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Guardian Goddess in Manhattan.Book 3 in 18 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels."Our Princess grew up around a woman whose keen intellect we rely on to protect us from unseen enemies," Saint Marie's voice became deeper and more threatening. "At the age of ten, she," Saint Marie looked my way as my hand shot up mimicking Aya's identical plea for attention."Yes Ishara?" Saint Marie chose to acknowledge me."She's nine.""Fine. At the age of nine, she earned an honorific, Mamētu me eda, which I didn't accomplish until my 19th year." 'Yes Ladies, I'm an epic bad-ass and I've been out-performed by a child'."She was kidnapped along with the Head of House Ishara. They tortured her by clipping off two of her digits, one at a time, then seared the damage with a blowtorch. She gave them nothing. At the end of the encounter, the two of them managed to defeat thirty Seven Pillar's commandos, over fifteen she disabled personally.""After killing nearly half as many enemies as the 35 I have personally dispatched in my entire career, she crossed a mile and a half of barren rock in the midst of a Category 4 Typhoon. Cáel Ishara only helped her half of the way because he was engaged with the last two members of the Seven Pillar's team.""I have utter confidence the madness here today, while assisted by House Epona and Ishara, was the brainchild of Krasimira. I say 'assisted' because Cáel Ishara spared Kwenhamai's life on the battlefield. Katrina Epona removed Kwenhamai from Romanian custody to keep her out of the hands of those who wished us harm. I was aware Kwenhamai was in New York, but not her precise location.""My read on the situation is this:"Aya of Kururiyahhssi was aware of Kwenhamai and Krasimira's plot to adopt her into the bloodline of the first Amazon.""She was not aware of Kwenhamai's plan to exit the Host in the manner she chose. I read the shock and pain in, Aya's face.""Our Princess has not given me a single order and I am the only voice here today that matters, I am the Golden Mare and the Council has consistently failed to agree on a Regency.""Krasimira, why have you done this?" Saint Marie abruptly asked for either a denial, or acquiescence of her perception of events."As directed by the Ancestors, the statute of a goddess of a First House was recast then returned to her perpetual spot. It brought new light to a dark, sacred and painful place. In that moment I realized that for the first time in nearly 3,200 years, the descendants of every Amazon gathered before the walls of Wilusa (Troy) had been reunited.""I was troubled. Was this a portent the augurs couldn't divine? In their council (the augurs) then came up with the words 'speak to our eldest'."Oh shit, the rest of the Council was racking their minds trying to figure who was the oldest surviving Amazon. I knew for a fact they were overlooking the two top candidates."I sought out the eldest Amazon alive. They claimed to not have the answer for my worries. She had far more numerous things weighing on her mind such as her intimate demise. Though I hated sharing the same air with her, I asked her to tell me her greatest regret.""I had given up on the Amazon Race until an Amazon reminded me, through martial effort, valiant spirit and a kind heart, I was wrong to abandon my faith with my people. Now I will die, unable to pass on my renewed hope because the one Amazon I would trust with my legacy is equally childless.""I asked her the name of this Amazon she felt was worthy of her legacy. Then I informed her she was wrong and the Amazon in question did indeed have a daughter. She asked to meet the daughter,""Last night I requested the presence of a female child residing with members of House Epona," the Keeper of Records looked up at the Golden Mare. "I provided neither the resident female (Caitlyn, Aya's Mother), or the House Head with an explanation."Female childSince my revival, Amazons were using 'female' child a lot more often. This meant, the motheer had never told her daughter farewell. The true fate of Aya of Epona would never officially be recorded. She has been born, but never recorded as an Amazon of her true House."The three of us met alone. The two embraced; birth mother and daughter. The eldest of us proclaimed she saw the light of Kururiyahhssi in her daughter's eyes. Words were exchanged. The child agreed to be adopted then departed. Further arrangements were made without the child's knowledge as we have recently observed.""I testify that there is only one Amazon alive today who knows what transpired and I will take those conversations to my grave. Does that suffice?" Krasimira finished. I was already regurgitating my mental quandary with my Isharans. Was Aya really a daughter of Kururiyahhssi?"I will leave it to the others to contemplate your, bizarre actions, Krasimira," Saint Marie frowned. "As for the rest of you, Aya has impressed me. If she has not impressed you, I do not care. I think she is definitely influenced by those two," Saint Marie motioned to Katrina and me. "It is a given since Katrina was of her blood and she has risked much in the presence of a man she calls 'Atta' and he calls 'Duma'.""Katrina is a cold, heartless snake and I am convinced she is one of the best 'First Bearer of the Sun Spear through the Halls of Night and Death' the Host been served by in a long, long time.” Saint Marie paused then looked at me while she said; “ Cáel is a fool who leads with his heart when he should let better women take charge. Fortunately for the rest of us, he is reliably successful despite his multitude of handicaps."Was I upset about being insulted? No. The truth hurts and a Man needs to learn to roll with the punches. Buffy I could deal with. Katrina most likely appreciated being associated with a dangerous reptile. Saint Marie hadn't forgotten Katrina threating Saint Marie's daughter that was for sure."I am considering much of what our Princess would like me/us to do, because it is based in keen insight and well-reasoned thought. She wishes to spare our sons so we will have more warriors in the fight. We have already added men to Havenstone and one to the Council, as was the Will of the Ancestors.""Let me see, she wishes a bodyguard of fourteen (2 First House and 1 from Africa, Asia, Europe and North & South America, the Amazon presence in Australia was minimal and I doubted they would bring someone up from Antarctica, plus the seven matching Runners) without removing permanent members of any House and allowing all Houses to have access to our future Queen. I approve. It is a fine idea and I wish I had thought of it.""Should we add Runners directly into the Royal House? She doesn't think so and I feel this decision shows a remarkably insightful into the long history of our People and protects the Council's sensitivity on such matters. I approve.""Placing our sons into the care of the Royal House? We need to free up as many sisters as possible. Men under the care of the Royal House will be tradesmen and help-mates. Not a single weapon will be in their hands. If none of you have realized herlike will take two decades to implement, it only increases my eagerness to see her become 'casted'."Aya's hand shot up again.Yes?""I would hope the Council, or the Regents, will consider a 'like' which is not mine. It is a man's and it should be of no surprise the idea is Cáel's.""If you feel it holds merit, Aya, tell us," Saint Marie deferred."The 9 Clans have shown some interest in a children exchange programs among our youth as it would provide new techniques we can add to our arsenal an a new avenue to experiment with new ideas. I find the idea to be promising as the Host takes part in affairs beyond our own immediate needs. It would also supply partners between families to be shared for a season or two."Translation: Amazon women could breed with men of allied Secret Societies to reduce our dependence on our own, much smaller, male population. In the short term, it would go a long way to rectifying the Host's child-bearing problems.The Council's quarrelsome behavior was biting them in the ass big time. Saint Marie was right, the only opinion that mattered was hers until the Council elected a Regency. Had we not been at war, the Council would have ruled, but we were, so we took orders from the Golden Mare. Even if the High Priestess had been alive, she would have deferred to our designated War Leader on most things."Cáel Ish, Cáel Wakko Ishara is a very dangerous and devious male, Aya. Be careful of any council he gives," Saint Marie's caution was more playful than menacing."I'll be okay," Aya peeped. "He doesn't have sex with any woman until she is eighteen." That wasn't what the Golden Mare was cautioning her about. We all knew it. Aya was working to defuse a sticky bit of mental juggling, listening to a man's advice."On that we can agree," Saint Marie conceded. "Back to what I would 'like' to say. The New Directive is being implemented. I feel it goes beyond the purview of my mandate. I will leave it for the Regency to deal with. Katrina and Tessa have already invested in the groundwork in this endeavor, so I will endorse it if that is the decision of the Regency.""I have zero desire to add a single Runner to the Security Detail. I will open up slots in the training program if that is what the Regency demands. Each House's policy for dealing with the First Directive is their business, not mine. If any of you wish to consider something the Princess considers to be important, so be it. The idea of 1,000 Isharans does not appeal to me. Look how much trouble their tiny numbers have already caused us and take heed."Buffy began growling, which amused/worried the Houses on either side of us. Unlike me, Buffy didn't 'roll with the blows' and considered all manner of insults to me, House Ishara and her Isharan sisters to be answerable with violence. I loved her so. There was also no way I'd let her go after Saint Marie. The Golden Mare would crush her; I had no doubt."The unwelcome blood feud: are both House Heads ignorant of my forbiddance of such things? Apparently so. Both defied me by tossing insults back and forth. Considering we are at war with two of the most powerful Secret factions, I am angered by both for their idiocy.""The solution the Princess likes is rather novel," Saint Marie was punishing both Messina and me with her low voice and fiery gaze. Krasimira coughed."Yes?" Saint Marie suspended her anger."The suggested resolution is not without precedence," Krasimira spoke with a scholarly detachment. "In our early days, the Host settled such disputes in Spring and Fall gatherings by contests of foot speed, hunting, horsewomanship, archery and wrestling. If we revive the tradition, the competing Houses could nominate one woman for each contest to settle the matter. Only the hand-to-hand match would risk either contestant's health.""I will consider it and render judgement before the Sun sets today," Saint Marie nodded. "The final like pleases me greatly. Dealing with the 52 of you is, Cáel?"I was on the spot. I couldn't let down my fan base of one, Aya. Perhaps it was five, Buffy (who would never admit it), Daphne (who liked me), Katrina (because she liked fucking with my head) and Desiree (who was less likely to admit she found me funny than Buffy).I felt I gave a decent effort."'A ginormous pain in my hemorrhoids?' the basic one.""'More painful than having my cornea scrapped with a spoon?' more gruesome.""'Enough to make me want to give Sakuniyas a surprise French kiss?' most likely to be fatal.""'Worse than waking up to discover I'm related to Cáel Wakko Ishara?' most horrifying, for both of us.""'Inspiring me to toss it all away and take up Professional Bikini Mud Wrestling?' a personal fantasy of mine.""Why do we put up with him again?" one House Head remarked."Because I am worried that one," motioning to Buffy, "will stab me in the elevator after a meeting.""My First, are you acting psychotic around the Council members?" I looked over my shoulder at Buffy."Wakko Ishara, it is not an act. I am psychotic," she responded deadpan."Are you still packing that thermite grenade?""No Wakko Ishara. Daphne stole it from me and hid it," was her quick delivery."I love working with you two," Daphne whispered."What is it with you, your unsubtle sexual innuendo and me in a bikini?" Saint Marie stared at me."I find the combination of brilliance and lethality sexy. Just ask Elsa," I grinned. Then I grimaced as Buffy stomped on my toes. The House Heads and Apprentices on either side of me noticed and clearly expected me to do something, like to show outrage (because she was my underling), or start crying (because I was a guy)."Prestige," Daphne hissed quietly. "Prestige." She was reminding Buffy that beating me up in public made the other Amazons think even less of me than they already did."I will go with (B), the cornea scrapping," Saint Marie gave me a nod."Damn it," I muttered. I also got my foot out of the way before someone did any more damage to my phalanges.'Best Daddy Ever,' Aya mouthed to me. Back to the main action."It is not my place to order the rest of you to elect Shawnee, Rhada and Buffy to be the Regency. I do admit I admire the mixture of candidates," Saint Marie declared. I shot Rhada a quick look. She seemed really, really enamored of the idea of being part of the Regency, thus staying in New York for the next decade, or so."Before the idea is rejected out of hand, I suggest we ask the three people our Princess would like to be part of the Regency if they would accept the nomination," the Golden Mare continued. "Shawnee Arinniti?""I bow to the logic and reason of the proposal," Shawnee replied."Rhada Meenakshi?""I wish to join my sisters in battle, yet I accept the reasoning behind the proposal," Rhada nodded. "If my Head of House agrees, I will stay and do my part for our People." What was she saying to me? 'You are going to whip me, beat me, torture me, humiliate me and push me to beyond the limits of any pain I have experienced until I pass out ~ repeatedly'."I despair of finding any other compromise," Mahdi frowned. "If my Apprentice understands the greater difficulty she will face gaining prestige among her House-mates, I will consent to this proposal." Essentially a 'yes'."Buffy Ishara?""I was really looking forward to ripping the spines out of still living foes, but I would be a fool to go against Aya of Kururiyahhssi's smarts. If Wakko Ishara wants to walk out of this room unassisted, he will see the wisdom of this decision as well," she gave me a shark's smile. Daphne had surpassed her limit and punched Buffy."Hell ya, I agree," I exclaimed. "Now I know there will be certain times of the day when she isn't stalking me.""I'll work more pain into our limited schedule," Buffy grumbled."Are we sure he is the House Head and she is the Apprentice?" Yet another House Head joined the 'shit on me' train.It was telling of our group dynamic how we accepted the Pyramid of Pain. The underlings dispensed advice and violence as they felt necessary without their 'superior' getting pissy about it. Buffy felt totally justified hitting me and accepted being hit by Daphne, who continued to act unimpeded as Buffy's rapid-fire translator."If I was House Head, I'd handcuff him to me," Buffy clarified for her."What she said," I pointed a thumb Buffy's way. I'd have used a finger, but she might have grabbed, twisted and made me scream in pain."Perhaps the Council can vote on this as their second order of business," Saint Marie cloaked her command as a suggestion."Cáel Wakko Ishara, can I ask you a personal question?" Kohar of Marda caught my attention."Shoot, wait, probably not the best terminology in this crowd. Ask away," I replied."Have you faced a House challenge yet?""Yes. Just last night in fact. We free-climbed the north-face of Havenstone. I beat the next closest contender by three floors. I also had Princess Aya on the roof dropping bricks on anyone who attempted to get past me.""That means he isn't going to answer you," Beyoncé  interpreted for my audience."Can't you ever take these meetings seriously?" Febe Mielikki glowered."La, Febe, in the past few minutes I have watched the person I love most in the world get her life shat on," I shook my head."The only thing worse than seeing this happen to Aya is knowing this is her sole opportunity to not lose her soul, so I'm sucking up my heart's pain and putting forward a jester's persona so I don't put any more pressure on her than she's already been subjected to. Like me, she doesn't want the distinction of being a Person of Note.""Like me, she knows she must sacrifice her dreams for the sake of our People, the Amazon Host. Trust me, you would rather have 'me, the jester' than 'me, the Amazon' furious with the destiny that has foisted this pain on her'. Do any of you take responsibility for forcing the events of this morning?" I growled. If they wanted to see the other side of the Janus, so be it."Had you chosen a Regency in the fucking weeks you've been bickering, Kwenhamai could have been dealt with privately. The fate of the Royal House could have been put off a few years. Had you not all been so dead-set on being heroines of the Host, three of you would have sacrificed your bloodlust, your birthright and the future accolades you could recite on your final night (before taking themselves to the cliff), but none of you did.""Instead, you set the stage for dumping all of your indecisiveness on the slender shoulders of a nine year old girl most of you had written off as too fractured and frail to survive her 12th year only three months ago. So Febe how do you like the honest 'me'?" I finished off furiously.It was not lost on anyone in the chamber I was an Amazon raging against the cruelty of fate. Every other bitch in the room knew they had discarded my daughter's life as trivial and I was prepared to unleash violence on the next one to show an ounce of disrespect over Aya's surrendering of her destiny and my grief at failing to find a way to stop this from coming to pass. St Marie had just reminded them that I was 'reliably" successful despite my handicaps. Not an enemy anyone in the room wanted any part of. Saku would have been proud.A Note:I have been remiss in informing my readers of the names of the 53 Houses, even though I created it some time ago. I have made a few alterations to the original version as I've had to rethink certain parts of this tale, but here is the list I now use.List of Goddesses:The First Twenty Houses in no particular order :1) Ishara, Oaths, Medicine and War (to North America) (died out 450 CE; Reborn in 2014)2)   (Deceased) Anat, Goddess of War, Fury and Blood Sacrifice (died out 6th cent. BCE) ~ possibly resurrected by Sakunyias3) Anahit, water, wisdom and war (to North America)4) Arinniti, Sun Goddess (to North America)5) Hanwasuit, Sovereign Goddess6) Illuyankamunus, Dragon God (to North America) (Special Case)7) Inara, the Hunter Goddess8)  au ka, fertility, War, healing9) Kamrusepa, Healing medicine magic (to Africa)10) Lelwani, Goddess of the Underworld (to Africa)11) Hapantali, Pastoral Goddess.12) Hatepuna, Sea Goddess (to India)13) Hannahannah, Mother Goddess14) Moirai, Fate15) Selardi, Lunar Goddess (to Africa)16) Nammu, Primordial Sea, sailing, sailors (to India) (to Indonesia)17) Uttu, Goddess of plants (to Africa)18) Lahar, Cattle Goddess (to Africa)19) Ereshkigal, Queen of the underworld (to India)20) Istustaya and Papaya, Twin Goddesses of Destiny (to North America)Additional Houses, founded in Europe:(Code: Sc = Scythian; T = Thracian, P, Phrygian, C = Celtic, R = Roman, Sl = Slavic)21) (Sc) Marda, the One-Eyed Goddess/Vengeance {fantasy creation}22) (Sc) Farānak, A Scythian Goddess also known as the Lynx Goddess and the Silent Huntress (Dora)23) (Sc) Stolgos, Monstrous Slayer of Greeks (known to the Greeks as the Gorgon Stheno) {semi-historical}24) (T) Cotyttia, Thracian Goddess of Sex, War and Slaughter (to North America)25) (T) Bendis, Thracian Goddess of the Moon and Hunting.26) (T) Semele/Rajah, Thracian Goddess of the Earth and Birth (to India)27) (T) Hylonome, Centaur Goddess28) (P) Cybele, Phrygians Earth Goddess on Lion's throne (to the Amazon)29) (C) Andraste, War Goddess; also Goddess of the Moon and Divination; 'the Rabbit Goddess'30) (C) Epona, Horses (to North America)31) (C) Cyhiraeth, Goddess of springs whose war cry precedes death (to Africa)32) (C) Maeve, War Goddess, the Enslaver of Men33)   (Deceased) (C) Nantosuelta, Earth, Fire and Fertility (died out 1st cent. BCE)34) (C) Artio, the Bear Goddess (to North America)35) (C) Nemain, Goddess of War and Panic36) (R) Minerva, Roman Goddess of War & Strategy37)   (Deceased) (R) Diana, Hunting and Archery (died out in India 16th cent. CE)38) (Sl)  iva, Love and Fertility49) (Sl) Morė, Goddess of harvest, witchcraft, winter and death (to North America)40) (Sl) Zorja, The twin Guardians (Evening/Morning Stars)41)   (Sl) Oźwiena, fame and glory (died out in 1944)42)   (Sl) Koliada, Sky Goddess and deity of sunrises/dawn (died out 17th cent CE)43) (F) Mielikki, Goddess of the Hunt44) (N) Ska i, giantess, Goddess of bow-hunting, skiing, winter, and mountainsAdditional Houses, founded in In dia:45) (I) Mookambika, Demon Slayers46) (I) Bhadra, Goddess of the Hunt (to Indonesia)47) (I) Meenakshi, The Liberator (Rhada and Madi's House)48) (I) Durga (Dark Mother) (to Indonesia)49) (I) Chandala Bhikshuki, Queen of Night, Death, Destruction and Rebirth50) (I) Jaya (Goddess of Victory)51)   (I) Chelamma, the Scorpion Queen (died out 16th cent.)Additional Houses, founded in Africa:52) (A) Oshun, (Yoruba Goddess of Love, Sexuality, Beauty and Diplomacy; Lady of the Orisha ~ life spirits)53) (A) Yemonja, Mother of Rivers (to the Amazon)54) (A) Oba, Goddess of Betrayal and Exile55) (A) Ox ssi, Goddess of Hunting, Forests, Animals and Wealth56) (A) Jengu, Goddess of Jungles and Water SpiritsAdditional Houses: founded in North America(NT = Native Tribal)57) (NT) Uusheenhiton (noo'uusooo' heeninouhuusei hitoniho') (Arapaho), Storm Horse Sister {fantasy creation}58) (NT) Gahe, Apache (supernatural spirits who live in the mountains)Prospective House:59) New, (Hittite) SzelAnya, the Dragon's DaughterCurrent Number of Central Houses:12 in North America (9+Ishara from Europe and 2 native)10 in Africa (6 from Europe and 5 native)3 in Amazonia (1 from Africa and 2 from Europe)8 in India (3 from Europe and 7 native)3 in Indonesia (2 from India and 1 from Europe)17 in Europe6 Deceased{7:35 am Sunday, September 7th ~ Last day}Right where we left offMy rage over Aya wasn't called into question or challenged. Practicality had trumped tradition in the inevitable Amazon fashion. The only one elevated in anyone's eyes was Aya. Krasimira's apparent political adventurism was probably hard for the others to deal with. But in context, only Mahdi, Katrina and Saint Marie had seen her denounce Hayden, so this seemed a new side of Krasimira to most people in the room.Krasimira wasn't the spiritual authority, that was Hayden. She wasn't the Generalissimo, that was Saint Marie. Katrina and I were both appointed officials, we retained our House status. Saint Marie would die a member of House Inara and join her ancestors with pride. Her litany of accomplishments were well known to the Host.But Krasimira? She would die a member of House Cybele unheralded. The Keeper of Records recorded the feats of others, not their own. Nearly two generations ago, a young Krasimira had joined the Keeper's House as a guardian to an un-remembered (save by her) augur. The augur passed and she took up other duties within the house.When the old Keeper faced her final months, she elevated Krasimira to her spot. High Priestess Hayden had approved the choice without really knowing who Krasimira was. (No one outside the House of the Keeper had personal bonds with her anymore.) Seamlessly, she had sat in the old Keeper's seat and the Council kept chugging along.For the past eight years, she had sat quietly at Hayden's side and only speaking when addressed. Mostly, she did nothing overt. The actual note-taking was done by an underling. The Keeper took her own private notes squirreled away in her mind, to be written when she was by herself. Those notes would be handed over to her successor, for the Keepers' eyes and theirs alone.I don't think Krasimira knew me in particular when she dutifully followed Hayden into these chambers the day my death, or life in a cage, was bantered about. It was the day we first crossed paths. She would have known of Shawnee's request for the tooth of an Isharan, though she lacked the authority to ask why. (She wasn't a voting member of the Council.)But when Shawnee made her claim, Krasimira hadn't balked in her support, despite the oddity of Shawnee's declarations, I was indeed Ishara and my sisters could not dispose of me. The outrage of the others meant nothing to her. She pursued her obligations with true Amazon fearlessness both inside and outside of the Council.On the night of the 2nd Betrayal, a Keeper had sat there in silence as her fellow Amazons, the Ash Men, were sentenced to an unjust death. She'd had neither the numbers nor the authority to alter events, what else could she have done?So the Keepers kept track of the names of nineteen 'unaccounted for' Ash Men. For what purpose? An episode of Amazon history no one would ever want to revisit? Yet in my hour of need, coming back 2,600 years was the name 'Vranus of Ishara', sitting only a few keystrokes away. No one, save a few Arinniti diehards, wanted to know the truth of the Amazon Ash Men; and even they didn't want to remember us as individuals. To them, Vranus existed as a notation on the secret Charter of the Arinniti Sons.To Krasimira, Vranus had been a living, breathing warrior of the Host, not even dead, still mythically fighting the enemies of our race because his death had never been officially recorded. With my appearance, I stood in mute testimony to his death, and that of his sons and their sons for a damn long time.Still, I hated playing catch-up.With the Amazon custom of adoption, had no one asked if another possible Isharan heritage still persisted?I would bet they had. And I'd bet they had sought for that knowledge in the Rolls of the Host, always finding that pathway devoid of hope. But if the Keeper had known, why had she kept quiet?Pride, shame, Krasimira's words: we show anger when we should show humility. We are proud of our shame. We are arrogant of our weaknesses. We have heaped insult upon insult on our ancestors, yet are now aghast that they turn away from us, I had confused her soliloquy with that of an accusation, not the long held understanding of her office.Even staring extinction in face, the modern Host hadn't truly accepted the answer, the line of Vranus. Faced with the truth, the Amazons would have 'forgotten' the descendants of Vranus all those centuries ago in the same way they 'forgot' all the other Ash Men on the day I was brought into the Host.But the Keepers did something more than maintain the rolls and records of the Amazons, more than watch over the augurs and make sure their messages made it to the proper ears. They safeguarded the truth. No matter what the Council decided and the High Priestess commanded, the Keepers remained honest stewards of the real history of the Amazons.Why?The Amazons were terribly practical and the truth could run contrary to the needs of political reality. Honesty wasn't a highly stressed Amazon virtue, loyalty was. So was bravery. And thus generation after generation of Keepers had lied to the Council and the High Priestesses. Every time those august personages had committed something to 'the nothingness', the Keepers had defied them and not forgotten.The first heads of the first twenty houses had surrendered their names for the unity of their people, but the Keepers remembered. All twenty of those women had been of the Amazon tribe of the Pala people living on the southern coast of the Black Sea when the Trojan Wars began. Over time, their true blood descendants had founded new houses and been adopted into others.Aya was truly a daughter of Kururiyahhssi; I had no doubt of that anymore. Had she not shared the same blood as the first Amazon, Krasimira wouldn't have brought Aya and Kwen together. Resurrecting an ancient tradition in a complicated fallacious coup attempt wasn't in her; nor was such a maneuver even a necessity. The Host would elect a Regency eventually and Saint Marie was handling the war in a highly competent fashion.So Krasimira hadn't sought out the heirs of Vranus, yet when one appeared, she welcomed 'him'. And when she stepped into the President's office with Hayden while waiting for me to be brought upstairs to face judgement that night, I imagined sending Hayden to the cliffs was the farthest thing from her mind.The rest were playing politics, gender politics, and couldn't see the truth staring Krasimira in the face. The truth was a bitch and didn't play favorites, or worry about the sensibilities of others. Krasimira had seen her sisters refusing to acknowledge the ugly reality they had created for themselves.Krasimira wasn't an advocate for Ishara, that was my job, and my crappy performance was something between Dot and me. She wasn't an advocate for the males and the New Directive. That was what Katrina was for. No, like a hundred Keepers before her, Krasimira was the silent sentinel for the Truth and, the Truth didn't care about anything but the Truth."The assassin is indeed in this room. Its name is Amazon was a rather grand pronouncement from the Chief Librarian, wasn't it? Krasimira didn't chastise Hayden. That wasn't her place. Technically, neither was she disputing Hayden's ability to rule.This wasn't the climax of a dinner-theater 'Who Done It'. The crime before the High Priestess was High Treason and I was the pre-ordained guilty party. My 'ally', Katrina Epona, had not been an advocate for my defense. No. Again in my Hour of Need it was Krasimira.Lacking any true authority, she had defied her sisters and made her definitive statement. What truly transpired was Krasimira staring Hayden straight in the eyes and saying 'you cannot lie your way out of this one, High Priestess. We (as in all the Keepers past and present) will not let you'.Had she used those words, Saint Marie would have gotten around to asking what Krasimira meant. Krasimira would have rather died, because once those bitches discovered their nerdy sisters hadn't erased a damn thing in 3,000 years, they would insist they do so immediately. Krasimira wasn't about to do that. Thanks to the chaos surrounding Hayden's departure, no one had confronted her over her crucial action.To put it more precisely, the Golden Mare had been too busy and Mahdi had been wrapped up in Hayden's Decree and the resulting pressure on the Heads of House to pick the Regency. Katrina was probably a case of I'm not going to ask you so you don't have to lie to me. The only other living person in the room when Hayden's fate was sealed was me, and I'd had my hands full as well.I had to think about what I should and could do. I couldn't beat her up over Aya anymore than I could punish my Isharans for their misplaced arrogance. I decided to extend a 'thank you'; and not only for myself, but for every conceited bitch who had ever sat at this table, or all the other physical mediums the Council had used before this one.We held three votes: The Council couldn't collectively decide on how to implement Aya's other likes (1), so they agreed on her suggestion for a Regency instead (2). The final vote was to set a date for the next Council meeting (3). A date within 9 days of the Winter Solstice with the Regency to decide the precise date and give the House Heads two weeks warning.The last calamity at the meeting was initiated by a question of etiquette."How do we address the Princess at Council meetings?" the Head of House Hanwasuit inquired of Krasimira."There is no precedent for addressing the Iwaruwa alone. By our laws, she is not truly Dumalugal Aya either. She is Nasusara," Krasimira responded. Queen."She is a child," a third House Head declared, "not an Amazon.""No," Mahdi shook her head. "A, Aya is 'un-casted'. She bears an honorific presented to her by the leader of an established stronghold (Summer Camp) and confirmed by the Golden Mare minutes ago.""Congratulations my mamētu me eda," I winked to my past and present Princess, "you've just become a single-digit aged teenager.""Go Aya," Daphne and Buffy whispered behind me. Aya raised her hand, waiting for Saint Marie's recognition.However, Saint Marie moved steadily forward, declaring: "Until the Regency alters my decision, I decline assigning anyone to the Iwaruwa (heiress) whose sole purpose would be to stop her from sneaking off to endure her 12th Year Test. I judge it to be better we know where we placed her as opposed to failing to outsmart her as she needlessly proves to the Host she is, in fact, already an Amazon of the Host." Aya lowered her hand.Thus,'Yes, Aya is an Amazon of the Host' and 'Aya will take her 12th Year Test because she wants to take it, won't let us talk her out of taking it and the rest of us had better accept it'."So, she is our Queen then?"No one appeared to have an answer. Aya raised her hand once more."Yes?" the Golden Mare smiled down at her."Am I in charge?" Aya's other hand squeezed Saint Marie's as she spoke in a barely audible voice."Perhaps.""If I was in charge, I would like it if there was a law that declared the Queen of the Amazons would be officially represented by a Regency until she becomes casted, and antedate the law by one hour so this never, ever comes up again," Aya kept looking up at Saint Marie."Aya," Katrina exhaled.The council chamber was a mixture of awe, resentment and amusement. If Aya was Queen, she could make such a law. The Queen-ship was a Bronze Age autocratic institution designed to provide leadership to a 'state' in near-constant warfare with is neighbors.It was guided by oral traditions and military necessity, not written laws. As long as the queens provided successes on the battlefield and through diplomacy, she was deemed fit to rule. The traditional way of choosing a House Head was the same for the Royal House, the ruling Queen chose an heir.In the long list of Queens, less than half had been the 'eldest' child. No, those ancient War Leaders picked the bravest, smartest and most successful daughters to succeed them. Their wisdom in those selections showed in the fact the Amazons had held off a male-dominated world for over 600 years before fatally marching off to answer an ally's call to fight in the Trojan War."I advise against it," Saint Marie shook her head. "You are young. You are also the only Royal we have. Duty demands and sisters must always answer their sister's call."Translation: Aya was an adult now. It was similar to the first lesson Pamela gave me upon learning I was Ishara. We lived with bitches, it doesn't pay to play nice with bitches."Thank you," Aya nodded. She was 'thanking' Saint Marie for the lesson, no matter how hard it was to accept. Krasimira coughed."Now that the matter is settled," she spoke. The matter wasn't settled. Krasimira was steamrollering the discussion. "What do we call you?", to Aya."I, oh," in a very small voice. Aya's brow furrowed and her tiny nose wiggled. "I wish to be known by the legacy of my Anna (mother) and Atta (me, Cáel). I will be Assiyai hamai.""Love song?" Daphne murmured to Buffy."Assiyai hamai?" Krasimira asked for clarification. 'Love-song' was hardly the name of a 'fierce' Amazon Queen."The only other name I could come up with was Markappidusmene, which seemed less auspicious," she meeped. Markappidusmene meant 'Tiny Smile'."Perhaps Talliyahulla would be more auspicious?" Saint Marie nudged Aya. 'War Cry'."Oh no!" Aya balked. "That's your job.""What do you think your job is?" the Golden Mare questioned, suddenly realizing she'd made the mistake of making assumptions where Aya was concerned."To go to the cliffs with twice as many Amazon daughters, each equal to the likes of Saint Marie, Katrina, Oneida, Buffy, Elsa, Kohar and Tad fi as exist today. We must not 'survive', or simply replenish our numbers."We must become stronger because the World is a terribly messed up place," she raised her wounded hand and splayed her digits for the others to see the two she was missing, "and has become too small for us to seek safety in hidden freeholds any longer. If we cannot hide, we must rule openly. We are Amazons. Having no equals, we must rule alone. The only people we can trust, really trust, are the sisters at our sides."My job is to advance my People's cause with both compassion and cruelty and I will do so alone, because the Amazon Queen has no equals, only daughters."Not a sound. I could count out the individual fan blades recycling the air."Let our enemies tremble," Saint Marie nodded, repeating an earlier declaration."Assiyai hamai," Krasimira intoned, making Aya's royal name official before adding, "Assiyai hamai, you are mistaken about one thing. You are not alone. You have a mamētu me eda.""Oh," she perked up, shedding the gloom which surrounded her. She looked at me, our eyes met and we both grinned, then she giggled...and yet again, up her hand went."Yes?" Saint Marie looked upon Aya respectfully and then at me with much suspicion."Is the mamētu me eda of my mamētu me eda also my mamētu me eda?" Aya asked.Just like old times, only Katrina was ahead of the game. "Oh, by Epona," the Spy-mistress snorted."Cáel Wakko Ishara, who is your mamētu me eda, oh no," Saint Marie bristled."Ah, indeed," Krasimira nodded. "An unlooked for bonus.""Does someone care to enlighten the rest of us?" the head of House Nemain prodded."Oh!" That was Elsa."That's right!" Oneida, she was definitely a fan of me and my spasmodic lifestyle."Wakko Ishara's mamētu me eda, other mamētu me eda, is Temujin, Great Khan of the Reborn Mongol-Turkish Khanate and ally of the Host," Saint Marie let them know. "They are bonded by Cáel risking his own life to save Temujin's. It is actually a privately understood and publically declared fact.""In Temujin's words to the international press when our Cáel and our new Queen were kidnapped : I believe Cáel is still alive. If he wasn't, we would be seeing piles upon piles of dead enemy around him and his 'boon companion', clearly visible from orbit. Until they discover this carnal pit from Hell, I am sure they are both still alive," Oneida added. Rhada flashed ill-distilled hate her way."Shawnee, is your Apprentice's mind addled with the birthing hormones of their child?" Mahdi snipped. That was merely a cultural zing, not an attempt to expose my sinister erotic misdoings. Unfortunately, she was somewhat correct. Okay, she was totally correct."That was uncalled for," Shawnee graciously chided Mahdi, thus demonstrating her ignorance of the facts soon to be in evidence."Yes, I am carrying a child of Arinniti and Ishara," Oneida proclaimed loud and proud. "We share a Warrior's Love."I wasn't really sure how anyone else reacted to the news because House Ishara exploded into violence. That is the politic way of saying Daphne and Juanita were trying to stop Buffy from beating me to death. Here was yet another Ishara-baby and it wasn't gestating inside her. I was too stunned to defend myself.And the old refrain: 'and then it got worse'."Ta  ah kattanda!" (IN HITTITE for 'you pig's ass'), Rhada howled. I missed her drawing her blade, vaulting to the top of the table and lunging at Oneida. Most of the Amazons in the room stood, yet held their ground.They weren't shocked into indecisiveness, only trying to understand the nature of the conflict before intervening. This was not the first 'your Amazon did something my Amazon found infuriating' public threat they had to have dealt with. Rhada was more volatile than the average woman of her breed and station, true, but a violent in-chamber assault?That wasn't the 'worse' though. Oneida drawing her blade in an open challenge to Rhada wasn't the worse either, nor was her shouting."He loves me! He merely saved you!"Saint Marie yelling 'Ishara! Ishara!' over and over again, demanding I put my house back in order wasn't the end of my woes, nope.Me being yanked free of my House fur-ball into the volcanic gaze of Elsa as she seethed, "Rhada?" Oh yeah, Elsa's people and Rhada's people had a bit of a blood feud going on, how could I have forgotten that?But wait!"Not Fabiola!" gasped Messina, bizarrely assuming I slept with, okay, not such a huge assumption."Gael?" voiced by the Head of House Bendis, followed by Gael's "I'm late.""Damn it!" I pulled away from Elsa (slightly)."No. She only lets me ejaculate on 'safe days'," to Messina, Fabiola's Mom."Oh, come on! We had sex one time!" to Gael of Bendis, and finally,"Stop it!" to Rhada and Oneida, (deep breathe). "Really?" with my most believable happy face plastered on. "This is great news!"No. No it wasn't, and I could read the ugly emotional undercurrents on the faces of everyone present, except Aya, who kept the faith."Ishara," Saint Marie rumbled. I held up one finger to forestall her wrath."Oneida, Rhada and I have already decided to name our daughter Parvati. My daughter by Tad fi, ordained by the Goddess to be the first born, will be named Shala while my first son will be called Harki heni (White Hair, I'd call him Raider when we were in the 'outside' world).""My daughter by Miyako Yuri will be named Suwais-urāni, Fushichou in her Mother's tongue, in honor of Sakuniyas. My, other relationships," I would have liked to say 'none of your business', except Amazon mothers, or not, those children would be of Ishara's blood and potentially their kin.

