Shows
Best of OurselvesBOO509 – Encore – Healing the Heart of Democracy – Habit 3Parker Palmer believes that if taken together, the 5 habits are critical to sustaining a democracy. The habits are described as deeply ingrained ways of seeing, being and responding to life that involve our minds, emotions, our self-images, our concepts of meaning and purpose in life. This podcast explores Habit 3: An ability to hold tension in life-giving ways.
Resources
To hear Parker talk about each of the 5 habits or his full interview
Non-violent communication resources
Dance of the Me and We by Dr Ginny Belden Charles
Power and Love – Bringing Out the Be...
2026-02-1705 minBest of OurselvesBOO508- Encore – Healing the Heart -Habit 2 – Conversation with Parker J PalmerThis podcast explores Habit 2 in the Parker Palmer’s 5 Habits of the Heart; habits that are critical for a vibrant democracy. This habit is entitled: An Appreciation of the Value of Otherness.
Resources:
Healing the Heart of Democracy by Parker J Palmer — link to the book, discussion guide and resources.
Full interview with Parker Palmer in 2012 and 2013
Don’t Take Things Personally – Podcast
Defensiveness – Podcast
Listening to Conflict – Podcast
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2026-02-1005 minBest of OurselvesBOO507- Encore – Healing the Heart of Democracy – Habit 1In Parker Palmer’s book, Healing the Heart of Democracy, he cites 5 habits of the heart that will help us move beyond fear. Using excerpts from a 2013 interview, we examine the first habit — we are all connected.
Resources:
Parker’s full description of Habit One
An Hour Interview with Parker Palmer
For More Best of Ourselves Podcasts on Community and Relationships
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2026-02-0305 minBest of OurselvesBOO506 – When Trying Still MattersIn this episode, I reflect on a familiar story about an elephant held in place not by a rope, but by a belief that trying no longer matters. Living in northern Minnesota, and hearing directly from friends and family witnessing events in the Twin Cities, I explore how that same limiting story shows up in moments when constitutional rights are being tested. Drawing on the First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendments—and Martin Luther King Jr.’s wisdom about power and love—I name what it means for ordinary people to stand together lawfully and nonviolently. This is a reflection on civ...
2026-01-2705 minBest of OurselvesBOO505 – An Unexpected Lesson at the Cell Phone StoreA casual question during a cell phone upgrade sparked an unexpected political exchange—and a deeper inquiry into how we meet one another across difference. This episode reflects on presence, sacred engagement, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s reminder that love and power must work together if we’re to create justice and avoid becoming what we oppose.
Resources
Healing the Divide
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2026-01-2205 minBest of OurselvesBOO504 – Encore – Noticing Awe-full MomentsThanks to Kathy Magnuson for sharing her Awe Journal practice and it’s impact on her life.
Resources
Finding Awe
Awe: The new Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life
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2026-01-1304 minBest of OurselvesBOO503 – What a Holiday Scare Taught Me About PresenceA Thanksgiving moment went wrong—a small dog, a sudden crisis, and my brain completely freezing. What followed wasn’t competence or quick thinking, but a powerful lesson in how stress disconnects us from our bodies.
In this episode, I reflect on what that scare revealed about presence, uncertainty, and the quiet wisdom our bodies carry—especially during long, difficult seasons. A reminder that when answers aren’t available, staying honest with what’s here may be enough.
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2026-01-0705 minBest of OurselvesBOO502- Encore – Change One Step At A TimeWhen we contemplate significant changes in our lives, our flight, fight, or freeze response may kick in. We tend to prioritize safety, and our autonomic nervous system can pose a significant barrier to transformation. Learning to move forward without waging an internal war is crucial.
Resources
Acceptance as a Step Towards Growth
Curiosity as a Growth Tool
Intentions: Allies for Growth
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2025-12-3105 minBest of OurselvesBOO501 – Choosing Love in a World Built on DominanceWhat if strength isn’t something we build for ourselves alone? Inspired by the Grand Portage Band’s response to the closure of our local Coast Guard station, this reflection explores how Indigenous wisdom challenges our dominant story of competition, scarcity, and separateness—and invites us into a different way of living, grounded in connection, love, and shared belonging.
Resources
Imprisoned by Our Story
Suffocating
What Do You See?
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2025-12-2305 minBest of OurselvesBOO500- Encore – Holiday Stress ResilienceMany of us experience stress during the holidays. In this special episode we explore what helps us be resilient when stress shows up.
