again and again until it becomes a habit, and then a personality trait, until one day you find yourself acting upon Wisdom on a regular basis, flourishing in your wise choices, and as a result, are happier than you've ever been. That is how you cultivate Wisdom. Where can you find these traits of Wisdom in your daily life? A good place to start is by reflecting on the Ancient Wisdom of the natural world…as seen in the endless changing of the seasons, the inner workings of the Universe, the planets and stars in their orbit, the stillness of the deserts, steadfastness of the oceans, the joy and flow of rivers and streams; in the continual growth and peace found in forests and woodlands; in the freedom of birds in flight and all wild things of the Earth; and even in our bodies, and the miraculous principles that allow us to procreate, give new life, grow, walk and run, and heal, and think, and work and play… Wisdom is a 30,000 foot view. It is not only about gaining life experience, but about slowing down enough to stop and consider. To ponder and discern what is really going on and what really, truly matters in life. It is about returning to a Foundation of what is real vs. what is prevalent in the world today, and can only be seen with the eyes. True Wisdom looks like Mindfulness. And mindfulness begins with presence and awareness found in meditation. The Jewish king, Solomon who is often referred to as the wisest man who ever lived sought wisdom as a jewel or treasure. He spent his life seeking it in pleasure and work and in building things, and not withholding one desire from himself. In the end, as he writes in the book of Ecclesiastes, he says that “Everything is vanity”, and that “Wisdom is better than strength.” He points out: “It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage.” Finally he observed, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” This time for everything can be seen in Nature. In the rising and setting of the sun. In the fruit that grows on the trees, and the seeds that fall to the ground. In the birds that carry and distribute the seeds, and the bees that pollinate the flowers. In the seasons. In the planting and growing of these seeds, and the harvesting of the crops. In the birth and life and death of all things. The observation of all of this, and in the recognition of a Designer with a Hand greater than all, is the beginning of wisdom. And with wisdom comes acceptance, and with acceptance, peace. One of the greatest qualities of the wise person is their quality of Peace. Tranquility and deep, deep underlying joy that comes with alignment with the Universe. Let's tap into this peace and Wisdom through today's meditation.

Great to have you here on Walden Wednesday at Mountain Zen Den, where we intentionally carve a few moments out of our day in a relaxing nature setting. We do this for the purpose of slowing the heart and mind down enough to truly listen, and absorb the thoughts, ideas, philosophies and writings of great thinkers, naturalists and appreciaters of Nature like Emerson, Whitman and Thoreau.  And then at the end we give you a little time to just “Be”, and settle into a deeper state of awareness as you go through your day, fully-awake, fully-present, alive and intentionally growing into the person you desire to become. In today's reading we will visit with American New Thought writer Wallace D. Wattles as he writes, “The First Principle in The Science of Getting Rich”. He Says, “The purpose of Nature is the advancement and unfoldment of life,” and he posits the idea that “you can render no service greater to God and humanity than to make the most of yourself, and you can't do that if you're poor;  A great question to ask as you listen is “What does getting rich have to do with mindfulness in nature?” Or better yet, maybe the question is, “Why is it important that I be rich, and what can Nature teach me about abundance?” Two very good thoughts to keep in mind as we listen to today's reading. So now, I invite you to take a deep breath and enjoy a passage taken from the classic, The Science of Getting Rich, by Wallace D. Wattles. This reading is from Chapter 4, “The First Principle in The Science of Getting Rich”.  

Great to have you here for another Walden Wednesday! It's all about intentionally carving a few moments out of your day in a relaxing nature setting in an effort to affect the quality of our lives. We do this by slowing the heart and mind, down enough to absorb the thoughts, ideas, philosophies and writings of naturalists and appreciators of Nature like Emerson, Whitman and Thoreau. And then at the end we give you a little time to just “Be”, and settle into a deeper state of awareness as you go through your day, fully-awake, fully-present, alive and intentionally growing into the person you desire to become. In today's reading we visit with Henry Thoreau by a stream near Walden pond and ponder the question, “How can I simplify my life to the point that I am Awake and mindfully Aware each and every moment of my day to a Perpetual Morning”? And… “What would that look like”?” So now, I invite you to close your eyes, take a deep breath and enjoy a passage taken from the classic, Walden: or, Life in the Woods by Henry David Thoreau. This reading is from the chapter, “Where I lived, and What I Lived For”.

