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STOPTIME: Live in the Moment.

Lisa Hopkins, Wide Open Stages

Ranked in the top 5% of podcasts globally and winner of the 2022 Communicator Award for Podcasting, STOPTIME:Live in the Moment combines mindfulness, well being and the performing arts and features thought provoking and motivational conversations with high performing creative artists around practicing the art of living in the moment and embracing who we are, and where we are at. Long form interviews are interspersed with brief solo episodes that prompt and invite us to think more deeply. Hosted by Certified Professional Coach Lisa Hopkins, featured guests are from Broadway, Hollywood and beyond. Although her guests are extraordinary innovators and creative artists, the podcast is not about showbiz and feels more like listening to an intimate coaching conversation as Lisa dives deep with her talented guests about the deeper meaning behind why they do what they do and what they’ve learned along the way. Lisa is a Certified Professional Coach, Energy Leadership Master Practitioner and CORE Performance Dynamics Specialist at Wide Open Stages. She specializes in working with high-performing creative artists who want to play full out. She is a passionate creative professional with over 20 years working in the performing arts industry as a director, choreographer, producer, writer and dance educator. STOPTIME Theme by Philip David Stern🎶

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟  
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇  
🔗 [Purchase Your Copy Here](https://a.co/d/d3FLZRo)

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?**  
🔗 Visit [Wide Open Stages](https://www.wideopenstages.com)

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** [@wideopenstages](https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/)

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME)

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern**  
🔗 [Listen on Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg)

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  • Avg 14 min
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  • S15 · E4
    Sunday · 5 min

    Five Minutes to Inner Peace: A Guided Heart-Centered Meditation

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! This short, restorative meditation guides listeners through a heart-centered practice designed to help them center themselves and shift their energy in under five minutes. • Quality over quantity: even brief moments of focused breathing can be transformative • Simple body relaxation techniques including softening shoulders, jaw, and forehead • Heart-centered visualization with a warm, steady light that expands with each breath • Gentle physical movements to transition back to daily activities • Reminder that restoration doesn't require lengthy practice, just presence Carry this sense of calm and restoration with you throughout the rest of your day. Namaste, my friends. Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S15 · E10
    Thursday · 8 min

    How the Assumptions You’re Making Are Shaping Your Life ✨

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! We explore how assumptions quietly limit choice and co-create the outcomes we fear, then practice shifting to a beginner’s mindset that opens presence, clarity, and real options. A tap class story reveals how slowing down reframes mastery, and we share practical ways to apply fresh eyes to hard moments. • the inner block of assumption and how it narrows perspective • energetic choices of I can’t, I have to, and I should • a meeting example that shows self-fulfilling patterns • the beginner’s mindset as a practical alternative • the tap dance breakdown that unlocked clarity • simple tools to reset before routines and tough talks • questions to imagine different outcomes and act with choice If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • August 23 · 20 min

    🌈 Journey Through the Chakras: Awakening Your Creative Spirit ✨

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! Struggling to access your creativity? Feeling disconnected from your inner voice? This chakra meditation offers a beautiful journey back to yourself through energy alignment and guided visualization. We begin by settling into a comfortable position, allowing the breath to naturally deepen as we prepare to travel through each energy center. Starting at the root chakra, we visualize a strong red light grounding us to earth, establishing safety and belonging. This foundation serves as the bedrock for all creative work. Moving upward, we activate the sacral chakra's orange glow, the seat of creative flow and emotional expression, affirming our natural ability to create without resistance. The journey continues through the golden yellow solar plexus, center of confidence and personal power, where we reclaim trust in ourselves and our creative decisions. We then open the heart's compassionate green light, the throat's expressive blue energy, and the third eye's intuitive indigo wisdom. Each chakra, when aligned, removes another barrier between you and your innate creative potential. The meditation culminates in a powerful visualization of a light-filled doorway leading to your personal creative sanctuary—a space within that holds all your inspiration, wisdom, and artistic expression. Here, you can commune with your creative essence, ask questions, and receive guidance directly from your higher self. This sacred inner room remains accessible long after the meditation ends, a permanent resource you can return to whenever creative blocks arise. Remember that your creativity never leaves you—it's always there, waiting for you to create space and alignment to access it. This 20-minute practice offers not just temporary relief but a sustainable pathway to your creative source. Return to it whenever you need to realign, reconnect, and rediscover the vast wellspring of imagination that lives within you. Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S15 · E15
    August 20 · 4 min

    How to Stop Reacting and Start Creating: A One-Letter Shift That Changes Everything

