The Spiritual Ninja Podcast

What would make someone walk away from a promising music career to become a monk?

In this episode of the Spiritual Ninja Podcast, Jonathan Hewitt sits down with Dr. Neale Lundgren to explore his extraordinary journey from professional musician to Benedictine monk, a path shaped by spiritual literature, meditation, prayer, and a deeper search for meaning.

Neale shares how reading the works of Hermann Hesse, Dostoevsky, and Tolstoy sparked a desire to explore spiritual life more deeply. That search took him across Europe and North Africa before eventually leading him to a Benedictine monastery, where he spent eight years immersed in monastic life.

Together, Jonathan and Neale explore:

• Why Neale left a promising career in music to pursue a spiritual path
• How spiritual literature can awaken a deeper search for meaning
• His unexpected journey through Europe and North Africa
• How he discovered the Benedictine tradition and monastic life
• The Benedictine principle of Ora et Labora, meaning prayer and work
• The three monastic commitments of stability, obedience, and conversion of life
• How Lectio Divina uses sacred texts as a path to deeper awareness
• The four stages of sacred reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation
• How gratitude and sacred words can transform the way we begin each day
• Why love, acceptance, and inner connection matter more than religious labels
  

Neale also shares the powerful experience of praying and singing Psalm 139, along with the teaching that love can help us reconnect with our deepest sense of belonging.

Whether you're religious, spiritual, or simply searching for a more meaningful way to live, this conversation offers an intimate look at how one person's search for purpose became a lifelong journey into prayer, contemplation, and love.

This is Part 1 of a three-part conversation exploring Dr. Neale Lundgren's journey through Benedictine monastic life and the spiritual practices that continue to shape his life today.

Learn more about Dr. Neale Lundgren and his work:
https://nealelundgren.com/

Learn more about Spiritual Ninja Podcast and Life Ki-do:
https://spiritualninjapodcast.com/
https://lifekido.com/

Subscribe to the Spiritual Ninja Podcast for more conversations exploring sacred texts, personal transformation, and practical wisdom for everyday life.

What happens when you stop identifying with everything happening in your mind and simply rest in awareness?

In the third and final conversation with Buddhist teacher Justin Michelson, Jonathan Hewitt explores the fourth foundation of mindfulness from the Satipatthana Sutta and the deeper freedom that can emerge through sustained mindfulness practice.

After exploring the body in Episode 1 and feelings and mind states in Episode 2, Justin takes the conversation one step further: What happens when we turn our attention toward awareness itself?

Justin describes this as discovering the spaciousness, stillness, and presence that exist beneath the constant movement of thoughts, emotions, desires, and circumstances. Instead of trying to create a particular experience or become a different version of ourselves, the practice becomes learning to rest in what is already here.

In this conversation, Jonathan and Justin explore:

• The fourth foundation of mindfulness

• What it means to turn attention toward awareness itself

• How mindfulness can create a sense of inner freedom

• Why we don't have to identify with every thought or emotion

• The Buddhist teaching of non-self (anatta)

• What happens when we stop trying to locate or define ourselves

• The difference between awareness and the experiences awareness observes

• How spaciousness, stillness, and silence can become objects of meditation

• What it means to experience life without clinging

• The Buddhist practice of simply seeing, hearing, sensing, and knowing

• How mindfulness can become a refuge during difficult experiences

• Why awareness and compassion can transform how we relate to ourselves and others

Justin also shares a simple way to practice: just seeing, just hearing, just sensing, just thinking, without adding anything extra.

Rather than trying to escape life or create the perfect experience, this Buddhist teaching points toward something much simpler: being fully present with what is, without clinging to it.

This is Sacred Texts Ep. 3, the final conversation in Jonathan and Justin's exploration of the four foundations of mindfulness.

Listen to the previous episodes:Episode 1: Mindfulness of the Bodyhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/1WdtTXB8lels7wMKVQmndb?si=4eGKBRuNTz6BN8hePR3peAEpisode 2: You Are Not Your Emotionshttps://open.spotify.com/episode/0mZ9btcz9cXSxSUOarKH0I?si=D93vHSt5RMWw8vKanMrcZwLearn more about Justin Michelson:https://www.justinmichelsondharma.com/Learn more about Life Ki-do:https://lifekido.com/#Mindfulness #Buddhism #Meditation

You are not your emotions. In this second conversation with Buddhist teacher Justin Michelson, Jonathan Hewitt explores how Buddhist mindfulness can help us relate to difficult emotions without becoming consumed by them.

