Trust

Spring Water

In this edition of the Labyrinth Podcast, Traci Hodes talks about trusting in ones self. Do you trust yourself? If you do not trust yourself, how do you trust other people? She talks about how she is on a journey to reclaim trust in herself, so that she can also reclaim trust within other people. Many people look to others to see if they are doing something correctly, instead of just trusting in themselves. Once we are willing to hear the answer and listen in to ourselves, we can then be able to trust and believe in ourselves.

In this edition of the Labyrinth Podcast, Miranda talks about compassion and working on ones self. Have you ever had a moment where someone does something that enrages you, and you want to say something to them? Miranda explains a moment in her life that this happened to her, where she took a moment to step back and check in with herself to practice patience. Seek out your own heart, and notice your feelings as you sit and wait/watch the person that upset you. Ask yourself; how can I humanize this person and be more compassionate? What does saying something to that person serve to you? Feel the waves of compassion and also frustration, but notice that there is always room to do work on yourself, try not to be so quick to judge, and be open to compassion and being compassionate to others.

In this episode of the Labyrinth Podcast, Miranda explores the idea of freedom, and digs a little deeper into Rumi’s quote, “sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment”. In order for one to be free, there has the be other people who are not free. Once we face this challenging view, that will allow us to recognize the bigger picture, “real freedom lies in everyone’s freedom”. What does freedom mean to you?

This edition of The Labyrinth Podcast features a dynamic conversation between activist, divinity student, and mindfulness practitioner, Gabriela De Golia and Copper Beech executive director, Brandon Nappi. Together, they explore topics such as Buddhist-Christian dialogue, what it’s like to live in a Zen monastery, the symbiotic relationship between meditation and social action, and Gabriela’s path to divinity school where she is studying to be a pastor in the United Church of Christ.

During this episode of the Labyrinth Podcast, Miranda shares her moments of grace. She explains the minds ability to fill empty space and the flurry we find ourselves in. When we pause and recognize these flurries, we can stop the busy mind. How does life distract us? How does society keep us busy? How are smartphones  a serial distraction?  What happens when we bring our attention to the present moment? Tune in to hear Miranda share how she breaks that conditioning.

During this episode of the Labyrinth Podcast, we listen to Miranda as she shares a recent experience with her son’s neurologist. When the doctor tells her to plan a visit to the emergency room for X-rays and bloodwork, she explains the moment she recognizes her ability to adapt. She packs a bag and awaits her husband's return. As soon as they pull in the driveway they are off to the emergency room. She describes the moment when everything feels just predictable enough and then it turns. Miranda further explains how much of her suffering surrounds resisting this unpredictability of life. She uses the visual of a dog’s hackles when they feel alarmed or in danger and what it takes to smooth those hackles. Tune in to listen to the rest of this story.

During this episode “The Strength in Struggle”, Miranda Chapman reflects on a recent workshop surrounding living with pain and the wisdom which may arise. There is brilliance in the way pain brings awareness to our resilience. This awareness shows us our deep reservoir or strength. Miranda shares how she meets her experience of trauma. She explains her pain points and the capacity it takes to hold space for her pain, especially as they arrive as flashbacks. What’s possible when we reframe the way we look at pain? What happens we explore a perspective that brings wisdom from pain? Tune in to explore these ideas with Miranda. This podcast is recorded live during Candlelight Conversations.

During this episode, Miranda reflects on her experience with anxiety and the awareness through confronting discomfort and her past with people-pleasing. She reflects on a particular moment in her life where she confronted a specific anxiety, and all of the aftermath of emotions that came with it. She noticed her thoughts reaching towards validation and not wanting to be alone. She leans in and explores the woods by herself. Miranda courageously meets with herself and her anxiety on a regular basis. Most importantly, she shares wisdom that everyone experiences anxiety differently, and no one can validate her anxiety because no one has her lived experience.

Miranda begins by sharing her recent decision to get rid of her cell phone. She shares a recent experience while guiding a meditation and a discussion surrounding cell phone addiction and the fear of being alone with ourselves. What is the value of the human experience in terms of sitting with ourselves? How is our human experience based on the people and environment around us? As humans, we are social creatures that value touch and connection. At the same time, it’s so powerful to sit with ourselves with no intake of outside information. What are your warning signs that you are too connected to things like the news, social media, or the online world we occupy? Where is the space between connecting with others and connecting with ourselves?

