In today?s Soul Curriculum, Rohan speaks candidly with writer Alex Morris about how to become more comfortable asking for help. As Alex shares, it?s often our preconceptions of how we will be received that prevent us from reaching out. However, as Alex realizes in his own story, when we take the risk and acknowledge our need for help, people around us rise to our aid and can help make our world wider. Alex also reinforces the beauty of helping's reciprocal nature: How good it can feel to be honest both in the ways we need help, and the ways in which we are able to step up for others.

Listen to Alex Morris' full episode of Meditative Story, "Dancing on my own": https://listen.meditativestory.com/AlexMorris_Nov10

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at https://meditativestory.com/

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When actor Michael Imperioli is 17, he makes an impulsive move: on the day he's supposed to drive up to college, instead he takes the train down to New York City and signs up for acting classes. His parents are baffled, but they give him an enormous gift: they trust him. As he grows as an artist, Michael realizes the way that the courage to trust ? in your instincts, in your teachers, and in one another ? is what forms the foundation for a brave, creative life.

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a young writer and performer, Sara Benincasa found her voice doing stand-up comedy. For years, it seemed better than therapy. But slowly, doubts surfaced. While the external validation she received made her feel successful and even loved, something was missing. In this episode of Meditative Story, Sara shares how she came to look inward, instead of outward, for richer feelings of worth. 

Sara Benincasa?s monthly podcast, "Well, This Isn't Normal," is about mental health and stress relief. Find it on Apple, Spotify, and Stitcher.

More about Sara Benincasa: 

Her website: SaraBenincasa.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/SaraJBenincasa

Find her weekly newsletter, Saratonin: SaraJBenincasa.Substack.com

She writes essays here: SaraJBenincasa.Medium.com

Sara?s Patreon includes the newsletter, access to private essays, and an exclusive weekly podcast: Patreon.com/SaraBenincasa

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.com/sarabenincasa

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No matter what emotions are brought up for you during the holiday season, the mindfulness techniques explored in this episode will leave you feeling relaxed even when the holiday brings challenges like tricky family dynamics, the difficulty of disconnecting from work, and the loneliness that can arise at even the most joyful times of year. Notice them, name them, release them.

To learn more about the RAIN mindfulness technique ? an acronym first coined by senior Buddhist teacher, Michele McDonald ? visit Tara Brach?s website (you?ll see how Rohan?s version relates to Michele's original technique and Tara?s revised one): https://www.tarabrach.com/rain/#rainchange

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When life hands you an unimaginable sorrow, how do you begin to recover your joy, your connection, your creative spark? In a special crossover episode with our friends at the Spark & Fire podcast, comedian and actor Patton Oswalt (you might know him as the voice of Remy in ?Ratatouille?) shares a powerful story about how he slowly reclaimed his creative spirit after a tragedy that left him questioning everything. It?s a story of family, community, and connectedness, co-hosted by Rohan and Spark & Fire host June Cohen.

Listen to the full episode of Spark & Fire at sparkandfire.com.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sitting in the school library, staring down at his unfinished chemistry homework, pre-med student Case Kenny feels helpless. He faces a difficult choice: did I choose the wrong major? And who will I disappoint if I admit that? Now an acclaimed podcaster (New Mindset, Who Dis?), Case shares three stories from his early life about being wrong, and how he slowly learns what?s right for him. The key: Learning to see wrongness as a chance to re-examine who he is and what his right next step might be.

Find Case Kenny on Instagram: @case.kenny

Explore Case?s podcast: New Mindset, Who Dis

Case is the creator of mindfulness journals like The New Mindset Journal and But First, Inner Peace. 

AND: he?s the creator of the dance music x mindfulness show Zen Disco.

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at https://meditativestory.com/

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just out of school, writer Alex Morris gets a job performing and teaching improv comedy in London, playing absurd characters night after night. But his knack for hiding his true self starts long before he ever steps onstage. Alex is hiding a secret ? one that only his family and a few close friends know: he?s slowly losing his sight. He shares a story about his struggles living with a degenerative eye disease and the lengths to which he would go to pretend he didn?t need help.

