Podcasts about Gently

This is The Digital Story Podcast 1,056, June 16, 2026. Today's theme is, "Nighttime Is the Right Time for Smartphone Photography" I'm Derrick Story. Smartphones are good at a lots of things. And they are really good at night photography. And when you want to escape the hot, contrasty glare of summer days, let the evening roll in, grab your phone, and go make some stunning pictures. I'll share my favorite tips for just that on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show. Camera. Go to Prioritize Faster Shooting and toggle it off. We want the best image quality possible. Next, learn how to turn on Night Mode Max by long-pressing the Moon icon at the top of the Camera app. This allows for a longer exposure, up to 30 seconds, depending on how steady the camera is. There is a tradeoff, however. In Night Mode the resolution is set to 12MP, even on new iPhones such as the 17 Pro. Techniques for Shooting in Night Mode Keep hands as steady as possible. Widen your stance and use two hands to grip the phone and keep them close to the body. Brace your body against a solid surface. Gently press the shutter button. Take multiple photos instead of just one. Then you can choose the best. Use the Main Camera (1X) because of fast aperture. Pro RAW + Night Mode for maximum edibility. One of the great things about nighttime photography with a smartphone is that you don't attract attention to yourself like you would using a mirrorless camera on a tripod. You can go about your business unnoticed and unbothered. Yet, you can come away with stunning shots. If you are in a situation where you feel comfortable setting up a tripod, then shooting in RAW with Night Mode Max can provide exposures up to 30 seconds with incredible detail and color. Night photography is a great way to separate your images from everyday snapshots. Whether you're exploring new territory on vacation, or just feeling like getting out in your hometown stomping grounds, these techniques will render your world in a whole different light. This Week in the News Apple's RAW Processing is Finally Evolving After a Decade and It's a Big Deal as featured on PetaPixel.com Sales of full-frame mirrorless cameras are flatlining, while compact camera sales continue to grow - what's going on? as featured on AmateurPhotographer.com 5 Lenses Nobody Gets Excited About That Produce More Photos Than Anything in Your Bag as featured on PetaPixel.com Virtual Camera Club News Workshops! The 2026 TDS Photography Workshop Season. We are featuring webinars, online workshops, and in-person events focused on creating impactful images in the company of those who love photography as much as you. Our workshops are like no others, and we think you will throughly enjoy the camaraderie and the tips and techniques. Stop by The Nimble Photographer Workshop Page and reserve your spot today. Lightroom Power Tools Online Workshop - Led by Rob Knight, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026 Adobe Certified Expert Rob Knight will be showcasing some powerful editing tools that have recently been added to Adobe's raw editing in this new workshop. As the tools improve, the work gets easier. Rob will go over the ins and outs of the improved masking tools, point color adjustments, color grading, AI noise reduction, and more. Each session is recorded and made available to all registered participants. Inner Circle Bold. Sign up for the Annual Membership that's only $75.60 a year, you will receive all of the regular Inner Circle benefits, plus a coupon for your choice of a 2026 Online workshop hosted by me. Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view. If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com. The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear. Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout. The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on

Series: Lord's Supper CommentsService: Sun AMType: SermonSpeaker: Jeff Smelser

Feeling weighed down by grief, overthinking, or a world that doesn't feel fair – and still needing to sleep? This **guided sleep meditation** is for you. In *Feel Joy Anyway*, I gently guide you to watch your feelings without becoming them, so you can **fall asleep despite grief, anxiety, or rumination** and let small, genuine moments of joy return. In this practice, you will: - Learn to **observe your emotions** without being swallowed by them - Gently **unhook from overthinking and rumination** at night - Cultivate **self‑compassion, dignity, and clear seeing** - Allow **tiny, authentic moments of joy and peace** to arise – without forcing anything - Drift into **restorative sleep**, even when life feels heavy This meditation is especially supportive if you're: - Moving through **grief, loss, estrangement, or big life transitions** - Struggling with **imposter syndrome, self‑criticism or emotional overwhelm** - Feeling like you're **"running thin on joy"** and can't remember the last time you truly rested

Hello, Beautiful...I'm so grateful you're here with me. This gentle meditation offers a safe space to soften emotional pain, anxiety, and the heaviness you've been carrying. Through calming breathwork and mindful relaxation, you'll begin to release tension and reconnect with peace within yourself. Let this be a moment of healing, comfort, and emotional renewal. Love,

Immerse yourself in gentle river sounds that create a peaceful ambiance perfect for sleep, meditation, and deep relaxation. Let the soothing flow of nature's calm guide you to restful sleep and focused mindfulness.

Connect with Us:If you're an injured runner we can help you get back to running pain-free.Book a free call with us:https://matthewboydphysio.com/booking/Running Fundamentals Course:https://matthewboydphysio.com/running-fundamentals-course/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/matthewboydphysio/SummaryIn this episode, Greg shares his journey from chronic knee pain to running pain-free, highlighting the importance of resilience, proper form, and understanding the body's adaptive capacity. Discover practical insights on managing pain, building strength, and staying motivated through setbacks.TakeawaysEmbrace resilience over rest: By gently staying active, even with some discomfort, you can heal faster and keep your body in tune.Find your adaptive zone: Progress isn't always a straight line. Embrace the ups and downs, knowing you're still moving forward.Rethink aging and joints: Your joints are adaptable, not destined to wear out. Keep them moving and strong.Build your resilience shield: Strengthening your body not only heals but also protects you from future setbacks.Shift your mindset on pain: See pain as a temporary guide, not a barrier. This shift can unlock new paths to healing.Gently push your limits: By safely expanding your comfort zone, you empower your body to grow stronger.Engage, don't avoid: Turn pain into a cue for action, transforming recovery into an active journey.

June 10, 2026 Daily Devotional: “The Solid Ground”Psalm 90:2 ​"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God."  We live in a world that is obsessed with the temporary. Technology updates in a blink, seasons blur into one another, trends fade before we even catch onto them, and our own personal lives can shift dramatically with a single phone call or email. It is easy to look around and feel a sense of vertigo, as if everything we rely on is standing on shifting sand. ​Psalm 90 is unique because it is the only psalm written by Moses. Think about the life Moses led: he grew up in a lavish Egyptian palace, fled to the quiet desert as a shepherd for forty years, and then spent his final decades leading a restless nation through a barren wilderness. If anyone understood what it felt like to live an unstable, transient life, it was Moses. He didn't have a permanent home address. His scenery changed constantly. ​Yet, when Moses sat down to pray, he didn't anchor his soul to his current circumstances, his physical environment, or his own strength. Instead, he looked up at the massive, ancient mountains around him—structures that felt entirely permanent to the human eye—and realized they were just newborns compared to the Creator. Psalm 90:2 is a profound declaration of God's absolute eternity and timeless sovereignty. It is designed to contrast the permanent, unshakeable nature of the Creator with the fragile, fleeting reality of human life. ​When you strip away the poetic phrasing, the verse delivers foundational meanings that can deeply anchor our perspective on life. Moses points us to two beautiful truths about God's nature; ​He is Pre-Existent and He is everlasting; Because before the earth was formed, God already was. He is not reacting to history; He designed it.​ Look as far back as your mind can stretch, and God is there. Look as far into the unknown future as your anxieties try to take you, and God is already there, too. ​When your career, your routine, or your expectations feel completely uprooted, Psalm 90:2 is a reminder that your foundation is unshakeable. You are held by the One who spoke the mountains into existence. He does not change, He does not fade, and He is never caught off guard by the passage of time. ​Trade anxiety for awe when the future feels cloudy or unpredictable, consciously shift your gaze off the temporary problem and onto the eternal nature of God.Remind yourself that the problem you are facing has a shelf life, but the God who loves you does not. ​Anchor your routine and build a small "unshakeable" moment into your shifting day. Whether it's five minutes of quiet prayer before checking your phone or reading a single verse atnight, ground your temporary schedule in the eternal Word. What are you building your security on right now? If it can be changed by an economy, a corporation, or a health diagnosis, it's a shifting sand. Gently release your grip on those things and place your trust back on the Rock. ​Psalm 90:2 means that no matter how chaotic, temporary, or fragile your current season feels, you are held by a God who outlasts it all. Your problems, your transitions, and your challenges have a strict expiration date—but the God who is fighting for you does not.

Monday, June 8th, 2026 Trump Is A Giant Man Baby Lawsuit To Stop The UFC Fight On The White House Lawn BOO Him Into Outer Space Subscribe to the MSW YouTube Channel - MSW Media - YouTube Dr. Allison Gill - The Breakdown | Allison Gill, Mueller, She Wrote (@muellershewrote.com) — Bluesky, MSW & The Daily Beans Podcast (@muellershewrote) - Instagram, MSW Media - YouTube   Dana Goldberg - @dgcomedy.bsky.social on Bluesky, Dana Goldberg (@dgcomedy) - Instagram, Dana Goldberg - Facebook, DanaGoldberg.com   More from MSW Media - Shows - MSW Media, Cleanup On Aisle 45 pod, The Breakdown | Allison Gill Beans Talk is the video companion to The Daily Beans with Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg. Subscribe now to stay informed and entertained!  Reminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:https://apple.co/3XNx7ckWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?https://patreon.com/thedailybeanshttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/https://apple.co/3UKzKt0 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

One meaningful piece of content a week.That's the foundation of my gentle marketing plan for this year.To carve out the energy, space, and time each week to sit down and create something that just feels like a meaningful dispatch from one human being to another.So much noise online right now is telling us that we need to be churning out content for business growth.That we need to please algorithms, hook attentions, and that if we can't keep up with that pace then we should outsource to AI and let that create our content for us instead.But in all of that noise I think we can lose sight of what actually builds, grows, and sustains a business: resonance, connection and trust.In today's episode I share some encouragement for why you don't have to churn out more content to support your business to gently thrive and how I've been supporting my business to make steady sales, reach new hell yes people and continue to build resonance, connection, and trust with my existing readers and listeners too without pushing myself past my capacity.Links:Join my free library filled with resources to support you to create a spacious workweek, a steady and thriving income, and honour your humanness every day.Find out how I can support you to bring more flexibility, ease, and stability into your business.Join me over on Substack. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yoursimpleandspaciousbusiness.substack.com

Matt and Femi discuss the subtle ways students can often make life difficult for teachers, and why this happens in some classrooms but not in others.