Andrew Holecek offers seminars internationally on meditation, lucid dreaming, and the art of dying. He has studied sleep yoga, bardo yoga, and other traditional practices with living masters in India and Nepal. Holecek is a talented writer who has published books, Dreams of Light and Dream Yoga, and had articles appear in Psychology Today, Parabola, Lion's Roar, Tricycle, Utne Reader, Buddhadharma, Light of Consciousness, and many other periodicals. He also hosts the popular "Edge of Mind" podcast and is the founder of the Night Club Community, a support platform for nocturnal meditations.    Here he and Dawson discuss: Chongyam Trungpa: “Meditation isn't a sedative, it's a laxative” Andrew's background  The aspects of the unconscious mind Cognitive scientists tell us 95 percent of what we do is driven by unconscious patterns How to start making the unconscious processes conscious How can you attain something you already have? The problem with the concept of a Spiritual Path The Saint who said: “Enlightenment was my biggest disappointment” Underneath all the experience is openness Why we are a localization of consciousness Andrew's definition of meditation: habituation to openness The 5 nocturnal meditations Using your sleep for your psychospiritual development   To learn more about Andrew's work: https://www.andrewholecek.com/   Find Dawson's work at: http://dawsongift.com/   And to preorder Dawson's next book, Spiritual Intelligence:  https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Intelligence-Activating-Circuits-Awakened/dp/160415294X/   #mindtomatter #blissbrain #spiritualintelligence #eft #meditation #highenergyhealth #unconscious #spiritualpath #consciousness     