In Episode 82 we introduced the concept of Cultivating Your “Garden of Well-Being”. Those qualities in your life that you desire to have more of, and that would help make you a better person. Things like Presence and Gratitude, Hope and Faith, Love and Simplicity, Joy and Tranquility, Beauty and Wonder, Health and today's subject – Abundance. Today we're talking about cultivating a spirit of abundance and What Nature Teaches Us About Wealth & Abundance. Money is generally the first thing that comes to mind when people think of wealth and abundance. But having riches, that is, being wealthy and having abundance in your life is so much more than having a lot of money in the bank and accumulating things. Gifts and resources such as health, freedom to live and love as we choose and have the time to pursue and enjoy them, along with family, friends and other relationships and associations… these are all signs of abundance in our lives. And we should pursue and enjoy them with unceasing gratitude! That being said, there is nothing wrong with accumulating and having a lot of money. American new thought writer Wallace Wattles reminds us, “To be really rich does not mean to be satisfied with a little if you are capable of using and enjoying more. The purpose of nature is the advancement and development of life. Every individual should have all that can contribute to the power, elegance, beauty, and richness of life…The desire for riches is really the desire for a richer, fuller, and more abundant life.” Jesus said, “I came to give you life, and life more abundantly.” Look at the world that was created. There is not just one species of bird, fish, animal or tree or flower fungus. But a countless variety that is continuing to change and grow and evolve over time. Even the rocks themselves display an amazing array of characteristics, colors, densities and the like - Granite, gneiss and schist, igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary. Think about it, there's not just one life zone, ecosphere or habitat, but a multitude – cool luscious woodland forests, wild, cacophonous jungles, vast open plains, sweeping prairies, rich living deserts, babbling brooks and rolling rivers, endless blue, green and gray oceans… Not one star but billions and trillions and quintessagazillions beyond what the eye can see! (I just made that word up by the way…). You get the idea, whether you zoom out or zoom in, you begin to comprehend abundance and combination of resources in our lives and at our fingertips… In the natural world, there is always more than enough, and more being renewed day by day. But the order of the world and the way life works often means we need to work with, appreciate and cultivate these resources. The original meaning for the concept of Meditation meant – “To Cultivate.” Cultivate: - verb (used with object), cul-ti-vat-ed, cul-ti-vat-ing. to prepare and work on (land) in order to raise crops; till. to promote or improve the growth of (a plant, crop, etc.) by labor or attention. to develop or improve by education or training; train; refine: to cultivate a singing voice. to promote the growth or development of (an art, science, etc.); foster. to devote oneself to (an art, science, etc.). Even devoting oneself to personal growth. If you have ever grown a garden or crops you understand the concept of cultivation. As I've said before, growing a living thing requires focus, intention and preparation. It requires a bit of time, sweat, and focused energy, consistency & upkeep, especially when it comes to weeding… The entire process is what we might refer to as “work”. But the reward waiting at the end of the harvest yields an abundant crop of desired results. It's the way of Nature; the way things were designed to work. I hope this concept helps in our meditation, giving you a visual today, as you picture yourself continuing to cultivate your “Garden of Well-being”, and specifically Abundance. There is so much more we could discuss about this concept, but we'll have to revisit and explore deeper another day. For now, suffice it to say, we are all living, dripping in gifts of abundance and once we recognize that, express gratitude for them and begin to cultivate them, they show outwardly in our lives in beautiful and endless ways. So, as we begin today's meditation I invite you to remember that Nature is the best environment for cultivating abundance, renewal and personal growth. Music for today's show provided courtesy Jeff Van Devender/JavaMusiK.com

Here at Mountain Zen Den, our Wednesday podcast features passages from Walden and other great classics that relate to cultivating the wisdom, mindfulness and simplicity found in the natural world as offered by some of the most influential naturalists, writers, philosophers and poets of our past. Walden Wednesday is all about taking a little time in our favorite nature setting on a regular basis to help still the heart and mind, and slow you down enough to absorb the thoughts, ideas, philosophies and writings of some of the greatest thinkers we've ever known. And then at the end we give you a little time to just “Be”, and soak in these treasures to settle into your inner being and hopefully, become a part of who you are as a fully-awake, fully-present, alive and aware, intentionally growing human being. Today, we pick up where we left off last Wednesday and contemplate what it really means to be a “Philosopher”, and the question, “Am I fully present for and living the life I desire and wholly believe in…fully present for the meeting of two eternities?” So now, I invite you to settle in and take a deep breath as we continue a passage from the chapter titled “Economy” from the classic, Walden: or, Life in the Woods by Henry David Thoreau.