Listen to Tony Tjan?s episode of Meditative Story, "Learning resilience from earth's edge": http://listen.meditativestory.com/TonyTjan_WWs

Follow Alex on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexinwriting/

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at https://meditativestory.com/

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rohan sits down with author Florence Williams to talk about her award-winning Meditative Story, ?To chase the sunset.? In conversation, Florence offers her candid perspective on how to face heartbreak with patience and compassion, by letting beauty mend our hearts. It?s a Soul Curriculum episode filled with wisdom and assurance that we too can accept our scars, and even learn to see the gifts they offer.

Listen to Florence Williams' full episode of Meditative Story, "To chase the sunset": https://listen.meditativestory.com/Florence2

Purchase Florence Williams' book, Heartbreak: http://www.florencewilliams.com/new-page

Or the audiobook here: https://www.pushkin.fm/audiobooks/heartbreak

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at https://meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Growing up, Rachel Cargle was used to seeing things her family couldn?t afford. As she got older, became a writer, lecturer, and philanthropist, she continued to seek opportunities just beyond her grasp. Hard work and creativity allowed her to grow successful as an entrepreneur, but deeper challenges still remained. In this episode of Meditative Story, Rachel unfolds how she found fulfillment by turning her gifts outward.

Listen to Larry Jackson?s episode of Meditative Story, "To visualize ... and make it so": http://listen.meditativestory.com/LarryJacksonSeason1

Learn more about The Loveland Foundation, Inc., Rachel's non-profit organization offering free therapy to Black women and girls: https://thelovelandfoundation.org/

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at https://meditativestory.com/kino-macgregor/

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do the challenges and trauma we encounter in our lives tie to our ancestral roots? How do we hold on to these experiences in our physical body? These are questions that we explore on today?s Soul Curriculum episode featuring author, entrepreneur, and yoga instructor Kino MacGregor. Rohan and Kino go deeper into how generational pain can become expressed in the body, and explore ways in which physical practices can provide an antidote. 

Listen to Kino MacGregor's full episode of Meditative Story, "My grandfather the Aikido master": https://listen.meditativestory.com/KinoMacGregorEpisode

Learn more about Kino: www.kinoyoga.com

Learn more about Omstars, the world?s first yoga TV network: www.Omstars.com

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at https://meditativestory.com/kino-macgregor/

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the Mexican holiday Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, we allow ourselves space for our memories and our grief about those we?ve lost ? as well as for joy, and even humor, around the continuity between life and death. While many cultures try to tiptoe around death, the rituals of Día de Muertos ask us to look clearly at it, recognize death?s place in our lives, and honor both its everyday-ness and its mystery. 

Read the transcript for this episode: https://meditativestory.com/rohans-meditation-day-of-the-dead/

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The strawberry field past the maple tree. A hidden nook beneath the stairs. The magical hour before anyone else is awake. Throughout her life, Angela Ahrendts has sought out sanctuaries ? sacred spaces to reconnect and to dream, quiet moments to visualize what her next big decision might lead to, to stay open to the signs that help guide her. Now, after a series of bold career choices, Angela reflects on the decades-long journey that has brought her to this moment, and comes to realize that with each new day she has an opportunity to discover a new sanctuary ? because the truest sanctuary is the one within us all.

Listen to Kaywin Feldman?s episode of Meditative Story, "Derailed by beauty": https://listen.meditativestory.com/KaywinFeldmanMS

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Midway through a grueling, muddy obstacle course, Shani Tran is so grateful for the support of her father, her teammate, who cheers her on and pulls her through. But in other parts of life, she knows, he?s just not there for her in the same way. And that?s ... okay. She shares three stories ? with humor, and with honesty ?  that build to a lifelong lesson about seeing people for who they are, not who you wish they?d be, and learning to take responsibility for your own happiness. 

Listen to Milana Vayntrub?s episode of Meditative Story, "Long-distance love": https://link.chtbl.com/Milana_WW

Follow Shani on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshaniproject

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at https://meditativestory.com/kino-macgregor/

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today?s Soul Curriculum episode, Rohan talks with the Paralympian and current world record holder in the long jump Lex Gillette. Lex shares his insights into how music allowed him to define himself on his own terms, and elaborates on his mantra: "No need for sight when you have a vision." Join Rohan for a deeper conversation with the extraordinary Lex Gillette about how to lead ourselves out of our comfort zones and soar. 

