Welcome to the final episode of the Bowing to Elephants Podcast. It is with bittersweet feelings that I announce I'm discontinuing the podcast, just for the time being. Life is calling me to address different creative work right now. I appreciate all of you who have steadfastly listened to the show. Here today to help me reflect on the last six months and discuss my next adventure is my friend and cohort, Ben Gioia.  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [1:40]  Mag explains why she started the podcast in the first place.  [03:08] Mag talks about her successes and disappointments with the podcast and what she learned along the way.  [4:48] Ben and Mag discuss the array of guests that joined the show. [8:53]  Mag shares her next steps now that the podcast is on pause.  [11:16] Mag answers the question, “If you could have one more person on your podcast, alive or deceased, who would it be?”  [13:05]  Ben and Mag discuss the recent death of Thich Nhat Hanh, his life, his legacy, and his poetry.  [14:46] Mag talks about her food memoir and how she’ll now have the time to complete it.  [15:42]  Mag invites her listeners to stay in contact with her. [17:19] Ben talks about the bittersweetness of ending the podcast and his anticipation for Mag’s upcoming book.  Quotes  “I wanted to showcase human beings’ sense of adventure and curiosity, their endurance, and their innate wisdom. So I went looking for wise, compassionate, interesting, and creative souls to join me in the conversation.” “I'm pausing [the podcast] so that I can read more books, and more importantly, so I can complete my food memoir,…so I can travel,…and complete an intensive training to be a meditation leader.” Resources https://magdimond.com/ Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community!   Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

Welcome to the final episode of the Bowing to Elephants Podcast. It is with bittersweet feelings that I announce I'm discontinuing the podcast, just for the time being. Life is calling me to address different creative work right now. I appreciate all of you who have steadfastly listened to the show. Here today to help me reflect on the last six months and discuss my next adventure is my friend and cohort, Ben Gioia.  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [1:40]  Mag explains why she started the podcast in the first place.  [03:08] Mag talks about her successes and disappointments with the podcast and what she learned along the way.  [4:48] Ben and Mag discuss the array of guests that joined the show. [8:53]  Mag shares her next steps now that the podcast is on pause.  [11:16] Mag answers the question, “If you could have one more person on your podcast, alive or deceased, who would it be?”  [13:05]  Ben and Mag discuss the recent death of Thich Nhat Hanh, his life, his legacy, and his poetry.  [14:46] Mag talks about her food memoir and how she’ll now have the time to complete it.  [15:42]  Mag invites her listeners to stay in contact with her. [17:19] Ben talks about the bittersweetness of ending the podcast and his anticipation for Mag’s upcoming book.  Quotes  “I wanted to showcase human beings’ sense of adventure and curiosity, their endurance, and their innate wisdom. So I went looking for wise, compassionate, interesting, and creative souls to join me in the conversation.” “I'm pausing [the podcast] so that I can read more books, and more importantly, so I can complete my food memoir,…so I can travel,…and complete an intensive training to be a meditation leader.” Resources <a href="https://magdimond.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://magdimond.com/</a> Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor</a> Website: <a href="https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com</a> If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

033 - Letting Go, Celebrating, and Moving On

Jill Mott is a “cultural lens shapeshifter,” photographer, and photojournalist who brings a unique, sparkling energy to everything she does. Armed with only her camera and imagination, she once traveled the world from England to Zimbabwe… with a stop in Italy for art school! Today, Jill teaches and shares her understanding of communication and storytelling — across a myriad of forms — particularly with the camera.  Jill lives in beautiful Fort Collins, Colorado with her husband and family. Her work has been recognized by the National Press Photographers Association. She’s exhibited her work in solo shows and group exhibitions around the country.  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [0:22] Guest introduction [2:38]  Jill explains why she qualifies herself as a “cultural lens shapeshifter.” [6:07] Jill shares insights from her experiences as a teacher.   [10:00] Jill talks about her charity work with the Fort Collins Museum of Art. [21:07] Mag and Jill discuss Jill’s years living in Zimbabwe and how it impacted her art long-term.  [25:45] Discover how Jill met her husband while working on a joint project in Africa.  [28:36] Jill talks about art forms, storytelling, and encouraging her students in their work.   [31:25] Mag talks about how journalism has evolved over the last several decades.  [33:21]  Jill answers the question, “If an autobiography or biography was going to be written about your life, what would the title be?” Quotes  “I began my journey in Zimbabwe after working in newspapers for two decades. I'd always wanted to go to Africa, and of course, I was influenced by those National Geographic covers…Africa always seemed to be a distant place that I was attracted to, and I thought, “Well, what if my prince charming isn't in America?” Connect with Jill Mott http://www.jillpmottphotography.com/   Social media: https://www.instagram.com/jillpmottphotography/ https://twitter.com/JillPMott https://www.facebook.com/jillpmottphotography/   Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

Jill Mott is a “cultural lens shapeshifter,” photographer, and photojournalist who brings a unique, sparkling energy to everything she does. Armed with only her camera and imagination, she once traveled the world from England to Zimbabwe… with a stop in Italy for art school! Today, Jill teaches and shares her understanding of communication and storytelling — across a myriad of forms — particularly with the camera.  Jill lives in beautiful Fort Collins, Colorado with her husband and family. Her work has been recognized by the National Press Photographers Association. She’s exhibited her work in solo shows and group exhibitions around the country.  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [0:22] Guest introduction [2:38]  Jill explains why she qualifies herself as a “cultural lens shapeshifter.” [6:07] Jill shares insights from her experiences as a teacher.   [10:00] Jill talks about her charity work with the Fort Collins Museum of Art. [21:07] Mag and Jill discuss Jill’s years living in Zimbabwe and how it impacted her art long-term.  [25:45] Discover how Jill met her husband while working on a joint project in Africa.  [28:36] Jill talks about art forms, storytelling, and encouraging her students in their work.   [31:25] Mag talks about how journalism has evolved over the last several decades.  [33:21]  Jill answers the question, “If an autobiography or biography was going to be written about your life, what would the title be?” Quotes  “I began my journey in Zimbabwe after working in newspapers for two decades. I'd always wanted to go to Africa, and of course, I was influenced by those National Geographic covers…Africa always seemed to be a distant place that I was attracted to, and I thought, “Well, what if my prince charming isn't in America?” Connect with Jill Mott <a href="http://www.jillpmottphotography.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.jillpmottphotography.com/</a> Social media: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jillpmottphotography/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/jillpmottphotography/</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JillPMott" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/JillPMott</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jillpmottphotography/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/jillpmottphotography/</a>   Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor</a> Website: <a href="https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com</a> If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

032 - Cultural Lens Shapeshifter

Andrew and Liya Truong are stunningly talented chefs. They own and run Terrapin Creek Cafe &amp; Restaurant in the sleepy, small town of Bodega Bay, California. Their fantastic menu garnered them a Michelin Star in 2011. And they have the love and devotion of Bodega Bay citizens and all those traveling along the coast who happen to stop by for a bite.  Liya and Andrew met at culinary school in the early 2000s. Each went on to work at high-end San Francisco restaurants before marrying in 2007 and opening Terrapin Creek Cafe in 2008 (And succeeding, during a recession!). When not working at Terrapin Creek, you can find the Truongs caring for their three children.  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [2:38]  Andrew &amp; Liya share how they bought their restaurant, Terrapin Creek Cafe. [04:14] Learn how Bodega Bay has embraced their cafe. [7:24] Liya explains how growing up around her family’s restaurant influenced her culinary tastes.  [9:04]  Andrew and Liya discuss how hard it is to make it in the restaurant world.  [11:02] Mag, Andrew, and Liya talk about how the restaurant grew and expanded. [13:38] Leah and Andrew explain how their college degrees in economics and computer science help them run their business.   [17:14] The guests share their favorite items on their restaurant menu.  [19:54]  Andrew &amp; Liya talk about their Michelin star. [23:49] Liya and Andrew answer the question, “If you were going to invite fellow chefs to have dinner with you, who would you invite? And what would you make?” [30:00] Andrew &amp; Liya talk about balancing work and home life.  Quotes  “I love how fresh we keep everything and how the food that we serve is actually helpful, whole food. We try to prepare it minimally. And I can eat it every day and feel good. You know, it's not loaded with fats or starch. It's balanced.”  “For the longest time, it was just Andrew and me. I was in the kitchen. He was in the kitchen, and then when the restaurant was open, he would be on the floor serving, and I'd be cooking.” Connect with Andrew &amp; Liya https://www.terrapincreekcafe.com/   Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

Andrew and Liya Truong are stunningly talented chefs. They own and run Terrapin Creek Cafe &amp; Restaurant in the sleepy, small town of Bodega Bay, California. Their fantastic menu garnered them a Michelin Star in 2011. And they have the love and devotion of Bodega Bay citizens and all those traveling along the coast who happen to stop by for a bite.  Liya and Andrew met at culinary school in the early 2000s. Each went on to work at high-end San Francisco restaurants before marrying in 2007 and opening Terrapin Creek Cafe in 2008 (And succeeding, during a recession!). When not working at Terrapin Creek, you can find the Truongs caring for their three children.  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [2:38]  Andrew &amp; Liya share how they bought their restaurant, Terrapin Creek Cafe. [04:14] Learn how Bodega Bay has embraced their cafe. [7:24] Liya explains how growing up around her family’s restaurant influenced her culinary tastes.  [9:04]  Andrew and Liya discuss how hard it is to make it in the restaurant world.  [11:02] Mag, Andrew, and Liya talk about how the restaurant grew and expanded. [13:38] Leah and Andrew explain how their college degrees in economics and computer science help them run their business.   [17:14] The guests share their favorite items on their restaurant menu.  [19:54]  Andrew &amp; Liya talk about their Michelin star. [23:49] Liya and Andrew answer the question, “If you were going to invite fellow chefs to have dinner with you, who would you invite? And what would you make?” [30:00] Andrew &amp; Liya talk about balancing work and home life.  Quotes  “I love how fresh we keep everything and how the food that we serve is actually helpful, whole food. We try to prepare it minimally. And I can eat it every day and feel good. You know, it's not loaded with fats or starch. It's balanced.”  “For the longest time, it was just Andrew and me. I was in the kitchen. He was in the kitchen, and then when the restaurant was open, he would be on the floor serving, and I'd be cooking.” Connect with Andrew &amp; Liya <a href="https://www.terrapincreekcafe.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.terrapincreekcafe.com/</a>   Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor</a> Website: <a href="https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com</a> If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