MZD Podcast – Ep 94   Welcome to the Mountain! Well how are you feeling today? Are you the picture of health you always dreamed you would be? Today we're going to talk about cultivating one of the most important aspects of your being – Your Health. Our bodies are tied into our entire being and affect not only the way we feel, but our mind and the way we see the world and interact with everyone around us… that is, our relationships. Have you ever been “hangry”? Then you know what I mean! You're not necessarily mad at the world or angry at the people around you. You're just hungry with low blood sugar and it's affecting your mood at that very moment. For Pete's sake, (everyone else's around you), eat something! Not only are our minds and emotions and relationships affected by our health, but our spiritual well-being is as well. You see, we cannot divide ourselves into fragments of being – saying things like, “Well, we are Spiritual beings, so the Spirit is the only thing that matters!” or, “The Mind is the most important thing, because without thought, there is no being”, or, “No, only the body matters because when the body dies, you die”. The truth is, we are all of those things, Body, Mind and Spirit, and the well-being of each affects the other. Alternative medicine advocate Deepak Chopra tells us in his book, Ageless Body, Timeless Mind,   “The biochemistry of the body is a product of awareness. Beliefs, thoughts, and emotions create the chemical reactions that uphold life in every cell. An aging cell is the end product of awareness that has forgotten how to remain new.”   But how do we remain new? It's a question posed daily, coming at us from every angle through ads and promotions offering anti-aging products, promising that if you buy this or try that, you will look younger, feel better, be sexier, and on and on. Books and magazines and TV show and movies glorify youth and beauty, jumping to the superficial rewards of taking care of yourself; things like glamour and popularity, sex-appeal and even fame, while apparently ignoring the underlying importance of health, well-being and longevity. So back to the question. How do we “remain new”? This is a very deep and involved subject that has been studied and written about in many articles, books and journals filled with hundreds of thousands of pages of research, tests and observations, breaking down the biology of the human body and how it ages, and what it needs for optimum health and performance. I know this is going to sound obvious or over-simplified, but in a nutshell, the answer is simply to live a healthy life. Our bodies were created to regenerate billions of new cells daily, and have been doing it since the day we were born. We know how to, we have simply forgotten that the way to cultivate health is to simply live by health principles. And don't lie to yourself, you KNOW how to do it. Let's dumb it down into seven simple steps: Simply put, get plenty of sleep, eat healthfully, drink plenty of water, abstain from unhealthy ingredients and activities, and exercise regularly. And the two we are primarily here for today, Daily Meditation with Time Spent in Nature. More specifically, here's a quick bullet-point checklist with a few pointers: Sleep – 7 to 8 hours a night. Keep in mind that the hours before midnight are typically the most productive in healing and body repair. Ad avoid erratic sleep times and hours.   Diet – Make it your aim to be a Nutritarian. This means you eat for nutrition, not just flavor, or what seems healthier than just “the bad stuff”. Stay away from processed foods. A quick list of the good stuff might include Greens – Broccoli, Kale, Spinach, Bok Choy and other leafy greens. Fruits like bananas, oranges and lemons pineapple and grapefruit. Berries, like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and cherries. Eat Onions, Mushrooms, Beans and Seeds like Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Flax Seeds and Chia Seeds. Daily portions of each of these categories are known sources of full nutrition for a healthy body. And don't forget healthy fats like avocados and nuts, especially walnuts, almonds and pecans. While I really enjoy eggs for breakfast, I replace cow's milk with almond milk and non-fat, plain yogurt with berries or bananas and cinnamon. Other favorites include oatmeal