In this episode of SoulStream Living from the Heart, Rod Janz sits down with spiritual director and pastor Gordie Lagore for a thoughtful conversation on recovery, contemplative practice, and what it means to live from the heart. Gordie shares how a season of severe burnout reshaped his life, leading him into spiritual direction, deeper self-care, and a spirituality rooted in love rather than striving. Together they explore the limits of performance-based faith, the gift of silence, the role of therapy and trauma healing, and the importance of supervision and accountability for spiritual directors. Gordie closes with a simple Ignatian practice: noticing how God has loved you today and how God has loved through you.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Glittering Images, by Gerald MayAn early and formative introduction to spiritual direction and the inner life.

Julian of NorwichReferenced for her enduring wisdom and trust in divine love, especially the phrase “all shall be well.”

Henri NouwenNamed for his insights on the false self, belovedness, and emotional honesty before God.

Thomas MertonMentioned in connection with contemplative spirituality and dismantling the false self.

Jeff ImbachGordie’s longtime spiritual director, who played a central role in his healing and formation.

SoulStreamReferenced as Gordie’s training context and as a model for safe, accountable spiritual direction.

Aging to Saging by Richard RohrUsed as a framework for reflecting on life seasons, eldering, and the gift of aging.

Ignatian ExamenHow has God loved me today, and how has God loved me through me?

EMDR Trauma TherapyNamed as a helpful companion to spiritual direction in trauma and recovery work.

The EnneagramUsed as a tool for self-awareness and compassion, with Gordie identifying as a Type Nine.

The last Living from the Heart podcast episode on SubStack:

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit soulstream926.substack.com