We are so grateful for the openness of Miranda in this episode. Miranda shares the layers of parenting and investigations of herself and her choices. We laugh along as she explains this story of being a “crunchy mom”. The looking glass self is how we think others view us. As humans, we all think about what others may think of us. Most of the time these stories we tell ourselves about what others think of us is false and negative in nature. Miranda lightens this subject with laughter and invites us to see how we respond when we bring awareness to this false storytelling.

Miranda opens this episode with a poem by Thich Nhat Hanh, shares the growth of her twin boys, and tells a story of a recent moment while facilitating mindfulness at the Hartford Correctional Center. She is reminded of the powerful practice of paying attention. It’s amazing what we can learn about ourselves in reflection of other people and seeing the difference. How boring would life be if we were all the same? Difference offers a need for contrast and experience of othering. Thank you, Miranda, for always reminding us that every moment is an opportunity to deepen our empathy.

Miranda shares the rawness she experienced during her recent program titled “Discharging Strong Emotions”. Listen in as she speaks on emotional intelligence, honesty with oneself, and how facilitating this program helps her with her own strong emotions. From weirdness to vulnerability, Miranda and the participants entered this realm together that rippled into their daily lives. Like many of our programs, the work doesn’t end when the program closes. It lives on and stays with us into our daily life. How often do you experience strong emotions? When do express them? When do you swallow them? Join Miranda as she shares her own battle between emotions and intellect, and how storytelling plays a role.

During this podcast, Miranda shares her vulnerability, fear, and balance between opposite emotions. She explains the transition in her thought process of being able to experience opposite emotions simultaneously. She explores the ways her brain fixates on one specific emotion when in reality, she is experiencing many different things all at once. She begins to give herself the space to experience both, rather than just one or the other. Whether it be emotions, thoughts, or sensations, everything exists all at once. Freedom comes in the recognition of the patterns of our minds.

 Miranda reflects on her relationship with change. Oftentimes, we want to reject change and disallow its presence in our lives. Our practice reminds us that we have the ability to choose our response to shifts in our lives and gently step into new situations. While change can be challenging and ground-shaking, it also can remind us how it feels to be alive.

Miranda reflects on both the light and dark nature of the ability to adapt, or “shape shift,” into any environment. While the desire to make others happy is not inherently negative, how does it affect one’s relationship with themselves? The “people pleaser” may hold feelings of inadequacy which obstruct a grounded sense of self and sense of where one belongs. In this podcast, Miranda explores her own experience with being a “people pleaser.”

Miranda discusses the concept of appreciative joy. Comparison can erode our joy like nothing else. When we learn to celebrate the bounty of others and rejoice in the plenty that we can share, our ability to connect and feel joy is strengthened. While we feel gratitude for the things we have, we can also find deep peace in appreciating and celebrating the joys that others experience, expanding our own joy rather than cultivating jealousy.

Miranda discusses the concept of widening our thought patterns. Oftentimes, like a diet we were raised on, we become accustomed to certain ways of thinking whether they are healthy or not. Our practice can help us broaden our thinking and teach us more about which thoughts we allow to flourish in our minds.

Miranda discusses the discernment behind taking responsibility for our world with the mentality of “it takes a village” rather than convincing ourselves certain things are not our business. In our practice there is often much consideration about the things we can and cannot control. While our practice often encourages acceptance of what is, there is also a call to ask “is there anything I am meant do about this?” when faced with a difficult situation.

Miranda reflects on a story from a personal retreat of hers which has impacted the way she communicates. Sometimes, we are struck with a primal neediness to speak up and assert righteousness in a way that is not helpful to anyone. But when we become more aware of ourselves and our emotions, we can learn to sit with this sense of neediness and center ourselves in moments of tension.

Miranda discusses self-compassion practice amidst moments of suffering. Oftentimes, we feel the urge to fight against suffering even when we know we cannot change the current situation. But when we welcome compassion into our suffering and simply hold and allow it, we may notice the love that shows up even within this dark space.

Miranda discusses how life and practice are not linear. We sometimes wish there was a more straightforward logic to our lives, but we may find the true testament to our practice is learning to simply allow and accept the events that do not go as desired. When we learn to sit with the ebbing and flowing of life and step into our own humanness, we might make peace with the non-linear nature of life.

Miranda reflects on her sense of belonging. Oftentimes, we find ourselves belonging more to relationships, groups, or the approval of others than we belong to ourselves. When we truly find belonging in ourselves, we become free to listen to our own inner wisdom rather than living for the opinions of others. We open our hearts more widely to learning from everyone around us rather than strictly those we view as superior teachers.