Conflict provides a unique opportunity to honor God. Proverbs 15:1 reveals that a gentle answer turns away wrath, while harsh words fuel quarrels. Navigating tension with biblical wisdom transforms difficult moments into paths for reconciliation. Implementing the four G's—Glorify God, Get the log out of the eye, Gently restore, and Go and be reconciled—fosters healthy connections. Selfishness often hinders peace, but following the example of Jesus brings restoration.   Pastor: Enos Marshall Series: Better Together (7) Title: Cooperation (Proverbs 15:1) Date: 2026.05.30+31   LINKS:

Send us your feedback — we're listeningPhilippians 4:7 — Let Peace Gently Return to Your Heart Tonight Recorded live from London, England — where faith meets the world in daily prayer and global hope. North Carolina • Perth • Wellington • Manila • Rio de Janeiro PEACE • RELEASE • QUIET CONFIDENCE evening prayer for peace • Christian prayer after a stressful day • prayer for emotional rest • prayer to let go of worry Philippians 4:7 (NIV) "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." As this day begins to draw towards evening, pause for a moment. You have carried a great deal already. Conversations. Responsibilities. Decisions. Expectations. Some things went as planned. Some things did not. Some questions may still remain unanswered. Before the evening moves further forward, allow yourself a moment to release what has been weighing heavily on your heart. You do not have to keep carrying everything. God is here. Father, thank You for bringing me through another day. Thank You for every moment of help, every unseen act of grace, and every reminder that You have remained near. Jesus, stay close beside me this evening. Where there is disappointment, bring comfort. Where there is pressure, bring relief. Where there is uncertainty, bring peace. Lord, help me stop replaying the things I cannot change. Help me release the conversations I keep revisiting. Help me trust You with the situations that remain unresolved. Teach me to rest in Your care rather than carry burdens You never asked me to hold alone. Across the world, many people are reaching the end of a demanding day. From North Carolina to Perth, from Wellington to Manila and Rio de Janeiro, may hearts find rest in the knowledge that God's peace is greater than today's pressures and God's presence remains faithful through every season. Jesús, llena mi corazón de paz esta noche. Jesus, traz paz ao meu coração nesta noite. Jesus, punuin Mo ang puso ko ng Iyong kapayapaan. Father, I place today's burdens into Your hands. And I receive Your peace for this evening. Amen. Philippians 4 prayer, evening prayer, prayer for peace, Christian encouragement, prayer for emotional healing, prayer for stress, daily prayer, prayer for comfort evening prayer for peace, Christian prayer after a stressful day, prayer for emotional rest, prayer to let go of worrySupport the showDaily Prayer with Reverend Ben Cooper now reaches 185 countries and 3,012 cities worldwide through the Global Blend Radio network.This is a listener-funded global ministry. If these daily prayers strengthen your faith or help you through difficult seasons, would you consider becoming a monthly prayer partner for just £3 per month?Your support enables us to continue recording, hosting, and broadcasting daily biblical encouragement across the nations — keeping this ministry free and accessible to everyone who needs it.You can support today at GlobalBlendRadio.comTogether, we can keep prayer moving across the world.To submit a prayer request or connect with our global prayer community, visit DailyPrayer.ukBuy me a Coffee 

When we scramble too sharplyout of steeping,we may stumble.It takes patienceto refresh ourselves.Let us committo moving at our own pace,to treating ourselves with love.Let our devotionforge a compassionate path forward,one that nourishes and restores,one that inspires and transforms.Happy Beltane and welcome to this week's Rituals of Returning newsletter! Today is the official publication date of my newest book, Thunder and Roses, which becomes available worldwide today on Amazon! Orders from the Etsy shop also include special bonuses only available directly from us. And, for the first time ever, we also have one-of-a-kind (OOAK) Bast goddesses in the shop!This week's magic:18 minute mini ritual video: Beltane ritual and May's alliesAdditional video: letting your heart be your compassTwo minute video: unboxing March's Magic MailFree mini zine: A Festival of WonderMay's practice update for #30DaysofGoddess!Live activation ritual for May is on May 4th at 3:00! Book party for Thunder and Roses is on May 11!We've started a new newsletter for Gaea Goddess Gathering! Coming up in September right here in Missouri.Earthprayer!My special offering for May is an Earthprayer series unfolding via the Goddess Magic Mystery School. This series includes weekly live practices, daily posts, inspiring rituals, and FOUR printable card decks for exploring our daily themes.Life's Bits and Pieces:May I remember I am not here to watch from the edges, but to co‑create in the ceremony of life's unfolding.May I choose with wise discernment what I will tend in my cauldron of creation.May I return, again and again, to my own sacred center.And, may I trust that some wishes are meant to wander on the wind,carrying my magic farther than I can see.reading: (to self) Living in Process—while I have a couple of complaints about this book in terms of what feels like missing information/explanation, I am really enjoying the exploration of living in process, remembering the this earth, this world, this life is not static, it is an unfolding and each of us has a process to live and explore.(to kids) Aenir, book three in the Seventh Tower series—I actually finished the second book, The Castle, in between April's newsletter and this one. I'm still enjoying this series, in which everything the main character has thought to be true about his life and world unravels as he discovered how much more lies outside the shadowy boundaries of his life. (listening to with Tanner): Brian's Hunt—the final book in the survival classic series that developed after Hatchet. Since I last wrote, we also listened to The River, Brian's Winter, and Brian's Return. We also continued our Gary Paulsen festival by listening to Northwind, which is about a Viking-era type of boy who has to survive alone on the sea.(listening to by self): Sisters in the Wind—I've barely begun this one, as I only recently finished listening to Warrior Girl, Unearthed. This is the third book following Firekeeper's Daughter, but it actually takes place temporally between the events of Firekeeper and Warrior Girl. I actually liked Warrior Girl, Unearthed more than Firekeeper's Daughter overall, but I was really left frustrated by the many holes in the ending. Each of these books is a 12+ hour listen, so be prepared!Note: I am on Fable if you want to follow along with what I read there!Resource Reminders:Intro audio about the Goddess Magic Mystery SchoolI've started to add our monthly activation replay videos for this year's #30DaysofGoddess practice to the homepage! Scroll past the “2026 Practice Updates” section to access the videos. Note: Live monthly activations are available to any member of the Goddess Magic Mystery School Patreon community free and paid both!Free Everyday Magic series!6. Awe and Ecstasy5. Freedom4. Innerstanding3. Sacred Yes and Holy No2. Storied Realities, Magical Awareness, and Goddess Creation1. Awakening BeautyPast Resources:Womanrunes Immersion seriesJourneying with InannaFREE class:forty week Intro to Goddess Studies class! Gift a Goddess Magic membership to a friend!Playfulness, Sweetness, and Heart-HealingHappy May! Marshmallow and Raspberry are our herbal allies for May—soft, spiky, sweet, and resilient.In this month's video, we embark on an exploration of Beltane, centered on the Egyptian cat goddess Bast (Bastet). We weave together goddess wisdom, plant medicine, crystal allies, and animal guidance to support a season of love, playfulness, and heart-healing.May you be playful this month. May you pause to listen to your heart. And, may you savor sweetness in the ordinary momentsReminder: I do create monthly handbooks for members of our Goddess Magic Mystery School community and May's handbook is available here.Expanded post available here. And, bonus affirmation set for paid subscribers is included at the bottom of this newsletter (scroll down).Questions to explore:Do you know how to play as you are now (at this age, in this season of life)? What does play mean to you today?Where might you be trying to “straighten” what is meant to be delightfully cattywampus? What would it feel like to bless the imperfect instead of fixing it?Where can you soften in your life—physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually?What rough edges are currently rubbing at your spirit, and how might you soften them?Where do you feel “thin,” leaky, or drained in your life or energy body right now?What fears or resentments are hurting you from the inside out? What would it look like to begin releasing even a little of that today?If your heart could speak freely, what would it say it needs in order to remember how to be whole?What idea, project, or dream are you ready to make manifest in this season?Affirmations:I allow playfulness to enrich my life.I find pleasure in the small moments.I follow what pleases me.I am rich in so many ways.I understand the sacred nature of the cattywampus way.I embrace the tender beauty in imperfection.I am playful.I dance in the love light of a benevolent Mother Goddess.I am rooted in love.I pause and return to center.I breathe deep and listen.I allow myself to delight in the sweetness of life.I am open to ease in the present.I soften and rediscover sweetness.I remember I am already whole.I am fierce and wild.Inhabiting the crossroads…I watch the orioles,orange and black embersagainst a backdrop of green.They do not know what is on my lists.Standing under this sky,this day,I remember:when we let the litany of the undonerun away with us,we forget to inhabit the real.The orioles are here today.Tomorrow is still only a rumor.Sometimes I feel like I've been “camping out” at a long, extended crossroads—combination of midlife re-evaluation, changing family constellations and needs, and simply living in the in‑between on a changing earth.Midlife invites us to recognize and hold the reality that we can't live every possible life and can't say yes to every shimmering door.But you can:+Listen for your own full yes from the wise guide within. +Make peace with the paths that must pass you by.+Trust that new doors appear because you let others close.A mini blessing for today:“May I choose with wise discernment, even when it means letting good things go.”Embodying the Goddess: Guest Video about BeautySo pleased to share this guest video from Cynthia Abulafia, the author of Embodying the Goddess with you as a special subscriber bonus this month!Where the magic is…This is where the magic is, right where we are, where we touchthe mighty mystery,step into the sacred, and ease into the boundless, right where it touches us.Gently, now, we invite ourselves to remember.Bravely, now, we invite ourselves to reclaim.Firmly, now, we invite ourselves to return.We need not seek the absolute or long for the holy,we need only to open our eyes and reach out our hands, right here,right now, we have already arrived.Sending love to all of you.Keep living your magic, Molly, Mark, + Family This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goddessmagic.substack.com/subscribe

Immerse yourself in tranquil river sounds that create the perfect ambient backdrop for deep sleep, meditation, and relaxation. Let these soothing nature audio waves help you unwind, sleep better, and find peaceful rest.

