Rev. Solomon Keal is an assistant pastor at the Philadelphia Society of the Lord’s New Church in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania. He was an assistant pastor for eleven years at the Bryn Athyn Church, a society of the General Church of the New Jerusalem. His wife, Tirah Keal, is currently in seminary at the Center for Swedenborgian Studies, in training to become a minister in the Swedenborgian Church of North America. They have five children, ages 22 to 14. Solomon is also a musician, and composes peaceful solo piano music.

Summary

In this episode, Sage Cole and Solomon Keal explore the profound themes of love, kindness, and spiritual growth. They discuss the challenges and rewards of embodying love in everyday life, the balance between kindness and honesty, and the journey of understanding and acceptance within community and personal relationships.

Keywords

love, kindness, spiritual growth, Swedenborg, community, acceptance

Takeaways

* Love is an act that shapes our lives.

* Kindness is both a conscious and unconscious effort.

* God is love, a foundational concept in ministry.

* Balancing kindness and honesty is crucial in relationships.

* Spiritual growth involves discomfort and transformation.

* Active listening is vital in community and relationships.

* Marriage is a dynamic balance of goodness and truth.

* Depression can lead to personal growth and understanding.

* Perfectionism is an illusion; forgiveness is key.

* Community requires open communication and mutual respect.

Sound bites

* Love is an act.

* Kindness is conscious.

* God is love.

* Balance kindness and honesty.

* Growth involves discomfort.

* Active listening is vital.

* Marriage is dynamic.

* Depression leads to growth.

* Forgiveness is key.

* Community needs communication.

Chapters

* 00:00:00 Introduction to Love and Kindness

* 00:03:00 The Role of Kindness in Life

* 00:06:00 Spiritual Growth and Challenges

* 00:09:00 Balancing Relationships

* 00:12:00 Community and Communication

* 00:15:00 Exploring Personal Growth

* 00:18:00 Understanding Depression

* 00:21:00 Perfectionism and Forgiveness

* 00:24:00 The Power of Active Listening

* 00:27:00 Marriage as a Dynamic Balance

Our Theme Music is “I Love it,” by Luke Concannon www.lukeconcannon.com

I hope you enjoy this short message recorded this morning from Temenos Retreat Center in West Chester, PA where I have been participating in Gathering Leaves, a gathering of women from the three denominational branches of the Swedenborgian Church.

Curtis Childs is the Vice President of Programming and Chief Visionary Officer at the Swedenborg Foundation and director of the YouTube Channel Off The Left Eye. While obtaining his degree in communication studies from Oakland University, Curtis experienced an internal battle with depression that led him to question God and his lifelong interest in Swedenborgian theology. After a period of intense suffering, he recovered from his depression with the help of modern medicine, therapy, and a return to the spiritually uplifting messages he found in Swedenborg’s writings. Now, Curtis is applying his education and desire to help others find peace through Swedenborg’s insights by producing and hosting this weekly webcast. He’s happiest when he can use Swedenborg’s concepts to help someone solve something they used to think was unsolvable.

keywords Swedenborg, spirituality, mental health, YouTube, new church, communication, community, love, religion, content creation, Providence

summary In this episode of the Be Love podcast, Sage Cole interviews Curtis Childs, who shares his journey with Swedenborg's teachings and how they have influenced his life and work. Curtis discusses the challenges and joys of creating content around Swedenborg's writings, the importance of mental health, and the evolving landscape of spirituality in modern society. He emphasizes the need for love and passion in his work and reflects on the impact of Swedenborg's ideas on both personal and collective levels. The conversation also touches on the future of communication within the new church and the importance of adapting to changing times.

takeaways

* Curtis shares his unexpected journey into Swedenborg's teachings and content creation.

* Mental health challenges have shaped his understanding of spirituality.

* Swedenborg's writings provide valuable insights into human well-being.

* The conversation around spirituality is evolving, with more interest in Swedenborg's ideas.

* Curtis believes in the power of Swedenborg's teachings to help people through grief.

