Explore every episode of the podcast The Contemplative Life

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 explore the backstory of Ignatius Loyola and how imagination and daydreaming helped him (and others) get in touch with the movement of the Spirit.  We are joined by spiritual director, Phoebe Love, sharing her experiences facilitating groups in the Ignatian Exercises as well as her own story of being shaped by meditating on God’s love.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Pray As You Go app

Inner Compass by Margaret Silf

The Ignatian Adventure by Kevin O’Brien SJ

ignatianspirituality.com

godinallthings.com

phoebelove.org

Farmer’s Almanac

Puff’s plus

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Today, we explore what discernment is and some practical ways to engage this spiritual practice.  We highlight several books that have informed our thinking around this topic, as well as episodes 22 & 23, Vocational Discernment Part 1 & 2.

To work with us, reach out  at robertscontemplative@gmail.com

Helpful books on discernment:

The Great Work of Your Life   by Stephen Cope

Falling Upward by Richard Rohr  

Pursuing God’s Will Together by Ruth Haley Barton

The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks  

The Dream Manager by Mattew Kelly & Patrick Lencioni

WHAT I’M INTO:

Pomegranate spritzers with Spindrift Belli-no

Quill pens from turkey feathers

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In this episode, we explore the gifts of neurodivergence within the contemplative life.

Join us as we discover how ways of being such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia open fresh pathways to the Divine.

Check out some resources for neurodivergence mentioned on The Contemplative Life blog.

AUDIBLE LEARNERS

Kindle

Kindle has the ability to read books to you.  This has been a game changer for those who find reading cumbersome but desire to read books or have a screen free wind down option at bed, since you are listening rather than scrolling. 

An audible account is also a great resource for sharing books among family members or having your own library available to you.  You have opportunities to collect points and also have many free options.

Blocking sound

Many learning styles and personalities find benefits from noise canceling headphones that help you lock in.   Over the ear options are great if you want to make it obvious that you are not interested in conversation or engaging at the moment.  

Having some affordable in ear options can also be great to keep in backpacks, next to work out clothes, or other places.  For those who tend to lose items, these allow you to track them.  

TACTILE INPUT

These nice plush blankets, as well as weighted blankets, are perfect for cozy hygge type evenings.

Along with that, long hot showers are a favorite way to unwind and release all the experiences from the day.  Having a good shower head makes the difference as well as my favorite Eucalyptus scrub.

We are also beginning to explore rings that we can twirl as we engage on Zoom meetings or in situations when we need to release energy.

Our kids like weighted stuffed animals at bedtime.  There's many cute ones to choose from to switch it up.

We are new to the world of handheld spiky textures as a way to wake up parts of the brain when we feel a bit of a slump.

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Today we discuss the value of integrating special experiences and learnings into our daily lives.  We look at some examples from our own lives, as well as beginning to explore Ken Wilbur’s Integral Theory.  

Mentioned in this episode:

What I Am Into:

Backgammon 

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Today we look at perspectives from philosopher, Albert Borgman and historian, Daniel Immerwahr.   We see how history reveals that what was once deemed as a “threat” to flourishing is now seen as a focal practice.  Join us as we wrestle with some of our thoughts and experiences around what it means to experience connection, embodiment, creativity and attention in our modern world.

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 Alejandro Rodriguez joins us today to talk about discovering contemplative paths in the midst of a corporate lifestyle.  We explore both the healthy and shadow sides of ambition and accomplishment. 

Learn more about Alejandro’s current work at yesandsc.com

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Join us today as we explore ways we are noticing AI coming into our contemplative spaces.  What are the opportunities? What are some of the shadow sides? We look at ways we can grow in our awareness of this aspect of life that is rapidly growing. 

For those interested in learning more about this topic, we did a previous episode in early 2024, E 162 Thoughts on AI. 

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Today we explore the topic of places and the ways that places have impacted us.  

We discuss  4 types of travel and the impact it makes in our lives.

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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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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

sdicompanions.org

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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.

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

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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

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Today we explore how music connects us to God and the many ways music is prayer.  Whether you play music or simply listen, we hope you find new ways of experiencing meaningful spiritual moments.

Mentioned in this episode:

Marimbas

Candle making supplies

Fountain pens ink

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Join us as we unpack various types of rest.  Rest is not just taking a nap, but includes a variety of ways to find rejuvenation and restoration in our lives. 

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Today we continue our conversation about rest and look at common barriers we might face.  As we highlight barriers we have faced, we hope you find inspiration to identify and move towards flourishing times of renewal in your life.

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Today we discuss common paradigms and mindsets around rest and renewal.  We hope this helps us become aware of how we approach rest and expand how we engage.

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Today we are exploring the idea of fixing compared to listening.  To help us on this topic, we are revisiting a previous conversation with spiritual director and supervisor Marcia Bentley.  

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Today we wrap up our series on art and contemplative with guest Sarah Bianchi. Join us as we talk about liturgy that first nourishes our own souls and from that deep space then sharing with others.

Follow Sarah at:

artbysarahkay.com

IG:  Artbyskay 

FB:  SarahKay

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Today we explore photography and how it can be a doorway into contemplative spirituality.  As we have increasing access to photos on our phones, we hope this episode inspires you to engage in new ways.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

 The Practice of Contemplative Photography  by Andy Karr & Michael Woods

Jameshazelwood.net/blog

Miksang.com

Connect with Ann:

usheringgrace@gmail.com  

https://www.mkespiritualdirectors.com/find-a-spiritual-director

https://www.sdicompanions.org/find-a-spiritual-director-companion/

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Today we are joined by the Creative Director of Spiritual Directors International, Matt Whitney.  We explore the intersection of art, nature, movement and spirituality.   To learn more about Matt’s work and his art, connect at  matthewwhitney.com or follow on Instagram  @mattpwhitney

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Join us as we talk about the differences between time and energy and how to make the most of our natural energy rhythms. 