Welcome to Zen Commuter and day five of Tricycle Week! Today, we're exploring a challenge many meditators face—the uneasy relationship with the timer. Whether it's impatience, restlessness, or the feeling that the minutes are stretching endlessly, the ticking clock can sometimes feel like an obstacle rather than a guide. But what if we could change our perspective and learn to sit with that discomfort? In this episode, we'll discuss how to become more comfortable with the timer in meditation and what it reveals about our minds. Plus, we'll feature a reading of I Think the Clock Is Broken by Christopher Rivas, offering insights into time, presence, and the art of letting go. Let's learn to embrace the practice—one moment at a time. Topics Covered: Persistent Time Anxiety During Meditation: Despite years of practice, Rivas often experiences a nagging suspicion that his meditation timer has malfunctioned, leading to an urge to check the clock. This recurring doubt underscores a common struggle with time perception during meditation. ​ The Illusion of Control and Fear of Letting Go: Rivas identifies this anxiety as stemming from a deeper desire for control and a fear of uncertainty. He suggests that the discomfort with an indefinite meditation period reflects a broader discomfort with unpredictability in life. Societal Conditioning Linking Time to Productivity: He critiques societal norms that equate time with productivity, observing that this mindset can make stillness feel counterproductive. Rivas proposes that embracing meditation without strict time constraints can serve as an act of rebellion against this pervasive cultural narrative. ​   Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review

