Mirror within
By Victor Mavedzenge
Mirror withinFeb 12, 2024
EPI# 19 SEA# 2 "Back from the future- A meditation."
My name is Victor, and welcome to the podcast "Mirror Within." Today, I'll share a meditation called "Back from the Future," aimed at grounding myself before starting the day. Drawing inspiration from various sources, this practice helps me stay true to my character and respond thoughtfully to situations.
Currently, I have an art show, showcasing my work, including paintings of my daughters and a tribute to Dambudzo Marechera, a remarkable Zimbabwean writer. As an artist and manager, maintaining emotional balance is crucial. I share my surroundings, emphasizing the importance of being transparent about my emotional state with colleagues.
The meditation is a vital part of my daily routine, conducted in the early morning. It begins with observing my thoughts and feelings without judgment. This awareness forms the basis for understanding my emotional, mental, and spiritual state throughout the day.
Acknowledging any anxiety or irritability, I communicate this to my team, fostering a healthy work environment. This transparency eliminates ambiguity, making interactions more comfortable. The meditation's purpose is to ground me, ensuring I respond thoughtfully to challenges rather than react impulsively.
The meditation involves scanning my emotional landscape, noting any discomfort, and overriding it with affirmations of who I want to be. I focus on qualities like joy, engagement, and inspiration. By envisioning my future self embodying these traits, I bring those qualities back to the present.
Returning to the present, I celebrate the positive aspects I've envisioned and take a deep breath, expressing gratitude for the interconnectedness of life. This meditation emphasizes the power of being enough and encourages viewers to adopt a similar practice for a more balanced and intentional life.
EPI #18 SEA #2 To postpone or prepone? there is a way
This episode is a reflection on why I postpone some things and prepone others. Please note, that these are personal reflections and not instructions on how you should lead your life! Mentioned in the podcast Sadghuru on solar flares The Carrington event Support this podcast by becoming a subscriber or giving a needed one-time donation here
EPI#17 SEA#2 Don't think it, just do it.
This episode explores how I work with my mind to get around procrastination.
I hope you find value in it!
Checkout my artwork at www.mavedzenge.com
EPI# 16 SEA#2 More than words
Before the presentation I gave, which I was in no mood to give because I was so down, I shared how I was feeling. Two people gave me words of encouragement but the rest remained quiet. It was a healing silence full of love.
In this episode, I explore personal power and the power of community.
Thank you to all who have supported this journey, January 2024 marks Mirror within's 1st anniversary!
EPI#15 SEA#2 Give yourself permission.
This episode was inspired by a motivational speech I gave to a wonderful group of people.
The theme is social conditioning and how it impacts us if we do not make a conscious effort on matters concerning how engage with the world around us.
If you found this episode useful, please let me know!
It would also be awesome if you have any other comments or suggestions on it!
Stay well!
Victor
See my artwork here
Support this channel with a donation on Venmo
EPI#14 SEA#2 Lessons on letting go
These ar my reflections on the power of letting go. As I watch the world around me, ants have taught me the perils of holding on to the familiar.
EPI #13 SEA #2 Navigating choices
This episode explores how I look at choices and interlink them with my desired outcomes.
The choices I make have a great effect on other people, my relationships, and my outcomes.
Join me as I go through a journey exploring the impact choices have had on my life and what I chose to do about it.
EPI #12 SEA #2 Respect, attitude and choice.
EPI#11 -SEA#2 “Who am I ?”
SEA#2 EPI#10 - 5 Affirmations for changing times.
These are affirmations I have used and keep returning to in times of intense change.
1. "I embrace change as an opportunity for growth and transformation."
2. "I trust in my ability to adapt and thrive in new circumstances."
3. "Change is a natural part of life, and I am open to its possibilities."
4. "I release fear and welcome the unknown with courage and curiosity."
5. "I am resilient, and I have the strength to overcome any challenges that come my way."
SEA#2 EPI#9 Perception - How it shapes our reality
We may be looking at the same thing but our perception of it may vary widely.
When we choose to approach events and situations with a "360-degree" perspective, we get a better-informed perception.
"Where I sit depends on where I stand!"
SEA#2 EPI#8 Embracing change
Reflecting on the nuances of change through storytelling.
This episode shares insights I have learned about being more open to change.
SEA#2 EPI#7 Ai and the artist.
This episode reflects on the capabilities of Artificial intelligence (AI) in the realms of motional capacity, comprehension, and analytic deduction.
