Sexy Spirituality

Sexy Spirituality Episode #32

The Spirituality of Animal Ministry

Hosts

Lezli Goodwin

Sonia Byrne

Guest: Jeanne Turner Kataoka

Opening Chat

Are you a dog person or a cat person? Sonia, Lezli and Jeanne chat about their furry family.

The Spirituality of Animal Ministry

• Jeanne is an ordained animal chaplain. She inherited the animal ministry at her center, Riverside Community Center for Spiritual Living, when the coordinators stepped away. As a practitioner, she stepped in and found that it was hers to do.
• She completed the Ordained Animal Chaplain program at the Emerson Theological Institute, a ground-breaking animal ministry program. http://emersoninstitute.edu/
• Animal chaplains can do many things for your pet: blessings, prayer, bereavement support and memorial services. Jeanne has even been brought in to bless and pray for animals that are not getting along within the home.
• Any animal can benefit from an animal chaplain. Jeanne and her fellow chaplains have worked with horses, snakes, goats, rats and rabbits as well as cats and dogs.
• If you think you might be interested in becoming an animal chaplain, you might want to consider becoming vegan. It's difficult to minister to animals if you eat them.

Something Good

Sonia

Riverside Community Center for Spiritual Living is offering a FREE three-week book study on Zoom focusing on diversity and inclusion, focusing on Tracy Brown's Stained Glass Spirit, April 16, 23 and 30 at 6:00 PM PST. You can register at www.riversidecsl.org

Jeanne Turner Kataoka

Our next quarterly Animal Memorial Service at Riverside Community Center for Spiritual Living will be at 7:00 PM on June 20 in the community room. Find out more at www.riversidecsl.org

Lezli

Check out my newest book, "Built on Faith: Transform Your Life Through Affirmative Prayer." For a limited time, the eBook version is just 99 cents. Paperback is also available. www.lezligoodwin.com/builtonfaith

We'll see you April 22 for our next episode of Sexy Spirituality. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Sexy Spirituality Episode #31

What is Your Everest?

Hosts

Lezli Goodwin

Sonia Byrne

Guest: TA Loeffler

Opening Chat

Sonia, Lezli and TA chat about their furry family, including dogs who love to play outside and cats that definitely do not.

What is Your Everest?

• TA first started dreaming about peaking big mountains in her teen years, so when the opportunity arose she jumped at it.
• When her first attempt to summit Everest was cut short by illness, she dealt with a big lesson in handling disappointment. TA leaned into her Buddhist practice to befriend her mind and release frustration.
• Her Buddhist mentor told her that she would influence and inspire more people through her three "failed" attempts to peak Everest than she would through her successful summit. Her mentor was right. TA speaks regularly about working through disappointment and continuing to follow your dream.
• Step by step: everything from mountain climbing to tackling your own personal challenges is handled step by step, one tiny increment at a time.

Something Good

Sonia

Riverside Community Center for Spiritual Living is offering a FREE three-week book study on Zoom focusing on diversity and inclusion, focusing on Tracy Brown's Stained Glass Spirit, April 16, 23 and 30 at 6:00 PM PST. You can register at www.riversidecsl.org

TA

In just a couple of weeks, we will be in the high Himalayas. Come along with us online and learn the highs and lows of trekking in the big mountains. You can join in at www.taloeffler.com

Lezli

Check out my newest book, "Built on Faith: Transform Your Life Through Affirmative Prayer." For a limited time, the eBook version is just 99 cents. Paperback is also available. www.lezligoodwin.com/builtonfaith

We'll see you April 15 for our next episode of Sexy Spirituality. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Sexy Spirituality Episode #30

The Spirituality of Conscious Leadership

Hosts

Lezli Goodwin

Sonia Byrne

Guest: Stéphane Leblanc

Opening Chat

Sonia, Lezli and Stéphane chat about their best ways to stay conscious and positive during travel -- meditation apps and audio books.

