Artists for Joy

This week on the podcast, I have another installment of our Art's Open Door series. Through the lens of Arvo Pärt's "Spiegel im Spiegel," for piano and violin, we explore the profound act of letting go: in parenting, in art, and in our relationship with the divine.  Tell me what you think about this episode on IG Read the transcript on Substack here Content warning: birth and medical trauma

A throwback episode to remind you to join us live on Patreon for our Enneagram & Motivation workshop on April 11th at 3 PM EST! Register or check out the replay when it becomes available here.  Check out the Spotify playlist with all the episodes of the Enneagram series here. Original shownotes: Without further ado, our summer Enneagram series begins now! Merideth chats with enneagram coach Lee Fields (the impetus for this entire series) about how each Enneagram number's energy is needed in bringing a creative project from ideation to completion. Invitation: read through the list and circle a few that resonate with you. If you don’t know your type yet, check out these other enneagram resources. 8’s strive to feel powerful, resist other peoples’ boundaries 9’s strive to feel peaceful, resist their own priorities 1’s strive to feel perfect, resist relaxing 2’s strive to feel connected, resist tending to their own needs 3’s strive to feel outstanding, resist slowing down 4’s strive to feel unique, resist ordinary tasks 5’s strive to feel detached, resist engaging with others 6’s strive to feel secure, resist trusting others, the process, or themselves 7’s strive to feel excited, resist stillness, savoring, or appreciating what they have Connect with Lee Submit a "Sounds of Joy" video: [email protected] Love the show? Buy Merideth a coffee.

In today’s Joy Session, Merideth coaches Amber, a seminary graduate who desires to have the courage to try launching a business in spiritual direction in the midst of chronic illness. She has already done the brave work of dreaming what’s possible, but the next step is to figure out how to make it happen while honoring her capacity and maintaining her energy. Together, they unpack the challenges of fear, self-doubt, grief, and financial uncertainty.  Amber reminds us that bravery is a practice, there isn’t only one way to be a successful and fulfilled entrepreneur, and that no action is too small.  Apply to record a joy session with Merideth Become a Joyster and join the Enneagram and Motivation Meet-Up Read Merideth’s latest Substack

In today’s Joy Session, Merideth chats with Margie, an author and speaker, who struggles with financial abundance despite having plenty of work. She reveals a complex relationship with money stemming from her upbringing and shares her desire to make a global impact through speaking and client work. Margie also explores the challenges of balancing her energy at this specific time in her life, as she longs to pursue her true potential. Don’t miss this deeply relatable and inspiring conversation about overcoming blocks and becoming the person you long to be. Apply to record a joy session with Merideth Become a Joyster and join the Enneagram and Motivation Meet-Up Read Merideth’s latest Substack

Today’s episode is a throwback from Season 3 and was originally titled “Creative Lies: All or Nothing.” Original show notes: Merideth debunks a common creative conundrum this week: “It’s all or nothing.” She shares what she is learning, creating in the cracks during her own life stage, plus thoughts from listeners from all creative disciplines and experience levels. Listen for some truths to replace the all-or-nothing thinking and get inspired! Sergio Sandí’s new Beethoven Piano Sonatas Album How to Leave an Apple Podcast Review Leave us a review here (We need just five more to reach our goal!) Tell us how you create in the cracks Leave us a voicemail: 302-415-3407 Support the work of Artists for Joy

Another installment of Merideth's "Art's Open Door," this week on the podcast, Merideth reads a personal essay about finding her true path as an artist, moving away from "shadow careers" and discovering the joy of "Simple Gifts" in her musical journey.  Read the text version of the essay on Substack Leave a comment on IG Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts Become a Patreon Supporter Subscribe to Artists for Joy on Substack

In today’s episode, Merideth shares six things that are bringing her joy this winter. From bathrobes to new mindsets to female medieval theologians, you’re gonna love this one. Tell her what is bringing you joy in the comments on IG or Substack. Check out all the links mentioned in the show on Substack Join our next Joyster Monthly Meet-Up on March 10th (or catch the replay!)

In today's podcast episode, you'll hear inspiring artist oaths from Christina Mathis, Jennifer Gatz, and Janet Parker, members of the inaugural Artist's Joy Creative Cluster last year. These inspiring artists crafted a powerful manifesto as part of our work in the cohort and have transformed their lives by embracing imperfection, quieting the inner critic, and prioritizing their creative lives and well-being.    If you want to write your own oath, check out my book “The Artist's Joy" and sign up for our next cohort which launches in September of this year.   I am grateful to Christina, Jennifer, and Janet for sharing these inspiring oaths on the podcast!    Links from the show notes:    Get your copy of “The Artist's Joy” Support the Show on Patreon Join the next Artist’s Joy Creative Cluster

Today, Merideth’s guest is Rebe Huntman, author of "My Mother in Havana: A Memoir of Magic and Miracle." Rebe shares her journey as a multi-passionate artist, from her early days as a professional Latin dancer and choreographer to becoming a writer. She discusses her deep connection to Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" and the importance of pushing past the "tortured artist" stereotype to find joy in creativity. Rebe opens up about the long and winding path to publishing her memoir, including the challenges of finding an agent and the importance of believing in her unique story. She also delves into the themes of grief, loss, and healing and how her experiences in Cuba helped her reconnect with her mother and explore a variety of rich cultural and spiritual traditions. Get My Mother in Havana Read More about Rebe Rebe’s Artist’s Oath  Support the Show on Patreon Join the next Artist’s Way Creative Cluster    

In today’s Joy Session, Merideth coaches Katie, an interdisciplinary artist who desires to be more present with her daughter, plus pursue her art and movement in a sustainable and nurturing way. Merideth and Katie explore weaving together identities of Mother, Mover, and Maker. They talk about Katie's struggle with negative self-talk and judgment, plus a fear of monetizing her art.  Katie identifies ways to be present in the moment, even when it's murky or uncomfortable. She feels a weight lifted realizing she can take the pressure off herself and make progress toward her desires even  in the midst of uncertainty.  Tell us what resonated about this episode on IG Get the podcasts sent to your inbox every Friday Do the lens exercise with other Joysters on Patreon in March