PODCAST · society
Quick Shanti
by Ellie Eckerle
Deep thoughts, short episodes. You’re welcome. Quick Shanti serves up bite-sized reflections for everyday life—timeless wisdom meets modern living, without the self-help guru vibes. Whether you need a pleasant distraction, a fresh perspective, or just something to accompany your day, Quick Shanti offers a gentle nudge toward reflection—no preaching, I promise. Take what resonates, and let the rest drift away. New episodes every week (or whenever inspiration strikes).
Episodes
-
Life Expands in Proportion to One's Courage: the wisdom of Anaïs Nin
In this episode, we’re diving into the world of Anaïs Nin and one of her most striking quotes: “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” Spoiler: Courage isn’t always some epic, movie moment. Sometimes, it's as simple as awkwardly telling the barista they messed up your coffee.…
more -
Let your belly be round
Breath, the essential function that keeps us alive, serves as a continuous reminder of our very existence. It's our lifeline to this world.But how have societal ideals severed our connection to the depths of breath? What are some of the limitations we impose on our capacity to take in a deep,...
-
Hildegard of Bingen: life and music of the great female mystic
Hildegard of Bingen was a remarkable woman whose life’s work is almost unbelievable. Hildegard is a woman known to be many things: a visionary, composer, writer, herbalist, scholar, poet; a polymath in the truest sense. In this episode, we unfold the life, music, philosophy, and absolute genius…
more -
Guided Contemplation: Growing Gratitude
In this practice, we’ll cultivate the experience of gratitude. Through the lens of gratitude, we recognize the inherent abundance in our lives, no matter how big or small. Gratitude is not just a fleeting emotion; it is a practice that can enrich your life and the lives of those around you. Like...
-
Tat Tvam Asi: teachings on oneness
Today's topic revolves around a profound phrase originating from the Upanishads, urging us to transcend the barriers that often separate us. The phrase is "Tat Twam Asi" - which translates to "You are that." In essence, it signifies that what we perceive in others is a reflection of…
more -
Guided Contemplation: Be here now
This practice is focused on being here now: in this moment, finding a state of present-moment awareness. Using a body scan, we’ll let go of tension, connect with the body, and become fully aware of our thoughts, emotions, and sensations without getting entangled in them or attaching stories to...
-
Let it be
Sometimes the most important thing to do is to let things be as they are and not try to force or rush them into a different state. Mindfulness as a gentle exploration - a way to cultivate presence. It’s not something that we can force our way into. In fact, putting too much effort or force into...
-
When is the last time you felt awe?
Awe is like a thread that connects us to something bigger. It connects the extraordinary, the mysteries of life’s essence.Experiences of awe are what psychologists call self-transcendent: they shift our attention away from ourselves, but histoircally, this is what the mystics pointed to. In…
more -
Cultivating Concentration and Clarity with Anapanasati
The Anapanasati practice is a foundational aspect of Vipassana (or Insight) meditation where it serves as the first step in developing concentration and mindfulness. This guided Anapanasati meditation session offers a peaceful space where you can learn to anchor your attention to the breath,...
-
Guided Contemplation: Finding the space of "no mind"
Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Eckhart Tolle, this session invites you to experience a state of no-mind—a state of heightened awareness free from the constant stream of thoughts and mental activity.Just as physical space allows objects to exist within it, there is a space within your...
-
Jung's take on synchronicity
Today we’re exploring the patterns, meaningful coincidences, and hidden connections that feel like much more than chance. Coined by psychoanalyst, Carl Jung, synchronicity reveals a profound link between our conscious awareness and the unconscious mind. Synchronistic experiences invite us to...
-
Guided Breathing: 4-7-8 deep breathing to calm the body
Reset your nervous system, reduce stress, and restore balance in your body with the 4-7-8 breathing technique. The 4-7-8 breathing technique focuses on extending the exhale and incorporating a specific breathing pattern. Here's how it works: 🧘♀️ Breathe in gently through your nose to a mental...
-
Don't should on me, please
Every day, we encounter a barrage of "shoulds" from various sources: societal norms, authorities, self-proclaimed experts, influencers, and even well-meaning friends and family. But these shoulds pile up - and next thing you know, you’re carrying this heavy backpack of shoulds, feeling restricted...
