Podcasts about spiritual counselor

Greetings Friends,Happy Solstice! Here in the northern hemisphere it is the longest day of the year, one of two days of the year where the sun appears to stand still on the horizon. I feel interested in that teaching, here in what sometimes feels like the most active or busiest of seasons—what is stillness? where is stillness?What does it look like to let your inner sun rest, or to recognize that it's already still, shining brightly—no matter what.This week's koan from the Hidden Lamp is about big and small enlightenments. I'll let you listen to the podcast for the case and reflection this time. In celebration of the solstice, I would like to share a passage from Dogen Zenji's Genjo Koan, sometimes translated as “the way of everyday life.” The Mud Lotus Sangha has been exploring this teaching over the course of the last month. Sitting with the different images and passages. Gaining enlightenment is like the moon reflecting in the water. The moon does not get wet nor is the water disturbed. Although its light is extensive and great, the moon is reflected even in a puddle an inch across. The whole moon and the whole sky are reflected in a dewdrop in the grass, in one drop of water. Enlightenment does not disturb the person just as the moon does not disturb the water. A person does not hinder enlightenment just as a dewdrop does not hinder the moon in the sky. The depth of the drop is the height of the moon.I invite you to spend sometime today in stillness. Take a moment to open your awareness to the entire moon, the entire sky. Remember that you are one dew drop among many, reflecting vastness. You can not hinder awakening, it is your nature.As one teacher said, “so get used to it!”As always, I would love to hear your reflections!Weekly Online Meditation EventMonday Night Dharma — 6P PT / 9P ET Join weekly for drop-in meditation and dharma talk. We are currently exploring the Hidden Lamp: Teaching from the Buddhist Women AncestorsFeel free to join anytime. Event lasts about 1.5 hours. ZOOM LINKIn-Person in OregonGrasses, Trees and the Great Earth Sesshin— August 10 - 16 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryIn-Person in Columbus, Ohio through Mud Lotus SanghaWeekly Meditations on Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayRetreats, Meditation instruction and other events can be found on our website.Upcoming Sesshins at Saranam Retreat Center in West VirginiaInterdependence Sesshin June 29 - July 5 (Registration is now open!)I'm Amy Kisei. I am a Zen Buddhist Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer and Artist. I offer 1:1 Spiritual Counseling sessions using IFS and Hakomi (somatic mindfulness). I also offer astrology readings. Check out my website to learn more. I currently live in Columbus, OH and am a supporting teacher for the Mud Lotus Sangha. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amykisei.substack.com/subscribe

Greetings Friends,Happy New Moon! This past week we explored the Hidden Lamp Case 21: Linji Meets the Old Woman Driving the Ox.Linji Meets the Old Woman Driving the OxChina, ninth centuryMaster Linji Yixuan went to see Master Bingdian An. On the way he met an old woman driving an ox in a field. Linji asked her, “Which way is the road to Bingdian?”The woman hit the ox with her stick and said, “This animal! It walks all over the place without even recognizing the road.”Linji repeated, “I asked you, which way is the road to Bingdian?”The woman said, “This beast! It's five years old and still can't be put to use.”Linji said to himself, “If you want to learn something from the person in front of you, first observe what the person does.” And he had the feeling that his sticking-point had been removed.Then, when he reached Master An, An asked him, “Have you seen my sister-in-law?”Linji said, “Yes, I've already been taken in tow.”I'm curious when you read this exchange is there a line or phrase that interests you, or that you have some sort of reaction to?Feel free to share. What touches you, what are you curious about? What feels aversive? What questions come up for you? How is this exchange relevant for your life and practice?These koans are teaching stories. And often what stirs in us is our way into them. If you are interested in hearing a little more about Master Linji and his origin story, as well as my comments on the koan, including being useless—listen to the audio recording. The Soft Animal of the BodyI am always curious when animals show up in koans. In reflecting on this koan, I got interested in the Ox. The Ox is a symbol for our true nature in the Zen tradition. There are a series of images called the Ox-herding pictures that portray important elements on this path of practice-awakening. They depict the movement from searching for our nature, to having a glimpse, to training ourselves to recognize and abide here, to eventually seeing through ideas of self/true nature, and living fully as we are in service to all beings.This week though, as I sat with the koan—a line from Mary Oliver's poem Wild Geese came to heart, “let the soft animal of your body, love what it loves.” This is such a deep invitation into presence. To feel our lives. To feel our bodies. To recognize the pleasure, the bliss of embodiment—right here, right now.I can notice how my mind wants to come in and fantasize about the things my body might want or long for, but part of what I am interested in is how the body can only love what is. Our bodies are always in the present moment.Our bodies speak the language of sensation, feeling, movement, texture, touch. Our bodies love through experiencing. Notice right now— what does your body love, in this moment?To ask, we need to sink into to our embodied life. To feel the changes in air temperature, the movement of breath, the touch of clothing, the pulsing and flickering of sensation. To hear and see, to smell and taste—to open the senses. For this sense world is our embodied life.When we let ourselves abide fully in our sense experience, we naturally open to the truth of interconnection. We feel ourselves as part of this great earth and in community with all, truly our lives are interpermeated—our bodies are the body of the entire world.So this week, today, right now—sit like an ox, here in your own body—loving what you love. Be the animal walking all over the place, the beast that can't be put to use!Weekly Online Meditation EventMonday Night Dharma — 6P PT / 9P ET Join weekly for drop-in meditation and dharma talk. We are currently exploring the Hidden Lamp: Teaching from the Buddhist Women AncestorsFeel free to join anytime. Event lasts about 1.5 hours. ZOOM LINKIn-Person in OregonGrasses, Trees and the Great Earth Sesshin— August 10 - 16 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryIn-Person in Columbus, Ohio through Mud Lotus SanghaWeekly Meditations on Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayRetreats, Meditation instruction and other events can be found on our website.Upcoming Sesshins at Saranam Retreat Center in West VirginiaInterdependence Sesshin June 29 - July 5 (Registration is now open!)I'm Amy Kisei. I am a Zen Buddhist Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer and Artist. I offer 1:1 Spiritual Counseling sessions using IFS and Hakomi (somatic mindfulness). I also offer astrology readings. Check out my website to learn more. I currently live in Columbus, OH and am a supporting teacher for the Mud Lotus Sangha. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amykisei.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Healers Cafe, Manon speaks with Maggie Kelly, a spiritual counselor and shamanic energy medicine healer, discussing her transformative journey, sparked by her youngest child's cystic fibrosis diagnosis at age 30. Initially coping with stress through drinking, she turned to meditation, which led her to become a Chopra Center meditation teacher and open Satsang House.  For the transcript and full story go to: https://www.drmanonbolliger.com/maggie-kelly    Highlights from today's episode include:  Maggie explains addiction is about pain, not the substance – the real issue isn't alcohol, shopping, or porn, but the unhealed pain underneath. Maggie speaks about spiritual bypassing – even meditation and spirituality can become another way to avoid feeling and processing trauma. Manon explains Limited bandwidth & dropping blame – as parents we have only so much capacity; the real growth comes when adult children move from blaming to learning from their experience.   ABOUT MAGGIE KELLY: We never grow unless or until we are challenged. Most come to Satsang House in the midst of one of life's challenges or while at a turning point in their lives. Intuitively, I believe they already know they are ready for change or some sort of an upgrade to their current circumstances and life. I have created Satsang House Meditation and Spiritual Center around my own healing journey. Over the past three decades, I've spent time studying under meditation experts, Eckhart Tolle, Alberto Villoldo and the Inkan Shamans of the Andes. Most recently I've been immersing myself with the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza which has become the perfect compliment to the way I teach and practice meditation as well as to the energy healing side of my work. I have been extremely blessed to marry my personal experiences into my life's work at Satsang House as a Meditation Teacher, Energy Healer, Spiritual Counselor and Life Coach.    Core purpose/passion: My mission is to help people all over the world cultivate emotional well-being, increase their capacity to love and care for others, and participate in the creation of a more interconnected and compassionate world.  Website | Facebook |  Instagram | YouTube |   ABOUT MANON BOLLIGER, RBHT, FCAH: As a retired Naturopath 1992-2021, I saw an average of 150 patients per week and have helped people ranging from rural farmers in Nova Scotia to stressed out CEOs in Toronto to tri-athletes here in Vancouver. My resolve to educate, empower and engage people to take charge of their own health is evident in my best-selling books:  'What Patients Don't Say if Doctors Don't Ask: The Mindful Patient-Doctor Relationship' and 'A Healer in Every Household: Simple Solutions for Stress'. and What if Your Body is Smarter than You Think?  I am the Founder & CEO of The Bowen College Inc. which teaches BowenFirst™ Therapy and holds transformational workshops to achieve these goals. So, when I share with you that LISTENing to Your body is a game changer in the healing process, I am speaking from expertise and direct experience". Mission: A Healer in Every Household! For more great information to go to her weekly blog:  http://bowencollege.com/blog.  For tips on health & healing go to: https://www.drmanonbolliger.com/tips Follow: Manon Bolliger website  | Linktr.ee | Rumble | Gettr  | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | LinkedIn | Follow: Bowen College Inc. | Facebook | Instagram  | LinkedIn | YouTube | Twitter | Rumble | Locals   ABOUT THE HEALERS CAFE: Manon's show is the #1 show for medical practitioners and holistic healers to have heart to heart conversations about their day to day lives. Subscribe and review on your favourite platform: iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Libsyn | iHeartRadio | Gaana | The Healers Cafe | Radio.com | Medioq | Audacy | Follow The Healers Café on FB: https://www.facebook.com/thehealerscafe   Remember to subscribe if you like our videos. Click the bell if you want to be one of the first people notified of a new release. * De-Registered, revoked & retired naturopathic physician after 30 years of practice in healthcare. Now resourceful & resolved to share with you all the tools to take care of your health & vitality!

Greetings Friends,We are moving through this wonderful collection of encounters with Buddhist Women found in the book The Hidden Lamp for our Summer Read. This week we met Keizan Zenji and Mokufu Sonin engaged in the dialogue below:Hidden Lamp Case 20: Sonin's Shadeless TreeMaster Keizan Jokin asked the nun Mokufu Sonin, “The winter is coming to an end and the springtime is arriving. There is an order to this. What is your understanding?” Sonin replied, “In the braches of a tree without shade, how could there be any seasons?”These two people are very important figures in the history of Zen Buddhism. They are direct Ancestors in our Soto Zen lineage tree. So, they are our Ancestors. What is an Ancestor? One way we understand Ancestor in Buddhism is someone who aligns their heart and mind with the aspiration to awaken and liberate all beings from suffering. So, someone who wants to help us wake up! But one Zen teacher says in actuality —all beings are your ancestor.What would it be like to truly see the world this way?Are all beings trying to awaken us?Is everyone we meet helping us on this path of liberation from suffering?Are they, through their words, thoughts and actions aiding us in opening our own hearts and minds to the love, compassion and wisdom of this universe?It may not always feel that way. But we can aspire to practice as if it were true, this is taking the view of bodhicitta— the great compassion unfolding this life.Connecting to the Zen Ancestors can remind us that humans have been walking this path of awakening for a long time. They were shaped by the path and they also shaped or opened new dimensions of the path through their embodied walking. I find that hearing the ancestor's stories is a lot like pulling a tarot card, or reading a myth or fairytale. Their life stories usually contain dharma teachings, universal themes about the path, but also personal dimensions that may resonate with our own struggles, questions, doubts, curiosities or lived experience.Keizan's PathKeizan Zenji is a great example of this. Considered the “mother of Soto Zen”, he was born in the early years of Soto Zen in Japan, just eleven years after Dogen Zenji (the founder) died. His mother and his grandmother were both Zen practitioners, but also embodied and practiced a more ancient form of spirituality that was common amongst women at the time—a form of spirituality we might call “folk” or “shamanistic” or “animist”. (In her recent books, Bringing Zen Home and The Little Book of Zen Healing Paula Arai explores how the blend of Zen and shamanism is still alive in how many lay women engage in dharma practice).Below is an excerpt from Sallie Tisdale's book Women of the Way, here she shares the story of Keizan's birth. This short selection introduces us to some of the people and practices that influenced Keizan throughout his life.Many years later, when Ekan Daishi was thirty-seven years old, she had a dream. She swallowed the morning light, warm and as soft as silk, and it filled her entire body. A few days later she realized she was pregnant. Then she prayed, as she had often prayed, to the beloved statue of Kannon: “May this child be a spiritual leader, a benefit to all, and please, may the delivery be easy.” For the next seven months, she bowed 1,333 times each day and recited the Kannon Sutra. The baby was born on the property of the Kannon Temple in the province of Echizen, without pain. A short while later Daishi took vows as a nun, and the baby's grandmother, Myōchi, helped raise him.So Keizan was raised with a deep connection to both his mother and grandmother and to the Bodhisattva Kannon (who is the bodhisattva of compassion). He was brought up in an enchanted world, where kami (spirits) filled the natural world, where Buddha's and Bodhisattva's appeared in dreams, where even the mundane aspects of life were part of the art, the ritual of living in an interconnected world of mutual reciprocity. A world emerging from the great compassion of Kannon. Keizan also listened to the wisdom of his dreams, practiced Buddhist astrology and geomancy. He was instrumental in creating and recording the ceremonies we have throughout the Buddhist liturgical year. His love for the ancestors, led him to gather the stories of the Zen Buddhist lineage dating back to Shakyamuni Buddha. Creating a mythological retelling of their lives, and giving teachings inspired by their stories. This collection of his dharma talks on the ancestors, is called the Denkuroku, the Transmission of the Light.Here's another selection from Women of the Way revealing some of the ways he practiced and saw the world, and how he carried his mother's vow forward after she died.His dreams about Yōkōji were strong and good, filled with spirits and buddhas. Even the stars overhead, streaming slowly between the black branches of the pines, were correctly aligned. The hills were no more beautiful than other nearby hills, but he could see through these particular hills to the hidden hills beneath. He believed that he could see the true monastery already there, the one belonging to the other world—the world of protectors and guides. In this place, where the boundary between worlds was very thin, he would build the Monastery of the Eternal Light. A year later Daishi died. Almost at the moment of her death she reached for her son's hand. “I made a vow to Kannon,” she said. “You must continue it. You must help all beings come to the Dharma. Especially, most especially, because you can, you must help all women of the three worlds and the ten directions. “Take the little statue,” she added, nodding toward the Kannon she had found all those years ago in the mud. “Take care of it forever.” In her memory, Keizan ordered that a Sōtō women's temple, Hōō-ji, be built in the province of Kaga.Keizan and Sonin's Dharma FriendshipOne of the most remarkable aspects of Keizan, is that he really took this vow to heart. Sonin was a patron, she donated the mountain where Keizan built Yokoji, one of the many monasteries he helped found, and the one where he spent most of his time. After Sonin's husband died, she went to Keizan to ask for ordination. The night before Keizan had a dream that his beloved deceased grandmother came to him and asked for ordination. From this point on he regarded Sonin as a reincarnation of his grandmother, and the two were very close as teacher and student, and then as friends and collaborators. Keizan wrote that the two of them were like, “magnet and iron.”Keizan wrote that Sonin's aspiration for awakening “clarifies each day”, that “she radiates kindness” and that her “insight is ripening”, shortly before the dialogue above took place. He had asked her about, “temporal existence” and she was unable to answer. She let this question work on her. And sometime later asked Keizan to engage in dharma combat. That is when he asked her about the seasons changing from winter to spring. Sonin's understanding was clear, and she was able to meet Keizan in the place with neither light or shadow.Sonin is the first woman in the Soto Zen lineage of Japan to receive full dharma transmission. Keizan gave transmission to two other women, Konto Ekyu and Myosho Ekan, before he died. (Keizan's mother Ekan Daishi, Mokufu Sonin, Konto Ekyu and Myosho Ekan are all part of the Women's Lineage found in the ZCO chant book, at the monastery we would chant their names as part of morning service twice a week.)In closing, this short snapshot into the lives of Keizan and Sonin, I want to share another excerpt from the Women of the Way.In 1322 Keizan and the nuns founded Enzūin, the Temple of All Pervading Perfection, across the stream from the mountain gate, hidden in the trees. Enzūin was dedicated to the well-being of women forever, and it was most especially meant as an honor to his grandmother and in keeping the promise he made to his mother Ekan Daishi when she died.At the dedication, the statue of Kanzeon, with its eleven serene faces, was installed as the main image. It had come to seem like an animate thing, hearing and acting on the prayers of its bearers. In its base Keizan placed a lock of his own baby hair and his umbilical cord, which his mother had preserved. In this way, he gave his own life to this women's hermitage in the trees. Sonin was the first living abbot there, although Ekan Daishi was considered the first ancestoral abbot. There is still a portrait of Ekan Daishi, Keizan's mother and Sonin as the first abbots on the Yokoji temple property.So, here is a story of the legacy of two Zen Ancestors. If you want to learn more, listen to the podcast where I also explore this short koan exchange and how we too are shadeless trees, in the midst of the changing seasons of our lives. If you are curious to learn more about Keizan and Sonin, there is this great resource here.Is there are any aspects of Keizan and Sonin's story that piqued your interest or felt resonate with your own life and practice? Hope to see you for one of our live online gatherings or in person for a retreat this summer!Weekly Online Meditation EventMonday Night Dharma — 6P PT / 9P ET Join weekly for drop-in meditation and dharma talk. We are currently exploring the Hidden Lamp: Teaching from the Buddhist Women AncestorsFeel free to join anytime. Event lasts about 1.5 hours. ZOOM LINKIn-Person in OregonGrasses, Trees and the Great Earth Sesshin— August 10 - 16 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryIn-Person in Columbus, Ohio through Mud Lotus SanghaWeekly Meditations on Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayRetreats, Meditation instruction and other events can be found on our website.Upcoming Sesshins at Saranam Retreat Center in West VirginiaInterdependence Sesshin June 29 - July 5 (Registration is now open!)I'm Amy Kisei. I am a Zen Buddhist Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer and Artist. I offer 1:1 Spiritual Counseling sessions using IFS and Hakomi (somatic mindfulness). I also offer astrology readings. Check out my website to learn more. I currently live in Columbus, OH and am a supporting teacher for the Mud Lotus Sangha. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amykisei.substack.com/subscribe