Trouble sitting still? Learn to practice meditating by simply walking in this practice guided by 10% Happier host Dan Harris.How To Do This Practice: Start walking at a comfortable pace in a place where you can move without rushing. Notice your body moving by paying attention to your feet, legs, and arms as you walk. Tune into your senses by observing sounds, sights, temperature, and other details around you. Notice when your mind wanders into planning, worrying, or distractions. Gently return your attention to the sensations of walking and your surroundings each time you drift away. Keep walking with curiosity and allow yourself to stay present without needing to do it perfectly. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode. Today's Happiness Break Guide:DAN HARRIS the host of 10% Happier, a podcast about mindfulness and other practices and thoughts that can support our well-being. Check out Dan's podcast, 10% Happier: https://tinyurl.com/324xtuutRelated Happiness Break Episodes:Moving Through Space, With Dacher Keltner: https://tinyurl.com/5f58jp42Walk Your Way to Calm, with Dacher: https://tinyurl.com/y8md2759Making Space For You: https://tinyurl.com/yc42s6mvRelated Science of Happiness Episodes: How To Focus Under Pressure: https://tinyurl.com/3hpah4ssHow to Find Calm Through Walking: https://tinyurl.com/43dr26reHow To Do Good For The Environment (And Yourself): https://tinyurl.com/26msewb8We love hearing from you! Tell us about your experiences with mindful walking. Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.Find us on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/6s39rzusHelp us share Happiness Break! Rate us and copy and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/6s39rzusTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/9n5xu96e

In this episode, Toni is joined once again by Emily Claire for the first official Raw Dynamic episode, centered around the story and philosophy behind Raw Dynamic Pet Food. Emily shares how the company originally started after one of the owner's dogs struggled with severe skin and coat issues, leading to the development of a fresh food approach that ultimately inspired the brand. A major focus of the conversation is accessibility and convenience in raw feeding. Toni and Emily break down why Raw Dynamic's cube format has been such a game changer for pet parents — especially for multi-dog households, foster situations, enrichment feeding, and those moments when you forget to thaw food ahead of time. They also discuss how making raw feeding easier and less intimidating helps more people transition away from heavily processed diets. Throughout the episode, Toni and Emily reflect on the growing raw feeding space, what separates Raw Dynamic from other brands, and why practicality matters just as much as ingredient quality when helping pet owners make long-term changes. It's a grounded conversation about fresh feeding, real-life routines, and removing barriers that keep people from feeding better food.

Immerse yourself in the gentle waves of a serene mountain lake, perfect for deep sleep, meditation, and relaxation. Let these calming ambient nature sounds soothe your mind, ease stress, and create a peaceful atmosphere for rest and focus.

Welcome to a new episode of ASMR Sleep.In this episode, you will hear the rain tapping gently against a window.What sounds would you like to hear next time? Leave a comment in the review

Knowing you should redirect a client conversation is one thing. Doing it smoothly, without the client feeling like you're steering them somewhere for your own benefit... That's a different skill entirely. Over the past few weeks we've covered building a small bench of offers, reading the signals in a prospect conversation, and matching what you hear to what you have. Today I want to tackle the part that makes most writers nervous: the actual moment of the pivot. I walk through both versions — the clunky default move most writers make when they're worried about losing the work, and the three-step sequence that actually lands well. I also share a specific scenario so you can hear exactly how the language sounds in practice. What You'll Learn Why the instinctive "upsell" move lands wrong even when your instinct is right The three-step pivot sequence: mirror, name, offer How to reflect a prospect's situation back to them in a way that opens them up to a different approach What to say when you notice a strategic gap, without making the client feel corrected How to propose a smaller next step that feels like good service rather than a sales maneuver What to do when a client isn't open to being redirected at all Why the pivot is a diagnostic move, not a sales technique Key Ideas & Takeaways 1. The Default Move Lands Wrong. When most writers spot a problem with a project scope, they wait for a pause and then introduce a different offer. Even when the instinct is right, it feels like an upsell. The client came in asking for one thing and now you're selling them something else. The delivery undermines the advice. 2. Mirror First. Before naming any concern, reflect back what the prospect said in their own language — not a summary, actual words and phrases they used. This confirms you were listening and gives them a chance to hear their own situation out loud. Then pause and let them confirm or correct. 3. Name What You're Observing. Gently, without drama. Share what you've seen happen in similar situations, framed as experience rather than judgment. "I've seen that create problems down the road" lands very differently than "I think your approach is wrong." You're not telling them they're wrong. You're sharing what you've noticed. 4. Offer a Smaller Next Step. After mirroring and naming, propose a contained, lower-risk next step rather than a full alternative engagement. Frame it around the client's benefit: it makes the eventual production faster, cleaner, and more likely to work. No pressure. No lecture. The sequence is mirror, name, offer. 5. The Pivot Is a Diagnostic Move. Writers who struggle most with redirecting a conversation tend to think of it as a sales technique. It's not. It's matching what the client actually needs to the help you can actually provide. Done right, it feels like good service, because it is. 6. Sometimes It Doesn't Work. Some clients are locked in on what they asked for and won't be redirected, however gracefully you handle it. When that happens, you have a decision: take the project as scoped, or pass. But most clients respond well to honest guidance from someone who shows up as an advisor, not just an executor. Action Steps Write out the three-move sequence in your own words: mirror, name, offer. Having your own version ready makes it easier to use in the moment without it sounding scripted. Think back to a recent prospect conversation where you spotted a problem with the scope but didn't say anything. How would the mirror-name-offer sequence have changed that conversation? Practice the "name what you're observing" move in low-stakes settings first. Focus on framing it as experience ("I've seen this create problems") rather than judgment ("I think this is wrong"). Before your next discovery call, identify one scenario where you might need to redirect, and prep the language ahead of time.

Hello, Beautiful...I'm so grateful you're here with me. If your emotions feel heavy or unsettled tonight, this 3 hour sleep meditation will help you soften and release. Together, we'll create a safe space for your body to relax and your mind to settle, so you can drift into deep, comforting sleep. Love,

Calm your nervous system and prepare for deep, healing sleep with this guided somatic nervous system reset meditation and full body scan. Gently release tension, quiet anxiety, and soften into rest with soothing breath, visualisation, and compassionate self-talk. A gentle somatic nervous system reset sleep meditation to help you move from tension and overthinking into deep restorative rest. Lauren guides you through kind breath awareness, soothing visualisations, and a compassionate full body scan so you can soften, let go, and feel safe to rest. Ideal for sleep, anxiety relief, and calming an overwhelmed nervous system. 0:00 Arrival & Getting Comfortable 0:56 Safety, Soothing Words & Permission to Rest 1:54 Gentle Breath Awareness & Kind Observation 7:02 Calming Breath & White Feather Visualization 10:22 Sighing Release & Gratitude for Your Nervous System 17:01 Compassionate Body Scan – Listening to Your Body 23:04 Shoulder Softening, Body Gratitude & Deep Rest 32:00 Quiet Lake at Night – Healing, Resilience & Whole-Body Rest --- ✨ Continue Your Journey with Lauren If this somatic nervous system reset supported you, you might love going deeper with Lauren's offerings: Reset and Rise (Course) A gentle course to help you reset your nervous system and rise with more steadiness and clarity. Explore somatic tools, soothing practices for rest and recovery, and simple morning/evening rituals to support you over time.