Resources:
University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing on Stress
Busy without Stress Podcast
Work Your Mindfulness Podcast
Accepting What Shows Up Podcast
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2025-12-1609 minBest of OurselvesBOO499 – The Trouble of Being HumanBeing human isn’t tidy. In this episode, I share two moments—one small, one life-shaking—that pulled me right into the rawness of shame, fear, and uncertainty. What I’m learning is this: the struggle isn’t a failure. It’s the place where honesty and grace can actually reach us.
Resources
Living in Uncertainty
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2025-12-1005 minBest of OurselvesBOO498 – The FrownA frown, a misunderstanding, and a lesson I’m still practicing: most of the time, it’s not about us. Here’s what that moment taught me about assumptions, boundaries, and staying true to ourselves.
Resources
Don’t Take It Personally
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2025-12-0205 minBest of OurselvesBOO497 – Loosening the Should KnotsEver had a day where everything goes sideways at once? Mine included dog poo, burr-covered terriers, a broken garage door, and a nurse cheering for Tom’s phlegm. This episode explores what happens when we let go of how life “should” be and meet what’s real—with humor, honesty, and a bit of Anne Lamott–style grace.
Photo: engin akyurt
Resources
Living in Uncertainty
The Should Shower
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2025-11-2505 minBest of OurselvesBOO496 – Encore – Gratitude is a ChoiceGratitude is a choice despite what is happening around us. It is correlated with resilience, happiness and health. Gratitude is always an option.
Resources
More about the Haudenosaunee
Research on Gratitude
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2025-11-1805 minBest of OurselvesBOO495 – The Medicine of GentlenessBurnout doesn’t always show up as exhaustion—it can appear as impatience, numbness, or a heart that quietly tightens to get through the day. In this episode, Marcia Hyatt reflects on recognizing her own signs of burnout while navigating her husband’s medical care and life’s constant demands. Through the image “It’s hard to hold hands with a tight fist,” she explores how stress can close us off and how gentleness, awareness, and small acts of care can help us soften, recover, and reconnect—with ourselves and those we love.
Resources
Breathe
Living in Un...
2025-11-1105 min
bestofourselves podcastBOO496 - The Medicine of GentlenessBurnout doesn't always show up as exhaustion—it can appear as impatience, numbness, or a heart that quietly tightens to get through the day. In this episode, Marcia Hyatt reflects on recognizing her own signs of burnout while navigating her husband's medical care and life's constant demands. Through the image "It's hard to hold hands with a tight fist," she explores how stress can close us off and how gentleness, awareness, and small acts of care can help us soften, recover, and reconnect—with ourselves and those we love. Resources Breathe Living in Unce...
2025-11-1105 minBest of OurselvesBOO495 – Encore – Awareness Changes Your LifeBuilding our capacity to observe ourselves, builds our capacity to grow and change. It can be uncomfortable to wake up to our the ways we limit ourselves. And if you do, the quality of your life changes.
Resources
Freeing Ourselves From Our Stories Podcast
Tuning In Vs Changing the Channel Podcast
Anthony DeMello
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2025-10-2805 minBest of OurselvesBOO494 – How Much To Share?How much do we share — and with whom? In this week’s Best of Ourselves episode, I explore the fine line between privacy and authenticity… and what it means to let a little more light in through the cracks in our lives.
Resources
Help, Please: Lessons From An IKEA Box
The Should Shower
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2025-10-2105 minBest of OurselvesBOO493 – Bad Luck – Maybe NotLife doesn’t come in neat categories of good or bad. In this reflection, I explore how staying open to the mystery can transform how we meet whatever arrives.
Resources
Living in Uncertainty
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2025-10-1405 minBest of OurselvesBOO492 – Encore – Finding CommunityWe are stronger when we work together. Reflections on finding community all around me.
Resources
Habits of the Heart by Parker Palmer
Full Parker Palmer Interview
Power and Love show on building community
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2025-10-0705 minBest of OurselvesBOO491 – Help, Please: Lessons from an IKEA BoxSome Assembly Required.Turns out that’s not just a warning on an IKEA box—it’s a reminder about life. In this week’s show, I confess to my habit of saying “We’re fine” when we’re really… not. From sleepless nights to bolts and Allen wrenches, I discovered that asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s actually a gift to both giver and receiver.
Because maybe the real self-care isn’t doing it all ourselves, but remembering we were never meant to—life is always better assembled together.
Resources
Living in Uncertainty
...
2025-09-3005 minBest of OurselvesBOO490 – One Day At A Time, Sort OfI used to think “living one day at a time” meant glowing serenity. But lately it looks more like noticing my cranky, overtired self and walking her home before she has a meltdown. This show explores the messy, human side of being present in the moment.