Welcome to Zen Commuter and day four of Tricycle Week! Today, we're diving into a topic that challenges the way we see productivity and rest—laziness. Is laziness a real obstacle, or is it simply a rejection of society's constant push to always be moving? We'll explore the three aspects of laziness and question whether what we call “being lazy” is actually an intentional choice to be rather than do. Plus, we'll feature a reading from Working on Laziness by Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, offering a deeper perspective on how mindfulness helps us navigate our relationship with effort and ease. Let's reframe laziness and uncover what it really means to live with purpose. Topics Covered: ✅ Definitions of the three types of laziness ✅ The understanding that laziness might be a response to societal expectations ✅ How to evaluate if laziness is real or imagined in your body. Tricycle: The Buddhist Review Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review

Welcome to Zen Commuter and day three of Tricycle Week! Today, we're tackling a challenge that tests even the most mindful among us—dealing with toxic people. Whether it's a difficult coworker, a critical family member, or someone who constantly drains your energy, these interactions can leave us feeling powerless and frustrated. But here's the truth: our inner peace doesn't have to be at their mercy. In this episode, we'll explore how mindfulness helps us safeguard our power, and respond with compassion instead of reaction. Let's learn how to keep our calm—even in the presence of chaos. Topics Covered: ✅ Origins and Expansion of Mindfulness Practices: The article traces the development of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) from its inception by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 to its widespread application in adult mental health. ✅ Introduction of Mindfulness in Educational Settings: It discusses the rationale behind implementing mindfulness programs in schools, aiming to address rising mental health issues among adolescents by teaching them mindfulness techniques. ✅ Evaluation of the MYRIAD Study's Findings: The article analyzes the outcomes of the MYRIAD trial, the largest study on adolescent mindfulness programs, which revealed unexpected results, including potential ineffectiveness and possible adverse effects for some students. ​ Tricycle: The Buddhist Review Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review

