Episode 233: 2026 Planning Session

Our annual session includes readings from Hold Nothing, emphasizing practice, respect, and structures of encouragement. Join me to sit briefly, address potent prompts intended to create intentionality and spaces of grace for you and yours as you proceed into this year.  (0:00) – Annual Planning Session Introduction (1:54) – Practice and Respect in Conscious Evolution (4:45) – Zen Meditation and the Practice of Zazen (7:20) – Aging and Letting Go of Caring About Others' Opinions (10:16) – Note of Gratitude from the Body (35:42) – Sitting Practice and Reflection on Encouragement (39:29) – Engaging in Relationships with Encouragement (47:58) – Final Reflections and Q&A Resources Planning Guidebook Feelings and Needs List Substacks Elena Brower – Hold Nothing Sierra Campbell – Choose Nurture | choosenurture.com Laurel Hayne-Miller – The Flowering Path Books Bookshop Everyday Zen — Charlotte Joko Beck Returning to Silence — Kōshō Uchiyama Silent Illumination — Guo Gu The Truth of This Life — Katherine Thanas Mountains and Rivers Sutra — Norman Fischer Better Apart — Gabrielle Hartley and Elena Brower What We Say Matters — Judith Lasater

For mothers, mothers-to-be and those supporting mothers: On matrescence as transformation; offering the Four Elements model as a map for the rite of passage that is motherhood. (0:00) – Introduction and Guest Welcome (1:16) – Importance of Rites of Passage (3:09) – The Four Elements of Radical Transformation (6:19) – The Earth Element: Grounding and Taking Stock (8:11) – The Water Element: Grief and Letting Go (15:19) – The Air Element: Liminality and Uncertainty (20:07) – The Fire Element: Exploration and New Beginnings (25:27) – Rituals and Practices for Self-Care (29:49) – The Mother Powers: Skills and Capacities (33:56) – Conclusion and Resources Jessie Harrold is a coach and doula who has been supporting women through radical life transformations and other rites of passage for over fifteen years. She works one-on-one with women and mothers, facilitates mentorship programs, women's circles and rituals, and hosts retreats and nature-based experiences. Jessie is the author of the Nautilus Gold Medal Award-winning book, Mothershift: Reclaiming Motherhood as a Rite of Passage (Shambhala 2024). She is also the host of The Becoming Podcast. Jessie lives on the east coast of Canada where she mothers her two children, writes, and stewards the land. Mothershift: Reclaiming Motherhood as a Rite of Passage  Jessie is also the founder of the internationally acclaimed matrescence support program MotherSHIFT, and its sister program for perinatal professionals, The Village.

On participating in your life by orienting to practice; befriending time to stabilize your mind, meditating polarities to map your world. (0:00) – Introduction to Nevine Michaan and Her Journey (2:26) – The Katonah Yoga Calendar (6:36) – The Concept of Mapping in Yoga (16:48) – The Magic House and Personal Responsibility (20:55) – Balancing Self-Actualization and Interbeing (36:15) – The Role of Numbers and Measurement in Yoga (39:03) – Practical Techniques for Maintaining Energy and Vitality (39:16) – The Importance of Personal Responsibility and Discipline (39:33) – The Role of Myths and Fairy Tales in Understanding Yoga (39:51) – Final Thoughts and Practical Advice Born in Egypt in 1954, Nevine moved to New York at the age of three. In her early 20's, while studying history and comparative religion at Vassar College, she discovered meditation. She understood that there is a function, a formality and a fit to the universe and that yoga is a tool, a technique – a practice with repetition which gives us the opportunity to participate in life with intelligence and joy. Nevine started a daily practice in NYC with renowned yoga instructor Allan Bateman in the 1970s and became fully immersed in what would become her life's work. She began teaching yoga in 1978, and founded the Katonah Yoga Center in Katonah, New York in 1986. Nevine seamlessly relates her approach to yoga through comparing it to the likes of a musician. Her artful use of metaphor is one of her most well honed techniques when articulating her teachings, which are empowered by her practical approach to integrating the mind, the body and the breath. Nevine continues to teach both online and in person through her studio, the Katonah Yoga Collective in Bedford Hills NY and others throughout the community. Number Magic, new 2026 Katonah Yoga Calendar Katonah Yoga practices and theory Katonah Yoga certifications and learn more about our Mentorship Program happening twice a year online: Practice online; Video Library:

On supportive friendship, persistence, practice, and what it means to hold nothing. (0:00) — Launch of Elena Brower's New Book "Hold Nothing" (1:44) — Evolution of the Book Project (6:47) — Personal Stories and Vulnerability (9:56) — Feedback and Reflections on the Book (15:12) — Storytelling and Relationships (20:37) — Prompts and Practical Insights (32:07) — Final Reflections and Gratitude Sara Bercholz is a second-generation book publisher. She is co-owner and Publisher of her family business, Shambhala Publications. She is a Buddhist practitioner, yogi, cook, and outdoorswoman. She lives in Boulder, Colorado with her two children, Milo and Dashiell.

