In this episode, we explore how the practice of meditation can gently guide us through moments of anxiety and overwhelm—especially when life feels chaotic and unpredictable. Using the metaphor of spiral fractals and labyrinths found in nature, we dive deep into what it really means to “spiral inward” when our external world feels out of control.

Host Meryl shares personal insights and practical reflections on:

- How meditation builds mental health resilience

- Why patterns of anxiety often repeat—and how noticing them is the first step to healing

- Letting go of the expectation that meditation always leads to calm

- Embracing discomfort and distraction as part of the process

- A powerful mindset shift: from “this too shall pass” to “this too shall last”

- Nature-inspired ways to connect with the present moment and restore inner connection

Whether you're new to meditation or returning to your practice, this episode offers permission to meet yourself exactly where you are. It’s an invitation to pause, listen, and breathe—even in the middle of it all.

Join us for a guided 10-minute meditation at the end of the episode.

Sign up for my newsletter at https://merylarnett.substack.com/ to receive free mini meditations and soundscapes each week, along with creative musings and more.

New episodes every Monday (just the meditation) and Thursday (a full meditation class).

Learn more or contact me at https://www.merylarnett.com/.

Thank you to Nick McMahan for today’s nature field recordings, sound design, and editing; and thank you to Brianna Nielsen for production and editing support. Find them at:

https://www.nickcmcmahan.com

https://www.instagram.com/itsbriannanielsen

This podcast explores meditation, mental health and the power of connection, offering guidance for caregivers, healers, and therapists facing compassion fatigue, burnout, and other mental health struggles through self-care, self-compassion, and resilience. With a focus on anxiety, depression, and overwhelm, each episode provides tools like meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, and grounding to cultivate clarity and reduce stress. Listeners can also experience nature-inspired guided meditations, designed to bring peace and balance in times of distress.