In this BONUS episode of "Rhythms that Restore," host Cherisse and her guest Allison Bradsher, Cherisse's Spiritual Director, discuss the importance of Discovering Stability through Anchoring ourselves. Learning the "practice of subrtaction" and learning to "create a container" that can be filled only with the presence of the Lord.  Allison shares her story & journey into contemplative practices and the role of the Holy Spirit in spiritual direction and practice of retreat. They explore metaphors for finding clarity in God's presence and the need for a sustainable pace in life. The episode covers the offerings of The Retreat House Memphis, including an upcoming Pentecost retreat on May 19th, and concludes with a prayer and an invitation to engage with the podcast's community.

 

Welcome and Introduction (00:00:02) Cherisse introduces the podcast with Psalm 27:7-8 and sets the tone for the episode, inviting listeners to join in on the conversation.

Reading from Psalm 27 (00:01:24) Cherisse reads and reflects on Psalm 27:7-8, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's face and finding comfort in His presence.

The God Who Sees (00:02:33) Cherisse shares a reflection on the name "El Roi" meaning "the God who sees," emphasizing God's care and presence in our lives.

Introduction of Guest, Allison (00:05:02) Cherisse introduces Allison, a spiritual director, and shares her personal connection and experiences with her.

Allison's Introduction (00:05:41) Allison shares her role as a spiritual director and the importance of hospitality and welcome in her life.

Contemplative Practices Journey (00:07:58) Allison discusses her spiritual journey and how she was drawn to contemplative practices, specifically the impact of silence on her spiritual growth.

Spiritual Direction and Counseling (00:13:34) Allison explains the differences between spiritual direction and counseling, highlighting the prayerful and listening aspect of spiritual direction.

Practicing the Presence of God (00:15:46) Cherisse and Allison discuss the importance of being still and creating space for God's presence, using the analogy of settling sediment in water.

Embracing a Natural Pace (00:19:26) Allison shares the importance of finding one's natural pace in life and the impact of bringing a peaceful presence into daily activities.

Checking in with Pace (00:21:51) Allison discusses the importance of checking in with thoughts, emotions, and body to notice pace and avoid overwhelm.

Guardrails for Pace (00:23:15) Cherisse introduces the concept of setting guardrails to run at one's own pace and avoid falling off track.

The Role of the Holy Spirit (00:24:54) Allison explains how the Holy Spirit communicates with us through scripture and encourages attuning to the Spirit's presence.

Surrendering to the Holy Spirit (00:26:32) Allison discusses the challenge of surrendering personal plans to align with the powerful and beautiful plans of the Holy Spirit.

Opportunities for Connection (00:29:45) Allison shares local and remote opportunities for connecting with spiritual practices and offerings at The retreat house Memphis.

Final Thoughts and Prayer (00:32:02) Allison emphasizes the invitation to offer presence to God and closes with a prayer for settling and stillness.

Closing Remarks (00:35:13) Allison concludes the episode, inviting feedback and sharing ways to stay connected and support the podcast.

----------------------------------------------

"Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: A resource that provides information on various spiritual disciplines for the spiritual life."  "Silent Retreats: A practice of setting aside time for silence and solitude to create space for God to speak and impress."  "Counseling: A practice of seeking professional help to process and address personal and emotional challenges." "Spiritual Direction: A prayerful listening space where a spiritual director helps individuals attune to the presence of God and explore their spiritual journey."  "Spiritual Disciplines Handbook" "Practicing the Presence of Jesus: Engaging in practices that allow individuals to be present with Jesus and listen to His voice." "Lectio Divina: A practice that helps to attune to the Holy Spirit and notice God's movements in daily life." - 00:25:20 "Pentecost Retreat: A retreat related to Pentecost, a day where the Holy Spirit was given." "Spiritual Direction: A practice that can be done in person, over the phone, or on Zoom." "Content Conversations: One-hour webinars to learn, take notes, and ask questions about spiritual formation and spiritual direction."  "Macrina Whitaker's Prayer: A prayer from Macrina Whitaker."

----------------------------------------------------------------

Connect with Allison Bradsher at "The Retreat House Memphis" for Spritual Direction

Instagram: @TheRetreatHouseMemphis               Website: www.bfrlocal.com 

Email: [email protected] 

-----------------------------------------------------

Join our "Rythms that Restore" Community: Click below and pull up a chair with us and walk through life IN COMMUNITY and beside others who are learning and putting these new Rhythms in place. Click: https://www.facebook.com/groups/339272845793051/

--------------------------------------

Follow "Rhythms that Restore Podcast" on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/rhythmsthatrestorepodcast?igsh=Z3lmY2UzcXZzMTlq&utm_source=qr

--------------------------------------------

Tune In- Subscribe, Rate, and Share: If you found value in this episode, be be sure to subscribe, rate, and share with "Rhythms that Restore" Podcast with a friend who can be encouraged through the message. Help us share this incredible transformative message of Gods word through the beautiful act of "ceasing to strive" and learning to "simply BE".

------------------------------------

Connect more with me on Instagram, Facebook and Email:

Email Me: [email protected] 

Facebook: Cherisse Mathias Hixson 

DM on Instagram: @cherissehixson01 &  @rhythmsthatrestorepodcast