* He highlights the importance of community and support in content creation.

* Curtis is focused on improving his communication skills as a key pivot.

* The need for flexibility in the new church is crucial for growth.

* Curtis expresses excitement about the future directions of his work.

Sound Bites

* "I never thought I would talk about religion."

* "You gotta love it for its own sake."

* "This is the cause I want to be involved with."

* “I want to start a fire.”'

* "I feel like I'm in a pivot time."

Chapters

00:00 The Call to Love: An Introduction

01:44 Curtis Childs: Journey into Swedenborgian Thought

05:28 Navigating Identity and Spirituality

09:18 The Power of Swedenborg's Teachings

12:55 Mental Health and Spirituality: A Personal Journey

18:00 Connecting Generations: The Impact of Swedenborg's Legacy

23:35 Exploring Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

26:10 Understanding Perception and Its Impact on Mental Health

27:31 The Intersection of Psychology and Spirituality

28:59 Curtis Childs' Journey in Ministry and Media

32:09 The Challenges of Video Creation and Content Engagement

38:15 The Importance of Community and Collaboration

45:30 Navigating Change and Finding Balance in Content Creation

Our Theme Music is “I Love it,” by Luke Concannon www.lukeconcannon.com

Elliott Bazzano is an Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Le Moyne College, where he teaches courses on Islam, comparative religion, and altered states of consciousness. Elliott also publishes numerous blog posts and interviews about all things religion, spirituality, and dad jokes. In addition to finding inspiration in the mystical percolations of the Sufis, including coffee (pun intended), he finds his deepest wonder and joy in the miracle of his two daughters who offer him limitless contemplation for the mysteries of the universe.

keywords love, spirituality, Islam, Swedenborgianism, community, mysticism, identity, cultural exchange, acceptance, religion

summary In this conversation Elliot and Sage explore the themes of love, spirituality, and identity through personal stories and experiences. They discuss the influence of family, particularly Elliot’s Swedenborgian grandmother, on their spiritual journey, the complexities of navigating different religious identities, and the importance of community and acceptance. The conversation also touches on the role of mysticism in uniting people across different traditions, the challenges posed by societal hierarchies, and the hope for a more compassionate world.

takeaways

* The influence of family in shaping our spiritual journeys.

* People's identities are complex and multifaceted.

* Experiences in diverse communities foster acceptance and understanding.

* Conversion to a new faith can be a transformative experience.

* Language and cultural connections enhance our understanding of spirituality.

* Mysticism often serves as a unifying force in religion.

* Hierarchies in society can hinder genuine connection and learning.

* Shared experiences create a special kind of community.

* Most people desire similar basic needs and values.

* Embracing eclectic spiritual influences can lead to a richer understanding of faith.

Sound Bites

* "There's a common touchstone of love."

* "Words can unify us."

* "You can't argue with historical linguistics."

* "The mystical element unites us."

* "People mostly want the same things."

Chapters

00:00 The Influence of Family and Early Spirituality

02:55 Exploring Identity and Religion

05:44 Experiences in Diverse Communities

09:01 The Journey of Conversion and Spiritual Practices

11:47 Cultural Connections and Language

15:08 The Role of Mysticism in Unity

18:01 Navigating Hierarchies in Religion and Society

20:50 The Power of Shared Experiences

24:01 Finding Common Ground in Humanity

26:48 The Challenge of Identity in Spirituality

29:59 Embracing Eclectic Spirituality

32:44 Hope and Optimism in a Divided World

To hear more from Elliot you can listen to him on a recent episode of the History Speaks podcast.