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! What if the imagination that fuels your worst-case scenarios could become your most reliable source of clarity, calm, and momentum? In this episode, Lisa shares a simple but powerful shift that turns reactivity into creativity—one letter, and one intentional choice, at a time. You’ll learn why we default to reactive patterns, how those patterns drain energy and agency, and what it takes to reset your nervous system and reconnect with your values. Through a real client story and practical tools, Lisa breaks down how to pause, redirect your attention, and take action that aligns with what you want to create—not what you fear might happen. You’ll discover: How imagination can work for you instead of against you Why reactivity hands your power to circumstances and other people A simple framework to move from “I can’t” or “I have to” into possibility A compact practice to reset your energy and choose your next best step If you're ready to stop reacting and start creating, this episode offers a clear, memorable way to shift your mindset, your energy, and your outcomes. If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S13 · E14
    August 16 · 14 min

    Lighten Your Load: A Breathwork & Body Scan Meditation

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! This episode focuses on the art of letting go and creating emotional space through guided meditation. By exploring bodily awareness and using breathing techniques, we release tension and invite new possibilities into our lives. • Exploring relaxation techniques and awareness of the body • Understanding where we hold tension emotionally and physically • Inviting softness and spaciousness into everyday life • Visualizing the process of letting go and releasing old stories • Setting intentions for what to welcome into our lives • Recognizing the power of mindfulness in changing lives • Encouraging the practice of returning to the meditation whenever needed Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • August 13 · 7 min

    Love, Adventure, and the Art of Writing Our Own Story 📖✨

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! In this heartfelt anniversary episode, I share a personal story that spans nearly four decades—from meeting my husband Philip as a teenager, to getting married aboard a tall ship on Lake Ontario, to the life we’ve created together as captains of our own ship. Originally written on our 21st wedding anniversary, this reflection—titled Life By Us—looks back on our unique wedding day, the adventures we’ve embraced, and the symbols that continue to guide us: motion, journey, and the waxing and waning of the moon. From the music and milestones of the 1980s to last night’s moonlit lake, I explore how love, partnership, and creative living evolve over time. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a relationship that thrives through change, or how to honor your shared history while looking forward to the next chapter, this episode is for you. It’s a story about choosing your own course, celebrating the phases of life, and embracing the adventures still ahead. What you’ll hear in this episode: The story of our one-of-a-kind tall ship wedding on Lake Ontario Why “Life By Us” became our personal mantra Reflections on the moon’s phases as a metaphor for love and growth A celebration of 36 years together and the adventures still to come Whether you’re in a long-term relationship, just starting out, or simply love a good love story, this episode will inspire you to chart your own course and be the author of your own life. If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • August 10 · 1 hr 4 min

    Krystal Joy Brown: All of the Above—and Then Some

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! Krystal Joy Brown is a Broadway actor and multidisciplinary artist, and her life right now is a bold mix of performance, producing, directing, writing, and grad school work in creative coding and physical computing. We talk about why a creative career doesn’t have to be linear, how “figuring it out” can become paralysis, and what changes when you stop asking how it all connects and start letting the Venn diagram form on its own. Along the way, she shares the reality behind visible success: grief, depression, imposter syndrome, and the quiet discipline of doing the next right thing. We also get real about neurodivergence. Krystal opens up about ADHD, an autism diagnosis, masking, overstimulation, and how radically honest relationships and safer spaces to fail can transform your mental health. We end with inner-child care, daily choices, and a reminder she hears from her younger self: don’t forget there’s also magic. If this conversation helps you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review. What part of yourself are you ready to stop hiding? If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S9 · E17
    August 9 · 5 min

    Five Minutes of Self-Discovery and Emotional Healing through Mindful Breathing

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! Embark on a journey of self-discovery and emotional healing that starts with the simplest act - breathing. This episode promises to guide you through mindful practices that help you connect with your body, and find peace within your being. We begin with the grounding sensation of the earth beneath us, its steady support a constant reminder of our place in this universe. Let your breath guide you, melting away the tensions and stress of the day as we focus on the present moment. Stepping into the inner world, we illuminate the sensations and emotions we often overlook. From acknowledging the ceaseless efforts of your heart to expressing gratitude for the unwavering presence of your body, we delve into a deeper understanding of ourselves. Throughout the conversation, we validate our struggles, our joys, and everything that makes us uniquely human. Remember, no matter how turbulent life might seem, there's always solace to be found within yourself. As we conclude our discourse, we pause for a while, taking a few deep breaths, cultivating self-love, and gratitude. So, why wait? Give yourself the gift of five mindful minutes and join us on this soothing journey. Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S13 · E27
    August 6 · 7 min