Greetings and Happy Early Summer!We are continuing our Summer Read of the Hidden Lamp again this year. Every week we will explore a different koan story from the collection. If you would like to follow along, check out the calendar page for up to date information on the koan selections. On Monday night during the live online meditation event, I will give a dharma talk themed around the reading for the week and then we will have time for discussion. I will post the talk here too.This past Monday we started the Summer Read with Case 19 from the Hidden Lamp: The Flower Hall on the Buddha's Birthday.The nuns of Tokeiji were famous for their beautiful and elaborate flower decorations on the Buddha's birthday. Master Yodo, the abbess of Tokeiji wrote a verse for this occasion:Decorate the heart of the beholder, for the Buddha of the flower hallis no where else.The Buddha's birthday, also called Hanna Matsuri or the flower festival, usually takes place when the flowers of Spring are in full bloom. In the ceremony we decorate a flower bower with fresh flowers (in Oregon we would do this on Mother's Day and the rhododendron's were often a main feature). The baby buddha is placed in the center of the flower bower, in a bowl of sweet tea. During the ceremony each participant is invited up to the altar to bathe the baby buddha, while we chant a simple mantra together.To me this ceremony feels ancient. I imagine it is an evolution of a much older ceremony celebrating mid-spring, the abundance of new life, flowers and perhaps the Great Mother. For the story of the Buddha's birth starts with Maha Maya, the Buddha's mother. It starts with Maha Maya's great dream, reminding us that this very life, this very moment is sourced from the great mystery and is dream-like in its nature.As many of you know, I could dwell on this theme of dream and the Great Mother for a long time. But today, I want to highlight another aspect of this koan—the quality of care.We meet Yodo and the nuns of Tokeiji decorating the buddha hall. Taking great care to make a beautiful and elaborate offering of flowers. Flowers which will start to whither and die as the ceremony ends. Flowers that speak the language of beauty and innocence, of desire and abundance, of the purity of our buddha-nature.The activity that the nuns are engaged in is the activity of their life.We often wonder how to bring our meditation practice off of the cushion into our daily lives.Here the nuns demonstrate this—with care—they say through their actions.Care is how love is expressed.Care involves attending, meeting the moment. Care awakens appreciation.Through our care, our life becomes an offering, a gift. And we are the recipients as well as the ones making the offering.In monastic life we have ceremonies and activities that give form to the expression of care. From the way we place our shoes on the shoe rack, to choosing the serving dishes for a meal to making flower arrangements for the altars, we have these opportunities to express love through our actions.I was never formally trained in the art of Ikebana, flower arranging. But I did learn some basics over the years, two of which stick with me and can be applied to so many areas of life in exploring care and beauty.The first is that space is just as important as the physical elements of the flower arrangement. So as you choose your vessel, and begin to arrange the flowers you also consider the space between the flowers, leaves and branches. In flower arranging the space is alive.The second principle is that you appreciate how the different elements grow in nature and accentuate them. You recognize that you are also an active participant in creation, so you listen to how the elements are in relationship to each other and respond.I find these two principles invite care, attention, love, appreciation and open me up to seeing the beauty in life itself. What if we moved through our days with an awareness of the space that surrounds us, with an appreciation that we are in relationship with everything we encounter. That it is our life.Listen to the dharma talk for more explorations of this koan in relationship to care, nurturing the heart and seeing our buddha nature. And as always you are invited to take this story and practice into your life. This week notice beauty, practice appreciating your life, see your life as an offering, a gift. What happens when you do?Awakening happens in relationship. Hope to see you in-person or on zoom sometime soon. Starting this coming Monday, we will return to studying the teaching stories of the women ancestors found in The Hidden Lamp.Weekly Online Meditation EventMonday Night Dharma — 6P PT / 9P ET Join weekly for drop-in meditation and dharma talk. We are currently exploring the Hidden Lamp: Teaching from the Buddhist Women AncestorsFeel free to join anytime. Event lasts about 1.5 hours. ZOOM LINKIn-Person in OregonGrasses, Trees and the Great Earth Sesshin— August 10 - 16 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryIn-Person in Columbus, Ohio through Mud Lotus SanghaWeekly Meditations on Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayRetreats, Meditation instruction and other events can be found on our website.Upcoming Sesshins at Saranam Retreat Center in West VirginiaInterdependence Sesshin June 29 - July 5 (Registration is now open!)I'm Amy Kisei. I am a Zen Buddhist Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer and Artist. I offer 1:1 Spiritual Counseling sessions using IFS and Hakomi (somatic mindfulness). I also offer astrology readings. Check out my website to learn more. I currently live in Columbus, OH and am a supporting teacher for the Mud Lotus Sangha. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amykisei.substack.com/subscribe

Greetings Friends,I am returning from the Light of the Ancestors Sesshin at Great Vow Zen Monastery and feeling deep gratitude for this path of practice and all the people who have walked this path— discovering freedom and love in their own lives.Over the past few months the Monday night online Sangha through ZCO has been exploring The Mountains and Rivers Sutra by Dogen Zenji. In wrapping up our study of the sutra, we explored the last two stanzas from the version of the sutra that is often chanted in ZCO.Mountains have been the abode of great sages from the limitless past to the limitless present. Wise people and sages all have mountains in their inner chamber, as their body and mind. You may think that in mountains many wise people and great sages are assembled, but after entering the mountains, not a single person meets another. There is just the activity of mountains. There is no trace of anyone having entered the mountains.Although mountains belong to the nation, mountains belong to people who love them. You should know that mountains are fond of wise people and sages.From ancient times people and sages have often lived near water. When they live near water they catch fish, catch human beings, and catch the Way. Therefore, thoroughly investigate mountains, thoroughly investigate water. When you investigate thoroughly, it is the work of mountains and water. Then mountains and waters of themselves become wise persons and sages.When Dogen Zenji refers to mountains, he is inviting us to observe and contemplate actual mountains, to recognize and reflect on the constancy, stillness, presence and teachings of the mountains in the natural world and he is also inviting us to observe and contemplate our true nature. You can try reading the above paragraph substituting the words “true nature”, “the Way”, “awakening/enlightenment” or “practice-realization” for mountains. What opens up as you reflect on these different readings of the teaching of this sutra?How does the Way or practice-realization belong to those who love it?What is your experience of your life being the great activity of awakening?During the Light of the Ancestors sesshin, my co-teacher Bansho, Sensei referenced a koan from the Zen school, where a person is taking leave of the monastery and is asked by the teacher, “Where are you going?” The student replies, “around on pilgrimage.” The teacher then asks, “what is the purpose of pilgrimage?” The student replies, “I don't know.” The teacher responds, “Not-knowing is nearness.”We might also say, “not-knowing is love.”In a world where we are taught to fear the unknown, to always have a plan or purpose—what would it be like, instead, to see not-knowing as an invitation to love? To meet the unknown with curiosity? To be intimate with the mystery?Can not-knowing invite us in to the embrace of this life?Can the practice of not-knowing create space for love to arise?Is not-knowing an expression of love?On this path of practice-awakening we are constantly being invited to love. To recognize that we are loved, to recognize that we belong to this life.Another time a student asked, “what is the essence of the path?”A teacher replied, “whatever arises, love that.”Not-knowing makes us fetch-able, the way rises up and meets us, catches us in the openness of our curiosity. We become mountain, we become river just as mountains and rivers become us.Listen to the Dharma Talk for a more in-depth exploration of these last paragraphs from the Mountains and Rivers Sutra, and for reflections on coming home to ourselves, not-knowing, love and belonging on the path.Awakening happens in relationship. Hope to see you in-person or on zoom sometime soon. Starting this coming Monday, we will return to studying the teaching stories of the women ancestors found in The Hidden Lamp.Weekly Online Meditation EventMonday Night Dharma — 6P PT / 9P ET Join weekly for drop-in meditation and dharma talk. We are currently exploring the Hidden Lamp: Teaching from the Buddhist Women AncestorsFeel free to join anytime. Event lasts about 1.5 hours. ZOOM LINKIn-Person in OregonGrasses, Trees and the Great Earth Sesshin— August 10 - 16 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryIn-Person in Columbus, Ohio through Mud Lotus SanghaWeekly Meditations on Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayRetreats, Meditation instruction and other events can be found on our website.Upcoming Sesshins at Saranam Retreat Center in West VirginiaInterdependence Sesshin June 29 - July 5 (Registration is now open!)I'm Amy Kisei. I am a Zen Buddhist Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer and Artist. I offer 1:1 Spiritual Counseling sessions using IFS and Hakomi (somatic mindfulness). I also offer astrology readings. Check out my website to learn more. I currently live in Columbus, OH and am a supporting teacher for the Mud Lotus Sangha. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amykisei.substack.com/subscribe

On episode #250 of World Awakenings: The Fast Track to Enlightenment, we welcome back internationally respected A Course in Miracles teacher, spiritual counselor, and minister Rev. Myron Jones for an inspiring conversation on awakening, healing, forgiveness, and spiritual transformation. Returning after her first appearance on episode #170, Rev. Myron shares wisdom gained from more than 44 years as a devoted student and teacher of A Course in Miracles (ACIM), helping people around the world deepen their spiritual connection, inner peace, and understanding of true forgiveness through the teachings of the Course.Rev. Myron Jones is a minister and Pathways of Light Spiritual Counselor, the author of “Hey Holy Spirit, It's Me Again,” and a beloved ACIM teacher who offers daily spiritual teachings on YouTube and Facebook. She facilitates A Course in Miracles study groups, Zoom classes, and one-on-one spiritual counseling sessions focused on healing the mind, releasing fear, and embracing the Atonement. In this powerful episode, Rev. Myron discusses spiritual awakening, guidance from the Holy Spirit, consciousness, inner healing, and how the principles of ACIM can transform everyday life into a path of peace, joy, love, and enlightenment.Check out Myron Jones book, "Hey Holy Spirit, It's Me Again".The best way for you connect with Myron Jones is her facebook page https://www.facebook.com/myronacim

Greetings Friends,I'm a lover of poetry. A sometimes writer of poems. A sometimes reader. Poetry for me is more of a way of being, a willingness to be carried across by metaphor, to be turned inside out by image, to sit in the silence, to not know and to be transformed through the art of attention.The best poetry is wordless attention.And, also. Some poems really act as an arrow, straight to the heart of it and allow what is often inexpressible—a moment of shared recognition. April was national poetry month, and one of the ways I celebrated was to reflect on poetry in the buddhist and zen tradition. I looked at the different kinds of poetry and its function. In doing so, I recognized four functions of poetry: enlightenment poems, death poems, capping phrases and poems of intimacy with what is.Listen to the talk for more exploration of these four functions, with examples from some of my favorite poems from the tradition. Below are a few favorites for your reading pleasure.Dongshan's Enlightenment Poem Long seeking it from others, I was far from reaching it. Now I go by myself, and I find it everywhere. It is just I myself, but I am not itself. Understanding in this way, I can be as I am.Ikkyu's Death Poem I won't die. I won't go anywhere. I'll be here. But don't ask me anything. I won't answer.Mitta's Enlightenment Poem (From the translation/interpretation the first free women) Full of trust you left home, and soon learned to walk the Path— making yourself a friend to everyone and making everyone a friend. When the whole world is your friend, fear will find no place to call home. And when you make the mind your friend, you'll know what trust really means. Listen. I have followed this Path of friendship to its end. And I can say with absolute certainty— it will lead you home.On this spiritual path, poetry has been an inspiration for me. Not just the poetry of the ancestors, but so many other poems have graced me with their invitations to wonder and open to a world that is alive, and inviting. Do you have a poem that has inspired or transformed you? Do you have a poem you keep coming back to? Feel free to share it here. Weekly Online Meditation EventMonday Night Dharma — 6P PT / 9P ET Join weekly for drop-in meditation and dharma talk. We are currently exploring the Mountains and Waters Sutra by Dogen Zenji.Feel free to join anytime. Event lasts about 1.5 hours. ZOOM LINKIn-Person in OregonLight of the Ancestors Sesshin—May 11 - 17 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryGrasses, Trees and the Great Earth Sesshin— August 10 - 16 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryIn-Person in Columbus, Ohio through Mud Lotus SanghaWeekly Meditations on Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayRetreats, Meditation instruction and other events can be found on our website.Upcoming Sesshins at Saranam Retreat Center in West VirginiaInterdependence Sesshin June 29 - July 5 (Registration is now open!)I'm Amy Kisei. I am a Zen Buddhist Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer and Artist. I offer 1:1 Spiritual Counseling sessions using IFS and Hakomi (somatic mindfulness). I also offer astrology readings. Check out my website to learn more. I currently live in Columbus, OH and am a supporting teacher for the Mud Lotus Sangha. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amykisei.substack.com/subscribe

Chaplain Candi Wuhrman understands grief and is revolutionizing the path of healing across the globe. She is a Board-Certified Clinical Chaplain, longtime Hospice Chaplain, Spiritual Counselor, and Grief Transformation Coach and Guide. As a proud U.S. Army Veteran, Chaplain Candi holds a Masters in Spiritual Psychology, a Masters in Jewish Studies and Theology, and a Certificate in Jewish Chaplaincy. With over three decades of experience with transformational spiritual work for herself and with others, Candi has been with thousands of individuals and entire families at the end of life and throughout their grief journeys.Chaplain Candi Wuhrman is the Founder and CEO of Sacred Work with Candi, where she is changing the entire trajectory of the end-of-life experience and the grief process for generations to come. She recognizes that grief reveals and connects the many layers and threads within thewoven tapestry of our lives. As a second-generation Holocaust survivor, Candi knows the elusive complexities of inherited imprints that affect our families and the course of grief. Having experienced childhood losses, she has embraced her pain and discovered the sacred journey ofspiritual connection and transformation. In her innovative programs,ReSOULution: Sacred Conversations and Connections From Diagnosis Through Grief, Death, and Beyond and Family Healing Intensives, Candi reconnects the heart and soul of the family, heals the intergenerational cultural and familial trauma, and profoundly changes lives at the core level.In her work, Chaplain Candi Wuhrman demonstrates a passion for walking alongside individuals in their spiritual evolution.Contact Candi Wuhrman:My book, MOXIE: A Hospice Chaplain's Journey Through GriefAmazon: https://a.co/d/2bIi8vEhttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moxie-chaplain-candi-wuhrman/1147930452https://www.sacredworkwithcandi.comhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX0FMLRrYfm0Ucrjw_HhWrQ/videoshttps://www.facebook.com/sacredworkwithcandihttps://www.instagram.com/sacredworkwithcandi/https://www.tiktok.com/@candiwuhrmanwww.linkedin.com/in/candi-wuhrmanDr. Kimberley LinertSpeaker, Author, Broadcaster, Mentor, Trainer, Behavioral OptometristEvent Planners- I am available to speak at your event. Here is my media kit: https://brucemerrinscelebrityspeakers.com/portfolio/dr-kimberley-linert/To book Dr. Linert on your podcast, television show, conference, corporate training or as an expert guest please email her at incrediblelifepodcast@gmail.com or Contact Bruce Merrin at Bruce Merrin's Celebrity Speakers at merrinpr@gmail.com702.256.9199Host of the Podcast Series: Incredible Life Creator PodcastAvailable on...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/incredible-life-creator-with-dr-kimberley-linert/id1472641267Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DZE3EoHfhgcmSkxY1CvKf?si=ebe71549e7474663 and on 9 other podcast platformsAuthor of Book: "Visualizing Happiness in Every Area of Your Life"Get on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cmTOMwWebsite: https://linktr.ee/DrKimberleyLinertThe Great Discovery eLearning platform: https://thegreatdiscovery.com/kimberleyl