Drawing from the Satipatthana Sutta, Justin introduces the second and third foundations of mindfulness: noticing pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral feeling tones, and becoming aware of mind states such as anger, fear, sadness, anxiety, and depression.

Rather than trying to get rid of uncomfortable emotions or hold onto pleasant experiences, the practice is to recognize what is happening as it is. By developing this kind of awareness, we can begin to create space between what we experience and who we believe we are.

Jonathan and Justin also explore:

• Why pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral experiences shape our emotions
• How mindfulness can prevent us from getting carried away by difficult feelings
• The difference between experiencing an emotion and identifying with it
• How impermanence can change our relationship with anxiety, sadness, anger, and fear
• Why trying to control our emotions can create more suffering
• How self-compassion and care can help difficult emotions transform
• What it means to find a refuge in awareness
• How mindfulness can help us respond instead of simply react
• Why we don't have to wait for life to become perfect before experiencing peace

Justin shares how his own practice of mindfulness and self-compassion helped him relate differently to fear, anxiety, anger, and trauma, while Jonathan explores how bringing care and kindness into each moment can transform our experience.

This is Sacred Texts Ep. 2, continuing the conversation on the Satipatthana Sutta and the foundations of Buddhist mindfulness.

Learn more about Justin Michelson: https://www.justinmichelsondharma.com/Learn more about Life Ki-do: https://lifekido.com/

#Mindfulness #Buddhism #EmotionalAwareness

What if the way to become more present isn't to think harder, but to come back to your body?

In this episode of the Spiritual Ninja Podcast, Jonathan Hewitt sits down with Buddhist teacher Justin Michelson to explore the Satipatthana Sutta, one of the foundational Buddhist teachings on mindfulness.

Justin explains how sati—often translated as mindfulness—can also be understood as remembering: remembering to come back to what is already happening instead of constantly living in our thoughts, trying to fix things, or wishing life were different.

Together, Jonathan and Justin explore mindfulness of the body, everyday meditation, staying present while walking, driving, working, eating, and moving, and the surprising balance between being deeply intimate with experience while remaining unattached to it.

You'll discover how to:

• Get out of your head and reconnect with your body
• Practice mindfulness during everyday activities
• Use physical sensations as an anchor to the present moment
• Be present without constantly trying to change your experience
• Understand the Buddhist idea of intimacy without attachment
• Bring meditation into movement, work, driving, and daily life
• Develop a more grounded relationship with your body and the present moment

This is the first of three conversations with Justin Michelson exploring the Satipatthana Sutta, moving from mindfulness of the body toward feelings, mind, and awareness.

Justin and Jonathan also explore why ancient Buddhist teachings can still offer practical guidance for modern life—and why sometimes the most powerful spiritual practice is simply learning to be fully where you already are.

Learn more about Justin Michelson:

https://www.justinmichelsondharma.com/

Learn more about Jonathan Hewitt:

https://lifekido.com/

How should we live? Throughout history, people across cultures, religions, and philosophies have asked this fundamental question. In this episode, Jonathan Hewitt explores a simple human moral code built around three principles: kindness toward yourself, kindness toward others, and kindness toward the environment.But kindness isn't simply about being nice. It can require courage, responsibility, respect, boundaries, awareness, and accountability.Jonathan explores how this simple framework can help us:Build a healthier relationship with ourselvesUnderstand and care for our fears, insecurities, and mistakesDevelop greater compassion for others without excusing harmful behaviorCreate healthy boundaries when necessaryBecome more conscious of our relationship with the environmentBring kindness into our families, schools, businesses, and communitiesPractice kindness as a way of living, not just an occasional actionThe practice is simple: pause, ask what kindness looks like toward yourself, others, and the environment, and choose the next action that aligns with all three.What if something this simple could change the way we approach everyday life?Learn More About Jonathan Hewitt:https://spiritualninjapodcast.com/

https://lifekido.com/#HumanMoralCode #Kindness

#HowShouldWeLive #PersonalGrowth #SelfAwareness #HealthyRelationships #SpiritualNinja #LifeKiDo