    The Antidote to Mental Clutter: Transforming Internal Noise into Calm

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! What if the path to inner peace isn't about fighting the noise in your mind but transforming it? This soul-nourishing meditation journey begins with powerful words—silence, peace, tranquility, calm—inviting you to notice the physical and emotional shifts they create within you. We're hardwired to focus on noise. It pulls our attention from what matters toward what irritates or disturbs us. Through a guided inventory, you'll identify both external distractions (the neighbor's lawn mower, that friend who never stops talking, the constant social media chatter) and the more insidious internal noise—those repetitive, negative, fear-based thoughts circling in your mind, preventing you from hearing your authentic voice. Rather than exhausting yourself trying to block these thoughts, discover the transformative practice of summoning their opposite. When your mind whispers "you're too quiet" in social settings, respond with "I am an excellent listener." When it insists "you aren't good enough," counter with "I am most effective when I take good care of myself." The beauty lies in this simple truth: we created the noise in our heads, and we have the power to transform it. While external circumstances often lie beyond our control, our internal landscape remains our domain. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and remember—on the other side of noise is the peace you've been seeking all along. What noise will you transform today? Share your experience or join our community of mindful listeners seeking greater clarity and calm. If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S11 · E14
    August 2 · 12 min

    Transform Your Day: Morning Gratitude and Mindfulness Meditation

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! What if you could transform your entire day just by starting with a few moments of mindfulness? Begin your mornings with an unshakeable sense of gratitude and positivity as we guide you through a soothing morning meditation. Join us as we ease into a state of peaceful wakefulness with deep, cleansing breaths, freeing your mind from the clutter of past and future concerns. Feel the energy flow through you as you place your hands on your stomach and visualize the sunrise, letting its warmth invigorate your entire being. Through a series of positive affirmations, we express our heartfelt gratitude for the new day, our bodies, and our minds, establishing a tone of thankfulness that will carry us through whatever lies ahead. In the second part of our episode, we delve deeper into the power of gratitude for our daily experiences. We explore how embracing every moment, whether it brings joy or challenge, can serve as an opportunity for growth. By repeating affirmations like "I am grateful for everything that I will experience today," we cultivate a mindset of deep appreciation that remains with us throughout the day. Practical tips like stretching and finding your natural rhythm help you feel centered and energized, ready to face the day's high and low points with a calm and positive outlook. Carrying a sense of gratitude in every moment can truly transform your approach to the day, making it easier to navigate life's complexities with grace and positivity. Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S11 · E2
    July 30 · 6 min

    We Know It’s Not Good for Us. So Why Do We Do It Anyway?

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! Ever find yourself making choices you regret almost immediately? Discover how to break free from this cycle of self-sabotage and impulsivity in our latest episode. We'll dive into the psychology behind why we often choose short-term gratification over our long-term goals and how this impacts our mental well-being. Listen in as Lisa Hopkins provides practical strategies to slow down and make choices that align with your core values. Tune in for an empowering discussion that reminds us all that we have the power to change our behavior and steer our lives in the right direction. Through mindful decision-making and self-awareness, you can avoid the traps of regret and shame, and move confidently toward your dreams. Whether it's resisting that late-night binge-watch or saying no to commitments that overextend you, this episode will give you the tools you need to stay true to yourself. Don't miss this motivational guide to reclaiming control over your actions and finding lasting fulfillment. If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S15 · E17
    July 26 · 9 min

    A Meditation for Peace: Calming the Mind, Opening the Heart, Healing the World

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! What if peace isn’t something you hold, but a place you can always return to? We invite you into a guided meditation that starts with the breath, softens the grip of racing thoughts, and opens the heart to a wider circle of care. Across a few grounded minutes, we move from inner calm to compassionate connection, showing how awareness—not control—creates space for steadiness even when life stays complex. We begin by arriving as we are, shifting from counted inhales to an easy, natural rhythm. The image of a wide sky helps recast thoughts as passing clouds while the sky of awareness remains steady. Instead of chasing or analyzing every cloud, we practice the gentle mantra, I can observe without engaging, and feel how a simple breath can anchor us right here. From there, attention shifts to the center of the chest, where a warm, steady light becomes a practical symbol of self-compassion. We acknowledge tension and regret without rushing to fix them, and we explore how peace grows when we act without clinging to outcomes. The circle widens as we extend that same warmth beyond ourselves—to our rooms, our homes, our communities, the people we love, those we struggle with, and those we will never meet. We affirm a clear truth: you are not responsible for fixing the world, but your presence matters. With the phrase May all beings experience moments of peace, we choose an aspiration that is humble and doable, one that can ripple outward like a stone on still water. We close by returning to the body and the ground beneath us, carrying forward a calm that is light to hold and easy to revisit throughout the day. If this practice steadied you, share it with someone who needs a gentle pause, subscribe for more guided sessions, and leave a quick review to help others find a moment of peace today. Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S11 · E25
    July 23 · 8 min

