Balanced Mind With Julie Potiker

Ground yourself to the earth and breathe in love for yourself and those around you. Julie Potiker completes this guided meditation with her poem, "Hardware Store Love".Hardware Store Love by Julie Potiker I love the smell of hardware stores.Dixieline, Ace, and Home DepotThey remind me of the J & B Discount Store in Elyria, Ohio.My dad opened this magnificent place when I was just a girl.He drove a great distance every day to keep us in better schools.When I read about huge pileups on the Ohio Turnpike in the snowI think of all he sacrificed so we could learn and grow.Grow in a place that had people like us, where antisemitism would be less major.Because Hanukkah candles would be lit in the homes of many of our neighbors.On special occasions I would travel to his big, wonderful store where employees were like family.My father, they adored.I’d wander the isles of plumbing, tools, shampoos, clothes, and toys and think about how lucky I was to have all this and more.Whenever I feel a longing to connect with m

Settle in, quiet your mind, and listen as Julie Potiker leads you through this guided meditation. She completes the meditation with the poem, "Volcano of Tender Power", by Susan Frybort.Volcano of Tender PowerPrimordial sputtering,graveyard of stuttering sounds,hot lava flowing.I know this place.Holy stillin this placeI acknowledge this innermost ground,this volcano of my being,for its primal call.Sputtering, squeaking, groaning.Akin to a birthing.I have not fully understood thisvolcanic core.I have seen it as too muchthrough the lens of the overculture.I have seen it as woundedthrough the lens of therapy.I have seen it as weaknessthrough the lens of my critic.Now this lava of tendernesscannot be contained.It bubbles forth as a voice,it flows through as clarity,it erupts as empowerment.This volcano of tendernessin its full powermirrors the divine feminine,Sacred Mother Earth,my great mother,no longer unseenand misunderstood.-Volcano of Tender Power, by Susan Frybort, from from, "Weaving Myself Awake; Voicing

Use your breath to glide into the New Year with help from this guided meditation led by Julie Potiker. She completes the meditation with a reading of her poem, "A New Year". A New Year by Julie Potiker A stack of days Turning the pageHours MinutesSeconds Weeks Months  A year gone by Lived, used, experienced  Wrung out  Hung to dry In front of you now  A crisp stack of paper Blank, blindingly bright  How will you write your moments?  Moments strung into hours Days Weeks  Months  With judgement?  With love?  With love I say  For love feels good  Let’s write our moments with love.Find out more about using mindfulness in everyday life through Julie's books, "SNAP: From Calm to Chaos", and "Life Falls Apart, But You Don't have To: Mindful Methods for Staying Calm in the Midst of Chaos". Both are available on Amazon.com.Follow Julie on YouTube and Facebook at Mindful Methods for Life.comThis podcast is available on iTunes, iHeart, Blubrry and everywhere you listen to podcasts.

A guided meditation to quiet your mind as you breathe in compassion and peace. Julie Potiker completes the mediation with her poem, "Christmas Morning Meditation".-Christmas Morning Meditation, by Julie PotikerThe carob trees are packed with beesA susurrus of soundMy mind this morning a busy placeThoughts bouncing all aroundI drop my awareness to my feetPlant them firmly on the groundReturn my awareness to my breathAnd let myself drop downDown to peace and quietAt least for just a bitThen pop pop comes another thoughtThis one could make me quitI give myself a hug and smileI see where this is goingA poem is arisingFrom yesterdays brave knowingA woman shared her challengeIn quieting her mindI said the work is noticingAnd bringing it back each timeI know she has inspired meTo create this little rhymeTo those that meditated with meyesterdayI thank you - it was sublime!Christmas Morning Meditation by Julie Potiker.Find out more about using mindfulness in everyday life through Julie's books, "SNAP: From Calm to Cha

The Winter Solstice bringing us longer daylight hours as we reflect on the end of the year and new beginnings. Julie Potiker leads you through this guided meditation focusing on the light within and around you. She completes the meditation with a reading of the poem, "Snowy Night", by Mary Oliver.Snowy Night, by Mary OliverLast night, an owlin the blue darktossed an indeterminate numberof carefully shaped sounds intothe world, in which,a quarter of a mile away, I happenedto be standing.I couldn’t tellwhich one it was –the barred or the great-hornedship of the air –it was that distant. But, anyway,aren’t there momentsthat are better than knowing something,and sweeter? Snow was falling,so much like starsfilling the dark treesthat one could easily imagineits reason for being was nothing morethan prettiness. I supposeif this were someone else’s storythey would have insisted on knowingwhatever is knowable – would have hurriedover the fieldsto name it – the owl, I mean.But it’s mine, this poem of the night,and I ju