Listen to Lex Gillette's full episode of Meditative Story, "To be seen on my own terms": https://listen.meditativestory.com/LexGilette_Sept1

Find Lex?s song, On the Stage, which is featured in this episode, here: https://music.apple.com/us/album/on-the-stage-single/520218668

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Sign up for the Meditative Story weekly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Russ Ellis has led the kind of life they write books about. The first full-time Black professor at California?s Claremont Colleges. Acclaimed sociologist. Celebrated sculptor and painter. Even a recording artist. But as he reveals in this episode, even the fullest life can be haunted by a single event half a century earlier.

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today?s Soul Curriculum episode, Rohan and singer/songwriter Nataly Dawn invite us all to consider what it is to be a beginner, and why it?s so easy to experience shame when we?re completely new at something. Reflecting on the passage from beginner to mastery, Nataly and Rohan explore the wide range of feelings we can experience when facing the new, and the satisfaction of letting the process unfold. Join us for a delightful discussion with Nataly. 

Listen to Nataly Dawn's full episode of Meditative Story, "My battle as a beginner opens up a world of wonder": https://listen.meditativestory.com/NatalyDawnepisode

Catch Nataly on the Gardenview U.S. tour, which runs from 9/30/22 - 10/22/22 across SF, LA, Seattle, Portland, DC, Philadelphia, Boston and New York. Tickets available at NatalyDawnMusic.com

Read the transcript for this story at https://meditativestory.com/soul-curriculum-nataly-dawn

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Sign up for the Meditative Story weekly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Growing up half-Japanese in South Florida, Kino MacGregor spends a lot of time feeling uncomfortable in her own body. But her Japanese grandfather is always there for her, and they spend joyful hours together every day, playing hide-and-seek, cooking and eating, practicing aikido. Behind his joy, she learns only later, hides a profound grief ? one that carries down the generations. In Kino?s Ashtanga yoga practice, she finds the tools to process this grief and sadness she?s unknowingly carried.

Listen to Courtney Martin?s episode of Meditative Story, "Finding her to find me": https://listen.meditativestory.com/CourtneyMartin_WW

Learn more about Kino: www.kinoyoga.com

Learn more about Omstars, the world?s first yoga TV network: www.Omstars.com

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at https://meditativestory.com/kino-macgregor/

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Soul Curriculum, Rohan spends time with Henry Shukman, author and spiritual director of the Mountain Cloud Zen Center in Santa Fe. The two dive into the theme of deep listening and what it can open up in us; how to hone our ability to be present to the world around us and to each other; and the importance of finding mentors to guide us along the way. Join us to hear two soulful meditation practitioners in candid conversation.

Listen to Henry Shukman's episode of Meditative Story, "What deep listening unlocks for me": https://listen.meditativestory.com/HenryShukmanWW

Henry Shukman is a Zen Master in the Sanbo Zen lineage and is the Spiritual Director at Mountain Cloud Zen Center, and co-director of the Rio Grande Mindfulness Institute. Before this, he taught poetry at the Institute of American Indian Arts and Oxford Brookes University. He has written several award-winning books of poetry and fiction, including the memoir One Blade of Grass: Finding the Old Road of the Heart. His new meditation program, Original Love, offers a broad, inclusive path of practice.

Read the transcript for this story at http://www.meditativestory.com/soul-curriculum-henry-shukman

Sign up for the Meditative Story weekly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As an author and poet, Mark Nepo has spent decades writing about spirituality and serenity. But his life wasn?t always as calm as it is now. Growing up, Mark feels challenged by the demands of his perfectionist father and struggles to feel seen. Years later, after surviving a battle with cancer, Mark looks back and realizes that watching his father refurbish a boat in their backyard provided one of the most important, surprising lessons of his life.

