Nature Archives - Mountain Zen Den

by Skydancer7

Mountain Zen Den ~ Ep. 137 – 30-Day Nature Reset – Day 1

30-Day Nature Reset, Inspiration, Meditation, Nature, Personal Development, Personal Growth, Personal Transformation, Podcast, Self-Development, Spiritual Growth, Well-being

Welcome to the mountain! How are your New Year’s goals and resolutions holding up? No cause for guilt or shame. No need to feel bad. On the journey toward wholeness, every day is Day 1. A fresh start. Every day offers an opportunity to learn and grow and begin again. Abraham Maslow, (you know - the hierarch of needs guy), observed, “What one can be one must be”. You and I were created for a purpose. And deep within each of us is the desire to grow and fulfill that purpose. We become restless, (or something even worse), when that purpose is ignored or stuffed down. This is the root of unhappiness and all sorts of sorrows, struggles, and addictions. As we step into the new year we have yet…

by Skydancer7

Mountain Zen Den ~ Episode 135 – Wild Embrace

Mountains, Nature, Podcast, Spiritual Growth, Well-being

MZD Podcast - Ep. 135 - Wild Embrace Welcome to the Mountain! The end of winter and the onset of summer has brought a beautiful lush, green world to us here on the eastern slope of the Colorado Rockies. With more rain than usual, followed by cool mornings and incredible sunny days in between, Nature has given the gift of Paradise for us to embrace, explore and enjoy! I recently had the privilege of narrating and producing an audiobook for my friend Erik Stensland, a well-known and loved, highly respected nature photographer and author, who owns a gallery here in Estes Park, Colorado, as well as one in Abiquiu, New Mexico, north of Santa Fe. He has spent the last twenty plus years celebrating the beauty of the natural world…

by Skydancer7

Mountain Zen Den ~ Episode 134 – Awaken to Mindfulness in Nature

Mindfulness, Nature, Personal Development, Personal Growth, Personal Transformation, Podcast, Self-Development, Spiritual Growth

MZD Podcast – Ep. 134 Awaken to Mindfulness in Nature It’s been awhile. Glad to see you back here. Today is a new day. A fresh start to a new you. A great time to ask the question, “Am I awake to this moment? To the here and now? To this moment?” Henry David Thoreau reminds us that the vast majority of civilization leads quiet lives of desperation. Or maybe if he were around today, he would say “noisy lives of desperation” Lives spent trying to be anywhere but here, now. Today I would like to invite you to remember that all we have is this moment. Yesterday is gone, a thing of the past, and tomorrow is no guarantee, a thing of the future. Everything that has ever happened…

by Skydancer7

Mountain Zen Den ~ Episode 133 – Nature Immersion Through Art Therapy with Sherri Phibbs

Nature, Podcast, Spiritual Growth

MZD Podcast - Ep. 133 - Nature Immersion Through Art Therapy Since 2009, facilitator, author, and artist Sherri Phibbs has been gaining a wealth of experience in Nature immersion, and to date, has written three books which, among other things, teach the hungry and willing student how to connect with Nature through art and deep sensory Nature immersion. You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy and appreciate the lessons she shares. In fact, Sherri emphasizes that you need absolutely no art experience previously in order to create. All of us could benefit from the wisdom and insights offered in today’s show. I found it fascinating when she also shared her experiences with, and discovery that, according to Dr. Michael Cohen, we have over 50 verifiable senses besides…

by Skydancer7

Mountain Zen Den ~ Episode 132 – The Big Quiet with Lisa Stewart

Adventure, Nature, Podcast

MZD Podcast - Ep. 132 - The Big Quiet with Lisa Stewart Can you hear "The Call" to a Great Adventure in your life? Something you know you were meant to do? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be in a setting where it was just you and Nature for an extended period of time? Imagine yourself as a woman, alone on a horse, 500 miles from home… At age 54, Lisa Stewart did just that. She set out to regain the fearless girl she once had been, riding her horse, Chief, 500 miles home. Hot, homeless, and horseback, she snapped back into every original cell. On an extraordinary homegoing from Kansas City to Bates and Vernon Counties in Missouri, Lisa exhausted herself, faced her past,…

by Skydancer7

Mountain Zen Den ~ Episode 131 – Calm & Bright

Inspiration, Nature, Personal Development, Personal Growth, Personal Transformation, Podcast, Spiritual Growth

