Gillian talks with Brian Draper about living with Long COVID and numerous other physical challenges he encountered in 2021. Brian is an author, he is a regular speaker at Greenbelt and other festivals, and he has presented on Thought for the Day on BBC Radio four Today program for over a decade. 

Episode notes: 

Brian gives an overview of his work.

Gillian and Brian talk about labyrinths and a day that Brian facilitated for the Guild. 

They discuss connecting with God in creation and Brian shares some practices he facilitates with people in the outdoors. 

Being present and unpacking the Hebrew word Hineni – here I am. 

Brian shares about the challenging experiences he and his family have endured over the past two years. 

He shares how spiritual practices and the online community who engage with his content have been. a rich source of support and encouragement. 

Gillian and Brian reflect on the individual and collective wisdom to be learned from those who have experienced illness and adverse life experiences. 

The healing power of storytelling along with the vulnerability of doing it. 

Brian shares his wisdom on both letting go and how to embrace living well in the present. 

Finally Brian gives an overview of how he will live soulfully, in community with others, across 2022.  

Link: 

Brian Draper https://www.briandraper.org/ for information about the Lent series and other retreats Brian talked about on the podcast. 

Soulfulness and Soulful Nature books www.briandraper.org/books-1 

Brian’s Thought for the Day from May 2021 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p09jftqc 

Healthy Healing Hubs, GoHealth https://gohealth.org.uk/hhh/ 

GoHealth Community https://gohealth.org.uk/gohealth-community/ 

Books referenced 

Sacred Journey – spiritual wisdom for times of transition byMike Riddel 

The Solace of Fierce Landscapes – mountain and desert spirituality by Beldon Lane