Welcome to Zen Commuter and day two of Tricycle Week! Today, we dive into an important question: Is meditation truly beneficial for young students? Across the country, schools have introduced mindfulness programs with the hope of improving focus, reducing stress, and fostering emotional well-being. But do these programs actually deliver on their promise? We'll explore key research, including insights from Emma Varvaloucas' article, Classroom Mindfulness Put to the Test, which examines the largest study to date on mindfulness in schools. Are these programs helping, or do they come with unintended consequences? Let's uncover the science behind meditation in the classroom. Topics Covered: ✅ Origins and Expansion of Mindfulness Practices: The article traces the development of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) from its inception by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 to its widespread application in adult mental health. ✅ Introduction of Mindfulness in Educational Settings: It discusses the rationale behind implementing mindfulness programs in schools, aiming to address rising mental health issues among adolescents by teaching them mindfulness techniques. ✅ Evaluation of the MYRIAD Study's Findings: The article analyzes the outcomes of the MYRIAD trial, the largest study on adolescent mindfulness programs, which revealed unexpected results, including potential ineffectiveness and possible adverse effects for some students. ​ Tricycle: The Buddhist Review Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review

Welcome to Tricycle Week on Zen Commuter! I'm kicking things off with a reading from Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, featuring Thich Nhat Hanh's insightful article, "Listening to Our Ancestors." In this episode, we explore how connecting with our spiritual and familial lineage can bring wisdom, healing, and a deeper sense of peace. Tune in to reflect on the presence of those who came before us and how their guidance can shape our journey today. Topics Covered: ✅ Three Practices to cultivate listening ✅ Using “The Bell” to help us become mindful ✅ Thoughts on embracing our “wounded child” Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review

Ep. 80: Tricycle Wizard ft. JEFF Pt-1 -- The Jesties are joined by fellow Jestie, troupe member, JEFF! who starts off tapewormed to a chair. The group shares a recent interaction with the Tricycle Wizard, and attempt to start some local lore. Everyone shares and we riff and spin till our bellies are full.Enjoy! Thank you for listening. LIke what you hear? Want to hear something more? Drop us a comment at team@jestimprov.com Let us know if you want us to mention you in our episode, we'll do our best to give you a shout-out.Visit us anytime at https://www.jestimprov.com to find out more about us in Ventura, CA - including when to drop-in for classes and shows!

OK, let's try this again.  How do we get people to watch local news?  Let's try... CLOWNS! 

Are you looking to dive deeper into your mindfulness practice? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with  Andrew Holecek on his new book I'm Mindful, Now What?: Moving Beyond Mindfulness to Meet the Modern World. Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM ABC Talk News Radio affiliate!Andrew Holecek is a renowned author and humanitarian who teaches internationally on spirituality, meditation, lucid dreaming, and the art of dying. He has studied sleep yoga, bardo yoga, and other traditional practices with living masters in India and Nepal. His work has appeared in Psychology Today, Parabola, Lion's Roar, Tricycle, Utne  Reader, Buddhadharma, Light of Consciousness, and many other periodicals. He hosts the popular Edge of Mind podcast and is the founder of the Night Club community, a support platform for nocturnal meditations.  https://www.andrewholecek.com For more show information visit: www.MariannePestana.com

Podcast: This week on the show we feature a pre-recorded conversation with Roger Jackson, author of Saraha – Poet of Blissful Awareness, published this year by Shambhala as part of its Lives of the Masters series. Saraha, “the Archer,” was a mysterious but influential tenth-century Indian Buddhist tantric adept who expressed his spiritual realization in mystic songs (dohas) that are enlightening, shocking, and confounding by turns. Saraha's poetic verses served as a basis for the exposition, in Tibet, of mahamudra, the great-seal meditation on the nature of mind that permeates every tradition of Buddhism on the Tibetan plateau. This is the first book to attempt a thorough treatment of the context, life, works, poetics, and teachings of Saraha. Roger Jackson is Professor Emeritus of Asian Studies and Religion at Carleton College. He has nearly 50 years of experience with the study and practice of Buddhism, particularly in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. His special interests include Indian and Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and ritual; Buddhist religious poetry; religion and society in Sri Lanka; the study of mysticism; and contemporary Buddhist thought. Roger is a highly respected and beloved scholar, Dharma teacher, and writer. He has authored many scholarly books and articles, and is a frequent contributor to Lion's Roar, Buddhadharma, and Tricycle magazines. More information about Roger Jackson's work can be found at:   Saraha at Shambhala Publications: www.shambhala.com,   Roger Jackson at Lion's Roar: www.lionsroar.com,   Roger Jackson at Tricycle: tricycle.org,   Roger Jackson at Carleton College: apps.carleton.edu,   Roger Jackson on The Mystical Positivist #398: mysticalpositivist.blogspot.com,   Roger Jackson on The Mystical Positivist #348: mysticalpositivist.blogspot.com.

Send us a textHenry Winslow is the founder and editor of Tricycle Day newsletter, a twice a week newsletter that shares the latest in psychedelic research, policy, and business with a splash of witty humor. Henry shares his personal path to creating Tricycle Day, what he has gained from his psychedelic experiences, and his perspectives on the changing psychedelic landscape. Henry Winslow is an insightful and knowledgeable individual who is able to communicate his worldview in a fun and accessible way. To join The Tricycle Day Newsletter simply follow the link: https://www.tricycleday.com/Schedule a FREE Discovery Call with Keilani: www.coachkeilani.comRegister for the FREE Webinar: https://coachkeilani.com/upcoming-web...FREE Guided Meditation: https://coachkeilani.com/audio-journey/FREE Journaling Prompts: www.coachkeilani.com (scroll to bottom of page)Instagram: @keilani_evolve All social platforms: @delightfulpod 

I am very happy to be back on the air after a three week hiatus. The longest one in the 10 year history of Zen Commuter. So thank you all for your patience and understanding. I can't think of a better topic to talk about on my return, than Tonglen Meditation. Today I read an article that talks about how we can reduce our fear of suffering by engaging in a meditation practice that has us voluntarily taking on the suffering of others. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review

Discover the power of character-driven leadership in this podcast featuring Dane Deutch, author of "Coachability: The Tricycle Effect." Learn how to balance technical and people skills with a strong character foundation using his unique Tricycle Effect concept. Gain insights on how to cultivate trustworthiness, respect, and empathy, while developing your ability to coach yourself and others. Hear Dane's stories from his Air Force service in Turkey, and his experience coaching gymnastics for over 45 years, highlighting the power of visualization, and how to act instead of react. Learn how to move from success to significance, adding value to others for a more fulfilling life and business. Want to learn more?  Download the Foreword and Chapter 1 to Coach-Ability and The Tricycle Effect or FREE here:  https://coach.lmdc.us/coachability-book C

NEWS: LTO summons cat-dragging tricycle driver | Jan. 8, 2025Visit our website at https://www.manilatimes.netFollow us:Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebookInstagram - https://tmt.ph/instagramTwitter - https://tmt.ph/twitterDailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotionSubscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digitalSign up to our newsletters: https://tmt.ph/newslettersCheck out our Podcasts:Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotifyApple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcastsAmazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusicDeezer: https://tmt.ph/deezerStitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcherTune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein#TheManilaTimes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parental stress has been declared a public health crisis by the U.S. Surgeon General—and it's a conversation we all need to have. In this episode, Emily sits down with Debbie and our dear friend and guest Yael Schonbrun, a clinical psychologist and author of Work, Parent, Thrive, to explore what's behind the overwhelming stress so many parents are feeling and, more importantly, what we can do about it. We're talking about all the things that pile up: money worries, the constant rush, and that pressure to “do it all.” Plus, we dive into what parental burnout actually is (and why it's not your fault) and share simple, science-backed tips to make life a little easier. This isn't just about managing parental stress—it's about showing up for yourself and your kids in a healthier, more sustainable way. If you've ever felt like you're drowning in the demands of parenting, this episode is for you. It's a conversation that matters—and one that can truly make a difference. Listen and Learn:  What is parental stress, why it matters, and how we can lighten the load together? How can we turn overwhelming parental stress into something manageable? Parenting burnout is skyrocketing—what's fueling it, and how can we reclaim balance in modern life? The pressures of modern parenting, how to find balance and break free from the stress. How working parents can shift from feeling torn between roles to using tension for enrichment What are the causes and consequences of parental burnout, and how driving awareness can help Why your well-being as a parent is crucial for your child's mental health, yet it's often overlooked—and learn how to break this unhelpful cycle How self-compassion and mindful check-ins can help ease your burnout and stress in daily life Supporting your child's autonomy to reduce parental burnout and strengthen your connections Resources:  Yael's website: https://www.yaelschonbrun.com/ Connect with Yael on socials:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yael-schonbrun-a26a5229/ http://x.com/DrYaelSchonbrun http://instagram.com/yaelschonbrun/ Our Substack Q&A, Is Parent Stress Breaking News? Three Clinical Psychologists Discuss the Surgeon General's New Advisory: https://emilyedlynn.substack.com/p/is-parent-stress-breaking-news  About Yael Schonbrun Yael Schonbrun is a clinical psychologist, assistant professor at Brown University, author of Work, Parent, Thrive: 12 Science-Backed Strategies to Ditch Guilt, Manage Overwhelm, and Grow Connection (When Everything Feels Like too Much), past Psychologists Off the Clock co-host, and parent of three. In her research, private practice, and writing, Yael draws on science, philosophy, and clinical practices to share practices proven to foster healthier relationships between partners, parents and children, and between our most important life roles. Yael is a frequent contributor to The Washington Post and her writing on work, parenting, and relationships has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Greater Good Science Center, Behavioral Scientist, Tricycle, among others. Related Episodes:  306. Screaming on the Inside: The Challenges of American Motherhood with Jessica Grose 319. Autonomy-Supportive Parenting with the AMAZING Emily Edlynn 275. Work, Parent, Thrive with Yael Schonbrun 338. ACT for Burnout with Debbie!  146. Parental Burnout with Lisa Coyne 382. The Anxious Generation? The Conversation We Should Be Having About Kids, Technology, and Mental Health  379. Toxic Striving with Paula Freedman-Diamond  https://offtheclockpsych.com/be-mighty/ 121. Be Mighty: An Episode for Stressed Out, Worried Women with Jill Stoddard 267. You are Not a Horrible Parent with Carla Naumburg 211. Subtract with Leidy Klotz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Octavia Raheem first wrote a book called Gather where she talked about gathering ancestors, gathering courage and gathering rest. Then she wrote a book, Pause Rest Be, about how rest has served as a tool for courage and resilience for her and the people she's worked with.    And lucky for us, Octavia has written a new book called Rest Is Sacred, that takes these ideas and weaves them together, taking her readers into a deep place inside themselves Octavia F. Raheem (she/her) is a wife, mother, three time author, rest coach, and restorative + Yoga Nidra Teacher. She is the founder of Devoted to Rest® a transformational rest focused immersion for visionary leaders. She is a true luminary in the areas of rest, restorative arts, wellness, and yoga. Octavia has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Yoga Journal, Well + Good, Tricycle, at Essence Festival and more. You can listen to our previous conversations- 47: How To Hold Space and 107: The Power of Rest In this episode, you'll hear: why rest is sacred for Octavia, and all of us what rest can help us reclaim why our culture makes rest so challenging for everyone rest in the most practical terms  what Octavia does for her practice and how she makes time for it Learn More Octavia: Ocativa's Book Rest is Sacred Follow Octavia on Instagram Octavia's Website This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree, an easy-to-use, all-in-one online platform for yoga teachers that provides a personal website, booking, payment, blogging, and many other great features. The best thing about OfferingTree is you can get up and running in 10 minutes with no tech skills needed. As an added bonus, If you sign up at www.offeringtree.com/mentor, you'll get 50% off your first three months (or 15% off any annual plan)!  OfferingTree supports me with each sign-up. I'm proud to be supported by a public benefit company whose mission is to further wellness access and education for everyone.