MZD Podcast - Ep. 131 - Calm & Bright Far too often we pay attention to the loud and brash, which tend to have little meaning, while overlooking the important things that are taking place so quietly and humbly just outside the corner of our eye. ~ Erik Stensland "Whispers in the Wind" At different points in our lives, the Christmas holiday season is marked by stress and anxiety, overwhelm, overindulgence, undernourishment and sadness and depression. For many, it is a hollow season of unmet expectations, disappointment and despair. Instead of Joy we’re met with sorrow. Instead of Hope we carry anguish, self-blame, loss and regret… “If only I had done this…If only I had this… If only…” Why does this time of year, meant to be a celebration of Joy…

by Skydancer7

Mountain Zen Den ~ Episode 130 – Mirrors of the Earth with Asia Suler

Health, Herbalism, Nature, Podcast, Well-being

Ep 130 - Mirrors in the Earth with Asia Suler “Nature is hungry to interact with us. It wants connection…if you take one step, the world rushes in to meet you.” ~ Asia Suler One of my favorite aphorisms is “Affirm Truth wherever you find it.” It’s a philosophy I have more recently come to hold dear and try to live by every day that I’m alive, because I’m finding that as I seek Truth, capital “T”, on my own “Hero’s Journey” as Joseph Campbell would put it, I am stretched a little out of my comfort zone. There was a time in my younger days where I felt like I really understood it all, and pretty much knew what Life and the Universe was all about. But I began…

by Skydancer7

Mountain Zen Den ~ Episode 128 – The Forest of Faith with Chris Highland

Nature, Podcast, Spiritual Growth

What does it mean to be a “Freethinker”? Today, we meet with one who calls himself “The Friendly Freethinker” — Chris Highland. A skilled presenter, Chris Highland has given public presentations, taught classes and led retreats for congregations, business groups, high schools, universities, social service workers and youth leaders. He has taught in Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Pagan, Unitarian, secular and other settings. His educational style is engaging and inspiring, drawing students or audiences into an active participation in the subject. He is a deep and thoughtful Nature-lover and author of two dozen plus books inspired by writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and naturalist John Muir. In this episode Chris shares the concept of the “Forest of Faith” and “The Landscape of Belief” inspired by the Wild World of Nature all…

by Skydancer7

Mountain Zen Den ~ Episode 127 – Living an Awakened Life on Planet Earth with Peter Mayer

Inspiration, Meditation, Mindfulness, Music & Nature, Nature, Podcast, Purpose

Minnesota Singer/Songwriter Peter Mayer MZD Podcast – Ep. 127 Living an Awakened Life on Planet Earth with Peter Mayer Minnesota singer/songwriter Peter Mayer writes songs for a small planet--songs about interconnectedness and the human journey--songs about life on earth and the mysterious and wondrous fact of our existence. He also writes songs about dress hats, pumpkins and pajamas, and other important stuff. But I love the fact that he also writes insanely beautiful songs about spiritual awakening, oneness with the world, and deep connection with Nature. His music has been performed by artists like Kathy Mattea, David Wilcox, and Darryl Purpose, to name a few. His work has been included in songbooks, church hymnals, and folk radio playlists across the country, and he is the recipient of fellowships from the…

by Skydancer7

Mountain Zen Den ~ Episode 125 – On the ANT (Autism Nature Trail) with Gail Serventi

Autism & Nature, Health, Nature, Podcast

MZD Podcast - Ep. 125 On the ANT (Autism Nature Trail) with Gail Serventi Here at MZD we talk all the time about the beautiful healing powers of Nature and the importance of connecting with Nature for mindfulness and personal growth… Well today we’re going to take you on a beautiful Nature trail in Letchworth State park about an hour south of Rochester, New York. Shaped like an ant from a bird’s eye view, this trail offers a first-of-its-kind experience in nature designed for visitors on the autism spectrum – but appropriate and enjoyable for all abilities and ages. It is designed to encourage inclusivity and skill-building, combat isolation, and provide a connection to the natural world in a deep nature setting that is welcoming to all. We had a…

by Skydancer7

Mountain Zen Den ~ Episode 123 – Spring (from “Walden”)