-
Guided Contemplation: Connecting with the five elements (Earth - Water - Fire -Air - Space)
In this contemplative meditation, we’ll journey through the elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space. We’ll embrace the wisdom of these elemental forces that reside within us and allow them to guide us on a path toward balance and inner peace. Throughout the practice, we will invoke the...
-
The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure that you seek
Sometimes, the things we desire and value the most are hidden in places or situations that evoke discomfort and fear. Paradoxically, it is within these very circumstances that we have the greatest potential for personal growth, self-discovery, and the fulfillment of our deepest desires. Joseph...
-
Guided Contemplation: The Wisdom of Impermanence
When we embrace the law of impermanence, it reveals to us profound wisdom: the reminder to fully embrace the preciousness of each passing moment.Just as the breath flows in and out, thoughts arise and fade away, and nature undergoes its cycles of transformation, we too are intimately woven into...
-
I would rather be whole than good - Carl Jung
Wholeness > goodness. In the episode, we heed the wise words of Carl Jung when he proclaimed, "I'd rather be whole than good" to anchor us in this teaching. We explore what it means to be whole; what it means to be human. In the pursuit of individuation, we embark on a courageous quest to explore...
-
The Power of Ritual: creating a container for connection
The concept of ritual is not limited to religion. It’s a fundamental aspect of human culture and experience. Rituals can help us cultivate a connection with something greater than ourselves, foster a sense of awe, wonder, and reverence, and provide a structure for our meditation practice. Joseph...
-
Guided Contemplation: I am Loving Awareness
We may perceive ourselves as separate individuals, but we’re so much more. Each of us is a unique expression of the whole, intricately interconnected with one another and the fabric of existence itself.We are all expressions of the same source, experiencing life through our unique perspectives....
-
Heaven and Hell: states of mind
This is a Zen parable about a young samurai warrior who seeks the wisdom of a little old monk. He learns a powerful lesson about self-awareness. ---If you have any questions, comments, or thoughts related to today's topic, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'd love to hear your perspectives.…
more -
Where Taoism Meets Ecology
Explore the philosophical and environmental movement of Deep Ecology and its connection to Taoism. We delve into how both philosophies emphasize the interconnectedness and interdependence of all living things and systems, and how this recognition can guide us toward a more harmonious and...
-
Exploring the Tao: the creative force behind existence
The Tao translates as "the way" or "the path." Consider it to be the creative force that flows through all things and brings them into being, It’s the source of everything in the universe.The Tao operates according to its own inherent principles and rhythms, and it cannot be controlled or...
-
Truth waits for eyes unclouded by longing
As humans, we all possess a unique set of desires, biases, and motivations that shape the way we view the world. No one emerges from socialization unscathed.The phrase "Truth waits for eyes unclouded by longing" invites us to explore how our desires, biases, and motivations can cloud our…
more -
Guided Contemplation: Who are you not?
Discover your true nature and connect with the universal consciousness through the Neti Neti practice. Peel away all the inessential layers as you practice letting go of thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and self-concepts.Experience the freedom of observing your thoughts and feelings without...
-
Feel it, don’t force it
Language, communication, and thinking are tools that point to something beyond themselves. Today we explore the limitations of language and rational analysis in understanding the ultimate nature of reality. We will focus on what reality is not, rather than what it is, and emphasize direct,...
-
Die Before You Die
In this episode, we explore the profound teaching of the phrase "die before you die". We look to philosophy and nature to understand the life-death-life cycle and how the concept of little deaths - ego deaths - allows us to let go of old patterns and beliefs that might be holding us back.…
more -
Guided Contemplation: Just be-ing
In this guided meditation, we are just be-ing. "There’s nowhere to go, there’s nothing to accomplish... It’s just this, just this," as Ram Dass once said. With this practice, we'll tap into the vastness of our own awareness and bring a spacious presence into our day. Get your weekly dose of…
more -
Allow your thoughts to flow
In this episode, we explore the curious relationship between you and your thoughts during meditation. What is it that you seek to accomplish when you meditate? Are you trying to escape from your thoughts? Are you feeding them? Or, are you seeking to understand them?As we focus our minds during...
-
I'm too busy to meditate...