When we scramble too sharplyout of steeping,we may stumble.It takes patienceto refresh ourselves.Let us committo moving at our own pace,to treating ourselves with love.Let our devotionforge a compassionate path forward,one that nourishes and restores,one that inspires and transforms.Happy Beltane and welcome to this week's Rituals of Returning newsletter! Today is the official publication date of my newest book, Thunder and Roses, which becomes available worldwide today on Amazon! Orders from the Etsy shop also include special bonuses only available directly from us. And, for the first time ever, we also have one-of-a-kind (OOAK) Bast goddesses in the shop!This week's magic:18 minute mini ritual video: Beltane ritual and May's alliesAdditional video: letting your heart be your compassTwo minute video: unboxing March's Magic MailFree mini zine: A Festival of WonderMay's practice update for #30DaysofGoddess!Live activation ritual for May is on May 4th at 3:00! Book party for Thunder and Roses is on May 11!We've started a new newsletter for Gaea Goddess Gathering! Coming up in September right here in Missouri.Earthprayer!My special offering for May is an Earthprayer series unfolding via the Goddess Magic Mystery School. This series includes weekly live practices, daily posts, inspiring rituals, and FOUR printable card decks for exploring our daily themes.Life's Bits and Pieces:May I remember I am not here to watch from the edges, but to co‑create in the ceremony of life's unfolding.May I choose with wise discernment what I will tend in my cauldron of creation.May I return, again and again, to my own sacred center.And, may I trust that some wishes are meant to wander on the wind,carrying my magic farther than I can see.reading: (to self) Living in Process—while I have a couple of complaints about this book in terms of what feels like missing information/explanation, I am really enjoying the exploration of living in process, remembering the this earth, this world, this life is not static, it is an unfolding and each of us has a process to live and explore.(to kids) Aenir, book three in the Seventh Tower series—I actually finished the second book, The Castle, in between April's newsletter and this one. I'm still enjoying this series, in which everything the main character has thought to be true about his life and world unravels as he discovered how much more lies outside the shadowy boundaries of his life. (listening to with Tanner): Brian's Hunt—the final book in the survival classic series that developed after Hatchet. Since I last wrote, we also listened to The River, Brian's Winter, and Brian's Return. We also continued our Gary Paulsen festival by listening to Northwind, which is about a Viking-era type of boy who has to survive alone on the sea.(listening to by self): Sisters in the Wind—I've barely begun this one, as I only recently finished listening to Warrior Girl, Unearthed. This is the third book following Firekeeper's Daughter, but it actually takes place temporally between the events of Firekeeper and Warrior Girl. I actually liked Warrior Girl, Unearthed more than Firekeeper's Daughter overall, but I was really left frustrated by the many holes in the ending. Each of these books is a 12+ hour listen, so be prepared!Note: I am on Fable if you want to follow along with what I read there!Resource Reminders:Intro audio about the Goddess Magic Mystery SchoolI've started to add our monthly activation replay videos for this year's #30DaysofGoddess practice to the homepage! Scroll past the “2026 Practice Updates” section to access the videos. Note: Live monthly activations are available to any member of the Goddess Magic Mystery School Patreon community free and paid both!Free Everyday Magic series!6. Awe and Ecstasy5. Freedom4. Innerstanding3. Sacred Yes and Holy No2. Storied Realities, Magical Awareness, and Goddess Creation1. Awakening BeautyPast Resources:Womanrunes Immersion seriesJourneying with InannaFREE class:forty week Intro to Goddess Studies class! Gift a Goddess Magic membership to a friend!Playfulness, Sweetness, and Heart-HealingHappy May! Marshmallow and Raspberry are our herbal allies for May—soft, spiky, sweet, and resilient.In this month's video, we embark on an exploration of Beltane, centered on the Egyptian cat goddess Bast (Bastet). We weave together goddess wisdom, plant medicine, crystal allies, and animal guidance to support a season of love, playfulness, and heart-healing.May you be playful this month. May you pause to listen to your heart. And, may you savor sweetness in the ordinary momentsReminder: I do create monthly handbooks for members of our Goddess Magic Mystery School community and May's handbook is available here.Expanded post available here. And, bonus affirmation set for paid subscribers is included at the bottom of this newsletter (scroll down).Questions to explore:Do you know how to play as you are now (at this age, in this season of life)? What does play mean to you today?Where might you be trying to “straighten” what is meant to be delightfully cattywampus? What would it feel like to bless the imperfect instead of fixing it?Where can you soften in your life—physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually?What rough edges are currently rubbing at your spirit, and how might you soften them?Where do you feel “thin,” leaky, or drained in your life or energy body right now?What fears or resentments are hurting you from the inside out? What would it look like to begin releasing even a little of that today?If your heart could speak freely, what would it say it needs in order to remember how to be whole?What idea, project, or dream are you ready to make manifest in this season?Affirmations:I allow playfulness to enrich my life.I find pleasure in the small moments.I follow what pleases me.I am rich in so many ways.I understand the sacred nature of the cattywampus way.I embrace the tender beauty in imperfection.I am playful.I dance in the love light of a benevolent Mother Goddess.I am rooted in love.I pause and return to center.I breathe deep and listen.I allow myself to delight in the sweetness of life.I am open to ease in the present.I soften and rediscover sweetness.I remember I am already whole.I am fierce and wild.Inhabiting the crossroads…I watch the orioles,orange and black embersagainst a backdrop of green.They do not know what is on my lists.Standing under this sky,this day,I remember:when we let the litany of the undonerun away with us,we forget to inhabit the real.The orioles are here today.Tomorrow is still only a rumor.Sometimes I feel like I've been “camping out” at a long, extended crossroads—combination of midlife re-evaluation, changing family constellations and needs, and simply living in the in‑between on a changing earth.Midlife invites us to recognize and hold the reality that we can't live every possible life and can't say yes to every shimmering door.But you can:+Listen for your own full yes from the wise guide within. +Make peace with the paths that must pass you by.+Trust that new doors appear because you let others close.A mini blessing for today:“May I choose with wise discernment, even when it means letting good things go.”Embodying the Goddess: Guest Video about BeautySo pleased to share this guest video from Cynthia Abulafia, the author of Embodying the Goddess with you as a special subscriber bonus this month!Where the magic is…This is where the magic is, right where we are, where we touchthe mighty mystery,step into the sacred, and ease into the boundless, right where it touches us.Gently, now, we invite ourselves to remember.Bravely, now, we invite ourselves to reclaim.Firmly, now, we invite ourselves to return.We need not seek the absolute or long for the holy,we need only to open our eyes and reach out our hands, right here,right now, we have already arrived.Sending love to all of you.Keep living your magic, Molly, Mark, + Family This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goddessmagic.substack.com/subscribe

A calming meditation with gentle Inner Child healing for emotional safety and self-trust - with Taoist monk and teacher, David James Lees.In this guided meditation on gentle reparenting and Inner Child healing, we explore how to create emotional safety, self-trust and calm authority within yourself — without pressure, force or self-criticism.Drawing on Taoist wisdom, mindfulness and emotional healing principles, this meditation helps you reconnect with your Shen (your calm spiritual essence), regulate emotional triggers, release urgency, and build inner peace through steady self-guidance and self-awareness.The meditation is ideal for soothing emotional overwhelm, and supporting self-love, reparenting work and personal growth.⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION WHILE DRIVING OR OPERATING MACHINERYThis meditation can be practised daily or whenever you need it. Learn more about our online consultations, events, books and audio teachings: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comSubscribe to David's FREE Journal: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/Other teachings and guided meditations you may enjoy: Reparenting Yourself Without Force: How to Heal the Inner Child Gently https://youtu.be/YC2kzpZs3pI?si=ROup6Y9f_SIvIyErGUIDED MEDITATION PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIA12P7BftG6a18lIWFDjL35&si=bWWub6YyoZpXhFubLOVE & RELATIONSHIPS PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zID3yxrdCbbZFuKHCwgV6qhX&si=-zdah_z6MiSZIl0tIs there a question you'd like answered on the show? Submit it at: https://bit.ly/askusyourquestion Join our free Wu Wei Wisdom Community Facebook support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wuweiwisdomcommunity  If you love our work, you can now make a small donation to help fund the continued production of our weekly teachings by buying us a 'virtual coffee'! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wuweiwisdom Book an online Golden Thread Process & Inner Child Consultation with David: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/therapies-for-body-mind/ Follow us on Instagram: @wuweiwisdomSign up to receive a relaxing guided meditation gift, plus our weekly newsletter + offers via email: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/signup -Disclaimer: This podcast and any associated teaching and comments shared are not a substitute for professional therapy, mental health care, crisis support, medical advice, doctor diagnosis, or professional healthcare treatment. Our show episodes provide general information for educational purposes only and are offered as suggestions for you and your professional therapist or healthcare advisor to consider and research.Music by Earth Tree Healing

❓Have a money question? Ask Ramsey is here to help!   The trend pendulum never stops swinging. Today, we're unpacking financial and lifestyle fads that we've seen before . . . and we'll probably see again in another ten years.     Next Steps: ·  

In this soothing episode, "I Am Walking Gently Through Tranquil Dreams," allow yourself to embark on a serene journey where stress and worries melt away. Perfect for relaxation and peaceful slumber, this meditation invites you to embrace the gentle flow of serenity as you drift off into a restful night. Picture yourself wandering through a calming landscape, where each thought is a soft whisper, guiding you toward deep, rejuvenating sleep. Let the warmth of this gentle affirmation wash over you, nurturing your spirit and mind. Close your eyes, press play, and let go. Your tranquil dreams await.

Shayla Shark just doesn’t feel sleepy! Can her friends Sean and Santiago help? Narrator: Male Story Begins: 3:47 Sleepy Sharks Excerpt: Shayla Shark felt the cool water glide past her fins as she swam in a circle around her favorite coral arch. At this hour, Shayla usually felt sleepy and ready for a good rest. After a full day of swimming, exploring, and playing on the reef, her body was usually happy to settle down. But tonight, Shayla did not feel sleepy at all. In fact, she felt wide awake. Each time she tried to close her eyes, they popped right back open again. And so here she was, swimming in circles, wondering why her body did not feel ready for rest. Today's Meditation: Enjoy the feeling of your body relaxing into the warm sand on a sunny beach. Creating the original bedtime stories and art for Be Calm on Ahway Island takes a lot of time and care. As a listener-supported podcast, we truly appreciate our members on Patreon. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining! Writing, recording, editing, and publishing episodes and managing digital platforms is an enormous endeavor. Our Patreon program will help continue to grow Ahway Island and we hope you will support us! You can choose from 2 different Membership Levels, all of which include access to our Archives and extra episodes every other month! Are you and your children enjoying our stories and self-soothing meditations? Looking for a podcast to help settle your child in for nap time, bedtime or a break?  You’ll find it on Ahway Island®. Be Calm on Ahway Island® Podcast offers original bedtime stories, like “Naptime or Not?” paired with meditations for kids. We help them drift off to sleep with a guided relaxation and a calming story. Gently nestled within each podcast episode are mindfulness techniques and positive learning moments.  To learn more about our mission at Ahway Island and our team, please visit our website. In the press: Read about how and why we created Ahway Island in this feature from Global Comment! Zzz! The Boston Globe recommends “Be Calm on Ahway Island” as as one of “Eight Podcasts That Could Help You Get Some Sleep.” SheKnows recommends us as as a podcast you and your kids will love! Digital Trends warns listeners that “you may not make it through an entire episode fully conscious.” Yay! Thanks for visiting Ahway Island. We’ll see you soon!

Oscar Oven worries when the Parker family tries to bake cookies without a recipe. How will they turn out? Narrator: Female Story Begins: 4:01 Ahway Adventure Cookies Excerpt: “I know. I'm sorry. I forgot,” Emily repeated. “Is there anything we can make tonight?” she asked, voice full of hope. Mr. Parker walked over to the pantry, opened the door, and looked inside. “Let's see what we have. Maybe we can still figure something out.” Oscar felt his excitement leaving and worry creeping in. Baking usually required exact measurements and ingredients. It needed a plan. And that meant everything ready to go, a recipe on the counter, measuring cups out, and everything happening in the right order. This did not sound like a plan at all. Today's Meditation: Relax as you imagine sunlight warming you as you lie in a grassy meadow. Creating the original bedtime stories and art for Be Calm on Ahway Island takes a lot of time and care. As a listener-supported podcast, we truly appreciate our members on Patreon. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining! Writing, recording, editing, and publishing episodes and managing digital platforms is an enormous endeavor. Our Patreon program will help continue to grow Ahway Island and we hope you will support us! You can choose from 2 different Membership Levels, all of which include access to our Archives and extra episodes every other month! Are you and your children enjoying our stories and self-soothing meditations? Looking for ways to help your child learn emotional regulation and how to self soothe? You’ll find them on Ahway Island®. Be Calm on Ahway Island® Podcast offers original bedtime stories, like “Happy Dragon,” paired with meditations for kids. We help them drift off to sleep with a guided relaxation and a calming story. Gently nestled within each podcast episode are mindfulness techniques and positive learning moments.  To learn more about our mission at Ahway Island and our team, please visit our website. In the press: Read about how and why we created Ahway Island in this feature from Global Comment! Zzz! The Boston Globe recommends “Be Calm on Ahway Island” as as one of “Eight Podcasts That Could Help You Get Some Sleep.” SheKnows recommends us as as a podcast you and your kids will love! Digital Trends warns listeners that “you may not make it through an entire episode fully conscious.” Yay! Thanks for being part of our Ahway Island community!