Our Theme Music is “I Love it,” by Luke Concannon www.lukeconcannon.com

Robbin Ferriman serves as a licensed pastor with the Urbana Swedenborgian Church and archivist of the Johnny Appleseed Museum also in Urbana, Ohio.

keywords love, community, spirituality, nonviolent communication, emotional intelligence, personal growth, divine providence, family dynamics, higher power, gratitude

summary In this conversation, Sage Cole and Robbin Ferriman explore the multifaceted nature of love, its role in personal growth, and the importance of community. They discuss personal experiences with love, the challenges of navigating emotions, and the transformative power of nonviolent communication. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of spiritual practices, the impact of community support, and the journey of self-discovery through faith. They also touch on the importance of gratitude, the role of a higher power, and the unexpected solutions that arise when we trust in divine providence.

takeaways

* Love can be a guiding principle in all interactions.

* Practicing love daily can lead to increased happiness.

* Setting boundaries is an act of self-love.

* Nonviolent communication helps in understanding universal needs.

* Community support is vital for spiritual growth.

* Emotional experiences can lead to profound insights.

* Transforming family dynamics requires leading by example.

* Exploring faith can provide answers to deep questions.

* Spiritual experiences can be both profound and subtle.

* Trusting in a higher power can alleviate stress.

Sound Bites

* "Everything we need is given."

* "I want to practice love every day."

* "Trusting God can alleviate stress."

Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Love in Community

02:55 Personal Experiences with Love

05:41 Navigating Challenges with Love

07:47 The Role of Nonviolent Communication

10:28 Finding Connection in Shared Struggles

13:20 Transformative Power of Community

15:12 The Journey to Empathy and Understanding

18:01 Creating a Loving Environment

20:51 Homecoming Through Faith

23:29 The Search for Belonging

24:45 Spiritual Mentorship and Community Connections

26:58 The Emmaus Walk Experience

29:29 Psychological Aspects of Spiritual Retreats

32:36 Evolving Spiritual Experiences

35:18 God Moments in Everyday Life

37:41 Universal Needs and Spiritual Understanding

38:36 Navigating Conflict with Compassion

41:30 The Power of Prayer and Perspective

43:56 Embracing the Unknown

47:23 Future Paths in Spiritual Growth

Our Theme Music is “I Love it,” by Luke Concannon www.lukeconcannon.com

Rev. Gabriella Cahaley is a graduate of the University of Arizona and earned an M.Div. degree at the Earlham School of Religion. Gabriella pastored three congregations before becoming a hospice chaplain. For the past six and a half years, she served as a pastoral counselor in a psychiatric residential treatment center in Atlanta. Recently, Gabriella returned to the work she felt called to, as hospice chaplain with Georgia Hospice Care. In her private practice, Gabriella offers Spiritual Direction, Meditation and Reiki by appointment. You can find her meditations on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@remenyben-vagyok.

keywords love, meditation, compassion, mindfulness, grief, acceptance, relationships, self-discovery, kindness, emotional well-being, family dynamics, self-reflection, community, self-care, expectations, personal growth, acceptance, balance, spirituality

summary In this conversation, Sage Cole and Gabriella Cahaley explore the profound themes of love, meditation, and compassion. They discuss the importance of loving kindness meditation, the depth of compassion, and the practice of mindfulness. Gabriella shares her journey of self-discovery and the challenges of navigating relationships, particularly within families. The conversation emphasizes the significance of allowing oneself to grieve and the role of peace in managing emotions and interactions with others. In this conversation, Gabriella Cahaley and Sage Cole explore the complexities of family dynamics, the importance of self-reflection, and the limits of control in relationships. They discuss the significance of community, the necessity of practical self-care, and the balance between giving and receiving. The dialogue emphasizes the messiness of human relationships and the ongoing journey of personal growth and acceptance.

takeaways

* Love is the most important thing in life.

* Loving kindness meditation fosters compassion and connection.

* Practicing loving kindness can enhance self-worth.

* Compassion meditation is deeper than loving kindness meditation.

* Mindfulness involves allowing feelings without suppression.

* Self-acceptance is crucial for personal growth.

* Navigating family dynamics requires kindness and understanding.

* Grief is a natural part of the human experience.

* Peace should be prioritized in relationships.

* All parts of ourselves deserve acceptance and compassion. Navigating family dynamics involves understanding unconscious expectations.

* Self-reflection is key to recognizing personal feelings and judgments.

* We cannot fix others; our work is to cultivate love and awareness.

* Community plays a vital role in allowing things to be as they are.

* Practical self-care encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects.

* Balancing giving and receiving is essential for well-being.

* Acknowledging the messiness of relationships is part of being human.

* Personal growth is a continuous journey, not a destination.

* Living with less can lead to greater peace and acceptance.

* Embracing change is crucial for personal development.

Sound Bites

* "Rest in kindness."

* "Allowing is a part of meditation."

* "All parts are welcome."

* "Grief is a part of allowing."

* "I want peace to be the manager."

* "We can't fix the world."

* "How can I participate?"

* "It's not about achieving perfection."

* "It's a learning process."

* "We're all human beings."

* "I can live with less money."

Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Love

02:44 Loving Kindness Meditation

05:22 Compassion and Acceptance

08:05 The Depth of Compassion Meditation

10:42 Mindfulness and Allowing

13:12 The Journey of Self-Discovery

15:49 Navigating Relationships and Roles

18:27 Grief, Loss, and Allowing

21:06 Challenges in Love and Acceptance

23:33 Peace as the Manager

27:39 Navigating Family Dynamics and Expectations

29:56 The Power of Self-Reflection and Acceptance

31:38 Understanding the Limits of Control

34:20 The Role of Community and Allowing

37:03 Practical Self-Care and Its Importance

40:29 Balancing Giving and Receiving

44:05 The Messiness of Human Relationships

47:30 Embracing Change and Growth

Our Theme Music is “I Love it,” by Luke Concannon www.lukeconcannon.com

Rev. Renée Machiniak has been serving as pastor of the Church of the Holy City in Royal Oak, MI since 1995. She also serves as a community police and oncology chaplain. She and her husband, Joe, reside in Royal Oak and enjoy participating in community charity organizations and events, singing in church and community choirs, and caring for their little pup Gertie.

keywords: love, trauma, bulimia, healing, Christ, Swedenborgian Church, presence, listening, vastation, honesty, use, prayer, vision, universalism, church, doubt, care

summary: In this deeply moving episode of the Be Love podcast, the Sage interviews Rev. Renée Machinak, a friend, mentor, and colleague, about her personal experiences with love and faith. Renee shares her journey from feeling emptiness and loneliness, grappling with bulimia and trauma, to a transformative vision of Christ that renewed her sense of love and purpose. She discusses how these experiences have shaped her ministry and her commitment to help others find their own sense of profound love and belonging. The conversation explores the role of presence, listening, and honesty in nurturing community and living a life filled with divine love.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

00:39 Exploring the Role of Love in Church

01:07 Renee's Childhood and Search for Love

02:25 Struggles with Bulimia and a Vision of Christ

05:39 The Transformative Power of Love

08:12 Honesty and Healing in Relationships

10:32 A Call to Ministry and Overcoming Trauma

14:15 Living with Divine Love

22:53 The Importance of Presence and Attention

25:12 The Power of Presence and Listening

25:44 A Personal Story of Loss and Support

26:40 The Importance of Love in Ministry

28:29 Self-Care and Personal Practices

29:00 A Vision Quest Experience

31:36 A Miraculous Healing Journey

33:37 The Role of Love in Overcoming Loneliness

36:14 Struggles with Faith and Identity

41:55 The Healing Power of Community

44:15 Embracing Universal Love

Our Theme Music is “I Love it,” by Luke Concannon www.lukeconcannon.com

Rev. Dr. Ray Silverman very recently retired as Professor of Religion and English at Bryn Athyn College after 27 years of teaching. Ray is the editor/revisor of Helen Keller’s Light in My Darkness (1994, 2000) and author of How I Would Help the World (2011) and The Core of Johnny Appleseed (2012). Together with his wife, Star, he co-authored Rise Above It: Spiritual Development Through the Ten Commandments, later expanded into Rise Above It: Spiritual Development for College Students, which serves as a textbook for several courses at Bryn Athyn. In July 2024, Ray and Star completed A Seamless Garment: A Study of the Four Gospels as a Divinely Arranged Narrative, a four-volume, 2,000-page study available at www.newchristianbiblestudy.org.

