 My guest today is the innovative Lisa Levart. As a photographer, Lisa has devoted the past 20 years to witnessing, evoking and capturing the essence of everyday women, their goddess archetypes, stories and myths, as she admits “I am a photographer on a mission!” Her gorgeous coffee table book “Goddess on Earth: Portraits of the Divine Feminine”eloquently reflects Lisa’s passion and gifts. She has also published a beautiful “Goddess on Earth Oracle Deck” with 45 portraits structured around the five elements. Both of these are fabulous, meaningful gifts for the holidays! I encourage you to go see and be moved by her current exhibit at Bergen Community College, in Paramus, NJ “The Ramapough Lunaape Nation: Excavating Identity”, there through November 24th. On October 25th, my husband and I plan to attend the screening of Lisa’s husband, Miles Aronowitz’s documentary “Women of the Lenape Nation”. I hope you’ll join us. Check out the show notes for links to all of these books, exhibits and events. Enjoy the podcast. Links: Lisa's Photography Exhibit at BCC Goddess On Earth Lush Photography Myles Aronowitz's Documentary Film

Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire

Episode 183 Lisa Levart, photographer

 In honor of Indigenous People Day, I share a synchronistic story that unfolded for me this past week. From the invitation of a wonderful shaman, Reda Rackley, I looked up the Native People of the land where I live. How wonderful to know the name Lenni Lenape, the peace-keeping “ancient ones”, the diplomats and mediators, who lived throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and southern New York. I highly recommend photographer, Lisa Levart’s stunning exhibit at Bergen Community College, called “Women of the Ramapough Lenape Nation”. I am deeply moved by what Lisa created: a visual, visceral, soulful way to be in the presence of these inspiring Lenape people. Lisa’s portraits and her husband Myles Aronowitz’s video footage capturing Lisa in her creative process with the Lenape women is exquisite! I am so grateful to bring consciousness to the Lenape, the name of the people who lived, worked, played and partnered with this land before me. I invite you to discover and connect with the Native People of the area where you live. Know them by name as we honor all the sacrifices, wisdom, and gifts our indigenous people have to offer us. Check out the show notes for links to learn more about the Lenape, see the details of Lisa’s stunning exhibit at Bergen Community College, which will be there through November 24th. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Iconic Portraits by Lisa Levart The Bowery Boys, NYC History Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation Lenape Tribe Facts Lisa's Photography Exhibit at BCC Myles' Documentary

Episode 182, Honoring The Lenape

 This week’s episode is a simple prayer to bless the earth. I share a free form meditation that I say when walking in nature, that focuses on my gratitude for the beauty and wonder of the land, waters and sky. May this accompany you as you walk through the woods, along the river, up the mountain, or through a field of wildflowers. May we pay attention to how mother earth nourishes, nurtures, inspires and sustains us. May we cultivate care, reverence and advocacy for the health and well-bring of our planet. Enjoy the podcast!

Episode 181, Earth Blessing

 My guest today is Lauren Mahana. Lauren is a Birth Doula, Intuitive Healer, and Author.  Lauren’s rich energetic healing practice, incorporates coaching, pregnancy mentorship, tarot and oracle cards, crystals, and channeling guidance. As a birth worker, she is passionate about supporting the pregnancy journey as well as facilitating a sacred space during birth. Alexandria Moran and Lauren co-authored, the book “Labor Like a Goddess: A Fearless Guide to Preparing for the 7 Gates of Transformation in Pregnancy and Birth”. In addition, Lauren recently launched her own Podcast, called “Magic on the Patio”, a conversational interview show that celebrates the magical and mystical that lives betwixt and between the mundane world. Check out the Show Notes for links to Lauren’s website, where you can explore all the magical, healing services she offers. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Lauren's Web Site Podcast: “Magic on the Patio” Book: “Labor Like a Goddess” Lauren's Instagram Shawna's Instagram

Episode 180 Lauren Mahana, Birth Doula, Intuitive Healer

 This week’s episode is a special, unique treat!  “A Prayer for B” is an exquisite piece of writing written and read by my treasured friend, Anam Cara, Winged Woman sister, Melanie Suchet. The synchronicity here is that Mel recorded this piece on Sunday August 29th, and 4 days later, in the early morning hours of Thursday September 2nd, just as we began to assess the impact of Hurricane Ida here in NY, Melanie’s beloved mother, Bella died. Mel told me many important family events have occurred in big storms. I offer you the gift of Melanie, her open heart, her sacred letters and words, her courage to call upon the earth and the ancestors, to help usher her mother tenderly, peacefully home.  I also offer this as a gift to Melanie, whose birthday was yesterday, 9/12. Happy Birthday, Soul Sister, may we continue to help each other align with the Divine!! Check out the Show Notes for links to Melanie’s Spiritual Director, Melina Rudman and her Shaman, Reda Rackley. Links: Melanie Suchet, PhD. Melina Rudman Her Story Reda Rackley

Episode 179, Melanie Suchet, "A Prayer For B"

