Welcome to The Guest House, a commonweal meditation on the complexities and creative potential of being human in an era of radical change. In Season Two, cohosts Shawn Parell and David Keplinger are exploring what Emily Dickinson called "Gem Tactics," the practices by which we polish our creative engagement with life.These conversations and contemplative writings are offered freely, but subscriptions make our work possible. Bless us algorithmically by rating, reviewing, and sharing these episodes with friends—and please become a paid subscriber if you’re able. Thank you!Poet David Keplinger joins The Guest House, and together we hold the doorway open to Gem Tactics—this season’s title—a term borrowed from a lesser-known Dickinson poem that refers to those small, faceted moves of inner cultivation that reveal the shape of a life.In the first episode of our second season, we trace the filament between practice and mystery. Our talk initiates an exploration of how we live, why we listen, and what it means to accompany and be accompanied in a time when so much is unraveling. This is the scaffolding of what’s to come: a season shaped less by expertise than by earnest inquiry, less by answers than by wholehearted questions.Resource Links* Check out David’s meditation and essay on our season title - Gem Tactics: Why We Practice.* More from David - book releases, workshops, mindfulness talks, upcoming events, and more.Website: Davidkeplingerpoetry.comInstagram: @DavidKeplingerPoetrySubstack: Another Shore with David Keplinger* More from Shawn - free audio meditations, upcoming events, retreats, monthly essays, yoga classes, and music alchemy.Website: Shawnparell.comInstagram: @ShawnParellSubstack: The Guest HouseTogether, we are making sense of being human in an era of radical change. Your presence here matters. Bless our work algorithmically with your hearts and comments, and by sharing this post with a loved one. Paid subscriptions make this work possible. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe
A Special Bonus EpisodeI’m so grateful to share this bonus episode featuring a special conversation I had last year with my dear friend Mark Jensen. It’s a rare and beautiful exchange that touches on healing, grief, and a mystical connection to the Earth—an invitation to listen and remember what truly matters.In today's episode, I’m joined by Mark Jensen, a seasoned practitioner in the healing arts with 40+ years of experience in vitalistic principled chiropractic, cranial work, myofascial release, plant medicines, Qi Gong and Dao Yin classes, somatic/movement teachings, and Earth-based practices that support a more embodied, connected and healthy life. He operates a private practice, teaches for nonprofits, and leads community classes and ceremonies.Mark's profound understanding and ability to blend mystical visions with scientific study make this conversation a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration. Mark shares insights from decades of practice in the healing arts, including his conceptualization of the "circle of visions" and how attentional intimacy and communion with life’s intelligence can lead to profound healing. We delve into his deep connection with nature, the power of grief, and transformative experiences in his own healing journey. He also touches on the significance of holding space for joy amidst ecological and societal challenges.Episode HighlightsThe Power of Grief: Mark emphasizes embracing grief as a path to deeper love and soul connection.Ecological Despair and Healing: Insights on navigating ecological despair and finding healing through a greater understanding of the earth's intelligence.Visions and Spiritual Experiences: Mark shares transformative visions and spiritual encounters that have shaped his practice.Holding Dichotomy and Paradox: The importance of balancing the celebration of beauty with the acknowledgment of despair.Connection with Nature: Mark discusses his deep bond with nature and how it has guided and healed him throughout his life.The Role of Fascia in Healing: Insights into how fascia, the body's connective tissue, plays a crucial role in sensing and responding to the world.Community and Shared Grief: Community and shared experiences in processing grief and preventing despair.Mark Jensen“My journey began in Northern Minnesota and has carried me across landscapes, traditions, and thresholds of healing. Though trained in college and graduate school, my true education came from life itself—from births and deaths I was honored to attend, from those who entrusted me with their bodies, and from teachers across disciplines like Osteopathy, Daoism, Chinese Medicine, Herbalism, Deep Ecology, and land-based ceremony. The land has been my greatest teacher—from the plains of Oklahoma to the mountains of New Mexico, and now, back home to the shores of Gichigami (Lake Superior).I live in Duluth, Minnesota with my wife, artist Riha Rothberg, and our cat Gus. I continue to teach healthcare practitioners and maintain a private healing practice rooted in presence, ecology, and transformation.”Resource LinksLearn more about Mark and how to engage in his offerings, courses, and events at marksjensendc.comSubscribe to The Guest House on Substack for regular essays, podcast episodes, and more.Shawnparell.com - Check out Shawn's website to sign up for 5 free meditations, join Shawn’s email list for monthly field notes and music alchemy, and learn more about her work and upcoming events.Stay connected with Shawn on Instagram @ShawnParell for live weekly meditations and prompts for practice. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe
In this insightful conversation, I’m joined by poet James Pearson to explore personal growth, vulnerability, and the creative process. The discussion centers on themes of transformation, wholeheartedness, and navigating life’s difficult "winter seasons," a metaphor for the times of struggle, uncertainty, and rebirth. Pearson shares personal stories from his journey of self-discovery and healing, including the moments of asking for help that led to unexpected lifelines. Together, we delve into the wisdom found in nature's cycles and the power of messy, in-between times for personal growth.James reflects on his poetic work, particularly his debut collection The Wilderness That Bears Your Name. We discuss the idea of being "mirrored into existence" and the importance of human connection in helping us see and embrace our true selves. This conversation is both a meditation on the cyclical nature of life and an invitation to make room for uncertainty.Episode Highlights:* Wholeheartedness: The challenge of connecting to wholeheartedness during difficult, desolate times, and the courage it takes to ask for help.* Unordinary Emergence: Inspired by David Whyte’s concept of the hidden essence within us that emerges when we are invited and supported.* Mirroring and Connection: The importance of being "mirrored into existence" through human relationships and how communal reflection shapes our sense of self.* The Mud Season: The metaphorical season between winter and spring, where growth is messy but crucial.* Nature’s Lessons on Transformation: Lessons from Parker Palmer and Richard Rohr on the humility and grace found in life's messy, humbling experiences.* Reclaiming Authenticity: Facing existential crises and shedding old identities to make space for more authentic versions of ourselves.* Seeing Beauty in the Mess: Reflections on how even life’s "weeds" and imperfections hold beauty and significance.This episode is an invitation to embrace life's muddy seasons with patience, courage, and the willingness to see possibility in the mess.* Learn more about James and The Wilderness That Bears Your Name at Jamesapearson.com.* Connect with James on Instagram: @Jamesapearson* Subscribe to The Guest House on Substack for regular essays, podcast episodes, and more.* Shawnparell.com - Check out Shawn's website to sign up for 5 free meditations, join Shawn’s email list for monthly field notes and music alchemy, and learn more about her work and upcoming events.* Stay connected with Shawn on Instagram @ShawnParell for live weekly meditations and prompts for practice.* Join David Keplinger and me on January 24-25, 2024, for Mary Oliver and the Quest of Openness: "Are You Willing"?—a yoga, meditation, and somatic inquiry workshop hosted by YogaSource in Santa Fe. Drawing on his many years of friendship with Mary Oliver, David will help us explore themes of openness and willingness in her poetry. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe
In this deeply moving episode of The Guest House, I sit down with artist and trained therapist Caitlin Rhoades to explore the intricate landscape of grief and death. Through her own experience of compound loss, Caitlin reveals how grief reshapes our lives, teaching us about love, resilience, and the priorities that truly matter. Together, we navigate the societal discomfort surrounding death, the somatic experience of grief, and the transformative power of facing mortality with openness and inquisitiveness.Whether you’re grieving a loved one, supporting someone through loss, or seeking a deeper comprehension of life’s impermanence, this conversation offers profound insights and actionable wisdom for embracing grief as a natural part of the human journey.Episode Highlights:Grief is universal: It’s not limited to the loss of a loved one but encompasses daily and situational losses.The physical impact of grief: Unprocessed grief can manifest in the body, requiring mindful approaches to healing.The need for cultural change: Open discussions about death can dismantle societal discomfort and deepen life’s appreciation.Grief’s nonlinear journey: Every experience of grief is unique, defying a prescriptive process.Support through presence: Authentic engagement with grievers means meeting them where they are, without judgment or quick fixes.Transformative potential of grief: Loss can deepen love, joy, and life’s clarity when approached with courage and intention.Creating space for grief: Normalizing conversations and providing safe environments for emotional expression is vital.Join us to explore how grief can be a powerful teacher and connector. Reflect on your own relationship with loss, and consider initiating meaningful conversations about death with your loved ones. Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who might find comfort or insight in these reflections.Resource LinksYou can learn more about Caitlin’s work and ways to work with her at caitlinrhoades.com.Follow Caitlin on Instagram @caitlinrhoadesceramics.Check out the Getting Your Affairs in Order Checklist: Documents to Prepare for the Future from the National Institute on Aging.Subscribe to The Guest House on Substack for regular essays, podcast episodes, and more.Shawnparell.com - Check out Shawn's website to sign up for 5 days of free meditations, join Shawn’s email list for field notes and music alchemy, and learn more about her work and upcoming events.Stay connected with Shawn on Instagram @ShawnParell for live meditations and prompts for practice.I'm delighted to invite you to Gathering at the Hearth, a winter retreat in the Rockies co-led with Wendelin Scott, this February 21-24, 2025. Join us at Beyul Retreat near Aspen, Colorado, for a weekend of yoga, meditation, and rest in a serene, snow-covered sanctuary. Cozy cabins, crackling fireplaces, and nourishing practices await—space is limited, so reserve your spot today! Discounted rates when you sign up with a friend.Subscribe to The Guest House and never miss an episode filled with stories and insights that inspire, connect, and empower. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe
Today, climate leader Jess Serrante joins me in a heartfelt and insightful conversation on activism, emotional resilience, mentorship, and redefining hope in turbulent, uncertain times. Serrante recounts her path from activist burnout to Joanna Macy’s “The Work That Reconnects,” a practice built around gratitude, grief, and transformative action. We delve into “The Great Turning,” a paradigm shift toward sustainable and interconnected living, and examine the role of intergenerational wisdom and community support in overcoming despair. Drawing on her longtime friendship with Joanna and their recent conversation series, “We Are The Great Turning,” Jess shares insights that offer a roadmap for staying engaged in activism with purpose, resilience, and connection.Episode Highlights:Processing Emotions in Activism: Jess describes the emotional "soup" experienced by many activists after pivotal societal events and how acknowledging these emotions—whether numbness, anger, or sorrow—helps sustain long-term engagement.The Role of Mentorship in Activism: Jess