Odette Octopus and Serena Sea Lion learn that the greatest treasure of all is friendship. Hello everyone!  We hope you enjoyed our new stories this week. Now, welcome to Favorite Friday! Sometimes we like to listen to our favorites again. Please enjoy “The Greatest Treasure,” and we'll be back with a new story on Monday! Narrator: Male Story Begins: 3:40 The Greatest Treasure Excerpt: Odette Octopus quickly scurried across the seafloor through the reef, excited to meet up with her friend Serena Sea Lion. Yesterday, Serena had told Odette about a place close to the reef that had a big treasure hidden in it. Serena wasn't sure what the treasure was or where it was, exactly, so the two friends had decided to go on a treasure hunt together today to find the treasure. Today's Meditation: Enjoy the feeling of your body relaxing into the warm sand on a sunny beach. Looking for stories that emphasize acceptance, understanding, and empathy? You’ll find them on Ahway Island®. Be Calm on Ahway Island® Podcast offers original bedtime stories, like “Magical Chair,” paired with meditations for kids. We help them drift off to sleep with a guided relaxation and a calming story. Gently nestled within each podcast episode are mindfulness techniques and positive learning moments. You can search for stories by Learning Message, Character Type, or Narrator Type on our Episodes page. To learn more about our mission at Ahway Island and our team, please visit our About page, or check out our FAQs. Creating the original bedtime stories and art for Be Calm on Ahway Island takes a lot of time and care. As a listener-supported podcast, we truly appreciate our members on Patreon. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining! Writing, recording, editing, and publishing episodes and managing digital platforms is an enormous endeavor. Our Patreon program will help continue to grow Ahway Island and we hope you will support us! You can choose from 2 different Membership Levels, all of which include access to our Archives and an extra episode each week! Are you and your children enjoying our stories and self-soothing meditations? We hope your child loved “The Greatest Treasure.” We ask for your positive reviews to help others find us, too! Please leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast app (such as Apple Podcasts). And, please follow, like, and/or share our social media profiles (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram ) to help us bring our original stories with positive messages to even more listeners! In the press: Digital Trends warns listeners that “you may not make it through an entire episode fully conscious.” Yay! We're honored that the website of Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems includes us on their list of Technology to Boost Mental Health. Jooki recommends us as an outstanding podcast for preschoolers. We're reaching listeners internationally! Sassy Mama Hong Kong included us in their article on transitioning into the new year, Sassy Mama Singapore recommends us for limiting screen-time while sheltering at home, and Haven Magazine Australia included us in their tips for getting through the school holidays. Thank you to Anne Bensfield and Pamela Rogers of School Library Journal for listing us as one of “8 Podcasts To Encourage Mindfulness!” Thanks for listening. We'll be back soon!

Discover why healing the Inner Child isn't about controlling yourself harder — but becoming a calm, steady inner presence that creates real emotional safety over time. This is part 3 of our powerful 4-part Inner Child series for 2026.In this episode, David explains what reparenting truly means — not fixing yourself or endlessly self-soothing, but learning to become a stable, grounded adult presence within your own emotional system.Discover why harsh self-talk and pressure reinforce insecurity, how our practical tips and guidance can help you create inner safety, and the small daily acts that quietly build trust, calm, and emotional resilience over time.Watch part 1 here: https://youtu.be/FY0EMmLfiDw?si=vTqAAqPGWAcsgHFxWatch part 2 here: https://youtu.be/HhxyED-VSik?si=JkAIyg2kcWdRklh1 Coming in part 4: When Inner Child Work Is Complete: How Healing Turns Into Freedom With your hosts, David James Lees (ordained Taoist monk, emotional and spiritual health teacher) and Alexandra Lees (mindset and business coach).Discover our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comSubscribe to David's FREE Journal: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/Other related teachings on our YouTube channel that will help you:Our INNER CHILD PLAYLIST  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICGLRS1b7q1HSJhZRash5qqOur GOLDEN THREAD PROCESS PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIAsS_wgdRN7QGBKIk54sbyDIs there a question you'd like answered on the show? Submit it at: https://bit.ly/askusyourquestion Join our free Wu Wei Wisdom Community Facebook support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wuweiwisdomcommunity  If you love our work, you can now make a small donation to help fund the continued production of our weekly teachings by buying us a 'virtual coffee'! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wuweiwisdom Book an online Golden Thread Process & Inner Child Consultation with David: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/therapies-for-body-mind/ Follow us on Instagram: @wuweiwisdomSign up to receive a relaxing guided meditation gift, plus our weekly newsletter + offers via email:  https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/signup Music by Earth Tree HealingDisclaimer: This podcast and any associated teaching and comments shared are not a substitute for professional therapy, mental health care, crisis support, medical advice, doctor diagnosis, or professional healthcare treatment. Our show episodes provide general information for educational purposes only and are offered as suggestions for you and your professional therapist or healthcare advisor to consider and research.

There is no objectively 'right' of 'wrong' way how we perceive and experience the breath in Ānāpānasati (Mindfulness of In & Out Breath) meditation. Perception of internal phenomena is entirely subjective. However, there are ways of perceiving and feeling the breath that are conducive to deepening our samādhi & insight, and there are other ways of perceiving that have the opposite effect. Therefore, when doing breath meditation, we deliberately cultivate those perceptions and feelings that are helpful for us to deepen the meditiaton. The Buddha in particular advised to feel and experience our whole physical body when doing Anapanasati, and to cultivate contentment, gladness, joy, rapture, bliss and happiness with every inbreath and every outbreath. Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/news⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our email Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latest Photos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://latest-pics.dhammagiri.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our Youtube Channel:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724#breath #breathmeditation #anapanasati #meditation #buddhistmeditation #mindfulness #samadhi #samatha

James is nervous about going to a party with a lot of kids, but his sister Julia has some advice for him. Narrator: Female Story Begins: 4:08 Pizza Party! Excerpt: James and Henry went to school together. James did not know Henry very well, but he knew that Henry was kind and enjoyed singing. James liked Henry and was happy he'd been invited to the birthday party. The party was going to be at the Ahway Island pizzeria, and that sounded really fun. James had been there before, and not only was the food delicious, but there was also an arcade inside. James was excited, but now that it was almost time to leave, he noticed a little fluttery feeling in his tummy. James was not worried about Henry. But what about all the other kids who might be at the party? James felt a little nervous about meeting new people. He was worried he wouldn't know what to say to them. Today's Meditation: Relax as you imagine sunlight warming you as you lie in a grassy meadow. Creating the original bedtime stories and art for Be Calm on Ahway Island takes a lot of time and care. As a listener-supported podcast, we truly appreciate our members on Patreon. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining! Writing, recording, editing, and publishing episodes and managing digital platforms is an enormous endeavor. Our Patreon program will help continue to grow Ahway Island and we hope you will support us! You can choose from 2 different Membership Levels, all of which include access to our Archives and extra episodes every other month! Are you and your children enjoying our stories and self-soothing meditations? Looking for a story that helps your children build confidence and face challenges with courage? You’ll find it on Ahway Island®. Be Calm on Ahway Island® Podcast offers original bedtime stories, like “Berry Brave,” paired with meditations for kids. We help them drift off to sleep with a guided relaxation and a calming story. Gently nestled within each podcast episode are mindfulness techniques and positive learning moments.  To learn more about our mission at Ahway Island and our team, please visit our website. In the press: Read about how and why we created Ahway Island in this feature from Global Comment! Zzz! The Boston Globe recommends “Be Calm on Ahway Island” as as one of “Eight Podcasts That Could Help You Get Some Sleep.” SheKnows recommends us as as a podcast you and your kids will love! Digital Trends warns listeners that “you may not make it through an entire episode fully conscious.” Yay! Thanks for joining us for another peaceful story. See you soon!

Today's crossword marked a fine way to start our crossword-solving week, with a witty theme, straightforward clues, and — as one would expect on a Monday — very few problem areas. And yet, demonstrating his ability to be OTM (OBTUSER Than Most™️), Mike was able to get temporarily mired in the grid. You can hear all the shocking details inside, and discover the well-deserved winner of this week's JAMCOTWA™️ (Jean And Mike Crossword Of the Week Award).Show note imagery: Don't delay, learn how to BELAY today

In this Be Still and Be Loved episode, Heather Johnson gently guides you into a slower, more intentional pace—one where you can breathe deeply, quiet the noise, and reconnect with God's presence. If your mind feels full or your body is carrying the weight of hurry and pressure, this time is for you. Through simple breathwork and biblical meditation, Heather invites you to notice where you're holding tension and to release it—letting your to-do list wait as you settle into stillness before the Lord. This is an invitation to step out of striving and into trust. To receive His peace. To walk at the pace of love—unrushed, steady, and led by the Spirit. There's no need to rush here. You are safe to slow down. In this episode, you'll: Gently connect to your breath and body Reflect on where you may be feeling hurried or anxious Practice releasing pressure and receiving God's peace Be reminded that you can trust Him with your pace and your life Let this be your moment to pause, breathe, and be held. Anchor Scriptures: "Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10 "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him." — Psalm 37:7 Take a deep breath. He is here.

George Turtle feels very cold on a rainy day, but Babette Bunny wants to help. Narrator: Male Story Begins: 4:08 Toasty Turtle Excerpt: “Humph. How will I get warm now?” George thought. George did not feel upset about the rain, necessarily. Rain was part of life on Ahway Island. The flowers needed it. The trees needed it. But George was an old turtle, and he knew his body well. When the sun went away and the cool rain came down, his body began to feel chilly. Now, the warmth he had enjoyed all morning was slipping away. Today's Meditation: Imagine drawing gentle shapes in the soothing sand as you relax before today’s story. Creating the original bedtime stories and art for Be Calm on Ahway Island takes a lot of time and care. As a listener-supported podcast, we truly appreciate our members on Patreon. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining! Writing, recording, editing, and publishing episodes and managing digital platforms is an enormous endeavor. Our Patreon program will help continue to grow Ahway Island and we hope you will support us! You can choose from 2 different Membership Levels, all of which include access to our Archives and extra episodes every other month! Are you and your children enjoying our stories and self-soothing meditations? Looking for ways to help your child learn emotional regulation and how to self soothe? You’ll find them on Ahway Island®. Be Calm on Ahway Island® Podcast offers original bedtime stories, like “Happy Dragon,” paired with meditations for kids. We help them drift off to sleep with a guided relaxation and a calming story. Gently nestled within each podcast episode are mindfulness techniques and positive learning moments.  To learn more about our mission at Ahway Island and our team, please visit our website. In the press: Read about how and why we created Ahway Island in this feature from Global Comment! Zzz! The Boston Globe recommends “Be Calm on Ahway Island” as as one of “Eight Podcasts That Could Help You Get Some Sleep.” SheKnows recommends us as as a podcast you and your kids will love! Digital Trends warns listeners that “you may not make it through an entire episode fully conscious.” Yay! Thanks for spending time with us on Ahway Island. Come back soon!

