La Befana's Table Dina Gregory

Yesterday we celebrated Valentine’s Day and love in all of its beautiful manifestations whether it's romantic, platonic, or the love we hold for ourselves and the world around us.
However you spent Valentines day, we have a special treat for you.

An Enchanting Conversation with Mariana Barcellos
In this conversation, we are honored to be joined by Mariana Barcellos, a luminous presence in the world of Brazilian Bossanova.
In our conversation, Mariana shares insights into her latest musical offering, a heartfelt duo that echoes the heartbeat of human and heavenly love, released just in time for Valentine's Day. These songs invite listeners to immerse themselves in the depth of emotion they evoke.

Reflecting on Love's Intricacies
Mariana and I delve deep into the complexities of love, unpacking its layers of passion, commitment, and transformation. Together, we contemplate the profound impact of self-love on our relationships, recognizing the ripple effect it creates in our interactions with others. We discuss the importance of self-awareness and the alignment of celestial forces in nurturing balanced partnerships, and the ongoing challenge of cultivating and sustaining passion and trust.
In an Ocean of Love
We also explore her album Contos do Mar where Mariana embraces the enigmatic allure of the ocean, finding solace and healing in its mysterious depths and the gifts of love the bring.
Key insights include:
- Exploring the Depths of Love: Mariana Barcellos unveils her latest pair of love songs, capturing the essence of human and heavenly love. Her work, inspired by her personal journey and experiences, offers a fresh, compelling perspective on the varied dimensions love encompasses.
- The Ocean's Melody in Healing and Self-Discovery: Mariana reflects on her own album "Contos do Mar," which pays homage to the ocean as a source of healing and a path to finding oneself. She shares her journey through music and how it’s interlaced with her evolving understanding of love and her identity as a singer-songwriter.
- The Soundtrack to Our Soul's Journey: The episode beautifully ties together music, love, self-reflection, and the larger love story of humanity. Mariana emphasizes the substantial role of contemplation and balance in love, mirroring the natural cycles of the sun and moon.
A Table Set with Love
As we conclude our conversation, we invite you to pull up a seat at the table of love. Here, amidst the melodies and musings, we celebrate the boundless capacity of the human heart to love and be loved.
Connect with Mariana:
Website: http://marianasong.com/#marianasong
Music: https://marianabarcellos.hearnow.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7uBDOyRnEtSb0GadfnzB7z?si=HBbyrlvvREmjd0WT8Ahf4w&fbclid=IwAR1cn_x_YYcD79GIC3PHkQOKWIAYWzeW5_XZlmTQJnP8cYZjNIqiPy3ytv8&nd=1&dlsi=63b81d15c29f4907

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider recommending La Befana’s Table to a friend.
Blessings,
Dina and Team Befana


This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dinagregory.substack.com/subscribe

After a period of reflection and rest, we are excited to bring you another soul-nourishing conversation, this time with the incredible Chef JJ @chefjjskitchen
Love for cooking
Chef JJ's culinary journey began as therapy for his mind. In the kitchen he found solace in chopping away his worries. His open-mindedness led him to embrace new recipes and unfamiliar ingredients, seeing them as gateways to understanding different cultures. 
Influence and cultural roots
In this episode, Chef JJ talks about his mother's influence on his culinary journey and her traditional Palestinian recipes. He also shares his family background, living in Oman, and his Palestinian roots, expressing his connection to his culture through food.
The Therapeutic and Connective Power of Cooking
We delve into the healing power of cooking and how it helps him stay connected to his roots and the role of food as a form of education & resilience.
Together, we explore the ingredients for a future where there is room for all of us at the table.
🌟 Cultivating Humanity: Chef JJ emphasizes the essential ingredient of humanity in fostering understanding and empathy towards one another. Understanding different perspectives lies at the core of creating a truly inclusive future.
🌟 Open-mindedness and Forgiveness: Through Chef JJ's own experiences and insights, he highlights the transformative power of being open-minded and the importance of forgiveness in paving the way for meaningful conversations and understanding.
🌟 Love and Connection: Chef JJ reminds us that love is an essential ingredient for a harmonious future. Embracing love and nurturing connections with others is vital for building a world that encompasses and uplifts everyone.