Nature, Podcast, Walden, Walden Wednesday

MZD Podcast – Ep. 123 Spring (from "Walden") Welcome to another Walden Wednesday, where we spend a few precious moments of our day to reflect on the beauty and goodness of Nature through some of the most enduring Classics ever written. Literary gems by naturalists, philosophers, poets and thought leaders, like Ralph Waldo Emerson, John Muir, Enos Mills and Henry David Thoreau. In honor of the change of seasons, today, we revisit Thoreau’s Walden in one of his thoughtful discourses on Life in the Woods; the chapter titled “Spring”. So put on a light jacket, and join me once again on the shores of Walden Pond… Photo Brett Wilson For more natural goodness Listen on iTunes > [maxbutton id="8"]

by Skydancer7

Mountain Zen Den ~ Episode 122 – The Adventures of a Rocky Mountain Tour Guide

Meditation, Mindfulness, Mountains, Nature, Podcast

Green Jeep Tour Guide Ron Francis - Estes Park, CO MZD Podcast – Ep. 122 The Adventures of A Rocky Mountain Tour Guide Welcome to another Fireside Friday here at Mountain Zen Den, where we take some time to share heart to heart the joys and importance of connecting with the natural world for mindfulness and Personal Transformation. Naturally! Do you smell that? That’s the scent of fresh mountain air here in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado in the spring. In today’s episode we meet up with an awesome human being, my fellow Rocky Mountain Tour Guide, Ron Francis. Ron has a heart of gold that just shines his love and passion not only for Rocky Mountain National Park, but the real joy that comes from being able to share…

by Skydancer7

Mountain Zen Den ~ Episode 121 – Finding James Herriot with Michael J. Suit, DVM

Nature, Personal Development, Podcast

MZD Podcast – Ep. 121 Finding James Herriot with Michael J. Suit, DVM Welcome to another Fireside Friday here at Mountain Zen Den. Come on in… Today we meet with veterinarian Dr. Michael Suit and author of the books, “Finding James Herriot” and the sequel, “Monkey Bars”, as he shares his love for people and animals, along with how he got started as a veterinarian. He enjoys connecting with people and animals and shares his observations of how animals continue to keep giving back to us humans. He also shares the importance of having faith in yourself and of listening to your head and your heart in your journey of pursuing your dreams. Finally, he discusses the importance of being brave, not comparing yourself with others, finding your happy place…

by Skydancer7

Mountain Zen Den ~ Episode 120 – Cultivating Playfulness

Nature, Personal Growth, Podcast, Self-Development, Well-being

MZD Podcast - Ep. 120 Cultivating Playfulness “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” ~ Albert Einstein In the art of living a full and beautiful, meaningful life, there is an element we don’t talk about nearly enough, or put appropriate value on, or even attribute to personal growth, and dare I say, “Success”. And that is, the art of “Playfulness”. We see it in the natural world all around us — puppies and kittens, calves and goat kids, otters, beavers, dolphins, and children on the playground at recess, running and jumping, skipping and laughing — carefree and jubilant. I hear it every morning; our dogs begin each day with a stretch and a shake of their bodies, collars jingling, sending fur flying in the morning sunlight. They then begin mouthing each…

by Skydancer7

Mountain Zen Den ~ Episode 119 – Why We Love the Mountains

Mountains, Nature, Podcast, Simplicity, Well-being

MZD Podcast - Ep. 119 Why We Love the Mountains “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.” ~ John Muir, Our National Parks For this Fireside Friday we talk about why we love the mountains. And about our "Disorder". There is something so invigorating, soul-awakening, renewing, restoring, refreshing and healing about being in the mountains for us. (That’s not the disorder). The disorder we have is the let down and sadness we feel as we head down out of the mountains. For both of us, it is actually physically depressing – altering our moods and making us long and ache for them. It seems that no sooner have we left them, that we…

Category: Nature