Move Through and With Heart

Being Neurodivergent is just different, not strange. Our brains are wired differently, but we often ostracize people that aren't like us or who we do not understand. My guest Angel Spicer comes from a family of neurodivergent people, but she did not discover that she was neurodivergent until she became an adult. She shared her story of discovery. Here is a quote from Angel: "I internalized a lot of that and started to think of myself as being undisciplined, not as focused, not as smart—all of those words that we use to describe someone who can't sit still and can't follow instructions.” You might know someone who feels like Angel did. There are many diagnoses that fall under neurodivergence. ADHD or ADD is just a couple. Angel and my conversation will make you see people that are unlike you differently. It will hopefully, make you find more patience, understanding, and acceptance. How can you begin to change your approach to your relationships? Listen and find out. If you are interested in sharing your story and being part of my podcast, please send a summary of your story to yourstorywithheart@gmail.com

In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to a Buddhist priest about how our thoughts are the cause of so much suffering. We discuss the Buddhist Four Noble Truths, how the mind causes troubling thoughts and social justice. This is a great talk on how we can see the world from a different perspective. Heather says "Hurt People, Hurt People". She shares why she changed from a practicing catholic and became a Buddhist Priest. Heather Shoren Iarusso first moved to Tassajara in June 2008 thinking she'd stay for six months. Her spiritual sabbatical morphed into a way of life, residing amid the peace and beauty of the monastic valley for seven years aggregate. Heather was ordained as a Zen Priest in October 2015 by Teah Strozer, who served as the guiding teacher for Brooklyn Zen Center (BZC) for many years. Heather worked at BZC for two years as the Ino (Head of Meditation Hall), program director, communications coordinator, and the interim executive director. Heather has served in various practice roles at Tassajara including the Ino, Tenzo (Head Cook), Shika (Guest Manager), and the Shuso (Head Student) with Senior Dharma Teacher Paul Haller. She's completed twelve, 90-day practice periods at Tassajara and has also participated in meditation intensives with Pema Chodron, Tenshin Reb Anderson Roshi, Shohaku Okumura Roshi, and Shodo Harada Roshi. Heather holds master's degrees in communications, creative writing, and English literature. https://www.sfzc.org/teachers/heather-shoren-iarusso https://www.sfzc.org/about-san-francisco-zen-center  

In this conversation, I am joined by BJ Council who is a retired police executive that started an organization called You and 50, where she goes into the community and teaches people how to interact with the police and get home safely.  We discuss what is required to defund the police, how to change the narratives of our black and brown communities, how systemic racism has created a cycle of poverty, and much more.  This is a heart-centered conversation that just might surprise you. BJ shares the things that she has learned as a police executive and working with various communities. For more information: You and Five O website - https://www.youandfive-o.com/ https://www.youandfive-o.com/podcast   Dr. Joy Degruy - https://www.joydegruy.com/post-traumatic-slave-syndrome  

This story took courage as Jennifer Szczyradlowski shares her story of what it is like being obese, how she is on the journey to change and gain body positivity, and the self-love she has found along the way.  We discuss what it has taken for her to gain a healthier lifestyle and let go of negative self-talk and thinking.  It is not the story that you might think. It is a story of self-love, honesty, strength, and courage. It is a story of healing and insight.  Here are the websites that she references in the podcast: www.manifestationbabe.com www.nataliejillfitness.com www.sonyareneetaylor.com    

In this episode, I am joined by Zi Bull and their Mom Abby. We have a conversation about Zi coming out to Abby and sharing that they are Transgender. We also get into a conversation about gender roles and what makes a gender a gender.If you are a parent and have a transgender child or suspect that your child might be trans then you do not want to miss this conversation. If you are curious and what to learn more about how to create safe spaces for people that are trans or non-binary then you will enjoy this conversation. It is heartfelt, touching, and really opened up my eyes. Both Zi and Abby are vulnerable and share their struggles and the love they have for one another. I learned so much from them both, and I know that you will too.

I really love creating safe spaces where we can have real challenging conversations. I am joined by Zi Bull, Jae-In Santiago, Margot Reiners, and Jorji Cowan as we talk about being transgender, creating safe spaces, and how to have gender-neutral conversations. You will begin to hear a perspective on how we can accept each other for who we are, especially those that are different from us. Whether you are curious or just aware of what it's like to live in a gender-neutral world, you will learn something new.

I am Donáh and my pronouns are She/Her. I am joined on this episode by Zi Bull, Jae-In Santiago, Margot Reiners, and Jorji Cowan. They walk me through understanding why it is important that we introduce ourselves by our pronouns. They share their feelings and amazing insight into the world of gender, what it's like for transgender individuals, a bit of history, the do and don'ts and the journey of self-acceptance. This is the beginning of several conversations to come. Expand your mind and your soul and learn with me. You will learn how to love deeper, have compassion, and create safe spaces for all.

After listening to the conversations with both of my parents on race, I couldn't help but think Why and How. Why do they think about race the way that they do? How did they come to be so heart-centered? Is there a map that I could follow to teach others to do the same? We all have a choice. Our experiences do not need to define us. Is there another way that we can be and live that will allow us to move through our hearts?

This is my second conversation with my father on race. He shares his challenges on growing up, being a husband and father. He even talks about colorism. I have learned so many wonderful lessons from him, but what I have learned most is how to see the world from different angles. He has taught me that it is possible to move through the world, take the lessons, and then reflect on them with positivity.

A Conversation with a black man, a father, a husband on race in the 50s and 60s, how it's different, what he has learned, and the things we need to remember. 

My mother has incredible wisdom to share. She was at the march on Washington and grew up in the South. She shares her history on race parenting tips on how to raise your children with an open heart.

This is the introduction to my podcast. I share with you what it's about and why I started it. Enjoy!