Resources
Living With Uncertainty
Resilience or What
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2025-09-2305 minBest of OurselvesBOO489 – Encore – Creatively HealingCreating art has been shown to support healing. It has been shown to reduce loneliness, anxiety and mood disorders. Art and beauty have also been correlated with reduced need for pain medication an reduced recovery times. We all have access to this powerful and fun way to grow and heal.
Resources
What Have I Mythed? Stories for Reflection
Art and Healing Foundation
The Art of Healing
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2025-09-1605 minBest of OurselvesBOO488 – Kindness Changes EverythingIn this episode, I share how unexpected gestures of kindness have touched me more deeply than I ever imagined. From potatoes harvested to simple words of encouragement, these acts have softened old walls around my heart. Together we’ll explore how the heart opens—not by force, but by tending the conditions of worthiness, courage, and compassion.
Resources
Kindness in Action
How to Open the Heart by Jeff Foster
Taking a Stand for Kindness
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2025-09-0905 minBest of OurselvesBOO487 – Widening the LensLife with uncertainty can feel like riding a seesaw with a 1000-pound gorilla—hope one moment, despair the next. In this episode, I share how “widening the lens” through simple practices like breathing, noticing beauty, or reaching for connection helps us find a space of grace.
Resources
Living in Uncertainty
Should Shower
Resilience or What?
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2025-09-0205 minBest of OurselvesBOO486 – Resilience or What?Resilience isn’t about being tough — it’s about living the “both/and.”When life brings hard news, can we let sorrow and joy share the same moment? In this episode, I reflect on how we adapt, what keeps us present, and why resilience might mean, as Joseph Campbell said, “joyfully participating in the sorrows of the world.”
Resources
Living in Uncertainty
The Should Shower
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2025-08-2605 minBest of OurselvesBOO485 – The Should ShowerThe Should Shower 💦Ever find yourself standing under a downpour of “shoulds”?I should be doing more.I should be feeling more.I should be… well, different than I am.
In this week’s episode, I share what it’s been like navigating my husband’s health crisis while my inner critic offers constant commentary — and how I’m learning to step out of the should shower long enough to find what’s actually true for me.
We talk about:🌧 The tug-of-war between productivity and permission🌧 Why outside advice can sometimes drown out our...
2025-08-1905 minBest of OurselvesBOO484 – Living in UncertaintyLife has a way of reminding us that uncertainty is the only thing we can count on. This week’s show is raw and real — no tidy answers, no “5 easy steps” — just what it’s like to live through sudden change and not know what’s next.
As Pema Chödrön writes:
“We think that the point is to pass the test or to overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don’t really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. The healing comes fr...
2025-08-1205 minBest of OurselvesBOO483 – Encore – Building the Capacity for Uncomfortable ConversationsConversations about race and other uncomfortable subjects require us to do our own work, to build capacity in ourselves to listen to learn.
Resources
The Mindtrap of Rightness Podcast
Resmaa Menakem Interview
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2025-08-0605 minBest of OurselvesBOO482 – Encore – Shining Like the SunIt was a retreat I will never forget. It was a precious time of connection and growth. It reminded me of a core truth, we are all “Walking around shining like the sun.”
Resources
Grounded Presence
Healing the Inner Divide
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2025-07-3005 minBest of OurselvesBOO481 – Outgrowing Who I Thought I Had To BeI recently came across a photo of myself as a Brownie—standing straight in my uniform, with this tight little smile on my face. I wasn’t carefree or joyful. I was trying hard to get it right.
Even back then, I had already learned how to shape myself to be acceptable—to be “good.”Good as in quiet, helpful, not too much. I became a chameleon, tuning into what others needed and editing myself to fit the part. And for a long time, that worked. Until it didn’t.
In this episode, I reflect on h...
2025-07-2205 minBest of OurselvesBOO480 – Encore – Facing HatredIt is important to find a way to take a stand for love and at the same time face our own shadows.
Resources
Understanding Our Shadow
Implicit Association Test – About
Implicit Association Test – Take the Test
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2025-07-2105 minBest of OurselvesBOO479 – Encore – Advice on Advice“What I think you should do is…” These words are often intended to be helpful but may miss the mark.
Resources
Moving from Judging to Encouraging
Listening Between the Words
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2025-07-0805 minBest of OurselvesBOO478 – Silence: A Refuge or Hiding Place?Silence can be a refuge—or a hiding place.In this episode, we explore the ways silence shapes our inner and outer lives: when it helps us respond with clarity, and when it becomes a way to withhold our truth. What happens when we stay silent to stay safe? And what’s the cost of leaving our voice unheard? With reflections and a powerful quote from Audre Lorde’s daughter, this show invites us to listen deeply—to ourselves and to the world—and speak what’s waiting to be heard.