I fed the poem below into an AI model and prompted it to analyze and summarize the poem. The results were very astounding. The poem I wrote is below. The Ai analysis is in this https://youtu.be/yjlmlOz7ayg
"My pain" If you poke me with a stick, that is pain you Bring on me If you strike me with your hand, that is pain You bring on me I must walk away. If you cause pain to arise within me That is pain I own and bring upon Myself I must revisit my garden of joy And see which flower deters the bees Make it pleasant while I risk the sting of the bee So that the bee and flower Can transform interaction into life My pain is therefore mine. I choose to use it To tell myself and those who are directly part of myself, a tale of who I am and where I am So they may understand and learn to unlock my door. The key is curiosity, the turn of it is “Why do you say so, why do you think so?” This will gently reveal the wound And not yank off the band-aid Through all this, my duty is to remember The pain from within is mine. I have the choice to feel it, deal with it, and return to my garden of joy, transmute the pain Into beauty like the lotus does Or to allow the beast within to run amock Victor Mavedzenge 2023
SEA# EPI#6 Whats in your diet?
It's not going to be talking about what you should be eating.
Cited in this episode is Bruce Lipton talking about Epigenetics
Click here to listen to Bruce
SEA#2 EPI#5 - The power of attention and love
When I first heard this story, it struck me at my core, touched the deepest aspect of my humanity, and made me realize the importance of attention and love.
Below is a version of the story.
The Story of Teddy Stallard, by Elizabeth Silance Ballard
There is a story many years ago of an elementary teacher. Her name was Mrs. Thompson. And as she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children a lie. Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. But that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.
Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he didn't play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. And Teddy could be unpleasant.
It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a big F at the top of his papers.
At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last.
However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise.
Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners ... he is a joy to be around."
His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student, well-liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle."
His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken."
Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and sometimes sleeps in class."
By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's.
His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery bag. Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing and a bottle that was one quarter full of perfume.
But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist.
Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to."
After the children left she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, and writing, and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children. Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy.
As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one of her "teacher's pets."
A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.
Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.
Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college.....Read the rest here- www.snopes.com
SEA#2 EPI#4 Equanimity
SEA#2 EPI#3 The rose
SEA#2. EPI#2 Die while you are still alive.
SEA#2 EPI#1 “This cage is me”
SEA #1 EP #24 Tell your story
In this episode, I share my journey in storytelling.
EPI#23 SEA#1 - Slowing it all down
* "In the midst of chaos, I find stillness. Just as the bamboo sways in the wind, I embrace life's gentle rhythm." - Japanese proverb
* "Like the lotus flower, I grow amidst the mud, finding peace and serenity in the present moment." - Indian wisdom
* "As the river flows steadily, so do I let life unfold, savoring each moment as it comes." - Zimbabwean insight
* "I release the need to rush, allowing the universe's natural pace to guide me forward." - Author Unknown
* "In the art of patience, I uncover the beauty of waiting and discover the treasures hidden within." - Author Unknown
* "With every breath, I sink deeper into the embrace of time, learning to savor the richness of each passing second." - Author Unknown
* "I am a traveler on the path of life, and I choose to walk mindfully, leaving footprints of grace and presence." - Author Unknown
Thank you for listening. Please share with anyone you feel will find these useful! You can see my artwork here www.mavedzenge.com
EP#22 SEA#1 Garden of joy
EP#21 SE#1 - May your vibe be your guide
This episode explore our inner teacher (Intuition).
As I (https://www.mavedzenge.com) go through life journey, I look at moments that have been transformational or simply profound for me.
Join me on this journey of self exploration!
Cited in the episode:
Studio 23 parent organization artpush.org
First guests on the Second Friday art talk series
Suzzane Wang -
Malik Seneferu
Pam Uzzell -
EP#20 SE#1 - Meet Mr. TheArthur Wright. Oakland Based Artist/Writer
Meet Mr. TheArthur Wright. Oakland Based Artist/Writer
In this episode I sit-down with the Artist and Writer, Mr. TheArthur Wright.
A gentle, giving, and wise soul who has blessed my life at every interaction. We found out we had something in common, a love for Tina Turner.
See the painting of Tina Turner here
Based in Oakland California, Mr. TheArthur Wright shows his work at local galleries and can also be found at local art fairs.
His last show at the time of recording was at the Gordon Joyce Gallery
For speaking engagements or exhibitions, please contact him through his website or Facebook profile listed below.