Learn more about Mark: MarkNepo.com

Fine him on Facebook and Twitter: @MarkNepo

Find him on Instagram: Mark_Nepo

For upcoming webinars: Live.MarkNepo.com

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Soul Curriculum, Rohan speaks candidly with songwriter, poet, artist, and musician Morgan Harper Nichols about the creation of her Meditative Story. They explore the role art plays in helping her to connect with herself and others, and how to stay open to the unforeseen ways in which a sense of belonging may arrive in our lives. As Morgan reveals, sometimes it takes risk and movement to shake us up and discover a deeper understanding of who we are. Join Morgan and Rohan as they reflect on these themes in this intimate conversation.

Listen to Morgan Harper Nichols' episode of Meditative Story, "Heading halfway around the world to find myself": https://listen.meditativestory.com/MorganHarperNichols

Learn more about Morgan: https://morganharpernichols.com

Find Morgan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganharpernichols/

Where to purchase Morgan's latest book, Peace is a Practice: https://morganharpernichols.com/preorder

Where to find Morgan's artwork: https://garden24.co

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at http://www.meditativestory.com/soul-curriculum-morgan-harper-nichols

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Celebrity chef Carla Hall wasn?t always interested in cooking. As a child, she finds that puzzles and play help her to discover her true character. When she falls upon a hard time, she instinctively turns to memories of her grandmother?s kitchen for comfort. In this episode of Meditative Story, Carla shares how sensory play finally allows her to solve her biggest puzzle yet ? herself.

Listen to Danny Meyer's episode of Meditative Story, "How to find ? and feed ? your passion": http://listen.meditativestory.com/DannyMeyerSeason1

Learn more about Carla: https://www.carlahall.com/

Follow Carla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlaphall/

Follow Carla on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefcarlahall

Follow Carla on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlahall

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the UK, Joe Wicks became a household name early in the pandemic with his daily workouts, called ?PE with Joe,? that helped millions of us keep moving and laughing. Early on in his own life, Joe learns first-hand how fitness can help people survive hard times, as he runs miles to escape from a chaotic childhood. As he begins his adult life, he embarks on a 2,000-mile bike ride ? but this time, he realizes, he?s not racing away from his fears, but running toward his purpose.

Listen to Robin Arzón?s episode of Meditative Story, "Even a superhero starts with small steps": http://listen.meditativestory.com/RobinArzon_WW

Learn more about Joe: https://www.thebodycoach.com

Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebodycoach/

Subscribe to his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAxW1XT0iEJo0TYlRfn6rYQ

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lex Gillette is a 5-time medalist at the Paralympic Games, and a world record holder in the long jump, but he?s more than that too. As he learns to navigate the world after losing his sight, he?s worried about being left out and overlooked ? or, just as bad, being seen only in terms of his disability and his athletic gifts. Lex shares the story of how he began to forge his identity on his own terms, creating a spotlight that he steps into with his entire being.

Listen to Cal Ripken Jr.?s episode of Meditative Story, "Showing up is never an end in itself": http://listen.meditativestory.com/CalRipkenJrWW

Learn more about Lex: https://www.lexgillette.com

Follow him on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lexgillette

Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexgillette/

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Nataly Dawn?s family moves from the U.S. to a tiny town in the middle of France, she finds herself unable to speak, read, or even play the way the other kids do. It?s embarrassing, being a rock-bottom beginner in 5th grade ? but as she slowly learns the language, she finds a new kind of joy in the process of discovery. The singer-songwriter who is one-half of the band Pomplamoose shares how a beginner?s mindset ? even if it?s uncomfortable at first ? can be a doorway to connection and joy.

Learn more about Nataly Dawn at NatalyDawnMusic.com ? where you can snag tickets for her upcoming tour!

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a boy in Oxford, Henry Shukman seeks refuge from a painful childhood by disappearing into poetry, immersing himself in nature. But the beauty and clarity he finds there is only fleeting. A series of visits with a mysterious old family friend help him to understand that experiencing beauty ? and its extraordinary gifts ? doesn?t have to be a chance encounter. In fact, it could become a guiding principle of his life. Through listening deeply, she shows him how to unlock beauty at every moment.