and quinoa. And remember yogurt is a great source of healthy bacteria important for gut health. Now I'm no doctor or health expert, and this is not a comprehensive list, but it's a great place to start the next time you're at the grocery store. By the way, don't forget your vitamins and minerals and things like ginger, turmeric and fish oil. A great book Melissa and I would recommend is Eat Smarter by Stevenson Shawn, where he teaches how to use the power of food to reboot your metabolism, upgrade your brain and transform your life. A wonderful place to start in educating yourself in nutritional health. Another favorite of ours is the website Simple Green Smoothies with Jen Hansard, offering plant-based recipes and ideas for delicious smoothies. Yum!   Drink plenty of water. 64 ounces, or 8 tall glasses a day is recommended. First thing in the morning when I wake up, I like to bath my inner body with a tall glass of water, chased by another half cup of water filled with 3 or 4 splashes of Organic, Raw, Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar. The kind with the “Mother” included which contains strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria.  It may take a bit getting used to the taste, but it's a great way to lower your blood sugar in the morning, setting the tone for developing a hunger for only healthy foods at the start of the day.   Stay away from things you know are bad for you – tobacco, drugs, excessive alcohol, sugar and processed foods, AND destructive, negative thoughts and behaviors.   Simply put 10,000 steps per day, along with get-your-heart-pumping cardio 3 to 5 times per week. So much more can be said about this but I think you know what this means. Move! By the way, Green Exercise, that is, exercise outdoors is all the better if you can do it. More on this in upcoming episodes.   Meditate daily. This will help you maintain a positive, healthy outlook on life, which influences and affects your entire being dramatically.   And finally, Get Outdoors in Nature, breathe fresh air, walk in beautiful, natural surroundings and fill your heart with the sights, sounds and full-sensory experience if Nature. It has been scientifically proven to: Significantly reduce your stress levels Lower your blood pressure Improves cognitive functioning Control your thoughts and behaviors Improve your relationships Increase your confidence Boost your health in a plethora of ways including, Elevate your mood, happiness & outlook on life So there you have it. All you need to know about how to cultivate health, given in under ten minutes! Remember, if you want to have the energy that it takes to create momentum and change in your life, there is nothing more important, (or irreplaceable) than your health and well-being. Let's revisit Chopra's statement, “The biochemistry of the body is a product of awareness. Beliefs, thoughts, and emotions create the chemical reactions that uphold life in every cell. An aging cell is the end product of awareness that has forgotten how to remain new.” We set up our body by living with healthy principles, and then we help it remember how to remain new through awareness and meditation. So if you're ready, let's begin cultivating health today by integrating our body into the entire experience through today's meditation.

Welcome to Walden Wednesday on the Mountain! I want to reward you with something a little different than what we typically experience during our traditional meditation time. In past episodes we have occasionally shared passages from Walden and other great writings and literature, relating to cultivating the rich wisdom, mindfulness and simplicity found in Nature. In 1845, American naturalist, poet, writer and philosopher Henry David Thoreau decided to try a grand “experiment”. In his own words, “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” We're going to offer more of these classics set in nature on a regular basis to help still your heart and mind, to just absorb the thoughts, ideas, philosophy and writings of some of the greatest thinkers who ever lived.  And then we are going to give you a little more time at the end to allow these treasures to settle into your soul and perhaps become a part of you. As you listen to today's offering, you might want to ask yourself this simple question. “What do I really need?”  

