VS Grenier ~ Award-Winning Author, Speaker & Podcaster

In our fast-paced world, mindfulness has become more than just a practice—it's an essential skill for managing stress, enhancing concentration, and improving overall well-being. Mindfulness involves being fully present at the moment and aware of our thoughts and feelings without distraction or judgment. This article explores practical mindfulness techniques that anyone can incorporate into their daily routine to foster a sense of peace and balance. Mindfulness originates from Buddhist meditation practices but has been integrated into Western medicine and psychology due to its benefits in managing psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, defines mindfulness as "the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally" (Kabat-Zinn, 1994). Research in clinical psychology co

  Our latest episode of Language of the Soul podcast welcomes David Smith, a multifaceted author and speaker, who owns the United Racquet Club. His rich experience provides a unique perspective on the interconnected nature of passion, storytelling, and legacy. David's journey as a storyteller began with his desire to document his father's legacy, inspiring him to encourage others to record their narratives. Diving into the enchanting world of Disney books, we explore the magic of storytelling and character development. These narratives, like a magical theme park ride, take readers on a historical fiction journey, creating a universal connection with characters and evoking emotions that transcend boundaries. Drawing inspiration from acclaimed books like Mitch Album's "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" and Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code," we discuss the spiritual journey these narratives can create for readers. Shifting our focus to sports, we uncove

  As the Yuletide season wraps the world in a blanket of frost and festive lights, it offers a moment for pause and reflection, a time to immerse ourselves in the magic of mindfulness and spiritualism. In the stillness of winter, the Yuletide season provides a serene backdrop for introspective practices. Nature invites us to slow down and engage in mindful reflection in its quiet dormancy. These moments of solitude, whether on a crisp morning walk or in the quiet of a snowy evening, become profound exercises in mindfulness. This practice, deeply rooted in spiritualism, resonates with the principles of mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of being present and connected with our inner selves. The kitchen often becomes a focal point during Yuletide. Here, the act of preparing meals transforms into a meditative practice, where the rhythmic stirring of a pot or the careful measuring of ingredients becomes an exercise in mindfulness. This culinary meditation, a form of spiritual pra

In the latest episode of our podcast, we delve into an intriguing conversation with Johnny Worthen, an award-winning author, and teacher, about the power and impact of storytelling on cultures and societies. Known for his famous series "Tony Flannery, Slacker Detective" and his science fiction masterpiece "Koranon", Worthen has earned his place in the world of storytelling, using his unique approach to shed light on important societal issues. The episode begins with a look at storytelling's role in culture. We discuss Johnny's journey as a writer, his diverse background, and how it influenced his writing. We explore his popular series and his unique approach to teaching creative writing, which includes a course on Buddhist lessons for writers. The discussion emphasizes the cultural impact of storytelling and how it has shaped Johnny's life and career. The conversation then moves onto the themes, genres, and power of stories. We explore the creative proce

  The transformative power of storytelling and spirituality is a captivating subject. In a recent episode of the 'Language of the Soul' podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Connet Tegan, a renowned children's author and energy therapist. The focus of the discussion was the intersection of storytelling, spirituality, and their influence on personal growth and development. Storytelling has been an integral part of human culture for millennia. It shapes our identities, beliefs, and even our spiritual paths. Connet Tegan's work beautifully intertwines the power of words and music, creating a universe where communication skills and character building are paramount. This not only makes her a phenomenal author but also a catalyst for positive change.  In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, the role of storytelling often gets sidelined. However, the significance of narratives in understanding complex issues cannot be overstated. From personal experiences to s

  There is something magical about storytelling. It has the power to transport us to different worlds, challenge our perspectives, and trigger a wide range of emotions. In the podcast episode "Unlocking Creativity and Personal Growth through Storytelling," we delve into this power with our guest, Renee Urbanovic, a TEDxTalk speaker, creativity coach, and Humanities through the Arts Professor.  Renee's story is one of triumph over adversity. After suffering a vocal injury that left her voiceless, she earned a degree in creativity and embarked on a journey to understand the complex world of creativity. Her exploration revealed that creativity is not merely a skill or talent, but a global philosophy deeply ingrained within our DNA. This perspective on creativity offers a new lens through which we can view our personal growth and collective evolution. The episode begins with Renee sharing her unique philosophy on creativity, which she explains through the metaphor of a pot, r

In a recent podcast episode, we had an enlightening discussion with Rosalyn Lehman, a retired educator and anthropologist, and Menci Kang. We ventured into the healing powers of narrative, the potential of epigenetics to rewire these narratives, and the transformative role of yoga in dealing with trauma. Stories play a crucial role in our perception of ourselves and the world around us. They influence our beliefs, shape our identities, and can even impact our physical bodies through the field of epigenetics. Particularly in the context of trauma, narratives can either perpetuate harm or be a tool for healing and transformation. The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves are of paramount importance. In this episode, we also delved into the therapeutic potential of yoga in dealing with trauma. Yoga, as a lifestyle of discipline, can help shift little proteins and methyl groups in the body, altering our genetic makeup. We discussed the cognitive process of releasing emotions and the co

In our latest podcast episode, we had the privilege to journey through the remarkable life of Joshua Lloyd Fox, an indie author and master storyteller who embarked on his writing career at the age of 40. Joshua's diverse background as a soldier, aircraft mechanic, technical writer, and more for both the US and foreign militaries, his profound insights on faith, transformation, and creativity make for an engaging conversation.  Joshua's story of personal transformation and the therapeutic power of storytelling is truly compelling. His battle with childhood trauma and how it shaped his life and creative process is a testament to resilience and the human spirit. During our conversation, we delved into his experience with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and the potential therapeutic benefits of micro-dosing hallucinogens. It was enlightening to see how writing served as a powerful tool for Joshua to reframe his personal narratives and confront his darke

The journey of raising a child with Trisomy 21, more commonly known as Down Syndrome, is often filled with challenges and blessings. Nancy M. Schwartz, mother to Alex - a cellist with Trisomy 21, shares her journey and the profound influence of stories and words on education, inclusivity, and understanding the unique gifts of those with disabilities. Through the deep dive into Nancy's journey, she shares her experiences and insights that challenge conventional education systems and societal perceptions. Her son Alex, diagnosed with Trisomy 21, was initially perceived as incapable of fitting into conventional education frameworks. However, Nancy's relentless belief in Alex's abilities and the transformative power of storytelling turned barriers into breakthroughs. Nancy's narrative is a testament to resilience and the overlooked abilities of those with disabilities. It urges us to see the unique gifts they bring and to rethink our approach to education, especially in th

In the launch episode of Language of the Soul Podcast, we had the pleasure of introducing our audience to the host, filmmaker Dominic Domingo and producer/co-host, psychology major and children and YA author Virginia Grenier for a deep dive into the transformative power of storytelling. Both share their personal journeys and offer insights into how storytelling shapes our personal beliefs, habits, and ultimately, our worldview. Dominic, who has a diverse background in creativity, from a successful filmmaker to a writer, discussed his evolution as a storyteller. His experiences at the Art Center College of Design, where he learned invaluable lessons about the enigmatic creative process, offer listeners a unique perspective on the intersection of creativity and storytelling. Virginia, on the other hand, shares her journey from the marketing world of fashion to writing and being in the editing room to following her dreams into victim advocacy and mental health. She has navigated diverse r