Exciting announcement 
Chef JJ is now hosting a series of interactive Middle Eastern cooking classes, where you can learn to prepare delicious and traditional dishes from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Here are the details:
- Chef JJ will guide you through six authentic recipes, including Palestinian and other Middle Eastern cuisines.
- The sessions will be interactive, allowing you to cook alongside Chef JJ or simply watch and learn.
- Prepare to engage in discussions about the history, ingredients, and cultural significance of each dish.
If you're interested in reserving your spot for these special cooking classes, sign up here!! https://bio.site/chefJJ
Connect with Chef JJ:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjjskitchen/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRhi2YOJXtYoXuO6dhRhYA
Thank you for joining us on this enlightening episode of La Befana’s Table!
Stay tuned for more soul-nourishing conversations.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider recommending La Befana’s Table to a friend.
Blessings,
Dina and Team Befana


This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dinagregory.substack.com/subscribe

Greetings from La Befana’s Table!
In today’s episode I’m joined by Mattie Clark, a luminary in the realms of Family Constellations and Convergence, who guides souls toward their true essence.
Mattie takes us on a heartfelt exploration of the concept of "courting convergence," where the integration of our parts leads to surrender and allowing the life force to work its magic, in bringing all aspects of our lives together.
If you remember, we also touched on the topic of convergence with Rebecca GinaMarie in our last episode, where we imagined a Great Convergence Zone in the United States, where individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives unite to address common challenges, through mutual care.
Today, we delve deeper into these ideas, exploring how acknowledging and understanding family dynamics play a pivotal role in in personal and societal change.
So how does acknowledging and understanding family dynamics impact our personal growth?
In this episode, our guest explores this profound question, delving deep into the ways in which our family histories shape our beliefs, behaviors, and relationships. By recognizing the ancestral patterns, beliefs, and behaviors passed down through generations, we gain the power to break free from limiting cycles and chart our own destinies. 
Key takeaways:
* Surrender and Integration: Explore the art of surrender and how integrating different aspects of ourselves can lead to transformative experiences.
* Breaking Limiting Cycles: Understand the power of recognizing and breaking free from generational patterns, beliefs, and behaviors.
* Emotional Alchemy: Discover the transformative potential of emotional alchemy, turning challenging emotions into sources of personal growth.
* Authentic Activism: Learn the importance of engaging in activism from a place of authenticity and personal connection.

By the end of this episode, you'll gain profound insights into the art of surrender, emotional alchemy, and finding your authentic self within the complexities of the world. You'll learn the importance of acknowledging your place in societal structures and discover the power of engaging in activism from a place of authenticity and personal connection.
Learn More About Our Guest:
To learn more about our insightful guest, Mattie Clark, and explore her transformative work, visit her website here!
Interested in courting convergence with Mattie?
7 Thursdays 6-7:30pm EST
October 12th, 19th and 26th - November 2nd, 9th, 16th and 30th
Learn More Here

Thank you for joining us on this enlightening episode of La Befana’s Table!
Stay tuned for more soul-nourishing conversations.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider recommending La Befana’s Table to a friend.
Blessings,
Dina and Team Befana


This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dinagregory.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to another episode of La Befana’s Table!
Today, I have our good friend here Rebecca GinaMarie with me.
In this episode, we dive into the concept of "border stalking" and its significance in promoting empathy, communication, and reconciliation in a divided world. We also discuss the idea of convergence, inclusivity, and the value of beauty and creativity in our lives.
The Great Convergence Zone
We explore the notion of a Great Convergence Zone in the United States, where individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives unite to address common challenges. The conversation emphasizes the importance of caring for one another, regardless of our differences, and the potential for positive change when we approach collective issues as a unified community.
Overcoming Tribalism and Finding Common Ground
We also delve into the obstacles of overcoming tribalism and stress the necessity of finding common ground with those who hold different beliefs. We highlight the need to envision an inclusive and welcoming future for all and underscore the power of shared positive experiences in building resilience and unity.
The Transformative Power of Unity
Throughout the episode, personal experiences and insights are shared, touching on topics like political polarization, the role of artists in promoting empathy, and the significance of creating spaces for meaningful conversations.
Key Questions for Reflection
* How can we bridge the gap between opposing beliefs and foster understanding?
* What role do artists play in promoting empathy and unity?
* Why is it important to envision a future that is inclusive and welcoming to all?
* How can shared positive experiences build resilience and unity in our society?
* What if we could find common ground and work together to address our collective problems?
* How can we foster understanding, empathy, and cooperation in times of division and polarization?
* What role can each of us play in building a better future for ourselves and future generations?

A Call to Unity
In today's world, where divisions seem to grow deeper, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on how we can come together and make a difference. We understand the challenges of navigating a world divided by differing beliefs and ideologies. Join us as we share personal experiences and insights to help you find common ground and foster unity in your own life. It reminds us that, despite our differences, we all share a common humanity and the potential to create a more harmonious society.
Meet Our Lovely Guest
Rebecca Ginamarie is an Italian-Slavic American writer living in Florida. She also works as a communications strategist for human-centered organizations that align their success with the common good. She spends her free time over good books, good jokes, and good games with her neighbors and loved ones. She’s also the writer behind a substack series, “Letters of UltraAzuli”
About Letters of UltraAzuli
“Letters of UltraAzuli”, a forthcoming series of slightly-magical fictional stories.Through culturally-rooted storytelling, the series explores historical and potential future models that illustrate cooperative, democratic societies and tackle potential hurdles to coming together.
You can subscribe to have her free public letters delivered right to your inbox, follow the letters directly on Substack or join her for discussion on Instagram.Sign-up for Email Delivery: https://ultraazuli.substack.com/
Follow on Substack: https://ultraazuli.substack.com/
Thank you for joining us on this episode of "La Befana's Table." We hope you found inspiration and insights into building bridges and finding common ground in our diverse world. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking conversations.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media using the hashtag #LaBefanasTable.



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Welcome back to another episode of La Befana’s Table! I'm thrilled to have you join us today for a conversation that's going to take us on a unique and transformative journey.
If you remember, we had the pleasure of having Jen Violi sit down at La Befana’s Table back in Episode 15. Jen Violi is a remarkable writer, mentor, and facilitator of elemental writing courses. She's the author of the captivating novel "Putting Makeup on Dead People," a finalist for the prestigious Oregon Book Award. Jen has also crafted numerous published essays, short stories, prose poems, and other works of word magic.
Today, we're diving into a new and exciting chapter of Jen's journey – a six-month adventure that will lead us through the heart of fall and winter, exploring the themes of falling apart, decomposing, and ultimately finding renewal in the face of life's natural cycles. This incredible journey is aptly named "Decompose”
Get ready to decompose with Jen Violi as we discuss grief, renewal, and the transformative power of embracing the cycles of life and death.
Important key points that we talked about:
* The importance of recognizing and embracing the inevitability of death and its significance in our lives
* The value of embracing the different seasons in one's life and acknowledging the cyclical nature of growth, decay, and rebirth
* Embracing new stages of life and growth by allowing things to die and transform
* How vulnerability and authenticity open up portals of connection and empathy
* The essence of embracing messiness in writing and the invitation it holds

🎉🎉Join the Elemental Writing Journey🎉🎉
Ready to embrace messiness and deepen your writing journey? Sign up for Jen's elemental writing course and receive a toolkit to enhance your writing experience. Explore different tiers of registration and payment plans to find the right fit for you.
Register by September 15 to receive a special care package and kick off the transformative journey on September 21. Visit jenvioli.com to learn more and sign up.
If you're not ready for this journey yet but want to stay informed about future elemental writing offerings, sign up for her mailing list.
Special Offer for you: Friends of La Befana’s Table who sign up for the course and mention the podcast will receive an exclusive eBook titled "Writing the Moon." This beautifully designed eBook offers prompts, rituals, and insights to deepen your writing practice.

Connect with Jen:
* Website- www.jenvioli.com
* Instagram- @jenvioli

Other links and resources mentioned:
* Episode 15: Writing as a Wholly Embodied Act as a Wholly Embodied Being with Jen Violi
* Putting Makeup on Dead People by Jen Violi (novel)
* Running with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes (book)


Thanks so much for pulling up a seat at La Befana’s Table! If you find value in listening to La Befana’s Table please consider sending it to a friend, leaving a review on Apple, and/or becoming a Supporting Subscriber

Whether you're a supporting subscriber or a free subscriber, I warmly invite you to join us around La Befana’s Table for our monthly community and connection hour which takes place on the first Thursday of each month 7pm EST.




This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dinagregory.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to another enchanting episode of La Befana’s Table!
It's always fascinating to learn from people like Melissa Laurita Kohl, who brings such a unique blend of traditions, practices, and magic into their lives. Join us as we sit down with the delightful Melissa, whose journey from the bustling streets of New York City to the serene landscapes of Vermont reveals the transformative power of nature and ancestral connections. 
In this episode, we delve into the world of Melissa Laurita Cole, an inspiring individual who has masterfully intertwined the realms of herbal magic and culinary art. Discover how she masterfully combines her expertise in herbs with her love for comfort food, resulting in dishes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also nurture both body and soul. 
Melissa's story about connecting with her ancestors is truly heartwarming. She talks about her special bond with her great-great aunt Millie, which shows how family ties are something magical. Through making pasta, Melissa bridges generations, respecting her heritage while crafting something fresh and beautiful.
Her journey from city life to nature's embrace and her Italian roots reminds us that there's more than one way to find ourselves. I'm excited to see Melissa keep exploring her unique blend of herbal magic and pasta-making, and I hope her story inspires you to find magic in your own life.

More of what we talked about:
* 9:17 The balance of being a preservationist, preserving the old and embracing the new, and keeping it in a way that is authentic
* 16:16 The history of medicinal herbs in pasta
* 26:19 The importance of making pasta for the healing
* 37:23 The process of letting yourself fall apart and being grateful despite life’s adversaries
Thanks so much for pulling up a seat at La Befana’s Table! If you find value in listening to La Befana’s Table please consider sending it to a friend, leaving a review on Apple, and/or becoming a Supporting Subscriber
dinagregory.substack.com



This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dinagregory.substack.com/subscribe