 Many listeners commented on how grateful they were for last week’s focus of serendipities and synchronicities. Perhaps there is a collective shifting, expanding consciousness, a relief that we can talk openly and boldly about the mystical, the spiritual, magical ways we are personally touched by serendipity and synchronicity. In this week’s episode, I share 2 more serendipitous exchanges that highlight the magic of nature, the timing of chance encounters, the gratitude, and the forces bigger than me. So much serendipity and synchronicity weaving in and through our lives, holding us up and gifting us with these gems. Souls touching souls, souls supporting souls, souls inspiring souls…these small miracles are the sweetness of life.  As Albert Einstein said: “A coincidence is a small miracle when God chooses to remain anonymous.” I’m convinced these small miracles are happening all the time. May you pause, pay attention, and delight in the coincidences, serendipities, synchronicities and small miracles sparkling through your life. May you smile and embrace all the mystical ways the universe is conspiring to support you. Enjoy the podcast!

Episode 178 Small Miracles

Today’s focus is on the profound power of serendipity and synchronicity. I’ve noticed that the more I tune in, acknowledge the presence of forces bigger than me, open my heart to everyday mini miracles, welcome in my angels and spirit guides for support, comfort, direction and guidance, the more they seem delighted to make magic happen. And the fun part of this is that the serendipity and synchronicity occurs in ways I wouldn’t have expected and from people I didn’t know could be a conduit of light. My recent experience while my Dad was in the hospital was packed with serendipity and synchronicity that felt orchestrated from the heavens. I felt the sweet presence of angels all around us, particularly in the dark moments! May you open your thoughts and heart to make room for serendipity and synchronicity to tickle, touch and surround you with joy. May you dare to call in your angels. I know they are waiting for your invitation. May your angels sprinkle the magic of serendipity and synchronicity into your life. Enjoy the podcast!

Episode 177 Serendipities and Synchronicities

 My guest today is Dawn Adrienne-Saliba. A Performance Scholar, Theater Artist, and Eco-Activist, Dawn has studied drama and ancient temples. Dawn lives in Malta - okay, fess up, do you know where Malta is?!?  I encourage you to look up Malta, just to have a vision of this unique, small island in the middle of the Mediterranean. This is where Dawn honors the integration of science and spirituality, archeology and ritual in her exploration of the magical hypogeum Hal Saflieni. Traveling from Malta, to Brooklyn, to Nyack, before she heads back to Malta, Dawn and I had a chance meeting on a mountain trail, where we discovered we spoke a similar language of integration. Dawn describes how she ended up in Malta, her research of the performative spaces in ancient temples, the evidence of the Divine Feminine, and the healing power of mother earth.   Check out the Show Notes for links to the music, poems, books, and documentaries mentioned in my conversation with Dawn. Enjoy the podcast!   Links: Dawn's Facebook Page Malta-Arch Hal Saflieni Malta's Ancient Neolithic Performance Space: The Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni CD: Returning Jennifer Berezan Renzo Spateri - Maltese percussion Healing Journey Ireland Mary Oliver “Sleeping in the Forest” Documentary: “The Year the Earth Changed” Wolves return to Yellowstone My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor "Proof of Heaven" by Eben Alexander

Episode 176 Dawn Adrienne-Saliba, Performance Scholar, Theater Artist, Eco-Activist

 Hafiz's poem reminds me that we are called to dance. I’ve used this beautiful poem as oxygen, especially when I was feeling the darkness and uncertainty of life creep back in. I hear so many people bracing themselves that things are going to be getting worse, before they get better. I don’t want to get sucked into the darkness of hopelessness. This poem pulls me away from the despair, shifts my mood, brings me back to a deeper truth, a radiant light that I know lies within us. May we heed the call to dance, see life itself as a beautifully choreographed dance. We were created for joy, to smile, to love and be lifted up and to lift others up. Yes, and may our dancing be contagious! Check out the show notes for links to Hafiz’s poetry, to Barbara Holmes, and the Center for Action and Contemplation. Enjoy the podcast!   Links: The Gift: Poems by Hafiz, the Great Sufi Master Barbara Holmes Center For Action and Contemplation

Episode 175 Called To Dance

 In this week’s episode I share my recent surprise and delight in being immersed in a Summer Rain. Have you yet enjoyed being in and present to a summer rain? I highly recommend it! Summer rain offers its own version of a spiritual practice. I discovered the calming, playful peace when I embraced the joy of a summer rain. I know for sure that summer rain is a visceral, embodied experience. Try it out for yourself. I encourage you to dare to stand or sit or walk or better yet, dance in the rain this summer. If it helps, have an underpants party - it might be just what your soul is longing for!!  Enjoy the podcast! Links: @juliaadamybass @cilla.bercovici

