The Art of Centering

Host Margaret Graham introduces a guided seated meditation led by Lara J. Day, who previously discussed her Oracle deck and neurogenic qigong. Lara guides listeners through postural settling, breath awareness in the six directions plus an inward seventh direction, and gentle qigong-inspired hand and face practices to feel centered and allow the nervous system to settle.

Unlock the secrets of healing with Lara Day, creator of Neurogenic Qigong, as she reveals how this innovative practice merges ancient wisdom with modern understanding to release trauma and restore balance. If you've ever felt trapped by stress, anxiety, or the weight of unresolved emotions, this episode is your gateway to discovering a transformative approach to well-being.      In this captivating conversation, Lara shares her personal journey through chronic illness and how it led her to develop Neurogenic Qigong. This unique blend of traditional Qigong and neurogenic tremor work empowers you to tap into your body's innate ability to heal. You'll discover how shaking, often seen as a sign of distress, is actually a natural response that can lead to profound relief and release.      You'll learn about the essential principles of Qigong, the connection between movement and energy, and the science behind neurogenic tremors. Laura explains how these practices can harmonize your physical, emotional, and spiritual health, allowing you to reclaim your vitality.      Why does this matter? In a world where stress and trauma are common, understanding these techniques offers not just relief but a pathway to personal empowerment. Ignoring these insights could mean missing out on effective tools for self-healing that could change your life.      This episode is essential listening for anyone seeking to break free from the cycles of stress and trauma. Lara's insights will leave you inspired, curious, and equipped to explore a new dimension of healing. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that could redefine your approach to health and wellness!

Reconnect with nature without stepping outside. In this special bonus episode, Beth Norcross leads listeners through a transformative meditation that bridges the gap between our indoor lives and the natural world. You'll find yourself grounded, rooted, and revitalized as you cultivate a deeper connection with the earth around you. Beth guides you to visualize your roots entwining with the trees in your neighborhood, regardless of where you are. She shares the powerful journey of breathing in gratitude and feeling the life-giving energy from nature, reminding you of the unseen connections that nourish us all. With each inhale, you'll learn to appreciate the role of the trees in our lives and how to foster a sense of kinship with the natural world. You'll discover: - How to create a mental space for grounding and earthing, even when you're indoors. - The significance of acknowledging our interconnectedness with nature. - Techniques to visualize and feel the roots of trees intertwining with your own, enhancing your sense of belonging and gratitude. - The role of trees in our ecosystem and how they support our well-being through their silent yet powerful presence. This meditation serves as a gentle reminder that even in our busy lives, we can tap into the calming energy of nature. Ignoring this connection may lead to feelings of disconnection and stress, while embracing it opens up a world of peace, balance, and rejuvenation. Perfect for anyone seeking solace from the chaos of daily life, this episode is essential listening for those wanting to deepen their connection with nature and cultivate mindfulness. Join Beth and Margaret for a serene experience that invites you to pause, breathe, and honor the life force surrounding us.

Leah Rampy and Beth Norcross spent the first half of their careers trying to save the planet with their heads. Beth worked on forest policy on Capitol Hill. Leah earned a PhD, ran a nonprofit, and held leadership roles in Fortune 100 companies. Both burned out, and both found their way back to the divine through the woods. Together they wrote Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees, winner of a Nautilus Book Award. In this conversation we talk about: The blinding flash of the obvious that activism and spirituality were never meant to be separate Hugging trees, and meaning it A tree that folded in half when its heartwood rotted, and what it takes for a person to lose heart Why the tree you climbed as a kid may have been teaching you all along Reciprocity with the living world, and holding grief in community Why a red oak never envies a white oak Tiny ways to connect with nature on an ordinary day, starting with your toothbrush Beth returns next week to lead us through a guided meditation. Connect with Leah: leahrampy.com | Substack: Reweaving Earth and Soul Connect with Beth: bethnorcross.com The book: Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees (Broadleaf Books)

In this episode, Andrew Keaveney guides us through a simple meditation practice that emphasizes effortless relaxation and mindfulness. Discover how to incorporate these techniques into your daily routine for greater calm and clarity.  

Unlock the transformative power of breath and mindfulness with Andrew Keeveny, a seasoned meditation teacher and filmmaker who spent four years in an ashram in India. In this riveting episode of the Art of Centering Podcast, Andrew reveals how he shifted from a demanding academic life at Stanford to a path of spiritual exploration, and how breath work became a life-altering practice for him and many others.   Andrew shares his enlightening journey—from discovering meditation through Eastern philosophies to founding the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina. You'll discover how a simple breath can lead to profound emotional healing and personal empowerment. As he puts it, "Having emotions is part of what makes life juicy and enjoyable," and he provides practical tools to help listeners process their feelings without cutting them off.   We dive deep into:   - The art of breath work and its scientific benefits   - Strategies for managing overwhelming emotions and finding balance   - The myth of happiness as a feeling versus a daily practice   - A fresh perspective on sobriety with Andrew's innovative Dry January initiative, which encourages mindfulness over mindless drinking.   This episode is essential for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of emotions and find practical ways to incorporate mindfulness into their daily lives. Don't miss Andrew's insights on how breath work can serve as a daily cleanse for the mind, just as we shower for our bodies.   Perfect for those navigating the complexities of emotional health or anyone ready to explore a new dimension of joy and contentment. Tune in and take your first step towards a more centered life!

Ten years of marriage, twenty years together, and a business they run side by side, told through the accidental "I love you," the festival where mud ran through the tent, and what changed when he retired from corporate life and came to work for his wife.

Turning forty-six is just the beginning! In this deeply personal solo episode, host Margaret Graham reflects on a decade of transformation since leaving the school system to pursue her passion for creating centering pendants. As she navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship, emotional well-being, and the art of self-discovery, Margaret shares insights that resonate with anyone feeling lost or questioning their purpose. 

This meditation session with Devon Pipars focuses on the practice of loving kindness, guiding listeners through grounding techniques, breathwork, and heart connection. It emphasizes sending well wishes to loved ones, extending kindness to others, and fostering self-compassion. The session culminates in a collective wish for peace for all beings, encouraging a heart-centered perspective in daily life.    

In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, Margaret Graham speaks with Devon Pipars, a meditation teacher with over 25 years of experience. They explore Devon's journey into meditation, the transformative impact of meeting her Guru in India, and the essence of meditation as a return to our true self. The conversation delves into the role of curiosity in understanding human existence and the ongoing journey of self-discovery through meditation. In this conversation, Devon Pipars shares insights on meditation, self-discovery, and the importance of community in spiritual practice. She emphasizes the need to transcend distractions, navigate the duality of emotions, and embrace the human experience. Devon discusses the evolution of her meditation practice and the role of the WITHIN Meditation platform in supporting individuals on their journey towards enlightenment. WITHIN Meditation Website