Looking Within - A Contemplative Podcast

Beginnings.  They end up being just as life-giving, or challenging, as endings. Life is restored, but different. It may even take time to recognize the new beginning, but we’re encouraged to just be where we are, learning to stop seeking control, being okay without figuring everything out... allowing our hearts to be cracked open to God’s presence and leading.

Every transition has an ending, and often the lack of choice is involved, making endings even more difficult. Naming things inside of you like fear, anger, disappointment, and unforgiveness is an important first step. Then this inner processing can lead us to the point of realizing that our minds will never fully understand our endings. 

In every area of your life there is transition. The question is: are you willing to go deeper? Are you willing to examine your thoughts and feelings about your transitioning life situation that go below the surface of the superficial facts? It’s in these deeper places that we most readily find God.

Notice  ways to travel more lightly on your journey -- to discard and let go of things and ways of thinking that no longer serve you. Live as that image and likeness of the Divine that you are.

Life can be wonderful when it’s full and busy, but we do well to also include some times to allow our souls to catch up with our bodies. Doing is wonderful, but being is key to your spiritual journey.

Sometimes we need reminders (and painful ones at that!) to wake up -- to be aware and conscious of what’s going on in our life. Being on autopilot, or worse, resisting things about our life, makes it hard to spot and surrender to God’s activity on our journey.

Today we examine scarcity vs. abundance -- Part 2 of a two part series on the Dr. Phil question of “How’s that working for you?” Our approach to life strongly influences our journey. The openness of the portals of our hearts and minds to the abundance of God and the universe makes all the difference in the world.  
(Part 2 of 2, continued from Sept. 9)

The letters B-E-V stand for bitterness, entitlement, being a victim.  Life doesn’t feel or work very well when we frequently live in the darkness of BEV.  These three letters can be a helpful diagnostic when we find ourselves angry, offended, or miffed at something or someone.  (Part 1 of 2, continued on Sept. 16)

Today we’ll consider Part 2 of a two part series on what it looks like to contemplatively experience God’s presence and activity in our lives. See how these first-hand, “heart” encounters with God can bring comfort and direction into your daily life. (Part 2 of 2, continued from Aug. 26)

Contemplation is a deeper way of being in relationship with God. It’s a way that goes beyond “head” information or a set of beliefs to having “eyes” to see and experience God everywhere.  We can experience comfort, direction, and new meaning when we have these first-hand, “heart” encounters with the Living God. 
(Part 1 of 2, continued on Sept. 2)