Receive and pass along loving kindness through this guided meditation led by Julie Potiker. She completes the meditation with a reading of a poem, "Prayer", by Elaine Starkman.Prayer, by Elaine Starkmanlord, let my soulsour above my roomlet her dance on the wallsto songs of violinsleap rooftopsto pages of poetrypraisean orange, a horsea mountain, a breezelet her transcend all limitsof my small life.Prayer, by Elaine Starkman.Get the latest on mindfulness and meditation by subscribing to Julie Potiker's YouTube channel and Facebook page at Mindful Methods for Life. You can learn about mindfulness at www.MindfulMethodsForLife.com and also in Julie's book, "Life Falls Apart, But You Don't Have To: Mindful Methods For Staying Calm In The Midst Of Chaos", available on Amazon.com. This podcast is available on iTunes, iHeart, and everywhere you listen to podcasts.

Throughout this season take the time to remember what you're grateful for. During this guided meditation led by Julie Potiker we focus on being thankful.Eagle Poem, by Joy HarjoTo pray you open your whole selfTo sky, to earth, to sun, to moonTo one whole voice that is you.And know there is moreThat you can’t see, can’t hear;Can’t know except in momentsSteadily growing, and in languagesThat aren’t always sound but otherCircles of motion.Like eagle that Sunday morningOver Salt River. Circled in blue skyIn wind, swept our hearts cleanWith sacred wings.We see you, see ourselves and knowThat we must take the utmost careAnd kindness in all things.Breathe in, knowing we are made ofAll this, and breathe, knowingWe are truly blessed because weWere born, and die soon within aTrue circle of motion,Like eagle rounding out the morningInside us.We pray that it will be doneIn beauty.In beauty.Joy Harjo, “Eagle Poem” from In Mad Love and War. Copyright © 1990 by Joy Harjo.Get the latest on mindfulness and meditation by subsc

Join Julie Potiker as she guides you through this Healing Gratitude meditation. She completes the meditation with a reading of the poem, "Mysteries, Yes", by Mary Oliver.Truly, we live with mysteries toomarvelous to be understood.How grass can be nourishing in themouths of the lambs.How rivers and stones are foreverin allegiance with gravitywhile we ourselves dream of rising.How two hands touch and the bonds will never be broken.How people come, from delight or the scars of damage,to the comfort of a poem.Let me keep my distance, always, from those who think they have the answers.Let me keep company always withthose who say "Look!" and laugh inastonishment, and bow their heads.~Mary Oliver, "Mysteries, Yes"Get the latest on mindfulness and meditation by subscribing to Julie Potiker's YouTube channel and Facebook page at Mindful Methods for Life. You can learn about mindfulness at www.MindfulMethodsForLife.com and also in Julie's book, "Life Falls Apart, But You Don't Have To: Mindful Methods For Staying Calm

Feel the energy of hope as you sit back listen, and breathe into this guided meditation led by Julie Potiker. You will be focusing on hope that's all around you - and around the planet. She completes the meditation with a quote from Eric Liu.“To be optimistic is to assume things will work out. To be hopeful is to realize things can work out if you work at them. Hope requires responsibility and agency; optimism relieves us of both. In rooting for your sports team, choose optimism. In rooting for democracy, choose hope.”— Eric LiuGet the latest on mindfulness and meditation by subscribing to Julie Potiker's YouTube channel and Facebook page at Mindful Methods for Life. You can learn about mindfulness at www.MindfulMethodsForLife.com and also in Julie's book, "Life Falls Apart, But You Don't Have To: Mindful Methods For Staying Calm In The Midst Of Chaos", available on Amazon.com. This podcast is available on iTunes, iHeart, and everywhere you listen to podcasts.

Julie Potiker leads you in this loving kindness meditation where you'll relax into moments of ease. She completes the meditation with a reading of the poem, "Let Me Begin Again," by Major Jackson.Let Me Begin Again, by Major JacksonLet me begin again as a quiet thoughtin the shape of a shell slowly examinedby a brown child on a beach at dawnstraining to see their future. Let me beginthis time knowing the drumming in my dreamsis me inheriting the earth, is morninglighting up the rivers. Let me burnmy vanities: old music in the pines, siftersof scotch, a day moon like a signatureof night. This time, let me circlethe island of my fears only once thenlive like a raging waterfall and growa magnificent mustache. Let me not ever bethe birdcage or the serrated blade orthe empty season. Dear Glacier, Dear Seaof Stars, Dear Leopards disintegratingat the outer limits of our greed; soon we willencounter you only in motivational tweets.Reader, I should have married you sooner.This time, let me not sleep like the prophet w

