Explore every episode of the podcast The Contemplative Life
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| E 236 8 Ways Spiritual Direction Has Changed Me | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:18:23 | |
Today we look at 8 ways spiritual direction has personally changed our lives as we’ve engaged in this practice for well over a decade. We hope it can spark something in our listeners who may be considering finding a spiritual director, getting trained in spiritual direction or to use as a resource to share with someone who may benefit from spiritual direction. Mentioned in today’s episode: Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| E 235 Theology of Pause | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:20:27 | |
Today we explore ancient wisdom around pause and the significance it has in our modern lives. As we share historical context and practical ideas, we hope you are inspired to engage new ways of pause in your own life. Mentioned in this episode: Ep 178 Contemplative Figures: Desert Fathers and Mothers Ep 133 St. Benedict: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| E 226 Sample Spiritual Direction Session, Part 3 | 24 Jun 2025 | 00:14:05 | |
Today we are sharing some reflections from Part 1 and Part 2 of the sample spiritual direction sessions. These episodes were recorded in partnership with Spiritual Directors International. Tune in to hear some of Christina and Matt’s takeaways from the experience. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 137 I’m Feeling…Spiritual Loneliness | 05 Sep 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 136 Teresa of Avila: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration | 29 Aug 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 135 Brother Lawrence: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration | 22 Aug 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 134 St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration | 15 Aug 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 133 St. Benedict: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration | 08 Aug 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 132 Hildegard von Bingen: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration | 01 Aug 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 131 Julian of Norwich: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration | 25 Jul 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 130 St. Patrick: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration | 18 Jul 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 129 Agape | 11 Jul 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 128 Do-Overs, Apologizing & Forgiveness | 04 Jul 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| E 225 Sample Spiritual Direction Session, Part 2 | 17 Jun 2025 | 00:22:55 | |
Today we are sharing an episode that was recorded in partnership with Spiritual Directors International (SDI). In Part 1, Christina Roberts was in the role of a spiritual guide with Matt. Today Matt is the spiritual guide and Christina has given permission to share the session on the podcast as an example. Enjoy. (link) E 224 Sample Spiritual Direction Session, Part 1 Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 127 Healing | 27 Jun 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 126 Transitions | 20 Jun 2023 | 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 Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 125 Increasing Our Wellbeing | 13 Jun 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 124 Is Visualization for Me | 06 Jun 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 123 Laughter | 30 May 2023 | 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 Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 122 Leaning into Acceptance | 23 May 2023 | 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 Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 121 What Is Spiritual Direction? | 16 May 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 120 Nurturing our Interspiritual Friendships | 09 May 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 119 Caretaking As Spiritual Practice | 02 May 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 118 Spirituality in Times of Wilderness | 25 Apr 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| E 224 Sample Spiritual Direction Session, Part 1 | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:19:20 | |
Today we are sharing an episode that was recorded in partnership with Spiritual Directors International (SDI). In Part 1, Christina Roberts is in the role of a spiritual guide with Matt, who has given permission to share the session on the podcast as an example. Next week, the roles will switch. Enjoy. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 117 Ways We Engage with Money | 18 Apr 2023 | 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 Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 115 Taking Risks and Trying New Things | 04 Apr 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 114 The Spiritual Practice of Fasting | 28 Mar 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 113 The Spiritual Practice of Collaboration | 21 Mar 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 112 The Spring Equinox and our Spirituality | 14 Mar 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 111 Getting Unstuck | 07 Mar 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 110 Spiritual Bypassing | 28 Feb 2023 | 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 Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 109 Lament | 21 Feb 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 108 Our Empowered Voices | 14 Feb 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 107 Expanding Your Self-Care | 07 Feb 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| E 223 Legacy Letters | 27 May 2025 | 00:24:09 | |
Legacy Letters Today we discuss Legacy Letters with spiritual director, Robin Clossman. We explore how time reviews and photos can be a gateway into sharing legacies with those we love. These ideas translate to any decade of life. Connect with Robin to learn more at: robin@wcitech.net Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 106 Can Gratitude and Hope Co-Exist | 31 Jan 2023 | 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 Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 105 Engaging the Contemplative in College | 24 Jan 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 104 Living with Overwhelm | 17 Jan 2023 | 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. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 103 Curiosity Around Chakras | 10 Jan 2023 | 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 Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 102 The Value of Retreats | 03 Jan 2023 | 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 Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 101 Three Ways to Engage the New Year | 27 Dec 2022 | 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 Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 100 The Power of Pause | 20 Dec 2022 | 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 Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 99 Childhood Memories | 13 Dec 2022 | 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 Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 98 The Value of Lectio Divina | 06 Dec 2022 | 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 Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 97 Do My Ancestors Matter | 29 Nov 2022 | 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 Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| E 222: Spiritual Guidance in Everyday Life | 13 May 2025 | 00:21:16 | |
Today we talk about ways that spiritual guidance shows up in our everyday lives- at home, work, with neighbors. We explore both the informal settings for deep listening and how these practices can change our daily interactions. For more information, go to thecontemplativelife.net or email robertscontemplative@gmail.com Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 96 “Being with”/ “Doing For” | 22 Nov 2022 | 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 Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 95 Sound Healing | 15 Nov 2022 | 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 Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||
| Ep 94 Growing our Awe-wareness | 08 Nov 2022 | 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 Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support. | |||