Listen to David Whyte?s episode of Meditative Story, "We become the places we love": http://listen.meditativestory.com/DavidWhyte_WW

Henry Shukman is a Zen Master in the Sanbo Zen lineage and is the Spiritual Director at Mountain Cloud Zen Center, and co-director of the Rio Grande Mindfulness Institute. Before this, he taught poetry at the Institute of American Indian Arts and Oxford Brookes University. He has written several award-winning books of poetry and fiction, including the memoir One Blade of Grass: Finding the Old Road of the Heart. His new meditation program, Original Love, offers a broad, inclusive path of practice.

Read the transcript for this story at www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story weekly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lehua Kamalu captains a vast, double-hulled ocean canoe crafted to the exact specifications of the seafaring vessels used by her ancestors. She and her crew are making a 2,500 mile journey between Tahiti and Hawaii, the same one original settlers of the South Pacific traversed, the same journeys historians once struggled to believe possible without today?s technology. The stakes are high and they sail the way their ancestors sailed, taking their cues from the water and wind. Lehua stays alert and patient hours on end. It?s only by being grounded in the signs that Lehua can anticipate the possibilities. And it?s only by staying present that Lehua can take in the magic of the open water ? and draw from that magic to sustain herself when each journey ends, as they inevitably do.

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today?s episode takes you inside the intimate process behind creating a Meditative Story ? and explores the musical wizardry behind each episode. 

We hear from storyteller Dallas Taylor, the host of the 20,000 Hertz podcast, who gives us a peek behind the scenes in which Dallas describes his collaboration with the Meditative Story team. This exclusive excerpt comes from his companion podcast, MicroHertz. 

Also, our host Rohan Gunatillake interviews our composer, Ryan Holladay, who shares how he approaches creating the music for Meditative Story.

Listen to Dallas Taylor?s episode of Meditative Story, ?I focus on sensations that ground me?: https://listen.meditativestory.com/DallasTaylorMedStory

Listen to Dallas Taylor's podcast, Twenty Thousand Hertz: Apple | Spotify | Web

Listen to the companion podcast MicroHertz: https://glow.fm/20k/

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's storyteller Steven Ho grew up in a strict Vietnamese-American household where the stakes were always high. He felt an overwhelming pressure to walk the straight line set before him ? a line of overachieving and excellence. As Steven grew up, he encountered places and circumstances that catapulted him into a deep curiosity and affection for the world around him. Steven began to wonder if there might be more than he could have ever expected, waiting for him outside the lines.

Listen to Steve Almond's episode of Meditative Story, "My roads diverging": http://listen.meditativestory.com/SteveAlmond_WW

Learn more about Steven: https://linktr.ee/steveioe

Find Steven on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveioe

Find Steven on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/steveioe

Find Steven on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@steveioe

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Morgan Harper Nichols is a songwriter, poet, artist, and musician who was diagnosed with autism as an adult. Growing up, she yearns to see the wider world outside her rural home, and to embark on adventures like Bilbo Baggins. When she spends a semester studying abroad, she finds herself surrounded by the unfamiliar ? and feeling rejected and lonely sometimes. But by stepping into the unknown, she begins to discover what is most important to her ? and finds a new path to belonging.

Listen to Mickey Guyton's episode of Meditative Story, "Embracing what makes me different": http://listen.meditativestory.com/MickeyGuytonWW

Learn more about Morgan: https://morganharpernichols.com

Find Morgan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganharpernichols/

Where to purchase Morgan's latest book, Peace is a Practice: https://morganharpernichols.com/preorder

Where to find Morgan's artwork: https://garden24.co

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Maya Shankar is a cognitive neuroscientist and host of the award-winning podcast A Slight Change of Plans. As a girl, she struggles with taking things too seriously: herself, the sufferings of others, the hypothetical misfortunes she imagines for the future. She turns to her father for perspective ? and he takes her on a memorable walk, one that helps her understand her place in the universe (spoiler: it?s not not at the center of it). When her adult life brings a new and unexpected kind of sorrow, she turns to these lessons from her father again, to find a balance between the seriousness that comes with loving life and the wise perspective of knowing we're all just passing through.