This episode delves into the common feeling of being 'too busy' to meditate. In a world that values productivity, it's easy to overlook activities that don't directly contribute to tangible outcomes. However, meditation is an activity that can positively impact our well-being, and it's important…
more -
Trusting Life's Flow (+ a Sufi Parable)
Learn about cultivating equanimity, practicing non-judgment, and trusting life's flow with this Sufi parable. The story emphasizes the importance of responding to events with wisdom instead of reacting impulsively and the benefits of cultivating equanimity through practices like meditation,...
-
Does this path have heart?
In this episode, we explore Don Juan's wisdom and how it can help you open up a channel of communication with your heart. We discuss the pressure to live life the "right" way and how societal norms can limit our potential for personal happiness and success. A path with heart is not a fixed...
-
What is Om (Aum)? Exploring the power of universal vibration
When you chant Om (Aum), you are tapping into the very pulse of the universe, the vibration of energy that creates universes. Explore the power of sound, the meaning of Om, and the basics for beginning your own chanting practice. Recreate your relationship with Om, beyond just a symbol, but as a...
-
Guided Contemplation: Exploring interconnectedness between humans and trees
Relax and connect with nature through this guided visualization focused on interconnectedness. The intention with this meditation, or visualization, is to cultivate the awareness that you’re part of this big, awesome system that makes up the universe. Your existence is not isolated, it’s not...
-
Guided Contemplation: Deepening into stillness with loving awareness
This meditation is designed to help you find peace and centeredness in the present moment. In this practice, we will move through a series of gentle breathwork, visualization, and mindfulness techniques, inviting you to let go of any mental clutter and simply be with yourself.
-
Interconnectedness: You're not as separate as you think
Interconnectedness is the recognition that all things are connected and interdependent. You are not separate from the world around you. This is an idea embraced by Buddhism, and Taoism, - it’s even recognized by Einstein himself. Out here in the West, we’re raised with very individualistic…
more -
Nadi Shodhana: Finding balance with alternating nostril breath
Pranayama has been a core pillar in the practice of yoga for thousands of years. Our breath is the connecting link between our body, mind, and Self - pranayama helps us control and regulate the flow of energy in the body to achieve harmony. In this episode, we will be focusing on a specific...
-
Per aspera ad astra: Through Adversity to the Stars
What is the role of adversity in our lives? This episode explores the idea that adversity is a collaborator in our journey of personal evolution. Teachers like Eckhart Tolle, Viktor Frankl and Marcus Aurelius all point to the same truth: adversity is a catalyst that can shape us into stronger and...
-
Contemplative Meditation: Wu Wei + Learning to flow with life
Through relaxation techniques and contemplation points, take this time to practice letting go of control and trusting in the natural flow of life. Whether you're looking to reduce stress and find balance, or simply want to learn more about the wisdom of wu wei, this meditation is for you. Take...
-
Learning to Flow with Life: the philosophy of Wu Wei
The Taoist principle wu wei teaches us the importance of letting go of the desire to control everything and living in a state of alignment with what arises. Stop forcing, start trusting.
-
Embrace Your Fears
Stop running away from your fears and face them with love and compassion. Rewire your relationship with uncomfortable emotions with this cheeky advice from the Buddha.
-
Welcome to Quick Shanti
Join us on our journey of philosophical and spiritual exploration as we explore timeless wisdom and practical tips for living a more meaningful life. Discover Shanti: https://www.shanti-meditations.com/ Free guided meditations: https://www.youtube.com/@shantimeditations
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Deep thoughts, short episodes. You’re welcome.
Quick Shanti serves up bite-sized reflections for everyday life—timeless wisdom meets modern living, without the self-help guru vibes.
Whether you need a pleasant distraction, a fresh perspective, or just something to accompany your day, Quick Shanti offers a gentle nudge toward reflection—no preaching, I promise. Take what resonates, and let the rest drift away.
New episodes every week (or whenever inspiration strikes).
HOSTED BY
Ellie Eckerle
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Quick Shanti have?
Quick Shanti currently has 41 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Quick Shanti about?
Deep thoughts, short episodes. You’re welcome. Quick Shanti serves up bite-sized reflections for everyday life—timeless wisdom meets modern living, without the self-help guru vibes. Whether you need a pleasant distraction, a fresh perspective, or just something to accompany your day, Quick Shanti...
How often does Quick Shanti release new episodes?
Quick Shanti has 41 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Quick Shanti?
You can listen to Quick Shanti on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Quick Shanti?
Quick Shanti is created and hosted by Ellie Eckerle.
URL copied to clipboard!