Do you ever wonder about the value of sitting in silence or of rhythmically repeating a word or phrase over and over again? Join us as we talk about the many possibilities that we (and others we know) have discovered for engaging this prayer practice - a form of prayer that exists specifically for helping us connect with - and encounter - Divine Presence. While it may seem counterintuitive to spend any amount of time in extended pause, what practitioners report time and time again is that it helps them feel at peace, see possibility, and experience connection. May it be.

Additional Resources
Book: The Cloud of Unknowing by Unknown

Hashtags
Stillness, Prayer, Spirituality, Apophatic, Prayer Beads, Breath Prayer, Lectio Divina

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On this week’s podcast, we begin a new series, exploring words that are often heard in contemplative circles. Our journey through this series begins with Contemplative Prayer. Join us as we consider how this form of prayer tends to expand and open our awareness in ever-deepening ways, how we discover layers we may not have been aware of before, and most profoundly, how our connection to Divine Presence becomes more accessible in our day-to-day lives as a result of these many and varied forms of prayer.

Additional Resources
Book: The Contemplative Heart by James Finley
Book: Wild Mercy by Mirabai Starr
Book: Being Home Gunilla Norris

Hashtags
Divine Presence, Prayer, Spirituality, Yin Yoga, Jesuits, God in the Ordinary, Sacred

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Many of us can relate to feeling like there’s just too much, that whatever we’re doing is never enough, that the things we’re facing are more than we can bear. We live in a culture that is constantly calling us to more and that asks us to continually be at the top of our game. On this week’s podcast, we talk about why so many of us revert to numbing when we begin to feel those feelings of overwhelm, stress, and exhaustion. We examine how the contemplative life can help us in the midst of these difficult emotions and experiences. And we consider the possibility that there may be some positive things we can do to numb that can ultimately lead to feeling satisfied, fulfilled, and rested.

Additional Resources
Book: How to Lose Weight for the Last Time by Katrina Ubell

#Toxic Achievement Culture #Dopamine #Serotonin #Mindfulness #Boredom #Overwhelmed #Stressed

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Do you ever feel sort of blah, like you’re neither quite happy but not necessarily depressed either - just, sort of, in the middle? On this week’s podcast, we explore reasons for why this feeling can occur. We talk about when this might be a good thing for us, when it’s okay to just rest in that space. But we also talk about what to do when this is less of a good thing for us. Join us as we talk about how the contemplative life can help us tend to what is going on, both internally and externally, in our lives. 

Additional Resources
YouTube Channel: Oliver Anthony
Cookbook: SImply in Season by Mary Beth Lind and Cathleen Hockman-Wert

Hashtags
#Ageism, #SeasonsofLife, #PurposeandMeaning #SeasonsofRest #Pause #HelpingOthers #FeelingBlah #Community #Pandemic

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Ever feel unsure about what to think? Find yourself having trouble expressing yourself? This week’s podcast leads us to talking about how using our contemplative practices can be of use when we’re feeling too much inner swirl. Whether we’re trying to get back into the swing of things or we just don’t know where to go next, feeling jumbled is an experience common to us all. And because no two people or situations are exactly alike, the things that each of us needs in any particular moment are as unique as we are. Join us as we share our own stories and talk about what it might look like to create safe spaces for one another when life is feeling a bit too jumbled.

#Holding Space #Internal Processor #External Processor #Brainstorm #Making Plans #Feminine Energy #Masculine Energy #Confusion

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For those who aren’t sure if their questions are welcome, for those who have physically been relocated, for those who are wondering if they need a new community, for anyone feeling spiritually without friends or company…This week’s podcast aims to encourage the one who is feeling grief and loss spiritually. It is okay to name your feelings. Join us as we talk about what it looks like to return to balance in this area of our wellbeing - because when one part of us is feeling unwell, the whole of our being suffers.

Additional Resources
Article: Life after Lifestyle by Toby Shorin

#SpiritualCompanions #LiminalSpace #NamingEmotions #SpiritualFriends #Culture #Wellbeing #Loneliness

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Teresa of Avila was a nun in the Carmelite Order who lived during the time of the Spanish Inquisition. Her life and her writings speak to us about what it looks like to truly find union with God in the midst of our struggle and difficulty. She teaches us that this deep connection with the Divine is not just for the spiritual giants but for all of us. On this week’s podcast, we spend time asking: Is it possible to have a deep and meaningful connection with the Source of all life without the difficulties? Can we experience God’s presence in the exceptionally ordinary moments of our lives? Join us as we talk about the inspiring and thought-provoking life of Teresa of Avila.

Additional Resources
Book: The Interior Castle by Teresa of Avila

#DarkNightOfTheSoul #Distraction #Prayer #UnionWithGod #Difficulties #Meditation #CenteringPrayer #Petition #PraythePsalms #VictorFrankl

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Brother Lawrence, a 17th century Carmelite monk offers us hope for the future and a chance to see how God is present to our lives in the here and now. Join us as we talk about some of the themes from his spiritual practices that continue to inspire us today - how awareness allows us to connect with God in even the most ordinary of things, how it grounds us and reminds us of goodness. In a world where we are constantly being asked to prove how we measure up, Brother Lawrence’s contemplative practices help us to find that spiritual space that we can so easily become disconnected from.

Additional Resources
Book: Practice of the Presence: A Revolutionary Translation by Carmen Acevedo Butcher
Book: Being Home by Gunilla Norris

#Awareness #Ordinary #Prayer #BrotherLawrence #spiritual #lettinggo #Peace #Trust

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St. Thérèse of Lisieux becomes our spiritual companion this week as we talk about how she continues to inspire people yet today with this idea that little acts make a big difference. Have you ever found that one person’s simple act of kindness made your whole day better? On this week’s podcast, we talk about how surprisingly impactful it is when one person’s small gesture winds up increasing our quality of life. Join us as we take delight in the simple joys that St. Thérèse has passed down to us.

Additional Resources
Book: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Book: The Book of Joy
Book: The Little Way of St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Book: A Little White Flower: The story of St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Book: The Lives We Actually Have by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie
Website: Sally’s Baking Addiction

#ThereseofLisieux #Mystics #LittleWay #Love #SimpleActs #Kindness #Compassion

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On this week’s podcast, we turn to St. Benedict whose life and work offers us a practical approach to living that has influenced many across time. Join us as we talk about how his Rule of Life has helped us find everything from spontaneity to pause, has increased our ability to be more present to this moment now, and has given us a framework for the ongoing journey of life. Allow old words to take on new meaning as we continue our Mystics and Contemplatives series.

Additional Resources
Event: Make Music Day, national event on the day of summer solstice

#StBenedict #RuleofLife #rebirth #order #joy #delight #prayer #humility #conversion #DeepListening

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Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.