Resources
Words Matter
Using...
2025-07-0105 minBest of OurselvesBOO477 – Words MatterIn this episode, the show takes a hard look at the power of words—how they shape our relationships, our communities, and the world we co-create. We challenge the old saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” because we know that words do hurt—and they can also heal.
From middle school memories to the courage of John Lewis, we explore how easy it is to mirror hate and how radical it is to respond from love. The episode invites reflection on how we use our words—especially when tensions rise—and w...
2025-07-0104 minBest of OurselvesBOO476 – Encore – It’s Hard to Hate Up CloseWhen we know someone’s story, it is hard to make them an “other”. We can get past the labels and see the humanity in those who have different life experiences.
Resources
Friends with Those People
A variety of podcasts on community
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2025-06-1705 minBest of OurselvesBOO475 – Encore – Living with Meaning and Intention: The Power of Engaged PresenceThis series explores tapping our full potential and living true to ourselves using the EnneaCrossings™ lens. This episode, the fifth in the series, explores the fourth portal or doorway to living a life true to oneself. Engaged Presence explores how to respond and participate in life from a place of wholeness, interconnectedness, and attunement to what is needed.
Resources
Deep Living Lab’s EnneaCrossings™
Episode One of this EnneaCrossings™ Series: Expanding Your Capacity to Live Fully
Episode Two of this EnneaCrossings™ Series: True Self, True Life: The Path to Inner Freedom
Episo...
2025-06-1005 minBest of OurselvesBOO474 – Encore – Trusting the Heart: Essential Connectedness (EnneaCrossings™ Part 4 )This series explores tapping our full potential and living true to ourselves. This episode, the fourth in the series, explores the third portal or doorway to living a life true to oneself. Essential Connectedness explores levels of consciousness and the mystery of the heart.
Resources
Deep Living Lab’s EnneaCrossings™
Episode One of this EnneaCrossings™ Series: Expanding Your Capacity to Live Fully
Episode Two of this EnneaCrossings™ Series: True Self, True Life: The Path to Inner Freedom
Episode Three of this EnneaCrossings™ Series: Essential Trust: Embracing the Mystery of Life
...
2025-06-0505 minBest of OurselvesBOO473 – Encore – Sacred TrustThis series explores how to tap our full potential and live a life true to ourselves? This episode, the third in the series, explores the second portal or doorway to living a life true to oneself. Essential Connectedness explores levels of consciousness and the mystery of the heart.
Resources
Deep Living Lab’s EnneaCrossings™
Episode One of this EnneaCrossings™ Series: Expanding Your Capacity to Live Fully
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2025-05-2805 minBest of OurselvesBOO472 – Encore – The Path to Inner FreedomThis series explores how to tap our full potential. This episode, the second in the series, explores the first doorway to living a life true to oneself: Essential Holding, the internally sourced experience of belonging, love, security, and guidance. Through awareness and practice, we can pause, notice our reactions, and access deeper wisdom, allowing us to remain authentic and grounded even in challenging situations. By unlearning limiting beliefs and softening the grip of societal expectations, we cultivate the courage to trust ourselves and live in alignment with our true nature.
Resources
Deep Living Lab’s En...
2025-05-2805 minBest of OurselvesBOO471 – Encore – Expanding Our Capacity to Live FullyWhat supports us in accessing our true nature? What practices help us deal with whatever shows up with a grounded presence? This is the first in a series that explores a framework that supports this way of being in the world. This episode explores what happens when we open up the infinite realm.
Resources
EnneaCrossings TM
Definition of Awe
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2025-05-2805 minBest of OurselvesBOO470 – Encore – IntentionalityWe have a lot more choice than we remember. It is so easy to spend the day being reactive. And if we pause, and reflect on what we would like to create, we can focus our energy on what matters most.
This show explores a few tips for living more intentionally.
Resources
Lessons from John Lewis
Seeing our Choices
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2025-05-0605 minBest of OurselvesBOO469 – Encore – There is No Place Like HomeThere is no place like home. In this episode, we explore how to create more hospitality in the world. Starting with being at home with ourselves.
Resources
The Pyschology of Home
A Force for Kindness
Dealing with the Inner Critic
Stop Feeding Your Inner Critic
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2025-05-0605 minBest of OurselvesBOO468 – Encore – NoticingWhat are you noticing? Learning how to be present, to notice what is here, mindfulness — it can change your life. Many sources find it a key to resilience, creativity, health, and happiness.
