The Art of Centering

In this conversation, Margaret Graham and Jessica Luke explore the multifaceted world of holistic healing, focusing on depth hypnosis, shamanic practices, and the therapeutic process. Jessica shares her journey from body work to depth counseling, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and empowerment in healing. They discuss the integration of shamanism in modern counseling and the significance of personal experiences in shaping one's healing journey. In this conversation, Jessica Luke shares her profound journey of personal transformation, healing, and spiritual exploration. She reflects on her childhood memories of connecting with nature, the life-changing events that prompted her to seek change, and her experiences with meditation and therapy. Jessica discusses the importance of spirit guides, the intersection of shamanic practices and Buddhist philosophy, and the metaphor of water as a representation of boundaries and balance in life.

In this episode of the Art of Centering Podcast, host Margaret Graham speaks with Anna Ray, founder and CEO of GST Body, about her journey into holistic body care through the lens of fascia. Anna shares her personal healing journey, the importance of understanding fascia in relation to physical and emotional health, and how it connects to spirituality. The conversation explores the challenges of modern distractions, the significance of inner peace, and practical tools for navigating pain and discomfort. Anna also leads a guided movement practice, emphasizing the importance of listening to our bodies and finding space for healing. AnnaRahe.com https://www.instagram.com/annaraheofgst/ GSTbody.com

In this episode of the Art of Centering, host Margaret Graham speaks with yoga teacher Shanna Small about the Householder's Guide to Yoga. They explore the concept of householders in yoga, Shaina's personal journey, the transition from Ashtanga to a more integrated approach, and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-inquiry, finding one's duty, and the role of contemplation in daily life. Shanna shares insights on how to apply yoga philosophy beyond the mat and encourages listeners to embrace their unique paths. Website: https://shannasmallyoga.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannasmallofficial/ Subscribe to my newsletter: https://shannasmallyoga.com/subscribe

In this episode, Margaret Graham welcomes back Joan Craig for a brief meditation session aimed at helping listeners connect with their inner selves. Joan guides the audience through a series of breathing exercises, encouraging them to focus on their abdomen and visualize roots growing from their bodies into the earth. This grounding technique is designed to enhance awareness and promote relaxation. Throughout the meditation, Joan emphasizes the natural rhythm of inhalation and exhalation, highlighting how the body instinctively knows how to balance energy and relaxation.   

Joan Hope Craig shares her journey into yoga and meditation, the importance of permission and surrender, and her insights on spiritual practice and self-compassion. This conversation offers practical advice for integrating mindfulness into daily life and overcoming internal barriers.  

In this follow up episode, Phillip Wilder leads us in a guided meditation.

In this insightful interview, Phillip Wilder shares his journey into nonviolent communication, the importance of mindful presence, and practical ways to cultivate empathy and authentic connection in everyday life. Discover how to navigate conflict, manage emotions, and foster human connection across cultures and communities.

In this conversation, Ama Agyapong explores the idea that what we often perceive as flaws or limitations in ourselves—such as social awkwardness or being quirky—can actually be our unique superpowers. She emphasizes the importance of embracing these traits, owning them, and using them to connect with others, ultimately creating hope and empowerment for those who share similar experiences. Inclusion Enterprises Instagram YouTube Email

In this episode, Caverly leads a short guided meditation that emphasizes the theme of unity and the absence of hierarchy among individuals. The meditation invites listeners to connect with their hearts, acknowledge their own presence, and express gratitude for their existence. Caverly's gentle guidance encourages participants to embrace their feelings and cultivate kindness and care within themselves, reinforcing the idea that simply saying 'yes' and 'thank you' can be a powerful form of prayer and mindfulness practice.  

In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham speaks with spiritual teacher Caverly Morgan about her journey in mindfulness, the importance of practice, and the relationship between teacher and student. They discuss overcoming self-doubt, the process of writing a book, and the significance of creating a safe space for mindfulness practices. Caverly shares insights from her time in a Zen monastery and emphasizes the interconnectedness of serving oneself and others. The conversation concludes with a guided meditation that invites listeners to connect with their hearts and embrace love.   Website - https://www.caverlymorgan.org/ Book - The Heart of Who We Are - https://www.caverlymorgan.org/theheartofwhoweare Peace In Schools - ​​https://www.peaceinschools.org/ Realizing Freedom Together - https://www.realizingfreedomtogether.org/  

In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret speaks with Kim Benoy, the voice behind the Midlife with Courage podcast. Kim shares her journey from nursing to podcasting, emphasizing the importance of confidence, community, and self-care for women in midlife. They discuss the challenges women face, the significance of building supportive networks, and the transformative power of embracing change. Kim introduces her new program, the Courage and Confidence Circle, aimed at empowering women to find their voices and take action. The conversation also touches on spirituality, creativity, and the importance of living authentically in midlife. https://www.midlifewithcourage.com/

Welcome back to the Art of Centering podcast. Today's episode is a short body-based meditation offered by Vanessa Bennett drawn from our recent conversation. This is an invitation to step out of your head and into your body to notice where you're holding tension and where support already exists. Find a comfortable seat, let yourself arrive, and when you're ready, Vanessa will guide you from here.