031 - A Gourmet Destination on the Northern California Coast

An author, a poet, and phenomenal woman, Bella Mahaya Carter is a writing teacher and coach who promotes self-awareness and mindfulness. Bella believes in the power of writing to heal and transform lives. She sees publishing one’s work as an opportunity to deepen self-awareness, nourish meaningful connections, and delight in peak experiences while being of service.  Her latest book, Where Do You Hang Your Hammock? is a delightful, funny, and deadly serious book that reminds the reader over and over how far self-awareness can take you. She’s also the author of her memoir, Raw: My Journey From Anxiety to Joy, and a book of poetry, Secrets of My Sex. What You Hear/Learn/Discover [2:47]  Bella explains how her blog inspired her latest book.  [05:13] Bella answers the question, “What’s the key takeaway you want readers to get from your book?” [9:33] Bella talks about her memoir.  [12:07] Bella shares how she didn’t even realize she struggled with anxiety, not until it was a full-blown problem.  [15:02] Discover why Bella sees a snow globe as a metaphor for anxiety and disordered thinking. [18:06] Mag and Bella discuss their childhoods. [22:48] Bella talks about how Pablo Neruda and Jon Kabat-Zinn have influenced her. [27:08] Bella explains how a back injury ended her professional dancing career, but she still loves dancing and moving her body.  [29:24] Mag and Bella discuss the difference between “knowing in the mind and knowing in the body.”  Quotes  “Of course, the only reason to read a memoir…is that we're looking for our own experience, right? We're looking to see our own lives reflected so that we get a sense of how to navigate our own lives.”    “I started creating choreography. I loved that because I was interested in telling stories, and it didn't really matter the form that my storytelling took. I was telling stories through dance.”   Resources Bella’s books:    Where Do You Hang Your Hammock?: Finding Peace of Mind While You Write, Publish, and Promote Your Book  Raw: My Journey from Anxiety to Joy  Secrets of My Sex Connect with Bella Mahaya Carter https://www.bellamahayacarter.com/   Social media: https://www.facebook.com/BellaMahayaCarter/ https://twitter.com/BellaMahaya https://www.instagram.com/bellamahayacarter/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bella-mahaya-carter-18570914/   Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

An author, a poet, and phenomenal woman, Bella Mahaya Carter is a writing teacher and coach who promotes self-awareness and mindfulness. Bella believes in the power of writing to heal and transform lives. She sees publishing one’s work as an opportunity to deepen self-awareness, nourish meaningful connections, and delight in peak experiences while being of service.  Her latest book, Where Do You Hang Your Hammock? is a delightful, funny, and deadly serious book that reminds the reader over and over how far self-awareness can take you. She’s also the author of her memoir, Raw: My Journey From Anxiety to Joy, and a book of poetry, Secrets of My Sex. What You Hear/Learn/Discover [2:47]  Bella explains how her blog inspired her latest book.  [05:13] Bella answers the question, “What’s the key takeaway you want readers to get from your book?” [9:33] Bella talks about her memoir.  [12:07] Bella shares how she didn’t even realize she struggled with anxiety, not until it was a full-blown problem.  [15:02] Discover why Bella sees a snow globe as a metaphor for anxiety and disordered thinking. [18:06] Mag and Bella discuss their childhoods. [22:48] Bella talks about how Pablo Neruda and Jon Kabat-Zinn have influenced her. [27:08] Bella explains how a back injury ended her professional dancing career, but she still loves dancing and moving her body.  [29:24] Mag and Bella discuss the difference between “knowing in the mind and knowing in the body.”  Quotes  “Of course, the only reason to read a memoir…is that we're looking for our own experience, right? We're looking to see our own lives reflected so that we get a sense of how to navigate our own lives.”  “I started creating choreography. I loved that because I was interested in telling stories, and it didn't really matter the form that my storytelling took. I was telling stories through dance.”   Resources Bella’s books: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Where-Do-You-Hang-Your-Hammock/dp/1647420652/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&amp;keywords=where+do+you+hang+your+hammock&amp;qid=1612302430&amp;s=books&amp;sr=1-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Where Do You Hang Your Hammock?: Finding Peace of Mind While You Write, Publish, and Promote Your Book</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Raw-My-Journey-Anxiety-Joy-ebook/dp/B074CW5HKH/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1510084376&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=Raw%3A+My+Journey+from+Anxiety+to+Joy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Raw: My Journey from Anxiety to Joy</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Sex-Bella-Mahaya-Carter/dp/0941017990/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1479507068&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=secrets+of+my+sex+bella+mahaya+carter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Secrets of My Sex</a> Connect with Bella Mahaya Carter <a href="https://www.bellamahayacarter.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.bellamahayacarter.com/</a> Social media: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BellaMahayaCarter/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/BellaMahayaCarter/</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BellaMahaya" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/BellaMahaya</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bellamahayacarter/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/bellamahayacarter/</a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bella-mahaya-carter-18570914/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.linkedin.com/in/bella-mahaya-carter-18570914/</a>   Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor</a> Website: <a href="https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com</a> If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

030 - The Writer and Her Hammock

A creative soul and lifelong scholar, Sands Hall is a blessing to everyone who meets her. She shares her brilliant spark in many ways: as a teacher, musician, actor, and writer. And today, she joins us to talk about her moving memoir, Reclaiming My Decade Lost in Scientology. In her memoir, Sands shares what first led her to Scientology, the darker undercurrents of Ron L. Hubbard’s leadership, and how she eventually disentangled herself from the Church.  Sands is also the author of a novel, Catching Heaven, and a writer’s handbook, Tools of The Writer’s Craft. She has extensive theater experience as a playwright, actor, and director. A woman of many talents, Sands is also a singer and songwriter. She currently resides in California, where she teaches at Franklin University and Marshall College.  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [0:26]  Guest introduction [03:00] Sands explains why she loves to teach.  [6:16] Sands shares how her brother’s injury drove her to Scientology.  [10:00] Find out why studying the sacred works is an integral part of any religion. [12:16] Mag and Sands talk about how we cope with chaos in our lives.  [13:17] Sands explains why she considers Scientology to be a cult. [16:37]  Mag and Sands discuss the commonalities between all major religions.  [28:56] Sands talks about the difference between our individual purpose and constructed belief systems.  [32:55] Discover why Sands didn’t get hung up on whether her memoir would be published or not.  [37:19] Sands answers the question, “What three creative geniuses would you invite to dinner if time and place weren’t a constraint?” Quotes  “What attracted me so deeply to Scientology (and what I think attracts a great many people) is that it is so orderly. Everything in life is a big, messy thing. We're always confronting stuff. We're always facing stuff. We think we've got stuff sorted out, and then something else pops up to be a problem. And Scientology appears to offer this tremendous order in the way that it approaches life.” Resources Sands’ books:   https://sandshall.com/catching-heaven/ https://sandshall.com/tools-of-the-writers-craft/  https://www.amazon.com/Flunk-Start-Reclaiming-Decade-Scientology   Connect with Sands Hall  https://sandshall.com/   Social media:  https://www.facebook.com/SandsHall.Writer/ https://www.instagram.com/sands.hall/ https://twitter.com/sands_hall   Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community!   Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

A creative soul and lifelong scholar, Sands Hall is a blessing to everyone who meets her. She shares her brilliant spark in many ways: as a teacher, musician, actor, and writer. And today, she joins us to talk about her moving memoir, Reclaiming My Decade Lost in Scientology. In her memoir, Sands shares what first led her to Scientology, the darker undercurrents of Ron L. Hubbard’s leadership, and how she eventually disentangled herself from the Church.  Sands is also the author of a novel, Catching Heaven, and a writer’s handbook, Tools of The Writer’s Craft. She has extensive theater experience as a playwright, actor, and director. A woman of many talents, Sands is also a singer and songwriter. She currently resides in California, where she teaches at Franklin University and Marshall College.  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [0:26]  Guest introduction [03:00] Sands explains why she loves to teach.  [6:16] Sands shares how her brother’s injury drove her to Scientology.  [10:00] Find out why studying the sacred works is an integral part of any religion. [12:16] Mag and Sands talk about how we cope with chaos in our lives.  [13:17] Sands explains why she considers Scientology to be a cult. [16:37]  Mag and Sands discuss the commonalities between all major religions.  [28:56] Sands talks about the difference between our individual purpose and constructed belief systems.  [32:55] Discover why Sands didn’t get hung up on whether her memoir would be published or not.  [37:19] Sands answers the question, “What three creative geniuses would you invite to dinner if time and place weren’t a constraint?” Quotes  “What attracted me so deeply to Scientology (and what I think attracts a great many people) is that it is so orderly. Everything in life is a big, messy thing. We're always confronting stuff. We're always facing stuff. We think we've got stuff sorted out, and then something else pops up to be a problem. And Scientology appears to offer this tremendous order in the way that it approaches life.” Resources Sands’ books: <a href="https://sandshall.com/catching-heaven/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://sandshall.com/catching-heaven/</a> <a href="https://sandshall.com/tools-of-the-writers-craft/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://sandshall.com/tools-of-the-writers-craft/</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Flunk-Start-Reclaiming-Decade-Scientology/dp/1640091939/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=flunk.+Start&amp;qid=1639773839&amp;sr=8-3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.amazon.com/Flunk-Start-Reclaiming-Decade-Scientology</a>   Connect with Sands Hall  <a href="https://sandshall.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://sandshall.com/</a> Social media: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SandsHall.Writer/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.facebook.com/SandsHall.Writer/</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sands.hall/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/sands.hall/</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sands_hall" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/sands_hall</a>   Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor</a> Website: <a href="https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com</a> If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

029 - Becoming a Scholar

Meet Author Gretchen Cherington, who, after many years of silence, chose to share her story of abuse. Sexually molested by her father, Richard Eberhardt, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, Gretchen broke decades of silence to share what life with him was really like. Her memoir, Poetic License, is an authentic, brave piece of work that details what it was like growing up around literary geniuses such as Robert Frost and Allen Ginsberg.   It wasn’t until Gretchen chose to share what happened that she could finally start to heal and discover the incredible freedom found in forgiveness: not for the forgiven, but for the person who makes the choice to forgive.  Gretchen worked as an executive management consultant for 35 years, gaining powerful insights into what makes powerful men tick. Poetic License has won multiple awards, and Gretchen’s essays appear in multiple literary publications. When she’s not writing, Gretchen loves being outdoors.   What You Hear/Learn/Discover [0:26] Guest introduction [3:01]  Gretchen explains how she first started her memoir, Poetic License. [11:18] Gretchen shares how her father sexually molested her when she was 17.  [12:18] Mag and Gretchen discuss how writing a memoir forces you to face your deepest traumas and finally deal with them once and for all.  [13:00]  Mag and Gretchen talk about their grandmothers’ significant influence on their lives growing up.  [25:07] Gretchen shares details from her childhood and how her father left a “legacy of narcissism.”  [30:30] Her famous father dominated her home growing up, but Gretchen was also profoundly impacted by her mother’s severe epilepsy. Gretchen opens up about how she never felt safe sharing her molestation with her mother.  [44:00] Gretchen and Mag discuss how the pandemic gave writers and artists more time to focus on their work.  Quotes  From Mag: “Forgiveness is for the person who's doing the forgiving. It is not for the person who has been forgiven.”   From Gretchen: “I will say that there was great value placed on success in my family. It was literary success…money didn't really matter. I mean, you know, he [my father] wanted enough to live on, but it didn't really matter.” “I'm hopeful that as a culture, we can sort of stop mythologizing famous men and know them for who they actually are.” Connect with Gretchen Cherington https://www.gretchencherington.com/   Social media: https://www.facebook.com/gretchencheringtonauthor  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchen-cherington-612b3b7/ Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