In this Be Still and Be Loved episode, Heather Johnson gently guides you into a slower, more intentional pace—one where you can breathe deeply, quiet the noise, and reconnect with God's presence. If your mind feels full or your body is carrying the weight of hurry and pressure, this time is for you. Through simple breathwork and biblical meditation, Heather invites you to notice where you're holding tension and to release it—letting your to-do list wait as you settle into stillness before the Lord. This is an invitation to step out of striving and into trust. To receive His peace. To walk at the pace of love—unrushed, steady, and led by the Spirit. There's no need to rush here. You are safe to slow down. In this episode, you'll: Gently connect to your breath and body Reflect on where you may be feeling hurried or anxious Practice releasing pressure and receiving God's peace Be reminded that you can trust Him with your pace and your life Let this be your moment to pause, breathe, and be held. Anchor Scriptures: "Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10 "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him." — Psalm 37:7 Take a deep breath. He is here.

Beau Beluga wants to explore everything and wanders away from his pod before he’s reminded to stay close to his family. Hello everyone!  We hope you enjoyed our new stories this week. Now, welcome to Favorite Friday! Sometimes we like to listen to our favorites again. Please enjoy “Wandering Whale,” and we'll be back with a new story on Monday! Narrator: Male Story Begins: 4:01 Wandering Whale Excerpt: As he looked this way and that, Beau suddenly noticed a sunbeam lighting up the water. The beam of light streamed down from the surface of the water, lighting a magical path that seemed to stretch on forever into the depths of the waters. Beau knew it wasn't possible for the light to actually travel all the way to the bottom of the ocean, but he wondered just how far down that light from above the surface could travel into the deep darkness of the sea. Today's Meditation: Imagine drawing gentle shapes in the soothing sand as you relax before today’s story. Looking for a story that helps your children build confidence and face challenges with courage? You’ll find it on Ahway Island®. Be Calm on Ahway Island® Podcast offers original bedtime stories, like “Berry Brave,” paired with meditations for kids. We help them drift off to sleep with a guided relaxation and a calming story. Gently nestled within each podcast episode are mindfulness techniques and positive learning moments. You can search for stories by Learning Message, Character Type, or Narrator Type on our Episodes page. To learn more about our mission at Ahway Island and our team, please visit our About page, or check out our FAQs. Creating the original bedtime stories and art for Be Calm on Ahway Island takes a lot of time and care. As a listener-supported podcast, we truly appreciate our members on Patreon. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining! Writing, recording, editing, and publishing episodes and managing digital platforms is an enormous endeavor. Our Patreon program will help continue to grow Ahway Island and we hope you will support us! You can choose from 2 different Membership Levels, all of which include access to our Archives and an extra episode each week! Are you and your children enjoying our stories and self-soothing meditations? We hope your child loved “Wandering Whale.” We ask for your positive reviews to help others find us, too! Please leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast app (such as Apple Podcasts). And, please follow, like, and/or share our social media profiles (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram ) to help us bring our original stories with positive messages to even more listeners! In the press: Digital Trends warns listeners that “you may not make it through an entire episode fully conscious.” Yay! We're honored that the website of Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems includes us on their list of Technology to Boost Mental Health. Jooki recommends us as an outstanding podcast for preschoolers. We're reaching listeners internationally! Sassy Mama Hong Kong included us in their article on transitioning into the new year, Sassy Mama Singapore recommends us for limiting screen-time while sheltering at home, and Haven Magazine Australia included us in their tips for getting through the school holidays. Thank you to Anne Bensfield and Pamela Rogers of School Library Journal for listing us as one of “8 Podcasts To Encourage Mindfulness!” We're so glad you joined us today. See you next time!

Take a few minutes to reflect on someone who inspires you, and how you can embody the values you admire in them.How To Do This Practice:  Arrive and Settle: Find a quiet place to sit or stand. Gently close your eyes or soften your gaze. Take a few slow, steady breaths, allowing your body to relax and the noise of the day to quiet. Call to Mind Someone Who Inspires You: Think of a person whose character deeply moves you—someone whose courage, kindness, integrity, or compassion stands out. Let one specific moment come to mind when they embodied those qualities. Replay the Moment: Picture what they did as clearly as you can. What action did they take? What values were they expressing? Stay with the details of that moment and what made it meaningful. Notice How It Lands in Your Body: As you hold this image, turn your attention inward. What do you feel physically? Warmth, openness, a softening, maybe even emotion rising—just observe without judgment. Name What Matters to You: Reflect on why this moment resonates so deeply. What value or sense of purpose does it point to—justice, care, truth, courage, love? Let yourself name what feels most true for you. Ask yourself: What's one small way I can live this value today? It might be in how you speak to someone, how you show up in your work, or how you care for yourself or others. Carry this intention with you as you move forward. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Today's Happiness Break Guide:DACHER KELTNER is the host of the Greater Good Science Center's award-winning podcast, The Science of Happiness and is a co-instructor of the GGSC's popular online course of the same name. He's also the founding director of the Greater Good Science Center and a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.Related Happiness Break episodes:Embodying Resilience: https://tinyurl.com/46383mhxA Meditation on Becoming a Gift to Life: https://tinyurl.com/yc76n7urVisualizing Your Purpose: https://tinyurl.com/3ndn95zrRelated Science of Happiness episodes:What's Your “Why” in Life?: https://tinyurl.com/b38kdt68How To Ground Yourself in Nature: https://tinyurl.com/25ftdxpmPause to Look at the Sky: https://tinyurl.com/4jttkbw3Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPodWe'd love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapHelp us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/33uyrykc

Gentleness isn't weakness. It never was.It takes far more strength to stand tall, refuse revenge, and turn the other cheek than it does to slap back.LINKS:Read with us in April! Download Growing in GentlenessConnect with Christie ThomasFollow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms A Prayer to Use our Power Gently with Christie Thomas Jesus is called both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God — not one or the other. He had the power to destroy his enemies at any moment. He chose the cross anyway. Not because he was weak. Because he had a mission greater than winning the moment.And that same power? It lives in you."Worthy is the lamb who was slaughtered to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength." — Revelation 5:12What would change today if you chose gentleness from a place of strength instead of silence? Reference: Matthew 5: 39-41 Prayer: Jesus, you are lion and lamb, powerful and gentle. Please teach us to use our power gently. In Jesus' name, Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Diana Duck teaches Dragon a new game, and Soldead Sparrow joins in! Narrator: Female Story Begins: 3:10 Dragon’s Little Lie Excerpt: After relaxing for quite some time, Dragon got up, eager to do something. They just weren't sure what they wanted to do. Sometimes, walking helped ideas come to mind, so Dragon set out on the forest path, heading toward the pond. Nearing the pond, Dragon heard a duck's quacking before they saw the duck sitting close to the water's edge. It was Diana Duck, who usually lived in the sanctuary. Dragon was surprised, but also very pleased to see her. They approached, smiling and waving. Today's Meditation: Imagine you are a twinkling star, receiving and sending energy through the universe in today’s meditation. Creating the original bedtime stories and art for Be Calm on Ahway Island takes a lot of time and care. As a listener-supported podcast, we truly appreciate our members on Patreon. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining! Writing, recording, editing, and publishing episodes and managing digital platforms is an enormous endeavor. Our Patreon program will help continue to grow Ahway Island and we hope you will support us! You can choose from 2 different Membership Levels, all of which include access to our Archives and extra episodes every other month! Are you and your children enjoying our stories and self-soothing meditations? Looking for a podcast to help settle your child in for nap time, bedtime or a break?  You’ll find it on Ahway Island®. Be Calm on Ahway Island® Podcast offers original bedtime stories, like “Naptime or Not?,” paired with meditations for kids. We help them drift off to sleep with a guided relaxation and a calming story. Gently nestled within each podcast episode are mindfulness techniques and positive learning moments.  To learn more about our mission at Ahway Island and our team, please visit our website. In the press: Read about how and why we created Ahway Island in this feature from Global Comment! Zzz! The Boston Globe recommends “Be Calm on Ahway Island” as as one of “Eight Podcasts That Could Help You Get Some Sleep.” SheKnows recommends us as as a podcast you and your kids will love! Digital Trends warns listeners that “you may not make it through an entire episode fully conscious.” Yay! Thanks for joining us for our Ahway Island story today!

Ella finds her stepsister Tracy using her gel pens without her permission, and she wants to make sure that next time, Tracy will ask first. Narrator: Female Story Begins: 3:10 The Ask-First Box Excerpt: Ella took out her journal and reached for her usual pen. Then she remembered the new gel pens her dad had given her for her birthday last week. Ella liked gel pens because they glided smoothly across the page when she wrote, leaving shimmering ink behind. Ella smiled to herself. Using those pens would make her journal look even prettier. She remembered that she'd set the box of gel pens on the desk beside the family computer. So, Ella carried her journal downstairs and walked over to the computer desk. Immediately, something seemed wrong. The box was open. Ella stopped and looked more closely. Three of the gel pens were missing. Today's Meditation: Love flows through you in this meditation as you imagine a baby fawn and mama deer. Creating the original bedtime stories and art for Be Calm on Ahway Island takes a lot of time and care. As a listener-supported podcast, we truly appreciate our members on Patreon. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining! Writing, recording, editing, and publishing episodes and managing digital platforms is an enormous endeavor. Our Patreon program will help continue to grow Ahway Island and we hope you will support us! You can choose from 2 different Membership Levels, all of which include access to our Archives and extra episodes every other month! Are you and your children enjoying our stories and self-soothing meditations? Looking for stories that emphasize acceptance, understanding, and empathy? You’ll find them on Ahway Island®. Be Calm on Ahway Island® Podcast offers original bedtime stories, like “Magical Chair,” paired with meditations for kids. We help them drift off to sleep with a guided relaxation and a calming story. Gently nestled within each podcast episode are mindfulness techniques and positive learning moments.  To learn more about our mission at Ahway Island and our team, please visit our website. In the press: Read about how and why we created Ahway Island in this feature from Global Comment! Zzz! The Boston Globe recommends “Be Calm on Ahway Island” as as one of “Eight Podcasts That Could Help You Get Some Sleep.” SheKnows recommends us as as a podcast you and your kids will love! Digital Trends warns listeners that “you may not make it through an entire episode fully conscious.” Yay! We hope you enjoyed today's episode. Visit again soon!