On respecting the evolution of this life and consistently responding to the call of the brightest light of all.  (0:00) – Introduction and Welcome (3:01) – Experience of Performing Live (7:24) – Deva's Connection to Miten (11:01) – Life on the Road and Practices (14:01) – Evolution of Deva's Work (18:18) – Collaboration with India.Arie (23:55) – New Album and Favorite Tracks (27:05) – Upcoming Tours and Retreats Deva Premal is a world-renowned, Grammy-nominated mantra singer whose ethereal voice and sacred chant-based music have touched millions around the globe. Blending ancient Sanskrit mantras with contemporary melodies, her work creates a powerful space for inner peace, healing, and spiritual awakening. In collaboration with her partner, musician/composer Miten, she has played a key role in bringing mantra music to a worldwide audience through concerts, retreats, and acclaimed recordings. Deva and Miten's music is celebrated for its depth, purity, and universal resonance, making them beloved figures in the global yoga, wellness, and mindfulness communities. Deva's new album: The Inevitable Blossoming of the Heart

On practices of empowerment, support and the archetypes that instruct and inspire us to evolve. (0:00) — Introduction and Guest Overview (2:47) — Table of Contents and Initial Discussion (7:34) — Confidence Paradox and Internalized Patriarchy (11:08) — Archetypes and Inner Critic (21:47) — Motherhood Paradox and Reflection Questions (22:26) — Archetypes and Personal Growth (24:44) — Vision for Life and Financial Security (27:24) — Path of Purpose and Job Crafting (41:12) — Final Thoughts and Gratitude Megan Dalla-Camina is the founder of Women Rising, a global women's empowermentcompany supporting hundreds of thousands of women through leadership, education, and transformational growth. A PhD researcher in women's spirituality, she brings more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership and entrepreneurship into her work guiding women to reclaim their feminine power. Megan weaves ancient wisdom, embodied practice, and modern science to help women awaken to the truth of who you are. Megan is the best selling author of 4 books including Women Rising: The Forces That Hold Us Back, The Tools To Help Us Rise (Wiley), and Simple Soulful Sacred: A Woman's Guide To Clarity, Comfort and Coming Home To Herself (Hay House).

On staying true to the practices of yoga by living a life of conscious care and respect. (0:00) — Ignite Your Yoga: Introduction and Book Overview (4:26) — Cultural Appropriation and Service in Yoga (4:47) — Living the Yoga: Practical Applications (6:31) — Cultural Appropriation and Respect in Yoga Practice (15:03) — Inner Decolonization and Self-Care in Yoga (15:14) — The Four Stages of Sadhana (35:32) — Practical Tools for Inner Decolonization (40:53) — Reparations and Decolonizing Yoga Practices (42:42) — Resistance and Trust in Yoga Practice (47:55) — Final Reflections and Gratitude Susanna Barkataki is a yoga teacher, bestselling author, viral TEDx speaker, and currently pursuing her PhD in yoga philosophy. She is the founder of Ignite Institute and Yoke Yoga. Susanna's new book, Ignite Your Yoga, is a resource for teachers and practitioners alike, replete with prompts, practices, reminders, and respect.