Meet Author Gretchen Cherington, who, after many years of silence, chose to share her story of abuse. Sexually molested by her father, Richard Eberhardt, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, Gretchen broke decades of silence to share what life with him was really like. Her memoir, Poetic License, is an authentic, brave piece of work that details what it was like growing up around literary geniuses such as Robert Frost and Allen Ginsberg.   It wasn’t until Gretchen chose to share what happened that she could finally start to heal and discover the incredible freedom found in forgiveness: not for the forgiven, but for the person who makes the choice to forgive.  Gretchen worked as an executive management consultant for 35 years, gaining powerful insights into what makes powerful men tick. Poetic License has won multiple awards, and Gretchen’s essays appear in multiple literary publications. When she’s not writing, Gretchen loves being outdoors.   What You Hear/Learn/Discover [0:26] Guest introduction [3:01]  Gretchen explains how she first started her memoir, Poetic License. [11:18] Gretchen shares how her father sexually molested her when she was 17.  [12:18] Mag and Gretchen discuss how writing a memoir forces you to face your deepest traumas and finally deal with them once and for all.  [13:00]  Mag and Gretchen talk about their grandmothers’ significant influence on their lives growing up.  [25:07] Gretchen shares details from her childhood and how her father left a “legacy of narcissism.”  [30:30] Her famous father dominated her home growing up, but Gretchen was also profoundly impacted by her mother’s severe epilepsy. Gretchen opens up about how she never felt safe sharing her molestation with her mother.  [44:00] Gretchen and Mag discuss how the pandemic gave writers and artists more time to focus on their work.  Quotes  From Mag: “Forgiveness is for the person who's doing the forgiving. It is not for the person who has been forgiven.” From Gretchen: “I will say that there was great value placed on success in my family. It was literary success…money didn't really matter. I mean, you know, he [my father] wanted enough to live on, but it didn't really matter.” “I'm hopeful that as a culture, we can sort of stop mythologizing famous men and know them for who they actually are.” Connect with Gretchen Cherington <a href="https://www.gretchencherington.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.gretchencherington.com/</a> Social media: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gretchencheringtonauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/gretchencheringtonauthor</a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchen-cherington-612b3b7/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchen-cherington-612b3b7/</a> Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor</a> Website: <a href="https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com</a> If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

028 - In The Shadow of Poets

Tania Casselle calls herself a book doctor, a spiritual follower, a therapist, and a teacher. This multi-talented woman emigrated from England to the United States, where she now lives in Taos, New Mexico. She’s received multiple awards for her writing and been published in books, magazines, newspapers, and online media worldwide.  Tania has a rich spiritual practice rooted in Zen Buddhism and Christian contemplative traditions. A writer and an editor for over 20 years, Tania also holds a master’s in Transpersonal Psychotherapy.With her husband, Sean, she’s helped build such wonderful groups as the Sage Institute for Creativity and Consciousness.   What You Hear/Learn/Discover [0:25] Guest introduction [3:14] Tania explains how the idea for her book came from papers she brought with her from England almost 25 years ago. [06:45] Tania expands on the ebb and flow of life and talks about how each season relates to our lives.  [13:21] Tania shares how she met her husband and discovered her current home in Taos, New Mexico.  [18:15] Tania talks about the most influential mentors in her life.  [22:34] Discover Tania’s favorite female authors.   [26:14] Tania shares that helping others is her biggest motivation.  [31:54] Tania shares how her rocky childhood and being on her own at sixteen led to her current spiritual practice and interest in psychology.    Quotes  “We are held by the seasons from the moment we're born. If I said to you tell me an important memory of your life, … you will know the season, if not the actual month. We know that this happened in our life in the frigid, blank white cold of winter. We know that this happened in the lush ripening of August. We live in the seasons and yet there are so many ways we get disconnected from those natural cycles.” Connect with Tania Casselle Website: TCwriter.com Social media: https://www.facebook.com/tania.casselle https://twitter.com/taniacasselle  https://www.linkedin.com/in/taniacasselle/ https://www.instagram.com/tania_casselle/   Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

Tania Casselle calls herself a book doctor, a spiritual follower, a therapist, and a teacher. This multi-talented woman emigrated from England to the United States, where she now lives in Taos, New Mexico. She’s received multiple awards for her writing and been published in books, magazines, newspapers, and online media worldwide.  Tania has a rich spiritual practice rooted in Zen Buddhism and Christian contemplative traditions. A writer and an editor for over 20 years, Tania also holds a master’s in Transpersonal Psychotherapy.With her husband, Sean, she’s helped build such wonderful groups as the Sage Institute for Creativity and Consciousness.   What You Hear/Learn/Discover [0:25] Guest introduction [3:14] Tania explains how the idea for her book came from papers she brought with her from England almost 25 years ago. [06:45] Tania expands on the ebb and flow of life and talks about how each season relates to our lives.  [13:21] Tania shares how she met her husband and discovered her current home in Taos, New Mexico.  [18:15] Tania talks about the most influential mentors in her life.  [22:34] Discover Tania’s favorite female authors.   [26:14] Tania shares that helping others is her biggest motivation.  [31:54] Tania shares how her rocky childhood and being on her own at sixteen led to her current spiritual practice and interest in psychology.    Quotes  “We are held by the seasons from the moment we're born. If I said to you tell me an important memory of your life, … you will know the season, if not the actual month. We know that this happened in our life in the frigid, blank white cold of winter. We know that this happened in the lush ripening of August. We live in the seasons and yet there are so many ways we get disconnected from those natural cycles.” Connect with Tania Casselle Website: <a href="http://taniacasselle.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TCwriter.com</a> Social media: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tania.casselle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/tania.casselle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/taniacasselle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/taniacasselle</a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/taniacasselle/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.linkedin.com/in/taniacasselle/</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tania_casselle/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tania_casselle/</a>   Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor</a> Website: <a href="https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com</a> If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

027 - The Seasons of Life

To listen to Jack Kornfield is to be brought close to his heart and exquisite mind. Come hear him speak about his love for Burma. Listen to his thoughts on renunciation and the spiritual effects of the pandemic.  Since 1974, Jack has taught meditation internationally. He trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India, and Burma. Over the years, Jack taught in centers and universities worldwide and worked with many of the great teachers of our time. He holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and is a father, husband, and grandfather. He’s the author of several books which have been translated into over 20 languages and sold more than a million copies.  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [3:02] Jack shares his Bodhisattva vow and explains how vows can recenter you when you lose track of your deepest intentions. [08:37] Jack talks about his love for Burma and what he learned in the monasteries there.  [13:01] Mag and Jack discuss why people should still travel to Burma and other oppressed places to “bear witness.” [15:55] Mag and Jack expand on their mutual love of elephants.   [21:02] Jack explains that food, music, and art can be expressions of love and part of your Buddhist practice as long as you practice non-attachment.  [25:48]  Jack shares how the pandemic affected his spiritual practice.  [31:57] Mag and Jack discuss how the pandemic deepened their appreciation of life and refocused their intentions.  [34:37] Jack tells us how becoming a grandfather changed his life.  [37:30] Mag talks about the wonder and innocence of little children. Quotes  “When we quiet ourselves, one of the most beautiful things we can do is be present in a moment, … take a breath, and ask, ‘What's my best intention?’ And often, it will change our tone of voice or shift our perspective.” “It's great to have mindfulness and practice compassion for yourself because the goal is not to perfect yourself. That's foolish. If anything, the goal is to perfect your love… [for] yourself.” Connect with Jack Kornfield Website: https://jackkornfield.com/ Social media: https://www.facebook.com/jkornfield https://www.instagram.com/jack_kornfield/ https://twitter.com/JackKornfield  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5JayBKk-Bynk6XnUnU7vLA   Jack’s podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-wisdom-with-jack-kornfield/id923017416 Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

To listen to Jack Kornfield is to be brought close to his heart and exquisite mind. Come hear him speak about his love for Burma. Listen to his thoughts on renunciation and the spiritual effects of the pandemic.  Since 1974, Jack has taught meditation internationally. He trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India, and Burma. Over the years, Jack taught in centers and universities worldwide and worked with many of the great teachers of our time. He holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and is a father, husband, and grandfather. He’s the author of several books which have been translated into over 20 languages and sold more than a million copies.  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [3:02] Jack shares his Bodhisattva vow and explains how vows can recenter you when you lose track of your deepest intentions. [08:37] Jack talks about his love for Burma and what he learned in the monasteries there.  [13:01] Mag and Jack discuss why people should still travel to Burma and other oppressed places to “bear witness.” [15:55] Mag and Jack expand on their mutual love of elephants.   [21:02] Jack explains that food, music, and art can be expressions of love and part of your Buddhist practice as long as you practice non-attachment.  [25:48]  Jack shares how the pandemic affected his spiritual practice.  [31:57] Mag and Jack discuss how the pandemic deepened their appreciation of life and refocused their intentions.  [34:37] Jack tells us how becoming a grandfather changed his life.  [37:30] Mag talks about the wonder and innocence of little children. Quotes  “When we quiet ourselves, one of the most beautiful things we can do is be present in a moment, … take a breath, and ask, ‘What's my best intention?’ And often, it will change our tone of voice or shift our perspective.” “It's great to have mindfulness and practice compassion for yourself because the goal is not to perfect yourself. That's foolish. If anything, the goal is to perfect your love… [for] yourself.” Connect with Jack Kornfield Website: <a href="https://jackkornfield.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://jackkornfield.com/</a> Social media: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jkornfield" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/jkornfield</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jack_kornfield/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/jack_kornfield/</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JackKornfield" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/JackKornfield</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5JayBKk-Bynk6XnUnU7vLA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5JayBKk-Bynk6XnUnU7vLA</a> Jack’s podcast: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-wisdom-with-jack-kornfield/id923017416" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-wisdom-with-jack-kornfield/id923017416</a> Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor</a> Website: <a href="https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com</a> If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