One of the figures that we encounter in the Zen literature is the stone woman. In the Precious Mirror Samadhi we find her dancing, in another story she calls us back from our dream of the world.In the study of the Mountains and Rivers Sutra, she shows up early on when Dogen quotes Furong Daokai. “The green mountains are always moving, a stone woman gives birth to a child at night.” He then comments on the stone woman, saying:“A stone woman gives birth to a child at night” means that the moment when a barren woman gives birth to a child is called “night.” There are male stones, female stones, and nonmale, nonfemale stones. (13) They are placed in the sky and in the earth and are called heavenly stones and earthly stones. These are explained in the ordinary world, but not many people actually know about it. You should understand the meaning of giving birth to a child. At the moment of giving birth to a child, is the mother separate from the child? You should study not only that you become a mother when your child is born, but also that you become a child. (14) This is the actualization of giving birth in practice-realization. You should study and investigate this thoroughly.So, who is this stone woman? Have you met her? Have you taken the time to hear the stories of the mountains, the stars, the river rocks, the stones you encounter on your walk? What is their experience of night? Of birth? Of silence, life, time and human?The Stone Woman SpeaksThere are stories told throughout the world, throughout time about the lives of mountains, stones, trees and the natural world. Stories of how the mountains were made. How the world was made, stories of creation. There are even stories of women being turned to stone. When I was living in the Pacific Northwest, I learned some of the creation myths of the indigenous people who live in the region. In the telling, the local mountains have a prominent role. The Chinook tell of Thunderbird laying eggs on top of Saddle Mountain, which an ogress will then throw down the Mountain, peopling the area.The Klickitat story involves the formation of Wy'east (Mt. Hood), Pahto (Mt. Adams) and Loo-wit (Mt. St. Helen's). In this story Loo-wit is a beautiful woman, who once guarded the first fire for the Great Spirit. Wy'east and Pahto were brother warriors who both fell in love with Loo-wit, and started fighting over her by spitting fireballs over the land. Eventually Great Spirit turned them into stone, mountain-volcanoes—banishing the Stone Woman Loo-wit up to the northern regions.Do you know some of the stories about the mountains, rivers or landforms in your area? Or ones you have visited? Have you ever listened to or heard the story of a tree, rock, flower, river or some other being in the natural world?During the Grasses and Trees Sesshin at Great Vow Zen Monastery on the fourth full-day of the retreat we often invite participants to have sanzen with a being in the natural world. Sanzen, which means sitting zen together, is what we call the 1:1 practice meetings in Zen. We are invited to meet a blade of grass, a pond, a noble fire, sky with an open mind, a question, a willingness to listen and learn from. Often people come back with a story of transmission. Something happened in the encounter, often part of the practice involves a willingness to listen to the silence—for the natural world often doesn't speak in human language.Mysterious TransmissionsThis image of the stone woman is also pointing to prajna paramita, the mother of all buddhas, wisdom beyond wisdom. To encounter the stone woman, is to meet the night, the darkness of not-knowing, the pure potential energy that we are—the great mystery. We are invited into the dark-unknowing, the womb of pure potential—where we become one with the wisdom of the ancestors, where we are born anew.From this place our life emerges, from this place it is fulfilled. —HongzhiFor more explorations of the stone woman giving birth at night, listen to the dharma talk. I would love to hear any reflections that you have. It's poetry month, and I am also exploring encounters with the stone woman through poetry.The Stone Woman Speaks(a poem) the stone woman lives in the foundation of my house but also, in the potholed alley the river bed & on the rock face of the glen. she who was —before— people, animal, name. she who will be here —after— we are no longer. she speaks in cool, smooth ancient sounds the kind that turn you around and let you hear the voice of your own —inner silence.Weekly Online Meditation EventMonday Night Dharma — 6P PT / 9P ET Join weekly for drop-in meditation and dharma talk. We are currently exploring the Mountains and Waters Sutra by Dogen Zenji.Feel free to join anytime. Event lasts about 1.5 hours. ZOOM LINKIn-Person in OregonLight of the Ancestors Sesshin—May 11 - 17 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryGrasses, Trees and the Great Earth Sesshin— August 10 - 16 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryIn-Person in Columbus, Ohio through Mud Lotus SanghaWeekly Meditations on Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayRetreats, Meditation instruction and other events can be found on our website.Upcoming Sesshins at Saranam Retreat Center in West VirginiaInterdependence Sesshin June 29 - July 5 (Registration is now open!)I'm Amy Kisei. I am a Zen Buddhist Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer and Artist. I offer 1:1 Spiritual Counseling sessions using IFS and Hakomi (somatic mindfulness). I also offer astrology readings. Check out my website to learn more. I currently live in Columbus, OH and am a supporting teacher for the Mud Lotus Sangha. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amykisei.substack.com/subscribe

Greetings Friends,Happy April Fool's Day! Last week I had the opportunity to co-facilitate a Zen sesshin in the mountains of West Virginia at Saranam Retreat Center.Sesshin, a zen-style silent meditation retreat which translates as touching the heart-mind, has been a huge part of my adult life. While living at Great Vow Zen Monastery, I practiced sesshin together in sangha for a week every month. Such is the rhythm of monastic life we enter this cauldron of awakening together and let our hearts and minds simplify to reveal their true nature.Preparing for sesshin has a feeling of preparing for death— for opening to oneness is not the ego's domain. Sesshin is grounded in the aspiration to awaken with all beings. An impossible vow that truly we are entangled in, this springing forth of great love is actualized through our practice—realized in this heart.For the dharma teachings are not just “good ideas” but insights we can come to know in our bones, as our body-mind.There is something utterly incomprehensible about sitting together in silence and allowing ourselves to be touched by the great mystery.To return from sesshin is impossible, and yet—here we are. Back from the dead, changed, transformed. Heart's silent presence alive in our inter-relations. Vow awakened and lived into here-and-now.This is compassion!During sesshin we practiced with Dogen Zenji's Mountains and Waters Sutra. Which I have been giving dharma talks on over the last few weeks, during the online Monday Night Dharma. This week we explored the practice of circling back to study ourselves. In the Mountains and Waters Sutra, Dogen says:The blue mountains devote themselves to the investigation of walking; the East Mountain studies “moving over the water.” Hence, this study is the mountain's own study. The mountains, without altering their own body and mind, with their own mountain countenance, have always been circling back to study themselves.We encounter circles throughout this path of practice. As I said above, I circle back to sesshin regularly. Many of you have the experience of circling back to this practice of zazen-meditation. The study of the mountains and rivers sutra is a circling back to a teaching I have practiced with for over a decade. What do you find yourself circling back to in your practice-life? As we enter the season of Spring, what is beginning again for you? How are you circling back to yourself? This circling back to study ourselves is one of the core instructions for zazen practice—to recognize our original self, the unborn buddha mind. Listen to the Dharma talk for more explorations of this teaching in the Mountains and Rivers Sutra. I reference the chant-able version of the Mountains and Waters Sutra which you can find here.Below is a poem inspired by the practice of circling.Mountains Circling Back to Realize Themselves Circle back study yourself Who are you? What hears? Who is breathing this breath? What feels the heart beating, the touch of clothing, longing, aspiration? Circle back and listen to yourself What is your heart's song? Do you know the compassion that you are? Are you in touch with this aspiration to awaken, to liberate all beings? What is the shape of your vow? What is the size of your heart? Can you see that it truly includes the entire world? Circle back and be yourself See that you too are mountain, and flowing You were never born, you will not die Circle back and love yourself For you are dying, too Wonder at this Self This miracle that you are Let yourself be amazed By this life you live Appreciate the challenges, the joys, all the happenings That make you — you Circle back, greet yourself For you are ancestor Parent, protector, caregiver, teacher, friend, guide To this earth, your family, community, all beings And you are also child A student of life, learning, being guided, protected Cared for by this earth, and all your inter-relations Circle back and meet yourself As you are born, from the stone woman From the dark Even as you age You are new Like spring Like a flower budding Circle back home to yourself Rest In the vast openness Of your original Heart-mind Always right hereBecoming Circle What must relax in you To become a circle? What assumptions made about who we are and why we are here Must dissolve So that feet can walk back towards head as ground rises up To meet the sky We who once stood erect in the middle Like pillar or tree Like mountain Now find ourselves Turning inside-out Walking backward as we move forward Being planet Or globe Flower Or mandala Or something else entirely Weekly Online Meditation EventMonday Night Dharma — 6P PT / 9P ET Join weekly for drop-in meditation and dharma talk. We are currently exploring the Mountains and Waters Sutra by Dogen Zenji.Feel free to join anytime. Event lasts about 1.5 hours. ZOOM LINKIn-Person in OregonLight of the Ancestors Sesshin—May 11 - 17 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryGrasses, Trees and the Great Earth Sesshin— August 10 - 16 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryIn-Person in Columbus, Ohio through Mud Lotus SanghaWeekly Meditations on Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayRetreats, Meditation instruction and other events can be found on our website.Upcoming Sesshins at Saranam Retreat Center in West VirginiaInterdependence Sesshin June 29 - July 5 (Registration is now open!)I'm Amy Kisei. I am a Zen Buddhist Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer and Artist. I offer 1:1 Spiritual Counseling sessions using IFS and Hakomi (somatic mindfulness). I also offer astrology readings. Check out my website to learn more. I currently live in Columbus, OH and am a supporting teacher for the Mud Lotus Sangha. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amykisei.substack.com/subscribe

Choosing to face past trauma is a courageous step, especially when it means questioning attachments and dynamics that once felt necessary for survival. Healing begins when awareness replaces silence and autonomy replaces fear. This podcast explores recovery from narcissistic abuse, trauma bonding, and attachment wounds that can keep people feeling trapped. It invites reflection on how safety, regulation, and self-trust create the conditions for real change. This episode features Chris Wasko, an Energy Healer, Spiritual Counselor, and Psychic Medium who supports survivors of narcissistic abuse in reconnecting with their inner wisdom. Learn more about her work here: https://www.chriswasko.com/ If this resonates with you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to reconnect with their own inner wisdom. For more such content, follow me on: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/healing_you_with_gloria LinkedIn- linkedin.com/in/glorialybecker Website- https://glorialybeckercoaching.com Gail Donohue - https://www.gaildonohuecoaching.com #traumarecovery #healingjourney #innerwork #healingyouwithgloria

I will be joining the Mud Lotus Sangha in West Virginia for our first sesshin of the year. Sesshin is now often translated as a Zen-style meditation retreat. But the words meditation and retreat are mis-leading. It is in its truest sense a practice of recognizing our true nature, of touching, encountering the heart-mind that abides everywhere.We are going to the mountains of West Virginia to practice. Stepping back into Mountain time to learn from the mountains, waters and great earth. To be students to the world before thought, which continues to blossom in the midst of all our human-made problems.Preparing for sesshin is like preparing for death.It is preparing for the unknown, for encountering the mystery. It is a practice and path of discovering who and what we are when we aren't engaging constantly in the impulses and desires of modern life—with its near endless supply of surface level distractions and pleasures—that often keep us from encountering the deep questions and true satisfaction of our being.During sesshin we will be exploring the Mountains and Waters Sutra by Dogen Zenji. And we are also taking up this sutra on Monday nights, as part of the Monday Night Dharma teaching offered weekly on zoom (more info below).It is a beautiful teaching that scholars, ecologists, practitioners, artists, mystics, activists, poets have turned to over the centuries for inspiration on this path of being human, of living awake to our deep interconnection with all beings.So for the next couple months, we will be walking in the mountains together. We will be journeying in Mountain Time, studying the teachings of mountains and waters and how they are relevant in our own lives as modern, urban, technological beings. One of my questions is, can the teachings of mountains and waters, the teachings in this sutra and other teachings we find throughout buddhism about mountains—can they meet us in this current moment? Can they meet us here in what feels apocalyptic? What do the mountains and waters have to teach us about hope/fear, gain/loss, life/death, awakening/delusion, joy, compassion, equanimity, freedom and how to live together on this earth or even in this cosmos?The first line of the sutra says:These mountains and rivers right now are an actualization of the ancient buddha way.Pay attention to the mountains and waters, they are teaching us, they are the expression of the awakened ones, they are the way!People throughout cultures and traditions regard the mountains as sacred, regard the natural world as sacred— as teachers, as expressions-embodiments of our true nature. Mountains are mythic and evoke the spirit. They are often personified as spirit beings, praised, worshiped and prayed to. Many mountains are pilgrimage sites, temples were built on them, ceremonies are conducted on them. To live on the mountains, is to live with the mountains, to simplify—to be humbled and vulnerable in the mountains presence.To take up mountains and waters as sutra, is to encounter this ancient way of being, is to connect with our ancestors, is to connect with the Earth as ancestor and realize our deep inter-being with all of life.Are we willing to humble ourselves before the mountains and waters?Are we willing to hear their teachings?What kind of listening is required—to encounter earth as ancestor, lover, friend, mother, as the way, the path, true nature itself?Are we willing to abide in mountain time, to open to the deep time, presence and pace of mountains?Can we do this as modern people? Is this teaching relevant to us as people who are intertwined with technology and the creature comforts of urban life? What might we have to change, give-up, surrender or open to? Is it possible to study the sutra of mountains and rivers, right here—in our daily lives?Throughout the study and practice of reading this sutra, contemplating it and putting it into practice—we will encounter these questions and more. We will get to experience a new appreciation for what the mountains and waters are, how they are teachers, buddhas, and the way.The first paragraph of the sutra says:Mountains and waters right now are the actualization of the ancient Buddha way. Each, abiding in its phenomenal expression, realizes completeness. Because mountains and waters have been active since before the Empty Eon, they are alive at this moment. Because they have been the self since before form arose they are emancipation-realization.And I will leave it there for today. Listen to the podcast episode for more and join us tomorrow as we dive deeper into the sutra and the practice of mountain-walking. Feel free to share any comments or thoughts below!Weekly Online Meditation EventMonday Night Dharma — 6P PT / 9P ET Join weekly for drop-in meditation and dharma talk. We are currently exploring the Mountains and Waters Sutra by Dogen Zenji.Feel free to join anytime. Event lasts about 1.5 hours. ZOOM LINKIn-Person in OregonLight of the Ancestors Sesshin—May 11 - 17 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryGrasses, Trees and the Great Earth—In-Person in Columbus, Ohio through Mud Lotus SanghaWeekly Meditations on Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayRetreats, Meditation instruction and other events can be found on our website.Upcoming Sesshins at Saranam Retreat Center in West VirginiaMountains and Rivers Sesshin March 18 - 22 (Registration is now open!)Mountains are high and wide. The movement of clouds and the inconceivable power of soaring in the wind comes freely from the mountains. —Dogen Zenji, Mountains and Waters SutraDuring this silent, Zen-style retreat we will practice with the mountains and waters, opening to our own mountain-stability and the flowing nature of all experience.Meditation provides the opportunity for intimacy with self and world, recognizing the interconnectedness of this very life. Healing and transformation happen as we abide in the mystery of who we truly are.This will be a silent meditation retreat. After an initial meal, set-up and orientation we will enter noble silence. Supporting each other in connecting with our own inner silence, stability and confidence. We will follow a rigorous daily schedule which includes roughly seven hours of seated meditation, interspersed with periods of walking meditation, chanting practice, dharma talks, opportunities to check-in with one of the practice leaders, outdoor meditation sessions, mindful eating practice during meals, a late morning care-taking practice and breaks where participants have the opportunity to rest, exercise and explore the beautiful grounds and nature.Interdependence Sesshin June 29 - July 5 (save the date, registration opens soon!)I'm Amy Kisei. I am a Zen Buddhist Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer and Artist. I offer 1:1 Spiritual Counseling sessions using IFS and Hakomi (somatic mindfulness). I also offer astrology readings. Check out my website to learn more. I currently live in Columbus, OH and am a supporting teacher for the Mud Lotus Sangha.Earth Dreams is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amykisei.substack.com/subscribe