His Website
Social Media :Facebook
Artist Statement
I started using bleach as a medium almost exclusively some twenty years ago (1997). For me it was as a Eureka moment and I haven’t looked back. Eureka, because of the golden splash of colors and hues it has given me to work with and as I sat down, (I actually sat down), it seemed the color of my future.
Most artists use tools of choice to reach out to touch others with a set of truths or beliefs and feelings about a universal is-ness as it is known to the artist. It is that way for me.
I use a bamboo skewer to apply bleach to black paper which continues to blow me away as I see the results unfold.
In 1994 I was informed by a friend that the state of California was named because a black Amazon queen named Califia who ruled the island of California which lay ‘just west of the Territorial Paradise’. Little was known of America in those days but subsequent studies have shown California was an island millions of years ago but shifting tectonic plates shoved the island against the continental mass and helped form the Big valley’ and the Sierra mountains. Read more:
EPI#19 SEA 1. - 8 lessons I learned from my children.
1.Time management is entirely on me and it’s a game changer
2.The vibe is real. Children can feel your energy very accurately
3. Children don’t listen to you, they watch you.
4. Life is about having fun!
5. The body knows how much and what it needs
6. Language is not the same for everyone, even though we use the same words
7. Feelings matter.
8. We are part of a greater whole.
EPI#18 SEA# 1 - Belonging and inclusion.
EPI#17 SEA 1 - Responsibility as a child
SEA #1 EP#16 Inside the creative mind
An intimate look into the workings of an artists mind plus tips on how to unlock your creativity.
Victor Mavedzenge gives the listener a glance into his creative process along with a glimpse into how he prepares for an art performance.
EPI #15 SEA# 1The power of gratitude. How being grateful has shaped my life.
EPI # 14.1 SEA # 1 Bouncing back from hitting rock bottom - video version
* This is a 15 min video version of Episode 14.
John H walks Victor through what recovery looks like. A powerful story on how addiction can ruin mental health and families. This story highlights the hope there is if one chooses to take the recovery road. Please visit Episode 14 to listen to the rest of the interview.
John H works as a Counselor and resource specialist at The Berkeley Drop-in Center serving the unhoused population.
EPI #14 SEA#1Bouncing back from hitting rock bottom.
John H. tells his story of being an addict for over 20 years, walking the lonely desert of the lost and finding his path to recovery, then going on to becoming a Drug and Alcohol Counselor at The Berkeley Drop-in Center.
I worked with John from 2015 to 2018. In those years, John used the Harm Reduction method to help me quit smoking.
SEA#1 EPI #13 - Emotionally charged affirmations for healing and grounding.
This episode takes a deeper dive into affirmations for healing and grounding. By emotionally charging them through relating everyday scenarios, they become more accessible as they are grounded in simple-to-understand examples.
Please note, affirmations are not a replacement for therapy, they are a tool to help us on our healing journey. If you find yourself in deep distress, please consult a therapist or an elder for deeper guidance.
"When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind." - African Proverb
Affirmations for healing and grounding
Affirmation 1: I am strong and capable of overcoming any obstacle.
Affirmation 2: I am surrounded by love and support.
Affirmation 3: I am worthy of happiness and success.
Affirmation 4: I choose to let go of the past and focus on the present.
Affirmation 5: I trust in the power of healing and growth.
Affirmation 6: I am grateful for my body and all that it allows me to do.
Affirmation 7: I am open to new opportunities and experiences.
Affirmation 8: I choose to let go of negative thoughts and emotions.
Affirmation 9: I am confident in my ability to create a positive future.
Affirmation 10: I am at peace with myself and the world around me.
Remember, these affirmations are not just words, they are powerful tools for healing and growth. Repeat them to yourself daily and watch as they begin to manifest in your life.
"He who would climb a mountain must first learn to walk." - African Proverb
Thanks for listening and stay positive. Artwork by Victor Mavedzenge can be viewed here.
SEA#1EPI#12. Meet documentary Filmmaker and podcaster, Pam Uzzell as she shares what drives her.
In this podcast episode, Pam talks about the documentaries that have resonated with her deeply, why she does what she does, and how she stays true to her purpose.
Amongst the documentaries she has made among many are, “Some call it heaven”, a story about a very talented but unknown woman in Arkansas. She also made an even opening documentary about Black schools in Arkansas before integration. “Welcome to the neighborhood” captures the story of displacement due to rising prices in Berkeley. In this fit, Pam tells the story of Mildred Howard daughter of Mabel Howard who was a prominent activist.