What does it mean to truly live naturally?In this episode of the Spiritual Ninja Podcast, Jonathan Hewitt continues his conversation with Dr. Neale Lundgren about the Tao Te Ching and explores one of Taoism's deepest ideas: Ziran — living naturally, spontaneously, and in harmony with the way of life.Dr. Lundgren shares how his years as a Benedictine monk and his experiences in nature eventually led him toward Taoism, Qigong, and a deeper understanding of the Tao.Together, Jonathan and Dr. Lundgren explore:Why nature can be our greatest teacherWhat the Tao Te Ching means by living naturallyThe relationship between body, breath, spirit, and the TaoHow to move from judgment toward discernmentWhat it means to lead without dominatingHow sacred texts can become practical ways of livingWhy authenticity isn't about simply "being yourself"A simple breathing and meditation practice for daily lifeThe episode closes with a practice of riding the wave of the breath, using gentle nasal breathing, awareness, and visualization to reconnect with the natural flow within us.This is Episode 3 of Season 2, where Jonathan explores sacred texts and spiritual traditions with experienced teachers and practitioners—and turns their wisdom into practices we can bring into modern life.Continue the series with Episodes 1 & 2 for the previous Tao Te Ching teachings and practices.Explore MoreSpiritual Ninja Podcast:https://spiritualninjapodcast.com/Life Ki-do:https://lifekido.com/#TaoTeChing #Taoism #SpiritualNinjaPodcast #Spirituality #Qigong #Meditation #PersonalGrowth #Nature #InnerPeace #Consciousness

What if the way out of stress, anxiety, and overthinking isn't to fight them—but to soften?

In this episode of the Spiritual Ninja Podcast, Jonathan Hewitt continues his conversation with Dr. Neale Lundgren about the Tao Te Ching, exploring Chapter 56 and its surprisingly practical approach to finding greater peace and awareness.

The passage offers a simple sequence:

Close your mouth.
Block the door.
Quiet your senses.
Blunt the sharpness.
Untie the tangles.
Soften the brightness.
Be one with the dust.
Enter the primal oneness.

Dr. Lundgren explains how these words can become a practice for working with the tangled thoughts, emotions, fears, and tensions we carry within ourselves.

Rather than trying to force our minds to become quiet, the practice invites us to soften, breathe, observe, and create the conditions for the knots to loosen naturally.

Jonathan and Dr. Lundgren explore:

• Why trying to control our thoughts can make them louder
• How breathing and awareness can quiet the “monkey mind”
• What it means to “untie the tangles” within us
• How stress and emotional tension can become inner knots
• The difference between visualizing change and “actualizing” it
• Why we don't need to judge our meditation practice
• How nature can become a teacher of presence and harmony
• What the Tao Te Ching means by entering the “primal oneness”
• How becoming more harmonious within ourselves changes our relationships with others
• A simple practice you can try throughout the week

One of the central ideas of this conversation is beautifully simple:

We don't have to force ourselves into the Tao. We can soften enough to notice what is already there.

At the end of the episode, Jonathan and Dr. Lundgren leave listeners with a practice: notice the knots within you, bring gentle awareness to them, and allow them to soften without judgment.

This is part of Season 2 of the Spiritual Ninja Podcast, exploring sacred texts, timeless wisdom, consciousness, spirituality, and practical ways to bring these teachings into modern life.

Explore More

Spiritual Ninja Podcast:
https://spiritualninjapodcast.com/

Life Ki-do:
https://lifekido.com/

#TaoTeChing #Taoism #SpiritualNinjaPodcast #Stress #Anxiety #Overthinking #InnerPeace #Spirituality #Meditation #Consciousness #PersonalGrowth #Tao #Mindfulness

What can the Tao Te Ching teach us about living with greater peace, harmony, and authenticity?In the first episode of Season 2 of the Spiritual Ninja Podcast, Jonathan Hewitt sits down with Dr. Neale Lundgren to explore the wisdom of Taoism, the Tao Te Ching, Qigong, nature, and the practice of living in harmony with life.Dr. Lundgren brings decades of experience with spiritual traditions, including Benedictine monasticism, psychology, world religions, and Qigong. Together, Jonathan and Neale explore Chapter 2 of the Tao Te Ching and what its ancient wisdom can reveal about duality, balance, nature, relationships, and our everyday lives.Rather than simply discussing spiritual ideas, this conversation asks a practical question:How do we actually live this wisdom?In this episode, you'll discover:• What the Tao really means and why it is difficult to define• The deeper wisdom of Chapter 2 of the Tao Te Ching• The difference between oppositional duality and harmonious duality• Why nature can teach us how to live more authentically• How Qigong connects the body, breath, and mind• Why being present to the five senses can become a spiritual practice• A simple five-senses practice you can try in nature• How observation without judgment can calm the mind• Why we often become disconnected from our natural state• How Taoist principles can transform our relationships• Why inner harmony comes before creating harmony with others• How to respond to anger and emotional turbulence without becoming reactive• What "wu wei" and non-action can teach us about responding to life• Why spiritual practice matters more than simply understanding spiritual ideasDr. Neale also shares a simple practice based on the five senses: soft sight, listening, smell, touch, and taste, followed by opening awareness to all five together while walking in nature.The goal isn't to escape everyday life. It's to become more present within it.As Jonathan and Neale explore, the Tao points toward a way of living that is natural, authentic, balanced, and connected to the flow of life.This episode begins Spiritual Ninja Podcast Season 2, where each guest explores important teachings and passages from sacred texts and shares how they can help us live from our deepest selves in modern life.Try the practice from this episode and see what you notice.Subscribe to the Spiritual Ninja Podcast for conversations about spirituality, consciousness, meditation, sacred texts, personal growth, purpose, and learning to live with greater presence, love, and connection.Connect with Dr. Neale Lundgrenhttps://nealelundgren.com/Connect with Jonathan and Life Ki-doLearn more about Life Ki-do and Jonathan's work:https://lifekido.com/Explore the Spiritual Ninja Podcasthttps://spiritualninjapodcast.com/#TaoTeChing #Taoism #Qigong #SpiritualAwakening #Meditation #InnerPeace #SpiritualGrowth #Mindfulness #TaoistWisdom #SpiritualNinjaPodcast