026 - Burma & Bodhisattva Vows

There’s nothing more captivating than a story that grabs your attention, speaks to your heart, and elicits deep belly laughs. And a good story is nothing without a talented storyteller! Today, my honored guest is Michael Katz, a professional storyteller who performs and works with children in the Santa Barbara area and teaches mindfulness in elementary schools. Michael has worked as a storyteller since 1985 and was the host of a radio show dubbed The Katz Pajamas. He also performs at elementary schools, festivals, and illustrious events like the opening of the Disney Concert Hall. Michael’s recording of folktales from around the world, “Far Away and Close to Home,” received the Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award.  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [2:23]  Michael shares how he first developed his love of storytelling. [08:24]  Michael explains how his first big break came hosting a local radio show.  [10:19] Find out why mindfulness is essential to the art of storytelling, and learn how Michael teaches mindfulness to kindergarteners and first graders.  [16:48] Michael discusses all he’s learned working with children.   [27:52] Michael explains his aversion to screen time and why he chooses not to promote his business on social media.  [33:35] Michael talks about his father’s death and how he reconciled his feelings about his father’s absence from his life. [42:00] Michael and Mag discuss what we can learn from our loved ones at the end of their life.  Quotes  “When I was about 30, I just quit the job I had. I said, “I’m going for it.” I’m going for it for a year. Let’s see if I can make it as a professional storyteller. And here I am 30 years later, still doing it.” “I grew up in LA, so I never wanted to get into that rat race. I just don’t have a strong enough ego for it. The competition’s crazy … I’m much happier being a big fish in a small pond than being a small fish in a big pond.” “My love of story was there at an early age…. My grandmother, she grew up on an Ohio farm, but I grew up in Los Angeles. So, I didn’t know anything about a farm. She would tell me stories from the farm. And some of them, my mouth would just be wide open. Because it might be something as gruesome as how you would kill a chicken.” Connect with Michael Katz  www.storytellermichael.com Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven’t already, come join the community! Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

There’s nothing more captivating than a story that grabs your attention, speaks to your heart, and elicits deep belly laughs. And a good story is nothing without a talented storyteller! Today, my honored guest is Michael Katz, a professional storyteller who performs and works with children in the Santa Barbara area and teaches mindfulness in elementary schools. Michael has worked as a storyteller since 1985 and was the host of a radio show dubbed The Katz Pajamas. He also performs at elementary schools, festivals, and illustrious events like the opening of the Disney Concert Hall. Michael’s recording of folktales from around the world, “Far Away and Close to Home,” received the Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award.  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [2:23]  Michael shares how he first developed his love of storytelling. [08:24]  Michael explains how his first big break came hosting a local radio show.  [10:19] Find out why mindfulness is essential to the art of storytelling, and learn how Michael teaches mindfulness to kindergarteners and first graders.  [16:48] Michael discusses all he’s learned working with children.   [27:52] Michael explains his aversion to screen time and why he chooses not to promote his business on social media.  [33:35] Michael talks about his father’s death and how he reconciled his feelings about his father’s absence from his life. [42:00] Michael and Mag discuss what we can learn from our loved ones at the end of their life.  Quotes  “When I was about 30, I just quit the job I had. I said, “I’m going for it.” I’m going for it for a year. Let’s see if I can make it as a professional storyteller. And here I am 30 years later, still doing it.” “I grew up in LA, so I never wanted to get into that rat race. I just don’t have a strong enough ego for it. The competition’s crazy … I’m much happier being a big fish in a small pond than being a small fish in a big pond.” “My love of story was there at an early age…. My grandmother, she grew up on an Ohio farm, but I grew up in Los Angeles. So, I didn’t know anything about a farm. She would tell me stories from the farm. And some of them, my mouth would just be wide open. Because it might be something as gruesome as how you would kill a chicken.” Connect with Michael Katz  <a href="http://www.storytellermichael.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.storytellermichael.com</a> Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven’t already, come join the community! Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor</a> Website: <a href="https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com</a> If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

025 - The Art of Storytelling

If anyone could light up a room or a person's heart, it’s Allison Post. An integrative health coach and somatic educator, Allison is a healer and a lover of all life. Over the last four decades, Allison taught courses in many massage modalities plus breath and bodywork.  Allison has helped thousands of people deal with chronic illness, digestive discomfort, and other physical challenges. She works with people from all stages of life. She guides them through pregnancy, birth, menopause, aging, grief, and trauma from injury, surgery, or personal crisis. If I had to sum up her gifts and offerings, it’s that Allison feeds, heals, and loves the soul.   What You Hear/Learn/Discover [3:31] Allison talks about her love affair with food and shares some of her favorite dishes. [08:10] Mag discusses the book she’s writing about food and how it influences us.  [11:14] Learn how Western culture discourages us from feeling our emotions and sets us up to use food as a coping mechanism.  [18:13] Allison explains how she helps people truly feel and process their grief.  [24:07] Allison shares her gifts with us and discusses the lost art of listening.   [29:40] Discover why traditional Chinese medicine places such importance on the stomach and spleen.   [38:30] Mag discusses how healthy food choices help us take care of our bodies.  [40:00]  Allison explains how her cats teach her about love.  [43:24] Allison shares how she transitioned from a life in theater to a life built around serving others.  Quotes  “I think one of my gifts is that I'm really curious. I don't want to know things necessarily. I want to experience. I want to understand. And I deeply, deeply want to listen. I think [listening] it's an art, and that it's a lost art. People don't listen. I notice often that people are thinking about their responses while they're listening.” “Curries and Italian food...just have such a deep sensual sensation in the nose. And then, before you even eat them, your mouth is watering. You know how lucky you are, and how great you are, to be able to have it. And then it just kind of slides down, fills you, warms you, greets you, and makes you feel happy and blissful. That's how much I love food.”  Connect with Allison Post Website: https://www.allisonpost.com/ Social media: https://www.instagram.com/allisonpost_healingartist/ https://www.facebook.com/allison.post.7/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-post-22012338/   Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

If anyone could light up a room or a person's heart, it’s Allison Post. An integrative health coach and somatic educator, Allison is a healer and a lover of all life. Over the last four decades, Allison taught courses in many massage modalities plus breath and bodywork.  Allison has helped thousands of people deal with chronic illness, digestive discomfort, and other physical challenges. She works with people from all stages of life. She guides them through pregnancy, birth, menopause, aging, grief, and trauma from injury, surgery, or personal crisis. If I had to sum up her gifts and offerings, it’s that Allison feeds, heals, and loves the soul.   What You Hear/Learn/Discover [3:31] Allison talks about her love affair with food and shares some of her favorite dishes. [08:10] Mag discusses the book she’s writing about food and how it influences us.  [11:14] Learn how Western culture discourages us from feeling our emotions and sets us up to use food as a coping mechanism.  [18:13] Allison explains how she helps people truly feel and process their grief.  [24:07] Allison shares her gifts with us and discusses the lost art of listening.   [29:40] Discover why traditional Chinese medicine places such importance on the stomach and spleen.   [38:30] Mag discusses how healthy food choices help us take care of our bodies.  [40:00]  Allison explains how her cats teach her about love.  [43:24] Allison shares how she transitioned from a life in theater to a life built around serving others.  Quotes  “I think one of my gifts is that I'm really curious. I don't want to know things necessarily. I want to experience. I want to understand. And I deeply, deeply want to listen. I think [listening] it's an art, and that it's a lost art. People don't listen. I notice often that people are thinking about their responses while they're listening.” “Curries and Italian food...just have such a deep sensual sensation in the nose. And then, before you even eat them, your mouth is watering. You know how lucky you are, and how great you are, to be able to have it. And then it just kind of slides down, fills you, warms you, greets you, and makes you feel happy and blissful. That's how much I love food.”  Connect with Allison Post Website: <a href="https://www.allisonpost.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.allisonpost.com/</a> Social media: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/allisonpost_healingartist/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/allisonpost_healingartist/</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/allison.post.7/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/allison.post.7/</a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-post-22012338/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-post-22012338/</a>   Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor</a> Website: <a href="https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com</a> If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

024 - Feeding, Healing, & Loving The Soul

In her international bestseller, Bowing To Elephants, Mag Dimond travelled the world in search of timeless wisdom to find healing, connection &amp; meaning. In the Bowing To Elephants podcast, she brings that wisdom to you. Join Mag in conversation with masters of all kinds to help you live a mindful, meaningful life.

Come listen to this infectious, brave young woman who brings babies into the world! Britt Fohrman is multi-talented with an amazing gift: she weaves the power of relaxation and healing into everything that she does.  Britt spent the past two decades working in San Francisco as a yoga teacher, doula, birth educator, photographer, and women's retreat facilitator. In addition to classes, workshops, retreats, and one-on-one sessions, she also offers Rite of Passage ceremonies. In a world that seeks to lessen our true power and cage our femininity, she shares the wisdom she’s found on her journey. She shares her path out of suffering, how she began to listen to her body, and how she learned to trust in the deep well of her own inner strength.  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [2:12] Britt explains why she describes herself as “wild and free.” [04:50] Britt talks about her long battle with Lyme disease and how yoga, Buddhism, and Chinese medicine finally helped her heal. [7:19] Learn about Britt’s experiences as a doula and how different women respond to childbirth based on their mindset. [10:09]  Britt shares how her parents influenced her. [13:25] Britt talks about her experiences growing up in the Jewish community. [16:51] Discover who Britt considers to be the most influential teacher in her life.  [28:26] Britt explains how she brings the gift of healing to her yoga practice, photography, and work as a doula. [37:08] Mag and Britt discuss why self-care is vital to those in healing professions. [38:48] Britt explains how she’s been a “student of grief” and learned to be present to grief. Quotes  “[I’ve realized] that there is this drive for people to help others. There's a lot of cruelty and awfulness, but there's also this immense amount of kindness that we can witness out there, whether it's somebody helping somebody across the street or giving some food to a homeless man.” “It just feels like something that's very instinctual and primal in me that I chose to have a life that was devoted to helping others because that wasn't exactly how I was conditioned. And it wasn't how I was educated. And it isn't one of the best ways to make money, but it definitely feels like there's no choice for me than to have a life that is devoted to helping others.” Connect with Britt Fohrman http://brittfohrman.com/ https://www.instagram.com/brittfohto/   Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