At the beginning of the 2020 pandemic, Pam made the film “Shelter in displacement” which featured Victor Mavedzenge (Host of the podcast Mirror within), a Berkeley artist who works at Downtown Streets Team with the unhoused community.
Pam also has a fantastic podcast, “Art heals all wounds” where she interviews artists in the Bay Area.
Pam’s website can be found here.
Sea#1 EPI# 11. What is Grounding? Why it's important and ways to do it.
What does Grounding do?
1. "Grounding is the connection to reality and the present moment, which is where peace and happiness exist." - Thich Nhat Hanh
2. "Grounding yourself in nature is the most powerful way to reconnect with the earth and find inner peace." - Unknown
3. "Grounding is a way of coming home to ourselves, of finding our own center and strength." - Jack Kornfield
4. "Being grounded means being in touch with the here and now, which is the only place where true peace and contentment can be found." - Eckhart Tolle
5. "Grounding is a practice of becoming centered and focused, allowing us to face life’s challenges with clarity and calm." - Arianna Huffington
6. "Grounding is essential for emotional and mental stability, as it helps us to find balance and focus." - Deepak Chopra
7. "Grounding is a way of connecting with the earth and our own inner wisdom, leading to a sense of peace and renewal." - Jon Kabat-Zinn
8. "Grounding is a path to self-awareness, helping us to understand our own thoughts, feelings, and actions." - Pema Chödrön
9. "Grounding is a powerful tool for reducing stress, improving mental clarity, and boosting overall health." - Dr. Andrew Weil
10. "Grounding is a reminder to stay present and connected to the world around us, leading to a life of greater happiness and fulfillment." - Dalai Lama
African Cultures:
- Walking barefoot on grass or soil.
- Participating in traditional dance.
- Spending time in nature and observing natural beauty.
- Performing rituals and prayers.
- Listening to traditional music.
- Engaging in meditation and mindfulness practices.
- Connecting with ancestral spirits through storytelling.
- Practicing gratitude and expressing appreciation.
- Spending time with loved ones and building community connections.
- Engaging in manual labor, such as farming or gardening.
Indian Cultures:
- Practicing yoga and breathing exercises.
- Participating in Hindu rituals and prayers.
- Spending time in nature and observing natural beauty.
- Engaging in meditation and mindfulness practices.
- Performing puja rituals and offerings to the gods.
- Listening to classical music and playing instruments.
- Spending time with loved ones and building community connections.
- Engaging in manual labor, such as farming or gardening.
- Practicing self-reflection and introspection.
- Engaging in acts of selflessness and compassion towards others.
My Practices can be found on the Isha Foundation website and app. Isha is Sadghuru's foundation.
You can see my artwork here
EPI #9 SEA#1 - Healing and grounding plus Ten affirmations.
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Nelson Mandela
"When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind." - African Proverb
Welcome to our podcast on healing affirmations. Today, we'll be exploring 10 powerful affirmations that will help you to heal and find inner peace. Let's begin with an open mind and a positive attitude.
Affirmation 1: I am strong and capable of overcoming any obstacle.
Affirmation 2: I am surrounded by love and support.
Affirmation 3: I am worthy of happiness and success.
Affirmation 4: I choose to let go of the past and focus on the present.
Affirmation 5: I trust in the power of healing and growth.
Affirmation 6: I am grateful for my body and all that it allows me to do.
Affirmation 7: I am open to new opportunities and experiences.
Affirmation 8: I choose to let go of negative thoughts and emotions.
Affirmation 9: I am confident in my ability to create a positive future.
Affirmation 10: I am at peace with myself and the world around me.
Remember, these affirmations are not just words, they are powerful tools for healing and growth. Repeat them to yourself daily and watch as they begin to manifest in your life.
"He who would climb a mountain must first learn to walk." - African Proverb
Thanks for listening and stay positive.
See my artwork here
Get in touch via email
What this podcast is about
EP #8 Sea.1 Ten affirmations for building confidence
"Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings." - Samuel Johnson
“If you have no confidence in yourself you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won before you have started.”-Marcus Garvey. "A person who believes in himself is unstoppable." - Yogi Bhajan.
What diminishes confidence?
- [ ] Lack of self knowledge and awareness.