Resources
Dr. Ellen Langer Talk
Headspace
Dr. Susan David Interview on the Daily Good
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2025-04-2205 minBest of OurselvesBOO467 – Encore – Being On PurposeKnowing our purpose makes us less vulnerable to reactivity and it has amazing health benefits. Taking the time to figure out your “why” is well worth the time.
Resources
The Ladder Out of Mindtraps – Podcast
Unlocking Leadership Mindtraps
Power of Purpose – TEDx talk by Richard Leider
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2025-04-2205 minBest of OurselvesBOO466 – Encore – Listening to the Inner VoiceSome lessons I need to learn over and over again. One persistent struggle is learning to listen to my intuition. Most of the time the consequences of ignoring are small, sometimes they are not.
Resources
Old Patterns
Identifying the Inner Critic
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2025-04-0805 minBest of OurselvesBOO465 – Encore – WorryingWorrying can fill up a day. It has it’s uses but mostly it keeps us from enjoying life. Here are a few tips for freeing ourselves from our worrying mind.
Resources
Stop Imagining the Worst blog
Reducing Worry Blog
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2025-04-0205 minBest of OurselvesBOO464 – Encore – Emotions Affect PerceptionWe think we experience “reality”. However, what we perceive is greatly filtered. One filter, that is helpful to understand, is how our mood impacts our perception.
Resources
Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett TEDx talk
Emotions Drive Decisions – Psychology Today
An Interview with Jennifer Garvey Berger on Mindtraps
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2025-03-2505 minBest of OurselvesBOO463 – Encore – You are NOT Your PersonalityWe have so much more capacity than we know. One key is to understand we are not our personality. In this episode, Roxanne Howe-Murphy talks about what is our personality.
Resources
Deep Living Lab
Exploring a Transformative Lens
Living Deeply with Roxanne Howe-Murphy
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2025-03-1805 minBest of OurselvesBOO462 – Encore – Grounded PresenceIt’s human to want to be in control, seek approval or try to look good. We can get beyond these ego needs access a more grounded presence. From this place we are more able to discern right action.
Resources
What Is OK To Be Podcast
Finding Awe
Working With Our Own Compost
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2025-03-1105 minBest of OurselvesBOO461- – Encore – Working HopeAre you hopeful? How do we re-frame hope to support us using our energy towards what matters most.
Resources
Active Hope
Video on THE GREAT TURNING
Video on the importance of honoring PAIN
The Work That Reconnects Personal Guidelines
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2025-03-1105 min
The Mindfulness Monday PodcastAuthentic Leadership: The Role of Mindfulness in Professional Growth with Marcia HyattOn this week's Mindfulness Monday podcast I'm thrilled to sit down with Marcia Hyatt, an expert in leadership development and the voice behind the "Best of Ourselves" podcast. Together, we navigate the compelling intersection of mindfulness and leadership, unraveling how self-awareness and presence are not just buzzwords but essential tools for any effective leader. Listen in as Marcia shares her transition from leading teams to coaching executives, offering invaluable insights into how embracing our authentic selves can enhance our capacity to lead and inspire.We unpack the idea that by cultivating patience and self-compassion, leaders can transform...
2024-05-2030 minbestofourselves podcastBOO361 - Creative ReflectionWe become the stories we tell ourselves. Becoming clear on what your story has been is an essential part of freeing ourselves. Using creative forms of reflection we see our story more clearly. Resources Mything Awareness Changes Your Life
2023-02-2704 minbestofourselves podcastBOO359 - Using Our BrainsWe value rational thinking. Logic. Focus. We tend to undervalue embodied wisdom, intuition, and interconnection. McGilchrist connects this to losing contact with our right hemisphere. The part of our brain that is wired for comprehension. Resources Podcast - The Mindtrap of Rightness Iain McGilchrist TED talk The Divided Brain
2023-02-1405 minbestofourselves podcastBOO356 - Relationship KillersAt the Gottman Institute, they can observe couples for 15 minutes and 90% of the time predict whether the relationship will last. Here are a few of their lessons. Resources Four Horseman - Gottman Institute Turning Towards - Gottman Institute
2023-01-1205 minbestofourselves podcastBOO355 - Awareness Changes Your LifeBuilding our capacity to observe ourselves, builds our capacity to grow and change. It can be uncomfortable to wake up to our the ways we limit ourselves. And if you do, the quality of your life changes. Resources Freeing Ourselves From Our Stories Podcast Tuning In Vs Changing the Channel Podcast Anthony DeMello
2023-01-1205 minbestofourselves podcastBOO350 - Thank you teachersWendy Palmer passed away on December 2, 2022. There are many of us around the world whose lives were changed by her teachings. In this episode, some of her lessons and how they have helped in day-to-day life are shared as a huge thank you to Wendy. Other Episodes Summarizing Lessons from Wendy Breathe Centering versus Reacting Creating Inclusive Energy with Wendy Palmer Exploring Forgiveness with Wendy Palmer Working With Our Own Compost What Energy Are You Bringing Into the Room?
