For many years I didn't discuss my spiritual beliefs. I had grown tired of the negative associations and the disappointment. I have recently recognized though, that if we don't talk about it because it is hard and messy, then how we will grow? 

I invite you to consider, what do you want for your spiritual life?

My reflection on a powerful question posed by Stephanie J Spencer, certified Enneagram coach: 

"What do you desire? Why? Are you coping with the sadness of not belonging by searching for identity?"

How does our longing for belonging and feeling unique shape our feelings of significance?

To see the full Ennegram post visit @beyondyournumber on Instagram.

In the last episode of Catalyst for Conversation I discussed the concept of identity and how interesting it is that it is both defined internally but also shaped by what we see around us. If you haven't listened to the previous episode, I encourage you to pause here and catch up, as the concepts I discuss are a bit foundational to the conversation today. Because today I continue the dialogue by inviting another voice to the conversation, Holly Nolan, Native American beadwork artist and owner of Lillie Nell. 

In this episode Holly courageously shares what it was like to grow up internally questioning her race and ethnicity, and having a sense of non-belonging, only to having these feelings confirmed by her mother at the age of 22 - which is when she found out she was not solely the white girl she had been raised to be.  Listen in to hear how this news slowly began to shape a new identity for Holly, and later led her to discover belonging and healing within artistry and ancestry.

Holly Nolan's work can be discovered and celebrated on Instagram at @lillienellbeadworks.

In this episode I explore the tangled web of identity. Taking time to get curious about the many external factors that influence our definition of identity and challenge you to think about redefining your definition to include a perspective that comes from within.

Resources noted in this episode:

Critical Media Project, Why Identity Matters 

Psychology Today, Basics of Identity

Attention: This episode names a personal account of sexual assault. It includes high-level details only.

This is a podcast hosted by Shelby M. Wagner, designed to spark curiosity in you. 

In this show we discuss topics that challenge you to understand why you think the way you do, and offer opportunties to encounter diverse perspectives - in the name of helping individuals live together with authenticity, integrity and empathy.