Miranda shares a poignant piece of wisdom which arrived to her recently during a time of deep struggle. Sometimes we tend to cope by telling ourselves a story about our current situation and looking on as if a bystander. Other times, we are graced with the ability to go directly inside our turmoil and simply float in it, rather than fight it. In this podcast, Miranda discusses her experience navigating these emotional reactions.

Miranda discusses the origins of beginnings. Just as our practice adapts with advancements in our world, it can also adapt with each person, finding a new way in for each individual. Each person’s entrance into practice looks different. There is not one correct way into mindfulness practice or into relationship with ourselves and the present moment.

Miranda discusses her experience with internal obstacles. Like leaves getting caught in a stream, parts of our inner journeys can barricade our experience, building up over time and creating obstructions in our lives. With our practice, we have the ability to work with each “leaf” and remove them gently over time.

Miranda discusses the concept of finding rest within the busy nature of today’s society. There will always be something more to do; our work is never completely finished. Despite this, we often feel a desire to be resolved. But when we can learn to rest amid the ongoing presence of to-do’s, we often find that important, unseen work is being done when we give ourselves this quiet time.

Miranda discusses the elasticity of her work and the idea of finding connection even in situations that might not seem ideal for practice. As human beings we are incredibly adaptable, yet can become stuck in a particular mindset about the way mindfulness should look. This podcast explores the opportunities we are given in each moment to find connection, even in settings that may not “look” like our mental image of practice.

Miranda discusses her experience with "pruning" of the mind during meditation. Just as we can prune a tree, we can prune away unhelpful thought patterns or identities. "Pruning" can be a beautiful exercise of cleaning our inner environment and gently removing the things that are not fruitful for us.

“Most of us need to be reminded that we are good, that we are lovable, that we belong.” -Tara Brach

Miranda expresses the incredible resource that is within us to create our own shelter and reach out our own hand to hold. How often do we hear that voice or those stories that tell us we’re not enough? How can you let your practice help you cultivate this inner home space? Though you can’t control the weather you can always be the shelter that you need— the one that offers a quieter place to understand what’s real and what’s imagined.

Miranda reflects on how important language is. It’s a practice to notice when we’re not present and how in those times we may be careless with our words and the ways we communicate with ourselves and others. When we include mindfulness in our speaking, it can be a really powerful practice to notice the quality of our language as well as its impact.

Miranda discusses the idea of paradoxes and shares her experience with holding space for both intent and impact. Holding paradoxes is not an easy practice but there’s something in this idea of embrace- that we don’t have to be one or the other. How can you have an embrace so large that you can just let it all be here? It’s about understanding that we can’t sort and separate. It’s just not how it works. Are you willing to hold both and trust in infinite possibilities?

Miranda shares one of her poems about expectations. Expectations often cause us suffering. It can be so devastating as we cling to the attachment of how we think things should look. Sometimes we need to let go of the life we planned for and embrace the one that shows up. When life doesn’t go as planned, we often feel this sense of betrayal. But is the betrayal true?

Miranda talks about the power of patience and what proceeds the practice. She contemplates the quote, “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom,”— Which essentially sparks the question— how much contemplation is too much contemplation? She encourages us to reflect but also to listen to where we’re being guided to and to ultimately take inspired action.

Miranda shares the poem: “What I Have Learned So Far” by the beloved Mary Oliver. May her teachings and insights live on.

“Be ignited or be gone”

Are you acting when you feel called to act? Miranda discusses and invites thought around what you’re doing with what you’re waking up to. Activism can show up in so many different ways. This concept of Meditation as a practice of radical activism is apparent. How can we care about ourselves and others simultaneously? There’s this special place right between giving and receiving that may invite us into action. What does that look like for you?

When life gets stressful, what space are you creating for yourself— one of unconditional love or one of isolation?

Miranda talks about how we often let all the ways we love and care for ourselves fall away when life gets challenging. What would it take to say in those moments of deep uncertainty, of challenge, of tragedy, whatever it may be, “can I keep letting the wellspring of lovingkindness flow?“

“Control is an insatiable master”

It can be devastating. Miranda discusses that we’re always wanting to control our own situations but so much is out of our capacity to control. Where are you willing to unclench your hand? It’s interesting to watch all the ways that the mind wants to control awareness. Are you willing to try on what vulnerability and surrender feel like?