Visit our website at https://www.manilatimes.netFollow us:Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebookInstagram - https://tmt.ph/instagramTwitter - https://tmt.ph/twitterDailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotionSubscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digitalSign up to our newsletters: https://tmt.ph/newslettersCheck out our Podcasts:Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotifyApple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcastsAmazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusicDeezer: https://tmt.ph/deezerStitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcherTune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein#TheManilaTimes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Even though it isn't Tricycle week I thought I would share an article with you that I know you can relate to.  How do I know? Because you have a body. And if you have a body, that means at some time you have experienced pain. Vidyamala Burch takes us through a practice that helps us see pain with kindness, sympathy and compassion; a much better energy that resentment and anger. Come listen Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review

Friends + Spooky Stories are always a hit combo! Here are some strange tales hatid sa atin ng ibang barkada (at pamilya) para sa atin!AUDIO- Listen for free via: bit.ly/PhCampfireStoriesVIDEO- Youtube: https://bit.ly/PhCampfireStoriesYTLike, Follow and Join us in our social media channels!Email Address: campfirestoriesph@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/campfirestoriesphX: https://x.com/campfirestoryphInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/campfirestoriesphFB Group Messenger: https://m.me/ch/AbYMxBMNFZA6gEpa/You can send over your support thru the following platforms:FULL VIDEO EPISODES via Patreon patreon.com/campfirestoriesphFOR YOUR TIPS via Paypal earlm.work@gmail.comGCASH +639178807978Audio Production by The Pod Network Entertainment #podcastph #philippinecampfirestories #santelmosociety #pinoyhorror #pinoypodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/philippinecampfirestories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Natalie sits with IFS therapist, author, and meditation teacher Ralph De La Rosa to discuss his new book, Outshining Trauma: A New Vision of Radical Self-Compassion.     Topics Discussed: 1. Blending meditation and IFS 2. True mindfulness; not looking at thoughts as the enemy 3. Buddhism meditation and IFS 4. Discussion of the book's three parts and how they are a guidebook for healing   __________________________ Ralph De La Rosa (they/he) is the author of three books, including the new Outshining Trauma: A New Vision of Radical Compassion (foreword by Richard Schwartz). He is a psychotherapist in private practice and a longtime meditation teacher known for his radically honest and humorous approach. Ralph has mentored personally with Richard Schwartz, founder of the Internal Family Systems model of psychotherapy. His work has been featured in GQ, CNN, NY Post, Tricycle, Mindful Magazine, and beyond.   Website: https://ralphdelarosa.com/    Pre-Order/Order Book!   Instagram: @ralphdelarosa   ____________________________ Want to work with Natalie? Contact her below Website: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/ Contact: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/contact  Instagram: @nataliedeering _____________________________ Donate to the podcast Here!    Interested in sponsoring an episode of the podcast? Upgrade your business and let more people know about your amazing services or products by reaching hundreds to thousands of people by sponsoring an episode for only $100!  Please email ndwellness.services@therapysecure.com for more information.  Thank you for the support!    *Please support the podcast by following, rating, and leaving a review*

Straight out of high school, Mark Vinchie Fulgueras transitioned to university life in Australia, and he openly admits there were challenges along the way. - Mula high school, diretso na si Mark Vinchie Fulgueras sa pagkokolehiyo sa Australia at aminado siyang may mga hamon.

What a great way to end Tricycle week; a story that talks about the joy you feeling when someone else is experiencing joy. Come listen. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   Become a Super-Fan of the Show Support ZEN commuter and get access to patron bonuses THANKS FOR LISTENING! Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Also, reviews for the podcast on iTunes are extremely helpful, they help it reach a wider audience.  The more positive reviews the higher in the rankings it goes.  Of course that means more peace in the world.  So please let me know what you think.  I read ever one of them. Did you enjoy the podcast?

Have you ever wanted that tense scene of a camera following Danny through the hallways of the Overlook Hotel, but for eight hours? We're back at the movies this week, and obviously, we are racing through the hallways of the Overlook Hotel.Get ready for tricycle-pumping action over carpet and wood flooring as we get tense strings and maybe random voices from the beyond. As usual, this is ambience to (ostensibly) relax with, so there will be no jump scares, yelling, or weird ladies from room 237.  

Andrew Cooper shares a profound post that talks about the nature of failure, as it relates to studying/practicing Buddhism. His take is that without failure, it is impossible to move forward. Come listen. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   Become a Super-Fan of the Show Support ZEN commuter and get access to patron bonuses THANKS FOR LISTENING! Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Also, reviews for the podcast on iTunes are extremely helpful, they help it reach a wider audience.  The more positive reviews the higher in the rankings it goes.  Of course that means more peace in the world.  So please let me know what you think.  I read ever one of them. Did you enjoy the podcast?

On day three of Tricycle week I thought we would switch gears and read about something a bit lighter, compassion. Mark Van Buren shares a great post that talks about the ways the little things we do to end people's suffering, are just as impactful as the bigger things. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   Become a Super-Fan of the Show Support ZEN commuter and get access to patron bonuses THANKS FOR LISTENING! Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Also, reviews for the podcast on iTunes are extremely helpful, they help it reach a wider audience.  The more positive reviews the higher in the rankings it goes.  Of course that means more peace in the world.  So please let me know what you think.  I read ever one of them. Did you enjoy the podcast?

Even though they are different authors, the writers of yesterday post and today's explore the theme of emptiness and self. While they are quite different views on the same subject, there is one similarity: by understanding what is not present, we can understand what truly is. Courtland ends his article with a wonderfully succinct and impactful meditation. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   Become a Super-Fan of the Show Support ZEN commuter and get access to patron bonuses THANKS FOR LISTENING! Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Also, reviews for the podcast on iTunes are extremely helpful, they help it reach a wider audience.  The more positive reviews the higher in the rankings it goes.  Of course that means more peace in the world.  So please let me know what you think.  I read ever one of them. Did you enjoy the podcast?

It's been way too long since we were graced by the wisdom of Tricycle, the Buddhist magazine. But thankfully, that ends this week, starting off with a phenomenal article by Peter Coyote. In it, he helps us explore the nature of self. Or more to the point, the absence of self. He let's us know that when we given up the need to define ourselves, we understand we are connected to everything. You won't want to miss this one. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   Become a Super-Fan of the Show Support ZEN commuter and get access to patron bonuses THANKS FOR LISTENING! Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Also, reviews for the podcast on iTunes are extremely helpful, they help it reach a wider audience.  The more positive reviews the higher in the rankings it goes.  Of course that means more peace in the world.  So please let me know what you think.  I read ever one of them. Did you enjoy the podcast?

Podcast: This week on the show we feature a pre-recorded conversation with Ken McLeod, Buddhist teacher and author the recently released book, The Magic of Vajrayana. In today's conversation, we discuss Ken's recent English translation of The Diamond Sutra from the Tibetan and his development of a new commentary. The Diamond Sutra is one of the most influential early Mahayana sutras that has been central to a number of Buddhist traditions such as Chan and Zen. It describes a way of being and acting that is not mediated by the conceptual mind. Ken's approach to his translation and his upcoming commentary is less about understanding the meaning of The Diamond Sutra and more about how to engage with the text so that its magic can infuse and inform the Being of the practitioner. One of the more innovative Buddhist teachers today, Ken McLeod is known for his clear explanations, poetic translations, and pragmatic approach to practice. He is one of the first generation of Western teachers in the Tibetan tradition and one of the few to be authorized to transmit the full scope of these teachings to students. In particular, his approach resonates strongly with those whose path lies outside established institutions. After graduating with a degree in mathematics, Ken cycled across Europe to Istanbul and then continued his journey overland to India. In 1970 he met his principal teacher Kalu Rinpoche at his monastery near Darjeeling. There Ken began a study and practice in Tibetan Buddhism that lasted more than twenty years. He completed the traditional three-year retreat program two times, translated for many teachers, and helped set up Buddhist centers in Canada and the United States. After his teacher's passing, Ken moved away from the hierarchical structures of Asian Buddhism to explore new approaches. In 1990, he founded Unfettered Mind in Los Angeles. His approach of one-on-one consultations roiled the Buddhist world in the early '90s, but was quickly recognized as a viable way to teach and guide students in the West. He made individual interviews a central feature of the many retreats he taught in California, New Mexico, and British Columbia. Through numerous small groups in Southern California, he developed the materials that became the encyclopedic meditation manual, Wake Up to Your Life. Now retired from formal teaching, he lives in Northern California where he hikes and writes. His writings and translations include The Great Path of Awakening (1987), Wake Up to Your Life (2001), An Arrow to the Heart (2007), Reflections on Silver River (2014), A Trackless Path (2017), and The Magic of Vajrayana (2022), as well as a corpus of articles and translations in Tricycle and other Buddhist magazines. More information about Ken McLeod's work can be found at:  Unfettered Mind website: www.unfetteredmind.org.

Listen to this illustrated message from Pastor Ryan Smith. 