Greetings Friends,This past weekend I had the opportunity to join the Pause Meditation community for a deep dive into practice around the theme of the beginner's mind. In the Zen tradition we celebrate the beginner's mind. For it is both the unborn buddha mind— our original mind which is always right here and our curious, open mind that is constantly being born anew. So very much like the energy of spring, life is constantly bubbling up, recreating itself, blossoming in our awareness. “In every adult there is a child – an eternal child, something that is always becoming, is never completed, and calls for unceasing care, attention, and education. That is the part of the human personality which wants to develop and become whole.” —Carl JungThis podcast episode is a recording of the talk I gave about the Beginner's Mind to the Pause Meditation Community and below is a guided meditation on recognizing the unborn buddha mind, the mind at home in itself.Also, in celebration and praise of the one who is always being born (tomorrow is my birthday) and to the unborn buddha mind in us all—I wanted to share a fairy tale I wrote. Fairy tales, folklore, myths and stories have been with us throughout human history. I find that they invite us into the mystery, as they attempt to story and image that which we can't explain. They can leave us open to a world ensouled and to the inexplicable nature of reality.I've always appreciated that two folktales are included in the Mumonkan, one of the more popular collections of Zen koans and teaching stories. Like koans and dreams, fairytales invite us to consider all the characters, animals and landscape as our mind, as the various manifestations of one psyche.Happy Birthday, may you enjoy this tale and the great dream of this life!Also, starting tonight during the Monday Night Dharma practice we will be exploring the Mountains and Rivers Sutra by Dogen Zenji. I have some curiosity about practicing with this sutra during this seemingly apocalyptic time on the planet. How can the teachings of Mountains and Rivers and the unborn Buddha Mind meet us in this moment? What happens when we bring all our doubts, fears, confusions, grief, longings, etc. to this sutra & to our practice?the girl, the magician and the great tree (a fairy tale)Once upon a time there was a forest and in that forest there was a girl. The girl loved the forest and the forest loved the girl. By day the sun shone brightly, and she herself was radiant, she paraded with the panthers and lounged with the lions. At night the stars became her blanket and she dreamed vivid colorful dreams. She always felt safe and protected in her forest home.Time passed and the girl grew older. Her body started to change and with that change the forest seemed to change too. Parts of the forest grew dark. She often heard strange sounds, bad sounds, sounds that no being should ever hear—coming from those shadows.The girl started to feel fear and spent more time by herself. One misty morning as the girl was walking alone, a magician appeared from the shadows and greeted her. He told her he was on a journey to find the Great Tree, as he was hoping to make a prayer so that he may gather its fruit as medicine for his ailing mother, who was sick at home with night terrors.The girl once knew the Great Tree well. It was the place in the forest she first called home. Its bark was like the ocean, its roots ran through the entire forest and its fruit was splendid, every imaginable food and medicine grew from its branches. She and the animals would eat its fruit, and take its medicine whenever they were sick or injured. The Great Tree always provided them with all they could ever need.She wanted to help the boy find the Tree she loved so much. But she couldn't remember where it was. Every path once led to the Great Tree, but now they all seemed to end in the shadows. Suddenly it hit her that she didn't know where she was. She honestly couldn't remember the last time she had been to the Great Tree.Instinctively, she reached into her pocket to touch the two golden seeds she kept there. Instead of providing comfort and clarity, as they usually did, she fell into a deep sleep. The magician took the golden seeds from her hands and immediately knew the way to the Great Tree.When the girl finally awoke she realized her golden seeds were gone. These were all she had from the Great Tree. It was like her whole life was being stolen from her, and she was left in the darkest of dark places.Then, a raven appeared and lifted the girl up by her shoulders, flying her deeper into the dark. Before the girl knew what was happening the raven cawed three times and released her. There she was face to face with an opening door and a huntsman.“You knocked?” Said the huntsman. “Well I did, and I didn't” responded the girl.The huntsman liked this answer and he invited her to come in, as he was just about to fix his morning coffee and toast, and thought she might like to join him.As she entered the abode she caught her breath. The house was decorated exclusively with the skin and fur from bears. She had never been in the company of someone who hunted. She had heard about them from the stories the animals would tell her—back when the animals could talk, and she could understand them.She was afraid and started to talk, “I don't know why I am here or even where I am. I was walking in the forest and I met this strange man. He was looking for the Great Tree. A place I used to know, that used to be my home but, I don't know where it is anymore. I used to eat from it and use its fruit to heal the animals. Now the forest is dark and I feel confused and afraid all the time,” she blurted out.The huntsman's face showed both care and concern. “You don't know who you are, do you?” said the huntsman. And gave out a little chuckle, which eased the girl.“Should I? No one has ever asked me who I am.” “Ah, yes. We all have names.” said the huntsman. “For example, I am called Beir. I speak the language of the bear, they are part of my family and let me take their life so that my people can eat. The bears have been sick recently, something is out of balance. I think you might be able to help me.” Beir said.He went upstairs and came back with a bow and a silver arrow. “This is for you,” he said to the girl. “I want you to carry this. I suspect when you discover who you are, you are going to need this. This silver arrow, when used with Integrity, has the power to bring your Great Tree back to life and restore balance to the forest.”The girl doesn't understand, but there is something about the care in his eyes, the confidence in his voice and his own courage that allows her to accept the bow with the silver arrow. They sit together in silence drinking coffee and eating toast with huckleberry jam. When suddenly they hear the howl of a wolf from very close by. Beir stands and opens the door letting in a gust of wind that blows into the house and lifts the girl out of her seat and into the cold, dark forest again.“I thought it was morning,” the girl thinks as she tries to pull herself up and orient to where she is now. But before she can, the wolf races by and throws her up on his back and races through the shadowy maze of paths. The wolf howls three times, places her down on the forest floor and speeds off. She looks up to a door opening, and two snakes slithering up the arms of an old woman.“You rang?” Says the old snake woman, her silver hair gleaming in the moonlight. “I did and I didn't.” Says the girl again, surprised that it is already night time. “Well, well you must come in then,” says the woman smiling. “You've already met Lok and Ki,” she says with a soft cackle.The cottage is dark aside from these blue-white spheres that seem to self-illuminate on the walls. They look like mirrors but when the girl stands in front of them, she doesn't see her own reflection. “Ah, child, you don't know who you are,” the woman says, kindly. “Why is everyone saying this to me today?” the girl replies slightly annoyed but also curious.“The mirrors reflect what we fear, until we can truly rest in our nature. You seem to have lost yourself. And you're afraid you won't be found.” The girl wants to ask if she is findable. But she feels embarrassed and a little confused by this whole thing. She likes the woman though, she likes how strange and direct she is. How she feels like the river and the open sky—refreshing, clear and free simultaneously.“Do you have a name?” the girl asks. “I am called snake woman by some, witch by others, but those close to me call me Crystalanne.” The girl feels like she knows things, things that have not yet happened but will happen…“I'm making some mugwort tea, come drink with me and I will fix you a place to sleep. I have a sense that you need to have a dream while you are here.” As the girl sips her tea, Crystalanne tells her stories about the many lives she has lived.That night the girl does dream. She dreams of the Great Tree and of the forest she once knew. In the dream the Great Tree is sick. Someone has cast a spell on it, something dark has entered its roots and turned its abundant medicine to poison. The animals are sick and tired, and the sun has stopped shining in the forest.The girl wakes up and tells Crystalanne the dream. Crystalanne listens attentively. She nods, but does not seem distressed. “Ah, yes. This is what you needed to see,” Crystalanne says after some time. “Are you ready to return to your tree and heal the forest?” “Me?” the girl asks, “I am not a hero, I don't know how to heal the forest.” “Oh, but you do, dear.” Crystalanne says, “So you must. Time is running out.”Crystalanne goes into another room and comes out with a locket. “When the time comes, open this and you will see your true self.” She says as she hands the girl the locket. Then she goes over to the door, cracks it a bit and a mighty wind sweeps in and blows the girl out of the cottage. She tumbles in the air before landing on the body of a giant white and blue viper. She clutches her bow with the silver arrow in one hand and her locket in another. “I want to know who I am,” she says aloud.Just then the viper vanishes and the girl lands standing on the darkening roots of the Great Tree. The magician is already there. “What are you doing to the Great Tree? The forest is sick, I thought you wanted to help heal your mother.” The girl asserts. “My mother is ill. This whole world is her nightmare now and I want everyone to experience it,” laughs the magician.“I can't let you do that.” The girl says, remembering what Beir said about Integrity. “This is my home, this Great Tree gives life to the entire forest and all the animals—I have come to stop you.” She takes her bow and silver arrow and aiming right at the boy's chest, she shoots. The arrow speeds from the bow, faster than light and pierces the boy's heart. He falls to the ground releasing the golden seeds.The girl collects the seeds and begins to pray. She prays for the forest, for the Great Tree, she prays for the boy and his sick mother, she prays for all of the animals. Her prayers get stronger, as if light were being emitted from her mouth.And, slowly the oceanic blue can be seen flowing through the Great Tree's bark, and the sun's radiance begins to shine on the forest again. Before long the abundant fruit is growing on the Great Tree's branches and the animals return to eat and heal.“This is me. This is who I am. I am the forest and I am a healer. My name is Amala.” The girl roars in a new voice—stronger than the one she used before. As she speaks she feels the locket pulse and something stirs from behind her.The boy rises. He winks at her. “And I am Bhatt. I am a great magician who had a spell cast over me by my mother. Your silver arrow freed me from the spell. And allowed my mother to finally rest in peace. Thank you, I am forever grateful to you.”Amala knows that Bhatt would be her human love. She felt clear that he was her equal and that they had much to learn from each other. With this knowing her locket pulsed again. This time she holds it in her hand and opens it. Peering inside she sees the the raven, the grizzly bear, Bier, the wolf, Lok and Ki, Crystalanne and the giant white viper, she sees the Great Tree with its oceanic bark, the radiant forest, all of the animals and the dark mystery of the cosmos, and then there is her face full of joy connected to the entire forest. “This is who I am,” she says. “And it's good, all good.”The light and the dark, the sickness and the medicine, the joy and the sorrow. It's all good.Weekly Online Meditation EventMonday Night Dharma — 6P PT / 9P ET Join weekly for drop-in meditation and dharma talk. We are currently exploring the Mountains and Waters Sutra by Dogen Zenji.Feel free to join anytime. Event lasts about 1.5 hours. ZOOM LINKIn-Person in OregonLight of the Ancestors Sesshin—May 11 - 17 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryGrasses, Trees and the Great Earth—In-Person in Columbus, Ohio through Mud Lotus SanghaWeekly Meditations on Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayRetreats, Meditation instruction and other events can be found on our website.Upcoming Sesshins at Saranam Retreat Center in West VirginiaMountains and Rivers Sesshin March 18 - 22 (Registration is now open!)Mountains are high and wide. The movement of clouds and the inconceivable power of soaring in the wind comes freely from the mountains. —Dogen Zenji, Mountains and Waters SutraDuring this silent, Zen-style retreat we will practice with the mountains and waters, opening to our own mountain-stability and the flowing nature of all experience.Meditation provides the opportunity for intimacy with self and world, recognizing the interconnectedness of this very life. Healing and transformation happen as we abide in the mystery of who we truly are.This will be a silent meditation retreat. After an initial meal, set-up and orientation we will enter noble silence. Supporting each other in connecting with our own inner silence, stability and confidence. We will follow a rigorous daily schedule which includes roughly seven hours of seated meditation, interspersed with periods of walking meditation, chanting practice, dharma talks, opportunities to check-in with one of the practice leaders, outdoor meditation sessions, mindful eating practice during meals, a late morning care-taking practice and breaks where participants have the opportunity to rest, exercise and explore the beautiful grounds and nature.Interdependence Sesshin June 29 - July 5 (save the date, registration opens soon!)I'm Amy Kisei. I am a Zen Buddhist Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer and Artist. I offer 1:1 Spiritual Counseling sessions using IFS and Hakomi (somatic mindfulness). I also offer astrology readings. Check out my website to learn more. I currently live in Columbus, OH and am a supporting teacher for the Mud Lotus Sangha. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amykisei.substack.com/subscribe

I wanted to share with you a profound, beautiful and somewhat unsettling teaching from the Diamond Sutra.I would say its unsettling precisely because it is so radical, it touches something true that we know at the core of who we are, and it also reminds us that everything we think we are or think the world is —is not the whole story, our thinking inevitably misses something.we are inconceivable in our nature—and we all have, the same bright, clear, open, ungraspable heart-mind.here's the verse from the diamond sutra, may you practice its profundity and dwell in the mystery of being.the world is not what we name it or think it, and there is no enduring thing that is self or other, each object and being in this fleeting world is like:A star at dawnA bubble in a streamA flash of lightning in a summer stormA flickering flameA wisp of smokeA dreamlisten to the podcast for a deeper exploration of the teachings from the diamond sutra.until next time,kiseiWeekly Online Meditation EventMonday Night Dharma — 6P PT / 9P ET Join weekly for drop-in meditation and dharma talk. We are currently exploring the Mountains and Waters Sutra by Dogen Zenji.Feel free to join anytime. Event lasts about 1.5 hours. ZOOM LINKOnline Meditative Deep Dive with Pause MeditationBeginner's Mind Saturday March 7th from 10A PT/1P ET - 11:30A PT/2:30P ETIn-Person in OregonLight of the Ancestors Sesshin—May 11 - 17 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryGrasses, Trees and the Great Earth—In-Person in Columbus, Ohio through Mud Lotus SanghaWeekly Meditations on Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayRetreats, Meditation instruction and other events can be found on our website.Upcoming Sesshins at Saranam Retreat Center in West VirginiaMountains and Rivers Sesshin March 18 - 22 (Registration is now open!)Mountains are high and wide. The movement of clouds and the inconceivable power of soaring in the wind comes freely from the mountains. —Dogen Zenji, Mountains and Waters SutraDuring this silent, Zen-style retreat we will practice with the mountains and waters, opening to our own mountain-stability and the flowing nature of all experience.Meditation provides the opportunity for intimacy with self and world, recognizing the interconnectedness of this very life. Healing and transformation happen as we abide in the mystery of who we truly are.This will be a silent meditation retreat. After an initial meal, set-up and orientation we will enter noble silence. Supporting each other in connecting with our own inner silence, stability and confidence. We will follow a rigorous daily schedule which includes roughly seven hours of seated meditation, interspersed with periods of walking meditation, chanting practice, dharma talks, opportunities to check-in with one of the practice leaders, outdoor meditation sessions, mindful eating practice during meals, a late morning care-taking practice and breaks where participants have the opportunity to rest, exercise and explore the beautiful grounds and nature.Interdependence Sesshin June 29 - July 5 (save the date, registration opens soon!)I'm Amy Kisei. I am a Zen Buddhist Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer and Artist. I offer 1:1 Spiritual Counseling sessions using IFS and Hakomi (somatic mindfulness). I also offer astrology readings. Check out my website to learn more. I currently live in Columbus, OH and am a supporting teacher for the Mud Lotus Sangha. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amykisei.substack.com/subscribe