In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham speaks with depth therapist Vanessa Bennett about her journey from a career in advertising to depth psychology. They explore the importance of authenticity, the concept of depth psychology and shadow work, and the symptoms of disconnection many people experience. Vanessa discusses her book, The Myth of Motherhood, which addresses the societal pressures surrounding motherhood and relationships. The conversation also delves into mindfulness practices, emphasizing a feminine perspective on spirituality and self-care. In this conversation, Vanessa Bennett shares her journey of healing after losing her home in a fire, the role of mindfulness in her recovery, and her transition to living in Costa Rica. She discusses the importance of community, the challenges of remote work, and the significance of following one's feelings of aliveness. Vanessa emphasizes the need for self-compassion and the unique ways individuals can connect with their inner selves. The conversation concludes with a guided mindfulness practice, highlighting the importance of being present in the body. VanessaBennett.comThe Motherhood Myth - https://www.vanessabennett.com/the-motherhood-mythInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/vanessasbennett/

This is a bonus episode from the conversation with Kimberly Brown from Episode 23. Here Kimberly takes us on a guided meditation. Think of this as a gentle reset, a chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the part of you that already knows how to be steady.

In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham speaks with Kimberly Brown, a meditation teacher and counselor, about her journey from psychoanalysis to Buddhism. They discuss the importance of mindfulness, compassion, and emotional healing, emphasizing that true well-being is about reconnecting with our wholeness rather than fixing what's perceived as broken. Kimberly shares her personal experiences with panic attacks and how mindfulness practices have provided her with tools to navigate these challenges. The conversation also touches on the role of spiritual beings in healing and the significance of daily meditation practices. In this conversation, Kimberly and Margaret explore the themes of mindfulness, loving kindness, and the healing journey. They discuss the importance of integrating compassion into daily life, the process of writing and sharing personal experiences, and the idea that healing can begin at any age. The conversation culminates in a guided meditation focused on self-compassion, emphasizing the significance of being gentle with oneself. The meditation will be released as a separate bonus episode.  

In this conversation, Ellen Butler discusses the importance of body respect and how it influences her self-care practices. She emphasizes the need to listen to one's body and respond to its signals, particularly in moments of self-doubt or negative body image.

In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham speaks with artist and educator Haley Floyd about the intersection of art, grief, and mindfulness. They explore how Haley uses her art as a means of processing her mother's death and the role of creativity in healing. The conversation delves into the importance of being present, the spiritual aspects of artistic expression, and the significance of self-compassion in the creative process. Haley shares her journey of self-discovery through art and encourages listeners to embrace their creativity without fear of judgment.  

In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret speaks with Danielle Miller, an award-winning jewelry artist and educator. Danielle shares her journey into the world of jewelry making, her transition to teaching, and her personal mission to raise awareness for breast cancer through her event, Bling for Boobs. The conversation highlights the importance of community, collaboration, and early detection in the fight against cancer, as well as the role of art in healing and personal expression.  

In this heartfelt episode of The Art of Centering, I sit down with my mom, Kathy Goodson — artist, writer, and breast cancer survivor — to talk about her journey through faith, healing, and creativity. What begins as a conversation about spirituality unfolds into something much deeper: a story of truth-telling, recovery, and the strength it takes to rebuild life after diagnosis. My mom shares how she found her spiritual grounding not in religion, but in the rooms of Al-Anon — where honesty, love, and a higher power of her own understanding changed everything. We also talk about her evolution as an artist — from silk painting on the back porch to building her dream studio on a North Carolina mountainside — and how art became her meditation and her medicine. Through laughter, honesty, and a few tears, we reflect on what it means to live fully, to parent differently, and to see the bumps in life as just that — bumps, not endings. Whether you've been touched by cancer, walked the road of recovery, or simply love a good mother-daughter story about resilience and rediscovering joy, this episode is a reminder that love, truth, and creativity can carry us through anything.

In this conversation, Margaret Graham guides listeners through a mindfulness practice that emphasizes the importance of embracing change and letting go. She draws parallels between the natural transitions of the autumn season and personal growth, encouraging participants to reflect on what they need to release and what intentions they wish to cultivate. The practice culminates in a sense of gratitude for the body and breath, reinforcing the beauty of change and renewal.