Many of us feel like we don't quite “get” mindfulness. Even more have struggled to create a successful meditation practice. Andrew Holecek, author of I'm Mindful, Now What?, joins us this week to broaden and deepen our understanding of mindfulness, and show us how to integrate it into our daily lives.  Our host Andrew talks with our guest Andrew about: Why everyone can meditate, and how to start right now. The importance of connecting with your physical body.  The benefits and limitations of mindfulness Coping with emotions like anger, jealousy and fear using meditation and mindfulness. Andrew Holecek is a renowned author and humanitarian who teaches internationally on spirituality, meditation, lucid dreaming, and the art of dying. He has studied sleep yoga, bardo yoga, and other traditional practices with living masters in India and Nepal. Andrew's books include Dreams of Light, Dream Yoga, and Reverse Meditation. His work has appeared in Psychology Today, Parabola, Lion's Roar, Tricycle, Utne Reader, Buddhadharma, Light of Consciousness, and many other periodicals. He hosts the popular Edge of Mind podcast and is the founder of the Night Club community, a support platform for nocturnal meditations.  Subscriber Content This Week  If you're a subscriber to The Meaningful Life (via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Patreon), this week you'll be hearing:  Nocturnal Meditations Three Things Andrew Holecek knows to be true. AND subscribers also access all of our previous bonus content - a rich trove of insight on love, life and meaning created by Andrew and his interviewees. Follow Up Get Andrew G. Marshall's free guide to difficult conversations with your partner: How to Tell Your Partner Difficult Things  Read Andrew Holecek's new book, I'm Mindful, Now What? Follow Andrew Holecek on Instagram and Facebook @andrewholecekauthor  Visit Andrew Holecek's website https://www.andrewholecek.com  Join our Supporters Club to access exclusive behind-the-scenes content, fan requests and the chance to ask Andrew your own questions. Membership starts at just £4.50: https://www.patreon.com/andrewgmarshall  Andrew offers regular advice on love, marriage and finding meaning in your life via his social channels. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube @andrewgmarshall 

Welcome to the Psychedelic Conversations Podcast! In this episode, we discuss Henry's journey, which began with a transformative 5-MeO-DMT experience, and how his background in yoga played a pivotal role in integrating the profound insights gained from psychedelics. Together, we delve into the importance of preparation, integration, and the evolving landscape of the psychedelic industry, from medicalization and decriminalization to ethical challenges. Henry also shares how psychedelics can support entrepreneurs in unlocking creativity and self-awareness, alongside the impact of his educational newsletter. Join us as we explore the intersection of psychedelics, personal growth, and professional development in this fascinating conversation! About Henry: Henry Winslow is the founder of Tricycle Day, a free twice-a-week newsletter on psychedelic research, policy, and business that's actually fun to read. With a professional background in healthcare, marketing, and yoga, he's now focused on making psychedelic education accessible to all. Connect with Henry: Website: https://www.tricycleday.com/ Thank you so much for joining us! Psychedelic Conversations Podcast is designed to educate, inform, and expand awareness. For more information, please head over to https://www.psychedelicconversations.com Please share with your friends or leave a review so that we can reach more people and feel free to join us in our private Facebook group to keep the conversation going. https://www.facebook.com/groups/psychedelicconversations This show is for information purposes only, and is not intended to provide mental health or medical advice. About Susan Guner: Susan is a trained somatic, trauma-informed holistic psychotherapist with a mindfulness-based approach grounded in Transpersonal Psychology that focuses on holistic perspective through introspection, insight, and empathetic self-exploration to increase self-awareness, allowing the integration of the mind, body and spirit aspects of human experience in personal growth and development. Connect with Susan: Website: https://www.psychedelicconversations.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/susan.guner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-guner/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/susanguner Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/susanguner Blog: https://susanguner.medium.com/ Podcast: https://anchor.fm/susan-guner #PsychedelicConversations #SusanGuner #HenryWinslow #PsychedelicPodcast #Microdosing #PsychedelicScience #PlantMedicines #PsychedelicResearch #Entheogens

This is a PREVIEW of a PREMIUM episode for paying subscribers, Meghan welcomes back writer and physician Dr. Sunita Puri, a palliative care specialist who writes with exquisite care and candor about end-of-life issues. Sunita was on the podcast a little over a year ago talking about the hidden harms of CPR, which she wrote about for The New Yorker. She's back to discuss two articles she published this summer. One in The Atlantic about how doctors deal with terminal illness in younger patients and another in The Wall Street Journal about dying at home. We've been taught to assume that a good death means dying at home, or at least not in a hospital, but Sunita points out that this can be better in theory than in practice. This is another extraordinary conversation with one of listeners' favorite guests. GUEST BIO Dr. Sunita Puri is a palliative care physician and author of That Good Night: Life and Medicine in the Eleventh Hour, a literary memoir recounting her journey to the practice of palliative care and what it means to help people find dignity, purpose, and comfort when facing serious illnesses and the end of life. Her writing has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Los Angeles times, Tricycle, The Wall Street Journal and Slate. This fall, she is joining the UC Irvine Medical Center faculty as the director of the inpatient palliative care service and associate professor of medicine. She was recently awarded a one-month Bogliasco fellowship for exceptional artists and has received writing residencies from Yaddo and MacDowell, among other places. The Atlantic, The Silence Doctors Are Keeping About Millennial Deaths The Wall Street Journal, Most People Are Dying At Home. Is That A Good Thing? Sunita's previous interview on The Unspeakable. Want to hear the whole conversation? Upgrade your subscription here. HOUSEKEEPING ✈️ Unspeakeasy Retreats: New ones will be announced soon. See where we'll be!

Andrew Holecek is a renowned author and humanitarian who teaches internationally on spirituality, meditation, lucid dreaming, and the art of dying. He has studied sleep yoga, bardo yoga, and other traditional practices with living masters in India and Nepal. Andrew's books include Dreams of Light, Dream Yoga, and Reverse Meditation. His work has appeared in Psychology Today, Parabola, Lion's Roar, Tricycle, Utne Reader, Buddhadharma, Light of Consciousness, and many other periodicals. He hosts the popular Edge of Mind podcast and is the founder of the Night Club community, a support platform for nocturnal meditations. Learn more at andrewholecek.com. Andrew's new book is I'm Mindful Now What: Moving Beyond Mindfulness to Meet the Modern World. Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 01:26 – The Mindfulness Revolution 02:10 – Beyond Mindfulness: Exploring Deeper Practices 08:20 – The Importance of Integrating the Body 08:48 – The Concept of Spiritual Bypassing 09:11 – Embodiment in Meditation 18:43 – Reverse Meditations: Transforming Pain 21:55 – The Four Steps of Reverse Meditation 35:45 – The Role of Awareness and Distraction 42:23 – The Illusion of Desire and Happiness 43:12 – The Power of Meditation and Mindfulness 44:47 – Understanding True Happiness 45:39 – The Essence of Healthy Reductionism 48:24 – Introduction to Nocturnal Meditations 01:00:54 – The Ultimate Goal: Lucid Living and Dying Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member.

Cultivating resilience in the face of whatever comes up.Ethan Nichtern is the author of Confidence: Holding Your Seat through Life's Eight Worldly Winds and several other titles, including the widely acclaimed The Road Home: A Contemporary Exploration of the Buddhist Path. A renowned contemporary Buddhist teacher and the host of The Road Home Podcast, Nichtern has offered meditation and Buddhist psychology classes at conferences, meditation centers, yoga studios, and universities, including Brown, Yale, and NYU. He has been featured by CNN, NPR, the New York Times, Vogue, and Business Insider and has written for the Huffington Post, Beliefnet, Lion's Roar, Tricycle, Buddhadharma, and more. He lives in Brooklyn. Visit him online at http://www.EthanNichtern.com.In this episode we talk about:Authentic vs performative confidenceThe line between humility and confidenceA Buddhist list called the Eight Worldly WindsA slew of little practices you can do in order to boost your confidence (or resilience or equanimity)The meaning of self-confidence in a tradition that argues the self is an illusionRelated Episodes:A Buddhist Approach to Money Worries | Ethan NichternThe Dharma of the Princess Bride | Ethan NichternHow To Get Ahead At Work, Buddhist-Style | David Nichtern#574. Do You Feel Like an Imposter? | Dr. Valerie Young (Co-Interviewed by Dan's Wife, Bianca!)Sign up for Dan's weekly newsletter hereFollow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTokTen Percent Happier online bookstoreSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelOur favorite playlists on: Anxiety, Sleep, Relationships, Most Popular EpisodesFull Shownotes: https://happierapp.com/podcast/tph/ethan-nichtern-819See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

He's a casino roaming, penthouse living, movie star dating, ruthless, fearless, WW2 double agent with a cycling-based codename.Meet the real-life inspiration for Ian Flemming's James Bond, Dušan Popov. Why was his codename 'Tricycle'?How did a champagne cork start a dancefloor brawl?Was it possible to sleep through the Blitz?How angry did he make J Edgar Hoover?All these and many more top-secret questions will be answered in episode 46 of Rogues Gallery Uncovered - The podcast of bad behaviour in period costume. He worked for Allied Intelligence, MI6 and the spymasters of Nazi Germany. The most famous double agent of all time and an espionage legend who played a major role in the outcome of the second world war.From Operation Sea Lion to operation fortitude , if you are a fan of famous historical spies, the British Secret Service and wartime heroes  you will enjoy this episode about Dusko Popov.00512 male group laugh 2.wav by Robinhood76 -- https://freesound.org/s/62226/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 Thanks for listening. Stay Roguish!Email: simon@roguesgalleryonline.com Visit the website and become a 'Rogue with Benefits' Find me on X, Facebook, Instagram

Viral vectors are a cornerstone of gene therapy and many employ experts in the viral vector services space to help design and produce their specialty vectors. These service providers are experts at making sure you get the vector you want with a titer and purity you need for your application. We're joined in this episode by Dr. Cliff Froelich, Head of Analytical Development for a viral vector services provider. Cliff and his team work with AAV, lentivirus, and other vectors to support multiple, and simultaneous, client projects. Specifically, we dive into how they use various analytical and molecular methods to monitor and assess identity, strength, purity, impurities, potency, efficiency, empty/full ratios, safety, and more. As you might expect, it's not a one-method-does-it-all approach or solution. Yes, digital PCR is in the mix here, and Cliff does a great job of outlining where it shines relative to the other methods they use regularly in their GMP practice. In our career corner portion, you'll hear about Cliff's circuitous career path, which includes stints in the poultry industry and time as a clinical dietitian. Through it all, and into his current role, Cliff brings a passion and genuine interest for the science and its potential to affect lives. Visit the Absolute Gene-ius pageto learn more about the guests, the hosts, and the Applied Biosystems QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System. 