Listen to Dr. Laurie Santos' episode of Meditative Story, "My monkey teacher": http://listen.meditativestory.com/LSantos_WW

Listen to Maya Shankar's podcast (selected as the Best Show of the Year by Apple in 2021), A Slight Change of Plans: https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/a-slight-change-of-plans

Follow Maya Shankar: https://www.instagram.com/drmayashankar/

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special episode, we spend more time with a storyteller who recently shared their Meditative Story with us, Sharon Salzberg. Rohan and Sharon wind their way back through Sharon?s story, exploring the key theme: Being kind, loving, patient with yourself. Together, they dive deeper into this idea, in a way that may just open up something special in you.

Did you relate to Sharon?s story? Email us at [email protected]

Read the transcript to this episode of Soul Curriculum: https://meditativestory.com/soul-curriculum-sharon-salzberg/

Hear Sharon's original Meditative Story: https://meditativestory.com/sharon-salzberg/

Learn more about Sharon: sharonsalzberg.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On his podcast and TV show Song Exploder, Hrishikesh Hirway digs deep into the creative process of legendary songwriters. But before Hrishikesh becomes a podcast creator, he's a working musician himself ? who finds his ability to create being slowly drained away by self-doubt. He stumbles into a case of songwriter?s block that lasts him nearly seven years. Today, Hrishikesh shares the story of how he gets drawn back into creating music through an unexpected collaboration.

Listen to Andrew Bird's episode of Meditative Story, "Listening to the space around you": https://listen.meditativestory.com/AndrewBirdSpaceAroundYou

Learn more about Hrishikesh Hirway: https://hrishikesh.co/

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

By the time Sharon Salzberg is 16 years old, she knows the people around her don?t admit to suffering, much less talk about it. A year later, she makes a life-changing decision to travel alone to India to study meditation. It doesn?t all go as expected. Through the journey?s disappointments, discomforts, and surprise lessons, she finds an unexpected friend: herself. In today?s Meditative Story, Sharon talks about how being kind, especially to herself, became her biggest mountain to climb.

Listen to Pico Iyer's episode of Meditative Story, "A home that had been waiting for me forever": http://listen.meditativestory.com/IyerClassicWW

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

Learn more about Sharon:

Website: sharonsalzberg.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sharonsalzberg

Twitter: www.twitter.com/sharonsalzberg

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SharonSalzberg

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/SharonSalzbergVideo

Medium: www.medium.com/@sharonsalzberg

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sharonsalzberg

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Broadcaster Dan Harris shares a candid look at his attempts to connect more with his son, Alexander, on their first father-son trip.

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gordana Biernat grows up in a household full of mayhem and darkness. But there?s one saving grace: her grandfather, who spins legendary stories of the quirky folkloric magic he sees all around them. In today?s Meditative Story, Gordana talks about reopening herself to the unseen and the ?funny rushes of surprise? she encounters all around her when she stops dodging fear and starts seeking new chances to grow.

Read a transcript of this episode: https://meditativestory.com

Sign up for the weekly Meditative Story newsletter, to get a timely episode reminder and a mini meditation in your inbox each week: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

Learn more about Gordana Biernat?s work at: www.mypowertalk.com

You can email her at [email protected]

Follow Gordana Biernat at:

https://twitter.com/MyPowertalk

https://www.facebook.com/SuperSoul100/

https://www.instagram.com/mypowertalk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanabiernat

http://www.supersoul.tv/supersoul-100/soul-teachers/gordana-biernat

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Growing up on his father?s ranch in Elko, Nevada, Waddie Mitchell watches the cowboys around him with awe, silently absorbing their stories and manners ? how to shoe a horse, start a colt, lead a crew and tell a tale. Through the buckaroos he learns that adventure and freedom aren?t things to seek elsewhere ? that embedded in the raw materials of his own life, in the sounds and smells of the ranch itself, are the real rules for living that don?t get written down.

Learn more about Waddie Mitchell: waddiemitchell.com

Read a transcript of this episode: https://meditativestory.com/waddie-mitchell/

Sign up for the weekly Meditative Story newsletter, to get a timely episode reminder and a mini meditation in your inbox each week: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, Dallas Taylor is a creative director and creator of the beloved podcast Twenty Thousand Hertz. But before this, he had another life ? one that brought immense pressure. He shares the story of how he comes to realize that feeling the weight of anxiety and fear doesn?t mean he?s broken. It means he?s human.