    The Vent & Victory Exercise

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! What if there was a simple way to let go of what's weighing on you—and make more room for what's going well? In this episode, I share one of my favorite coaching exercises: Vent & Victory. It begins with a vent—not to dwell on what's frustrating you, but to release it. There's a big difference between intentionally expressing what's bothering you in a supportive space and endlessly replaying it around the proverbial water cooler. One creates space. The other gives the frustration more energy. Then comes the victory. Not necessarily a monumental achievement, but a moment to recognize something that went well, something you overcame, or simply something you're proud of. When we intentionally bring our wins into focus, we begin to shift our attention toward what's working instead of only what's wrong. This is a simple practice you can do with a team, a partner, a friend—or all by yourself. Grab a piece of paper if you'd like to follow along, and give it a try. I'd love to hear what comes up for you. If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe, share it with someone who might benefit, and leave a review. Your support means so much and helps more people discover the podcast. If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S15 · E7
    July 19 · 11 min

    Balancing Your Energy Centers Through the Seven Chakras

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! Ready to realign your energy and find balance in just 12 minutes? This guided chakra meditation takes you on a transformative journey through your body's seven energy centers using the powerful combination of breath, visualization, and color. We begin at your root chakra, where a glowing red light helps you feel grounded and safe, releasing fears that may be holding you back. As we move to your sacral center, warm orange energy ignites your creativity and helps you embrace change with grace. Your solar plexus chakra brightens with yellow light, strengthening your confidence as you affirm "I stand in my power." The journey continues through your heart chakra, where soft green light expands with each breath, allowing you to give and receive love more freely. Your throat chakra clears with brilliant blue energy, supporting authentic self-expression. Between your eyebrows, the indigo third eye chakra awakens your intuition and inner wisdom. Finally, white light radiates from your crown, connecting you to something greater than yourself. The magic happens when all seven centers align, creating a rainbow column of energy flowing through your entire being. You'll complete this practice feeling both grounded and light, centered yet expansive – the perfect balanced state to carry into your day. Whether you're new to chakra work or looking to deepen your practice, this meditation offers a simple yet powerful way to harmonize your energy system and enhance your overall wellbeing. Try this meditation whenever you feel scattered or disconnected, and notice how quickly you can return to a state of balance. Your energy centers are always waiting to be awakened – all you need is the intention, your breath, and a few minutes of focused attention. Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S6 · E9
    July 16 · 6 min

    What Are You Tolerating?

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! We often think of tolerance as a virtue. But what happens when tolerating becomes a way of abandoning ourselves? In this episode, I explore the subtle ways we adapt, accommodate, and contort ourselves long after something has stopped serving us. Whether it's a relationship, a commitment, a habit, or even something we once loved, there comes a point when holding on drains more energy than it gives back. Sometimes we blame ourselves when things no longer feel right. We assume we need to try harder, be more grateful, or simply push through. But what if the discomfort isn't a sign that you're failing? What if it's your inner wisdom asking you to pay attention? Together we'll explore: • Why toleration can become a form of emotional armor. • How fear keeps us holding onto what we've already outgrown. • The difference between resilience and self-abandonment. • Why your energy is often the first messenger that something needs to change. • How creating space for what truly nourishes you begins with an honest inventory of what you're carrying. This isn't an invitation to make dramatic changes overnight. It's an invitation to notice. To become curious. And to ask yourself one simple but powerful question: What am I putting up with that I no longer need to carry? Perhaps what you're calling exhaustion isn't a lack of strength. Perhaps it's simply the weight of tolerating too much. If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • July 12 · 18 min

    Breathing into Calmness: A Guided Meditation for Anxiety Relief and Confidence Building