dust returns to dust earth to earth mind always at home in itself where does it return?This past week I was reflecting on the 6th Chan Ancestor, Huineng and his encounter with a verse from the diamond sutra.Huineng lost his father early in life, and supported himself and his mother by selling firewood. On one occasion, he was selling firewood to a customer, and someone passed by chanting the words of the diamond sutra.Huineng heard a single line and was profoundly moved—it touched something in him and his heart was opened.He managed to stop the person who was chanting to inquire as to what the origin of the verse was and found out that it was from the diamond sutra, and a teacher in a distant part of the country was encouraging their students to chant this sutra.For Huineng, this was a “call to adventure moment.” He knew he needed to meet this teacher, which meant leaving his current life. For Huineng, this worked out. He was able to find someone to care for his mom, and he set out on a difficult journey to meet this unknown teacher.I feel like this story is relatable. Has something like this ever happened to you? Have you ever heard a phrase from a song, poem, a prayer or a teaching and it touched you profoundly? It stoped you. Perhaps caused you to find out the source of the words, or left you on a quest to discover who wrote it? what book was it from? These moments can take us on an adventure of discovery. But also, more importantly—the words themselves touched something that is beyond words. They often wake us up to the immediacy, the intimacy of this life.Sometimes this happens with words from a chant or prayer we recite regularly, or have heard often. One day, they feel imbued with a new kind of meaning.This past Wednesday was Ash Wednesday, and the words: remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return—have been with me. I remember the first time the profundity of that simple phrase really got in—I was an adult and my grandfather had just passed away.I got interested this year in the practice of lent, and read the lenten gospel from Matthew, where Jesus is speaking about prayer. He is reminding his disciples that prayer isn't about being seen doing something great, or making some big sacrifice—but perhaps the most genuine prayer is secret, a private affair between one's self and the great mystery.We live in a time in the world where we share intimate details of our lives on social media platforms. There isn't anything inherently wrong about this, but I got interested in the invitation towards a secret life of prayer or meditation. I think we long for an intimacy with ourselves and the universe—the great mystery, that can't be displayed or need not be. That gets to be hidden, secret, kept close.I had a dream recently on this theme. In the dream I was given a bright green folder and told to always keep it close. When I explored what was in the folder there was a roll of masking tape, a book I wrote in kindergarten about a tree named Fred, and vast emptiness.I was left opened to the unnameable absence—roaring silence, pure potentiality.In this task of being human, in this life's work of discovering our true nature—words, stories, images, dreams and symbols can serve as pointers, but we all will encounter the mystery of this life for ourselves.Dharma practice invites nearness. What are you keeping close? What practices allow you to stay with your inner-most heart? To stay with your self moment-to-moment? To stay close to the vows you wish to live by?This on-going commitment to awakening is something that for most of us operates in secret, its that inner orientation, remembering ourselves back to ourselves, recognizing what is nearest.I got curious about what Huineng actually heard and so did some research to find the passage from the Diamond Sutra. Below is Steven Mitchell's translation for the last paragraph of Chapter 10 of the Diamond Sutra.Here is what is essential: All Bodhisattvas should develop a pure, lucid mind that doesn't depend upon sight, sound, taste, touch, smell or any thought that arises in it. A bodhisattva should develop a mind that abides nowhere.Another way this is translated is a bodhisattva should develop mind at home with itself. What is this heart-mind that doesn't depend on thoughts or the senses, that abides nowhere, everywhere, all at once. Always at home.Andrew Holecek in his book Preparing to Die, says that this practice of recognizing the mind that abides nowhere, is the best practice to do to prepare for death—for when the body returns to the earth, the senses cease—the mind of awakening continues—at home in itself.The audio portion of this post is mainly a dharma talk on the Diamond Sutra. I reference both Steven Mitchell's translation and Red Pine's translation. You can find Red Pine's translation here.I'm excited to be co-creating space this Spring and Summer for in-person sesshin/meditation retreats. As well as online immersions with Pause Meditation. See below for upcoming events!Weekly Online Meditation EventMonday Night Dharma — 6P PT / 9P ET Join weekly for drop-in meditation and dharma talk.Feel free to join anytime. Event lasts about 1.5 hours. ZOOM LINKOnline Meditative Deep Dive with Pause MeditationBeginner's Mind Saturday March 7th from 10A PT/1P ET - 11:30A PT/2:30P ETIn-Person in OregonLight of the Ancestors Sesshin—May 11 - 17 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryGrasses, Trees and the Great Earth—In-Person in Columbus, Ohio through Mud Lotus SanghaWeekly Meditations on Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayRetreats, Meditation instruction and other events can be found on our website.Upcoming Sesshins at Saranam Retreat Center in West VirginiaMountains and Rivers Sesshin March 18 - 22 (Registration is now open!)Mountains are high and wide. The movement of clouds and the inconceivable power of soaring in the wind comes freely from the mountains. —Dogen Zenji, Mountains and Waters SutraDuring this silent, Zen-style retreat we will practice with the mountains and waters, opening to our own mountain-stability and the flowing nature of all experience.Meditation provides the opportunity for intimacy with self and world, recognizing the interconnectedness of this very life. Healing and transformation happen as we abide in the mystery of who we truly are.This will be a silent meditation retreat. After an initial meal, set-up and orientation we will enter noble silence. Supporting each other in connecting with our own inner silence, stability and confidence. We will follow a rigorous daily schedule which includes roughly seven hours of seated meditation, interspersed with periods of walking meditation, chanting practice, dharma talks, opportunities to check-in with one of the practice leaders, outdoor meditation sessions, mindful eating practice during meals, a late morning care-taking practice and breaks where participants have the opportunity to rest, exercise and explore the beautiful grounds and nature.Interdependence Sesshin June 29 - July 5 (save the date, registration opens soon!)I'm Amy Kisei. I am a Zen Buddhist Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer and Artist. I offer 1:1 Spiritual Counseling sessions using IFS and Hakomi (somatic mindfulness). I also offer astrology readings. Check out my website to learn more. I currently live in Columbus, OH and am a supporting teacher for the Mud Lotus Sangha. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amykisei.substack.com/subscribe

A lotus blooming in the fire is an image that comes from the Zen tradition. And before I write further on the symbolism of the image or the dharma teachings it evokes—I would like to invite us to just sit with the image of a lotus blooming in the fire.For a moment, let yourself sense, imagine or feel into this image. Notice what you see, feel, hear, experience as you attempt to connect with the image of a lotus blooming in the fire. Now, if you haven't already bring the image closer in. Sit as, be a lotus blooming in the fire.And stay with it for some time allowing associations, feelings, meanings, sensations to come and go. Returning simply to being a lotus in the fire.When you are ready, you can let the image dissolve.I am curious to hear what you noticed, what happened as you sat with or as a lotus blooming in the fire?The Power of Embodied ImaginationTo meditate with an image like this, is one form that koan practice can take in the Zen tradition. You sit with an image, becoming the image and learning about it through your direct experience. Notice how an image can contain seeming paradoxes. How can a lotus bloom in fire? Wouldn't it burn? And yet, here it is.On Wednesday, in Columbus we did this practice with my local sangha Mud Lotus. We sat as lotuses blooming in the fire. People noticed different things about this dynamic of fire and blooming. Someone pointed out that a lotus isn't trying to stop the fire, yet it is blooming there. Another said that it seemed like the lotus bloomed because of the fire. Others saw the lotus as a reminder of their own nature that isn't burned in the fires of life.This image was popularized by the great Chan teacher of 11th Century China, Yuan-Wu. He used it to refer to the practice of what he called, Householder Bodhisattvas. Those of us whose practice-awakening happens in the fires of this world, in the challenges of our relationships, in our own inner conflicts or difficulties.How to be a householder bodhisattva, it requires a stand that is solid and true and faith that is thoroughgoing…When bodhisattvas who live a householder's life cultivate the practices of deep meditation and insight, it is like a lotus blooming in the fire. It will always be hard to tame the will for fame and rank and power and position, not to mention all the myriad starting points of vexation and turmoil associated with the burning house of worldly existence. The only way is for you yourself to realize your fundamental, real wondrous wholeness and reach the stage of great calm, stability and rest. —Yuan-wuThich Nhat Hanh also used this image in his first book published in English, Vietnam: A Lotus in the Sea of Fire: A Buddhist Proposal for Peace. What are the Fires in your Life?Fire in the Buddhist tradition can be a symbol of suffering in all its manifestations. From the collective forms of suffering that appear as war, violence, injustice, conflict, misuse of power to the more personal forms of suffering that appear as anxiety, worry, terror, fear, shame, physical discomfort, pain.Fire can also be a symbol of the instability of all experience, the changing nature of everyone and everything—in Buddhism we call this impermanence.Suffering and impermanence are two of the marks of existence. A teaching the buddha gave about the nature of experience—basically reminding us that suffering and change are part of life. In the Buddhist teachings, liberation or freedom from suffering is not the absence of pain, violence, fear, change, anxiety, etc. —but is found in the midst of these fires, or whatever fires we find ourselves in.A Lotus Blooms in a Sea of FireWhich brings us to the image of the lotus.The lotus is a symbol of wholeness, it is an image of our true nature—which is always present, reliable, unbreakable yet soft—the blossoming of wisdom and compassion.To realize our buddha nature does not make the fires of our lives go away, it doesn't mean that the fires in the world stop burning.Awakening is being the lotus blooming in the fire.Its having this refuge of love unconditioned, of spacious awareness, unbreakable kindness in every situation—even as our heart's break, even as we feel at times like we are falling apart.The lotus of our true nature blooms— even here, even now.Even without our noticing the lotus blooms. Part of what dharma practice is all about is training to recognize the lotus of our true nature, which at times may mean finding ways to nurture and care for our practice in the midst of these world fires.Practicing with others whether it is in-person or online is a way to strengthen this refuge, to recognize for ourselves the lotus that doesn't burn-up in the fires of stress, overwhelm, fear and all the other forms suffering can take in our lives and in this world.Listen to the dharma talk for a more in-depth discussion of the Lotus in the Fire, and Yuan-wu's teaching on How to be a Householder Bodhisattva.I'm excited to be co-creating space this Spring and Summer for in-person sesshin/meditation retreats. As well as online immersions with Pause Meditation. See below for upcoming events!Weekly Online Meditation EventMonday Night Dharma — 6P PT / 9P ET Join weekly for drop-in meditation and dharma talk.Feel free to join anytime. Event lasts about 1.5 hours. ZOOM LINKOnline Meditative Deep Dive with Pause MeditationBeginner's Mind Saturday March 7th from 10A PT/1P ET - 11:30A PT/2:30P ETIn-Person in OregonLight of the Ancestors Sesshin—May 11 - 17 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryGrasses, Trees and the Great Earth—In-Person in Columbus, Ohio through Mud Lotus SanghaWeekly Meditations on Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayRetreats, Meditation instruction and other events can be found on our website.Upcoming Sesshins at Saranam Retreat Center in West VirginiaMountains and Rivers Sesshin March 18 - 22 (Registration is now open!)Mountains are high and wide. The movement of clouds and the inconceivable power of soaring in the wind comes freely from the mountains. —Dogen Zenji, Mountains and Waters SutraDuring this silent, Zen-style retreat we will practice with the mountains and waters, opening to our own mountain-stability and the flowing nature of all experience.Meditation provides the opportunity for intimacy with self and world, recognizing the interconnectedness of this very life. Healing and transformation happen as we abide in the mystery of who we truly are.This will be a silent meditation retreat. After an initial meal, set-up and orientation we will enter noble silence. Supporting each other in connecting with our own inner silence, stability and confidence. We will follow a rigorous daily schedule which includes roughly seven hours of seated meditation, interspersed with periods of walking meditation, chanting practice, dharma talks, opportunities to check-in with one of the practice leaders, outdoor meditation sessions, mindful eating practice during meals, a late morning care-taking practice and breaks where participants have the opportunity to rest, exercise and explore the beautiful grounds and nature.Interdependence Sesshin June 29 - July 5 (save the date, registration opens soon!)I'm Amy Kisei. I am a Zen Buddhist Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer and Artist. I offer 1:1 Spiritual Counseling sessions using IFS and Hakomi (somatic mindfulness). I also offer astrology readings. Check out my website to learn more. I currently live in Columbus, OH and am a supporting teacher for the Mud Lotus Sangha. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amykisei.substack.com/subscribe

Musician Clementine Moss drummer for Zepparella is a spiritual counselor and Author of From Bonham to Buddha and Back The Slow Enlightenment of the Hard Rock Drummer

Greetings Friends,I have been reflecting on one of the simplest and perhaps most profound teachings in the Buddhist tradition— the teaching of our extra-ordinary heart. Our extra-ordinary heart is the aspect of our being that doesn't die, and isn't born. That isn't dependent on us but is a deep refuge and resource—one that we know and rely on all the time. One that we also see demonstrated and embodied in our communities, on the world stage, in the people we love and care about. We are living in a time in this country that feels like we are going backward in many respects. Where state-enforced violence has entered our communities, and families are being separated, detained and deported at an unprecedented rate. While our human hearts break, fear, grieve, feel deeply, love and desire—which is beautiful and painful, and part of what makes this experience of being human.We, together, have an extra-ordinary heart—that is boundless in it's nature and is always abiding right here. This heart isn't separate from the very experience of being human, it is intrinsic to our nature. So we too can practice recognizing and abiding in this heart. We too can embody these qualities and let them manifest in our lives and the world.The Buddha taught that our boundless heart has Four Qualities of Boundlessness, also called the Four Divine AbodesBoundless Love/Kindness — which is a friendliness toward existence, agape or universal love, the love of Jesus Christ or Amitabha Buddha or other such figures who love unconditionallyBoundless Compassion — is a responsiveness to suffering in self or other which can have many different qualities(protective, patient, nurturing/gentle, strategic, discerning, creative, clear, resourceful)In the Zen tradition we have a story about boundless compassion. It involves two brothers walking down the road together, and one says to the other, “what do you think the bodhisattva of great compassion does with all of their hands and eyes?” To which the other brother replies, “it's like reaching back in the middle of the night for a pillow.” Compassion is responsive; and takes many forms—so we have this image of a being with ten-thousand arms and hands. In each hand there is a different expression of compassion. So sometimes compassion looks fierce, it's saying no to violence, it's standing up for what we care about, other times its gentle, it's grieving together, or care-taking each other, it can be protective, immediate, systematic and strategic.Boundless Joy — playfulness/spontaneity of being-realityI think we have a meme in our culture, “if you are happy you aren't paying attention.” But play and creativity have always been part of the resistance, we find the trickster archetype in myths throughout human cultures. We find it throughout spiritual traditions as well from the play/spontaneity of the zen koans to the poetry of the mystics like hafiz, cold mountain and la ded. There is a lot of play, joy and creativity happening in the protests in Minneapolis right now.But boundless joy also speaks to being happy for no good reason, causeless happiness. It's wonderful to experience the joy of simply being alive. No one can take that away from us.Boundless Peace/Equanimity — this is the wisdom of the deep equality or oneness of all things. Perhaps the hardest to conceive of, because it's like the peace and presence of the sky. The sky simply allows all forms of weather to move through it, clouds, heavy rains, snow, tornadoes, planes, birds, sunsets all happen in the spaciousness of the sky. The sky simply allows.Our true nature is like the sky. Open, unhindered, allowing, at peace.These four boundless qualities are always abiding in our Extra Ordinary Heart that we call them the divine abodes.We too can abide here.Many people find that through recognizing equanimity the other boundless qualities source forth. They contain each other. And I invite you to explore this for yourself, which qualities feel most familiar? Which are more difficult for you to recognize? How are the four related to each other in your experience?One practice I like to do for connecting with the extra-ordinary-heart is to pay attention to or recognize these qualities as they appear or manifest in my life. So I invite you this week to notice kindness/love, compassion, joy and peace/equanimity. Notice when you experience these qualities, and linger with them, let yourself affirm that they abide in your innermost heart.And also notice when someone else is embodying these qualities, notice them in the natural world, in your community, at work, in the animals you cohabitate with.Another way I connect with the extra-ordinary-heart is I collect poems, art, songs, images that embody these qualities.Here is a favorite. Kindness by Naomi Shihab NyeKindness Before you know what kindness really is you must lose things, feel the future dissolve in a moment like salt in a weakened broth. What you held in your hand, what you counted and carefully saved, all this must go so you know how desolate the landscape can be between the regions of kindness. How you ride and ride thinking the bus will never stop, the passengers eating maize and chicken will stare out the window forever. Before you learn the tender gravity of kindness you must travel where the Indian in a white poncho lies dead by the side of the road. You must see how this could be you, how he too was someone who journeyed through the night with plans and the simple breath that kept him alive. Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside, you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing. You must wake up with sorrow. You must speak to it till your voice catches the thread of all sorrows and you see the size of the cloth. Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore, only kindness that ties your shoes and sends you out into the day to gaze at bread, only kindness that raises its head from the crowd of the world to say It is I you have been looking for, and then goes with you everywhere like a shadow or a friend.Do you have a favorite poem, song, image or piece of art that embodies one or all of the boundless qualities? Do you have practices for connecting with the four boundless qualities? Feel free to share in the comments section.Weekly Online Meditation EventMonday Night Dharma — 6P PT / 9P ET Join weekly for drop-in meditation and dharma talk.Feel free to join anytime. Event lasts about 1.5 hours. ZOOM LINKIn-Person in OregonLight of the Ancestors Sesshin—May 11 - 17 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryIn-Person in Columbus, Ohio through Mud Lotus SanghaWeekly Meditations on Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayRetreats, Meditation instruction and other events can be found on our website.2026 Mud Lotus Sesshins at Saranam Retreat Center in West VirginiaMountains and Rivers Sesshin March 18 - 22Mountains are high and wide. The movement of clouds and the inconceivable power of soaring in the wind comes freely from the mountains. —Dogen Zenji, Mountains and Waters SutraDuring this silent, Zen-style retreat we will practice with the mountains and waters, opening to our own mountain-stability and the flowing nature of all experience.Meditation provides the opportunity for intimacy with self and world, recognizing the interconnectedness of this very life. Healing and transformation happen as we abide in the mystery of who we truly are.This will be a silent meditation retreat. After an initial meal, set-up and orientation we will enter noble silence. Supporting each other in connecting with our own inner silence, stability and confidence. We will follow a rigorous daily schedule which includes roughly seven hours of seated meditation, interspersed with periods of walking meditation, chanting practice, dharma talks, opportunities to check-in with one of the practice leaders, outdoor meditation sessions, mindful eating practice during meals, a late morning care-taking practice and breaks where participants have the opportunity to rest, exercise and explore the beautiful grounds and nature.Interdependence Sesshin June 29 - July 5I'm Amy Kisei. I am a Zen Buddhist Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer and Artist. I offer 1:1 Spiritual Counseling sessions using IFS and Hakomi (somatic mindfulness). I also offer astrology readings. Check out my website to learn more. I currently live in Columbus, OH and am a supporting teacher for the Mud Lotus Sangha. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amykisei.substack.com/subscribe