Ordained as a New Church priest in 1984, Ray previously served as pastor in Pittsburgh and Atlanta. He and Star, married for 48 years with seven children and 13 grandchildren, have taught spiritual development courses across the U.S., Africa, and in prisons. Their work emphasizes the Ten Commandments as a divine framework for growth and continues to share New Church truths worldwide.

See below for links to Ray’s presentations on YouTube

keywords love, faith, marriage, teaching, creativity, partnership, truth, spirituality, personal growth, Swedenborg, Helen Keller, ego, community, safe spaces, inner adventure, spiritual teachings, love, wisdom, personal development

summary In this conversation, Ray Silverman shares his journey of love, faith, and teaching. He reflects on his early life in a non-religious household, the development of his faith, and how it influenced his marriage and career. Ray emphasizes the importance of love and truth in relationships and discusses the collaborative creative process he shares with his wife. Their partnership in writing and teaching has deepened their bond and understanding of love, showcasing the transformative power of faith and connection. In this conversation, Ray and Sage explore the profound themes of spiritual growth, the role of community, and the importance of overcoming the ego. They discuss the teachings of Helen Keller and Swedenborg, emphasizing the need for love, wisdom, and the creation of safe spaces for sharing personal experiences. The dialogue highlights the inner adventure of spiritual life and the practical applications of spiritual teachings in everyday relationships.

takeaways

* Ray's early experiences shaped his understanding of love and faith.

* He learned the importance of prayer and its impact on his life.

* Marriage can be a beautiful journey when nurtured with love.

* Teaching with love can transform students' lives.

* Creating safe spaces fosters trust and growth in relationships.

* The adventure of spiritual growth is profound and ongoing.

* Ego can hinder personal and relational development.

* Love and truth must coexist for healthy relationships.

* Community support is vital for spiritual development.

* Life is a daring adventure that requires courage.

Sound Bites

* "Love needs to be guided by truth."

* "The Helen Keller effect is grandeur."

* "Living our faith is so important."

* "The biggest false god is ourself."

* "Rise above your ego."

* "Stories are real; this is our life."

* "Trust is fundamental in sharing."

* "Ego can burn us out."

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Love Begins

06:40 Finding Faith and Family

12:21 The Power of Marriage and Partnership

16:30 Balancing Love and Truth

21:08 The Creative Process in Love and Writing

26:03 The Helen Keller Effect and Living Faith

27:38 Understanding the Ego and Spiritual Growth

31:15 The Role of Community in Spiritual Development

36:53 Creating Safe Spaces for Sharing

41:42 The Inner Adventure of Spiritual Life

45:11 Practical Applications of Spiritual Teachings

Our Theme Music is “I Love it,” by Luke Concannon www.lukeconcannon.com

Page S. Morahan, Ph.D. is Founding Director, Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine ®  Program for Women (ELAM ® ) and Professor Emerita, microbiology and immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine. She is also Founding Co-Director and continuing consultant, International FAIMER Institute (IFI). She has directed numerous grants in both biomedical and social science and authored over 150 peer reviewed publications, focusing especially on broadening the view of scholarship, gender equity, faculty development, and leadership program curricula and evaluation.

Past positions include: Department Chair; first woman President of the Association of Medical School Microbiology and Immunology Chairs, 1990; American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow, 1992-93; Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs. She received her B.S., Agnes Scott College magna cum laude; M.A., Hunter College; and Ph.D., Medical College of Wisconsin.

National honors include: Association of American Medical Colleges Women in Medicine Leadership Development Award; ACE Office of Women in Higher Education, Network Annual Leadership Award; Fellow, American Women in Science; Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology; Distinguished Career Award, Agnes Scott College; Graduate Student Alumna of the Year Award, Medical College of Wisconsin; and recently, the local Social and Racial Justice Award, First United Methodist Church of Germantown in 2025.