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! Let the rhythmic ebb and flow of the ocean's waves usher you into serenity—no need for packing or travel plans, just a simple decision to press play. Embark on a journey where each breath unlocks deeper layers of calm, and every affirmation anchors you firmly in the present moment. In our intimate session on breathing and visualization for anxiety, we unfurl the secrets of soothing your mind with deep abdominal breaths and transport you to a sunrise-kissed shore. The soft whispers of "I am calm" and "I am relaxed" become your personal mantras, steadying your heart rate and clearing the noise of everyday worries. It's an experience reminiscent of a serene escape, leaving you not just relaxed, but profoundly connected with the tranquil forces of nature. Renewed with tranquility, we shift gears to empower your spirit, weaving gratitude and inner strength into a tapestry of self-assurance. As your guide, I'll lead you through a confidence-boosting meditation, instilling a sense of gratitude and the fortitude to face any challenge. The session culminates in a gentle reawakening, bringing about a fresh perspective and a heart brimming with courage. Whether you're seeking a pause from the bustle of a demanding day or looking to fortify your resolve, this episode offers a haven—a mental retreat to refresh your essence and equip you with an invincible sense of self. Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • July 9 · 4 min

    Distracted by Distraction: Finding Your Way Back to Creativity

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! Sometimes the hardest part of creating isn't the work itself—it's everything that happens before we begin. In this episode, I share an unedited piece of stream-of-consciousness writing that I never intended to publish. It's an honest glimpse into creative procrastination, distraction, self-doubt, and the quiet moment when something begins to shift. If you've ever found yourself organizing your desk, answering emails, making one more cup of coffee, or doing almost anything except the thing you most want to do, this episode is for you. Without offering easy answers or productivity hacks, I simply invite you into the experience of returning to the page—and discovering what happens when you stay with it just a little longer. In this episode: Creative procrastination and why beginning can feel so difficult The surprising ways distraction disguises itself as productivity A real-time stream of consciousness about writing, self-doubt, and flow Trusting the creative process without forcing it Why showing up may be more important than getting it "right" If this episode resonates with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need a gentle reminder that creativity doesn't require perfect conditions—it simply asks us to begin. If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S15 · E19
    July 5 · 20 min

    Drifting Into Rest: A Full-Body Scan for Deep Relaxation

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! Tonight’s meditation is an invitation to slow down and gently transition from wakefulness into rest. We begin by settling into the space where you’ll sleep—tending to the small external details that help your body and nervous system feel safe and uninterrupted. From there, we turn inward, using breath and awareness to soften mental activity and release the day. This guided practice moves through a slow, full-body scan, inviting curiosity rather than effort. Sensations are noticed without judgment—pressure, warmth, heaviness, vibration, or even the absence of sensation. There is nothing to fix and nothing to force. You may find yourself drifting in and out of awareness, or even falling asleep before the meditation ends. That’s not a mistake—it’s part of the design. This practice meets you exactly where you are and supports your body’s natural intelligence for rest. As we close, you’re guided into a sense of energetic ease and spaciousness, reminding you that this state of relaxation is something you can return to anytime. ✨ Best enjoyed lying down in bed ✨ Safe to fall asleep during ✨ Perfect for winding down at the end of the day Sweet dreams. Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S14 · E3
    July 2 · 6 min

    🌍 Where You Come From Matters —and it isn't a place 💫

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! A chance encounter on a train becomes a moment to challenge assumptions about nationality and kindness. When an elderly couple attributes my patience to being Canadian, I return to clarify that values, not citizenship, define our interactions with others. • Reassuring an anxious elderly couple that their pace wasn't inconveniencing me • Couple assuming my kindness was because I was Canadian • Returning to explain I'm a dual citizen and my kindness comes from within • Reflecting on how assumptions rob us of authentic connections • Understanding that values, not nationality, shape our interactions • Making choices that create space for reflection and deeper understanding Remember to live in the moment. If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • June 28 · 10 min

    🌧️✨ From Storm to Sunlight (A Guided Meditation for Moving Through Darkness Into Light)

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! A guided meditation designed to help you move through emotional heaviness using the imagery of a storm transforming into sunlight and a rainbow. This visualization mirrors life's natural cycles of darkness and light, reminding us that transformation often begins in unexpected places. • Beginning in the midst of a storm that represents emotional weight and heaviness • Experiencing the gradual lightening of rain and thinning of clouds as a metaphor for emotional release • Witnessing sunlight breaking through and a rainbow appearing as symbols of transformation and hope • Recognizing that both darkness and light are necessary parts of life's design • Embracing the duality of feeling both grounded and light as we return to awareness Find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and let the rain come as you trust that the light will follow. Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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Showing 1–20 of 25 episodes