Episode #236 of World Awakenings: The Fast Track to Enlightenment welcomes back Jackie Lora-Jones, an internationally recognized teacher of A Course in Miracles with over 20 years of experience in non-dualistic spirituality, spiritual awakening, and inner healing. Jackie Lora-Jones offers profound spiritual guidance and personal growth teachings, using A Course in Miracles as the foundation of her work. She is the author of the book “All Peace, No Pieces: A Course in Miracles Take on the World,” where she explores forgiveness, peace, and spiritual transformation through non-dual awareness. In addition to her teaching and writing, Jackie is a Spiritual Counselor, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, and the host of the podcast “The True Forgiveness Teachings.” She leads online spiritual classes and travels internationally to teach non-dualistic spirituality workshops focused on forgiveness, awakening, and enlightenment. This episode dives deep into spiritual awakening, true forgiveness, and how A Course in Miracles can fast-track enlightenment and inner peace.Get your copy of Karl Gruber's best-selling book, "True Spirituality & the Law of Attraction: A Beautiful Symbiotic Relationship". Just click this link.For more information on Jackie Lora-Jones, head over to her website https://jackie.news/TIMESTAMP:00:00 Introduction to World Awakenings – The Fast Track to Enlightenment01:12 Welcoming Jackie Lora-Jones Back to the Show03:05 Jackie's Background in A Course in Miracles (ACIM)06:40 What Non-Dualistic Spirituality Really Means10:15 The Path to Spiritual Awakening & Enlightenment14:30 True Forgiveness Teachings Explained18:55 Applying A Course in Miracles to Everyday Life23:40 Inside Jackie's Book: All Peace, No Pieces28:10 Spiritual Counseling & Clinical Hypnotherapy Insights33:25 The True Forgiveness Teachings Podcast37:50 Online Classes & Global Spiritual Workshops41:30 Final Wisdom, Key Takeaways & Closing Thoughts

Greetings Friends,In the heartbreak, pain, confusion of this moment. I wish to remember together the Way of the Bodhisattva. The image or archetype of the Bodhisattva resonates deep in the hearts of those oriented towards love for this beautiful and broken world.For a Bodhisattva is motivated to relieve suffering and pain, as they work towards a liberation for all beings. This is the spiritual warrior, who knows that this life is not our own but a shared life.Practice of a bodhisattva is a practice of compassion which has two important dimensions Boundless Compassion or Absolute Compassion and Engaged Compassion or Relative Compassion.Boundless Compassion is a view we can practice and eventually realize. It's something we sense or know, without thinking. Boundless Compassion reminds us that compassion is our nature. That nothing need be done because it is already so.The spacious, clear source of our being gives rise to compassionate activity. Without needing to think about it, we respond, we care for others. Our heart is inseparable from all that appears in awareness.This body-heart-mind is an organ of compassion.Is the expression of compassion.Is the vehicle of compassion.There is nothing we need to do make it this way.We practice recognizing and trusting our innate compassion in meditation on and off the cushion.Engaged Compassion is the practice of cultivating compassion through our living. Shantideva in his treatise on The Way of the Bodhisattva invokes the aspirational spirit of compassionate service through this heart-felt prayer. Below is an excerpt, in the original Shantideva goes on and on, connecting to this deep intention to offer himself and is practice for the liberation of all beings.Shantideva's Way of the BodhisattvaFor all those ailing in the world, Until their every sickness has been healed, May I myself become for them The doctor, nurse, the medicine itself. Raining down a flood of food and drink, May I dispel the ills of thirst and famine. And in the aeons marked by scarcity and want. May I myself appear as drink and sustenance. For sentient beings, poor and destitute, May I become a treasure ever-plentiful, And lie before them closely in their reach, A varied source of all that they might need. My body, thus, and all my goods besides, And all my merits gained and to be gained, I give them all and do not count the cost, To bring about the benefit of beings.My dharma brother Soten Danney Lynch wrote a rendition of Shantideva's prayer that we would sing at the monastery. You can listen here.I share this prayer because it can invoke in us the spirit of offering, of recognizing our life as a shared life and awaken in us a deeper connection to the compassion at the heart of our being.I also want to share a teaching called the Five Compassions that can help us connect to a sustainable, joyful and wise compassionate response in our living. The Buddha warned that the near-enemy of compassion is pity. Others have pointed out that empathy, righteousness, and trying to be good out of guilt, or a sense of inadequacy can sometimes feel like compassion but often lead to burn-out, fatigue and resentment.The Five Compassions of Engaged CompassionWise/Curious Compassion—grounded in the experience of interconnection. A response coming from discernment and deep listening.Fierce/Courageous Compassion—a response aimed to protect self or others, this could include boundary setting, speaking up or acting in a way that even risks one's own safety to protect anotherPatient/Calm Compassion—slow, steady, showing up for something or someone we care about or believe in. The longview in bodhisattva language that we will work to help all beings find liberation lifetime after lifetime. A recognition that true, deep, sustaining change often takes time.Joyful/Content Compassion—activity that is nourishing for us and brings us joy or contentment, in Hakomi they use the phrase non-egocentric nourishment to talk about this qualityUnified/Confident Compassion—in alignment with our vows, values, capacitiesUsually all or most of these qualities need to be present in order for our response to feel sustainable and genuine. Compassion is directionless sometimes our compassionate response is directed towards ourselves, and sometimes towards others—is there a difference?Upcoming Retreats and Weekly Drop-in EventsWeekly Online Meditation EventMonday Night Dharma — 6P PT / 9P ET Join weekly for drop-in meditation and dharma talk.Feel free to join anytime. Event lasts about 1.5 hours. ZOOM LINKIn-Person in OregonLight of the Ancestors Sesshin—May 11 - 17 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryIn-Person in Columbus, Ohio through Mud Lotus SanghaWeekly Meditations on Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayRetreats, Meditation instruction and other events can be found on our website.2026 Mud Lotus Sesshins at Saranam Retreat Center in West VirginiaMountains and Rivers Sesshin March 18 - 22Interdependence Sesshin June 29 - July 5I'm Amy Kisei. I am a Zen Buddhist Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer and Artist. I offer 1:1 Spiritual Counseling sessions using IFS and Hakomi (somatic mindfulness). I also offer astrology readings. Check out my website to learn more. I currently live in Columbus, OH and am a supporting teacher for the Mud Lotus Sangha. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amykisei.substack.com/subscribe

Have you ever felt an inexplicable pull towards the spiritual world, or wondered about the deeper meanings behind your life's patterns? On the show today is Malorine Mathurin. Malorine is a Spiritual Counselor and Mystic with over 30 years of experience using various Divination tools, such as: Intuitive/Past-Life Astrology, Mediumship, Tarot, Numerology, and the Akashic Records, with her primary objective being to discharge the karmic issues that are blocking her clients mental, emotional, spiritual, and psychological gifts.Malorine brings clarity to the often blurred lines between faith and mysticism, offering a fresh perspective on the synergy of religious traditions and psychic phenomena. This dialogue sheds light on the misconceptions that shroud spiritual practices, with special attention to the cultural nuances that shape our approach to the unseen.Prepare to be captivated as we delve into the transformative processes of soul retrieval and spiritual healing. Malorine blends Reiki, Spiritual Response Therapy, and sound frequencies to forge pathways to liberation from karmic cycles. We also ponder the cosmic dance of our souls, discussing the possibility of renegotiating our life's blueprint and the fascinating journey beyond our earthly plane. This episode is an invitation to reflect on your spiritual path, challenge your perspectives, and consider the infinite expanse of growth that awaits within and beyond the stars.Where to find Malorine:https://www.youtube.com/@themoonladyschooltiktok.com/@malorinemathurinthemoonladyschool.comSend us a textSupport the showLove the show? Your support helps keep these conversations going. You can treat me to a coffee here:https://buymeacoffee.com/shiftingdimensions Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr0p1zDPaPLmnmI3AIWhDFQFollow us: TikTok - @shiftingdimensions444 Instagram - @shiftingdimensions_podDisclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the guest's own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Shifting Dimensions. The material and information presented here is for general information and entertainment purposes only.

New Years Blessings! And wow, it feels like its off to a chaotic start. In times like these, I find it vital to ground myself in this bodhisattva vow. To remember what is always reliable, no matter what circumstance or situation I find myself in.I would like to share a koan that has been close to my heart as we began 2026.Mumonkan Case 46: Stepping from the Top of the PoleSekiso asked: How do you step from atop a 100-ft pole?Another eminent master from former times said:You who sit on the top of the 100-ft pole,Although you have entered the Way, it is not yet genuine.Take a step from on top of the poleAnd worlds of the ten directions are your total body.So many koans use images from our everyday lives. Images we are familiar with. These images can become mindfulness bells. Sensory reminders that speak the language of awakening.Here we have a tall pole. A one hundred foot pole. These are the poles of large flags, like the one in the Perkins parking lot I remember growing up. Any large pole will do though. I have been noticing power line poles. Actually just today the power company came and ascended the thirty foot power pole right across from my office window.So, let me ask. Have you ever been on top of a one hundred foot pole?What about metaphorically?The analogy of being on top of a one hundred foot pole can apply to any place, any belief or habit pattern that we get attached to or stuck in. These are the beliefs, attitudes, experiences, thoughts that keep us at a distance from our lives. Essentially it boils down to the ways we contract around the belief in a separate self. How we feel separate, not good enough, alone, exiled, bad and feed that separation. How we attach to certain beliefs, views or vantage points about ourselves and the world.There is something familiar or even comforting about the beliefs we hold on to about ourselves and the world. But also something deeply uncomfortable—like trying to live on top of a hundred foot pole. We fear falling to our deaths, so we get used to the small, and unstable precipice of our thoughts and beliefs.What are the poles that you sit on top of? How did you get up here?Practice is always inviting us to find these places where we separate —where we defend, withdraw, space-out, get anxious, cling, where we over-think—and get curious about them. Curiosity is a practice of nearness.It's a commitment to stay with ourselves in our direct experience even if it is uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Even if parts of us believe that it will be our end, it will be the fall to our deaths.Enter the FoolThis koan evokes for me the spirit of the Fool card in the Tarot. Someone at home in the mystery—resourceful, responsive and playful. Someone initiated into the wisdom of emptiness. Who has turned themselves inside out and recognize that this whole world is their true body!These are qualities that we often associate with Zen sages and bodhisattvas. These are qualities we are awakening in our own practice.As we enter this New Year, I aspire to come back to zero. To recognize the poles of beliefs, attitudes, fears that I am perched on. And to dare to take the next brave step.Sometimes this is plunging feet first into the unknown, often it is more subtle. Like bringing gentle curiosity to that feeling of stinginess, to the trembling in the heart, to the ways you withdraw or start over-thinking. What is happening here? How can you stay connected to yourself in the aliveness of this experience?We are like this fool-bodhisattva-sage—at home in the mystery, at home in ourselves. May we actualize our playfulness, our resourcefulness and responsiveness this year. May we appreciate the dream. And live from the expansiveness of our true Self.Take a step from on top of the poleAnd worlds of the ten directions are your total body.Upcoming Retreat and Weekly Drop-in EventsWeekly Online Meditation EventMonday Night Dharma — 6P PT / 9P ET Join weekly for drop-in meditation and dharma talk.Feel free to join anytime. Event lasts about 1.5 hours. ZOOM LINKIn-Person in OregonUniverse Somatic: The Bright Thread in the Dark — January 22nd - 25thUniverse Somatic is a practice that integrates group meditation, movement and energy work with a spirit of experimentation and playfulness. We explore the union of spaciousness and embodied energies in a contemplative practice that is embodied and expressive.The theme for this Universe Somatic is The Bright Thread In the Dark. We will play in knowing and not-knowing, hope and despair, yin and yang, creation and destruction, dancing in deep relationship with these polarities while also listening for the thread that doesn't get stuck on either side.Light of the Ancestors Sesshin—May 11 - 17 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryIn-Person in Columbus, Ohio through Mud Lotus SanghaWeekly Meditations on Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayRetreats, Meditation instruction and other events can be found on our website.Save the Dates!2026 Mud Lotus Sesshins at Saranam Retreat Center in West VirginiaMountains and Rivers Sesshin March 18 - 22Interdependence Sesshin June 29 - July 5I'm Amy Kisei. I am a Zen Buddhist Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer and Artist. I offer 1:1 Spiritual Counseling sessions using IFS and Hakomi (somatic mindfulness). I also offer astrology readings. Check out my website to learn more. I currently live in Columbus, OH and am a supporting teacher for the Mud Lotus Sangha. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amykisei.substack.com/subscribe

Title: S5EP18, Single Mother of 5 Starts Orphanage with Bev Berry Summary: Imagine losing two baby boys that you carried for 9 months? Bev Berry had this happen. She wondered what the universe could possibly be teaching her. She ended up adopting two baby girls. After experiencing the difficulties of the adoption process, she opened an adoption center and placed 300 babies over 6 years. Even though she had no experience opening one, she just figured it out and did it. Bev raised 5 children (she already had 3 boys when she lost the other 2) as a single mother. Yet Bev doesn't complain. She just creates the next thing for her life. Tune in to this riveting conversation as we trace Bev's incredibly inspiring life all the way across America in an RV and ending up in Costa Rica where she lives now. Thank you, Bev, for the difference you make everywhere you are. Bio: Bev retired in 2015, bought an RV and traveled around the United States for 6 years. Then deciding it was time to put down roots for the remainder of her life, she moved to Costa Rica in 2021. At this point, she thought, “What am I going to do for the next 20 or 30 years since people are living longer and longer?" Not one to sit still and deteriorate, Bev decided to write a book. She finished it in one year. However, the editing and publishing part has taken longer than she anticipated. Keep an eye out for her book, Angel Babies Forever - A Memoir. Always a searcher, learner, and teacher, Bev decided to continue her spiritual journey and became a licensed Spiritual Counselor and a Certified Angel Communicator and Oracle Card Reader. She enjoys a fulfilling and fun filled life in Costa Rica where she has made tons of friends and plans to continue to Write, Coach, and Counsel anyone who is interested in opening up their mind, heart, and soul to all the possibilities the world has to offer. Having been a teacher, an entrepreneur owning retail stores and training companies, an employment specialist, founder and Executive Director of an Adoption Center, Bev will never stop helping others and growing herself. Her favorite quote is: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanore Roosevelt Her advice: Never give up on your dreams, yourself, life, people, or the world. Just keep on believing that everything is going to work out because life happens FOR you, not TO you. Website: bybevberry.com #HilaryBurns #GettingRealWithHilary #TheGettingRealWithHilaryShow #BevBerry #AngelBabiesForever #AdoptionStory #ChildLoss #HealingJourney #InspiringWomen #SingleMother #RVLife #CostaRicaLiving #LifeAfterLoss #SpiritualCounselor #AdoptionAwareness #MemoirAuthor #EmotionalHealing #Resilience #FaithAndHope #LifePurpose #NeverGiveUp Hilary Burns, Getting Real With Hilary, The Getting Real With Hilary Show, Bev Berry, Angel Babies Forever, adoption story, child loss, healing journey, inspiring women, single mother, RV life, Costa Rica living, life after loss, spiritual counselor, adoption awareness, memoir author, emotional healing, resilience, faith and hope, life purpose, never give up