Upgrade your breathing toolkit! Have you ever considered whether you are a mouth or nose breather? I know I didn't. Joining me is my friend, breathwork guide, and meditation teacher Matteo Pistono. Matteo is the author of several books on meditation and spirituality. In his latest book, Breathe How You Want to Feel: Your Breathing Tool Kit for Better Health, Restorative Sleep, and Deeper Connection we discuss how "keeping it nasal" literally upgrades your nervous system so you can live your optimal life physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In this episode, we discuss: Why we aren't taught how to breathe correctly. Mouth breathing vs nose breathing  Nasal breathing and the vagus nerve  Tips to become a conscious breather.  We also discuss various pranayama practices as well as the Whim Hoff method and Holotropic breathing. And Matteo explains why thinking about our mortality allows us to live fully and die without regrets. I hope you enjoy this episode and don't forget to write a review and follow me on Instagram @The_Conscious_Diva About Matteo: https://www.matteopistono.com IG: @matteopistono Matteo Pistono is a writer, meditation teacher, and conscious breathing guide. He has authored numerous books including Meditation: Coming To Know Your Mind, Fearless in Tibet, and In The Shadow of the Buddha. He teaches concsious breathing and meditation to individuals and groups in-person as well as online.  Matteo began his spiritual journey over 30 years ago while living in Nepal and Tibet. Informed by his study of Buddhism, Vedanta, and Hatha Yoga, extensive periods of solitary meditation, and pilgrimages across sacred Himalayan landscapes, Matteo offers an engaged approach to ancient wisdom traditions. Matteo maintains a daily yoga asana, pranayama, and meditation practice. Matteo earned a Masters in Indian Philosophy from the University of London, and his writings have appeared in The Washington Post, BBC, Buddhadharma, Tricycle, Men's Journal, Kyoto Journal, and HIMAL South Asia. Matteo and his wife surf and ride mountain bikes from their home in Southern California. 

Returning guests, Stacie Stukin and Phillip Deslippe are joining the show once again to speak about their newest investigative piece on the troublesome boarding schools of the 3HO community. Stacie Stukin is an arts and culture journalist from Los Angeles. She was a contributing editor at Yoga Journal and has also written about yoga for the Los Angeles Times and Time Magazine. Over the years, she's had the opportunity to write about Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan, including a majorly impactful article for Los Angeles Magazine about the sexual misconduct allegations against Yogi Bhajan and the subsequent reckoning within the 3HO community. Philip Deslippe is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and holds an MA from the University of Iowa. He has written articles for several academic journals including the Journal of Yoga Studies and Tricycle magazine. Philip was himself a member of 3HO for about a decade after taking a Kundalini Yoga class at his undergraduate college in the mid-1990s. He left in 2008 and went on to conduct research into the origins of Yogi Bhajan's Kundalini Yoga that culminated in the ground-breaking 2012 article "From Maharaj to Mahan Tantric" for Sikh Formations. In this revealing conversation, Stacie & Phillip delve into the disturbing practices within the 3HO community, particularly focusing on the abusive and neglectful conditions at the boarding schools in India. Philip provides a detailed history of Yogi Bhajan's rise to power and the hierarchical structure he created, which facilitated widespread abuse and control. Stacie shares harrowing accounts from former members, highlighting the long-lasting impact of the community's toxic environment. The discussion also covers the recent reparations program for survivors of abuse within 3HO. While the program aimed to provide settlements and institutional changes, many claimants found it re-traumatizing and inadequate. Read Stacie & Phillip's "3HO's Boarding Schools Were A Living Hell": https://www.baaznews.org/p/3hos-boarding-schools-abuse-yogi-bhajan Find more info on Stacie and her work here: https://www.staciestukin.com/ Find more info on Phillip and his work here: https://philipdeslippe.com/ Connect with Us on Social Media: Twitter: www.twitter.com/_indoctrination Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.

FLORIDA FRIDAY - Floridaman arrested after allegedly trying to withdraw 1 cent from bank. DeSantis signs bill making it legal to kill ‘crack bears'. FloridaMan On A Tricycle Fights Man With A Machete Over A Flashlight. Floridaman cut Florida's arts funding over ‘sexual' festivals. // SUPPORT by joining the Weird AF News Patreon http://patreon.com/weirdafnews  - OR buy Jonesy a coffee at http://buymeacoffee.com/funnyjones - Check out the official website https://WeirdAFnews.com and FOLLOW host Jonesy at http://instagram.com/funnyjones

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Henry Winslow teaches how psychedelics changed his life and has allowed him to build a successful newsletter business. In This Episode: 03:00 - Tricycle Day 06:00 - Growing up with parents as doctors 11:40 - The good side of social media 13:30 - Studying at Harvard University 20:00 - Marketing for pharmaceutical 23:30 - His first business online business 26:00 - Kombucha business 29:00 - Home decor business 32:00 - Winning the world championship of Yoga 35:00 - Finding his way into psychedelics 43:00 - Losing your sense of "I" 45:00 - Changing his sense of reality 49:00 - Harm reduction 53:00 - Tapping into consciousness 57:00 - Spotting an opportunity in the market 01:01:00 - Growing a newsletter 01:04:00 - Knowing when to quit 01:07:00 - Keeping the newsletter fresh 01:09:00 - Motivation versus discipline 01:12:00 - Rapid fire questions 01:18:00 - Keep your day job ⁠⁠The Health Hustle Newsletter - Marketing Tips for Health Brands⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Niche Test⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get all links, resources, and show notes at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.coreyhi.com/podcast/155

My guest this week for part 5 of our series on mindful awareness is Ethan Nichtern, author of a new book called Confidence: Holding Your Seat Through Life's Eight Worldly Winds (affiliate link). Topics we discussed included: Confidence as trusting we can navigate our own minds Making friends with our inner experience Equanimity as realizing that everything affects you The eight worldly winds or forces: Pleasure/pain Praise/blame Influence/insignificance Success/failure Showing up and working with whatever happens to us Mindfulness leading one to feel more but suffer less The first arrow/second arrow metaphor from Buddhism Not pretending something painful is not painful The normalness of reacting to the eight worldly winds Being willing to admit that we're having an experience we're having Why hope can be a trap just as much fear is The stress that comes with the possibility of good things The longing to be OK … in every way … forever The incredible power in just knowing what our mind is doing Mindfulness as a good way to practice working with the mind Ethan Nichtern is a renowned contemporary Buddhist teacher and the author of The Dharma of the Princess Bride, One City, and the widely acclaimed The Road Home (affiliate link). Since 2002, Ethan has taught meditation and Buddhist psychology classes and workshops in New York City and around North America.  He has lectured at meditation/yoga centers, conferences, and universities including Brown, Yale, and NYU. Ethan has been featured by CNN, NPR, the New York Times, Vogue, and Business Insider, and has written for the Huffington Post, Beliefnet, Lion's Roar, Tricycle, Buddhadharma, and more. He lives in Brooklyn. Find Ethan online at his website and find his courses at Dharma Moon.

We have talked about the meditation practice know as Tonglen, but today's article talks about it in a deeper way, helping us better understand what it is, but also why it is beneficial for the “giver and receiver”. Come listen. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) Links from the Episode: Tricycle Magazine Become a Super-Fan of the Show Support ZEN commuter and get access to patron bonuses THANKS FOR LISTENING! Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Also, reviews for the podcast on iTunes are extremely helpful, they help it reach a wider audience.  The more positive reviews the higher in the rankings it goes.  Of course that means more peace in the world.  So please let me know what you think.  I read ever one of them. Did you enjoy the podcast?

Joy is a wonderfully light energy that lifts our spirits, helps us appreciate the beauty of the world around us. Hopefully, you know that experiencing and observing the joy of others brings about the same result; a lightness of being. If you were unsure, today's post by Scott Tusa will make it wonderfully clear. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) Links from the Episode: Tricycle Magazine Become a Super-Fan of the Show Support ZEN commuter and get access to patron bonuses THANKS FOR LISTENING! Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Also, reviews for the podcast on iTunes are extremely helpful, they help it reach a wider audience.  The more positive reviews the higher in the rankings it goes.  Of course that means more peace in the world.  So please let me know what you think.  I read ever one of them. Did you enjoy the podcast?

Karma is an often used word in our culture. However, many times it is referenced incorrectly, veering from its Buddhist roots. Today though, Thanissaro Bhikkhu talks about it in its true sense; and how it helps pave a path to freedom. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) Links from the Episode: Tricycle Magazine Become a Super-Fan of the Show Support ZEN commuter and get access to patron bonuses THANKS FOR LISTENING! Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Also, reviews for the podcast on iTunes are extremely helpful, they help it reach a wider audience.  The more positive reviews the higher in the rankings it goes.  Of course that means more peace in the world.  So please let me know what you think.  I read ever one of them. Did you enjoy the podcast?

Episode Description Another day of Tricycle and another day of wisdom. :0)  In today's post by Katherine Griffith, she discusses how to expereince peace in a world that is seemingly chaotic, to say the least   Join Me Tomorrow for a Live Meditation Talk on Insight Timer Live Insight Timer Event - Developing Compassion for Yourself and Others    Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) Links from the Episode: Get the Affirmate App for iPhone and Android (phone link only) Become a Super-Fan of the Show Support ZEN commuter and get access to patron bonuses THANKS FOR LISTENING! Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Also, reviews for the podcast on iTunes are extremely helpful, they help it reach a wider audience.  The more positive reviews the higher in the rankings it goes.  Of course that means more peace in the world.  So please let me know what you think.  I read ever one of them. Did you enjoy the podcast?

On resilience, via the wisdom of our ancestor Ralph Waldo Emerson. Seeing our character reflected in our opinions of the world. Shifting our lens to acknowledge our uniqueness, practicing surmounting our subjectivity in order to steep ourselves in reality as it is with empathy, equanimity and insight. (1:00) – Stoicism and Self-Reliance with Mark Tuzik. (4:56) – Emerson's philosophy and its impact on Thoreau's work. (13:12) – Emerson's philosophy of self-awareness and perception. (19:07) – Solitude, loneliness, and self-discovery. (25:02) – Writing, self-doubt, and emotional reactivity. (31:14) – Emerson's philosophy and its application to relationships. Mark Matousek is a bestselling author, teacher, and speaker whose work focuses on personal awakening and creative excellence through transformational writing and self-inquiry. His books include Sex Death Enlightenment: A True Story, The Boy He Left Behind, When You're Falling, Dive, Ethical Wisdom: The Search for a Moral Life, Ethical Wisdom for Friends, Mother of the Unseen World, and Writing to Awaken: A Journey of Truth, Transformation, and Self-Discovery. His work has appeared in numerous anthologies and publications, including The New Yorker, O: The Oprah Magazine, Details, Tricycle, Good Housekeeping, and Harper's Bazaar.  He has blogged for Psychology Today and offers courses in creativity and spiritual growth around the world. In 2013, Mark founded The Seekers Forum, a global online community for non-sectarian spiritual dialogue. He is on the faculty of The New York Open Center, The Omega Institute, 1440, Esalen, The Rowe Center, Hollyhock, and Blue Spirit, Costa Rica.  He lives with his partner in Springs, New York. His new book is Lessons From An American Stoic.