Today we look at 8 ways spiritual direction has personally changed our lives as we’ve engaged in this practice for well over a decade.   We hope it can spark something in our listeners who may be considering finding a spiritual director, getting trained in spiritual direction or to use as a resource to share with someone who may benefit from spiritual direction. 

Mentioned in today’s episode:

Egyptian Licorice tea

Mica Powder

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Today we explore ancient wisdom around pause and the significance it has in our modern lives.  As we share historical context and practical ideas, we hope you are inspired to engage new ways of pause in your own life.

Mentioned in this episode:

Ep 178  Contemplative Figures: Desert Fathers and Mothers

Ep 133  St. Benedict: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration

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Today we explore the backstory of Ignatius Loyola and how imagination and daydreaming helped him (and others) get in touch with the movement of the Spirit.  We are joined by spiritual director, Phoebe Love, sharing her experiences facilitating groups in the Ignatian Exercises as well as her own story of being shaped by meditating on God’s love.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Pray As You Go app

Inner Compass by Margaret Silf

The Ignatian Adventure by Kevin O’Brien SJ

ignatianspirituality.com

godinallthings.com

phoebelove.org

Farmer’s Almanac

Puff’s plus

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Today, we explore what discernment is and some practical ways to engage this spiritual practice.  We highlight several books that have informed our thinking around this topic, as well as episodes 22 & 23, Vocational Discernment Part 1 & 2.

To work with us, reach out  at [email protected]

Helpful books on discernment:

The Great Work of Your Life   by Stephen Cope

Falling Upward by Richard Rohr  

Pursuing God’s Will Together by Ruth Haley Barton

The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks  

The Dream Manager by Mattew Kelly & Patrick Lencioni

WHAT I’M INTO:

Pomegranate spritzers with Spindrift Belli-no

Quill pens from turkey feathers

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In this episode, we explore the gifts of neurodivergence within the contemplative life.

Join us as we discover how ways of being such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia open fresh pathways to the Divine.

Check out some resources for neurodivergence mentioned on The Contemplative Life blog.

AUDIBLE LEARNERS

Kindle

Kindle has the ability to read books to you.  This has been a game changer for those who find reading cumbersome but desire to read books or have a screen free wind down option at bed, since you are listening rather than scrolling. 

An audible account is also a great resource for sharing books among family members or having your own library available to you.  You have opportunities to collect points and also have many free options.

Blocking sound

Many learning styles and personalities find benefits from noise canceling headphones that help you lock in.   Over the ear options are great if you want to make it obvious that you are not interested in conversation or engaging at the moment.  

Having some affordable in ear options can also be great to keep in backpacks, next to work out clothes, or other places.  For those who tend to lose items, these allow you to track them.  

TACTILE INPUT

These nice plush blankets, as well as weighted blankets, are perfect for cozy hygge type evenings.

Along with that, long hot showers are a favorite way to unwind and release all the experiences from the day.  Having a good shower head makes the difference as well as my favorite Eucalyptus scrub.

We are also beginning to explore rings that we can twirl as we engage on Zoom meetings or in situations when we need to release energy.

Our kids like weighted stuffed animals at bedtime.  There's many cute ones to choose from to switch it up.

We are new to the world of handheld spiky textures as a way to wake up parts of the brain when we feel a bit of a slump.

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Today we discuss the value of integrating special experiences and learnings into our daily lives.  We look at some examples from our own lives, as well as beginning to explore Ken Wilbur’s Integral Theory.  

Mentioned in this episode:

What I Am Into:

Backgammon 

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Today we look at perspectives from philosopher, Albert Borgman and historian, Daniel Immerwahr.   We see how history reveals that what was once deemed as a “threat” to flourishing is now seen as a focal practice.  Join us as we wrestle with some of our thoughts and experiences around what it means to experience connection, embodiment, creativity and attention in our modern world.

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 Alejandro Rodriguez joins us today to talk about discovering contemplative paths in the midst of a corporate lifestyle.  We explore both the healthy and shadow sides of ambition and accomplishment. 

Learn more about Alejandro’s current work at yesandsc.com

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Join us today as we explore ways we are noticing AI coming into our contemplative spaces.  What are the opportunities? What are some of the shadow sides? We look at ways we can grow in our awareness of this aspect of life that is rapidly growing. 

For those interested in learning more about this topic, we did a previous episode in early 2024, E 162 Thoughts on AI. 

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Today we explore the topic of places and the ways that places have impacted us.  

We discuss  4 types of travel and the impact it makes in our lives.

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