The Spirituality of Conscious Leadership

• Stéphane Leblanc is the CEO of the International Center for Conscious Leadership
• Most people are still teaching the same societal program: work hard, achieve, make money, be happy. What's missing is depth, meaning, purpose.
• Conscious Leadership is a new paradigm that helps us to have a vision, lead with values, satisfy the needs of all stakeholders (not just shareholders), and to address the obvious problems in the world (climate change, wealth imbalance, lack of access to health care, etc).
• It helps us achieve our goals in an easier way, because it focuses on building cultures where people are inspired to take care of customers, to work well, so customers are happy and buy more. Nobody is taken advantage of.
• Stéphane hit a crisis point where two major depressions made it clear to him that he didn't want to live and work in the old paradigm any longer. It came down to a choice between suicide and building an international company that would introduce conscious leadership to the world.
• People are being drawn together by the universe to do this work together, including attending and presenting at Stéphane's events.
• Spirituality is a major part of the conscious leadership path. Stéphane has often been told that his true talent is helping to reconnect people with Source.

Quote of the Episode

"Love is the biggest foundation for leadership... If you don't love yourself, if you don't love the people you serve, how can you be a leader?" Stéphane Leblanc

Something Good

Sonia

Riverside Community Center for Spiritual Living is offering a FREE three-week book study on Zoom focusing on diversity and inclusion, focusing on Tracy Brown's Stained Glass Spirit, April 16, 23 and 30 at 6:00 PM PST. You can register at www.riversidecsl.org

Stéphane

April 9, you are invited to Global Summit for Conscious Leadership in Montreal Canada. You can register at www.globalsummitforconsciousleadership.com. You can also find out more about Stéphane'sorganization at www.icfconsciousleadership.com

Lezli

New Vision CSL is offering a FREE Community Morning Meditation. 7:00 AM PST, Monday-Friday, you can join us in Zoom Room 602787888 for a 15 minute guided group meditation. Learn more at www.newvisioncsl.org

We'll see you April 8 for our next episode of Sexy Spirituality, "What is Your Everest?" Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Sexy Spirituality Episode #29

Built on Faith

Hosts

Lezli Goodwin

Sonia Byrne

Opening Chat

Sonia & Lezli chat about signs of spring and lament living in places where they can only get tulips at the grocery store.

Built on Faith

• Lezli just released a new book called Built on Faith: Transform Your Life Through Affirmative Prayer. It gives the how-to's and tips and tricks for writing powerful affirmative prayers.
• While this is Lezli's first spiritual book, it is her 14th book. The other 13 books are about beading and jewelry design. She says there are more similarities than you might think.
• It was important to Lezli to use her natural, playful voice in the book because she didn't want it to be too serious. Prayer shouldn't be a drudgery.
• Built on Faith is available on Amazon for just 99 cents for a limited time. It is also available in paperback form.
• The second half of the book is a library of affirmative prayers for every occasion. They are written in the first person, and you can just read them aloud.

Something Good

Sonia

Riverside Community Center for Spiritual Living is offering a FREE one-week Rise & Shine Morning Mindfulness Practice on Zoom beginning March 25, 6:30 AM PST. You can register at www.riversidecsl.org

Lezli

I just released a new book this month. "Built on Faith: Transform Your Life through Affirmative Prayer" is the how-to on affirmative prayer that I wish I'd had when I was learning. Whether you are just starting affirmative prayer or you're looking for a great textbook for your prayer classes, this is the book for you. For a limited time, just 99 cents for the eBook version. www.lezligoodwin.com/builtonfaith

We'll see you April 1 for our next episode of Sexy Spirituality. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Sexy Spirituality Episode #28

The Spirituality of Social Activism

Hosts

Lezli Goodwin

Sonia Byrne

Guest: Jeffrey Kealoha Ryan

Opening Chat

Sonia, Lezli and Jeffrey chat about their favorite Las Vegas experiences, as Rev. Jeffrey prepares to move from Vegas to Riverside, California.