2022-12-1305 minbestofourselves podcastBOO348 - Finding ResilienceResilience is a key to success, especially in times of change. Reviewing the literature, Diane Coutu summarizes the themes in her Harvard Business Review article – How Resilience Works? Resources Acceptance Podcast Simple Habits for Complex Times Jennifer Garvey Berger's applying Simple Habits for Complex Times
2022-11-2805 minbestofourselves podcastBOO347 - Learning to Accept What IsWhen we are committed to "it shouldn't be this way", we are stuck. Learning to accept what shows up is not passive. It is starting with a solid foundation. Resources Acceptance Podcast Acceptance as a Path for Growth Podcast Play the Ball Where the Monkey Drops It
2022-11-2005 minbestofourselves podcastBOO346 - Learning to Be PresentIrma Velasquez memoir, Fish Dreams, chronicles her journey of shifting from trying to cure her son's autism to loving him as he is. She learned simple practices that changed everything for her. Thanks to Irma and the Deep Living Lab for allowing me to share a portion of our interview. Resources Listen to the full interview with Irma Velasquez
2022-11-1105 minbestofourselves podcastBOO345 - Freeing Ourselves from the Stories We Live ByOnce we have a story about what is going on, we are not very opening to other ways of thinking. It's human to make up stories. It is human to avoid the discomfort of disconfirming data. And it greatly limits our ability to grow and change. Resources It's Not Personal Podcast Avoidance Podcast
2022-11-0805 minbestofourselves podcastBOO343 - Creating Inclusive Energy with Wendy PalmerHave you ever walked into a room and felt the tension? Have you ever walked into a home and felt welcoming energy? In a 2014 interview with author and aikdo master Wendy Palmer, we explored how we can be responsible for the energy we carry into the room. Resources Full interview with Wendy Palmer in 2014
2022-10-2505 minbestofourselves podcastBOO340 - Exploring Forgiveness with Wendy PalmerWhat does it take to forgive? And what is the gift we give ourselves when we do. A conversation with Wendy Palmer, author of Leadership Embodiment. Resources Full interview with Wendy Palmer in 2014
2022-10-0405 minbestofourselves podcastBOO339 - Working with Our Own CompostWendy Palmer is the founder of Leadership Embodiment, a process that uses principles from the non-violent Japanese martial art of Aikido and mindfulness to offer simple tools and practices to increase leadership capacity and respond to stress and pressure with greater confidence and integrity. Excerpts and lessons from an interview with Wendy in 2014. Resources Full 2014 Interview More on Wendy Palmer's work
2022-09-2705 minbestofourselves podcastBOO336 - Listening to the Inner VoiceSome lessons I need to learn over and over again. One persistent struggle is learning to listen to my intuition. Most of the time the consequences of ignoring are small, sometimes they are not. Resources Old Patterns Identifying the Inner Critic
2022-09-0605 minbestofourselves podcastBOO331 - Reflection on BeingImagine your mother telling you, at an early age, you are not a label, you are being. My One Small Step conversation partner agreed to share the lesson he learned from his mother. Resources Reflection on the One Small Step Conversation Story Corps One Small Step Program
2022-07-3005 minbestofourselves podcastBOO330 0 Who Was Most Influential in Your Life Who was MOST influential in your life? It was a hard question. After considering many lessons from my parents, family, friends and teachers, I choose Uncle Bob. Reflecting on why, was a valuable exercise. Resources Uncle Bob's Obituary One Small Step – the conversation that inspired this reflection
2022-07-3005 minbestofourselves podcastBOO328 - One Small StepOne Small Step is a iniative by StoryCorps. The intention of this program is to strengthen communities, one conversation at a time. In this episode, Marcia shares reflection on her time with another community member with different political leanings. Resources One Small Step at WTIP One Small Step Initiative Turning Off Our Alarm Systems Podcast Encounter with Others Podcast
2022-07-1205 minbestofourselves podcastBOO326 - It Can't Touch You Unless It's In YouIt is one thing to learn that outside judgment cannot touch you unless you already carry that judgment on the inside. That awareness is great but learning to release the inner judgment requires us to be brave enough to feel it and release it. Resources What is OK to Be? What is the Inner Critic? Identifying the Inner Critic Working with the Inner Critic