Listen to Dallas Taylor's podcast, Twenty Thousand Hertz: (Apple | Spotify | Web)

Listen to Aasif Mandvi's episode of Meditative Story, "Getting out of my own head": http://listen.meditativestory.com/AasifMandvi_WWs

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Writer Isha Sesay is happiest when she is caring for others; it?s a lesson she learns from her mother while growing up in Sierra Leone. But as an adult, there?s another lesson her mother teaches her, in quite another way: that even the most caring and giving among us must learn to receive help too. It?s through both giving and receiving that we become whole.

Listen to Arianna Huffington's episode of Meditative Story, "Life and love and the moment": https://link.chtbl.com/ArianaHuffington-IshaSesay

Follow Isha Sesay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamishasesay/

Isha Sesay?s podcast, The Accidental Activist: https://the-accidental-activist.simplecast.com/ 

Isha Sesay?s 2020 book, Beneath the Tamarind Tree: A Story of Courage, Family, and the Lost Schoolgirls of Boko Haram: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/beneath-the-tamarind-tree-isha-sesay?variant=32131159752738

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Every Thursday night, Matthew Mercer leads a merry band through a maze of goblins, spells, and enchantments, as he plays an immersive role-playing game. In our story, Matthew explores what these creative games open up in him and how shining his light into the world gives others permission to do the same.

Learn more about Critical Role: https://critrole.com/foundation/

Listen to Reid Hoffman's episode of Meditative Story, "Through friendship, a better version of myself": https://listen.meditativestory.com/ReidHoffman-Mercer

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode ? in this experiment ? we?re inviting back a storyteller who very recently shared their Meditative Story with us, Kristin Windbigler. Together, Rohan and Kristin are going to wind our way back through Kristin?s story, and talk about the key theme that her story explores: ?How can I connect with those who are different from me?? The goal of this experiment: to dig into this theme in a way that may just open up something special in you.

Did this experiment work for you? Email us at [email protected] and take a moment to fill out this quick survey: medstorypod.com/NewEpisodeSurvey

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts.

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Like so many of us, Chad Sanders has strived to belong for as long as he can remember ? thwarted in the shadows of other people?s judgements of him. Fortunately, life has its way of giving us glimpses into our limitless possibility, when we allow our natural creativity and curiosity to embody our highest expression, regardless of the friction that people and circumstances place upon us. A magical high school experience in English class, and later in life, an auspicious walk with the iconic filmmaker, Spike Lee, give Chad unforgettable windows to find his flow. Turns out, by letting go of how others think he should be, Chad is finally able to walk into every room and every environment as himself.

Listen to Franklin Leonard?s episode of Meditative Story, "Writing the Main Character": https://listen.meditativestory.com/LeonardSandersep

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rural California is all Kristin Windbigler knows as a child ? its wild, green pastoral landscape, where living off the land and self-sufficiency is a choice to live abundantly. One evening, gathered around the television with her mom and dad, Kristin watches a news report that suggests families like hers, living below the poverty line, are in critical need of help. What the TV journalist misses is that it?s possible to live abundantly without a big paycheck, without the need for anything other than what the land and community already provide. The news report sends Kristin on a path to tell deeper, multi-dimensional stories. She ends up in San Francisco and discovers that city-living has its own charm, before coming home to country life where she is today. The stories Kristin shares are American narratives that add up to a universal truth: when we people work together to solve urgent problems, our differences fall away.

Listen to Waddie Mitchell?s episode of Meditative Story, "A cowboy?s rules for living": https://listen.meditativestory.com/WaddieMitchellWindbigler

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When someone?s having a mental health challenge, helping them early on to seek support can make a lifetime of difference. That?s why campaigns like Mental Health Awareness Month, taking place across the U.S. this month, are so vital. In this meditation from Rohan, you?re invited to take this time to slow down, check in with yourself, and open a conversation with those you love about how we?re all doing right now. To support the people you love, it starts by focusing on the basics. 