The Spirituality of Social Activism

• Rev. Jeffrey was lead into the work of ministerial social activism as a person who grew up in the LGBTQ experience and felt marginalized at times. Also, coming to the mainland from his home state of Hawaii highlighted the presence of "isms" that he had not previously experienced.
• What about the "political" question? The majority of the issues are not political, but are human rights issues. They might get politicized, but they are not actually political.
• Minsters are called upon to lead with our prophetic voice. Who better to lead the charge for humanitarian and ethical issues.
• Advice for ministers and centers who are looking into this work: Get clear on your intentions, have a lot of conversation within the community before moving forward, watch the news and familiarize yourself with the actually goings-on in your community, reach out to effective local partners to accomplish more.

Something Good

Sonia

Riverside Community Center for Spiritual Living is offering a FREE one-week Rise & Shine Morning Mindfulness Practice on Zoom beginning March 25, 6:30 AM PST. You can register at www.riversidecsl.org

Jeffrey

Riverside CSL is also offering a book discussion April 16th, 23rd & 30th. We'll be discussing the book Stained Glass Spirit by Tracy Brown. It's a practical way to link diversity and inclusion to your ministry's mission. 6:00-7:00 PM PST on Zoom. You can register at www.riversidecsl.org

Lezli

I just released a new book this month. "Built on Faith: Transform Your Life through Affirmative Prayer" is the how-to on affirmative prayer that I wish I'd had when I was learning. Whether you are just starting affirmative prayer or you're looking for a great textbook for your prayer classes, this is the book for you. www.lezligoodwin.com/builtonfaith

We'll see you March 25 for our next episode of Sexy Spirituality. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Sexy Spirituality Episode #27

The Sunday Monday Blues

Hosts

Lezli Goodwin

Sonia Byrne

Opening Chat

Sonia and Lezli chat about how fun it is to visit different spiritual communities and see how folks do things. Each community is completely unique and perfect.

The Sunday Monday Blues

• The Sunday Monday Blues show up when you just don't want your weekend to come to an end. It can look like apathy, sadness or outright dread of Monday morning.
• One classic way to stave off the SMB is to fill yourself up with spiritual community on Sunday. Visit a spiritual center, watch a service online, or get together with some like-minded friends.
• Create a Sunday evening ritual that helps you set your intention for the week.
• Pre-plan something you'll really enjoy on Monday morning, like a favorite meeting or project. Leave yourself encouraging notes to find or a little morning treat.
• If the SMB are ongoing, take some time to look within and identify the real problem. What is it you are dreading? Can you find a way to shift that issue?
• A gratitude practice, especially identifying gratitude around someone or something that is challenging you, can help you change your own attitude. And then, amazingly, the other person often shifts as well!
• Big picture, SMB are an inside issue, and can only be resolved by looking inward and making some decisions around actions and ideas. What will move you forward? What's holding you back? Get connected with a community that will support you in the healthiest choices.

Something Good

Sonia

Riverside Community Center for Spiritual Living is offering a FREE one-week Rise & Shine Morning Meditation on Zoom beginning March 25, 6:30 AM PST. You can find the link on our Facebook Page

Lezli

I just released a new book this month. "Built on Faith: Transform Your Life through Affirmative Prayer" is the how-to on affirmative prayer that I wish I'd had when I was learning. Whether you are just starting affirmative prayer or you're looking for a great textbook for your prayer classes, this is the book for you. www.lezligoodwin.com/builtonfaith

We'll see you March 18 for our next episode of Sexy Spirituality, The Spirituality of Social Activism. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Sexy Spirituality Episode #26

The Spirituality of Coupledom

Hosts

Lezli Goodwin

Sonia Byrne

Guest: Lola Wright

Opening Chat

We chat about how Lola survived the Polar Vortex hitting the Midwest. It turns out that she was in Florida! Of course, the Floridians (like the Arizonans) thought it was freezing anyway!