In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham speaks with Stephen Puri, the creator of the Sukha app, which focuses on mindfulness and self-fulfillment. They discuss the meaning of 'Sukha', Stephen's journey from the film industry to tech, and how yoga transformed his life. The conversation also delves into the challenges of parenting in a tech-driven world, the impact of social media on youth, and the importance of mindfulness and intentionality in raising children. Stephen shares his insights on creating a positive environment for his future children and emphasizes the need for individuals to recognize their potential and take action towards their goals. https://www.thesukha.co

In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham sits down with Liz Getman, founder of the Rise Collective, to explore the power of community and the journey towards collective liberation. Liz shares her personal experiences of overcoming challenges and the inspiration behind creating a space where individuals can be their authentic selves. Together, they discuss the importance of using social media for good, the role of yoga in personal and collective healing, and the concept of "friend-raising" to foster meaningful connections. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about building a more inclusive and equitable world. #CommunityBuilding #CollectiveLiberation #RiseCollective

In this episode of the Art of Centering, host Margaret Graham discusses her experiences at the Metal Clay Artist Symposium (MCAS) with her husband Fred. They explore the significance of the event, the classes attended, the competition, and the community of metal clay artists. Margaret shares her artistic growth, memorable moments, and the lessons learned throughout the event, emphasizing the importance of planning and taking time in the creative process. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring metal clay artists and a look ahead to future events. Links: MCAS - https://www.mcassawtooth.com/   Metal Clay Teachers: Amy Brandenburg - https://amybrandenburg.com/ Carrie Story - https://clayrevolution.com/pages/instructors?srsltid=AfmBOorjkKbI88-IFAxXl2mvFMYV6PIfXoc_gHjVjEmVULhxndKyY58d Stephanie Chavez - https://stephaniechavez.com/ AJ Newell - https://www.ajnewellstudio.com Pam East - https://www.pameast.net Grainne Reynolds - https://www.timestotreasure.co.uk and also at : https://craftcast.com/teachers/grainne-reynolds/?srsltid=AfmBOors4T8yn3jebQ3-tLvBSyRD57M-i0TU-8ji_vA9D5AKz2Q8jfGV   Facebook group - Metal Clay Now -  https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=metal%20clay%20now

In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham speaks with Sarah Sparks about her profound journey of spiritual awakening, healing, and self-discovery. Sarah shares her experiences of facing dark moments in her life, including a near-suicidal crisis, and how these experiences led her to realize her purpose and the importance of trusting her inner voice. The conversation delves into themes of empowerment, the significance of letting go of old identities, and the journey towards living a healed life. Sarah emphasizes that everyone has the potential to be their own healer and encourages listeners to embrace their divine connection.

In this short and gentle meditation, Margaret Graham invites you to reconnect with your inner light—the radiant energy that lives in your heart. Using breath, visualization, and mindful touch, you'll expand this light from a flicker to a steady presence. Whether you're holding your Centering Pendant or simply sitting in stillness, this practice helps you reCenter, breathe deeply, and remember that your light has always been there.

In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret speaks with Reverend Nancy Neal about her spiritual journey, experiences with meditation, and the importance of stillness and connection. They explore how Nancy's background in eating disorders led her to a deeper understanding of spirituality and the significance of daily practices in maintaining a connection to oneself and others. The conversation emphasizes the need for silence, the power of group meditation, and the role of love in spirituality. Connect with Reverend Nancy Neal at: https://revnancyneal.com Or at the Dawn Retreat Center: https://dawnretreatcenter.org  

In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham engages in a heartfelt conversation with her cousin Ellen about her personal journey with eating disorders and body dysmorphia. They explore the impact of societal expectations on body image, the importance of mental health in recovery, and the role of mindfulness and intuitive eating in healing. Ellen shares her experiences of grief and acceptance as she navigates her transformation, emphasizing the significance of community support and the practice of yoga in her recovery process. The episode concludes with a guided mindfulness meditation led by Ellen, encouraging listeners to reconnect with their bodies and embrace their journey towards healing.

In this solo episode, Margaret Graham shares her experiences with Vipassana meditation, detailing her journey through a 10-day silent retreat. She discusses the strict rules of the retreat, the daily schedule, the challenges of meditation, and the emotional breakthroughs she experienced. Margaret reflects on the importance of preparation, the dining experience, and the sensations felt during meditation, ultimately highlighting the liberating and transformative effects of the retreat. In this conversation, Margaret Graham shares her profound experiences with Vipassana meditation, detailing the emotional and physical challenges she faced during a recent 10-day retreat. She reflects on the liberation she felt from pain, the importance of understanding impermanence, and the necessity of sitting with discomfort. Margaret also discusses the historical context of Vipassana meditation, her struggles with physical pain, and the decision to use a chair during meditation. Ultimately, she emphasizes the importance of self-care and personal growth through meditation, acknowledging that her experiences shape her perception of the world.