To find out more about the Back to Basics campaign for Mental Health Awareness Month, visit the Mental Health America website at mhanational.org/may

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As he sits with his wife in the waiting room of the pediatric cardiology unit, actor Joel McHale is struggling to feel anything but helpless. His infant son has been born with two holes in his heart; an operation is underway to repair them. But waiting in that moment, Joel begins to realize the unpredictable journey of parenthood that lies ahead. Life will happen. You just deal with it as best you can. And you love your kids, endlessly and endlessly and endlessly.

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Silvia Vasquez-Lavado is the first openly lesbian woman to climb the famous Seven Summits, a bucket list of the highest mountain on every continent. But while preparing for the seventh summit, a peak that has eluded her climb after climb, she realizes that she can?t charge forward with the same conquering mentality. Denali ? the highest mountain peak in North America ? leads her to discover the importance of self-compassion over the desire for conquest when dealing with life?s greatest obstacles.

You can purchase her new memoir, In the Shadow of the Mountain, which further explores her journey to the Seven Summits and the trauma that it unpacks, here: https://amzn.to/3uaJh2b

Listen to Donald Miralle?s episode of Meditative Story, ?Where the water takes me": https://listen.meditativestory.com/DonaldMiralleSilviaep

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

?Nothing really prepares you for how to explain what an airstrike is to your six-year-old when waiting at a red light.? Such was the recent experience of our host Rohan Gunatillake. Like so many of us, Rohan is navigating the tragic daily news coming out of Ukraine. He offers words of calm and a simple way to balance our attention when we find ourselves glued to the headlines on our phones. He also walks us through two meditation techniques to help us during times of overwhelm and stress.

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the first 22 years of his life, Al Harris singularly focuses on one single goal: to play basketball in the NBA. Although he?s an elite young player, Al?s dream comes to an end when he?s passed over during the 2008 NBA draft. In the ensuing years, Al is recruited to play professional basketball throughout Europe, where he meets and builds bonds with a diverse group of people ? which likely would not have happened if his ?Plan A? had succeeded. Instead, Al learns that the experience of impacting others along his journey is what will result in a lasting legacy.  

Listen to Krista Tippett's episode of Meditative Story, "I let go of my plan ? and found myself": https://listen.meditativestory.com/KristaTippettHarrisep

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Morgan Saylor is an actor of stage and screen, best known for her portrayal of the teenage Dana Brody in the series ?Homeland.? But, before acting, her first passion was mathematics. Morgan unfolds how math has given her a way to approach the unknown with trust and openness, accepting that each moment and every relationship contains infinite possibilities.

Listen to Michelle Thaller's episode of Meditative Story, "Our tiny meaningful lives in the vast universe": https://listen.meditativestory.com/MichelleThallerSaylor

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Fred Minnick returns from his military service as a photographer documenting the war in Iraq, he finds himself haunted by what he saw through the lens of his camera. Trauma, as a result of the battlefield and his childhood, holds a grip on him until a bag of barbecue potato chips unlocks something in his brain. An untapped talent ? he was born with a remarkable sense of smell ? serves as a lifeline back to the present moment, and back to himself.

Listen to Stephen Kuusisto's episode of Meditative Story, "Allowing sound to reveal life?s wonder": https://listen.meditativestory.com/StephenKuusistoMinnick

Learn more about Fred's work: fredminnick.com

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jacob Sartorius has been making music and short videos since he was a kid. By age 14, he had millions of social media followers who loved his honest, heartfelt content. But on the flip side of that love, he discovered a darker side to his celebrity ? one that took him by surprise and threatened his own well-being. Until a simple technique, and a new friend, helped him find a way back to himself, one breath at a time.

Watch ?Breathe: The Documentary? here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0RBMwirwC4

Listen to ?Fear of Intimacy? here: https://vydia.lnk.to/FEAROFINTIMACY

Listen to ?Lost But Found? EP here: https://vydia.lnk.to/LostButFound

Follow Jacob on all socials @JacobSartorius

Listen to Jay Shetty's episode of Meditative Story, "The art class": https://listen.meditativestory.com/JayShettySartorius

Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story at: www.meditativestory.com

Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gyDGgD

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.