The Spirituality of Coupledom

• Being in spiritual partnership helps us to move through whatever life brings. It gives us access to different tools and a deeper level of commitment.
• Those who are struggling to find their beloved may want to consider revising their list of things they think they need. Maybe your "type" is ruling out the perfect person for you.
• Your partner is already here. You just have to have eyes to see.
• It's okay if your partner is very different that you. In fact, it can be helpful and provide balance.
• Lola and her husband Nathan teach a class on spiritual relationships. This April, they are creating a couple's retreat to take it deeper.

Something Good

Sonia

March 25-31, I am offering a 6:30 AM PST Rise & Shine Morning Meditation via Zoom. This spiritual practice will be about 15 minutes. Find out more by checking my Facebook page!

Lezli

My book is out! Built on Faith: Transform Your Life Through Affirmative Prayer is the complete how-to book I wish I'd had when I was learning affirmative prayer. Whether you are a student learning or a teacher looking for a great textbook for your prayer classes, this just may be the book for you. Find out more at www.lezligoodwin.com/builtonfaith

Lola

We are having a couple's retreat April 12-14 at a Midwest location TBA. You can find out more at www.BodhiSpiritualCenter.org. Also, follow me on social media, @lolapwright

We'll see you March 11 for our next episode of Sexy Spirituality. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Sexy Spirituality Episode #25

Finding Your Spiritual Home

Hosts

Lezli Goodwin

Sonia Byrne

Opening Chat

Sonia and Lezli learned a lot on their recent road trip, including where to find the world's best gluten-free pizza (a truck stop in Vicksburg, Arizona), American gas stations require zip codes for gas machines, ear buds and ear plugs are different things, and why you should believe a liquor store employee when they say you don't want their wine.

Finding Your Spiritual Home

• There are a number of archetypes of people who come into a spiritual center for the first time. Most people are a blend of these archetypes.
• The Spiritual Seeker: Looking for a community that shares their same beliefs and language, where they can expand and learn.
• The Wounded: Something crisis-level has happened in their life, and they are broken open. Looking for support, love and a safe place to heal.
• The Skeptic: Looking to be convinced that this is better than some other religion or community, but loves to criticize and find fault.
• The Modern Traditionalist: Looking for a traditional spiritual community experience (often for children or family), but wants to avoid the guilt or judgment that they associate with more traditional religion.
• The number one thing that determines whether a person will come back to a church or spiritual center is if they feel like they have someone to sit with. In other words, did people say hello? Were they welcoming? Do they feel like they could belong here?
• Well-meaning people can violently disagree on what makes people feel welcome, because we tend to believe that what makes "us" feel welcome is what makes "people" feel welcome. Hugs, handshakes, having new people stand... all of these have their strong proponents and opponents.
• It is the responsibility of center leadership to be very intentional about creating a welcoming environment. This can include a very clear path to involvement in the community that makes space for varied levels of personal commitment.
• One way to mitigate this is to lean into the word "invitation." This opens up options for people to be acknowledged without people feeling cornered or embarrassed.

Something Good

Sonia

I am offering a workshop at the virtual Center for Spiritual Living Vista Conference on Strategic Planning for Spiritual Communities. March 6, 10:00 AM PST.

Lezli

I am releasing a new book this month. "Built on Faith: Transform Your Life through Affirmative Prayer" is the how-to on affirmative prayer that I wish I'd had when I was learning. Whether you are just starting affirmative prayer or you're looking for a great textbook for your prayer classes, this is the book for you. www.lezligoodwin.com/builtonfaith

We'll see you March 4 for our next episode of Sexy Spirituality, The Spirituality of Coupledom. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Sexy Spirituality Episode #24

Sacred Masculinity

Hosts

Lezli Goodwin

Sonia Byrne

Guest: Eamon Duffy

Opening Chat

We chat about the amazing relationships and connections that come from conventions and retreats. Sonia and Eamon originally met at a ministerial school retreat. Lezli first met our earlier guest Masando Hiraoka at a similar retreat. These relationships are so key to building strong ministries.