2022-06-2805 minbestofourselves podcastBOO325 - Am I Defensive?When I am defensive, my whole body is on alert? How do I increase my ability to hear feedback or different opinions with openness and curiosity. Resources Building Capacity for Uncomfortable Conversations Podcast Harriet Lerner Interview with Brene Brown Part 1 Harriet Lerner Interview with Brene Brown Part 2
2022-06-2105 minbestofourselves podcastBOO323 - Building Capacity for Uncomfortable ConversationsConversations about race and other uncomfortable subjects require us to do our own work, to build capacity in ourselves to listen to learn. Resources The Mindtrap of Rightness Podcast Resmaa Menakem Interview
2022-06-0605 minbestofourselves podcastBOO321- What is OK to be?We learn early in life what is OK to be and what is not Ok to be. It frames our choices and limits us from accepting the whole of ourselves. Resources Old Patterns Podcast Cleaning Out Our Thinking
2022-05-2205 minbestofourselves podcastBOO319 - What Do You Really Want?Stumped by the question, "What do you really, really, really want? No really!" Resources Myth - Monkey Movement Becoming What We Might Have Been Podcast What Are You For? Podcast
2022-05-0905 minbestofourselves podcastBOO318 - Don't Take It PersonallyIt is so easy to take other's reaction to us as being a reflection of us. In reality, it is more a reflection of them. Learning to not take things personally is quite freeing! Resources The Mindtrap of Simple Stories Lessons in Projection
2022-05-0305 minbestofourselves podcastBOO317- Caring For Our Shared ResourcesIt's inspiring to witness small groups of people using their energy to make a positive difference in the world. Resources Changing the World Three Feet at a Time Loving Our Community Finding Community
2022-04-2605 minbestofourselves podcastBOO304 - Separate or ConnectedI am working on my intention to "trust the unfolding". It was amusing to find a myth I had written years ago, reflecting the same question. Resources Between Trust and Effort Podcast Imprisoned by Our Story Podcast
2022-01-2405 minbestofourselves podcastBOO303 - Between Trust and EffortToo often, we push to make things happen. Sometimes, it will serve us to watch what is unfolding. The wisdom is in diserning what is called for. Resources Compose with the Unfolding Podcast Intentionality Podcast
2022-01-1905 minbestofourselves podcastBOO299 - Disengaging from the Inner CriticIdentifying the inner critic is present helps. Learning how to change our relationship with it, is critical for our growth and well-being. Thanks to Roxanne Howe Murphy for allowing me to replay portions of our 2017 interview. Resources Roxanne Howe Murphy and Deep Living Lab What is the Inner Critic? Podcast Identifying the Inner Critic Podcast
2021-12-1305 minbestofourselves podcastBOO298 - Identifying the Inner CriticHow do I know it's the inner critic and not my conscience? In this episode, Roxanne Howe Murphy, talks about how to identify when the inner critic is present. Resources Roxanne Howe Murphy Enoughness Podcast
2021-12-0605 minbestofourselves podcastBOO297 - What is the Inner CriticOne thing we can do to improve the quality of our lives is to change our relationship with the inner critic. In this episode, with the help of Roxanne Howe Murphy, we explore what is the inner critic? Resources Roxanne Howe Murphy Enoughness Podcast
2021-11-2305 minbestofourselves podcastBOO296 - Healing the DivideHow do we flatten the curve of hate (paraphrasing Rev. Rosemary Klass). A foundational study of boys in the 1050s provides some ideas of how we can find our way back together. Resources Study of 11 year old boys in the 1950s Arlie Hochschild's study of the divide Adam Kahane's work on Power and Love
2021-11-1905 minbestofourselves podcastBOO288 - What Are You For?Shifting her focus from fighting hate to focus on leading a movement called Revolutionary Love, Valarie Kaur is an inspiration. Resources Valarie Kaur's movement Interview with Kaur on The Good Life Project
2021-09-2905 minbestofourselves podcastBOO287 - Tuning In vs. Changing the ChannelI was wrong, I didn't know any better. My coaching on how to change the channel on our feelings was wrong. Resources Centering v Reacting Acceptance Dr Susan David TED Talk
2021-09-2105 minbestofourselves podcastBOO286 - Advice on Advice"What I think you should do is..." These words are often intended to be helpful but may miss the mark. Resources Moving from Judging to Encouraging Listening Between the Words
2021-09-2105 minbestofourselves podcastBOO285 - Opening up to FeedbackIt is hard to stay open and curious when someone give us feedback. Especially when the feedback doesn't match our self-image. It is an important skill to receive and learn from feedback. Resources Listening Between Words What Are You Referring To?