Page’s spiritual and social justice journey has included 12-step groups starting with Al-Anon, and work led by Ann Wilson Schaef, Patti Digh and Margaret Wheatley. She is an active member of the Conversations on Race group in the First United Methodist Church of Germantown in Philadelphia and the Social Justice Committee and Swedenborgians in Action Against Racism groups of the Swedenborgian Church of North America. She currently hosts the Swedenborgian Home Church in Bryn Athyn, PA.

Her newest endeavor is an art business, Page’s Pages Around the World™, to support FAIMER, including multilanguage greeting cards, an annual calendar with images from around the world

Links mentioned in interview for optimistic news about our world: Optimist Daily, GoodGoodGood, and Yes Magazine.

keywords passion, education, leadership, social justice, gender equity, spirituality, community, science, positivity, personal growth, scarcity, abundance, mystical experiences, mindset, scientific innovations, interconnectedness, community, kindness, resilience, social justice

summary In this conversation, Sage and Page discuss the journey of following one's passions, the importance of education and leadership in science, and the challenges faced by women in male-dominated fields. They explore themes of social justice, gender equity, and the significance of community engagement in spiritual exploration. The discussion also touches on the power of positivity and appreciative inquiry in personal growth and understanding the world.

In this conversation, Page shares her journey through personal and professional challenges, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an abundant mindset despite scarcity. She discusses mystical experiences that have shaped her spiritual path, the role of community in fostering social justice, and the significance of art in her life. The dialogue explores how scientific innovations can lead to positive change and the interconnectedness of humanity, culminating in a call for kindness and resilience in today's world.

takeaways

* Page feels fortunate to have developed passions in life.

* Education and leadership have been significant themes in Page's career.

* Page faced challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field.

* The Women's Leadership Program was created to address gender equity.

* Social justice is a persistent theme in Page's work.

* Community engagement is more important than theology for Page.

* Page's spiritual journey has included various religious affiliations.

* Appreciative inquiry has transformed Page's perspective on life.

* Positivity can broaden one's ability to perceive opportunities.

* The conversation highlights the fragility of gains in gender equity. Scarcity and abundance are crucial themes in personal growth.

* Mystical experiences can guide us toward new paths.

* Maintaining an abundant mindset is essential in challenging times.

* Scientific innovations can provide hope and solutions.

* We are all interconnected and must care for one another.

* Art and community play vital roles in personal development.

* Kindness and resilience are necessary for a better world.

* Accountability in social justice work is crucial.

* Long-term perspectives can guide our actions today.

* There is still time to create positive change for future generations.

titles

* Exploring Passions: A Journey of Curiosity

* Education and Leadership: Shaping the Future of Science

* Overcoming Challenges: Women in Science

* Social Justice: The Ongoing Fight for Gender Equity

* Spirituality and Community: Finding Connection

Sound Bites

* "I feel fortunate that I develop passions."

* "I learned to do anger management."

* "The gains are very fragile."

* "We need the talents of both genders."

* "I take what I like and leave the rest."

* "Nature gives its secrets to those who love it."

* "How do you maintain your abundant mindset?"

* "Science can be helpful for this world."

* "Taking the long view is very helpful."

* "There's still time to unfold this human story."

Chapters

00:00 Journey of Passion and Curiosity

03:35 Education and Leadership in Science

06:55 Facing Challenges in a Male-Dominated Field

10:20 Social Justice and Gender Equity

13:55 Spiritual Exploration and Community Engagement

18:31 Appreciative Inquiry and Positive Mindset

23:02 Navigating Scarcity and Abundance

24:32 Mystical Experiences and New Beginnings

25:27 Maintaining an Abundant Mindset

27:35 Scientific Innovations and Positive Change

28:45 The Interconnectedness of Humanity

30:28 The Role of Art and Community in Personal Growth

33:53 Cultivating Kindness and Resilience

37:09 Accountability and Passion in Social Justice

40:11 Long-Term Perspectives for Future Generations

Our Theme Music is “I Love it,” by Luke Concannon www.lukeconcannon.com

Circe Moss MacDonald gathered her skills as a Ceremonial Artist, Priestess of Water, and ordained Transdenominational Minister at The StarHouse in Boulder, Colorado, from 2000 to 2005. She took her esoteric skills across the country from Iowa to Pennsylvania to Maine where she studied to become an Interfaith Eco-Chaplain at The Chaplaincy Institute of Maine in 2019, because why stop at just one ordination?