Sacred Masculinity

• Eamon Duffy is the director of The Mens Ministry, a natural outgrowth from 25 years of men's work and 25 years of Science of Mind. It's his way to pay it forward, supporting the community of New Thought and men.
• Asking what was his to do, his inner meditation voice said, "Duh, silly...this is what you know how to do!"
• Eamon has a new book, The Blessing Circle, which gives step-by-step instructions for starting and building a men's group. It gives specific activities and ideas about how to build trust and help men open up. It is designed to make the process easy.
• When creating a men's group, Eamon advises getting the minister involved. Their support is key.
• Try starting out with a low-key social gathering. Just start it with a pizza night or a social event after Sunday service. That's an easier entry point for some men.
• These circles are designed to be an ongoing program, to allow for the time to create connection and allow for healing, sharing and opening of the heart.
• What is the value of having a group of all men? There are biological, neurological and sociological differences. It can be easier for some people to build these skills in a more homogeneous group. Once the skills are there, it can absolutely also work in a more heterogeneous group.
• One of the biggest challenges is the Lone Wolf Syndrome, the societal idea that men need to be strong and self-sufficient, never needing help from anyone. It's an unhealthy belief, and groups like this help men break out of that box.
• 1 out of every 10 people say they don't have even one close friend. We need connection to move through life.

Something Good

Sonia

I am offering conscious business coaching packages for conscious entrepreneurs that are looking to both do good and do well. Reach out to me at [email protected] or at my website www.soniabyrne.com

Lezli

I have a new book coming out in March! Built on Faith: Transform Your Life Through Affirmative Prayer is the complete how-to book I wish I'd had when I was learning affirmative prayer. Whether you are a student learning or a teacher looking for a great textbook for your prayer classes, this just may be the book for you. Find out more at www.lezligoodwin.com/builtonfaith

Eamon

We are having the Southwest New Thought Mens Gathering March 22 to 24. Register by Feb 22. (this week). You can find out more on our website www.thenmensministry.org Be sure to sign up for the newsletter. If you would like a copy of The Blessing Circle Book , go to Contact and type in your address. Donate 20.00 to the Mens Ministry and I will send a book out to you.

We'll see you February 25 for our next episode of Sexy Spirituality. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Sexy Spirituality Episode #23

The Spirituality of Failure

Hosts

Lezli Goodwin

Sonia Byrne

Opening Chat

Sonia and Lezli chat about what they do when stuck on a flight with no screen! In Sonia's most recent experience, she had exams to grade and work to do. This never happens to Lezli, because she always has several audio books on her phone. (Usually a cheesy vampire novel...)

The Spirituality of Failure

• Sonia was recently contacted to do a business symposium panel on failure. As someone who is willing to have difficult conversations, of course they wanted to invite her to participate.
• Failure brings out shame, and most people want to hide from that -- lie, deny, distract, drink, whatever it takes to cover it up.
• To become a powerhouse, we often need to have gone through a whole lot of experiences, including serious failures. We want the shortcut, but it doesn't work like that.
• We learn what works by experiencing what doesn't work!
• Many people are afraid to do brave things that risk failure publicly. If you are going to try big things, you're going to suck sometimes. There's nothing you can do about it except continue showing up.
• I am more afraid of living a life that is not fully expressed than I am of failure.
• We often learn more from failures than we do successes.
• What do you value more? Avoiding failure or avoiding regret?
• We love to reference icons like Steve Jobs or Thomas Edison or Madonna. We have a tendency to overlook the rounds of failure and only look at the success. But the failures are actually steps in the process of success.
• If you're going to fail, fail big and then -- TA DA!!!!
• Failure does not indicate that there is something wrong. It simply means there is more to be discovered before you reach your goal.
• Something important is happening here every time we get back up and TA DA!

Something Good

Sonia

I am offering a workshop at the virtual Center for Spiritual Living Vista Conference on Strategic Planning for Spiritual Communities. March 6, 10:00 AM PST.

Lezli

I am teaching another round of Releasing the Rocks, my two-session workshop that helps you release old emotions and live a life that is more free. This version is in person in Phoenix. Find out more and register at www.newvisioncsl.org

We'll see you February 18 for our next episode of Sexy Spirituality. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].