Welcome to Mountain Zen Den!   It has been a while, and much has happened since we last met here.   The entire world has changed.  Dramatically!  Yet, while there have been a multitude of anxiety producing events and uncertainty, if you zoom out and look at the big picture, you can see it has actually been a season of opportunity, of renewal, self-reflection, ad growth.  The possibility of change and revision… A “Re – Vision”. Today we're going to talk about what happened. We are not going to get into pandemics or politics or world events, or even masks, or viruses and vaccinations, or anything else that has occurred in the world over the past year. We've all had enough of that, and there's not a thing we can do to change the past. We are here to talk about You.  What happened to you during all of this.  We'll do an honest self-assessment. Maybe you are not sure, and instead have just allowed yourself to drift. There is still hope and healing, light and love, and magic and wonder in Nature and the natural world around us, just waiting to be discovered, and re-discovered and enjoyed... It begins with a choice. A choice to let go and allow. The first step towards doing this is to decide to let go. The second is to change your surroundings. Now I want you to see that there is a major difference in getting lost and tossed about and drifting through the droughts and disasters of life, versus drifting with the current.  One is a despair and the other is a choice. There is power in choice. There is hope and power in a single step forward! Today, we are at a crossroads my friend – to give in to helplessness and despair and drift aimlessly through life, or to choose to allow and surrender to the flow.  We'll get into the details on this topic in upcoming episodes, but for today, choose to let go of pain and suffering, knowing that you are no longer helplessly drifting, but have made the choice to get into the flow of life and have chosen to be the observer vs. the victim. Keywords – “Choice”, “Choose” and “Chosen”. So if you're ready, let's let go of all the pain and suffering of the past year, and choose to live the life we were made for through today's meditation.  

“If I had influence with the good fairy… I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life.” ~ Rachel Carson (Nature writer and conservationist) Happy New Year and Welcome to the Mountain! Come on in to Mountain Zen Den, where we inspire you to connect with Nature for mindfulness and Personal Transformation, naturally! The holidays are winding down and it’s time to get back to the routine and ruts of life as we know it.  Or is it? One of my favorite things about starting a new year, (and in this case, a new decade), is the opportunity to look back, assess what worked and what didn’t, and then to look forward, ask what is it that I want, and then make new choices, plans and decisions to get there...a fresh start, so to speak; or maybe just a fine-tuning adjustment.  Either way, a new year offers us another reason to be mindful.  And that’s a very good thing indeed. Over the last several weeks we have been exploring the concept of Cultivating Your Garden of Well-being, beginning with Presence and Awareness, Hope and Faith, Love and Simplicity, Joy and Tranquility, and even cultivating a sense and appreciation of Beauty, and all that that means. Today being the beginning of a new year, we are going to talk about developing and cultivating a sense of Wonder.   When was the last time you truly enjoyed a feeling of mystery, reverence and awe?   As a child, I remember Christmas in particular had this fascinating effect on me.  It wasn’t just the presents and the decorations and the lights…it was much more!  The magic of possibility – gravity defying reindeer-sleigh antics and chimney escapades, ghosts of Christmases past, present and future, snow gently falling on a silent night, truly making all calm and bright, and the Christmas story of a Divine Baby born in a manger, visited by shepherds and lambs and donkeys and angels, and wise men following a star.  Here was true mystery and wonder; God becoming a man?  How can this be? And then I grew up.  In many ways science, technology and travel have made the world a much smaller place.  If there really is a Bigfoot or Loch Ness monster wouldn’t they have been discovered by now?  Declining biodiversity and shrinking habitats for our beloved wildlife have made it even smaller. In his book “Feral – Rewilding the Land, the Sea, and Human Life”, author George Monbiot speaks of the human psychological need for the presence of large animals, and in particular, cats.  We’re talking mountain lions, tigers, jaguars and such. One of the most exciting memories of awe and wonder I have of being in the wild is on a horseback ride where we startled a mountain lion at a drinking hole at dusk. Another is encountering a large cinnamon-colored black bear while I was hiking alone in the woods, in the evening. Yet another is of encountering a very large animal in the woods in the Rockies.  