When faith and mind are not separate. And not separate are mind and faith, this is beyond all words, all thoughts.If you have been reading these posts this season, you may have noticed I have been writing about Faith. Writing, reflecting, wondering, wandering through the many expressions of Faith as I returned again and again to this practice poem, Affirming Faith in Mind. There is something both delicious and challenging about coming back to the same teaching, day after day, week by week.Above is the last stanza of the poem. The study of this poem has been part of an autumn practice period I was participating in. The practice period wound down this week, as autumn too is unwinding —turning into winter on Sunday with the solstice.The autumn in the Northern Hemisphere is a time when the daylight hours grow shorter, and night extends her dark embrace. I have found it deeply nourishing to practice and study faith as the earth darkens. It feels seasonally appropriate to contemplate faith as the comfort of the sun's light and heat diminish. The zodiacal sign Sagittarius, which is where the sun is during this time of year, is often associated with faith, that flickering candlelight that we find in many windows this season. Sagittarius season also is a season of alchemy, art—the ways in which we find light, hope, faith, beauty in the dark.Whatever ways you have been walking through the dark this season or this year, I'm curious how it has offered opportunities for transformation, for unknowing, for faith to deepen in mystery's obscure light.I offer the questions below, as a bit of a memory walk for the season. Feel free to contemplate them, through journaling, mindfulness or creative expression.* What aspects of life have felt loud during this last season? What has been tugging on your heart? Occupying your time/life energy/mind space? This could be more archetypal energies or particular challenges, inspirations, tasks, questions, inquiries.* Have there been particular moods, inner voices, thought patterns, somatic experiences that have been more present during this season?* What resources (inner or outer), practices, teachings, rituals have you been turning towards or taking refuge in? This could include verses from Affirming Faith in Mind.* Where/how do you feel supported? Is there a person, ancestor, friend, familiar, animal, bodhisattva, dream figure who has been an ally?* As we enter this period of the Solstice and return of the light/holiday season—What is the thread of practice you intend to connect to?As a way of honoring the end to the season and the study I have been engaged with around Faith. I wrote this poem. It's an exploration of how faith has flickered during these autumn months. How it shows up in the ordinary moments of my living. It's a practice inquiry I intend to carry. A thread through these holiday weeks and into the new year.I'd love to hear your responses to the reflections or a poem that has been lighting your way during these autumn months.Faith Mind PoemWhat is faith? I ask my hands They reach down and pick-up the cap to the oat milk that has started rolling down the kitchen floor fingers, wrapping around the cool, wet plastic releasing, they scratch an itch before returning lid to carton opening the refrigerator door All day long they touch They hold, open, prepare, grip, make, reach Recover Always in contact Responding before I can--- What is faith? I ask the lilac Whose gnarled branches Hold the frozen white, crystalline snow Not a single leaf remains Roots entangled with icy earth We breathe together, my breath Becoming wood, branch, trunk We do not speak But sit in each other's silence Faith perhaps does not need A definition Words to explain it, no essay nor poem For it lives in us constantly Even as everything else appears to be resting Fallow, dark Faith glimmers in the empty space In this heart, in its waiting Upcoming Retreat and Weekly Drop-in EventsWeekly Online Meditation EventMonday Night Dharma — 6P PT / 9P ET Join weekly for drop-in meditation and dharma talk. Monday Dec 22nd we will meditate in the dark and by candlelight in celebration of the winter solstice.Feel free to join anytime. Event lasts about 1.5 hours. ZOOM LINKIn-Person in OregonUniverse Somatic: The Bright Thread in the Dark — January 22nd - 25thUniverse Somatic is a practice that integrates group meditation, movement and energy work with a spirit of experimentation and playfulness. We explore the union of spaciousness and embodied energies in a contemplative practice that is embodied and expressive.The theme for this Universe Somatic is The Bright Thread In the Dark. We will play in knowing and not-knowing, hope and despair, yin and yang, creation and destruction, dancing in deep relationship with these polarities while also listening for the thread that doesn't get stuck on either side.Light of the Ancestors Sesshin—May 11 - 17 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryIn-Person in Columbus, Ohio through Mud Lotus SanghaWeekly Meditations on Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayRetreats, Meditation instruction and other events can be found on our website.Save the Dates! 2026 Mud Lotus Sesshins at Saranam Retreat Center in West VirginiaMountains and Rivers Sesshin March 18 - 22Interdependence Sesshin June 29 - July 5I'm Amy Kisei. I am a Zen Buddhist Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer and Artist. I offer 1:1 Spiritual Counseling sessions using IFS and Hakomi (somatic mindfulness). I also offer astrology readings. Check out my website to learn more. I currently live in Columbus, OH and am a supporting teacher for the Mud Lotus Sangha.Earth Dreams is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amykisei.substack.com/subscribe

EVEN MORE about this episode!What if grief didn't end your connection with a loved one, but transformed it? In this powerful episode, Mary D'Agostino—psychic medium, astrologer, and energy healer—shares the extraordinary spiritual awakenings that unfolded after her son Brandon's passing, including a profound shared-death experience that opened the doorway to “Brandon's Angels.” Mary's story reminds us that even in the deepest heartbreak, there is guidance, connection, and the unmistakable whisper that all is truly well.We explore the presence of the divine feminine through Mary's intimate relationship with Mother Mary, whose comforting energy became a beacon during her journey through loss. From reincarnation to cosmic signs, Mary reveals how divine figures meet us where we are, offering reassurance, healing, and hope in the moments we need it most.Mary also takes us into the magical realms of nature and creativity, recounting her encounters with fairies, elemental beings, and sacred landscapes in Ireland and Colorado. Through these mystical moments, she shows how intuition, imagination, and the natural world become powerful companions for healing the soul. This episode invites you to trust your inner knowing, awaken your spiritual senses, and discover the unseen support surrounding you—especially when life feels its heaviest.Guest Biography:Mary D'Agostino is a Professional Intuitive, Spiritual Counselor, Psychic Medium, Astrologer, Energy Medicine Practitioner, Author, Artist, and Ceremonialist who has been in practice since 2003, weaving her many gifts in service to the well-being of clients locally in Colorado and across the globe through Heart of Gaia Creative Healing Arts. Her mystical fiction explores past lives as pathways to present-life healing, and her newest book, 111 Days of Divine Intervention: A Mother's Healing Journey, offers guidance for grievers and inspiration for anyone seeking to recognize the miracles, synchronicities, and divine support woven into everyday life. Mary's work is deeply rooted in the wisdom of her ancestral lineage—healers, seers, storytellers, and diviners whose sacred traditions continue to awaken within her and shape her spiritual path.Episode Chapters:(0:00:01) - Shared Death Experience(0:16:10) - Mother Mary and Healing Connection(0:28:48) - Connecting With Grief Through Nature(0:41:17) - Connecting With Nature and Creativity(0:51:52) - Trusting Intuition and Soul Incarnation➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Español YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Português YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Deutsch YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Français YouTube✏️Ask Julie a Question!

Sev Tok is a Speaker, Author, Spiritual Counselor, Experiencer Advocate and a life-long Experiencer. Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, she emigrated to the US as a a little girl, not knowing English as she started first grade, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Loyola University. Sev's ET contact started at age 10, which she kept secret until 2017 when Greys burned red X-marks into her back. This ET contact prompted her to “come out” in 2018 as a Speaker at AlienCon and through her book, You Have The Right To Talk To Aliens, endorsed by renowned UFOlogist, Kathleen Marden. Sev is featured in the Canadian TV docuseries, Encounter: UFO - Physical Contact, has been interviewed around the world, speaks at conferences, and is honored to be the Master of Ceremonies at MUFON's International Symposium in Denver in July 2022. As a MUFON Field Investigator, the Assistant State Director for North Carolina, and as a member of MUFON's Experiencer Resource Team (ERT), Sev helps Experiencers around the world. She also offers personal and private guidance to Experiencers through Tell Me Your ET Story on her website, planetsev.com, her monthly newsletter, and her YouTube channel Alien Spirit TV. For the past 12 years, Sev has been conducting Soul Sessions, with clients around the world. The Sessions offer inter-dimensional guidance to manifest one's purpose and activate multidimensional DNA in order to design a fulfilling, successful, and dynamic life. A planet and star system is named after her in the STAR WARS Galactic System! You can find the Sev Tok Star System and Planet in Wookieepedia. Sev lives on the Inner Banks of North Carolina.

That's right everyone, I'm back for another great interview and for this one i'm being joined by Ashley Brothers. Ashley is a spiritual counselor, international life coach, motivational speaker, and specialist in energy psychology, multidimensional healing, and ancient wisdom traditions. We had a fascinating conversation about her experiences with shadow beings, shamanism, animism, medical society, sorcerers, the dark triad, and much much more. Come soak up all of this great information on how to better your life. Ashley's Website: https://www.bonesoftheearth.org/ Uncensored, Untamed & Unapologetic U^3 Podcast Collective: https://www.facebook.com/groups/545827736965770/?ref=share Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juggalobastardpodcasts?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8xJ2KnRBKlYvyo8CMR7jMg

This week on Rewild Your Business I'm joined by the incredible Claire Schwartz – grief and trauma coach and healer. Claire brings not only decades of professional expertise, but also the lived wisdom of her own journey through loss and trauma survival. Together, we dive into a conversation most business owners avoid until life forces it upon them:

Dr. Joan of Angels, known as the Oracle of Ancient Wisdom and Angel of Light, brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned Spiritual Advisor, Reader, and Cosmic Light Activator. Holding a Doctorate in Chiropractic and an MS in Counseling under the name Dr. Joan Hangarter, she seamlessly blends her expertise as an Oracle, Energetic Healer, and Spiritual Counselor. Specializing in transformative journeys of self-discovery, Joan guides individuals to unlock their highest potential and embrace sovereigntyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media. 

Originally Recorded July 31st, 2025About Karen Atkins: https://www.karenatkinsmusic.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/3XzOZNujc3CJ6iMRqDV9s8The song played at the end is “She Rises.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit musicallyspeaking.substack.com

John Lennon said Instant Karma is going to get you. We all hope there is  some form of universal justice. A principle of cause and effect where an individuals actions and intentions determine their future. How does that work exactly?  Philip Goldberg the author of Karmic Relief - Harnessing the Laws of Cause and Effect for Joyful, Meaningful Life explains what karma is and more importantly what it isn't.   Available now for Pre order on Amazon Philip Goldberg- Author, Speaker, Spiritual Counselor, Writing Coach Check out Philip's podcast Spirit Matters part of the MindBodySpirit.fm Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spiritual support at end-of-life is a critical part of hospice care. Our guest is Steve Kahut, Spiritual Counselor at Care Dimensions.This episode continues our series informing the audience about all facets of end-of-life care and the various levels of support that are available to patients and families.CareDimensions.org

Today on Conscious Talk… Spiritual teachers have often stressed the importance of living from our heart centers. We know one that would agree. We'll talk to Spiritual Counselor and Transformational Healer Dr. DiVanna VaDree about staying connected and living deeply within your heart.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Adventure Within is a YouTube Channel and Online School of Intuitive Arts. We offer psychic readings, energy healing, workshops, meditation classes and a variety of psychic trainings.Website: https://www.adventurewithin.coSupport the Channel: https://www.patreon.com/c/AdventureWithinTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adventurewithinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventure_within_/Guest: Gina AnnGina Ann is a visionary storyteller, spiritual counselor, and intuitive healer whose work blends heart, healing, and imagination. Through her children's books, spiritual guidance, and on-screen performances, she offers children and adults alike a pathway to self-discovery, emotional resilience, and joy.Today, Gina is a Psychic Medium, Spiritual Counselor, Inner Child Specialist, SAG-AFTRA actor, and Hay House–published author with over 30 years of experience. Her background includes certifications in Life Coaching, Imago Therapy, and EFT Tapping, as well as a Master's degree in Spiritual Psychology. A former paraeducator with over 18 years of experience in academic, physical, and special education settings, Gina brings a deep understanding of emotional intelligence, creativity, and the importance of play in shaping a child's well-being.Website: www.GinaAnnAuthor.com

I have Su Maya back to discuss the recent astrology shift of the planet Uranus out of Taurus and into Gemini. Thank you, Su Maya, for the impromptu podcast and treasures of knowledge!Want to know more about Su Maya?Su Maya is a highly-sensitive intuitive Advisor, Clairvoyant, Clairsentient, Animal and Pet Psychic, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer, Aura and Energy Reader, with more than 32 years of experience and several degrees.She may call on Spirit Guides for additional information or clarity. She has raised the consciousness of thousands of clients with her consultations and radio broadcasts. She is compassionate and someone who understands you and your situation.With Su, you can feel safe while discussing your personal issues in love, romance and relationships, money, career and finance. Once you have the answers you need, you can move forward in confidence and have faith that everything is going to work out.Call her for immediate insight and transformation with any life issues.Everclear: 1 (801) 797-3867⁠https://su808.wordpress.com/⁠⁠https://gravatar.com/su808Thank you for watching and listening.

#359 In this episode, Guy welcomed spiritual YouTuber and counselor John Davis. The conversation delved deep into overcoming fears and anxieties, spiritual awakenings, and past life memories. John shares his unique experiences, including his transformation from agnosticism to spiritual awakening through a Kundalini event, and eventually discovering a connection to John the Beloved. They discussed the importance of present moment belief, the simplicity of spiritual truths, and living a life filled with love and positivity. John also spoke about his journey from being a stunt coordinator to a much sought-after spiritual counselor, offering hope and guidance to many. The episode is a blend of personal anecdotes, spiritual teachings, and practical insights aimed at inspiring listeners to find love, overcome fear, and create a positive life. About John: From a young age, John Davis always had out of body experiences, “angel” visitations, and at nineteen a spiritual epiphany that changed the direction of his life. When an intuitive reader told John he "walked with Jesus," intuitively John felt that he had. Over the next year, and nineteen different readers sponteneously walked up and told John of the same past life. ​Still defiant and not wanting this information from "psychics," John found a past life regression therapist and was regressed. John now dedicates his time to sharing what he has learned and how it can change your life. Key Points Discussed:  (00:00) - The Emerging Truth That's Shattering Who You Think You Are (00:44) - Welcome and Guest Introduction (01:21) - Deep Dive into Spirituality (03:34) - Understanding Present Moment Belief (06:35) - The Power of Laughter and Presence (12:50) - Manifestation and Creation (19:00) - John's Spiritual Awakening Journey (34:04) - Facing Harsh Criticism (35:40) - A Spiritual Awakening (36:38) - Encounters with the Past (38:07) - A Journey of Self-Discovery (39:26) - Embracing a New Path (42:14) - Spreading the Message of Love (45:45) - Creating a Loving World (58:49) - Final Thoughts and Reflections How to Contact John Davis:www.johnofnew.com/media.html#/ www.youtube.com/@JohnofNew   About me:My Instagram: www.instagram.com/guyhlawrence/?hl=en Guy's websites:www.guylawrence.com.au www.liveinflow.co

Ever felt like you're living someone else's life?