Come listen to this infectious, brave young woman who brings babies into the world! Britt Fohrman is multi-talented with an amazing gift: she weaves the power of relaxation and healing into everything that she does.  Britt spent the past two decades working in San Francisco as a yoga teacher, doula, birth educator, photographer, and women's retreat facilitator. In addition to classes, workshops, retreats, and one-on-one sessions, she also offers Rite of Passage ceremonies. In a world that seeks to lessen our true power and cage our femininity, she shares the wisdom she’s found on her journey. She shares her path out of suffering, how she began to listen to her body, and how she learned to trust in the deep well of her own inner strength.  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [2:12] Britt explains why she describes herself as “wild and free.” [04:50] Britt talks about her long battle with Lyme disease and how yoga, Buddhism, and Chinese medicine finally helped her heal. [7:19] Learn about Britt’s experiences as a doula and how different women respond to childbirth based on their mindset. [10:09]  Britt shares how her parents influenced her. [13:25] Britt talks about her experiences growing up in the Jewish community. [16:51] Discover who Britt considers to be the most influential teacher in her life.  [28:26] Britt explains how she brings the gift of healing to her yoga practice, photography, and work as a doula. [37:08] Mag and Britt discuss why self-care is vital to those in healing professions. [38:48] Britt explains how she’s been a “student of grief” and learned to be present to grief. Quotes  “[I’ve realized] that there is this drive for people to help others. There's a lot of cruelty and awfulness, but there's also this immense amount of kindness that we can witness out there, whether it's somebody helping somebody across the street or giving some food to a homeless man.” “It just feels like something that's very instinctual and primal in me that I chose to have a life that was devoted to helping others because that wasn't exactly how I was conditioned. And it wasn't how I was educated. And it isn't one of the best ways to make money, but it definitely feels like there's no choice for me than to have a life that is devoted to helping others.” Connect with Britt Fohrman <a href="http://brittfohrman.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://brittfohrman.com/</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brittfohto/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/brittfohto/</a>   Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor</a> Website: <a href="https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com</a> If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

023 - Rites of Passage and True Feminine Power

Today, a master of memoir joins the show. Laura Davis is the author of seven groundbreaking books, including The Courage To Heal. In addition to her own writing, Laura helps people tell their stories and hone their craft. She loves creating communities where writers can inspire and support each other.  Laura’s brand new memoir, The Burning Light of Two Stars, explores her complicated relationship with her mother. I highly recommend you take a taste of this beautiful, moving book. The first five chapters are available on her website. More than any other relationship, our relationship with our mothers defines us. Available on November 9th, Laura’s latest memoir chronicles Laura’s story of caring for her mother in the final years of her life. What You Hear/Learn/Discover [2:55] Laura shares how her writing helps her process, cope, and explore her innermost feelings. [7:14] Learn how Laura worked through her feelings about her mother in her most recent book, The Burning Light of Two Stars.  [8:41] Mag and Laura discuss Laura’s journey as a childhood incest survivor. [13:58] Laura talks about her work as a writing teacher. [18:05] Mag and Laura discuss why writing helps us understand people on a deeper level.  [22:30] Laura explains tactics to help remember repressed memories. [29:54] Laura identifies her relationship with her mother as one of the “core issues” in her life. She shares how it took ten years to complete her book chronicling their relationship. [33:31] Laura gives tips for aspiring memoir writers. [37:09] Mag explains why memoirs require complete honesty and openness.  Quotes  “I've always used writing as a tool for self-discovery, self-exploration, processing painful experiences, confronting people, or making decisions. Just in every way, it's my go-to tool.”   “[As a writing teacher,] I always feel incredibly honored to hold that kind of space where people are able to remember things that maybe they've never remembered before or reshape a story that's plagued them for a long time…[and] really tell the truth.” Resources Read the first few chapters of Laura’s newest book:  https://lauradavis.net/the-burning-light-of-two-stars/ Find Laura’s other books  here. Website: https://lauradavis.net/   Social media:  https://www.facebook.com/thewritersjourney https://www.pinterest.com/laurasaridavis https://twitter.com/laurasaridavis https://www.instagram.com/laurasaridavis/ Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

Today, a master of memoir joins the show. Laura Davis is the author of seven groundbreaking books, including The Courage To Heal. In addition to her own writing, Laura helps people tell their stories and hone their craft. She loves creating communities where writers can inspire and support each other.  Laura’s brand new memoir, The Burning Light of Two Stars, explores her complicated relationship with her mother. I highly recommend you take a taste of this beautiful, moving book. The first five chapters are available on her website. More than any other relationship, our relationship with our mothers defines us. Available on November 9th, Laura’s latest memoir chronicles Laura’s story of caring for her mother in the final years of her life. What You Hear/Learn/Discover [2:55] Laura shares how her writing helps her process, cope, and explore her innermost feelings. [7:14] Learn how Laura worked through her feelings about her mother in her most recent book, The Burning Light of Two Stars. [8:41] Mag and Laura discuss Laura’s journey as a childhood incest survivor. [13:58] Laura talks about her work as a writing teacher. [18:05] Mag and Laura discuss why writing helps us understand people on a deeper level.  [22:30] Laura explains tactics to help remember repressed memories. [29:54] Laura identifies her relationship with her mother as one of the “core issues” in her life. She shares how it took ten years to complete her book chronicling their relationship. [33:31] Laura gives tips for aspiring memoir writers. [37:09] Mag explains why memoirs require complete honesty and openness.  Quotes  “I've always used writing as a tool for self-discovery, self-exploration, processing painful experiences, confronting people, or making decisions. Just in every way, it's my go-to tool.” “[As a writing teacher,] I always feel incredibly honored to hold that kind of space where people are able to remember things that maybe they've never remembered before or reshape a story that's plagued them for a long time…[and] really tell the truth.” Resources Read the first few chapters of Laura’s newest book: <a href="https://lauradavis.net/the-burning-light-of-two-stars/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://lauradavis.net/the-burning-light-of-two-stars/</a> Find Laura’s other books <a href="https://shop.aer.io/GirlFridayBooks/cl/Books_by_Laura_Davis/219833" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> here</a>. Website: <a href="https://lauradavis.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://lauradavis.net/</a> Social media: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thewritersjourney" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.facebook.com/thewritersjourney</a> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/laurasaridavis" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.pinterest.com/laurasaridavis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/laurasaridavis" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/laurasaridavis</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurasaridavis/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/laurasaridavis/</a> Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor</a> Website: <a href="https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com</a> If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

022 - Courage and Healing Through Memoir

Ready for a new book series to devour? Then, dive into the smoky dance halls of 1930’s Chicago with Henrietta &amp; Inspector Howard. I'm happy to welcome to the podcast the award-winning author, Michelle Cox. I’m currently reading the fifth book in her series, A Child Lost, and loving it! I literally have to tear myself away from it to get other things done.  Michelle also writes a weekly blog dedicated to Chicago’s forgotten residents, “Novel Notes of Local Lore.” Her books have won over 40 international awards and have received raving reviews from Kirkus, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and more.    What You Hear/Learn/Discover [0:24] Guest introduction [2:50]  Mag and Michelle talk about the lure of historical fiction and reading as an escape.  [08:19] Michelle talks about her book series and where she sees her characters going from here.  [11:33] Michelle debates whether to end her current series or start a new one.  [16:33] Mag explains how she outsources her PR work so she can stay focused on writing.   [19:13] Mag and Michelle discuss scheduling time into their days for writing.  [22:41]  Michelle talks about outlining and structure in her writing versus divine inspiration.  [27:37]  Mag and Michelle compare hybrid, traditional, and self-publishing.  [35:54]  Michelle reveals that she would love to see her series adapted for film.  Quotes  On why people love reading about different worlds: “I think it's because people just like to escape their reality and go into some other world...In sci-fi or fantasy, that's putting yourself in a completely different reality. And then other people prefer historical fiction because they can sort of go back in time and just live in that reality for a little while.” “But I think that’s the fun, that sort of beauty or the divine sort of spark...I'm writing along, and then something will come to me which just fits so perfectly. And so I weave that in or layer that in. [When you’re writing], I do think there's something that you're channeling, and it comes out whether you're just freeform or you're applying it to an outline.”   Resources  A Girl Like You (A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel Book 1)  A Ring of Truth (A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel Book 2)  A Promise Given (A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Series Book 3)  A Veil Removed (A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel Book 4)  A Child Lost (A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel Book 5)   Connect with Michelle Cox Website: https://michellecoxauthor.com/ Social Media:  https://www.facebook.com/michellecoxauthor https://twitter.com/michellecox33 https://www.instagram.com/michellecoxwrites/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-cox-ab8700193/   Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

Ready for a new book series to devour? Then, dive into the smoky dance halls of 1930’s Chicago with Henrietta &amp; Inspector Howard. I'm happy to welcome to the podcast the award-winning author, Michelle Cox. I’m currently reading the fifth book in her series, A Child Lost, and loving it! I literally have to tear myself away from it to get other things done.  Michelle also writes a weekly blog dedicated to Chicago’s forgotten residents, “Novel Notes of Local Lore.” Her books have won over 40 international awards and have received raving reviews from Kirkus, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and more.    What You Hear/Learn/Discover [0:24] Guest introduction [2:50]  Mag and Michelle talk about the lure of historical fiction and reading as an escape.  [08:19] Michelle talks about her book series and where she sees her characters going from here.  [11:33] Michelle debates whether to end her current series or start a new one.  [16:33] Mag explains how she outsources her PR work so she can stay focused on writing.   [19:13] Mag and Michelle discuss scheduling time into their days for writing.  [22:41]  Michelle talks about outlining and structure in her writing versus divine inspiration.  [27:37]  Mag and Michelle compare hybrid, traditional, and self-publishing.  [35:54]  Michelle reveals that she would love to see her series adapted for film.  Quotes  On why people love reading about different worlds: “I think it's because people just like to escape their reality and go into some other world...In sci-fi or fantasy, that's putting yourself in a completely different reality. And then other people prefer historical fiction because they can sort of go back in time and just live in that reality for a little while.” “But I think that’s the fun, that sort of beauty or the divine sort of spark...I'm writing along, and then something will come to me which just fits so perfectly. And so I weave that in or layer that in. [When you’re writing], I do think there's something that you're channeling, and it comes out whether you're just freeform or you're applying it to an outline.” Resources <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C8EHNGO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_0&amp;storeType=ebooks&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=agirllikeyoustandardlink-20&amp;linkId=692efd8a1e467082c0ae8bf5db946386&amp;language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> A Girl Like You (A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel Book 1)</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06WVRTTR8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?notRedirectToSDP=1&amp;ref_=dbs_mng_calw_1&amp;storeType=ebooks&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=aringoftruthstandardlink-20&amp;linkId=156ca8dc79101c4b58f137a76f22d56f&amp;language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> A Ring of Truth (A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel Book 2)</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074V4LC7C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?notRedirectToSDP=1&amp;ref_=dbs_mng_calw_2&amp;storeType=ebooks&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=apromisegivenstandardlink-20&amp;linkId=964a5e03fb5bd068cfae9a5ecfd7b197&amp;language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> A Promise Given (A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Series Book 3)</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G84DWQ8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?notRedirectToSDP=1&amp;ref_=dbs_mng_calw_3&amp;storeType=ebooks&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=aveilremovedstandardlink-20&amp;linkId=d626f8bb34072b789e3b624b4ad2d135&amp;language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> A Veil Removed (A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel Book 4)</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VDQS5GG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?notRedirectToSDP=1&amp;ref_=dbs_mng_calw_4&amp;storeType=ebooks&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=achildloststandardlink-20&amp;linkId=8ac67b5d5ef2a1ed089e7dacd1515cd3&amp;language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> A Child Lost (A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel Book 5)</a>   Connect with Michelle Cox Website: <a href="https://michellecoxauthor.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://michellecoxauthor.com/</a> Social Media: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/michellecoxauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.facebook.com/michellecoxauthor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/michellecox33" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/michellecox33</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/michellecoxwrites/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/michellecoxwrites/</a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-cox-ab8700193/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-cox-ab8700193/</a> Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor</a> Website: <a href="https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com</a> If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

