Meditative Story

Guest: Dr. Kwane Stewart, veterinarian and CNN's 2023 Hero of the Year. He rediscovers his love for helping animals after a difficult period, reminding him of the magic of his work. The podcast also touches on the importance of working with others and finding joy in creating happiness.

Gretchen Rubin is an expert on happiness, and she's spent her career helping people build the habits to achieve it. But she assumed that if something works for her, it should work for just about anyone. A series of chance encounters, and a healthy helping of curiosity, makes Gretchen realize that maybe there isn't one path to happiness after all. That there's no right or wrong way to build a meaningful life, just the way that works for you. Learn more at https://gretchenrubin.com/Find the Happier podcast at https://gretchenrubin.com/podcasts/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: https://meditativestory.com/Sign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jon Foreman, a land artist who sees creative potential everywhere, shares his journey of finding his way back to his creativity after dealing with unexpected responsibilities. The podcast explores topics like parkour as a form of creative expression, making difficult decisions when faced with unexpected circumstances, and the power of land art to inspire self-expression. The episode ends with a call for gratitude and personal reflection.

Tig Notaro, a successful comedian, shares her journey of facing challenges in her career and achieving success. She talks about being told she'll never make it due to being a woman, gay, and low-key. Tig emphasizes the importance of staying determined and pushing through obstacles. She also discusses the significance of taking small steps and trusting the process to move forward in life.

Explore the celebration of new beginnings and the abundance of the present moment. Embrace self-love and personal growth, rejecting the 'new year, new you' narrative. Discover the connection between change and growth, and express gratitude for the future. Join the Meditative Story community for mindfulness in the coming year.

Teenager Jade Bowler discovers that big achievements aren't the only things that can bring happiness. She shares her journey of finding joy in smaller moments of everyday existence through personal experiences, including walking in Seoul and practicing companionable silence. The podcast highlights the importance of appreciating the beauty of everyday life and being present in the moment.

Jen Hatmaker, author and host of the For The Love podcast, shares her journey of embracing her inner lion and challenging gender norms. She reflects on the different expressions of power and the impact of bonus parents in her life. Jen also discusses taking control of finances after divorce and the importance of gratitude and encouraging reviews.

Meditation expert and travel enthusiast, Rohan Gunatillake, shares a meditation designed to provide relief and grounding during the busy travel season. Topics include traveling with mindfulness and meditation, relaxation exercises while traveling, and resting the mind by bringing awareness to the present.

Matthieu Ricard, photographer and author of Notebooks Of A Wandering Monk, shares his experience of being in the presence of mindfulness practitioners and the power of their compassion. He emphasizes the importance of letting the mind experience and absorb it, rather than analyzing or understanding it. The podcast explores the simplicity and power of sparks of light, the journey of studying under a teacher, and reflecting on presence and paying homage after the teacher's passing.

Suneel Gupta, tech entrepreneur and author of Everyday Dharma, shares his journey of embracing his Indian and American identities. He discusses the challenges of hiding his true self, experiences of discrimination, and his determination to challenge the status quo. The podcast also explores the concepts of mindfulness, collapsing boundaries, and embracing the unity of body and mind.