Listen in to this relaxing guided meditation. Dr. Paul Epstein, ND, has been leading the charge to bring awareness to the mind-body connection for over 30 years and he will be at Copper Beech Institute in a few short weeks! In his private practice, Dr. Epstein integrates naturopathic principles with mindfulness meditation and other life-changing mind-body therapies.

Here’s our latest interview with Brandon Nappi on the importance of cultivating courage amidst the challenges in our contemporary world. Enjoy!

Miranda discusses her recent moments of feeling deep satisfaction around “enough”. This sense of “this is plenty” and encourages us to ask ourselves what’s enough for us? The sense that right now is enough is a choice. Often times, we get caught up in a certain way of thinking and being that moves us away from our joy and satisfaction. But if we tenderly climb off the hamster wheel, the joy of this practice is that we can learn to be with those parts of ourself that crave feeling enough and actually have it now. We can in fact, learn to cultivate the sense that what’s here right now, is enough.

Miranda discusses the power of brokenness. She shares a poem titled “Unbroken” and discusses why having a playful and lighthearted sense around failure can help cultivate resilience and a stronger relationship with yourself.

Miranda talks about the impact of kindness and how she recently experienced kindness in a powerful way. She relates to kindness as a friend that interrupts her fear and sorrow; Mentioning that if we have the awareness to make ourselves available to kindness and other nourishing opportunities, we can see the great treasures available to us in our toughest moments.

Miranda reflects back on the one year anniversary of the emergency birth of her twins. She discusses learning about appreciative joy and the difference between that and gratitude. Appreciative joy encompasses appreciating what we have but also what we don’t have and what others have that we may not have either.

Kathy talks about being with the present moment as deeply and as fully as we can.  Often this is associated with the difficulties in life. She shares a story about a trying time she is experiencing with her sister.

Miranda talked about how when we have a verbal argument, we come prepared with our points to defend ourselves. What if we just asked the other person if they want us to respond? This practice allows us the ability to pause and step outside of the tight space that tells us we need to prove ourselves right.

Miranda talked about how when we have a verbal argument, we come prepared with our points to defend ourselves. What if we just asked the other person if they want us to respond? This practice allows us the ability to pause and step outside of the tight space that tells us we need to prove ourselves right.

Miranda discusses a teaching she has studied around meditation sometimes referred to as the Hindrances. These five hindrances are tiredness, agitation, attachment, aversion and doubt.

Miranda talks about non-duality and how there really isn’t this separateness that we believe there is. It’s us that creates the separation. What does it look like to be in non-duality? What does it look like to not create separation in the experiences in your life?

When we work with pain of any kind, it’s not that mindfulness or meditation fixes it all, it’s that we start weaving a bigger basket to hold it all. How can you seek the middle space where everything exists and everything can be held?

Here's our latest interview with Brandon Nappi on the importance of cultivating presence in one’s life -- listen in or read the transcript on our blog!

Miranda talks about her experience with fear and its very real (and sometimes scary) effects it has on our minds and bodies. Learning how to work with the fearful self instead of against it is an important part of this practice. Letting the fear move through you the way it needs to is a true gift of mindfulness.

Miranda talks about how often we strive to be perfect. Sometimes we aren’t even striving to be perfect ourselves but demanding those around us to be perfect. This has led her to seeking forgiveness for herself and the world around us for seeking perfectionism. With meditation, there is no perfect way to practice as it’s a constant evolution. 

Miranda noticed lately she’s been interrupting her husband when he talks. She discovered that she really needed to start listening to herself. There is wisdom she needed to hear. We get caught up in trying to know and have all the answers when really we simply must wait for the wisdom to arrive.

Brandon’s talk at Copper Beech’s open house dives into a few key concepts that can help you unlock your superpower as well as how to best live a wholehearted life.

Seeing with New Eyes: Candlelight Talk + Meditation on September 12, 2018

Language has many qualities to it. How we speak to others and how we speak to ourselves contains a lot of power. Vulnerability is a word that, to some, means weakness but would it make a difference if we called it emotionally courageous?

Miranda and her sister went on a road trip to Montreal with her twins. There were many challenges and learning experiences along the way. Lessons learned were how we need to leap into the abyss and acknowledge fear. Our mindfulness practice helps us get into a new space.

Staying with the Pain

Miranda starts out reading an original poem and discusses her struggles in a recent meditation that focused on pain in the body. How it’s important to stay with the discomfort and explore it even when it’s uncomfortable. Change is always happening and nothing is actually stable. Remember there are always tender edges even when things seem rock solid.