The Contemplative Life – Details, episodes & analysis

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:

Egyptian Licorice tea

Mica Powder

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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

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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.

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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.

Additional Resources
Article: Life after Lifestyle by Toby Shorin

#SpiritualCompanions #LiminalSpace #NamingEmotions #SpiritualFriends #Culture #Wellbeing #Loneliness

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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.

Additional Resources
Book: The Interior Castle by Teresa of Avila

#DarkNightOfTheSoul #Distraction #Prayer #UnionWithGod #Difficulties #Meditation #CenteringPrayer #Petition #PraythePsalms #VictorFrankl

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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.

Additional Resources
Book: Practice of the Presence: A Revolutionary Translation by Carmen Acevedo Butcher
Book: Being Home by Gunilla Norris

#Awareness #Ordinary #Prayer #BrotherLawrence #spiritual #lettinggo #Peace #Trust

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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.

Additional Resources
Book: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Book: The Book of Joy
Book: The Little Way of St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Book: A Little White Flower: The story of St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Book: The Lives We Actually Have by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie
Website: Sally’s Baking Addiction

#ThereseofLisieux #Mystics #LittleWay #Love #SimpleActs #Kindness #Compassion

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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.

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.

Additional Resources
Event: Make Music Day, national event on the day of summer solstice

#StBenedict #RuleofLife #rebirth #order #joy #delight #prayer #humility #conversion #DeepListening

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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.

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.

#ecospirituality #equality #Divine #Spiritual #PerennialWisdom #InnerWisdom #Interconnection #balance #prophetic #womenleaders #mandalas

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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.

Additional Resources:
Book: Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich

#Oneing #Equality #Contemplative #Spirituality #Prayer #Unity #AllShallBeWell

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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.