What happens when you sit down with people from different spiritual traditions and ask how their beliefs actually shape the way they live?After an incredible first season of the Spiritual Ninja Podcast, Jonathan Hewitt reflects on the conversations and personal stories that stayed with him most. While each guest came from a different background, many of their experiences pointed toward the same deeper qualities: presence, courage, kindness, service, connection, and learning to live from something deeper within ourselves.Jonathan shares some of the biggest insights he took away from these conversations and what they revealed about the spiritual journey.One idea kept coming back: there may be many paths, but they can lead us toward the same deeper source of life, love, and connection.Now, Season 2 takes that exploration in a new direction.Each guest will choose three meaningful lessons or passages from a sacred text that have personally shaped their lives. They'll share what the passage means to them, how it influenced their journey, and how its wisdom can be applied to life today.The traditions may be different, but the question is universal:How can ancient wisdom help us live more fully today?Season 2 begins with Dr. Neil Lundgren.Join us for more conversations about spirituality, sacred texts, consciousness, personal growth, purpose, courage, love, and learning how to navigate both our inner world and everyday life.Explore MoreLearn more about the Spiritual Ninja Podcast:https://spiritualninjapodcast.com/Learn more about Jonathan and Life Ki-do:https://lifekido.com/Subscribe to the Spiritual Ninja Podcast for more conversations about spirituality, awakening, personal growth, meditation, purpose, and living with greater peace, connection, and authenticity.#SpiritualNinjaPodcast #SpiritualAwakening #Spirituality #SpiritualGrowth #SacredTexts #Season2 #PersonalGrowth #Consciousness #InnerPeace #Purpose

In this episode of the Spiritual Ninja Podcast, Jonathan Hewitt sits down with Tom Cedel, retired Air Force F-16 pilot, university president, educator, scientist, and lifelong student of faith, to explore one of life's biggest questions: What are we here to do?

Tom's remarkable journey takes him from flying F-16s and serving in the military to earning a PhD, leading a university, mentoring future leaders, and navigating cancer. Through all of it, one idea kept returning: vocation is not about what you get. It's about who you serve.

Together, Jonathan and Tom explore:

• What it really means to find your calling
• Why your purpose may be bigger than your career
• How faith can provide a foundation during uncertainty
• Why disappointment and unexpected detours may be part of your path
• The connection between vocation, service, and community
• How to listen to your heart instead of living entirely from your head
• Why character and competence must grow together
• The meaning of an "upright heart and skillful hands"
• How relationships can help us stay grounded through difficult seasons
• What cancer taught Tom about how he wants to live
• Why life may be less about "me" and more about "us"
• How kindness, service, and community can become a spiritual practice

Tom also shares a powerful perspective on purpose:

"It's not about me. It's about community. It's about us."

This is a deeply human conversation about faith, purpose, service, leadership, resilience, and learning to trust the path even when life doesn't unfold the way we expected.

If you've ever wondered What am I supposed to do with my life?, How do I find my calling?, or What is my purpose?, this conversation offers a grounded and deeply personal perspective.

Connect with Tom Cedel

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tom-cedel-b9b5a87/

Explore Spiritual Ninja

🔗 https://spiritualninjapodcast.com/

Subscribe for more conversations about spirituality, personal growth, purpose, consciousness, leadership, and learning how to live with greater clarity, connection, and freedom.

#PurposeOfLife #FindingYourCalling #SpiritualGrowth #Faith #LifePurpose #SpiritualNinja #PersonalGrowth #Vocation #Leadership