reflects on her relationship with Joanna Macy, who has inspired her to navigate activism with grace and resilience through practices rooted in mindfulness and connection.Exploring "The Spiral" Framework: Jess explains "The Spiral" process—moving through gratitude, honoring pain, gaining new perspectives, and taking action—and how it supports emotional sustainability in the face of climate grief.The Power of Intergenerational Relationships: Emphasizing the role of elders in the activist journey, Jess shares how wisdom from mentors like Joanna has grounded her purpose and broadened her perspective on hope and resilience.Understanding “The Great Turning”: Shawn and Jess discuss the transition from the current societal model to a more sustainable, just paradigm, as described by Joanna Macy’s “The Great Turning,” and explore the role of individual and community-based change.Redefining Hope and Courage: The conversation shifts to the concept of “active hope,” where hope is redefined as a commitment to transformative actions rooted in love, courage, and an honest confrontation with grief.Building a Supportive Community: Jess stresses the necessity of finding a community to share in the journey of eco-activism, as collective strength and compassion are essential in facing global environmental challenges.This episode invites you to reflect on your own role in "The Great Turning" and offers practical insights and resources for nurturing a just, interconnected world.Resource Links1. You can learn more about Jess' work and ways to work with her at Jessserrante.com.2. Follow Jess on Instagram @Jess_Serrante.3. Join her newsletter at Jesserrante.com/subscribe.4. Subscribe to The Guest House on Substack for regular essays, podcast episodes, and more.5. Shawnparell.com - Check out Shawn's website to sign up for 5 free meditations, join Shawn’s email list for monthly field notes and music alchemy, and learn more about her work and upcoming events.6. Stay connected with Shawn on Instagram @ShawnParell for live weekly meditations and prompts for practice. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe
It was a honor to sit down with Henry Shukman—Zen master, poet, and author—to explore dimensions of meditation, mindfulness practice, and awakening. Our conversation centers around Henry’s profound insights into the nature of "original love," a concept he discusses in his latest book. Together, we reflect on the journey of how spiritual practice connects us to a greater sense of belonging and love.We delve into how spiritual practice, particularly mindfulness and meditation, can lead to transformative insights. We discuss the nature of awakening and the deeper connection we all share with the world around us. From personal experiences to philosophical reflections, this episode weaves together practical advice and wisdom for new and seasoned practitioners alike.Episode Highlights:The Essence of "Original Love": Henry discusses how love, beyond sentimentality, is an inherent force that connects us to all life.The Path of Awakening: Exploring the concept of kensho, a moment of non-dual realization where the boundary between self and world dissolves.Challenges of Spiritual Practice: Henry reflects on the difficulties of maintaining mindfulness and integrating awakening experiences into daily life.Spiritual Practice as a Journey: A deep dive into the structured progression of Henry’s app, The Way, which offers a path through mindfulness, support, flow, and awakening.Personal Stories of Mindfulness: We share personal anecdotes, including how suffering and challenges can inadvertently cultivate mindfulness.The Role of Community in Practice: Emphasizing the importance of support systems, we reflect on how mindfulness is not an isolated practice but one deeply connected to the collective.Poetry and Spiritual Insight: The episode ends with A.R. Ammons' poem, “Still,” capturing the beauty and interconnectedness of all life.Tune in for a rich dialogue on mindfulness, love, and the journey toward awakening. I hope this episode provides moments of inspiration for deepening your practice and reflecting on your own path of growth.Resource LinksTo learn more about Henry and his offerings, visit henryshukman.com.Order your copy of Original Love.Check out Henry’s app: The Way.Follow Henry on Instagram @henryshukmanSubscribe to The Guest House on Substack for regular essays, podcast episodes, and more.Shawnparell.com - Check out Shawn's website to sign up for 5 free meditations, join Shawn’s email list for monthly field notes and music alchemy, and learn more about her work and upcoming events.Stay connected with Shawn on Instagram @ShawnParell for live weekly meditations and prompts for practice. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe
In this rich conversation, I welcome meditation teacher Jonathan Foust to explore his remarkable 50-year journey of practice and teaching. Enjoy this deep dive at the intersection of meditation, mindfulness, and the evolving path of spiritual awakening.Jonathan offers listeners an inside look at a life-long path of self-awareness and transformation. He reflects on childhood experiences of disconnection and belonging and shares how living in an ashram for 24 years profoundly shaped his spiritual path. Jonathan also provides practical advice for those balancing a meditation practice with the demands of everyday life.The episode delves into somatic inquiry, exploring how tuning into bodily sensations can reveal profound insights and contribute to healing. Jonathan encourages a flexible and adaptable meditation practice grounded in sincerity.Episode HighlightsJonathan’s Evolution of Practice: From childhood experiences of disconnection and longing to 50 years of deep meditation and spiritual practice, including 24 years living and teaching at Kripalu.Somatic Inquiry and Body Awareness: Exploring how the body holds emotions, thoughts, and beliefs, and how tuning into these sensations can offer healing and insight.Balancing Daily Life with Deep Practice: Advice for integrating mindfulness into everyday life, emphasizing the value of sincerity, fluidity, and adaptability.Meditation and Self-Discovery: Using meditation to bring unconscious patterns into awareness, as described through Joseph Campbell’s metaphor of the conscious and unconscious mind.The RAIN Technique: Jonathan discusses the power of Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Nurture (RAIN) to address pain, cultivate compassion, and transform inner experiences.Collective Energy in Spiritual Practice: Reflections on the power of community, collective meditation, and the energy generated through shared spiritual practices.Resource LinksTo learn more about Jonathan and his offerings, visit Jonathanfoust.com.Subscribe to The Guest House on Substack for regular essays, podcast episodes, and more.Shawnparell.com - Check out Shawn's website to sign up for 5 free meditations, join Shawn’s email list for monthly field notes and music alchemy, and learn more about her work and upcoming events.Stay connected with Shawn on Instagram @ShawnParell for live weekly meditations and prompts for practice. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe
Join me on our upcoming Iceland yoga and meditation retreat!Akureyri, North Iceland | October 4-11, 2025The city of Akureyri was voted the #1 destination in Europe by Lonely Planet. Located on the longest fjord in the country, its mild climate and proximity to the Arctic Circle make it a bucket list, must-see destination. Join us for yoga, meditation, stunning views, breathtaking hikes, frozen waterfalls, Icelandic horseback rides, whale watching, soaking in starlit nature baths, and under the right conditions - chasing the northern lights.Payment plans are available! Learn more about this offering at shawnparell.com/iceland.In this episode, I delve into conversation with Hawah Kasat, a globally recognized humanitarian, educator, author, and co-founder of One Common Unity (OCU). Join us for a rich exploration of emotional resilience, cultural wisdom, and the integration of intellect and intuition. Discover how a balanced, heart-centered approach to living and leadership, grounded in honesty, stillness, and a deep connection to nature, can foster a more harmonious and sustainable future.Episode HighlightsInitial Meeting and Collaborations: Reflecting on our first encounter at Flow Yoga Center and projects like the Global Mala project.Early Life Influences: Hawah's childhood trips to India and how they shaped his sense of social responsibility.Binary Thinking: The dangers of extreme binary thinking and the need for balance in society.Mental Well-Being: Strategies for maintaining hope and well-being amidst societal polarization and systemic issues.Empathetic Overload and Numbing: The effects of constant exposure to trauma and the importance of feeling necessary emotions.Cultural Learning and Peace Advocacy: The value of learning from indigenous cultures and promoting non-violent conflict resolution.Roots to Sky Sanctuary: The role of this regenerative farm and healing arts center in reconnecting people with nature and sustainable living.Resource Links• Learn more about Hawah and how to connect at https://linktr.ee/everlutionary• Check out Hawah's new podcast Everlutionary on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify.• Follow Hawah on Instagram @hawahkasat, on Facebook, or on LinkedIn.• Subscribe to The Guest House on Substack for regular essays, podcast episodes, and more.• Shawnparell.com - Check out Shawn's website to sign up for 5 free meditations, join Shawn’s email list for monthly field notes and music alchemy, and learn more about her work and upcoming events.• Stay connected with Shawn on Instagram @ShawnParell for live weekly meditations and prompts for practice. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode, I am thrilled to introduce Rachel Rossitto, a dedicated practitioner of Earth-based feminine wisdom, women's holistic health, womb healing, and much more. For more than 15 years, Rachel has immersed herself in diverse spiritual and healing practices. Today, she offers courses, mentorship, and guidance to help women reclaim their divine feminine energy. Our discussion delves into the vital work of redefining and reclaiming the feminine in our lives.In this conversation, we delve into misconceptions about the divine feminine, the importance of balance, and how Rachel's own journey informs her work with others. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of feminine spirituality, sexuality, and the power of collective healing.Episode HighlightsRachel Rossitto's Background: Exploring Rachel's 15-year journey studying Earth-based feminine wisdom, holistic health, womb healing, and spiritual practices.Reconnecting with the Divine Feminine: The importance of reclaiming the divine feminine energy and its role in achieving balance in our lives.Principles of Balance in Nature: How nature's inherent balance offers insights into gender norms and the integration of masculine and feminine energies.Misconceptions about the Divine Feminine: Addressing common misunderstandings and emphasizing that divine feminine energy transcends gender.The Role of Sensuality and Sexuality: How Rachel's work helps women reconnect with their sensuality and sexuality as integral parts of their spiritual and personal growth.Rachel's Personal Journey: From her unique birth story to her rebellious teenage years and her eventual path into the healing arts.Collective Healing and Community: The power of women gathering in circles, amplifying each other's growth, and creating safe, nurturing spaces for healing and transformation.Resource Links• Learn more about Rachel and how to engage in her offerings, courses, and retreats at rachelrossitto.com.• Follow Rachel on Instagram @RachelRossitto• Subscribe to The Guest House on Substack for regular essays, podcast episodes, and more• shawnparell.com - Check out Shawn's website to sign up for 5 free meditations, join Shawn’s email list for monthly field notes and music alchemy, and learn more about her work and upcoming events• Stay connected with Shawn on Instagram @ShawnParell for live weekly meditations and prompts for practiceJoin me on our upcoming Iceland yoga and meditation retreat!Akureyri, North Iceland | October 4-11, 2025The city of Akureyri was voted the #1 destination in Europe by Lonely Planet. Located on the longest fjord in the country, its mild climate and proximity to the Arctic Circle make it a bucket list, must-see destination. Join us for yoga, meditation, stunning views, breathtaking hikes, frozen waterfalls, Icelandic horseback rides, whale watching, soaking in starlit nature baths, and under the right conditions - chasing the northern lights.Payment plans are available! Learn more about this offering at shawnparell.com/iceland.Register Today This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe
My guest today is Kasey Hendricks Crown. Kasey is a transpersonal psychotherapist. She's a clinical supervisor, a consultant, a wellness educator, and an activist who challenges traditional mental health paradigms and advocates for a balanced integration of scientific and spiritual perspectives, which I so resonate with.Kasey has over a decade of experience in facilitating healing for individuals and groups, and she focuses on unlocking vital wisdom to help people reconnect with their true selves.Along with Jackie Lenardini, Kasey is also the visionary co-founder of WellSoul, a dynamic wellness education company designed to guide individuals toward profound healing and self-discovery.Resource Links:* Learn more about Kasey, including events and offerings, at kaseycrown.com.* Subscribe to The Guest House on Substack for regular essays, podcast episodes, and more.* Shawnparell.com - Check out Shawn's website to sign up for 5 free meditations, join Shawn’s email list for monthly field notes and music alchemy, and learn more about her work and upcoming events.* Stay connected with Shawn on Instagram @ShawnParell for live weekly meditations and prompts for practice. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe
Tracee Stanley is the author of the bestselling books Radiant Rest: Yoga Nidra for Deep Relaxation and Awakened Clarity and The Luminous Self: Sacred Yogic Practices & Rituals to Remember Who You Are - by Shambhala Publications. She is the founder of Empowered Life Circle, a sacred community and portal of practices, rituals, and Tantric teachings inspired by more than 28 years of studentship in Sri Vidya Tantra and the teachings of the Himalayan Masters. As a post-lineage teacher, Tracee is devoted to sharing the wisdom of yoga nidra, rest, meditation, self-inquiry, spiritual ecology, and ancestor reverence. Tracee is gifted in illuminating the magic and power found in liminal space and weaving devotion and practice into daily life.Resource Links:* Find out more about Tracee - traceestanley.com* Order a copy of The Luminous Self at traceestanley.com/luminous-self* Subscribe to The Guest House on Substack for regular essays, podcast episodes, and more.* Shawnparell.com - Check out Shawn's website to sign up for 5 free meditations, join Shawn’s email list for monthly field notes and music alchemy, and learn more about her work and upcoming events.* Stay connected with Shawn on Instagram @ShawnParell for live weekly meditations and prompts for practice. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe
Joshua Michael Schrei is the founder of The Emerald, a podcast that combines evocative narrative, soul-stirring music, and interviews with award-winning authors and luminaries to explore the human experience through a vibrant lens of myth, story, and imagination.Throughout a lifetime of teaching, study, meditation and yogic practice, wilderness immersion, art, music, and public speaking, Josh has sought to navigate the living, animate space of the imagination and advocate for a world that prioritizes imaginative vision. Josh has taught intensive courses in mythology and somatic disciplines for over 20 years.Resource Links:* Join Josh’s mailing list at TheMythicBody@gmail.com* Consider Josh’s Patreon to participate in small study groups and more at patreon.com/theemeraldpodcast.* Check out Josh’s Linktr.ee for more opportunities to connect and subscribe to The Emerald Podcast: https://linktr.ee/theemeraldpodcast* Subscribe to The Guest House on Substack for regular essays, podcast episodes, and more.* ShawnParell.com - Check out Shawn's website to learn more about her work and upcoming events.* Stay connected with Shawn and join for live sits on Instagram @ShawnParell for live weekly meditations and prompts for practice.* Join Shawn in her upcoming virtual course, When the Body Becomes All Eyes: Foundations of Mindfulness Meditation! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe
Jess is a polymath who lives and works in Washington, DC. She is one of those rare people who is deeply knowledgeable and articulate and able to synthesize a broad range of subjects. I truly love and admire how conversations can go from politics to literature, to history, psychology, to science, to pop culture.She is a longtime yoga and meditation teacher who leads long-form immersions and international retreats. And she's also been a dedicated student of world-renowned teachers, Shiva Rea for several decades now, as well as Tara Brach, Pema Chodron, and the list goes on.She has two graduate degrees in journalism and poetry, respectively. She spent 12 years living and working in Israel as a journalist. She is part of an Israeli-American family and has not only granted her fluency in Hebrew, but truly a multicultural perspective.And most importantly, Jess is a remarkable mom to two Gen Zers, adulting daughters, Ella and Eden.I asked Jess to join me today for a conversation that has nothing and everything to do with her bio.Jess is one of the most enduring friends of my life. Whenever there's something in life that I'm scratching my head about (like marriage, what is that all about? What is friendship all about?), she’s the person that I turn to.Join us as we explore the phenomenon of friendship and its value in times of radical change.Resource Links:* Follow Jess on Instagram @jayjolazar* Check out www.jessicalazar.com for info on yoga classes, teacher training, retreats, and more.* Subscribe to The Guest House on Substack for regular essays, podcast episodes, and more.* ShawnParell.com - Check out Shawn's website to learn more about her work and upcoming events.* Stay connected with Shawn and join for live sits on Instagram @ShawnParell for live weekly meditations and prompts for practice.* Join Shawn in her upcoming virtual course, When the Body Becomes All Eyes: Foundations of Mindfulness Meditation This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe
Foundations of Mindfulness Meditationis now available as a six-week audio course!Build a seated practice. With guided meditations, insightful talks, and a detailed course guidebook, you'll have everything you need to establish the foundations of a mindfulness practice at your own pace.My guest today is Leigh Marz. Leigh is an author, leadership coach, and collaboration consultant. She’s led diverse initiatives, including a training program to promote an experimental mindset among multi-generational teams at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and a decade-long cross-sector collaboration to reduce toxic chemicals in partnership with the Green Science Policy Institute, Harvard University, IKEA, Google Green Team, Kaiser Permanente, and many others. Most notably for today’s conversation, Leigh is the author, along with her co-author Justin Zorn, of Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise, published by HarperCollins and now being translated into 13 languages. Resource Links:* Find Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise at HarperCollins, Amazon, Bookshop, or anywhere you buy books.* Pre-order the Golden paperback on Amazon.* Listen to the Golden audiobook on Audible, read by Prentice Onayemi.* Foreign publications are available in the UK/Commonwealth, Italy, Portugal, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Slovakia, Japan, The Netherlands, Korea, Russia, Poland, China, and Denmark.* Visit Leigh and Jason’s website at astreastrategies.com for articles, podcasts, and media coverage tailored to specific audiences such as business, health & wellness, politics, and more.* Connect with Leigh on LinkedIn @leigh-marz or through her website at leighmarz.com.* Follow Jarvis through his website, freejarvis.org for information and updates on his case and current appeal.* Sign the petition to free Jarvis Jay Masters - join the group of over 10k individuals speaking up for Justice for Jarvis.* Check out Jarvis’ books Finding Freedom: How Death Row Broke and Opened My Heart and Oprah’s book club pick, That Bird Has My Wings: The Autobiography of an Innocent Man on Death Row. * Subscribe to The Guest House on Substack for regular essays, podcast episodes, and more.* ShawnParell.com - Check out Shawn's website to learn more about her work and upcoming events.* Stay connected with Shawn and join for live sits on Instagram @ShawnParell for live weekly meditations and prompts for practice.Become a paid subscriber for $6/month to access monthly yoga + meditation practices exclusively for The Guest House community. Practices live or via recording at your convenience. Next gathering soon to be announced! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe
FREE for The Guest House subscribers - Brooke’s digital class, Unlocking Creativity for Wellness.Brooke is a certified brand strategist. She's a TED speaker. She's an artist, a designer, and host of the podcast The Art of Lost and Found. She also founded the internationally sought-after design studio called I Know A Gal.Brooke describes herself as a Creative Amplifier. Her genius zone is in helping people unblock their creative energy and channel it strategically. In addition to working with social entrepreneurs, coaches, freelancers, and artists, Brooke has also worked with all of the globally recognized big logos like Google, TED, Disney, etc. The list goes on.I'm so happy to have Brooke with us here today at The Guest House. I have worked with Brooke personally and I don't know that The Guest House would exist or at least that I would feel as supported in taking creative risks in my life at this point were it not for the support, the ushering, the therapizing that Brooke has brought to my life in over the past year or so of us working together.So I'm excited and I'm grateful to share our conversation with everybody who's listening.Resource Links:* Brookeestin.com - Learn more about Brooke and how to work with her.* iknowagal.co - Check out Brooke's studio for transformational website design.* Connect with Brooke on Instagram at @BrookeEstin.* Or follow her on Linkedin.* Curious about Brooke's podcast, The Art of Lost and Found? Listen at https://brookeestin.com/podcast.* Subscribe to The Guest House on Substack for regular essays, podcast episodes, and more.* ShawnParell.com - Check out Shawn's website to learn more about her work and upcoming events.* Stay connected with Shawn and join for live sits on Instagram @ShawnParell for live weekly meditations and prompts for practice. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe
David Keplinger is the distinguished author of eight collections of poetry — including his most recent book, Ice. He has received prestigious awards throughout his career and was honored as Scholar-Teacher of the Year in 2022 at American University in Washington, DC, where he has taught since 2007. He's also a dear friend and the only person I imagined featuring on this, our first podcast episode at The Guest House. Sitting together in David's study, we discuss the revelatory nature of memory and how poetry and mindfulness as spiritual practices can help us explore our place in the layered history of this spinning Earth.Resource Links:* Davidkeplingerpoetry.com - Learn more about David, his poetry collections, workshops, and more on his website.* The Mindfulness Initiative - Participate for free in live, guided meditations with David in collaboration with American University’s Department of Literature and The College of Arts and Sciences.* Ice - Purchase a copy of Ice, the collection of poems we explore in this episode.* Subscribe to The Guest House on Substack for regular essays, podcast episodes, and more.* ShawnParell.com - Check out Shawn's website to learn more about her work and upcoming events.* Stay connected with Shawn and join for live sits on Instagram @ShawnParell for live weekly meditations and prompts for practice. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe
In this conversation with Meditation teacher Nolitha Tsengiwe, we explore how silence, presence, and practice can help us meet the joy and impermanence of life.Nolitha Tsengiwe is a Dharma teacher and board member at Dharmagiri Retreat Center in South Africa, which was founded by Kittisaro and Thanissara Weinberg. She has practiced since 1997 under Kittisaro and Thanissara, who are of Ajahn Chah’s lineage. In her first retreat with these beloved teachers, she discovered silence as a refuge and has never looked back. Nolitha completed the Community Dharma Leadership Program (CDL4) at Spirit Rock in 2014 and is a graduate of the IMS teacher training program from 2017 to 2021. Nolitha is a Psychologist and is trained in Karuna (Core process psychotherapy based on Buddhist principles) and Somatic Experiencing (SE). Has been a leadership development consultant and executive coach for over 20 years. She is a mother and teaches Biodanza (dance originated by Rolando Toro)Resource Links:Learn more about Nolitha and her work:Website: couragetolead.co.zaMore from David - book releases, workshops, mindfulness talks, upcoming events, and more:Website: Davidkeplingerpoetry.comInstagram: @DavidKeplingerPoetrySubstack: Another Shore with David KeplingerSubstack Author Page: https://substack.com/@davidkeplingerMore from Shawn - free audio meditations, upcoming events, retreats, monthly essays, yoga classes, and music alchemy:Website: Shawnparell.comInstagram: @ShawnParellSubstack: The Guest HouseSubstack Author Page: https://substack.com/@shawnparellTogether, we’re being human in an era of radical change. Your presence here matters. Bless our work algorithmically with your <3s and comments, and share this post with a loved one. Paid subscriptions make this offering possible. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe
Adulthood has long been overlooked as a phase in human development. This is, in part, due to its implicit assumption of steadiness. Its shifting hues tend to be less dramatic than those of adolescence and elderhood, its moods less pronounced. Much of the time, we do the work of our lives, showing up for our common refrain while quietly learning to cultivate fulfillment on our own terms; our creative pursuits and revelatory practices often relegated to the margins of our daily lives.We are exceptionally connected, balancing our digital and analog lives. We are so busy. There is so much to do. Who has time? Adults say these things in exasperation, grasping for affirmation or companionship in the midst of their grievances. But it’s true—to be in the human world today is to drink from a firehose of information. Plus, what depths are safe to plumb outside the sanctuary of a therapist’s office or a park bench with a trusted friend? The stakes of vulnerability are high. So high, in fact, that Brené Brown describes judgment as “the currency of the midlife realm.” By midlife, we are expected to have brought to fruition the aspirations of our earlier selves—to have reached a plateau of practicality and resolve. Cruising altitude, as they say.Of course, we who inhabit or have inhabited the realm of adulthood know better. Inside the cornucopia of being human, spiraling inward from its bright surface, exist multitudes. Much like the tonal expressions of early autumn, the richer pigments of our psyche—previously concealed behind summer’s green façade—gradually reveal their layers to those who pay attention: ripening, sweetening, scenting the air with integration and maturation.~Today, I am writing from the belly of a meditation retreat at Vallecitos, among the ancient, indiscreet ponderosas of Northern New Mexico. Belly is a phrase I favor mid-retreat because it refers to the tender middle, the bellows, the digestive center. For five days, however brief an expanse of unclaimed hours, I have sat with myself in a wooden casita outfitted with a kerosene heater, a writing desk, and a chipmunk who makes neighborly visits to the stoop.There is a shimmer to this mountain valley nestled deep in the Carson National Forest—a million-acre, many-voiced wilderness. Everything breathes here. Cold morning dew washes the meadows; afternoon shadows sweep the valley. Here, the pines thicken into themselves, aspens become jittery and luminous as they dry in the breeze, and just beneath my feet, lichen and mycelium weave their storied logic.Ramón y Cajal, a Spanish neuroscientist who pioneered studies of the central nervous system at the turn of the 20th century, referred to neurons as “butterflies of the soul”—tender, erratic, natural, and necessary.Most days, I am like most adults. I move through a slurry of data and directives, my nervous system siphoning thoughts, words, plans, and presences. Most days, my neurons do not feel like butterflies. But the land’s knack is to shed and replenish, to dwell and allow and transform. A stone stays in place while the river glides over its surface, gradually polishing its form. I recall a beloved teacher once describing enlightenment simply as no more raw edges.There is a choreography to these days of sitting, walking, sweeping, sleeping; the routine is a slow, scaffolded unraveling. Contingent parts within me make themselves more visible to the naked eye: the part seeking a reprieve from boredom—hello, gorgeous organic berries at breakfast!—and the part that feels alive with fright on an unlit walk at night. The part that is slavish to comfort and sensitive to nonverbal exchanges in the lunch queue. The chronic clock-watcher who would count the hours until I see my family again…But also, there is a solitude I am befriending in my adult years—a creative and patient companion self. My nervous system grows almost amphibious here: reflective, tremulous, equilibrating like the surface of the alpine ponds of this valley. I imagine myself like the ancient city of Venice, which, during its pandemic-mandated reprieve from the normal throngs of tourists, welcomed dolphins back to its capillaried canals.I move through the forest, only to discover the strange phenomenon of the forest moving through me. The trees pass sideways; sunlight pitches down in mosaics, glancing off the backs of leaves. I rest on the round body of a pine, and the sound of critters, once a polite backdrop, sidles forward: bluebird, fox, nondescript scuttle from the bushes. The entire canopy hums—at me, through me—a polyphony the writer Amy Leach might call everybodyism, an ensemble of selfhoods.It is, if anything, a kind of organization I find myself settling into: organism, order—these words sharing root and logic. The fractal arrangements of life in the forest transmit glimpses of my body’s own sophisticated animal intelligence. Each muscle adjusts moment by moment to the terrain, dynamic and improvisational. The mind may imagine it stands apart—thank you, Descartes, for teaching us to narrate ourselves from above—but the world refuses such neat separations. Artificial intelligence, with its disembodied schemes, cannot meet moss or kneel to converse with mushrooms as we can.In her evening talk, Erin Treat, guiding teacher at Vallecitos, serendipitously shares the opening line from The Famished Road, a 1991 novel by Nigerian author Ben Okri that won the Booker Prize: “In the beginning, there was a river. The river became a road, and the road branched out to the whole world. And because the road was once a river, it was always hungry.” I think of this teaching as I move between stone and stream, insights replenishing from nowhere I can name. Dusk gathers, cliff shadows lengthen, and a presence stirs the forest, calling wandering creatures home.Together, we are making sense of being human in an era of radical change. Your presence here matters. Thank you for reading, sharing, ‘heart’ing, commenting, and subscribing to The Guest House. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode, we talk with poet Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer about the grief that carries love through unimaginable loss—the death of a child—and of the daily practice of writing and mindful observation that dig the groundwork for self-forgiveness, compassion, and revelation.Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer is a poet, teacher, speaker and writing facilitator who co-hosts Emerging Form, a podcast on creative process. Her daily audio series, The Poetic Path, is on the Ritual app. Her poems have appeared on A Prairie Home Companion, PBS News Hour, O Magazine, American Life in Poetry, and Carnegie Hall stage. Her recent collections are All the Honey and The Unfolding. In 2024, she became poet laureate for Evermore, helping others explore grief and love through poetry. Since 2006, she’s written a poem a day, sharing them on her blog, A Hundred Falling Veils. One-word mantra: Adjust.Resource Links:* Explore these paths into Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer’s work for poems that fall daily, books that gather what cannot be held, albums that sing through the dark, and talks that change the way we see.Website: wordwoman.comDaily poetry blog: A Hundred Falling VeilsDaily poetry app for your phone: The Poetic PathPodcast on creative process: Emerging FormNewest Books: The Unfolding, All the HoneyTEDx: The Art of Changing MetaphorsPoetry album on “Endarkenment”: Dark PraisePoetry album on love in difficult times: Risking Love* More from David - book releases, workshops, mindfulness talks, upcoming events, and more.Website: Davidkeplingerpoetry.comInstagram: @DavidKeplingerPoetrySubstack: Another Shore with David Keplinger* More from Shawn - free audio meditations, upcoming events, retreats, monthly essays, yoga classes, and music alchemy.Website: Shawnparell.comInstagram: Shawn ParellSubstack: The Guest HouseTogether, we’re being human in an era of radical change. Your presence here matters. Bless our work algorithmically with your <3s and comments, and share this post with a loved one. Paid subscriptions make this offering possible. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe
Love tenderizes everything. I tell myself this upon waking, when darkness gives way to dew and even the desert becomes supple again. Love tenderizes everything. I repeat it at dusk, as we sit on the portal and the sky swirls above us. I tell myself this when my daughter rests her head on my chest with a sigh, and murmur it like an incantation in moments when my heart feels cracked and crusted over, when the world’s roughness scrapes against my senses.Love tenderizes everything.Take, for example, Andrea Gibson’s “Say Yes.” I have carried this poem like an olive branch since my early twenties. It begins with the physics of resonance: “When two violins are placed in a room, if a chord on one violin is struck, the other will sound the note. If this is your definition of hope, this is for you.”I remember the heaviness I carried back then—the sense of distance I felt from myself and every other living thing, except for those few magnificent friends and family members who stayed near through that long, shadowed season. Yet somehow, the poet’s voice—two violins, a shared note—evoked the earthly harmonies of life, even then. Those lines nested inside me, tending to the wounded place as only poetry can: with its small sticks, feathers, and flickers of song.Grief is never singular. Like love, it layers in harmonics above the baseline of our existence. A father’s voice saying hi, sweetie, carries the ache of a future absence braided into today’s loving presence. There is grief for the unraveling of our ecological sanity and safety; for the unnamed burdens children carry, and our longing to keep them well and near. Sometimes there are wisps of sorrow for the unwritten books and furniture of that other life—the one I did not choose. There is grief, too, for the relentless rush of time, for how we quicken away from our bodies’ native pace.And then there are the most visceral reminders of our fragile, mutual keeping—the incontrovertible losses that stun with their seeming impartiality, confronting us with the vulnerability of a life that was just here but is no longer.Today, again, the world rushes in—unpredictable and uncertain. Thankfully, for this moment, I can adjust to a gentler lens. My body settles into the bruise, albeit tender to the touch. I want to tell everyone how needful it is to be kind, how we depend on love, and then I want to share the delight of a child who has just discovered raspberries fruiting on their vines.The weight of love—its 10,000 joys and 10,000 sorrows—shapes the day into something bearable and even, at times, beautiful. And in the wake of Andrea’s passing, as their words—earnest, luminous—seem all at once everywhere, startled into the air like a murder of crows in an open field, I find myself bowing to the gift of yet another poem that undoes me and then puts me back together again.“every time i ever said i want to die”by Andrea GibsonA difficult life is not lessworth living than a gentle one.Joy is simply easier to carrythan sorrow. And your heartcould lift a city from how longyou’ve spent holding what’s beennearly impossible to hold.This world needs thosewho know how to do that.Those who could find a tunnelthat has no light at the end of it,and hold it up like a telescopeto know the darknessalso contains truths that couldbring the light to its knees.Grief astronomer, adjust the lens,look close, tell us what you see.Together, we are making sense of being human in an era of radical change. Your presence here matters. Please consider sharing this post with a loved one. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe