Heart Haven Meditations

Tess Callahan
  • 5.0 (10)
  • SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Weekly meditations to calm your mind, connect to your heart, and take refuge in love. These practices draw from neuroscience, wisdom traditions, and teachers such as Adyashanti, Tara Brach, Pema Chodron, Joe Dispenza, Andrew Holecek, Carl Jung, Byron Katie, Thomas Merton, and Jack Kornfield. Tess Callahan, Ed.M., MFA, is a certified Mindfulness Meditation teacher and author of the novels APRIL & OLIVER and DAWNLAND. Tess invites you to attune to your own creative powers through intimate inner listening. You can find her novel writing at: https://tesscallahan.com/. Heart Haven Meditations is also on YouTube. Relax and enjoy!See our sister podcast: Writers at the Well: Author Interviews with Tess Callahan: https://open.spotify.com/show/4GmIB2rgarR6eCA0CYSv2p?si=VPm7PpWHSS2760KUgXYdfgDISCLAIMER: Although meditation can nurture spiritual growth, deepen wisdom, and enhance wellbeing, it is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical healthcare or therapy.  We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of these recordings. You acknowledge that you use the information provided at your own risk. Do your own research. Do not drive or operate potentially dangerous equipment while listening. 

  1. FEB 5

    Deep Sleep Yoga Nidra: Held by the Sea (8 Hrs)

    Yoga Nidra relaxes your body into deep restorative sleep while your mind, like a night-blooming flower, opens to formless awareness. Over the course of these 8 hours, the guiding voice softens into ocean waves, yet remains barely audible to guide you back to sleep should you awaken during the night. Drawn partly from the teachings of Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati, this practice includes a complete body relaxation, 61-point exercise, and ascending breath practice. Yoga Nidra relaxes the body and mind, and unhooks the neuro-conditioning that keeps you stuck. Studies show regular practice alleviates stress, PTSD and improves wellbeing. I wish deep, restorative sleep.  Audio engineering and remixing: Eric Fischer Music: Christopher L Clarke Support the show Host: Tess Callahan Substack: Writers at the Well Interview Podcast: Writers at the Well Meditations on Insight Timer Meditations on YouTube Tess's novels: https://tesscallahan.com/ Music (unless otherwise noted above): Christopher Lloyd Clark Audio Editing: Eric Fischer By tapping "like" and "follow" you help others find the show. Thank you for listening! DISCLAIMER: Meditation is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical healthcare or therapy. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to this recording. Use the material provided at your own risk. Do not drive or operate dangerous equipment while listening. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

  2. JAN 27

    Author George Saunders on the Power of a Quiet Mind in Writing and in Life

    In this special episode of Heart Haven Meditations, Tess Callahan speaks with author George Saunders abou the intersection of meditation, writing, and his Buddhist practice. Drawing from his new novel Vigil, Saunders reflects on attention, revision as a form of meditation, and the challenge of inhabiting another person's consciousness with honesty and care. Saunders emphasizes the value of cultivating “a quiet mind” in writing and in life.  George Saunders is the author of thirteen books, including the novel Lincoln in the Bardo, which won the Man Booker Prize, and five collections of stories, including Tenth of December, which was a finalist for the National Book Award, and the recent collection Liberation Day. Saunders hosts the popular Story Club on Substack, which grew out of his book on the Russian short story, A Swim in a Pond in the Rain. In 2013, he was named one of the world’s 100 Most Influential People by Time. He teaches in the creative writing program at Syracuse University. Support the show Host: Tess Callahan Substack: Writers at the Well Interview Podcast: Writers at the Well Meditations on Insight Timer Meditations on YouTube Tess's novels: https://tesscallahan.com/ Music (unless otherwise noted above): Christopher Lloyd Clark Audio Editing: Eric Fischer By tapping "like" and "follow" you help others find the show. Thank you for listening! DISCLAIMER: Meditation is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical healthcare or therapy. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to this recording. Use the material provided at your own risk. Do not drive or operate dangerous equipment while listening. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

    50 min

  3. JAN 1

    The Voice of the Wind: A Taoist Meditation on Hearing God

    This contemplative meditation draws from the fourth century BCE Taoist master Chuang Tzu, as retold by Thomas Merton. Through the ancient parable of wind moving through ten thousand holes in the earth, we listen to nature’s voice—a symphony of mooing, roaring, and whistling that emerges when the invisible breath of life moves through all things. The voice of the wind becomes a powerful metaphor for the higher power many seek in recovery and spiritual practice: an unseen presence speaking through us, singing the music of our lives. What is it that blows through these ten thousand holes? This teaching invites you to rest in stillness, to listen deeply, and to surrender to the mysterious power whose voice awakens all beings. Perfect for those seeking presence, peace, and connection to something greater than themselves. Based on “The Breath of Nature” from The Way of Chuang Tzu by Thomas Merton. Music by Eric Fischer and Christopher Lloyd Clarke. Audio by Eric Fischer. Support the show Host: Tess Callahan Substack: Writers at the Well Interview Podcast: Writers at the Well Meditations on Insight Timer Meditations on YouTube Tess's novels: https://tesscallahan.com/ Music (unless otherwise noted above): Christopher Lloyd Clark Audio Editing: Eric Fischer By tapping "like" and "follow" you help others find the show. Thank you for listening! DISCLAIMER: Meditation is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical healthcare or therapy. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to this recording. Use the material provided at your own risk. Do not drive or operate dangerous equipment while listening. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

    6 min

  4. 12/26/2025

    Dreaming Your Sacred Landscape: A Sleep Meditation for Inner Wisdom

    This talk/meditation invites you to access inner wisdom through sleep and the liminal spaces between waking and sleeping. In many ancient traditions, monks, yogis, and shamans dreamed worlds into being. These dreamed realms, called Pure Lands, Buddha Fields, and Fields of Spirit, exist outside of ordinary time and can be visited in meditation and dreams. They are, in essence, the Kingdom of God within you. This practice invites you to set an intention to visit these realms in dreams, releasing any expectations, and preparing the mind and body for deep, restful sleep. The meditation guides you into state of deep coherence and surrender. Relax and enjoy. Support the show Host: Tess Callahan Substack: Writers at the Well Interview Podcast: Writers at the Well Meditations on Insight Timer Meditations on YouTube Tess's novels: https://tesscallahan.com/ Music (unless otherwise noted above): Christopher Lloyd Clark Audio Editing: Eric Fischer By tapping "like" and "follow" you help others find the show. Thank you for listening! DISCLAIMER: Meditation is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical healthcare or therapy. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to this recording. Use the material provided at your own risk. Do not drive or operate dangerous equipment while listening. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

    18 min

  5. 12/01/2025

    Drift Off Peacefully: A Sleep Meditation with Ocean Waves

    This is a guided relaxation meditation for promoting restful sleep. If possible, aim for a dark, quiet, cool sleeping environment. The meditation invites you to recall a moment of gratitude from you day, followed by a full-body relaxation scan, and a short round of 4-7-8 breathing (inhaling for four seconds, holding for seven, and exhaling for eight). Then, you release your breath, letting the body breathe naturally as you visualize the heart and mind mingling. The main focus is on surrendering the mind to deep, peaceful sleep. The session ends with five minutes of ocean wave sounds. I hope you enjoy. Audio by Eric Fischer. Music by Christopher Lloyd Clarke. Support the show Host: Tess Callahan Substack: Writers at the Well Interview Podcast: Writers at the Well Meditations on Insight Timer Meditations on YouTube Tess's novels: https://tesscallahan.com/ Music (unless otherwise noted above): Christopher Lloyd Clark Audio Editing: Eric Fischer By tapping "like" and "follow" you help others find the show. Thank you for listening! DISCLAIMER: Meditation is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical healthcare or therapy. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to this recording. Use the material provided at your own risk. Do not drive or operate dangerous equipment while listening. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

    23 min

  6. 11/24/2025

    Awakening Practice 30: Beyond Your Wildest Imagination

    This is the final episode of a 30-part meditation series inspired by Adyashanti. It recaps the previous meditations and encourages you to challenge yourself to see the face of God in all people, all places, all animals, and all situations. Awakening is not for the faint of heart, but it leads us to experience life in ways beyond our wildest imagination. The 30 practices build on each other, so you can listen consecutively, but if there is one in particular that speaks to you, feel free to stick with it. Based on the teachings of Adyashanti, they can be used alone or as a companion to his audio series, The 30-Day Wake Up Challenge, or his book, The Direct Way: 30 Practices to Evoke Awakening. This meditation correlates to Day 30. In some cases, the meditations are also loosely inspired by the teachings of Andrew Holecek, Pema Chodron, and Eckhart Tolle.  I hope you enjoy. Audio by Eric Fischer.  Music by Christopher Lloyd Clarke. Support the show Host: Tess Callahan Substack: Writers at the Well Interview Podcast: Writers at the Well Meditations on Insight Timer Meditations on YouTube Tess's novels: https://tesscallahan.com/ Music (unless otherwise noted above): Christopher Lloyd Clark Audio Editing: Eric Fischer By tapping "like" and "follow" you help others find the show. Thank you for listening! DISCLAIMER: Meditation is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical healthcare or therapy. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to this recording. Use the material provided at your own risk. Do not drive or operate dangerous equipment while listening. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

    9 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    Awakening Practice 29: Releasing Yourself from the Past Through Forgiveness

    This forgiveness practice is number 29 of a 30-part meditation series inspired by Adyashanti. When you forgive someone else, you release yourself from them. When you forgive yourself, you release yourself from the past. Forgiveness is about letting go. While feelings as they arise have a right to be felt and anger can often be justified, persistent states of hatred, rage and resentment are corrosive to our wellbeing. They are hindrances on the path to insight. Here you are invited to forgive as a way of freeing yourself.  These practices build on each other, so you can listen consecutively, but if there is one in particular that speaks to you, feel free to stick with it. Based on the teachings of Adyashanti, they can be used alone or as a companion to his audio series, The 30-Day Wake Up Challenge, or his book, The Direct Way: 30 Practices to Evoke Awakening. This meditation correlates to Day 28. In some cases, the meditations are also loosely inspired by the teachings of Andrew Holecek, Pema Chodron, and Eckhart Tolle.  I hope you enjoy. Audio by Eric Fischer.  Music by Christopher Lloyd Clarke. Support the show Host: Tess Callahan Substack: Writers at the Well Interview Podcast: Writers at the Well Meditations on Insight Timer Meditations on YouTube Tess's novels: https://tesscallahan.com/ Music (unless otherwise noted above): Christopher Lloyd Clark Audio Editing: Eric Fischer By tapping "like" and "follow" you help others find the show. Thank you for listening! DISCLAIMER: Meditation is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical healthcare or therapy. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to this recording. Use the material provided at your own risk. Do not drive or operate dangerous equipment while listening. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

    12 min

  8. 11/10/2025

    Awakening Practice 28: The Courage to Choose Love over Fear

    This is number 28 of a 30-part meditation series inspired by Adyashanti. This practice is simple, pointed, and powerful. It takes courage to love, to be honest, to understand another person, and yourself. Here you're invited to notice your sticking points, places where you hold on, become overly insistent, or pull back too far, and to meet those places with courage. These practices build on each other, so you can listen consecutively, but if there is one in particular that speaks to you, feel free to stick with it. Based on the teachings of Adyashanti, they can be used alone or as a companion to his audio series, The 30-Day Wake Up Challenge, or his book, The Direct Way: 30 Practices to Evoke Awakening. This meditation correlates to Day 28. In some cases, the meditations are also loosely inspired by the teachings of Andrew Holecek, Pema Chodron, and Eckhart Tolle.  I hope you enjoy. Music and audio by Eric Fischer.  Support the show Host: Tess Callahan Substack: Writers at the Well Interview Podcast: Writers at the Well Meditations on Insight Timer Meditations on YouTube Tess's novels: https://tesscallahan.com/ Music (unless otherwise noted above): Christopher Lloyd Clark Audio Editing: Eric Fischer By tapping "like" and "follow" you help others find the show. Thank you for listening! DISCLAIMER: Meditation is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical healthcare or therapy. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to this recording. Use the material provided at your own risk. Do not drive or operate dangerous equipment while listening. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

    10 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Weekly meditations to calm your mind, connect to your heart, and take refuge in love. These practices draw from neuroscience, wisdom traditions, and teachers such as Adyashanti, Tara Brach, Pema Chodron, Joe Dispenza, Andrew Holecek, Carl Jung, Byron Katie, Thomas Merton, and Jack Kornfield. Tess Callahan, Ed.M., MFA, is a certified Mindfulness Meditation teacher and author of the novels APRIL & OLIVER and DAWNLAND. Tess invites you to attune to your own creative powers through intimate inner listening. You can find her novel writing at: https://tesscallahan.com/. Heart Haven Meditations is also on YouTube. Relax and enjoy!See our sister podcast: Writers at the Well: Author Interviews with Tess Callahan: https://open.spotify.com/show/4GmIB2rgarR6eCA0CYSv2p?si=VPm7PpWHSS2760KUgXYdfgDISCLAIMER: Although meditation can nurture spiritual growth, deepen wisdom, and enhance wellbeing, it is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical healthcare or therapy.  We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of these recordings. You acknowledge that you use the information provided at your own risk. Do your own research. Do not drive or operate potentially dangerous equipment while listening. 

Information

  • Creator
    Tess Callahan
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    120
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Heart Haven Meditations
  • Show Website
    Heart Haven Meditations

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