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Join us as we explore body-mind-spirit connections with licensed Physical Therapist, Shannon Kunstman.  We discuss the importance of integrative body work with spiritual guidance.  To learn more, connect with Shannon at https://www.awarenessinmotionpt.com/about

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Join us as we explore body-mind-spirit connections with Katie Anders.   

Katie is a spiritual guide, a trained yoga instructor and also one who recently has entered the process of becoming a nun with a religious order.   See how she integrates these various parts of her life and spiritual practice. 

Connect with Katie at:

ktanders1933@gmail.com

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We are concluding our series exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality.  Today we are joined by Dave Schmelzer.  Dave has been a colleague and friend for almost 2 decades and has been instrumental in helping us grow our contemplative awareness.    

Check out his work at:

https://www.journey-on.net/

https://www.blueoceanfaith.org/

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We are continuing our series exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality.  Today is the artist Scott Erikson.  

Check out his work at:

https://scottericksonartshop.com/

Instagram: Scott the Painter

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We are continuing our series exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality.  Today is the band Waterdeep with the music of Don and Lori Chaffer.

We encourage you to check out some of their music at https://www.waterdeep.com/

or their youtube channel.

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We are continuing our series exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality.  Today is Barbara Brown Taylor. 

We encourage you to check out some of her writings.  Mentioned in today’s episode were Altar in the World and Learning To Walk in Dark. 

Learn more at https://barbarabrowntaylor.com/

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Today we kick off a new series for 2025 exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality.  We start with the Irish poet John O’Donahue.  

We encourage you to check out some of his writings, particularly To Bless The Space Between Us.  Learn more at www.johnodonohue.com

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We close out the year sharing 3 lessons we’ve learned in 2024.   We hope our reflections invite you to engage in your own time of considering what 2024 offered you.

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Join us today as we talk about the backstory of Charles Dickens and his creation of this classic.  We explore the creative process, shadow sides and more. 

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Winter seasons, whether they be literal or figurative, have much to offer us.  Join us as we revisit the topic of Winter Solstice and how we are engaging this transitional time in the Northern Hemisphere. (For listeners in the Southern Hemisphere, feel free to check out episode 74 when we talk about the Summer Solstice.)

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Join us as we talk about mastermind groups. We explore some of the key elements and benefits of these groups and hope you feel inspired to check out some of our offerings.

Learn more at christina@foundrysc.com

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Today we explore the concept of wanting for more and how desire is not necessarily selfish or greedy.  We discover ways gratitude and wanting for more co-exist.

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Join us as we delve into the topic of limited eating and its various causes.  We explore situations like food allergies, dietary choices, religious practices, and situational constraints like travel and emotions that often follow. 

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Today, we are joined by spiritual guide Betsy Gonwa to discuss the intersection of food, spirituality, and health. We hope you find inspiration from her story and the ways healthy eating impacts our daily lives.

Learn more at listeningspacemke.com

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We are continuing our series about food, looking at 4 common ways we relate to food.  Check out Ep 198, Spirituality of Food, for the first part of the series.

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 Food is something every single one of us interacts with regularly.  Join us as we take what might seem like a mundane part of life and explore some of the spiritual implications.

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As the US is in an election week, we are reminding ourselves of some helpful spiritual practices

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Join us for Part 2 where we continue the conversation from last week around common questions and ideas about spiritual direction and contemplative spirituality.  For part 1, please check out Episode 195.

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We have collected a few common questions and ideas about spiritual direction and contemplative spirituality.  Join us as we address some myths and help expand our understanding around the benefits of spiritual guidance.  

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Today we have the honor of interviewing one of the leaders of Spiritual Directors Europe, an organization that networks and trains spiritual guides across that continent. Join us as Rafael Maria Theuvenet shares about spiritual direction in the Netherlands, as well as other parts of Western Europe.

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Today we hear from an interior designer (Carol), bus driver (Chris) and non profit worker (Abbie) about ways they are seeing God show up in their work and everyday lives.  We hope you find inspiration in your own life and work.

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Today we learn wisdom from Ancient Chinese Medicine about the shortest season and how we might engage with it.  Even though most of us follow a four- season calendar, we hope you find ways to contextualize this fifth season.

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There is something deeply spiritual about places and our orientation to particular places.  Poets, photographers, and families remind us of their importance and meaning.   Join us as we explore our relationship with place through a contemplative lens.

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  Today non-profit community director,  Justin Markofski, shares insights on what it means to love our neighbor as ourselves.  He dives into the delight of deepening our love of God and how that overflows into the community around us.

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Today we talk about the speed of life.  Join us as we explore a topic that comes up over and over again and has relevance for our daily living.

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Today we explore the idea of resource netting, a term first heard by the author Greg McKeown and then built upon by Martha Beck & poet, David Wythe.   Join us as we look at our resource rich world and the contemplative invitations for us in it.

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Today we explore various times in our lives when we face interruptions, both small and large.  We discuss ways we’ve found helpful in reframing them.

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