Melissa and I had recently bought a new camera, and I was excited to try it out.  We had just crossed a small stream when our horses suddenly stopped, lifted their heads high in the air, ears straight up, nostrils flared, and they wouldn’t budge.  Less than forty yards in front of us, a huge “dark horse” with very skinny legs and a funny looking nose, (otherwise known as a cow moose), crossed our path.  She totally ignored us and continued walking into the other side of the forest.  Our horses, on the other hand, were totally unnerved and it took several minutes before they would move on.  I looked over at Melissa and she looked at me.  Both of us were holding our cameras, mouths wide open in awe and a bit of fear.  Neither of us had the presence of mind to snap the shot, so let’s just say this was the one that got away… Each of these experiences are forever etched in my memory, where I can revisit them from time to time, knowing there is a much larger, and somewhat dangerous world out there just waiting to be explored and enjoyed as an adventure. We don’t just experience awe and wonder, we enjoy it.   I liken it to a feeling of bliss.  You get lost in it.  It envelops your entire body like a blanket of goodness, and you can feel its warmth and chills spreading down and outward from your head and heart. Why can’t this be a daily thing? It can, if we purposefully show up in the right places at the right time.  This isn’t to say that there’s not a place for serendipity.  That is one of the greatest things about being awe-inspired.  You don’t usually see it coming.  But as we place ourselves in the Way of Nature, we naturally increase our chances of experiencing a sense of reverence, awe and amazement. A flock of Canada geese overhead on a crisp autumn day, seems to do it for me every time. The hoot of an owl in the nighttime forest, the lonely cry of a loon on a placid lake, the bugle of an elk echoing through the high Montane meadows of the mountains, and the song of the whippoorwill in the evening woodlands, all bring their own unique voices to the Song of the Earth. The starry skies, galaxies, constellations, nebulae, sun, moon and even fireflies offer the deepest magic on an otherwise ordinary night.  But most beautiful and mysterious of all is that still, small Voice that speaks to the deepest part of your soul when you need it the most - speaking light, love and wisdom into your heart. All of these simple and profound gifts are wondrous beyond words.  The important thing is that we show up to experience them.  And this begins with presence and mindfulness.  So if you’re ready let’s open our entire being to a sense of awe and wonder through today’s meditation.

“…If you’re down to your final dime, can’t decide what else to buy to be happy You don't need a credit card to give your heart the beauty of the world..." ~ Peter Mayer Well the hustle and bustle of Christmas has come and gone, and it’s the end of another year.  Snowflakes are gently falling outside.   The presents have been opened.  The children are happily playing in the other room, and you sit with the one you love, sipping hot chocolate reading from a book with Currier and Ives prints, in front of the crackling fire, and breathe a deep sigh of contentment.  Sounds like a Netflix Christmas special doesn’t it? So your world doesn’t look like this?  What is it about this scene that appeals to us?  Aside from the peace and quiet that is finally here, what about this setting draws and attracts us like moths to a flame? Is it the beauty?  Beauty is an interesting thing. The preferences and specifics can vary and change to a certain degree, but I think it’s safe to say that we all long for and appreciate “Beauty”. Sunsets and rainbows, scenic landscapes, ocean views, rich forests and placid lakes all speak to us in a language of the soul. Music and nature sounds, like gently falling rain, babbling brooks, whippoorwills, chickadees, crickets and spring peepers all soothe and calm us with their beautiful melodies. Story and song, paintings, quilt-work, sculptures and woodwork, jewelry and even finely designed clothing are all a reflection of the natural world around us and, help bring purpose and meaning into our every day lives beyond just making a living so that we can put food on the table and a roof over our heads. As best selling author Joyce Carol Oates says, “Art is the highest expression of the human spirit”, and if that’s true, as artists, and appreciators of art, if you will, when we create and enjoy beauty, we are leaning into our highest selves and therefore transforming into better human beings.  There’s so much we could discuss about the power of beauty to help us transcend to new and glorious heights, but for the sake of time today, let me just encourage us each to take time to seek, express, appreciate and cultivate more beauty into our lives. The journey begins by recognizing the beauty of the world, and in truth, the entire Universe before us.