Episode 174 Summer Rain

 In this week’s episode, I explore the importance of knowing something by name. I acknowledge my own experience that knowing an object, plant, tree, bird or person by name, not only demonstrates respect and value, but deepens the connection. Like Juliet, I ask: “What is in a name?” The answer is PLENTY!! I reflect on how much knowing something or someone by name truly matters. I highlight the lines: “We name it to tame it!” “We name it to claim it to our heart!” and “Say Her Name”. May we write one another in the palm of our hands, honor and hold each other close. May we  cherish the names of all those in our lives, both living and dead. May we take the time to learn the names of flora, fauna, and all sentient beings. May we demonstrate our curiosity, wonder and reverence for all beings as we deepen our connections. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: @shaneknightgallery Shane Knight Gallery

Episode 173, Known By Name

 My guest today is Shelby Willeitner. Shelby is my third Utah podcast guest, joining the trio of Marla McPherson and Mary McCourt - all inspiring women I recently met in Utah who have their unique ways of embracing wilderness and adventure. From recreation management, adventure guide, to passionate voyager, Shelby opens up the world of canyoneering to me: the descending exploration of deep canyons in the Southwest. A combination of hiking, repelling, sliding, swimming, scrambling, and jumping are used to navigate the obstacles within these magnificent hidden canyon treasures. Shelby fell in love with canyoneering 10 years ago. She works for Zion Outfitter and is learning the power of presence in canyoneering and mothering. Check out the Show Notes for links to Shelby’s Instagram, the video of my new hero Kenny, experiencing canyoneering for the first time as well as the book we referenced. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Shelby's Instagram Zion Outfitter 127 Hours trailer Canyoneering Video with Kenny The Power of Now by Eckhardt Tolle Elizabeth Van Meter

Episode 172 Shelby Willeitner, canyoneer and adventure guide

 My guest today is Mary McCourt. Mary is an adventure guide in a Wilderness Therapy Program in Utah. I met Mary a couple of weeks ago in Utah when my dear friend, Elizabeth Van Meter hosted an Awards Night for an inspiring group of outdoor enthusiasts. I was drawn to Mary’s calm, compassionate energy and knew she was the first person I personally met working as a guide in a Wilderness Therapy Program. Her own personal experience with outdoor adventure was so healing for her mental health that she re-directed her path from clinical nutritionist to becoming an adventure guide. A post from her Instagram sums up her work: “I have the wildest, weirdest, hardest, most rewarding job in the world. Feeling grateful for every moment on the trail.” Check out the show notes for links to the program Mary works for and Mary’s Instagram where you see incredible, breathtaking photos of the adventures she guides people through. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Aspiro Wilderness Therapy Program Mary's Instagram

Episode 171 Mary McCourt, adventure guide

 This week I reflect on the things we carry, the energy of objects and how we charge our ‘things’ with memories, emotions, stories, both negatively and positively. We all have countless objects that have energy, meaning and rich stories infused with emotional charges. It’s actually a spiritual practice to learn to be an observer to the meaning and emotional charge we project onto our objects. Questions bubble up for me as I pay attention to the things we carry. Can we honor the meaning we’ve projected onto the object? Can we carry the meaning without being weighed down by the things we carry? Can we honor the objects without being attached to them? How do we hold objects with grace and ease? How do we lighten our loads? How do we release and let go of our objects? May you explore these questions with curiosity and wonder. May you appreciate the things you carry and release them when they become too burdensome. May you find joy in exploring the things that you carry. May you love them, bless them and let them go!  Enjoy the podcast!   

Episode 170 The Things We Carry

 My guest today is Marla McPherson. Marla is Conservationist, High School English Teacher, and River Runner. I had the pure pleasure of meeting Marla in Utah a couple of weeks ago when visiting my treasured friend and previous podcast guest, Elizabeth Van Meter (episode #113). Beneath Marla’s current job titles, is an impressive, courageous, wise woman who has built her own house, lived off the grid, helped a friend start her own business: an outdoor wilderness leadership school for kids, discovered innovative ways to blend her love for teaching, adventure and wilderness, from Alaska to Argentina. Marla honors her humble partnership with nature and humanity, while embracing life’s interruptions. Check out the Show Notes for links to some of the books, documentaries and the river company Marla referenced. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Mild To Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours DamNation documentary by Patagonia “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the teaching of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmerer “Siddharta” by Herman Hesse “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho “The Hero with A Thousand Faces” by Joseph Campbell

Episode 169 Marla McPherson, conservationist, river runner

Dr. Deborah Adamy has conversations with everyday people who inspire, uplift and who are living their lives with vitality and joy. She admires people who can weather adversity and hardship without becoming cynical and bitter; who actually choose to learn, grow and find meaning and purpose in what they have experienced. There are countless ordinary people living pretty extraordinary lives and Deborah wants to shine light on them! Enlighten: Uplift and Inspire includes conversations with a wide variety of people: activists, musicians, shiatsu therapists, circus arts performers, playwrights, directors, psychotherapists, dancers, film makers, yoga teachers, educators, actors and photographers, just to name a few. May you feel inspired and uplifted listening to this podcast. Visit www.enlighten.nyc for more. Enjoy!!

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Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire

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