In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham speaks with leadership coach Allison Jordan about her journey to becoming a coach, the importance of self-awareness in leadership, and the practices that help her and her clients stay centered. They discuss the challenges of confidence, the significance of self-commitment, and the tools that can aid in personal growth and healing. Allison shares her insights on how introverts can thrive in leadership roles and emphasizes the need for grace and compassion towards oneself. You can reach Allison at riverstonerising.com

In this powerful episode of The Art of Centering, Margaret sits down with Khaki Martin, a sound healer and Reiki master who left a high-pressure career in broadcast journalism to follow a deep spiritual calling. What began as a breakdown became a breakthrough—sparked by a chance Reiki session and a return to her voice. Khaki shares how chanting, vocal vibration, and sound healing helped her reconnect with her inner self, reclaim her voice, and support others in doing the same. From the science of resonance to the ancestral wounding around women's expression, this conversation invites you to explore the healing potential of your own voice. If you've ever felt silenced, stuck, or uncertain—this episode is a heart-opening reminder that your voice is more than sound. It's your soul speaking.

In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, Margaret Graham and Alma Dunnavant explore the transformative power of yoga and spirituality. They discuss Alma's journey from a strict evangelical upbringing to discovering yoga as a path to healing and self-discovery. Alma shares her experiences with different yoga lineages and emphasizes the importance of genuine connection and self-acceptance in her practice. The conversation highlights the significance of breathwork, personal growth, and the role of community in fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and the divine. In this conversation, Alma Dunnavant shares her journey of self-discovery through music, chanting, and yoga. She emphasizes the importance of finding one's voice, embracing challenges, and saying 'yes' to opportunities that promote growth. Alma discusses the process of unlearning limiting beliefs and the significance of surrounding oneself with inspiring individuals. The conversation highlights the value of self-compassion and being open-minded in the pursuit of personal and spiritual development.

In this engaging conversation, Margaret and Alex explore the intersections of art, mindfulness, mental health, and spirituality. They discuss the importance of holding space for others, navigating personal and professional growth, and the challenges of embracing one's authentic self. Alex shares their journey as a death doula and the impact of grief on their life, while also touching on the significance of community and intuition in personal development. The episode concludes with a focus on compassionate curiosity as a tool for self-discovery and understanding.

In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham shares her personal mental health journey, exploring themes of social anxiety, depression, and the impact of family dynamics. She discusses her early experiences with mental health, the role of medication in her recovery, and the importance of mindfulness and self-discovery. Margaret emphasizes the need for self-care and permission to heal, encouraging listeners to share their own stories as a means of collective healing.

In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham shares her personal journey of spirituality, detailing her transformation from an atheist upbringing to experiencing a profound spiritual awakening. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to embrace a higher power, the challenges she faced along the way, and how her connection with spirituality has influenced her life and work. Through meditation, reflection, and the creation of a centering pendant, Margaret explores the themes of love, manifestation, and personal growth, inviting listeners to consider their own spiritual journeys.

In this episode of the Art of Centering podcast, host Margaret Graham shares her personal mindfulness journey, exploring the definitions, challenges, and evolution of mindfulness practices. She discusses the intersection of mindfulness and art, the role of her centering pendant, and the importance of self-awareness. The conversation also touches on her experiences with yoga teacher training and a silent meditation retreat, highlighting the impact of mindfulness on mental health and personal growth.

In this conversation, Margaret reflects on her journey from childhood to becoming a full-time artist. She discusses the influence of her family, particularly her parents and grandmother, on her artistic development. Margaret shares her experiences in college, the challenges of transitioning to a career in art, and the importance of support from loved ones. She also talks about her initial ventures into jewelry making with Grit Goods and the decision to focus solely on her art career. The conversation concludes with a mindfulness exercise, emphasizing the importance of being present.  

In their very first episode of the Art of Centering podcast, hosts Margaret and Fred introduce themselves and share the inspiration behind their podcast. They discuss the themes of healing that will be explored, including art, mindfulness, spirituality, and mental health. The conversation delves into the impact of mindfulness and meditation on their lives, the types of guests they hope to feature, and the importance of building a community around shared experiences. The episode concludes with a mindful moment, emphasizing self-acceptance and connection.