I'm a mostly Irish lass, part English, part German by birth, adopted and raised in a Polish-Ukrainian-American home. The language, food, cultural practices, religious upbringing, and things held sacred were those my Grandparents held dear. One of the most sacred people in my life growing up was my Ukrainian Grandmother, Liza.
Today's episode is a reflection on music and its power in my life, especially when I turned to memories of those who shaped me as I began healing after a torrential rain of heavy life challenges the Winter of 2021-2022. Today's chapter is devoted to my Ukrainian Grandmother, Liza, and the joy her lullabies, traditions, and presence meant to the deepest parts of my heart and soul as I journaled and remembered her while crafting my memoir.
Today's research is based on the impacts of music on the brain, particularly long-term memories and how they help us heal.
You're invited into a meditative journal prompt to journal along to with the mindful, meditative sounds of Masood Taj's "Unconditional Love" track (short version-5 minutes), or you can choose to extend your jounraling experience by adding tracks from my accompanying Spotify playlist: track 7, "The Miracle of Birth," in Ukrainian, and track 8, "Imagine," by John Lennon (dedicated to my adoptive father who raised me, Michael), created just for this chapter. Hop over to listen!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1BKHHSFspfTqv7G7smvYVP?si=2c045ed4df6a443e
Interact with today's chapter, Chapter Five, Embodying Joy: A Heart Journal-A Memoir for Body, Mind, & Spirit Health (Amazon 2023). https://tinyurl.com/embodyingjoyaheartjournal or venture on a standalone journey of self-expression by responding to today's journal prompt. Three-percent of proceeds from this book go to the Life is Good Playmaker Project, helping a million children a day in the U.S., Haiti, and Ukraine, who are experiencing adverse and challenging circumstances. These children greatly benefit from optimism and hope found within trained adults who work with them to build resiliency. Check out where the money goes: https://www.lifeisgood.com/playmakerproject/project-home.html
This episode is not just a summer sojourn but an invitation to tap into the joy within you. Join me in this self-care sojourn as we get gritty and journal our way to the other side-JOY.
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Did you know that I'm also an International Bestselling Author in four categories, three countries? Ignite Your Faith, Ignite Publishers, released with my co-authors in June, is sure to light a fire in your heart. Proceeds from the book will build a Classroom of Hope. Read it here or order an autographed, deluxe paperback. DM me to order!