021 - Murder, Mystery, & Literary Escapism

What defines us? What shapes us and molds us into the people we are? In this episode, Buddhist teacher Sean Feit Oakes joins me as we explore these important questions. We discuss social injustice and what we, as Buddhists, can do to enact change. A Buddhist and Yoga teacher with a Ph.D. in Performance Studies, Sean integrates Somatic Experiencing (SE) and Organic Intelligence (OI) into his approach. Among the deeper questions, we discuss how music moves us and how deeply the Dharma affects us. And as we are both so grateful for the perpetual gift of the Dharma, we also celebrate Vesak, a day to honor the Buddha and his teachings and celebrate the Buddha’s enlightenment.  I invite you to get your favorite beverage, get comfortable, and join us on this journey!   What You Will Hear/Learn/Discover  [3:31] Sean expands on how difficult it is to describe music in words.  [7:03] Mag and Sean discuss how music and art are different for each person.  [14:30] Learn Sean’s answer to Mag’s question, “Who is the most unlikely or unique teacher you’ve had in your life?”   [23:21] Sean talks about white privilege, the heteropatriarchy, and applying his Buddhist practice to social justice.  [32:18]  Sean explains the different types of karma.  [37:00]  Mag and Sean discuss the collective power behind movements like Black Lives Matter. [41:13]  Discover Sean’s take on karma and rebirth.  [47:15]  Sean responds to Mag’s question, “How has parenthood changed you?” [51:40]  Sean talks about his relationship with his son.    Quotes  “And so what I think successful music writing does is that it doesn't tell me in some absolute way what that music sounds like. It couldn't. What it tells me, hopefully, in a really deep way is what this person or this writer feels when they're in the presence of that music.” “The feeling of helplessness is conditioned to trauma, but it's never actually true. You know there's always something that can be done.” “The love that I have with my son is… I never had anything like that before in my life. It's a wholly different kind of relationship. I totally feel its holiness.”   Connect with Sean Feit Oakes Website: https://www.seanfeitoakes.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sean.feit.oakes https://twitter.com/SeanFeitOakes https://www.instagram.com/seanfeitoakes/   Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven’t already, come join the community! Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

What defines us? What shapes us and molds us into the people we are? In this episode, Buddhist teacher Sean Feit Oakes joins me as we explore these important questions. We discuss social injustice and what we, as Buddhists, can do to enact change. A Buddhist and Yoga teacher with a Ph.D. in Performance Studies, Sean integrates Somatic Experiencing (SE) and Organic Intelligence (OI) into his approach. Among the deeper questions, we discuss how music moves us and how deeply the Dharma affects us. And as we are both so grateful for the perpetual gift of the Dharma, we also celebrate Vesak, a day to honor the Buddha and his teachings and celebrate the Buddha’s enlightenment.  I invite you to get your favorite beverage, get comfortable, and join us on this journey! What You Will Hear/Learn/Discover  [3:31] Sean expands on how difficult it is to describe music in words.  [7:03] Mag and Sean discuss how music and art are different for each person.  [14:30] Learn Sean’s answer to Mag’s question, “Who is the most unlikely or unique teacher you’ve had in your life?”   [23:21] Sean talks about white privilege, the heteropatriarchy, and applying his Buddhist practice to social justice.  [32:18]  Sean explains the different types of karma.  [37:00]  Mag and Sean discuss the collective power behind movements like Black Lives Matter. [41:13]  Discover Sean’s take on karma and rebirth.  [47:15]  Sean responds to Mag’s question, “How has parenthood changed you?” [51:40]  Sean talks about his relationship with his son.  Quotes  “And so what I think successful music writing does is that it doesn't tell me in some absolute way what that music sounds like. It couldn't. What it tells me, hopefully, in a really deep way is what this person or this writer feels when they're in the presence of that music.” “The feeling of helplessness is conditioned to trauma, but it's never actually true. You know there's always something that can be done.” “The love that I have with my son is… I never had anything like that before in my life. It's a wholly different kind of relationship. I totally feel its holiness.”   Connect with Sean Feit Oakes Website: <a href="https://www.seanfeitoakes.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.seanfeitoakes.com/</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sean.feit.oakes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/sean.feit.oakes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SeanFeitOakes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/SeanFeitOakes</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/seanfeitoakes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/seanfeitoakes/</a>   Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven’t already, come join the community! Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor</a> Website: <a href="https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com</a> If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

020 - Perpetual Gift of the Dharma

Today, we have a guest with a true heart for service. Book writing expert and author Ben Gioia has an unrelenting drive to help people make a bigger impact with their story and message. Using strategies from his book, The Influence With A Heart Method, Ben Gioia helps coaches, consultants, speakers, and solopreneurs write high-quality books and get clients before they’re published.  Ben’s proven method helps aspiring authors get unstuck and get their books done fast! His method opens the door for people enables coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs of all kinds to create the life they want and a business they love…... so they can make a difference with their message. Ben and I met as volunteers at Zen Hospice Project in San Francisco, and it’s been such a wonderful friendship and collaboration!  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [2:52]  Ben and Mag discuss the importance of family while Ben shares a story about his great grandfather.  [05:20]  Ben explains how he helps others minimize their suffering and live a more fulfilled life.   [8:00] Find out how Ben wrote his second book in a mere three and a half weeks! [9:05] Ben discusses his transition from traditional marketing to inspiring others to make lasting, positive changes in the world.  [13:25]  Mag and Ben discuss their spirituality, and Ben shares why he dislikes labeling his beliefs. [22:05]  Ben talks about his five-week book writing program and the mindfulness techniques he uses.   [29:12] Learn what Ben thinks is his most defining characteristic. [33:39] Ben explains why he’s “consistently inconsistent” but never gives up.  [37:56]  Ben shares his struggles with substance abuse.   [40:00] Mag talks about positive and negative addictions.  Quotes  “By using the tools of meditation, … I can really relax into the feelings and the experience I’m having even the really uncomfortable, unpleasant … feelings because again that’s the pain coming up. But I can [relax] if I don’t get hooked on it, right? If I don’t constrict around it [the unpleasant feeling], if I don’t push it away from me, if I don’t grab on to it, but just relax into it and literally smile into it, then I have an opportunity to just be with that pain as pain. And then let it go, and not let it multiply into suffering.”   “We’re born into a world that has pain as part of the deal. It’s in the contract. Things are gonna hurt physically, emotionally, spiritually … they’re gonna hurt. But I came to understand from my own experiences that the suffering part of it is very often a choice, right? Suffering is what we add on … when we bring other things into the mix beyond just the pain.” Resources Free testimonial templates for your book: bookreviews.cc Connect with Ben Gioia Website: www.influencewithaheart.com   Social media:   https://www.facebook.com/influencewithaheart https://twitter.com/bengioia https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengioia https://www.instagram.com/bengioia/ https://speakerhub.com/speaker/ben-gioia Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

Today, we have a guest with a true heart for service. Book writing expert and author Ben Gioia has an unrelenting drive to help people make a bigger impact with their story and message. Using strategies from his book, The Influence With A Heart Method, Ben Gioia helps coaches, consultants, speakers, and solopreneurs write high-quality books and get clients before they’re published.  Ben’s proven method helps aspiring authors get unstuck and get their books done fast! His method opens the door for people enables coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs of all kinds to create the life they want and a business they love…... so they can make a difference with their message. Ben and I met as volunteers at Zen Hospice Project in San Francisco, and it’s been such a wonderful friendship and collaboration!  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [2:52]  Ben and Mag discuss the importance of family while Ben shares a story about his great grandfather.  [05:20]  Ben explains how he helps others minimize their suffering and live a more fulfilled life.   [8:00] Find out how Ben wrote his second book in a mere three and a half weeks! [9:05] Ben discusses his transition from traditional marketing to inspiring others to make lasting, positive changes in the world.  [13:25]  Mag and Ben discuss their spirituality, and Ben shares why he dislikes labeling his beliefs. [22:05]  Ben talks about his five-week book writing program and the mindfulness techniques he uses.   [29:12] Learn what Ben thinks is his most defining characteristic. [33:39] Ben explains why he’s “consistently inconsistent” but never gives up.  [37:56]  Ben shares his struggles with substance abuse.   [40:00] Mag talks about positive and negative addictions.  Quotes  “By using the tools of meditation, … I can really relax into the feelings and the experience I’m having even the really uncomfortable, unpleasant … feelings because again that’s the pain coming up. But I can [relax] if I don’t get hooked on it, right? If I don’t constrict around it [the unpleasant feeling], if I don’t push it away from me, if I don’t grab on to it, but just relax into it and literally smile into it, then I have an opportunity to just be with that pain as pain. And then let it go, and not let it multiply into suffering.” “We’re born into a world that has pain as part of the deal. It’s in the contract. Things are gonna hurt physically, emotionally, spiritually … they’re gonna hurt. But I came to understand from my own experiences that the suffering part of it is very often a choice, right? Suffering is what we add on … when we bring other things into the mix beyond just the pain.” Resources Free testimonial templates for your book: <a href="http://bookreviews.cc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bookreviews.cc</a> Connect with Ben Gioia Website: <a href="http://www.influencewithaheart.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.influencewithaheart.com</a> Social media: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/influencewithaheart" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/influencewithaheart</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/bengioia" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/bengioia</a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengioia" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengioia</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bengioia/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/bengioia/</a> <a href="https://speakerhub.com/speaker/ben-gioia" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://speakerhub.com/speaker/ben-gioia</a> Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor</a> Website: <a href="https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com</a> If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