Join Julie Potiker as she leads you in this healing light meditation. She completes the meditation with her poem, "Bird World Orchestra".Bird World Orchestra, by Julie Potiker. Sitting in a comfy chair under the cool canopy of a black locust tree,I’m serenaded by the Bird World Orchestra.The acorn woodpecker appears to be hosting a happy hour and salon at 5pm.His guests swoop in and flit out.The Northern Mockingbird,Yellow-rumped warbler,and the American Robin drop in for a drink.The tiny Bush-tit, not embarrassed by it’s nameis joined by Allen’s and Anna’s Hummingbirds.The California Scrub Jay and the American Crownot wanting to be outdone by the singing of the precious little House Finch screechthey are on their way.The California Scrub Jay may be having a nervous breakdown.It’s difficult to know.Hopefully he will make it to the party,have some juice,and calm down.-Bird World Orchestra, by Julie PotikerGet the latest on mindfulness and meditation by subscribing to Julie Potiker's YouTube channel and Faceboo

Where do you find joy? Within yourself, through others? In this guided meditation Julie Potiker helps you tap into your own healing energy infused with joy. Joy, by Donna AshworthJoy does not arrive with a fanfare,on a red carpet strewn with the flowers of a perfect life.Joy sneaks in, as you pour a cup of coffee,watching the sun hit your favorite tree, just right.And you usher joy away,because you are not ready for it.Your house is not as it must be,for such a distinguished guest.But joy cares nothing for your messy home,or your bank-balance,or your waistline, you see.Joy is supposed to slither through the cracks of your imperfect life,that’s how joy works.You cannot invite her, you can only be ready when she appears.And hug her with meaning, because in this very moment,joy chose you.Joy, by Donna AshworthGet the latest on mindfulness and meditation by subscribing to Julie Potiker's YouTube channel and Facebook page at Mindful Methods for Life. You can learn about mindfulness at www.MindfulMethodsForLife.com

Tap into all your senses through this guided meditation led by Julie Potiker. She completes the meditation with her poem, "Softly Raining".Softly Raining, by Julie Potiker.An Acorn Woodpecker joined me as I sipped my morning coffee. Soon we were joined by a House Finch then an Allen’s Hummingbird.Sitting under the carob trees I heard a crackling sound, a gentle snapping, as rain drops landed on the round green leaves, and dripped from the long leathery carob pods. Some of the drops make spots on the outdoor sofa, a drop now and then wetting my ankle, wrist and hair.As the rhythm of the water gets faster, and more complex, it smells like fresh baked brownies, and maybe something too ripe, and sour, fermenting. The rain is now singing, the birds a mere whisper. I make my way inside to shelter from the rain, hoping to hear the bird symphony again tomorrow.-Softly Raining by Julie Potiker Get the latest on mindfulness and meditation by subscribing to Julie Potiker's YouTube channel and Facebook page at Mindful Me

In this guided meditation led by Julie Potiker you'll focus on forgiveness, for yourself and others. She completes the meditation with the reading of a quote from Thich Nhat Hanh.Most of us walk without chains, yet we aren’t free.We’re tethered to regret and sorrow from the past.We return to the past and continue to suffer. The past is aprison. But now you have the key to unlock the doorand arrive in the present moment. You breathe in, youbring your mind home to your body, you make a step,and you arrive in the here and now.-Thich Nhat Hanh from the book, “How to Walk”.Get the latest on mindfulness and meditation by subscribing to Julie Potiker's YouTube channel and Facebook page at Mindful Methods for Life. You can learn about mindfulness at www.MindfulMethodsForLife.com and also in Julie's newly released book, "Life Falls Apart, But You Don't Have To: Mindful Methods For Staying Calm In The Midst Of Chaos", available on Amazon.com. Her podcast is "Balanced Mind with Julie Potiker", available on iTunes, iHear

Find yourself a comfortable spot, sit back, relax and breathe in peace through this guided meditation led by by Julie Potiker. She completes the meditation with the poem, "Walk Slowly", by Dana Faulds.Walk SlowlyIt only takes a reminder to breathe,a moment to be still, and just like that,something in me settles, softens, makesspace for imperfection. The harsh voiceof judgment drops to a whisper and Iremember again that life isn't a relayrace; that we will all cross the finishline; that waking up to life is what wewere born for. As many times as Iforget, catch myself charging forwardwithout even knowing where I'm going,that many times I can make the choiceto stop, to breathe, and be, and walkslowly into the mystery.Walk Slowly, by Dana FauldsGet the latest on mindfulness and meditation by subscribing to Julie Potiker's YouTube channel and Facebook page at Mindful Methods for Life. You can learn about mindfulness at www.MindfulMethodsForLife.com and also in Julie's newly released book, "Life Falls Apart, But Yo