- [ ] Attaching/identifying with unwanted outcomes
- [ ] Believing negative feedback and not taking a healthy look at constructive criticism
Our defence is in affirming who we are and what we want!
Welcome to our podcast on affirmations for confidence. Today, we'll be exploring 10 powerful affirmations that will help you to increase your self-confidence and belief in yourself. Let's begin with an open mind and a positive attitude.
1: I am worthy and deserving of love and success.
2: I trust in my abilities and talents.
3: I am confident in my decisions and choices.
4: I am capable of achieving my goals and dreams.
5: I choose to let go of self-doubt and embrace self-belief.
6: I am strong and resilient.
7: I am proud of who I am and the person I am becoming.
8: I am open to new opportunities and experiences.
9: I believe in myself and my potential.
10: I radiate confidence and positivity.
Remember, these affirmations are not just words, they are powerful tools for increasing self-confidence. Repeat them to yourself daily and watch as they begin to manifest in your life.
"Confidence is the companion of success." - Yogi Bhajan
Thanks for listening and stay confident.
EP#7. SEA.1.Dealing with “The confidence desert” - plus 10 affirmations confidence.
Why is confidence important?
"Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings." - Samuel Johnson
"A person who believes in himself is unstoppable." - Yogi Bhajan
What diminishes confidence?
- [ ] Lack of self knowledge and awareness.
- [ ] Attaching/identifying with unwanted outcomes
- [ ] Believing negative feedback and not taking a healthy look at constructive criticism
Our defence is in affirming who we are and what we want!
Welcome to our podcast on affirmations for confidence. 10 powerful affirmations that will help you to increase your self-confidence and belief in yourself. Let's begin with an open mind and a positive attitude.
Affirmation 1: I am worthy and deserving of love and success.
Affirmation 2: I trust in my abilities and talents.
Affirmation 3: I am confident in my decisions and choices.
Affirmation 4: I am capable of achieving my goals and dreams.
Affirmation 5: I choose to let go of self-doubt and embrace self-belief.
Affirmation 6: I am strong and resilient.
Affirmation 7: I am proud of who I am and the person I am becoming.
Affirmation 8: I am open to new opportunities and experiences.
Affirmation 9: I believe in myself and my potential.
Affirmation 10: I radiate confidence and positivity.
Remember, these affirmations are not just words, they are powerful tools for increasing self-confidence. Repeat them to yourself daily and watch as they begin to manifest in your life.
"Confidence is the companion of success." - Yogi Bhajan
EPI#6 SEASON.1 Ten calming affirmations
1. "I am in control of my emotions and reactions." - Aristotle
2. "I choose peace over anger." - Confucius
3. "I let go of negative thoughts and focus on the present moment." - Buddha
4. "I breathe deeply and let go of stress." - Lao Tzu
5. "I trust in my ability to handle any situation calmly." - Epictetus
6. "I am surrounded by calm and tranquility." - Plato
7. "I radiate peace and positivity to those around me." - Immanuel Kant
8. "I am calm and centered, even in chaotic situations." - Marcus Aurelius
9. "I am at peace with myself and the world around me." - Friedrich Nietzsche
10. "I am in harmony with my inner self and the universe." - Alan Watts
Remember, it's important to repeat these affirmations to yourself regularly, either when you wake up or before you sleep, or whenever you feel the need to regain your calm and control. It may take time, but with practice and patience, you will find yourself becoming more centered and peaceful in your daily life.
EPIS.#5.SE.1 The cost of road rage plus 10 affirmations to override negative thoughts and emotions
1. "I am in control of my emotions and reactions." - Aristotle
2. "I choose peace over anger." - Confucius
3. "I let go of negative thoughts and focus on the present moment." - Buddha
4. "I breathe deeply and let go of stress." - Lao Tzu
5. "I trust in my ability to handle any situation calmly." - Epictetus
6. "I am surrounded by calm and tranquility." - Plato
7. "I radiate peace and positivity to those around me." - Immanuel Kant
8. "I am calm and centered, even in chaotic situations." - Marcus Aurelius
9. "I am at peace with myself and the world around me." - Friedrich Nietzsche
10. "I am in harmony with my inner self and the universe." - Alan Watts
EPISODE 4 .SEASON 1. Meditation on the fear of failure.
EPI#3 SEA#1 - Five ways to become less angry
EPISODE #2 SEASON 1. Road rage-The tools I used to get out of it.