019 - Your Message And Your Life

In today’s episode, we learn about the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine and the healing art of acupuncture. Acupuncturist and registered nurse Gary Pelzner joins me today. He’s practiced five-element acupuncture since 1991 and happens to be my acupuncturist, too. A man of many talents, Gary also makes jewelry and grows the most amazing roses! I admire Gary’s enormous heart and his commitment to the truth. We share a love of nature and a respect for nature’s ability to teach us and soothe us.  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [0:20] Guest introduction [2:21]  Gary explains acupuncture and talks about its transformative healing powers.  [07:29]  Learn about the five elements and how they relate to acupuncture therapy.  [14:43] Gary explains how he became a nurse and an acupuncturist.  [21:24] Gary talks about the thinkers and teachers who most influenced him.  [28:80]  Mag and Gary discuss the joys of grandparenthood.  [32:56] Gary talks about the resiliency of youth and his time working with adolescent cancer patients.   [38:33]  Mag and Gary discuss how difficult it is to separate home and work life. They discuss how this struggle is very real for medical professionals, therapists, and law enforcement.  [40:00] Mag and Gary explore objectivity and talk about how to stick to your “own truth.” Quotes “And we're learning so much lately about the fact that we've imbalanced the world so dramatically that, you know, we are seeing horrible things happening to various parts of the planet. It's actually not dissimilar to what we're also seeing happening with people...living through a pandemic that's affecting the entire world. It all makes sense from the perspective of the philosophy underlying Chinese medicine  — that the more out of balance you get, there's a price to pay.” “Anyone who's in the medical world, or working with people has to learn [to separate their work from their personal life]. And it's not something you just walk in and are able to do...where you can really be intimate with another and not take it home.”  Connect with Gary Pelzner Email: gpelzner@mac.com Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

In today’s episode, we learn about the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine and the healing art of acupuncture. Acupuncturist and registered nurse Gary Pelzner joins me today. He’s practiced five-element acupuncture since 1991 and happens to be my acupuncturist, too. A man of many talents, Gary also makes jewelry and grows the most amazing roses! I admire Gary’s enormous heart and his commitment to the truth. We share a love of nature and a respect for nature’s ability to teach us and soothe us.  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [0:20] Guest introduction [2:21]  Gary explains acupuncture and talks about its transformative healing powers.  [07:29]  Learn about the five elements and how they relate to acupuncture therapy.  [14:43] Gary explains how he became a nurse and an acupuncturist.  [21:24] Gary talks about the thinkers and teachers who most influenced him.  [28:80]  Mag and Gary discuss the joys of grandparenthood.  [32:56] Gary talks about the resiliency of youth and his time working with adolescent cancer patients.   [38:33]  Mag and Gary discuss how difficult it is to separate home and work life. They discuss how this struggle is very real for medical professionals, therapists, and law enforcement.  [40:00] Mag and Gary explore objectivity and talk about how to stick to your “own truth.” Quotes “And we're learning so much lately about the fact that we've imbalanced the world so dramatically that, you know, we are seeing horrible things happening to various parts of the planet. It's actually not dissimilar to what we're also seeing happening with people...living through a pandemic that's affecting the entire world. It all makes sense from the perspective of the philosophy underlying Chinese medicine  — that the more out of balance you get, there's a price to pay.” “Anyone who's in the medical world, or working with people has to learn [to separate their work from their personal life]. And it's not something you just walk in and are able to do...where you can really be intimate with another and not take it home.”  Connect with Gary Pelzner Email: <a href="mailto:gpelzner@mac.com">gpelzner@mac.com</a> Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor</a> Website: <a href="https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com</a> If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

018 - Looking At Acupuncture As Healing Art

If you have a deep love of classical music (especially Baroque), then join this lively and affectionate conversation with Jeffrey Thomas, the musical director of American Bach Soloists. Jeffrey has led over 25 cantata recordings with ABS, a group dedicated to producing historically informed performances. Today, Jeffrey shares his journey from singer to conductor and his passion for guiding young musicians into musical careers.  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [3:21]  Jeffrey talks about his job as conductor of American Bach Soloists.  [07:31]  Jeffrey explains how his past as a performer helps him be a better conductor.  [10:08] Mag and Jeffrey discuss the collaboration between orchestra musicians. [14:31]  Jeffrey explains why American Bach Soloists use authentic, early instruments. [20:15] Learn about the religious meaning behind Bach’s music.   [24:18] Jeffrey explains how Bach always stayed true to his musical style.  [26:52] Jeffrey shares the sense of solace he gets from listening to Bach. [30:02]  Mag and Jeffrey debate whether classical music will endure. [35:58] They discuss how music has the power to transport you to a different place and time. [40:21] Jeffrey and Mag discuss the commonality that connects us all and how the pandemic emphasized that connection.  Quotes  “You don't need to understand it [music]. It's just lovely to listen to. It can be freeing. It can be inspiring...It can be evocative and generate emotions, you know, on a moment's notice. It’s amazing how many people will be moved to tears by a certain combination of notes and not have any idea why that happened.” “And so the way that music can just suddenly take someone out of their thoughts at the moment, out of their realities, and suddenly just pull them into something very, very different – that's very powerful.” “I was drawn backward in time to try to imagine what it was like when people heard these words for the first time or heard these works of music for the first time. And that kind of got me interested in the historical aspect of arts.” Connect with Jeffrey Thomas &amp; The American Bach Soloists www.americanbach.org https://twitter.com/americanbach https://www.facebook.com/americanbach https://www.instagram.com/americanbach/ https://www.youtube.com/americanbachsoloists Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

If you have a deep love of classical music (especially Baroque), then join this lively and affectionate conversation with Jeffrey Thomas, the musical director of American Bach Soloists. Jeffrey has led over 25 cantata recordings with ABS, a group dedicated to producing historically informed performances. Today, Jeffrey shares his journey from singer to conductor and his passion for guiding young musicians into musical careers.  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [3:21]  Jeffrey talks about his job as conductor of American Bach Soloists.  [07:31]  Jeffrey explains how his past as a performer helps him be a better conductor.  [10:08] Mag and Jeffrey discuss the collaboration between orchestra musicians. [14:31]  Jeffrey explains why American Bach Soloists use authentic, early instruments. [20:15] Learn about the religious meaning behind Bach’s music.   [24:18] Jeffrey explains how Bach always stayed true to his musical style.  [26:52] Jeffrey shares the sense of solace he gets from listening to Bach. [30:02]  Mag and Jeffrey debate whether classical music will endure. [35:58] They discuss how music has the power to transport you to a different place and time. [40:21] Jeffrey and Mag discuss the commonality that connects us all and how the pandemic emphasized that connection.  Quotes  “You don't need to understand it [music]. It's just lovely to listen to. It can be freeing. It can be inspiring...It can be evocative and generate emotions, you know, on a moment's notice. It’s amazing how many people will be moved to tears by a certain combination of notes and not have any idea why that happened.” “And so the way that music can just suddenly take someone out of their thoughts at the moment, out of their realities, and suddenly just pull them into something very, very different – that's very powerful.” “I was drawn backward in time to try to imagine what it was like when people heard these words for the first time or heard these works of music for the first time. And that kind of got me interested in the historical aspect of arts.” Connect with Jeffrey Thomas &amp; The American Bach Soloists <a href="https://americanbach.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.americanbach.org</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/americanbach" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/americanbach</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/americanbach" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/americanbach</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/americanbach/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/americanbach/</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/americanbachsoloists" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/americanbachsoloists</a> Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor</a> Website: <a href="https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com</a> If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

017 - For Love Of The Baroque

Today, we discover how one woman used running to pull herself back from the brink of depression. Nita Sweeney shares how she went from being severely depressed and suicidal to running an ultramarathon and writing an award-winning book! Her memoir, Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink, tells a compelling story of strength and perseverance. In this episode, Nita shares how she uses running, mindfulness, and writing to take care of her mind, body, and spirit. Prepare yourself for a story of true inspiration!  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [2:53]  Nita explains what led her to write her memoir,  Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink. [13:28] Nita talks about how she was self-conscious when she first started running, so she used her dog as a “decoy.”  [19:46]  Mag and Nita explain why dogs are excellent role models for mindfulness. [21:53] Learn Nita’s advice to aspiring writers.  [26:37]  Nita explains the three types of literary conflict.  [29:51] Nita talks about the interesting people she met while traveling and promoting her book.  [33:38] Nita shares how numerous people now approach her for help with their depression.  [39:15] Mag and Nita discuss how humor can be both therapeutic and a way to mask your inner pain.  [44:49] Nita talks about the ultramarathon she recently ran.  Quotes  “Even though we're looking at the same thing, that lens is slightly different. And so if you can trust and open yourself to trust that the things you naturally see and the things that naturally occur to you are important...that just goes so far. Because nobody else sees the world quite the way you do. And that's what makes it fresh, even if you're writing something that has been written about again and again.” “I realized I don't have to be an authority. The only thing I have to give authority on is my life and my recovery from these awful mental health issues I struggled with for many years. And that my message is that there's hope, you know. As long as you stay on the planet, there's hope.” “Surround yourself with people who have audacious goals, take notes, watch, and do what they do. Eventually, you're going to do something ridiculous that you're completely and totally proud of.” Resources  Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink  You Should Be Writing: A Journal of Inspiration &amp; Instruction to Keep Your Pen Moving Connect with Nita Sweeney Website: https://nitasweeney.com/ Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/nitasweeneyauthor/ https://twitter.com/nitasweeney https://www.instagram.com/nitasweeney/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitasweeney/  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCucD_U0uPtRTHvyryeU2_1Q? Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

