The Contemplative Life (Chris & Christina Roberts)
Explore every episode of The Contemplative Life
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Feb 2022 | Ep 56 Limiting Mindsets | 00:16:09 | |
Limiting mindsets can show themselves in so many ways: The Inner Critic, Imposter Syndrome, Feeling Stuck…and they tend to show up even more profoundly when we’re growing and changing. But that said, they can also occur in smaller ways, impacting our joy for entire seasons at a time. So today we talk how being aware of those mindsets, and then engaging more mindfully, can make a huge difference in how we experience our days. Additional Resources #LimitingBeliefs For Transcript: | |||
| 22 Feb 2022 | Ep 57 The Spiritual Practice of Staying Steady | 00:17:58 | |
For most of us, it’s easy to get tossed around by our circumstances. Conversations we’re in can throw us for a loop, and before we know it, we’re drowning in the emotion and struggle of it all. But today we talk about ways to get this thing that Scripture calls “Transcendent Peace” – beyond understanding, out-of-this-world, supernatural peace. Join us as we talk about the art of being present in our lives without getting overly weighed down by the baggage. Additional Resources #HelpingVocations For Transcript: | |||
| 01 Mar 2022 | Ep 58 Learning from Indigenous Wisdom | 00:19:19 | |
Today we’re digging deeper into the wisdom of Indigenous populations from all over the world. And, in particular, we’re drawing inspiration from leaning into the power, meaning, and beauty of circles. The circle, for many of us, can represent a helpful decentralizing of power and a sense of community. Join us as we explore some of our own experiences with circles, seasons, and cycles. Ask questions with us. And in the end, may each of us find new delight and admiration for the beauty and life that exists both in us and around us. #Circle | |||
| 08 Mar 2022 | Ep 59 Legacies | 00:18:00 | |
Today we’re talking about what it looks like to live a life that continues to offer meaning and impact for future generations. Certainly, our culture seems to indicate that, collectively, we’re developing an increasing interest in this notion of legacy. But for many of us, this is also a brand-new idea. Not all of us grew up in families that were telling us the tales of our great-great grandparents and beyond. And so we’re looking for models, teachers, and guides. Join us as we engage our collective experiences in order to both discover the wisdom of our past and embrace our own ability to leave behind a story of meaning for the people of tomorrow. Additional Resources #Storytelling For Transcript: | |||
| 15 Mar 2022 | Ep 60 Sample Spiritual Direction Session | 00:23:47 | |
Today we’re offering an example of a Spiritual Direction session. In this particular session, Brittany and Kristina talk about trying to experience peace in the midst of our daily lives. Join us as we explore the notion of presence, how we feel things in our bodies, and what it looks like to build regular rhythms and flexibility into our days. #SpiritualCompanioning | |||
| 22 Mar 2022 | Ep 61 What’s All the Hype about Gratitude | 00:18:40 | |
“I’ve been on a gratitude journey for many years. And I’m still not where I want to be. But I see change…” “I was up in the middle of the night, and I realized my brain was still working. I had to breathe. I had to slow down…” Life is a mix of good and challenging. Join us as we explore the spiritual practice of gratitude as a means of living our lives to the full. Additional Resources Book: A View from the Ridge: Morris West #Gratitude For Transcript: | |||
| 29 Mar 2022 | Ep 62 Evolving Faith | 00:20:39 | |
Evolution is defined as the gradual changing of something from a simpler form to a more complex one. And what we’ve noticed in our spiritual lives is that faith, like all of life is evolving. How we experience the Divine in our lives, what that means to us…our understanding and experience of these things changes over the course of our lives. In this episode, we talk about the importance of feeling like it’s okay to ask our questions. We notice that change can feel disorienting and even difficult, but at the same time, change also brings more depth and richness to our connections and experiences. Join us as we explore these ideas together! Additional Resources #DynamicFaith For Transcript: | |||
| 05 Apr 2022 | Ep 63 Spiritual Journey | 00:17:50 | |
In many ways, the spiritual journey is about putting language to what is hidden in our souls. And in order to do this, many of us benefit from companions and mentors along the way. We need someone to help us ask ourselves: How do I leave “this” and move into “that?” And when we’ve reached some of those goals that once seemed so far away - now what? Join us for a conversation about our universal quest to uncover the emerging soul. Additional Resources Book: The Critical Journey by Janet O. Hagberg and Robert Guelich #HerosJourney For Transcript: | |||
| 12 Apr 2022 | Ep 64 Lifelong Learners | 00:17:48 | |
Today we talk about how being a lifelong learner connects to the contemplative life. For many of us, adulthood brings with it the pressures of feeling like we need to know the answers. And over the course of months and years, we can begin to lose track of what can emerge when we see the world with wonder. We lose that willingness to start from wherever we are and grow from there. But the good news is: There’s an antidote! Join us for a conversation of inspiration. Additional Resources #BeginnersMind For Transcript: | |||
| 19 Apr 2022 | Ep 65 Non-Duality | 00:16:31 | |
Today we’re talking about the expansiveness that non-duality can bring to our awareness and thinking. Feeling like things are either/or can be comforting to us at times. But it can also cause us to feel stressed out, limited, and disconnected from the Divine. What do we do with suffering? What do we do when we’re afraid we’ll do the wrong thing? Join us for a tour of some of the many ways that non-duality can help us to experience more of the nuances life has to offer. Additional Resources #NonDualAwareness For Transcript: | |||
| 26 Apr 2022 | Ep 66 Inner Wisdom | 00:18:27 | |
As we engage in deep listening, we discover the inner wisdom of the spirit. In this episode, we talk about the benefits of having companions to help us notice the deep well that lies within. When we begin to listen to our bodies, our intuitions, and the quickening of the Spirit, a world of empowerment opens to us. Join us as we explore the art of paying attention in contemplative ways. Additional Resources #SpiritualCompanioning For Transcript: | |||
| 03 May 2022 | Ep 67 Parent-Child Dynamics | 00:18:09 | |
Each of us, regardless of the relationship we currently have with our parents, is someone’s child. And throughout our lives, how we relate with our parents tends to evolve as both us and our parents enter into new seasons and experiences. Today, we talk about how Contemplative Practices have helped us – and continue to help us – engage lovingly, compassionately, and with gratitude. We hope you’ll join us. #Compassion For Transcript: | |||
| 10 May 2022 | Ep 68 Technology, Screens and The Contemplative Life | 00:20:30 | |
Technology has done wonders for our lives. We use it. We need it. And we’re thankful for it. At the same time, sometimes it creates unhelpful patterns in our lives that affect us negatively. We feel it. We know it. And we want something different for ourselves. And so today we talk about how our contemplative practices can help us find the balance we’re looking for when it comes to screens, media, and all the rest. Join us as we talk about outward engagement paired with inward letting go. Additional Resources #Mindfulness For Transcript: | |||
| 17 May 2022 | Ep 69 Spirituality Today | 00:19:55 | |
In recent years, many of us have watched stores and spiritual communities alike, places that embodied the fabric of our childhood, disappear. The American landscape is changing. Many people today are opting to take a mosaic approach to meeting their spiritual needs. And at the same time, many are looking backwards, remembering times when they felt more spiritually alive than they do right now. Today we’re taking some time to talk about the spiritual landscapes many of us are finding ourselves in. We talk about the struggles we’re facing, the needs many of us are feeling, and then we close by asking: Where does this leave us? Join us as we explore the landscape of spirituality today. Additional Resources #OneStopShop For Transcript: | |||
| 24 May 2022 | Ep 70 Poetry and the Contemplative Life | 00:17:26 | |
Poetry can sometimes feel like an acquired taste, like maybe you either love it or you don’t. But what many of us find as we pursue a contemplative life is that poetry can become a helpful way to slow down and take a nice, long look. We sometimes find that poetry becomes a doorway to being able to drink in that present moment. So join us as we talk about the power of poems to aid our engagement of the world around us using our senses, emotions, and intuitions. Additional Resources #Poetry | |||
| 31 May 2022 | Ep 71 Stress | 00:17:53 | |
Stress is an unavoidable part of our lives. And fortunately, there’s a certain kind of stress that’s really good for us! But when we find ourselves in distress, the question becomes, “What resources do we already have – and what resources do we still need – to carry us through this moment?” Join for a conversation about our mind-body responses to the external pressures and challenges we face. Additional Resources #Noticing For Transcript: | |||
| 07 Jun 2022 | Ep 72 Aging and the Contemplative | 00:20:21 | |
Many of us have hopes for what life will look like as we age. The question is: What will it take for us to live well, and even thrive, in our later years? It turns out that those who are in that stage of life often have helpful words of advice – lived experience that we can soak up and benefit from. Join us as we muse about our own aging experiences and take time to embrace the words of wisdom that are coming from the sages who have crossed our paths. Additional Resources #LifelongLearner For Transcript: | |||
| 14 Jun 2022 | Ep 73 Finding Our Outdoor Personality | 00:16:32 | |
We often talk about nature as a pathway to the contemplative here on the podcast. But what if we don’t consider ourselves outdoorsy? As it turns out, how we engage the outdoors seems to involve both our personalities and the evolution of our personalities. Today we take some time to celebrate the many different and wonderful ways that each of us connects with nature, engaging in its wonder and beauty, and noticing the role nature plays in our great ecosystem of life. Additional Resources For Transcript: | |||
| 21 Jun 2022 | Ep 74 Summer Solstice | 00:18:38 | |
The Summer Solstice is a time to relish the abundance of light, beauty, and life, soaking it all in with great joy. Today we talk about accepting the invitations that come at this time of year, to take a more leisurely pace, shift our schedules, and celebrate by paying attention to the things that allow us to see that goodness and hope are available to us. Everywhere we look, life is radiating! Join us as we take a contemplative moment to bask in the wonder and awe of it all. Additional Resources #Light For Transcript: Sign up for our newsletter here. | |||
| 28 Jun 2022 | Ep 75 Grief | 00:17:53 | |
Grief is a universal experience. And yet, how it manifests, what we need in that time, and how long it takes to work out our grief will vary from situation to situation and from person to person. We’ll also talk today about how residual grief can affect our present griefs. We’ll embrace the importance of naming our grief. And we’ll close by taking a moment to honor even this part of who we are and how we experience life. We hope you’ll join us. #NamingGrief For Transcript: Sign up for our newsletter here. | |||
| 05 Jul 2022 | Ep 76 Calming the Nervous System | 00:20:30 | |
Today we’re talking about how contemplative practices can help us when our bodies and nervous systems are feeling unsettled due to stress or trauma. Many of us have heard about the body’s ability to access fight, flight, or freeze at the turn of a dime. When that happens, the thing that we most need is Fawn – the chance to shake off the aftermath of whatever caused us to feel dysregulated in the first place. Join us as we talk about ways to process, calm, and shake off the triggers, stresses, and traumas we encounter. #FightFlightFreezeFawn For Transcript: Sign up for our newsletter here. | |||
| 12 Jul 2022 | Ep 77 Making Space for One Another in Our Ordinary Lives | 00:22:11 | |
Today we talk about the spiritual practice of paying attention to the people around us, making space in our days for each other, and being willing to be interrupted. For some of us, this comes naturally while for others, we may need to schedule it in to our days. But the delight and the closeness we can experience by living in to the present moment is worth it. Join us in seeing the person in front of us with full attention. Additional Resources: #Noticing For Transcript: Sign up for our newsletter here. | |||
| 19 Jul 2022 | Ep 78 Are Our Personalities Fixed | 00:19:44 | |
Today we’re talking about the possibility for evolution in our personalities as we grow and mature. For many of us, we tend to notice personal internal variances. Maybe we behave one way at home, one way at work, and another way in social situations. Maybe spiritual practices that used to work for us seem not to offer us the same spark and connection to the Divine that they once did. Today we talk about what might be going on for us as we walk through our lives, looking to understand who we are. Join us as we consider the questions and emerging data of our time regarding personality. Additional Resources: #Personality For Transcript: Sign up for our newsletter here. | |||
| 26 Jul 2022 | Ep 79 Brain Chemicals + the Contemplative | 00:24:03 | |
Today, we’re talking about the benefits of our contemplative practices as it relates to the brain. It turns out there are four main brain chemicals playing a role in how we experience happiness and wellness in our lives. But no two people are exactly alike. What helps one may not at all be helpful for another. Join us as we talk about what we’re learning in regards to our motivations and anchors. Additional Resources: Movie: What about Bob #BrainChemicals For Transcript: Sign up for our newsletter here. | |||
| 02 Aug 2022 | Ep 80 The Practice of Transformation | 00:18:16 | |
Transformation can happen in both big and small ways. It may come as we intentionally nourish our souls, or it may come quite by surprise. We may find ourselves feeling the sting of impatience or the burden of rigidity, both of which can feel unsettling to our souls. But the contemplative can help us find joy in this moment now, even as we journey towards our next moment. Join us as we talk about the remarkable journey of transformation. Additional Resources: Tree: The Buckthorn #LovingKindness For Transcript: | |||
| 09 Aug 2022 | Ep 81 Living into Uncertainty | 00:17:30 | |
For many of us, being an adult can sometimes look like trying to have all the answers. We can easily feel foolish to have to say, “I don’t know.” But what if the thing that lies on the other side of “struggle and not knowing” is possibility? What if choosing to live with “the question” is what allows us to evolve and transform? For certain, this requires an internal culture shift. But given the anxiety and stress that comes with feeling like we have to have all the answers, perhaps this freedom to ask and keep on asking can be a welcome divergence into a much larger expanse. Join us as we talk about embracing the journey, not with dread, but with wonder and curiosity. #LifelongLearner For Transcript: Sign up for our newsletter here. | |||
| 16 Aug 2022 | Ep 82 The Importance of Play | 00:22:12 | |
Many times, when we think of contemplative practices, what comes to mind is stillness and silence. But it turns out that there are so many ways to engage with the contemplative – art, movement, and even play! Both rest and play are important to our lives. And for each of us, there are often specific-to-us ways we like to do that. In this week’s episode, we ask: What all can count as play? How do others fit into our experience? And what can we do if we realize that something just isn’t working for us anymore? Join us as we talk about the experience of feeling rested as a result of our play. Additional Resources: #Vacation For Transcript: Sign up for our newsletter here. | |||
| 23 Aug 2022 | Ep 83 The Art of Hospitality | 00:18:42 | |
There’s something special about enjoying connection and abundance in the context of hospitality. Across time and culture, it would seem that each of us is hard-wired to give and receive from one another. And yet, for some, we may find we feel more comfortable in the giving role. Or we may feel we need to adhere to a certain style of hospitality that just doesn’t work for us. Today we take some time to talk about the contemplative aspects of connecting through the art of hospitality. Join us as we talk about this gift of being able to truly be with one another, seeing each other, and savoring this moment now. #Aesthetics For Transcript: Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/connect/newsletter | |||
| 30 Aug 2022 | Ep 84 What We Learn from Kids | 00:23:00 | |
It can be easy to get caught up in feeling like kids need things from us and that our job is to teach them. And this is true. But it’s also true that kids have the ability to teach us. Today we talk about what has surprised us and mesmerized us in our work with kids. We talk about how taking the time to provide space for them to move from their ordinary world into the special world of contemplation and beauty winds up offering us the exact same gift. Join us as we explore the invitation to let the lives of the younger generation touch our own. Additional Resources: Kids & Youth Retreat: Celebrating Each Other. Sunday, October 23, 2022 Book: I am an Emotional Creature by Eve Ensler #Labyrinth For Transcript:
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| 06 Sep 2022 | Ep 85 Compassion in Today’s World | 00:26:30 | |
Today, Marv Baldwin joins us to talk about the experience of engaging the spiritual journey to discover the pull on our hearts towards love and compassion, the struggles we tend to encounter once we become aware of that internal desire, and what we can do to stay grounded and centered in the midst of it all. Marv Baldwin is a pastoral counselor and spiritual director living in Western Springs, IL. He founded Soul Journeys in 2018 and is honored journeying with small groups, individuals and organizations as we explore the Divine in our midst. Marv's compassion to serve those who are hurting led him to join the Butterfly PAC who is shifting the political focus to first think about those in need. By honoring and listening to the voices of those who suffer and providing opportunities to speak truth to power, the Butterfly PAC's aim is to invite those with position, power, and or resources to answer their compassionate call from within to prioritize those hurting and in need. Marv's beloved is Amy and they have 3 wonderful adult-ing children. Additional Resources: Website: Soul Journeys #CenteringPrayer For Transcript: | |||
| 13 Sep 2022 | Ep 86 Sample Spiritual Direction Session | 00:24:26 | |
Today we’re offering an example of a Spiritual Direction session. In this particular session, Dominic and Chris talk about how Dominic’s instincts and ways of being have evolved over the years. Instead of living for the achievement, there’s an increasing desire to experience the present moment more vividly. There’s a desire to experience partnership - to be a wave in the ocean over and above trying to be the entire ocean. Join us as we explore the great experience of life in all of its ebbs and flows. #Awareness For Transcript: Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/connect/newsletter | |||
| 20 Sep 2022 | Ep 87 Releasing Our Inner Critic | 00:18:18 | |
We all have an inner critic - a voice that tells us we are “too this” or “not enough of that,” a voice that chides us for not doing things the “right way,” a voice that tells us in one way or another: You’re bad. Today we take some time to talk about developing our awareness so that we can recognize when this voice is coming in, dampening our experiences and creating disconnect in our lives. Join us as we explore ways to release this voice so that we can hear God’s voice more clearly. Additional Resources: #Awareness #Release #GettingStill #Shame #Healing For Transcript: Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/connect/newsletter | |||
| 27 Sep 2022 | Ep 88 Mental Health and Spiritual Journey | 00:18:00 | |
Today we are joined by Sister Denise who speaks to us about her own spiritual journey, the struggles and the surprises. We hope that hearing her story will be a source of inspiration for others looking to connect with the Divine Spark within. We hope it will allow us to ask ourselves about our own stories, to look compassionately at the dynamics we’ve lived in the middle of, and to lovingly seek out spaces where we can experience healing and freedom to become our authentic selves. Additional Resources: #MentalHealth #SpiritualJourney #Bipolar #Depression #Divorce #Counseling #Transformation #Listening For Transcript: Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/connect/newsletter | |||
| 04 Oct 2022 | Ep 89 Art, Creativity, and the Contemplative | 00:19:17 | |
Art and creativity can be a useful way of opening our awareness. So many moments in our lives can leave us feeling disconnected and out of touch. Today we talk about how engaging our creative side can help us slow down and open to possibility. We name our own struggles with feeling vulnerable and inadequate. And we share our moments of feeling like we’ve broken through the veil in order to encounter the Divine. We hope you’ll join us as we engage in the reality that art is everywhere, painted into the very fabric of our world. #Poetry #Retreat #Labyrinth #Mandala #Vulnerability #MovementMeditation #Crafts #Haiku #Color #Chakras #VisioDivina For Transcript: Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/connect/newsletter | |||
| 11 Oct 2022 | Ep 90 Spirituality and Trauma | 00:24:37 | |
Today we are joined by Claudia Greco who speaks to us about the intersection between spirituality and trauma. Oftentimes, it feels hard to be present to what goes on in the world. We struggle to know who to talk to about our experiences and feelings. But what we know is, with trauma, we often experience life as feeling fractured, as if we have a before and an after. Claudia offers us hope today for reconnecting our bodies, minds, and spirits. Join us as we explore our need for grounding and internal safety. Additional Resources: #Trauma #Veterans #ChildhoodTrauma #Yoga #Reiki #SpiritualGuidance #SpiritualDirection #BodyAwareness #12Step #Counseling For Transcript: Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/connect/newsletter | |||
| 18 Oct 2022 | Ep 91 Engaging Calm | 00:18:49 | |
“Being calm” seems to be all the rage these days. But what we need at any given moment isn’t always the same. On this week’s podcast we share about how desperately each of us has needed this calm lately and the wide array of things we’ve been doing in order to get back to those places of stillness. What are some of your go-to ways of finding your center? We’d love to hear from you. Additional Resources #SpiritualPractices #BreathPrayers #Stillness #CandleMeditation #Awareness #SpiritualJourney #BreathMeditation #LovingKindness #CoRegulation For Transcript: Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/connect/newsletter | |||
| 25 Oct 2022 | Ep 92 Inclusive Outdoor Spirituality | 00:22:11 | |
Today we are joined by Amy Hoyte, founder of Beautifully Made Adventures who speaks to us about the power of nature to speak to us, inspire us, and teach us. Stress, anxiety and lists of shoulds are common in today’s world. But whether we’re sitting on a park bench or hiking a trail that challenges our limits, nature has the ability to teach a myriad of powerful lessons, including the lesson that everyone matters. Do you desire some grounding and connection in your life? Join us for a time of inspiration! | |||
| 01 Nov 2022 | Ep 93 Measuring Spiritual Growth | 00:17:52 | |
Measuring “spiritual growth” can be tricky. Many of us have been taught to explore metrics that are easily quantifiable, which makes sense. Numbers help us feel like we have a solid answer. They help us set goals. But as you can probably guess, on this week’s podcast, we’re taking time to look at alternative ways to “measure” our spiritual growth. Join us as we talk about the different sorts of questions we’ve found helpful when considering spiritual maturation. #SpiritualGrowth #SpiritualPractices #SpiritualDirection #SpiritualGuidance #Oneness #RelationalConnection #InnerCritic #ThirdWay For Transcript: Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/connect/newsletter | |||
| 15 Nov 2022 | Ep 95 Sound Healing | 00:24:38 | |
Sound healing is the practice of using sound to improve your physical health as well as your emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, and is accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. In this week’s podcast, guest speaker Jim Powell speaks to us about his many years of experience with this healing and restoring practice, sharing stories of astonishing improvements in people’s overall health. Join us in hearing about how even a simple playlist, or singing “Happy Birthday” in community with others, can create goodness in our lives. Additional Resources Song: Floating Golden Light, written and performed by Jim Powell and Beth Wortzel #SoundHealing #HealingVibrations #Wellbeing #WholeBodyHealth #MusicAndHealing #MovementAndMusic #CommunalSinging For Transcript: Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/connect/newsletter | |||
| 08 Nov 2022 | Ep 94 Growing our Awe-wareness | 00:17:11 | |
When was the last time you saw something so beautiful and inspiring that it caused you to stop in order to really take it in? Maybe you heard a story about how someone else was doing something to make the world a better place, and it moved you to feelings of hope and excitement of your own. Awe, as we’ve learned through the sciences, is experienced on a continuum, everything from mild amusement to complete overwhelm. And while it’s easy to notice the things that completely amaze us, is it possible to grow our capacity for awe, to live with more Awe-wareness? Additional Resources #Awe #LifelongLearner #Virtue #Storytelling #Nature #OutdoorYoga #Beauty #Threat #Ability #Supernatural For Transcript: Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/connect/newsletter | |||
| 22 Nov 2022 | Ep 96 “Being with”/ “Doing For” | 00:17:20 | |
How do we relate to the Divine? It’s easy in our cultural context to interact in the world as a fixer, a doer, a mover and a shaker. We’ve all been trained to engage in these transactional ways. And yet, another way is possible, a way that values our belovedness and allows us to become more comfortable with our tensions, our questions, and our not knowing. In today’s podcast, we consider the paths we can take in order to strengthen our ability to simply be, for “simply being” to be enough. Additional Resources #Retreat #CenteringPrayer #PrayerPractices #SpiritualPractices #YinYoga #Yoga #Wellness #Community For Transcript: Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/connect/newsletter | |||
| 29 Nov 2022 | Ep 97 Do My Ancestors Matter | 00:20:30 | |
On today’s podcast, we take some time to think about where we come from and why that might be something we’re interested in knowing more about. American culture has tended towards individualism in almost every aspect of life. But in fact, in how many ways do we embody those who have come before us, whether knowingly or unknowingly? And how much does it matter? Today, we consider the invitation to think bigger than ourselves. Join us as we consider the vastness of who we are. Additional Resources #Ancestors #Adoption #FamilyLineage #Generations #Individualistic #Community #History Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/connect/newsletter | |||
| 06 Dec 2022 | Ep 98 The Value of Lectio Divina | 00:19:35 | |
Lectio Divina is a Latin phrase that literally translates to mean “Divine Reading.” It’s a contemplative practice that can help us slow down and immerse ourselves in what we’re seeing (and hearing) on the page, which often leads to experiences of deeper spiritual connection. Whether you’ve been engaging forms of Divina for many years, only recently, or have never given it a try, may this week’s reflection be an inspiration to all of us. Additional Resources #LectioDivina #Scripture #ScriptureReading #ScriptureStudy #StudyTools #Meditation #Contemplation Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/connect/newsletter | |||
| 13 Dec 2022 | Ep 99 Childhood Memories | 00:17:30 | |
Did you know that childhood memories can be insightful and generative parts of your prayer times? In one moment, perhaps they help us identify a long-standing pattern. But in another moment, perhaps they connect us more profoundly to our interests, or even allow us to reconsider the meaning of a particular life event. Join us as we talk about the value of embracing the entirety, the preciousness, of our life story. Additional Resources #Timeline #ChildhoodMemories #Emotions #Formation #Enneagram #LifelongLearners #AweAndWonder #Narrative Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/connect/newsletter | |||
| 20 Dec 2022 | Ep 100 The Power of Pause | 00:18:00 | |
Taking a moment to pause is a practice that can enrich both our inner and our outer lives. Have you ever finished a meal only to feel like you hadn’t even tasted it? Maybe you know all too well the experience of running from one thing to the next. Do you ever feel pressed for answers you don’t have? Pauses allow us the time we need in order to process our experiences, feel our emotions, and become more appreciative of the people around us. Join us as we explore - and celebrate - the power of pause. Additional Resources Video: The Sacred Art of Conversation by Diane Millis #Statio #Selah #Pause #Connection #Relationship #Fatigue #Transition #awefsc Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/connect/newsletter | |||
| 27 Dec 2022 | Ep 101 Three Ways to Engage the New Year | 00:14:17 | |
On this week’s podcast, each of us takes a moment to share things we are excited about as we enter into the New Year. Join us as we discover together that, while some of us have plans that involve our family and friends, others of us intend to spend some time in reflection by ourselves. Can you guess who is who? Additional Resources #Traditions #Ritual #Resolutions #EarthAltars #Reflect #Solitude #Rhythms #Community Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/connect/newsletter | |||
| 03 Jan 2023 | Ep 102 The Value of Retreats | 00:21:04 | |
On this week’s podcast, each of us shares a bit about our deep love and appreciation for retreats - and in a variety of ways! Join us as we talk about best practices for preparing, what to do if you don’t feel like you have the time, and why different seasons of your life may call for a different sort of retreat. Additional Resources #SpiritualPractice #Retreats #SilentRetreat #CreativePlay #Contemplative #Burnout #WisdomSeeking #MiniRetreat #Discernment Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/connect/newsletter | |||
| 10 Jan 2023 | Ep 103 Curiosity Around Chakras | 00:20:43 | |
Today we’re joined by Ann Kowaliczko as she shares her wisdom about the vast and ancient topic of chakras. In this episode, we ask Ann many questions: What is a chakra? How do you access the energy of chakras? What caused you - a person who didn’t grow up hearing about chakras - to pay attention to them? Ann graciously answers our questions, while also pointing out her desire not to steal or misappropriate the traditions and practices of others. Check out our “Additional Resources” below for people, places, and meditations Ann has found helpful. Note: Ann roughly quotes the Dalai Lama in this episode. The word-for-word quote can be found below along with a link to an online article that expands on the subject. Additional Resources Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/connect/newsletter | |||
| 17 Jan 2023 | Ep 104 Living with Overwhelm | 00:18:30 | |
Feeling overwhelmed is unavoidable. On today’s podcast, we talk about how to live in the midst of our overwhelm as well as what we can do to ease the pain of it. Have you ever felt yourself begin to spiral? Maybe you had a physical reaction, like an upset stomach or a racing heart. Or perhaps your thoughts were the thing to start racing. For many of us, overwhelm is wrapped in imagining our worst-case scenarios or supposing we don’t have what it takes to handle what’s coming our way. Join us as we engage the collective wisdom available around this very important topic. | |||
| 24 Jan 2023 | Ep 105 Engaging the Contemplative in College | 00:22:53 | |
What does it mean to have contemplative practices in college? Today we’re joined by Evan Digman, a senior at UW-Madison, who’s talking to us about his spirituality journey - from his first experience of guided meditation in middle school to now. Do you sometimes wonder how to manage the stresses of day-to-day life, feel the need to consider what sort of community could be meaningfully supportive to you, or ask yourself where you’d even get the time to have a meaningful spiritual practice? On this week’s podcast, we talk about all of these things and more. We hope you’ll join us. | |||
| 31 Jan 2023 | Ep 106 Can Gratitude and Hope Co-Exist | 00:20:11 | |
At first blush, it may feel like an easy yes to imagine that gratitude and hope can co-exist. But on today’s podcast, we ask the question: Is it true? Can we hold space for the things we hope for? Or does having hopes make us ungrateful? We further ask the question: What is hope anyways? And if we were to have hopes, how do we have hopes in a way that doesn’t devastate our day-to-day experience? Join us as we explore the many questions connected to, “Can Gratitude and Hope Co-Exist?” Additional Resources | |||
| 07 Feb 2023 | Ep 107 Expanding Your Self-Care | 00:16:01 | |
Today we’re talking about the expansiveness of self-care because, as it turns out, there are no less than six types of Self-Care. What we need in one season of life may look very different from what we need in another. What our internal list of “shoulds” tells us we ought to be doing may or may not be what we really need in order to nourish our souls right now. And so join us as we talk about what it looks like to offer kindness to our whole selves and to grow into being able to pay attention to those needs, recognizing what feels most true for us in any particular moment. | |||
| 14 Feb 2023 | Ep 108 Our Empowered Voices | 00:19:10 | |
On this week’s podcast, we’re taking some time to talk about how rituals can help us find our empowered voices - particularly in those moments where we just don’t feel permission to have a voice. Do you sometimes struggle with a negative ticker-tape of words going through your head? Maybe you truly feel that something isn’t right but, for whatever reason, you just can’t seem to find it within yourself to speak up. Today’s podcast talks about ways to strengthen this aspect of who we are by way of engaging in regular and repeatable practices. We hope you’ll join us. | |||
| 21 Feb 2023 | Ep 109 Lament | 00:25:27 | |
This week, we are joined by Kristen Emerson, licensed social worker and founder of Breaking Light Counseling who is sharing with us about the impacts of grief, loss, and trauma. Many of us experienced the effects of cumulative grief as we struggled to adjust and adapt during the height of the pandemic. We were often forced to forego the usual rituals and outlets for processing our losses, both in our homes and in our institutions. Join us as Kristen shares her wisdom with us regarding ways to foster healing and create space for expressing and releasing our emotions. | |||
| 28 Feb 2023 | Ep 110 Spiritual Bypassing | 00:18:25 | |
Spiritual bypassing can take many forms. We may find ourselves avoiding difficult emotions or trying to explain-away negative experiences. And in truth, spiritual bypassing turns out to be the opposite of the connection we seek, ultimately leading us to feel emotionally confused or worse. On this week’s podcast, we take a look at some of the common phrases we might hear or say when spiritual bypassing is at play. Join us as we talk about ways to work through what we’re experiencing in more holistic ways. Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/connect/newsletter | |||
| 07 Mar 2023 | Ep 111 Getting Unstuck | 00:21:52 | |
Today we are joined by Zil Eiler, an intuitive business coach and mentor who is sharing with us about how to “get unstuck,” whether those points of struggle are about our decisions, our circumstances, our relationships, or something else. This 20-minute interview is jam-packed with tips on how to reframe your thinking, how to increase your experience of joy, how to follow your intuition, and what to do when you’re feeling overwhelmed by the decisions you need to make. | |||
| 14 Mar 2023 | Ep 112 The Spring Equinox and our Spirituality | 00:18:16 | |
On this week’s podcast, we take a moment to become aware of - and to celebrate - the spring equinox and how the seasons of life can be teachers for us along the way in our own journeys. And boy the spring does not disappoint! Perhaps you're in a season of contemplating balance in your life? Maybe there’s something new that is ready to bud. Or, as is true for some of us, could it be that you’re not ready for the hustle and bustle that comes with longer days and shorter nights? Join us as we consider all that this special day of the year has to offer us. | |||
| 21 Mar 2023 | Ep 113 The Spiritual Practice of Collaboration | 00:18:49 | |
Today we’re joined by Jon Anderson, executive director of Collaboration Project, who’s sharing with us the win-win rewards that come when we put relationships first, listen carefully to one another, and allow good work in the community to emerge from a sense of meaningful partnership. Do you sometimes feel like you’re spinning your wheels trying to be helpful in the world around you? Maybe you like the idea of collaboration, but the barriers have been too great. Join us as Jon shares what he’s learned from over two decades of wondering why there wasn’t more help for those who want to help. | |||
| 28 Mar 2023 | Ep 114 The Spiritual Practice of Fasting | 00:19:29 | |
Fasting can occur in many forms, both for religious and non-religious reasons. And, as we’ll explore on the podcast, there are many personal and communal benefits that can come from it. But also, as we’ll discover today, it’s not uncommon to find that fasting has been something that has required journey as our faith lives have evolved. It’s been helpful to ask questions like: What do I want to become aware of? What intentions am I looking to set? Join us as we talk about the gains that can be found when we say yes to letting go of something, even if only for a short period of time. | |||
| 04 Apr 2023 | Ep 115 Taking Risks and Trying New Things | 00:22:24 | |
Today we’re taking some time for a little behind-the-scenes glimpse: Who are we? What has our spiritual journey been? How did Foundry Spiritual Center, the sponsor of our podcast, come to be? Join us as we think through the desires of our hearts that have led us to this particular moment now. And then, maybe take some time for some soul searching of your own. Check out the other offerings of Foundry Spiritual Center. Give space and time for the Divine Spark within to speak to the very core of your being. | |||
| 11 Apr 2023 | Ep 116 Engaging the Contemplative Online | 00:15:58 | |
Today we’re joined by Kristina’s longtime friend, Jason Ruona, in talking about the benefits of having virtual opportunities to connect spiritually. It’s not uncommon for people to wonder if there are too many barriers to online engagement, and so today, we take some time to talk both about why virtual connection has offered us meaningful space to connect spiritually as well as what sorts of things we’ve done to keep barriers to a minimum. Join us as Jason shares a bit about the evolution of his spiritual journey and why Foundry Spiritual Center has helped him to have easily accessible spiritual connection points throughout his days. | |||
| 18 Apr 2023 | Ep 117 Ways We Engage with Money | 00:21:03 | |
Money can be a challenging topic, fraught with emotions and baggage that we may or may not even be aware of. But on this week’s podcast, we talk about the value of having a safe space to become still, to look at our values, and to become aware of where our notions and feelings about money are coming from. In that sort of environment, we have the freedom to become gentle with ourselves, to name what we have learned, and to gain a sense of clarity around what is needed financially in this season of life. Join us as we consider how the contemplative can take a difficult subject and make it not only manageable, but transformative. Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/about/newsletter | |||
| 25 Apr 2023 | Ep 118 Spirituality in Times of Wilderness | 00:19:36 | |
The (Spiritual) Wilderness is often associated with times of dryness. It may be that we come to find ourselves thrust suddenly into this world by way of suffering, trauma, and loss. We may experience it alone or in community with others. But however we arrive there, it would seem that the Wilderness cannot be avoided. And so, on this week’s podcast, we talk about what might be possible during those seasons. Can we rely on something deeper inside ourselves? Can we shift our points of focus? Can we find the gifts - “the little wells that are hidden in the desert?” Join us as we talk about our experiences of feeling upside down, lonely, confused, and so much more. | |||
| 02 May 2023 | Ep 119 Caretaking As Spiritual Practice | 00:26:30 | |
Today we’re joined by Nicki Nelson, Director of Spiritual Guidance Initiatives at the Siena Retreat Center in Racine, Wisconsin, who is sharing with us today about how caretaking has a way of bringing us to the edges of ourselves. At the end of the day, it turns out, we need a way to both nurture ourselves as well as those we’re caring for. Join us as Nicki shares with vulnerability and wisdom about how the pressures of caretaking build up, what happens at the brain level, and what spiritual practices have been helpful to her personally in being able to transform her relationships with those that she provides care for. | |||
| 09 May 2023 | Ep 120 Nurturing our Interspiritual Friendships | 00:21:52 | |
Human nature tends to be such that we want to figure out who we are, who “our people'' are, and then settle into whatever feels easiest and most familiar. What’s more, psychologically speaking, our brains appear to be hard-wired to seek out people who look, think, behave, and even believe similarly to ourselves. But on the other side of that coin, an increasing number of people are discovering that an even deeper faith life has become possible by leaning into differences and even celebrating them. On this week’s podcast, we talk about how enriching it has been to learn about - and share in - the faith traditions of others. Join us for a dialogue centered around the practice of nurturing our interspiritual friendships. | |||
| 16 May 2023 | Ep 121 What Is Spiritual Direction? | 00:16:28 | |
This week’s title says it all. Oftentimes, we hear people try to describe spiritual direction by likening it to something that is “similar but different.” And so this week, we offer up a working definition for spiritual direction, talk about why the word “direction” is a bit of a misnomer, and then share a bit about what sorts of things we might actually do during a spiritual direction session. Join us for an insider look at the experience of spiritual direction. | |||
| 23 May 2023 | Ep 122 Leaning into Acceptance | 00:19:35 | |
The unexpected crops up in our lives in both little and small ways. At times, we manage to accept these experiences easily. In other moments, the things we encounter require a bit more processing. Drawing on the wisdom of poets, children, and spiritual teachers, this week’s podcast leans into talking about that which feels like too much to accept. Do you ever find yourself bitterly complaining, blowing up in anger, or bursting into tears? Though these may not be our favorite moments, they can be doorways to something deeper when we choose to lean in. We hope you’ll join us. #Acceptance #Gratitude #Ego #Humility #Mindsets #Spirituality #Holy Indifference #Practice | |||
| 30 May 2023 | Ep 123 Laughter | 00:18:08 | |
Many of us grew up hearing about an angry and stern God. This has, perhaps, caused us to wonder, “Is laughter appropriate? And if so, in what circumstances?” On this week’s podcast, we take time to wonder about what place laughter may have in our spiritual practice and what that might look like in our daily experience. Join us as we talk about the healing power of laughter and the possibility to offer ourselves a different image of divinity. #Laughter #LaughterHeals #Depression #Spirituality #SpiritualPractice #LaughterYoga #VisioDivina | |||
| 06 Jun 2023 | Ep 124 Is Visualization for Me | 00:18:49 | |
Today we talk about the benefits and possible drawbacks of visualization practices. Oftentimes, sacred scriptures use metaphors and parables to help us connect with spiritual things. This allows us to continually have fresh revelations and new connections in our lives. We may find new hope, find that our anxieties decrease, or even experience a moment of connection between our heart and mind. The question is: How can visualization help our present moment and speak into our future? Join us as we talk about it on this week’s podcast. | |||
| 13 Jun 2023 | Ep 125 Increasing Our Wellbeing | 00:18:45 | |
Many of us have probably heard someone say, “Oh that’s just the way that I am,” which causes us to believe we can never change, which then causes us to feel stuck, which then lowers our sense of wellbeing. But on this week’s podcast, we talk about 4 key areas you can focus on in order to increase your sense of wellbeing. Join us as we talk about the journey-like nature of wellbeing, the twists and turns we’ve discovered on our own journeys, and what sorts of things are contributing to our sense of wellness now. | |||
| 20 Jun 2023 | Ep 126 Transitions | 00:16:59 | |
Today we contemplate the difference between “the good” and “the perfect.” Oftentimes, we live our lives through the lens of a series of expectations. But what happens when those expectations don’t play out the way we thought they would? What does it look like to explore our lives with the understanding that life is dynamic - always changing, always being reborn? Join us as we consider the in-between spaces of our lives from the perspective of possibility. #Brian McLaren #Courage #Transition #Creativity #Evolution #Spirituality #Rebirth | |||
| 27 Jun 2023 | Ep 127 Healing | 00:17:58 | |
What does it look like to experience healing in the spiritual sense? Healing is often a journey requiring support, nourishment, and practice. In this week’s podcast, we take time to consider a few common triggers that have historically created wounding. We talk about why healing is best done in a holistic environment. And we talk about the importance of going slow so that we don’t shock our systems beyond what they can bear. Healing is a vulnerable subject, but the need for healing is common to us all. May you be well in your own journey towards healing. | |||
| 04 Jul 2023 | Ep 128 Do-Overs, Apologizing & Forgiveness | 00:16:20 | |
Sometimes the words fly out of our mouth too fast, or we hit the send button too soon. Our desire to have a good relationship is there, but we need a do-over. On this week’s podcast, we talk about what it takes to do more than put a bandaid over the wounds we inflict on one another. Sometimes, it’s as simple as starting the conversation over. But at other times, we may need more. When this happens, it’s likely time to take steps related to the deeper journey of forgiveness, or even deeper still, the journey of reconciliation. Join us as we talk about the needs that exist when relationships go awry. | |||
| 11 Jul 2023 | Ep 129 Agape | 00:22:35 | |
Today, we’re joined by Lead Pastor of The River in New York City, Charles Park, who is sharing with us about what Agape love is and why it’s so important to our overall well-being. Do you ever find that you’re measuring yourself harshly - your looks, your professional performance, your social competency? Perhaps you’ve experienced the loss of a close friend after years of trusting them with your life. Or maybe you’ve found yourself being critical of your neighbors, co-workers, even random strangers you encounter at the store. On this week’s podcast, Charles offers us insight into why Agape became what Jesus called “the greatest of all commandments.” Join us as we talk about learning how to see the signs of a life depleted of Agape and what you can do to reconnect. | |||
| 18 Jul 2023 | Ep 130 St. Patrick: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration | 00:19:06 | |
Our exploration of mystics and contemplatives begins with St Patrick, the patron saint both of Ireland and of dreams. Have you ever had a dream that just stuck with you, so much so you felt like maybe it meant something? If so, you have something in common with St. Patrick. On this week’s podcast, we spend time asking: What sort of forgiveness may have been required for St. Patrick to return to a people who had enslaved him for years? We also ask: When did he become interested in connecting with people from where they were at? And in what ways does his desire to communicate contemplative ideas inspire us towards similar ends? Join us as we talk about the remarkable life of St. Patrick: dreamer, forgiver, and innovator. | |||
| 25 Jul 2023 | Ep 131 Julian of Norwich: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration | 00:17:53 | |
On this week’s podcast, we take our inspiration from Julian of Norwich, an Epsicopalian nun who lived during the time of the Black Plague. In a season where suffering and trauma were hitting such a large population of people, Julian’s message brought hope. That same message continues to bring comfort and inspiration today as well. Join us for a conversation about what it can look like to stay connected to the Divine, even in the midst of the messy middle. | |||
| 01 Aug 2023 | Ep 132 Hildegard von Bingen: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration | 00:17:53 | |
On this week’s podcast, we explore the life and work of Hildegard von Bingen, a multi-faceted woman who lived in the Middle Ages and yet continues to inspire people today. Join us as we talk about what it must have been like to have visions at the age of 3, begin convent life at 8 years old, and live in a world where few women were given permission to speak to both lay people and clergy alike. Come along and be in awe with us as we discuss this woman who was speaking about social justice and the interconnectedness of all things long before “being woke” was even a twinkle in our collective eye. | |||
| 08 Aug 2023 | Ep 133 St. Benedict: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration | 00:18:32 | |
On this week’s podcast, we turn to St. Benedict whose life and work offers us a practical approach to living that has influenced many across time. Join us as we talk about how his Rule of Life has helped us find everything from spontaneity to pause, has increased our ability to be more present to this moment now, and has given us a framework for the ongoing journey of life. Allow old words to take on new meaning as we continue our Mystics and Contemplatives series. | |||
| 15 Aug 2023 | Ep 134 St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration | 00:17:36 | |
St. Thérèse of Lisieux becomes our spiritual companion this week as we talk about how she continues to inspire people yet today with this idea that little acts make a big difference. Have you ever found that one person’s simple act of kindness made your whole day better? On this week’s podcast, we talk about how surprisingly impactful it is when one person’s small gesture winds up increasing our quality of life. Join us as we take delight in the simple joys that St. Thérèse has passed down to us. | |||
| 22 Aug 2023 | Ep 135 Brother Lawrence: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration | 00:21:41 | |
Brother Lawrence, a 17th century Carmelite monk offers us hope for the future and a chance to see how God is present to our lives in the here and now. Join us as we talk about some of the themes from his spiritual practices that continue to inspire us today - how awareness allows us to connect with God in even the most ordinary of things, how it grounds us and reminds us of goodness. In a world where we are constantly being asked to prove how we measure up, Brother Lawrence’s contemplative practices help us to find that spiritual space that we can so easily become disconnected from. | |||
| 29 Aug 2023 | Ep 136 Teresa of Avila: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration | 00:22:15 | |
Teresa of Avila was a nun in the Carmelite Order who lived during the time of the Spanish Inquisition. Her life and her writings speak to us about what it looks like to truly find union with God in the midst of our struggle and difficulty. She teaches us that this deep connection with the Divine is not just for the spiritual giants but for all of us. On this week’s podcast, we spend time asking: Is it possible to have a deep and meaningful connection with the Source of all life without the difficulties? Can we experience God’s presence in the exceptionally ordinary moments of our lives? Join us as we talk about the inspiring and thought-provoking life of Teresa of Avila. | |||
| 05 Sep 2023 | Ep 137 I’m Feeling…Spiritual Loneliness | 00:20:31 | |
For those who aren’t sure if their questions are welcome, for those who have physically been relocated, for those who are wondering if they need a new community, for anyone feeling spiritually without friends or company…This week’s podcast aims to encourage the one who is feeling grief and loss spiritually. It is okay to name your feelings. Join us as we talk about what it looks like to return to balance in this area of our wellbeing - because when one part of us is feeling unwell, the whole of our being suffers. | |||
| 12 Sep 2023 | Ep 138 I’m Feeling…Jumbled | 00:19:12 | |
Ever feel unsure about what to think? Find yourself having trouble expressing yourself? This week’s podcast leads us to talking about how using our contemplative practices can be of use when we’re feeling too much inner swirl. Whether we’re trying to get back into the swing of things or we just don’t know where to go next, feeling jumbled is an experience common to us all. And because no two people or situations are exactly alike, the things that each of us needs in any particular moment are as unique as we are. Join us as we share our own stories and talk about what it might look like to create safe spaces for one another when life is feeling a bit too jumbled. | |||
| 19 Sep 2023 | Ep 139 I’m Feeling…Muted | 00:19:46 | |
Do you ever feel sort of blah, like you’re neither quite happy but not necessarily depressed either - just, sort of, in the middle? On this week’s podcast, we explore reasons for why this feeling can occur. We talk about when this might be a good thing for us, when it’s okay to just rest in that space. But we also talk about what to do when this is less of a good thing for us. Join us as we talk about how the contemplative life can help us tend to what is going on, both internally and externally, in our lives. | |||
| 26 Sep 2023 | Ep 140 I’m Feeling…Numb | 00:18:30 | |
Many of us can relate to feeling like there’s just too much, that whatever we’re doing is never enough, that the things we’re facing are more than we can bear. We live in a culture that is constantly calling us to more and that asks us to continually be at the top of our game. On this week’s podcast, we talk about why so many of us revert to numbing when we begin to feel those feelings of overwhelm, stress, and exhaustion. We examine how the contemplative life can help us in the midst of these difficult emotions and experiences. And we consider the possibility that there may be some positive things we can do to numb that can ultimately lead to feeling satisfied, fulfilled, and rested. #Toxic Achievement Culture #Dopamine #Serotonin #Mindfulness #Boredom #Overwhelmed #Stressed | |||
| 03 Oct 2023 | Ep 141 What Is…Contemplative Prayer | 00:18:16 | |
On this week’s podcast, we begin a new series, exploring words that are often heard in contemplative circles. Our journey through this series begins with Contemplative Prayer. Join us as we consider how this form of prayer tends to expand and open our awareness in ever-deepening ways, how we discover layers we may not have been aware of before, and most profoundly, how our connection to Divine Presence becomes more accessible in our day-to-day lives as a result of these many and varied forms of prayer. | |||
| 10 Oct 2023 | Ep 142 What is…Apophatic Prayer | 00:21:04 | |
Do you ever wonder about the value of sitting in silence or of rhythmically repeating a word or phrase over and over again? Join us as we talk about the many possibilities that we (and others we know) have discovered for engaging this prayer practice - a form of prayer that exists specifically for helping us connect with - and encounter - Divine Presence. While it may seem counterintuitive to spend any amount of time in extended pause, what practitioners report time and time again is that it helps them feel at peace, see possibility, and experience connection. May it be. | |||
| 17 Oct 2023 | Ep 143 What is…Kataphatic Prayer | 00:21:37 | |
As we continue our “What is” series, we turn our attention to prayers that use words, which may well be the most popular form of prayer in Western culture. Join us as we talk about the many personal and communal ways that prayer can lead us to transformation. Consider with us why it is absolutely okay that the words of yesterday may not fully encapsulate what is true and authentic for us today. And take some time to wonder in what ways kataphatic prayer might be beneficial for you. Hashtags | |||
| 24 Oct 2023 | Ep 144 What is…Centering Prayer | 00:24:40 | |
What does it look like for us to sit in silence, whether it be for two minutes or twenty? As we sit in that silence, what do we do with it? Is it a time for rolling over the to-do’s of our day, for sitting with an image or a phrase? Is it something we do alone or with others? On this week’s podcast, we explore the ins and outs of Centering Prayer - its origins, the “rules,” why we sometimes need to interpret those “rules,” and why we find the experience so enriching and grounding. Join us as we consider this relatively modern form of prayer that bears the mark of Perennial Wisdom. | |||
| 31 Oct 2023 | Ep 145 What is…A Rule of Life | 00:19:29 | |
This week, we continue our “what is” exploration, looking at a Benedictine practice that has been used to help people discover and live out their values. Join us as we talk about the creative ways that people today are employing this ancient practice and how you can use it both for personal and community purposes. For those of us who experience feelings of overwhelm and days of exhaustion, this practice could be for you. | |||
| 07 Nov 2023 | Ep 146 What is…Ecumenism | 00:26:15 | |
As we talk about ways to practice and promote unity and cooperation between our communities of faith, we are joined by Rev. Kerri Parker, Executive Director for the Wisconsin Council of Churches. Join us as Kerri shares with us about why this is passionate and meaningful work for her. Listen as she helps us consider how we can become more ecumenical, both personally and as communities of worship. Consider with us what it looks like to find common ground, even as the particulars of our faith may be different from one another. | |||
| 14 Nov 2023 | Ep 147 What is…Visio Divina | 00:20:45 | |
This week’s podcast invites us to look around the world with wonder, curiosity, and an openness to Divine Presence. Visio Divina, a form of contemplative prayer, offers us the chance to pause, to notice, and to become aware of what is stirring within. And while some amount of controversy has arisen around forms of prayer that appeal not only to the mind but the mind-heart-body, it is also the case that many have returned to these ancient forms of prayer - as if seeing again for the first time. Join us as we talk about the variety of ways to engage in a Visio Divina prayer practice. | |||
| 21 Nov 2023 | Ep 148 What is…Audio Divina | 00:19:26 | |
As we continue our exploration of words we may hear in contemplative circles but not know what they mean, we turn our attention to the experience of Divine Listening, allowing sound to become a part of our meditation and prayer experiences. Many have found Audio Divina to be a helpful tool for becoming aware of Divine Presence, connecting the mind-heart-body, and spending time in discernment, to name a few. Join us as we talk about the many ways to engage this practice. | |||
| 28 Nov 2023 | Ep 149 What is…Pilgrimage | 00:19:35 | |
We conclude our “What is” series with the topic of Pilgrimage. What is it and how is it done? What does pilgrimage share in common with exile and in what ways does it differ? Is pilgrimage always life changing or do some people return feeling as though not much has changed? Join us as we talk about this journey of the soul. May the conversation inspire your path. | |||
| 05 Dec 2023 | Ep 150 Being With | 00:17:24 | |
Do you ever feel like your relationship with the Divine is more transactional than relational? Can you relate to that feeling of just wanting someone to be with you over and above wanting them to fix your problems? During the busy month of December, we’re offering a series that extends an invitation to bring the “doing” side of ourselves into balance with our “being” side. Join us as we embark on this journey towards a connection with the Divine that allows for more flow and friendship in our lives than we might have previously thought possible. | |||
| 12 Dec 2023 | Ep 151 The Many Ways of Being With | 00:19:31 | |
As we continue our Being With series, we turn our attention to the lens of Body, Heart, and Mind, asking the question: How can we strengthen what is already innate within us while also exploring areas of ourselves we maybe don’t visit as often? Life is often so full that our lives can begin to feel disconnected and unintegrated. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Instead we can discover what is speaking to us, what emotions are arising, what our bodies are trying to tell us. And in doing so, we can bring our being side back into friendship with our doing side. | |||
| 19 Dec 2023 | Ep 152 Barriers to Being With | 00:19:08 | |
Today we take time to talk about some of the barriers that can come into play when we’re looking to bring our doing side into friendship and balance with our being side. And in particular, we get down into root causes because, oftentimes, we may find ourselves using similar words to the people around us. But our inner motivations and our particular needs may be quite different from those of our neighbors. Join us as we talk about how we can evolve in our journeys towards oneness and wholeness. | |||
| 26 Dec 2023 | Ep 153 Being With in Everyday Life | 00:16:51 | |
In our fourth and final week in this series, we talk about one very key but, perhaps, unexpected tool that can bring about restoration and connection in our lives. In a busy world, we’ve become accustomed to turning our attention away from even the simplest things that can help us bring the being side of ourselves into balance with our doing side. Join us as we talk about how awe has helped each of us shift when we felt we needed it most. | |||
| 02 Jan 2024 | Ep 154 Self Care for…Spiritual Directors | 00:19:21 | |
As we begin a new year, we embark on a new series, talking to people from a variety of fields to discover: What do you do for self care? And is there anything you do for self care that might help me? Spiritual Directors spend a lot of time listening to people’s stories, which means we have to have ways to release those stories and find personal fulfillment ourselves. Join us as we talk about what we do to help us feel whole and restored. | |||
| 09 Jan 2024 | Ep 155 Self Care for…Military Families | 00:22:01 | |
Today we are joined by Mary Bouras who is sharing with us about what it has been like to be married to someone in the military. Mary comes to us with over 2 decades of experience, including nearly a dozen moves, motherhood, and a career. Join us as she shares candidly with us about what has created balance and stability in a life that can easily feel unbalanced and unstable. Find out what she had named for herself as her must-do’s and what she does when even the must-do’s need to be compromised. Hashtags | |||