When your mind begins to spiral or drift into painful places, simply telling your brain to "stop" rarely works—it needs somewhere else to go. In this compassionate episode, we explore the practice of sacred memorization as a grounding tool for anxiety, physical discomfort, and mental overwhelm. Whether it's a multi-line prayer, a poem, or a simple three-word phrase, having a pre-recorded message ready in your mind allows you to gently steer your thoughts toward peace over perfection.

In honor of Suicide Awareness Month, we also open an honest, gentle conversation around mental health, dismantling stigma, and holding space for those who are struggling or grieving. The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer of lament and hope for our shared human journey.

In This Episode:

The Power of Sacred Memorization: Why telling a spiraling brain to "stop" doesn't work, and how pre-memorized phrases, poems, or scriptures provide an intentional path for redirection.

Practical Applications: Using internal mantras during moments of tension, anxiety, or physical distress (like sitting in a dentist's chair or receiving an IV).

Peace Over Perfection: A heartfelt recitation of the Prayer of St. Francis ("Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace"). Why exact wording doesn't matter—what counts is the grounding quality it offers your nervous system.

Teaching Others & Sacred Tools:Encouraging children and beginners to build a mental library of anchor phrases to carry throughout life.

Suicide Awareness & Mental Health: Opening up real, compassionate conversations to dismantle stigma around mental health, acknowledging that struggle touches every demographic.

Prayer of Lament and Hope: Closing with a prayer for those navigating deep pain, those grieving loved ones lost to suicide, and a reminder of divine presence in our everyday humanity.

Resources & Links Mentioned

Substack: The Grounded Soul (Read episode transcripts, reflections on creation, and daily practices)

Website: marcellaciccotelli.com

Do not suffer alone. There is help.

Crisis Support: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You can call or text 988 (in the US and Canada) to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24.

Episode Overview & Show Notes

In this episode of To Be a Mystic, we explore how sacred mysteries are embodied in the everyday—through intuition, conscious awareness, and the people who hold us steady when the wind is cold. Drawing from Howard Thurman’s 1980 Spelman College commencement address and a quiet family memoir written by my great-uncle John H. Blackburn, we reflect on the tender tradition of keeping life alive and the profound power of mundane, everyday choices.

Credits & Attribution

Podcast Host & Production: Marcella Ciccotelli (The Grounded Soul)

Featured Memoir: Corinn’s Story (January 2000), written by Dr. John H. Blackburn.

Opening Citation: Howard Thurman, Spelman College Commencement Address (1980).

Closing Citation: Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way.

As we cross the threshold of the summer solstice, this episode is an intimate invitation to slow down, breathe, and ground yourself in the living energy of the natural world. Through a series of sensory reflections, we explore what it means to be fully present to the small miracles around us—from the rhythm of an ancient oak to the quiet sigh of a resting cat. Grab a warm cup of tea, find a comfortable space, and let yourself connect with the deep peace of the Great Artist’s creation.

Opening stanza adapted from the poem "Blessings" by Joyce Rupp (from her book, "May I Have This Dance?").

In This Episode, We Explore:

The Senses of Summer: Tuning into the unexpected joy of warm rain on a hammock, the scent of fresh soil, and the electric blue of blooming Salvia.

The Wisdom of the Trees: Recognizing the constant protection, grounding energy, and heartbeat-like rhythm of the trees that surround our homes.

The Miracle of Growth: Cultivating a deep, healthy pride in nurturing life from a tiny seed into a delicate bloom.

An Inward Journey: Closing with a guided body awareness reflection to help you sense your body from the inside out and step into Kingdom presence.

Connect & Deepen Your Practice

Read the Written Reflection: You can find the full text of today's poem, along with regular essays and nature photography, on our Substack newsletter at The Grounded Soul / link here.

Visit the Website: Explore more nature-based wellness practices, podcast archives, and creative works at www.marcellaciccotelli.com

Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps our community grow!

Breath Practice for the Week: Sometime today, kick off your shoes, close your eyes, and try to feel the skin of your toes from the inside. Take a deep breath, sigh it out, and let yourself rest.