Sylvia Sled is a little nervous about sledding on a big new hill, but after she works through her fears, she has a wonderful time. Hello everyone!  We hope you enjoyed our new stories this week. Now, welcome to Favorite Friday! Sometimes we like to listen to our favorites again. Please enjoy “Speedy Sled,” and we'll be back with a new story on Monday! Narrator: Male Story Begins: 4:01 Speedy Sled Excerpt: Now Sylvia was totally awake. She felt almost giddy with excitement as she watched as beautiful snowflakes drifted past the garage window. The little sled had been waiting for this day for many months. The weather had been cold for weeks, but there had been no snow yet this season, which meant there could be no sledding. Today's Meditation: Imagine you are a twinkling star, receiving and sending energy through the universe in today’s meditation. Looking for ways to help your child learn emotional regulation and how to self soothe? You’ll find them on Ahway Island®. Be Calm on Ahway Island® Podcast offers original bedtime stories, like “Happy Dragon,” paired with meditations for kids. We help them drift off to sleep with a guided relaxation and a calming story. Gently nestled within each podcast episode are mindfulness techniques and positive learning moments. You can search for stories by Learning Message, Character Type, or Narrator Type on our Episodes page. To learn more about our mission at Ahway Island and our team, please visit our About page, or check out our FAQs. Creating the original bedtime stories and art for Be Calm on Ahway Island takes a lot of time and care. As a listener-supported podcast, we truly appreciate our members on Patreon. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining! Writing, recording, editing, and publishing episodes and managing digital platforms is an enormous endeavor. Our Patreon program will help continue to grow Ahway Island and we hope you will support us! You can choose from 2 different Membership Levels, all of which include access to our Archives and an extra episode each week! Are you and your children enjoying our stories and self-soothing meditations? We hope your child loved “Speedy Sled.” We ask for your positive reviews to help others find us, too! Please leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast app (such as Apple Podcasts). And, please follow, like, and/or share our social media profiles (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram ) to help us bring our original stories with positive messages to even more listeners! In the press: Digital Trends warns listeners that “you may not make it through an entire episode fully conscious.” Yay! We're honored that the website of Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems includes us on their list of Technology to Boost Mental Health. Jooki recommends us as an outstanding podcast for preschoolers. We're reaching listeners internationally! Sassy Mama Hong Kong included us in their article on transitioning into the new year, Sassy Mama Singapore recommends us for limiting screen-time while sheltering at home, and Haven Magazine Australia included us in their tips for getting through the school holidays. Thank you to Anne Bensfield and Pamela Rogers of School Library Journal for listing us as one of “8 Podcasts To Encourage Mindfulness!” Thanks for choosing to be calm on Ahway Island today!

The healthiest bread in the world is not at the grocery store. While many low-carb bread recipes fall short, this healthy bread recipe has a delicious taste and perfect texture. This is the absolute best bread for your health, and you won't even guess it's keto-friendly. 0:00 Introduction: The best bread for health0:33 Wheat bread vs. white bread 3:10 Good bread vs. bad bread3:45 How to make healthy breadDownload Dr. Berg's Free Daily Health Routine: https://drbrg.co/45qtO07It's often thought that whole wheat bread is the best bread for health, but this isn't true. The average glycemic index for whole wheat bread is identical to that of white bread. Both spike blood sugar more than table sugar!Whole wheat bread contains phytic acid, an anti-nutrient that binds with important minerals, blocking their absorption. Whole wheat bread contains inflammatory compounds and may also contain glyphosate.This 5-ingredient healthy bread is low on the glycemic index, so it will not spike your blood sugar. It doesn't contain anti-nutrients, inflammatory compounds, or glyphosate. Here's how to make healthy bread that's simple and delicious:• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.• Combine the following ingredients:1½ cups blanched almond flour¼ cup psyllium husk powder 2 tsp baking powder¼ tsp sea salt4 organic eggs, separated • Combine dry ingredients.• Beat egg whites with a mixer until stiff peaks form.• In a separate bowl, mix egg yolks with a tablespoon of melted butter.• Combine egg yolk mixture with dry ingredients.• Gently fold in whipped egg whites.• Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.• Put the dough in a loaf pan and put it in the oven to bake. • Bake for 30-35 minutes.• Allow bread to cool completely before slicing. Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:Dr. Berg, age 61, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals and author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.Disclaimer: Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients, so he can focus on educating people as a full-time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose, and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Odette Octopus explores her corner of the sea. What will she find? Narrator: Male Story Begins: 3:55 Octopus Evening Excerpt: From under her rock, Odette the octopus watched the light slowly fade. She began to glow purple with excitement. She loved evenings in the Ahway Island ocean. Days were wonderful, too, of course, but there was something special about how the moonlight cascaded over midnight blue waters. Odette grinned and stretched her arms, pulling herself out from under the rock. The little octopus was ready for some exploring. She hoped to find something new and different. Today's Meditation: Picture floating in the safe and comforting waters of a tranquil pool. Creating the original bedtime stories and art for Be Calm on Ahway Island takes a lot of time and care. As a listener-supported podcast, we truly appreciate our members on Patreon. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining! Writing, recording, editing, and publishing episodes and managing digital platforms is an enormous endeavor. Our Patreon program will help continue to grow Ahway Island and we hope you will support us! You can choose from 2 different Membership Levels, all of which include access to our Archives and extra episodes every other month! Are you and your children enjoying our stories and self-soothing meditations? Looking for a podcast to help settle your child in for nap time, bedtime or a break?  You’ll find it on Ahway Island®. Be Calm on Ahway Island® Podcast offers original bedtime stories, like “Nap Time or Not?” paired with meditations for kids. We help them drift off to sleep with a guided relaxation and a calming story. Gently nestled within each podcast episode are mindfulness techniques and positive learning moments.  To learn more about our mission at Ahway Island and our team, please visit our website. In the press: Read about how and why we created Ahway Island in this feature from Global Comment! Zzz! The Boston Globe recommends “Be Calm on Ahway Island” as as one of “Eight Podcasts That Could Help You Get Some Sleep.” SheKnows recommends us as as a podcast you and your kids will love! Digital Trends warns listeners that “you may not make it through an entire episode fully conscious.” Yay! Thanks for tuning in to another peaceful story!

It’s a busy day at the sandbox as Scotty Sand Scoop meets a child who doesn’t play the way he’s used to. Narrator: Female Story Begins: 3:51 Scooping Fun Excerpt: Scotty liked when children came to play in the sandbox. He liked the sound of happy voices in the park. He liked the feeling of his bucket dipping into the soft sand. He liked helping children build hills and trenches and moats and roads. Every day brought something a little different. Sometimes children used Scotty to dig a deep hole. Sometimes they scooped sand into a bucket. Sometimes they made a mountain and patted it smooth with their hands. Scotty never knew exactly what kind of game the day would bring, and that made waiting feel exciting. Today's Meditation: Imagine drawing gentle shapes in the soothing sand as you relax before today’s story. Creating the original bedtime stories and art for Be Calm on Ahway Island takes a lot of time and care. As a listener-supported podcast, we truly appreciate our members on Patreon. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining! Writing, recording, editing, and publishing episodes and managing digital platforms is an enormous endeavor. Our Patreon program will help continue to grow Ahway Island and we hope you will support us! You can choose from 2 different Membership Levels, all of which include access to our Archives and extra episodes every other month! Are you and your children enjoying our stories and self-soothing meditations? Looking for stories with positive learning moments for your little one?  You’ll find them on Ahway Island®. Be Calm on Ahway Island® Podcast offers original bedtime stories, like “Mystery Jug,” paired with meditations for kids. We help them drift off to sleep with a guided relaxation and a calming story. Gently nestled within each podcast episode are mindfulness techniques and positive learning moments.  To learn more about our mission at Ahway Island and our team, please visit our website. In the press: Read about how and why we created Ahway Island in this feature from Global Comment! Zzz! The Boston Globe recommends “Be Calm on Ahway Island” as as one of “Eight Podcasts That Could Help You Get Some Sleep.” SheKnows recommends us as as a podcast you and your kids will love! Digital Trends warns listeners that “you may not make it through an entire episode fully conscious.” Yay! Thanks for visiting our island today. We’ll see you for the next story!