In this episode, Guy talked with Jonathan Hammond and delved into the concept of reality and how our thoughts shape the world around us. He introduced the principles of Huna, a Polynesian philosophical system, and explored how they can guide us in healing ourselves and the world. Jonathan discussed his transformation from an actor to a shamanic healer, the importance of connecting with nature, and shared insights on personal empowerment, love, and living in the present moment. He emphasized the interconnectedness of all beings and the critical role individual healing plays in collective wellness. Jonathan also provided practical advice on how to tap into and nurture our spiritual essence. About Jonathan: Jonathan Hammond is an Author, Spiritual Teacher, Energy Healer, Shamanic Practioner, and Spiritual Counselor. He is a graduate of Harvard University and The University of Michigan.Jonathan is a certified Master Teacher in Shamanic Reiki, Usui and Karuna Reiki. He is on the Advanced Graduate Studies Advisor for Shamanic Reiki Worldwide and an ordained Alakai (teacher/guide) in the Hawaiian Shamanic tradition through Aloha International. He teaches classes in Shamanism, Energy Healing, Reiki, Huna and Ho'oponopono at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, The One Spirit Learning Alliance and other major venues around the world.  Before moving into his work in holistic health, Jonathan had a successful career as an award-winning actor appearing on Broadway and Television. Jonathan is deeply committed to empowering and healing people by bringing indigenous earth-wisdom into the modern world in practical and usable ways. His first book about contemporary shamanism and the spiritual traditions of Hawaii called The Shaman's Mind – Huna Wisdom to Change your Life is available where books are sold. Key Points Discussed:  (00:00) - SHAMAN says Rainbow Prophecy Foretold This Moment — And what we MUST DO now (00:48) - Republishing the Episode (01:02) - Connecting with the Audience (01:14) - Invitation to Retreats and Events (01:31) - Guest Introduction: Jonathan the Healer (02:29) - Understanding Shamanic Healing (04:46) - The Concept of Separation and Unity (09:04) - Jonathan's Journey from Actor to Healer (11:28) - The Shaman's Mind and Universal Wisdom (13:36) - Facing Our Fears and Embracing Feelings (20:17) - The Huna Principles and Creating Reality (24:10) - Understanding Limiting Beliefs (25:11) - The Healing Process and Unencumbering (25:53) - Principle Two: Interconnectedness (26:06) - Principle Three: Energy and Focus (28:13) - Principle Four: The Power of Now (30:43) - Principle Five: The Ethic of Love (31:34) - Principle Six: Inner Power (34:05) - Addressing Trauma with Ho'oponopono (36:43) - Principle Seven: Effectiveness as Truth (38:19) - Personal Reflections and Insights (42:31) - Final Thoughts and Contact Information How to Contact Jonathan Hammond:mindbodyspiritmaui.com About me:My Instagram: www.instagram.com/guyhlawrence/?hl=en Guy's websites:www.guylawrence.com.au www.liveinflow.co''

Chris Wasko is a Spiritual Counselor, Energy Healer and Psychic Medium. She helps people uncover and evaluate individual traumas and challenges within their energy body. Her specialty is working with old souls and survivors of narcissistic abuse. www.chriswasko.com FB: @chriswaskomedium Cody's content: https://linktr.ee/cjones803 #podcast #purewisdompodcast #personalgrowth #motivation #mindset #facingfears #selfidentity #inspiration #selfimprovement #psychology #entrepreneurship #fitness #fitnessmotivation #business #career #dating #relationships #lifecoach #healthandwellness #workout #coaching Disclaimer: Any information discussed in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to act as a substitute for professional, medical, legal, educational, or financial advice. The following views and opinions are those of the individual and are not representative views or opinions of their company or organization. The views and opinions shared are intended only to inform, and discretion and professional assistance should be utilized when attempting any of the ideas discussed. Pure Wisdom Podcast, LLC, its host, its guest, or any company participating in advertising through this podcast is not responsible for comments generated by viewers which may be offensive or otherwise distasteful. Any content or conversation in this podcast is completely original and not inspired by any other platform or content creator. Any resemblance to another platform or content creator is purely coincidental and unintentional. No content or topics discussed in this podcast are intended to be offensive or hurtful. Pure Wisdom Podcast, LLC, its host, its guest, or any company participating in advertising through this podcast is not responsible for any misuse of this content.

In a society that claims to value religious freedom and personal happiness, many students feel constrained in exploring their spirituality due to the perceived judgment of others. As we close out our love series titled, “Relationships That Matter,” we are joined by Rev. Wendy Silvers, Minister, Spiritual Teacher and Conscious Activist of the Agape International Spiritual Center. Feeling dismissed as a young person, Rev. Wendy shares how she grew to love connecting with young people by helping them develop their spiritual connection to their divine selves. Find out why Rev. Wendy believes we are all loved unconditionally by the Source and learn how to empower yourself as a divine being. ⁠ Affectionately called Mama Wendy by her clients, Rev. Wendy is a mom, who helps women and other moms change their world from the inside out and manifest big dreams. She is the founder of the Million Mamas Movement, creator of The Awakened Mother TM series, host of The Awakened Mother Show Podcast and a co-author of the International bestselling book, Balance for Busy Moms. She is known for her activated prayers, keen intuitive wisdom, honesty, fierce compassion and spiritual leadership. Rev. Wendy has decades of experience as a trauma-informed Spiritual Counselor, Nonviolent Parenting Coach, Personal Growth and Human Potential, Child development, along with 37 years of experience in the 12-Step Recovery Movement. She is married and the proud mother of an amazing young woman. To learn more about her work, connect with her on IG @revwendysilvers or visit her website at WendySilvers.com.

Michelle Shinagawa, a Japanese Reiki Master Teacher with 17 years of experience. Michelle grew up in Japan and has lived in the U.S. for over 30 years, making her the perfect guide to bridge the Japanese and Western worlds. Michelle leads the transformative Japan Reiki Tour, where Reiki practitioners can experience authentic Japanese culture and the true spirit of Reiki through deep connections with local traditions and people. Not only is Michelle a seasoned Reiki Master, but she also brings a wealth of expertise as a KonMari Space & Life Organizer, NeuroMovement® Practitioner, Chakra Therapist, Aromatherapist, Spiritual Counselor, Tony Robbins' Trainer and Relationship Coach. She is here to share her wisdom on Japanese culture and its deep relevance to Reiki practitioners. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will take you on a journey to the heart of Reiki's origins. Whether you're planning a trip or simply curious to deepen your knowledge, this episode is your gateway to a world of healing, tradition, and cultural discovery. Connect with Michelle: Websites https://purplefishhealing.com https://organize.purplefishhealing.com Insta https://www.instagram.com/purplefishhealing/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/MichelleShinagawa 2025 Japan Reiki tour with Michelle Interest list link. https://purplefishhealing.com/japan-reiki-tour-2025-with-michelle ✨Connect with Colleen and Robyn 
Classes: https://reikilifestyle.com/classes-page/
FREE Distance Reiki Share: https://reikilifestyle.com/community/ 
Podcast: https://reikilifestyle.com/podcast/ (available on all major platforms too)
Website: https://reikilifestyle.com/ Colleen Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReikiLifestyle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reikilifestyleofficialempo Robyn Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynbenellireiki
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robynbenellireiki **DISCLAIMER** This episode is not a substitute for seeking professional medical care but is offered for relaxation and stress reduction which support the body's natural healing capabilities. Reiki is a complement to and never a replacement for professional medical care. Colleen and Robyn are not licensed professional health care providers and urge you to always seek out the appropriate physical and mental help professional health care providers may offer. Results vary by individual.

Janet Rae Orth is an internationally known intuitive consultant and spiritual counselor guiding individuals towards their true path. She works with prominent celebrities, professional athletes, Fortune 500 CEOs and business leaders, distinguished authors and speakers, medical professionals and a range of diverse individuals seeking guidance. Janet's lectures and meditation sessions offer invaluable insights and transformative experiences. Janet also facilitates energy healing to help individuals release blocked energy and experience greater peace and wellness. You can find Janet in person at Miraval in Tucson, Arizona, or work with her by phone. She previously provided readings at Canyon Ranch in Tucson for 12 years. To learn more contact her at www.janetraeorth.com or https://www.instagram.com/janet_rae_orth/ or https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetorth/

What happens to an individual after they have a UFO encounter? Some report PTSD, lost time, or inspiration! Author, Mary Grace, shares about her own experiences, her worldview, and her thinking on the UFO phenomena from a nuts-and-bolts and a mystical perspective. Mary Grace is a Spiritual Counselor, Parapsychologist, and founder of Gifts of Grace Ministry. She has a BA in psychology and sociology from the State University of New York at Geneseo, where she also studied parapsychology. She is a retired mental health professional, as well as a certified student medium from Plymouth Spiritualist Church in Rochester, NY, and from Lily Dale, NY. https://giftsofgraceministry.org/Please help the MYSTIC LOUNGE channel grow. ☕️ SUBSCRIBE, like, comment, and click the YouTube Notification Bell so you don't miss a show. Thank you!https://www.youtube.com/mysticloungeHALF LIGHT documentary: https://tubitv.com/movies/678744/half-light

What's it like to transition into spirit? Mary D'Agostino is a Professional Intuitive, Spiritual Counselor, Psychic Medium, Astrologer, Teacher, and Author who combines the various healing modalities she has mastered to assist others in living their most authentic, soul aligned lives. Mary, who has been serving her fellow humans across the globe through her healing arts practice, aptly named Heart of Gaia Creative Healing Arts, since 2003, is a mom to five grown children, one of whom is in spirit. Since her son Brandon's transition in 2017, she has focused on healing her own broken open heart and sharing the wisdom gained from meeting herself in the grief process. Brandon is now constantly with his mom, helping to guide and bring the exact right connections to her, so that she can bring love, inspiration, and hope to others. In her latest book, titled 111 Days of Divine Intervention- A Mother's Healing Journey, Mary shares uplifting miracles and synchronicities that prove our spirit lives on after death, and Love is the undying connection. She also contributed a touching, beautifully written narrative about navigating grief through self-care, love, and compassion, called How I Met Myself, to Irene's new book, titled Good to the Last Drop! Embracing Your Life's Third Chapter.In this heartwarming and inspiring interview, Mary describes what Divine Intervention is, describes her shared death experience with her son Brandon and what Brandon told her about what happens when we transition, and illustrates how Spirit talks to us through symbols, signs, words of love, inspiration, and hope, explains the symbolism of the number 111 in her new book 111 Days of Divine Intervention, and much more, for an enlightening interview filled with Divine insights for all of us!WATCH ON YOUTUBE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eIHaOTG5MU&list=PL7judgDzhkAWmfyB5r5WgFD6ahombBvoh&index=2IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL HEAR ABOUT THINGS LIKE:● How Mary came out of “the spiritual closet' at the Oprah Winfrey Show in 1999.● What is a Shared death experience, and the profound shared death experience Mary had with Brandon.● What happens when we transition. ● The ongoing nature of our connections with loved ones who have passed● How Spirit talks to us via symbols, signs, words of love, inspiration, and hope.SOME QUESTIONS IRENE ASKS MARY:●What inspired you to write 111 Days of Divine Intervention?● How do we know if the people in our lives are part of our soul family?● Why did you choose the number 111?● What did Brandon have to say about his experience when he went through a portal?● Why should a person heal in this lifetime? Get your copy of Mary's book: 111 Days of Divine Intervention: A Mother's Healing Journey Connect with your loved ones in Spirit: Love Notes | Spirit Circles | Mediumship Connect with Mary:● Website● Instagram● Facebook ✨ My new anthology book, Good to the Last Drop! Embracing Your Life's Third Chapter is now available on Amazon. ✨ Get the audiobook version of my book, They Serve Bagels in Heaven for FREE when you sign up for Audible's FREE 30-day trial using my link: https://amzn.to/4dG4l4w ✨ For a curated collection of my favorite books, music, healing events, and self-care essentials, head over to kit.co/GriefandRebirth. ✨ Find your next source of healing and inspiration at the Grief and Rebirth Bookshop. Listen to all episodes of the Grief and Rebirth Podcast HERE:Apple PodcastSpotifyGrief and Rebirth Podcast Page Find Irene on social media:InstagramFacebookXTikTok ✨ Get your copy of Irene's book: They Serve Bagels in Heaven: One Couple's Story of Love, Eternity, and the Cosmic Importance of Everyday Life Get access to The Live Your Most Evolved Life Summit Replay, where we showcase a synergy of talent that will heighten your intuition and will undoubtedly illuminate, enlighten, and spark your soul on your evolutionary journey towards ascension. ✨ Sign up for the Grief aClick Here to visit the Mobility Health PT website!Click Here to listen to Dr. Gina's HEalth, Wealth, & Relationships Podcast!

Show NotesChris Wasko is a Spiritual Counselor, Psychic Medium, and Energy Healer dedicated to guiding individuals through healing and personal growth. She specializes in supporting old souls and survivors of narcissistic abuse, helping them uncover soul lessons and navigate life's challenges. “I see myself as a cycle breaker. It's about ending unhealthy patterns and creating a new, healthier legacy for future generations.”

Chris Wasko recently created Spicy Old Souls™, a system for old souls to understand their character, their passions and purpose. Old souls struggle, So Chris helps them understand why they choose the difficult lessons and what makes them incredible beings. The soul's spiciness holds clues to the healing journey. In addition, she released a children's book specific to old souls. It's not just for children but also the inner child. Chris' own spiritual journey started after she cut off her narcissistic parents. This led her on an unexpected healing journey that eventually opened her up to the spirit world and taking classes on mediumship so that she could learn the language of that world. Chris Wasko Psychic Medium and Spiritual Counselor

Laura Plumb is an international educator and scholar of the Vedic sciences. She is a Yogi, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Vedic Astrologer, and Spiritual Counselor. She is a graduate of the Kerala Ayurveda Academy, the American Institute of Vedic Studies, and has studied Yoga, Meditation, Vedanta, Jyotisa, herbal medicine, nutrition, health and healing for decades.Laura is also the author of the best-selling book Ayurveda Cooking For Beginners, writer and host of the 53-part television series CleanseVeda, and the 12-part series, Divine Yoga.Spirituality & Health Magazine selected her as one of 100 Trailblazers of Yoga & Ayurveda. Laura's blog, Food: a love story, is an inspirational free resource for Ayurvedic recipes and wise living. Her articles on health and wellness have been published in Huffington Post, Ayurveda Next Door, Spirituality & Health, Well + Good, Yoga Digest and the Times of India, among other national and international media. Laura offers clinical services in natural medicine for whole person wellness, and health practitioner trainings in the Vedic sciences. She leads online courses in Ayurveda, Jyotish, Yoga Therapy, Whole Food Cooking and Nutrition, and offers seasonal retreats as well as sacred Yatras to India. Today, Sasha and Laura explore her journey into the Vedas, the science of light and karma known as Jyotish (such as the significance of the Rising Sign and First House, what a Nakshatra is, the connection between the planets, elements, and goals of life), and even delved a bit into Sasha's natal chart. Laura makes learning so palatable and friendly for listeners, and we feel honored to learn and share her vast Vedic knowledge and intellect with you all.Send us a Text Message.Support the Show.To learn more about us, please visit www.OjasOasis.com Connect with us @ojasoasis on Instagram

To learn to think like a shaman is to attune yourself to a magical spectrum of infinite possibilities, unseen truths, alternative realities, and spiritual support. When a shaman likes what's happening, they know how to make it better, and when they don't, they know how to change it. Jonathan is a Maui-based Author, Spiritual Teacher, Energy Healer, Shamanic Practioner, and Spiritual Counselor. He is a graduate of Harvard University and The University of Michigan. Jonathan is a certified Master Teacher in Shamanic Reiki, Usui and Karuna Reiki. He is on the Advanced Graduate Studies Advisor for Shamanic Reiki Worldwide and an ordained Alaka'i (teacher/guide) in the Kahili Hawaiian Shamanic tradition. Jonathan has completed four years of training in Inter-Spirituality and Inter-Spiritual Counseling at the One Spirit Learning Alliance, and he was ordained as an Interfaith Minister in 2008. He has training and certifications in Cherokee Bodywork with The Coyote Institute, Huna (Hawaiian Shamanism) with Aloha International, and all core curriculum with the Foundation of Shamanic Studies. Jonathan has been initiated through the Minoan Fellowship in Wicca, and has trained in the therapeutic facilitation of psychedelics with Inward Bound in Ireland. In addition to maintaining a robust private practice, Jonathan teaches classes in Shamanism, Spirituality, and Energy Healing at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, The Shift Network, The One Spirit Learning Alliance, Shamanic Reiki Worldwide, and Penn State University. “To reach your higher self – imagine who would be at your most satiated and realized, then make it twice as good, and you'll be in the ballpark.”— Jonathan Hammond 

— “When you are grateful, you have positive energy that emanates outward from your being. You become a magnet of sorts, attracting more experiences and opportunities that enrich your life, giving you even more reasons to be grateful. Challenges or problems are reduced or eliminated because, aside from applying practical solutions, you do not give them any power or energy. Life begins to reflect your good back to you in amazing ways. There is always something to be grateful for…” “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” — Zig Ziglar Valeria interviews Jan Lynch — She is the author of  “The Divine Flow of Abundance, winner of the NYC Big Book “Distinguished Favorite” award in 2021. After a successful career in the Airline and Hospitality Industries, Jan began to study how to use Universal Principles in creating one's own life. From numerous classes and workshops, plus reading uplifting, metaphysical books, she learned how to apply these principles of success to her own life.  She welcomed the beliefs that joy, love, vibrant health and financial freedom are natural birthrights for all. The Divine Flow of Abundance was the result of a “nudge” from the Universe to create a simple and insightful 30-day Abundance Plan that anyone can use in order to realize and accept the limitless prosperity the Universe has for each of us. The two common themes in the book are “Spirit is your Source” and “Be careful what you think because thoughts become things.” Jan is also a Spiritual Practitioner licensed through the Emerson Theological Institute in Oakhurst, California and the co-author of Affirm Your Future: How to use Affirmations to Bridge Your Future.  She is an inspirational speaker and, as a Spiritual Counselor she assists others in creating the life they truly desire. A percentage of sales of Jan's books is donated to the Harmony Spiritual Center in Fort Worth, Texas. To learn more about Jan Lynch and her work, please visit: https://www.janlynch.com