2021-08-3105 minbestofourselves podcastBOO284 - Compose with the UnfoldingWorking with the intention, compose with the unfolding, has supported me in being more present with what is emerging (even the not so fun stuff). Getting Perspective Acceptance Deep Living Lab (my "Hell yes" endeavor)
2021-08-2505 minbestofourselves podcastBOO283 - Fierce Self-CompassionSelf compassion is a powerful form of self-care. It enhances our ability to be resilient and learn. Kristin Neff has expanded the definition of self compassion to include both nurturing and fierce self compassion. Resources Kristin Neff's website with resources and information
2021-08-2105 minbestofourselves podcastBOO283 - Lessons from Losing Our DogIt has been a tough time. We have been dealing with illness, death and uncertainty. With all of the heartache, there have been some valuable lessons. Resources Laughter Podcast Acceptance Podcast
2021-08-0105 minbestofourselves podcastBOO281 - Moving From Judging to EncouragingIt is so easy to spend time judging ourselves or others. Often it is a waste of energy. How do we convert our tendency to judge to create a tendency to encourage? Resources Listening Between the Words Acceptance
2021-06-0905 minbestofourselves podcastBOO279 - Choosing to Be FreeWe are not truly free when we are trapped by hatred and prejudice. What supports us being more free of reactions, blaming and instead choose our responses. Resources Dr Edith Eger Interview with Brene Brown Be Impeccable With Your Words
2021-06-0905 minbestofourselves podcastBOO277 - Three Feet to Change the WorldHow do we focus our attention to positively impact the three feet around us? Resources Loving Our Community Change is Always Possible
2021-06-0805 minbestofourselves podcastBOO275 - Centering v ReactingChoosing our response versus reacting. What practices invite you to be fully present and grounded? Resources Wendy Palmer, Leadership Embodiment
2021-06-0805 minbestofourselves podcastBOO274 - Loving Our CommunityHow do we strengthened our ability to love our neighbors? A few inspiring stories and lesson. Resources Fearless Dialogues, Dr Ellis Antoinette Tuff
2021-06-0805 minbestofourselves podcastBOO274 - Fumbling ForwardConversations about politics, race, the environment or other heated topics are hard to have. How do we create an agreement that allows us to fumble with our words and stay engaged? In this episode, we look at Donna Mejia's framework called Fumble Forward (Mejia is pronounced Meh-hEE-yah, my apologies that I mispronounced her name through this episode). Resources Donna Mejia's Website Watch for Mejia's essay in the forthcoming book, Picture a Professor to be published by West Virginia University Press late summer 2021
2021-04-1305 minbestofourselves podcastBOO273 - Owning Our StoryTo become fully free, we need to learn how to own the whole of our story with compassion. We need to integrate all of our experience, even the cringe-worthy stuff. Resources Acceptance Podcast Imprisoned by Our Story Podcast Change is Always Possible
2021-04-0805 minbestofourselves podcastBOO269 - Stop Hiding to HealWe need to heal to create joy in our lives. We need to heal to make social justice possible. But first, we need to stop hiding... Resources Change is Always Possible Podcast Sounds True Interview with Rachel Ricketts Turning Off Our Alarm Systems Podcast
2021-03-1205 minbestofourselves podcastBOO268 - Puzzling TimesAnne Swallow Gillis is a recently retired Protestant Pastor, aspiring writer and jigsaw puzzle fan. In this edition of Best of Ourselves, she shares her reflections on these puzzling times. Resources Easy Questions for Complex Times Podcast Getting Perspective Podcast Acceptance Podcast
2021-03-0605 minbestofourselves podcastBOO266 - WomenIs there still an issue with women's voices? Sure. But the trick is to notice when it's happening. Resources Whe We Aren't Making More Progress Towards Gender Equity We Won't Reach Gender Equity Until the 22nd Century
2021-02-2605 minbestofourselves podcastBOO265 - ThrivingWe can support our thriving by avoiding negativity and managing our energy. We all need a bit more TLC right now. Resources How to Thrive When Everything Feels Terrible
2021-02-1205 minbestofourselves podcastBOO264 - EnoughnessIt is radical to imagine we don't have to fix, acquire or change ourselves to access what Sonya Renee Taylor calls our innate enoughness. Resources Brene Brown Interview with Sonya Renee Taylor Sonya Renee Taylor
2021-02-1205 min