Full Episode: “Maya Angelou” (Ep. 416) | Super Soul Sunday | Oprah Winfrey Network

OWN2 minutes read

Maya Angelou's powerful life lessons, wisdom, and deep connection with her mother highlight the importance of gratitude, love, and embracing every age with grace. Emphasizing the significance of unity, courage, and hope, Maya Angelou's profound words inspire individuals to face life's challenges with resilience and compassion.

Insights

  • Maya Angelou's mother, Vivian Baxter, played a transformative role in Maya's life, instilling courage and resilience, showcasing a deep bond of love and teaching valuable life lessons.
  • Maya Angelou emphasizes the power of gratitude, love, and embracing each age with grace, highlighting the importance of these virtues in living a fulfilling life, with a strong focus on the healing force of love and the significance of honoring ancestors.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Maya Angelou?

    A legendary author, poet, and Oprah's mentor.

  • What role did Maya Angelou's mother play in her life?

    A tough yet tenderhearted figure transforming her life.

  • What is the importance of gratitude in Maya Angelou's teachings?

    A key to living a fulfilling life.

  • How does Maya Angelou define love?

    A powerful force that can heal and uplift.

  • What is the significance of the park named after Maya Angelou's mother?

    Honored for kindness and impact on the community.

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Summary

00:00

Maya Angelou: Wisdom, Gratitude, and Legacy

  • Oprah continues her conversation with Maya Angelou, a legendary author, poet, and Oprah's personal mentor.
  • Maya Angelou's tough yet tenderhearted mother played a significant role in transforming her life.
  • Maya Angelou shares insights on aging brilliantly and the importance of embracing each decade of life.
  • Maya Angelou emphasizes gratitude as a key to living a fulfilling life, even in challenging moments.
  • Maya Angelou recalls a pivotal moment when Oprah encouraged her to express gratitude during a difficult time, which was life-changing for her.
  • Maya Angelou's mother, Vivian Baxter, is described as a dynamic woman who raised Maya with love and courage.
  • Vivian Baxter's influence on Maya's life is profound, instilling in her the importance of courage and resilience.
  • Maya Angelou's relationship with her mother evolved over time, showcasing a deep bond and love between them.
  • Maya Angelou's mother, Vivian Baxter, is honored with a park in Stockton, California, for her kindness and impact on the community.
  • Maya Angelou's life lessons and wisdom continue to inspire readers, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and embracing every age with grace.

09:11

"Love and Courage: Maya Angelou's Legacy"

  • The newest park in Stockton, California is named "Lady Baxter Park."
  • A library on the other end of town is called the Maya Angelou Library.
  • The library was named after Vivian Baxter, Maya Angelou's mother.
  • Maya Angelou believes that love is a guaranteed source of healing.
  • Love liberates and is considered the most important virtue by Maya Angelou.
  • Maya Angelou's mother, Vivian Baxter, never made her feel like she had done the wrong thing, even when she became pregnant at 16.
  • Maya Angelou's memoir highlights the lessons of courage from her mother, Vivian Baxter.
  • Vivian Baxter welcomed Maya's son, Guy, into their lives when Maya became pregnant at 16.
  • Vivian Baxter always supported Maya and her son, Guy, showing unconditional love.
  • Maya Angelou believes that love is a powerful force that can heal and uplift individuals.

19:33

Unity Course Deepens Understanding of Love

  • Took a Unity course online about two years ago to deepen understanding.
  • Studied a book called "Lessons in Truth" which emphasized "God loves me."
  • Mentor Frederick Wilkerson emphasized the importance of the phrase "God loves me."
  • The realization of being loved by a force that created everything humbles Maya Angelou.
  • Feels carried by ancestors and responsible to them, especially those who were slaves.
  • Reflects on the impact of ancestors and the responsibility to honor their sacrifices.
  • Shares a poem line about standing as ten thousand, symbolizing inner strength.
  • Advises her son to be a friend to have friends and to protect a sacred inner space.
  • Emphasizes the importance of forgiveness but also setting boundaries for self-protection.
  • Defines God as "all," encompassing everything in one word.

29:50

"God's omnipresence guides spiritual connection and growth"

  • God is omnipresent, existing in all places.
  • There are numerous ways to reach God, akin to various roads leading to Rome.
  • Upon death, one returns to the all-encompassing presence of God.
  • The soul is the spiritual essence that yearns for connection with God.
  • Spirituality is about surrendering oneself entirely to God.
  • Religion serves as a guide or map to reach one's spiritual destination.
  • Prayer is a powerful tool that not only benefits the recipient but also the one praying.
  • Maya Angelou finds peace and connection with herself when centered in God.
  • Love, in its purest form, has the ability to perform miracles and bring about profound change.
  • Maya Angelou's profound words emphasize the importance of courage, hope, and unity in facing life's challenges.

41:19

Nostalgic photo sparks memories of mother.

  • The speaker and another person are taking a photograph together.
  • The speaker mentions the photo is reminiscent of one with their mother in a book.
  • The speaker requests the photo to be sent to them for tweeting.
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