Today, we discover how one woman used running to pull herself back from the brink of depression. Nita Sweeney shares how she went from being severely depressed and suicidal to running an ultramarathon and writing an award-winning book! Her memoir, Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink, tells a compelling story of strength and perseverance. In this episode, Nita shares how she uses running, mindfulness, and writing to take care of her mind, body, and spirit. Prepare yourself for a story of true inspiration!  What You Hear/Learn/Discover [2:53]  Nita explains what led her to write her memoir,  Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink. [13:28] Nita talks about how she was self-conscious when she first started running, so she used her dog as a “decoy.”  [19:46]  Mag and Nita explain why dogs are excellent role models for mindfulness. [21:53] Learn Nita’s advice to aspiring writers.  [26:37]  Nita explains the three types of literary conflict.  [29:51] Nita talks about the interesting people she met while traveling and promoting her book.  [33:38] Nita shares how numerous people now approach her for help with their depression.  [39:15] Mag and Nita discuss how humor can be both therapeutic and a way to mask your inner pain.  [44:49] Nita talks about the ultramarathon she recently ran.  Quotes  “Even though we're looking at the same thing, that lens is slightly different. And so if you can trust and open yourself to trust that the things you naturally see and the things that naturally occur to you are important...that just goes so far. Because nobody else sees the world quite the way you do. And that's what makes it fresh, even if you're writing something that has been written about again and again.” “I realized I don't have to be an authority. The only thing I have to give authority on is my life and my recovery from these awful mental health issues I struggled with for many years. And that my message is that there's hope, you know. As long as you stay on the planet, there's hope.” “Surround yourself with people who have audacious goals, take notes, watch, and do what they do. Eventually, you're going to do something ridiculous that you're completely and totally proud of.” Resources <a href="https://nitasweeney.com/event/depression-hates-a-moving-target-author-nita-sweeney-at-debs-book-club/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink</a> <a href="https://shop.aer.io/mangomedia/p/title/9781642502558-214" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> You Should Be Writing: A Journal of Inspiration &amp; Instruction to Keep Your Pen Moving</a> Connect with Nita Sweeney Website: <a href="https://nitasweeney.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://nitasweeney.com/</a> Social Media: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nitasweeneyauthor/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/nitasweeneyauthor/</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nitasweeney" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/nitasweeney</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nitasweeney/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/nitasweeney/</a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitasweeney/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitasweeney/</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCucD_U0uPtRTHvyryeU2_1Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCucD_U0uPtRTHvyryeU2_1Q?</a> Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven't already, come join the community! Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor</a> Website: <a href="https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com</a> If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

016 - Running For Her Life

In this episode of the Bowing to Elephants Podcast, I offer my first roundtable conversation. Carol Menaker and Wayne Lee join me to discuss our respective manuscripts. We touch upon death, grief, and the racism firmly entrenched in our judicial system.  Carol, Wayne, and I bonded through our writing program, Write to the Finish. We embarked on our writing adventure during the frightening and chaotic early days of the pandemic. Over time, the three of us inevitably became close. Today, we share our works in progress and what inspired us to write them! What You Will Hear/Learn/Discover [0:23]  Guest introductions [2:45] Wayne answers the question, "How hard was it to separate your book content from your feelings about the pandemic?" [7:55] Mag reveals hidden blessings she found in the pandemic. [13:57]  Carol shares details about her experience serving as a juror on a black man's murder trial.  [16:49]  Mag, Carol, and Wayne discuss how the pandemic forces them to read and write more.  [26:21]  Wayne talks about the painful experiences that led him to write Service Husband: A Caregiver's Journey Through Disability, Suicide, &amp; Recovery. [33:09] Carol explains her inspiration for The Worst Thing We've Ever Done.  [44:16]  Mag discusses how writers get overly attached to particular passages and how hard it can be to let go of them. [48:44]  Wayne and Carol share things they’ve realized about themselves and their manuscripts.  Quotes  From Carol: "I served on a jury 40 some years ago that convicted a black man of murdering a white prison warden. And it never left my mind that maybe things could have gone a different way. And at some point, before I started actually working on this project, I made up my mind that I wanted to figure out what really happened there." From Wayne: "[While writing my memoir], there were just so many times when it was just like reopening a wound over and over again. And there were so many times when I just wanted it to have a chance to heal more, but I felt like I just had to keep doing that work … to honor the truth of the book."  "My view is that the first draft is the time to throw all the paint on the wall." From Mag: "And all of us know about the awesome task of letting go and how powerful that is and how incredibly hard it is killing our darlings … You can be convinced that you need certain ways of saying things or certain anecdotes, but it turns out that you don't. And, it takes somebody else to look at it [for you to realize this]."   Connect with Carol Menaker &amp; Wayne Lee Wayne's website: https://wayneleepoet.com/ Carol’s email: carol.menaker@gmail.com    Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven’t already, come join the community!   Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

In this episode of the Bowing to Elephants Podcast, I offer my first roundtable conversation. Carol Menaker and Wayne Lee join me to discuss our respective manuscripts. We touch upon death, grief, and the racism firmly entrenched in our judicial system.  Carol, Wayne, and I bonded through our writing program, Write to the Finish. We embarked on our writing adventure during the frightening and chaotic early days of the pandemic. Over time, the three of us inevitably became close. Today, we share our works in progress and what inspired us to write them! What You Will Hear/Learn/Discover [0:23]  Guest introductions [2:45] Wayne answers the question, "How hard was it to separate your book content from your feelings about the pandemic?" [7:55] Mag reveals hidden blessings she found in the pandemic. [13:57]  Carol shares details about her experience serving as a juror on a black man's murder trial.  [16:49]  Mag, Carol, and Wayne discuss how the pandemic forces them to read and write more.  [26:21]  Wayne talks about the painful experiences that led him to write Service Husband: A Caregiver's Journey Through Disability, Suicide, &amp; Recovery. [33:09] Carol explains her inspiration for The Worst Thing We've Ever Done.  [44:16]  Mag discusses how writers get overly attached to particular passages and how hard it can be to let go of them. [48:44]  Wayne and Carol share things they’ve realized about themselves and their manuscripts.  Quotes  From Carol: "I served on a jury 40 some years ago that convicted a black man of murdering a white prison warden. And it never left my mind that maybe things could have gone a different way. And at some point, before I started actually working on this project, I made up my mind that I wanted to figure out what really happened there." From Wayne: "[While writing my memoir], there were just so many times when it was just like reopening a wound over and over again. And there were so many times when I just wanted it to have a chance to heal more, but I felt like I just had to keep doing that work … to honor the truth of the book."  "My view is that the first draft is the time to throw all the paint on the wall." From Mag: "And all of us know about the awesome task of letting go and how powerful that is and how incredibly hard it is killing our darlings … You can be convinced that you need certain ways of saying things or certain anecdotes, but it turns out that you don't. And, it takes somebody else to look at it [for you to realize this]." Connect with Carol Menaker &amp; Wayne Lee Wayne's website: <a href="https://wayneleepoet.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://wayneleepoet.com/</a> Carol’s email: <a href="mailto:carol.menaker@gmail.com">carol.menaker@gmail.com</a> Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven’t already, come join the community! Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor</a> Website: <a href="https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com</a> If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

015 - Writers Finding Community During The Pandemic

I invite you to join my conversation with my dear friend, Trudy Goodman, as we explore the racism woven into our everyday experiences. As a Buddhist and psychotherapist, Trudy helps people lead more mindful, meaningful lives. Her life in the Dharma is rich, and she uses her Buddhist teachings to inspire real change in the world.  Trudy is the founding teacher of the InsightLA Meditation Center and the co-founder of the Institute of Meditation and Psychotherapy. She’s currently writing a memoir about her spiritual journey.  What You Will Hear/Learn/Discover [2:51]  Trudy describes a Buddhist practitioner’s place in the fight against racial injustice. [7:53] Mag wants to know how InsightLA is changing with the times. [13:12] Mag and Trudy discuss systemic racism and our country’s long history of oppressing Black Americans and other people of color.  [16:35] Trudy explains how InsightLA differs from other meditation centers.   [19:29] Trudy talks about her memoir and how joining a writing group helped.  [22:29]  Trudy tells us about the most painful events in her life and how they opened her heart. [31:39] Discover Trudy’s working title for her book and her thoughts on a subtitle.  [34:25] Trudy talks about her marriage and what it’s like being married to a successful author.  [45:55]  Trudy shares her thoughts on enlightenment and how it’s an ongoing quest. Quotes  On Enlightenment: “Enlightenment is not a state that you've attained once and for all. It's a process. Everything is a process...There are moments of awakening, moments of presence, moments of crystal clear understanding. And, then there are moments of confusion and moments of chaos … And, if we are able to be present with them, then they just move through. They don’t have to stick.”    On Racism: “Because [racism] is so much a part of the air. [It’s part of] our sweat, the air we breathe, the water we swim in here in America … that we don't even necessarily question some of our biases.”  “I think if anybody can add humanity to this rather frightening predicament, I think the Buddhists can. Because as Buddhist practitioners, we are all about love and compassion. We’re about witnessing and honesty.” Resources InsightLA: insightla.org Connect with Trudy Goodman  Website: trudygoodman.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/trudy_goodman Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven’t already, come join the community! Instagram: https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor Website: https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com   If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

I invite you to join my conversation with my dear friend, Trudy Goodman, as we explore the racism woven into our everyday experiences. As a Buddhist and psychotherapist, Trudy helps people lead more mindful, meaningful lives. Her life in the Dharma is rich, and she uses her Buddhist teachings to inspire real change in the world.  Trudy is the founding teacher of the InsightLA Meditation Center and the co-founder of the Institute of Meditation and Psychotherapy. She’s currently writing a memoir about her spiritual journey.  What You Will Hear/Learn/Discover [2:51]  Trudy describes a Buddhist practitioner’s place in the fight against racial injustice. [7:53] Mag wants to know how InsightLA is changing with the times. [13:12] Mag and Trudy discuss systemic racism and our country’s long history of oppressing Black Americans and other people of color.  [16:35] Trudy explains how InsightLA differs from other meditation centers.   [19:29] Trudy talks about her memoir and how joining a writing group helped.  [22:29]  Trudy tells us about the most painful events in her life and how they opened her heart. [31:39] Discover Trudy’s working title for her book and her thoughts on a subtitle.  [34:25] Trudy talks about her marriage and what it’s like being married to a successful author.  [45:55]  Trudy shares her thoughts on enlightenment and how it’s an ongoing quest. Quotes On Enlightenment: “Enlightenment is not a state that you've attained once and for all. It's a process. Everything is a process...There are moments of awakening, moments of presence, moments of crystal clear understanding. And, then there are moments of confusion and moments of chaos … And, if we are able to be present with them, then they just move through. They don’t have to stick.”  On Racism: “Because [racism] is so much a part of the air. [It’s part of] our sweat, the air we breathe, the water we swim in here in America … that we don't even necessarily question some of our biases.” “I think if anybody can add humanity to this rather frightening predicament, I think the Buddhists can. Because as Buddhist practitioners, we are all about love and compassion. We’re about witnessing and honesty.” Resources InsightLA: <a href="https://insightla.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">insightla.org</a> Connect with Trudy Goodman  Website: <a href="http://www.trudygoodman.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">trudygoodman.com</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/trudy_goodman" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.instagram.com/trudy_goodman</a> Appreciation From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being here. If you haven’t already, come join the community! Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/magdimondauthor</a> Website: <a href="https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bowingtoelephantspodcast.com</a> If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review this podcast.

014 - A Buddhist Teacher Considers Social Justice & Enlightenment

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