Human nature tends to be such that we want to figure out who we are, who “our people'' are, and then settle into whatever feels easiest and most familiar. What’s more, psychologically speaking, our brains appear to be hard-wired to seek out people who look, think, behave, and even believe similarly to ourselves. But on the other side of that coin, an increasing number of people are discovering that an even deeper faith life has become possible by leaning into differences and even celebrating them. On this week’s podcast, we talk about how enriching it has been to learn about - and share in - the faith traditions of others. Join us for a dialogue centered around the practice of nurturing our interspiritual friendships.

NOTE:  At The Contemplative Life, we take seriously our commitment to bring a quality experience to our podcast listeners. In today’s podcast, you’ll notice some moments where the audio has been affected by internet latency issues. We apologize and are working to resolve the issue for future podcasts. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Additional Resources:
Book: The Guitar Grimoire by Adam Kadmon

#Interspiritual #Interfaith #Teasdale #Tao #Curiosity #Spiritual #Compassion #DalaiLama #BrotherLawrence

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Today we’re joined by Nicki Nelson, Director of Spiritual Guidance Initiatives at the Siena Retreat Center in Racine, Wisconsin, who is sharing with us today about how caretaking has a way of bringing us to the edges of ourselves. At the end of the day, it turns out, we need a way to both nurture ourselves as well as those we’re caring for. Join us as Nicki shares with vulnerability and wisdom about how the pressures of caretaking build up, what happens at the brain level, and what spiritual practices have been helpful to her personally in being able to transform her relationships with those that she provides care for.

Additional Resources:
Resource: 4 Keys to Caretaking as a Spiritual Practice
Website: www.nickinelson.com
Retreat Center: Siena Retreat Center

#Caretaking #Parenting #Spiritual #SpiritualPractices #Ignatian #HolyIndifference #Examen #CenteringPrayer #BreathingPractices #Yoga

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The (Spiritual) Wilderness is often associated with times of dryness. It may be that we come to find ourselves thrust suddenly into this world by way of suffering, trauma, and loss. We may experience it alone or in community with others. But however we arrive there, it would seem that the Wilderness cannot be avoided. And so, on this week’s podcast, we talk about what might be possible during those seasons. Can we rely on something deeper inside ourselves? Can we shift our points of focus? Can we find the gifts - “the little wells that are hidden in the desert?” Join us as we talk about our experiences of feeling upside down, lonely, confused, and so much more.

Additional Resources:
Richard Rohr Quote: Experiencing Our Own Deserts
Podcast: Spiritual Bypassing
Book: The Little Prince

#Spiritual #Wilderness #SpiritualDesert #SpiritualDryness #Possibility #DesertFathers #Seasons #SpiritualPractices
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Money can be a challenging topic, fraught with emotions and baggage that we may or may not even be aware of. But on this week’s podcast, we talk about the value of having a safe space to become still, to look at our values, and to become aware of where our notions and feelings about money are coming from. In that sort of environment, we have the freedom to become gentle with ourselves, to name what we have learned, and to gain a sense of clarity around what is needed financially in this season of life. Join us as we consider how the contemplative can take a difficult subject and make it not only manageable, but transformative.

Additional Resources:
Toothpaste: Bite

#Timeline #Contemplative #Spiritual #Money #Anxiety #Generosity #Paradox #FinancialMistakes

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Today we’re joined by Kristina’s longtime friend, Jason Ruona, in talking about the benefits of having virtual opportunities to connect spiritually. It’s not uncommon for people to wonder if there are too many barriers to online engagement, and so today, we take some time to talk both about why virtual connection has offered us meaningful space to connect spiritually as well as what sorts of things we’ve done to keep barriers to a minimum. Join us as Jason shares a bit about the evolution of his spiritual journey and why Foundry Spiritual Center has helped him to have easily accessible spiritual connection points throughout his days.

Additional Resources:
Book: The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr
YouTube Channel: Foundry Spiritual Center
Hand Cream: Duke Cannon Bloody Knuckles

#Virtual #Retreats #Prayer #FoundrySpiritualCenter #FoundrySC #FSC #Online #Contemplative

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Today we’re taking some time for a little behind-the-scenes glimpse: Who are we? What has our spiritual journey been? How did Foundry Spiritual Center, the sponsor of our podcast, come to be? Join us as we think through the desires of our hearts that have led us to this particular moment now. And then, maybe take some time for some soul searching of your own. Check out the other offerings of Foundry Spiritual Center. Give space and time for the Divine Spark within to speak to the very core of your being. 

Additional Resources:
Book: The Great Work of Your Life by Stephen Cope
Article: We Revisited People Who Left their Jobs Last Year.  Are They (Still) Happy? written by Joshua Needelman
Book: Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story by Bono

#Spirituality #TakingRisks #EvolvingFaith #Discernment #FoundrySpiritualCenter #FoundrySC #ContemplativeFormation #Retreats #SpiritualDirection

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Fasting can occur in many forms, both for religious and non-religious reasons. And, as we’ll explore on the podcast, there are many personal and communal benefits that can come from it. But also, as we’ll discover today, it’s not uncommon to find that fasting has been something that has required journey as our faith lives have evolved. It’s been helpful to ask questions like: What do I want to become aware of? What intentions am I looking to set? Join us as we talk about the gains that can be found when we say yes to letting go of something, even if only for a short period of time.

Additional Resources:
Artist: Spencer LaJoye

#Spiritual #SpiritualPractices #Fasting #Lent #DanielFast #IntermittentFasting #FastingBenefits #Ramadan #SocialJustice

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Today we’re joined by Jon Anderson, executive director of Collaboration Project, who’s sharing with us the win-win rewards that come when we put relationships first, listen carefully to one another, and allow good work in the community to emerge from a sense of meaningful partnership. Do you sometimes feel like you’re spinning your wheels trying to be helpful in the world around you? Maybe you like the idea of collaboration, but the barriers have been too great. Join us as Jon shares what he’s learned from over two decades of wondering why there wasn’t more help for those who want to help.

Additional Resources:
Website: Collaboration Project
Facebook: Collaboration Project
Instagram: Collaboration Project
YouTube: Collaboration Project

#Relationship #Collaboration#DeepListening #SpiritualPractices #Spiritual #Community #RelationshipBuilding #CollaborationProject #SoAllMayFlourish

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On this week’s podcast, we take a moment to become aware of - and to celebrate - the spring equinox and how the seasons of life can be teachers for us along the way in our own journeys. And boy the spring does not disappoint! Perhaps you're in a season of contemplating balance in your life? Maybe there’s something new that is ready to bud. Or, as is true for some of us, could it be that you’re not ready for the hustle and bustle that comes with longer days and shorter nights? Join us as we consider all that this special day of the year has to offer us.

#SpringEquinox #Spirituality #Equanimity #Equality #Vernal #NewLife #Discomfort #SeasonsofLife

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Today we are joined by Zil Eiler, an intuitive business coach and mentor who is sharing with us about how to “get unstuck,” whether those points of struggle are about our decisions, our circumstances, our relationships, or something else. This 20-minute interview is jam-packed with tips on how to reframe your thinking, how to increase your experience of joy, how to follow your intuition, and what to do when you’re feeling overwhelmed by the decisions you need to make.

Additional Resources
Book: Hope As Old As Fire by Steven Charleston
Connect with Zil: Zil Eiler is on Instagram at ZilEilerCoaching

#Coaching #MakingDecisions #Reframing #FindingJoy #Intuition #DecisionFatigue #Journey #PresentMoment #Hope

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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.