In today's episode, Gina discusses how negative thoughts affect our physical and mental health. Negativity bias and how it can trigger anxiety cycles is explored . A number of practices to help you reduce your negative thinking are covered, including visualization, journaling and physical relaxation. Listen in and get a hold of excessive negative thinking and reduce your anxiety today!Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that's different from what I share on the podcast. If you'd like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here: http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter. Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors! https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/ Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.comJoin our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program1:1 Coaching Learn more about our One-on-One CoachingIf you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership: Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety? Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for AnxietyQuote:You don't have to believe everything you think.- Byron KatieChapters0:26 Introduction to Negativity2:33 Understanding Negativity's Nature7:10 Shifting Your Thoughts9:03 Five Gentle Ways to Shift Negativity14:15 Relaxing the Body15:50 Using Gentle Affirmations16:41 Returning to the Present Moment18:18 Becoming Your Own AdvocateSummaryIn this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve into the pervasive nature of negativity and how it impacts our mental and physical well-being. As we explore why anxiety can feel stuck, I highlight that negativity is a part of the human experience, not something to be judged or completely eliminated. I emphasize that understanding negativity is crucial since it often serves as a protective mechanism wired into our brains. Our minds automatically scan for threats, a trait evolved for survival that can now manifest as anxiety-inducing thoughts.I explain how the negativity bias leads our thoughts to dwell on potential failures and worst-case scenarios, ultimately triggering the anxiety cycle. As negative thoughts creep in, they can create a physical response in the body, resulting in tension, increased heart rate, and a sense of unease. The combination of negative thoughts and bodily reactions reinforces a narrative that something is wrong, perpetuating a cycle of anxiety that feels insurmountable.However, I provide insights into how we can shift this narrative. Rather than striving for a perfectly positive mindset, I advocate for a more gentle approach that allows for balance and healing. I outline practical strategies to gently redirect our thoughts away from negativity. The goal is to create space and calm in our nervous systems, recognizing that our thoughts do not need to define our reality.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Colin Car tries to take a road trip but ends up needing a little help from his friend Toby Tow Truck. Hello everyone!  We hope you enjoyed our new stories this week. Now, welcome to Favorite Friday! Sometimes we like to listen to our favorites again. Please enjoy “Road Rescue,” and we'll be back with a new story on Monday! Narrator: Male Story Begins: 4:01 Road Rescue Excerpt: It was a sunny morning on Ahway Island. Colin Car sat patiently waiting in his garage even though he was feeling excited. This afternoon, his driver, Courtney, would be taking them on a road trip up the island to visit some of Courtney's relatives. Colin wasn't exactly sure which road they would be taking, but no matter which road they took, he knew there would be interesting things to see. Colin didn't have to wait for too long. Just as he was imagining which one of Ahway Island's roads he might drive on this morning, or which of his friends he might see on the road, he heard the door to the house open and close. It was Courtney, which meant they would be on the road soon! Today's Meditation: Imagine you are a twinkling star, receiving and sending energy through the universe in today’s meditation. Looking for ways to help your child learn emotional regulation and how to self soothe? You’ll find them on Ahway Island®. Be Calm on Ahway Island® Podcast offers original bedtime stories, like “Happy Dragon,” paired with meditations for kids. We help them drift off to sleep with a guided relaxation and a calming story. Gently nestled within each podcast episode are mindfulness techniques and positive learning moments. You can search for stories by Learning Message, Character Type, or Narrator Type on our Episodes page. To learn more about our mission at Ahway Island and our team, please visit our About page, or check out our FAQs. Creating the original bedtime stories and art for Be Calm on Ahway Island takes a lot of time and care. As a listener-supported podcast, we truly appreciate our members on Patreon. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining! Writing, recording, editing, and publishing episodes and managing digital platforms is an enormous endeavor. Our Patreon program will help continue to grow Ahway Island and we hope you will support us! You can choose from 2 different Membership Levels, all of which include access to our Archives and an extra episode each week! Are you and your children enjoying our stories and self-soothing meditations? We hope your child loved “Road Rescue.” We ask for your positive reviews to help others find us, too! Please leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast app (such as Apple Podcasts). And, please follow, like, and/or share our social media profiles (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram ) to help us bring our original stories with positive messages to even more listeners! In the press: Digital Trends warns listeners that “you may not make it through an entire episode fully conscious.” Yay! We're honored that the website of Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems includes us on their list of Technology to Boost Mental Health. Jooki recommends us as an outstanding podcast for preschoolers. We're reaching listeners internationally! Sassy Mama Hong Kong included us in their article on transitioning into the new year, Sassy Mama Singapore recommends us for limiting screen-time while sheltering at home, and Haven Magazine Australia included us in their tips for getting through the school holidays. Thank you to Anne Bensfield and Pamela Rogers of School Library Journal for listing us as one of “8 Podcasts To Encourage Mindfulness!” We hope you found a little quiet in your day. See you next time!

Before Micah can go to the library, he has to put his coat and shoes on…but that job seems very large. Narrator: Male Story Begins: 4:10 One Step at a Time Excerpt: As Micah ran a finger over the picture on the cover, he heard his mom's voice from the kitchen: “Micah, time to put on your shoes and coat!” Micah looked toward the front door. His little shoes were waiting on the mat, and his coat was hanging on a hook nearby. They were both right where he could see them, ready for him to put them on. Micah knew how to do these things. Now that he was getting older, he was learning to do more things by himself without his mom's help. Sometimes that felt exciting. Today, it did not. Today's Meditation: Relax your whole body from head to toe in this meditation. Creating the original bedtime stories and art for Be Calm on Ahway Island takes a lot of time and care. As a listener-supported podcast, we truly appreciate our members on Patreon. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining! Writing, recording, editing, and publishing episodes and managing digital platforms is an enormous endeavor. Our Patreon program will help continue to grow Ahway Island and we hope you will support us! You can choose from 2 different Membership Levels, all of which include access to our Archives and extra episodes every other month! Are you and your children enjoying our stories and self-soothing meditations? Looking for a story that helps your children build confidence and face challenges with courage? You’ll find it on Ahway Island®. Be Calm on Ahway Island® Podcast offers original bedtime stories, like “Berry Brave,” paired with meditations for kids. We help them drift off to sleep with a guided relaxation and a calming story. Gently nestled within each podcast episode are mindfulness techniques and positive learning moments.  To learn more about our mission at Ahway Island and our team, please visit our website. In the press: Read about how and why we created Ahway Island in this feature from Global Comment! Zzz! The Boston Globe recommends “Be Calm on Ahway Island” as as one of “Eight Podcasts That Could Help You Get Some Sleep.” SheKnows recommends us as as a podcast you and your kids will love! Digital Trends warns listeners that “you may not make it through an entire episode fully conscious.” Yay! We're happy you joined us for this story. Come back soon!

Dharma Dragonfly notices a little loon following her on her afternoon dance. What is going on? Narrator: Female Story Begins: 4:02 Lost Little Loon Excerpt: The dragonfly decided to keep an eye on the little loon as she continued her flight. Every time Dharma zipped in one direction, the loon paddled that way too. When Dharma slowed down and hovered in the air, the loon stopped and watched. “Hmm…that little loon seems to be following me,” thought Dharma. She decided to test this idea. She flew in a quick zigzag across the pond. Sure enough, the loon paddled in the same direction, following the path Dharma had taken. Today's Meditation: Picture floating in the safe and comforting waters of a tranquil pool. Creating the original bedtime stories and art for Be Calm on Ahway Island takes a lot of time and care. As a listener-supported podcast, we truly appreciate our members on Patreon. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining! Writing, recording, editing, and publishing episodes and managing digital platforms is an enormous endeavor. Our Patreon program will help continue to grow Ahway Island and we hope you will support us! You can choose from 2 different Membership Levels, all of which include access to our Archives and extra episodes every other month! Are you and your children enjoying our stories and self-soothing meditations? Looking for stories with positive learning moments for your little one?  You’ll find them on Ahway Island®. Be Calm on Ahway Island® Podcast offers original bedtime stories, like “Mystery Jug,” paired with meditations for kids. We help them drift off to sleep with a guided relaxation and a calming story. Gently nestled within each podcast episode are mindfulness techniques and positive learning moments.  To learn more about our mission at Ahway Island and our team, please visit our website. In the press: Read about how and why we created Ahway Island in this feature from Global Comment! Zzz! The Boston Globe recommends “Be Calm on Ahway Island” as as one of “Eight Podcasts That Could Help You Get Some Sleep.” SheKnows recommends us as as a podcast you and your kids will love! Digital Trends warns listeners that “you may not make it through an entire episode fully conscious.” Yay! We're glad you spent this time with us today!

Baby sea turtle hatchling Tomás is excited to hatch from his egg and explore his new world. Hello everyone!  We hope you enjoyed our new stories this week. Now, welcome to Favorite Friday! Sometimes we like to listen to our favorites again. Please enjoy “Happy Hatchlings,” and we'll be back with a new story on Monday! Narrator: Male Story Begins: 4:16 Happy Hatchlings Excerpt: Tomás Sea Turtle stretched his flippers as far as he could from within his little shell. He had been growing a lot recently, and by now he felt a bit squished in his egg. He could hear grown-up turtles talking outside his shell from time to time, and he heard a strange rushing noise that he couldn't identify. Oh, he wanted to get out and see the world! Tomás chirped to the other eggs to see if they were ready too. He listened for a response. One chirp sounded, then another. All the other little turtles agreed, saying, “Not yet. It's too warm. Wait.” Today's Meditation: Feel your body fill with love as you imagine a puffin family and think about your own unique family. Looking for a podcast to help settle your child in for nap time, bedtime or a break?  You’ll find it on Ahway Island®. Be Calm on Ahway Island® Podcast offers original bedtime stories, like “Naptime or Not?” paired with meditations for kids. We help them drift off to sleep with a guided relaxation and a calming story. Gently nestled within each podcast episode are mindfulness techniques and positive learning moments. You can search for stories by Learning Message, Character Type, or Narrator Type on our Episodes page. To learn more about our mission at Ahway Island and our team, please visit our About page, or check out our FAQs. Creating the original bedtime stories and art for Be Calm on Ahway Island takes a lot of time and care. As a listener-supported podcast, we truly appreciate our members on Patreon. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining! Writing, recording, editing, and publishing episodes and managing digital platforms is an enormous endeavor. Our Patreon program will help continue to grow Ahway Island and we hope you will support us! You can choose from 2 different Membership Levels, all of which include access to our Archives and an extra episode each week! Are you and your children enjoying our stories and self-soothing meditations? We hope your child loved “Happy Hatchlings.” We ask for your positive reviews to help others find us, too! Please leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast app (such as Apple Podcasts). And, please follow, like, and/or share our social media profiles (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram ) to help us bring our original stories with positive messages to even more listeners! In the press: Digital Trends warns listeners that “you may not make it through an entire episode fully conscious.” Yay! We're honored that the website of Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems includes us on their list of Technology to Boost Mental Health. Jooki recommends us as an outstanding podcast for preschoolers. We're reaching listeners internationally! Sassy Mama Hong Kong included us in their article on transitioning into the new year, Sassy Mama Singapore recommends us for limiting screen-time while sheltering at home, and Haven Magazine Australia included us in their tips for getting through the school holidays. Thank you to Anne Bensfield and Pamela Rogers of School Library Journal for listing us as one of “8 Podcasts To Encourage Mindfulness!” Thanks for joining us for this peaceful island visit!