Use your breath to wrap yourself in love through this guided meditation led by Julie Potiker. She completes the meditation with a quote from Jon Kabat-Zin.Don't go outside your house to see the flowers.My friend, don't bother with that excursion.Inside your body there are flowers.One flower has a thousand petals.That will do for a place to sit.Sitting there you will have a glimpse of beautyinside the body and out of it,before gardens and after gardens.Written by Jon Kabat-Zin from his book, "Wherever You Go There You Are; Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life".Get the latest on mindfulness and meditation by subscribing to Julie Potiker's YouTube channel and Facebook page at Mindful Methods for Life. You can learn about mindfulness at www.MindfulMethodsForLife.com and also in Julie's newly released book, "Life Falls Apart, But You Don't Have To: Mindful Methods For Staying Calm In The Midst Of Chaos", available on Amazon.com. Her podcast is "Balanced Mind with Julie Potiker", available on iTunes, iHeart, and

Find your breath, as you breathe in compassion through this guided meditation led by Julie Potiker. She completes the meditation with a reading of the poem, "Alive", by Zach Beach.AliveWe are alive every day,and alive for the moments we realize it.When,lost in thought,an ancestor or a god or a peck of pollenshakes us awake,and an ocean of small beautiesdemand our attention.The flowers themselves moving like music;The trees swaying instead of snapping;the summer breeze cooling our skin,dancing with our hair,and ticking our nostrilswith scents of faraway lands.The hummingbird,making its 10,000-mile journeywith such tiny wings,and you,smack dab in the middle of this painting:alive.What a gift.Alive, by Zach Beach.Get the latest on mindfulness and meditation by subscribing to Julie Potiker's YouTube channel and Facebook page at Mindful Methods for Life. You can learn about mindfulness at www.MindfulMethodsForLife.com and also in Julie's newly released book, "Life Falls Apart, But You Don't Have To: Mindful Method

Tap into your own warmth, caring and nurturing through this breathing meditation led by Julie Potiker. She completes the meditation with a reading of the poem, "My Symphony", by William Henry Channing.My SymphonyTo live content with small means;to seek elegance rather than luxury,and refinement rather than fashion,to be worthy, not respectable,and wealthy, not rich;to study hard, think quietly,talk gently, act frankly,to listen to stars and birds,to babes and sages,with open heart,to bear all cheerfully,to all bravely await occasions,hurry never.In a word, to let the spiritual unbiddenand unconscious grow up through the common.This is to be my symphony.— William Henry ChanningGet the latest on mindfulness and meditation by subscribing to Julie Potiker's YouTube channel and Facebook page at Mindful Methods for Life. You can learn about mindfulness at www.MindfulMethodsForLife.com and also in Julie's newly released book, "Life Falls Apart, But You Don't Have To: Mindful Methods For Staying Calm In The Midst Of

In this guided meditation led by Julie Potiker, you will focus on appreciating every part of your body. She completes the meditation with a reading of "Morning Poem", by Mary Oliver.Morning Poem, by Mary OliverEvery morningthe worldis created.Under the orangesticks of the sunthe heapedashes of the nightturn into leaves againand fasten themselves to the high branches–and the ponds appearlike black clothon which are painted islandsof summer lilies.If it is your natureto be happyyou will swim away along the soft trailsfor hours, your imaginationalighting everywhere.And if your spiritcarries within itthe thornthat is heavier than lead–if it’s all you can doto keep on trudging–there is stillsomewhere deep within youa beast shouting that the earthis exactly what it wanted–each pond with its blazing liliesis a prayer heard and answeredlavishly,every morning,whether or notyou have ever dared to be happy,whether or notyou have ever dared to pray.Morning Poem, by Mary Oliver - from Dream Work (1986)Get the latest on mi

Focusing on a healing light will help you bring in calm, peace and compassion to yourself and the world around you. Julie Potiker completes the meditation with the poem, "Home", by Zach Beach,Home, by Zach BeachWe are rarely where our body is.At the office, our mind is at home.At home, our mind is at the office.Holding our children,we are wonderingwhich emails to reply to first. Make the choice toinhabit the temple of your body.Be in your feet as you wake up your toes;Be in your hand as you wiggle each finger. Every path homepasses through the heart.It’s the strongest muscle that we have –it lifts our love.Let your palms be a stethescope –place them on your chest,Listen to the vibrational pulse inside you,and bring the worldsMost gentle word to your lipsSmile 'Home' by Zach Beach, from “108 Savasana Poems Blissful World; From the Heart of Yoga.Get the latest on mindfulness and meditation by subscribing to Julie Potiker's YouTube channel and Facebook page at Mindful Methods for Life. You can learn about mindfu