On realizing that 'good' is actually more than enough, and the joy of letting go of the exhausting pressure we place on ourselves.  (0:00) – Heather Campbell's Journey and Achievements (2:17) – Sharon Salzberg's Praise and Heather's Book (7:22) – Ready, Set, Recover: Heather's Initiative (12:22) – Heather's Personal Journey and Overachievement (21:53) – Parenting and Balancing Life (27:54) – Naming Inner Critics and Coping Strategies (44:13) – Heather's Book and Its Impact (45:43) – Final Thoughts and Encouragement Heather Campbell is a writer, motivational speaker, and CEO dedicated to making people feel seen, heard, and celebrated. As co-founder of Ready Set Recover, and former senior executive at ESPN and Audacy, she intimately understands the toll of overachievement—and the liberation that comes from letting go. Campbell holds an MBA from NYU, a BA from the University of Wisconsin, and after nearly 30 years in NYC now lives in the Berkshires with her husband, children and their dog, Tobin. Heather A. Campbell's New Book, Good Is Amazing, challenges the Culture of Overachievement and Champions the Power of Good. What if striving to be "the best" is what's actually holding us back? In a world obsessed with unicorns, GOATs, and relentless self-improvement, Heather A. Campbell delivers a refreshing—and bold—reframe: good is not just enough. Good is amazing. The relatable, hilarious, and heartfelt moments from her life—like when her mom begged her to become President of the United States, or when an ESPN executive casually told her to "just make the book a New York Times bestseller," anchor a deeper message: the constant pressure to aim higher, do the most, and be the best is exhausting—and it's not working. With wit, warmth, and wisdom, Campbell invites readers to consider a radical idea: What if stopping the chase for perfection and instead embracing good—the joy, simplicity, and genuine satisfaction it brings—is the real secret to success? Each chapter blends real talk, personal insight, and simple, actionable steps to help readers slow down, breathe, and reconnect with what really matters. Parents, professionals, students, caregivers, entrepreneurs—anyone burdened by the relentless pursuit of perfection—will find powerful inspiration here. Good Is Amazing is available now online at Amazon . To learn more about Heather or inquire about speaking engagements, visit heatheracampbell.com

On the quiet work of befriending ourselves, and the remembered language of healing. (0:00) – Introduction and Guest Overview (2:47) – Daria's Childhood and Early Life (9:01) – Impact of Grandmother's Death and Early Loss (12:14) – Discovering the Truth About Her Grandmother's Death (20:14) – Intergenerational Trauma and Addiction (26:12) – Emergence and Mentoring (34:19) – Success and Ambition (41:48) – Meditation and Emotional Independence (46:13) – Letter to Her Mother Daria Burke is an American writer, speaker, and wellbeing advocate. A marketer by trade and a seeker at heart, Daria is a storyteller and sense-maker, weaving together personal experience and the science of healing and transformation to explore new ways of understanding how we choose who we become. Her debut memoir, OF MY OWN MAKING (Spring 2025), is a soulful and scientific exploration of overcoming adversity, healing from childhood trauma, and rewriting one's own story. As a Chief Marketing Officer, Daria was named a 2020 AdAge Woman to Watch whose work has been recognized by Women's Wear Daily, Forbes, Vogue, Town & Country and the Cut. She has written for Fast Company, The Huffington Post, and Black Enterprise, and has appeared on The Melissa Harris-Perry Show on MSNBC. A distinguished alumna of NYU Stern School of Business (MBA) and the University of Michigan (BA), Daria was born in Detroit and now calls Los Angeles and East Hampton home. Daria's memoir OF MY OWN MAKING. Part memoir, part methodology, OF MY OWN MAKING is a soulful and scientific exploration of the power to shape one's destiny and a fearless rallying cry to excavate and examine the stories that define our lives.

On healing our emotional biography, the unwounded soul within, and the choices we keep making to evolve. (0:00) — Sophie Grégoire Trudeau's Introduction and Background (3:35) — The Importance of Holding Ourselves (7:02) — Navigating Addiction and Hyper-Vigilance (8:33) — The Science of Happiness and Integrity (10:56) — Understanding Human Behavior and Emotional Intelligence (14:38) — The Role of Nature and Playfulness (15:32) — Navigating Personal Relationships and Trauma (40:01) — The Impact of Patriarchy and Toxic Masculinity (45:42) — The Importance of Self-Care and Emotional Regulation (46:00) — The Role of Playfulness and Humor in Emotional Health (49:08) — The Impact of Menopause and Andropause on Relationships Through the years, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau has had the occasion to meet inspiring world leaders — Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron, Pope Francis, King Abdullah II of Jordan, Michelle and Barack Obama, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, First Lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden, and more — who've inspired her to bring about change and justice in the world. Sophie studied commerce at McGill University and holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Montreal, as well as a certificate from the Promedia School of Television and Radio. Deeply passionate about exploring the great outdoors, she loves sports, movement, and yoga. She's the former First Lady of Canada, and she's also certified to teach yoga for children and adults, practicing and guiding meditation and yoga nidra sessions to reset the nervous system and find calm. Her first book, Closer Together (Penguin Random House and KO Éditions), encourages us to better understand the mechanisms of our own personality and the quality of all our relationships — most importantly, the relationship we have with ourselves.