For over 20 years, Circe has created ceremonies and rites of passage, helping people honor life's transitions and celebrate the sacredness of water and land. She turned her passion into a business: Ritual Lab: Ceremonies for People and Planet, offering personal rituals, weddings, Celebrations of Life, and The Cosmic Mass that support spiritual growth and well-being in the community.

Circe is a lifelong learner and practitioner of the sacred arts, involved in everything from ritual theatre and Goddess storytelling to shadow puppetry and clowning. Yes, clowning—because even the sacred needs a good laugh now and then.

She's shared her wisdom at colleges, universities, festivals, and conferences, and is a faculty member at The Chaplaincy Institute of Maine. Circe resides in Portland, Maine, with her husband, teenager, and a flock of parakeets.

keywords love, water, spirituality, ritual, divine feminine, divine masculine, clowning, community, embodiment, ceremony, risk-taking, spirituality, play, transformation, ritual, God X, embodiment

summary In this conversation, Rev. Sage Cole and Circe Moss MacDonald explore the themes of love, spirituality, and the sacredness of water. Circe shares her journey as a water priestess and her experiences at the Star House, where she learned to create sacred spaces and embody spiritual practices. They discuss the importance of honoring both the divine feminine and masculine, and how clowning can play a role in spiritual practice by allowing vulnerability and connection. The conversation emphasizes the need for community, embodiment, and the transformative power of ritual. In this conversation, Sage and Circe explore the intersection of humor, spirituality, and community through the lens of ceremony and ritual. They discuss the importance of embracing one's inner clown, the challenges of leading ceremonies, and the necessity of risk-taking in spiritual leadership. The dialogue emphasizes the power of play and creativity in spiritual practices, as well as the significance of community support in navigating the complexities of ritual. Circe shares a heartfelt hymn to the God X, celebrating fluidity and the sacredness of diverse identities.

takeaways

* Water is a sacred element that connects us to life.

* Creating a safe and sacred container is essential for spiritual practices.

* The divine feminine and masculine must be honored in spiritual work.

* Clowning allows for vulnerability and connection in ceremonies.

* Spiritual practices should be embodied and community-focused.

* Rituals can help us connect with the divine and ourselves.

* The journey of spiritual formation is ongoing and transformative.

* Honoring the great mother is foundational to many spiritual practices.

* Clowning can break the tension and create space for laughter in ceremonies.

* The interplay of chaos and transformation is vital in spiritual growth. Embracing the clown within can enhance spiritual practice.

* Humor is essential for mental hygiene and connection.

* Community support is vital in holding space for ceremonies.

* Risk-taking is necessary for spiritual growth and leadership.

* Playfulness in spirituality can lead to deeper connections.

* Rituals can be a space for both joy and grief.

* The body has innate wisdom that can guide healing.

* Ceremonies should allow for participation and collaboration.

* Transformative experiences can emerge from shared vulnerability.

* Diversity in spiritual practices enriches community engagement.

Sound Bites

* "Water is sacred and the source of all life."

* "I was called to the Star House."

* "Creating a safe, sacred container is essential."

* "It's almost too pure."

* "I trust the circle so much."

* "It's not all about me."

* "We want to be encouraging risk taking."

* "It's high play, high holy play."

* "The body wants to be well."

* "It's a big, beautiful, bold world."

* "You, the architect of liberation."

Our Theme Music is “I Love it,” by Luke Concannon www.lukeconcannon.com