Spiritual practices needn’t stir up feelings of guilt, boredom, or frustration. Instead, they can truly help us connect with the Living God, enabling us to discover joy and peace in our hectic, demanding lives. But how? In the first episode of 2026, John Lin and Paul McMullen discuss fresh ways to approach practices that contribute to greater connection and wellbeing. They explore honestly the struggles of maintaining these practices, the underlying beliefs that hinder us, and how our family of origin shapes our view of God. They talk about creativity, the power of gratitude, the role of our bodies in connecting spiritually, and the need to adapt with life's seasons.
HOSTS / CO-HOSTS
- John Lin, M.Div: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds Foundation
- Paul McMullen, LPC-Associate: Founder of WellSpring Process Groups, Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate
THERAPY DISCOUNT
Mention "The Work Within" to receive 10% discount off the first 5 sessions of therapy. New, Self-Pay Clients Only.
Visit www.watershedinitiative.com or call/text 214-414-0378.
CHAPTERS + TIMESTAMPS
00:00 New Year, New Beginnings: The Journey to Spiritual Shape
02:45 The Struggle with Spiritual Practices: Guilt and Motivation
05:38 Understanding Our Beliefs About God and Spirituality
08:42 The Role of Family of Origin in Spiritual Practices
11:33 Imagining God: Creative Approaches to Prayer
14:42 Engaging with God: Texting with Immanuel and Other Practices
27:35 The Power of Communal Prayer
29:01 Creative Approaches to Gratitude
31:17 Flexibility in Spiritual Practices
32:57 Adapting Practices to Life Seasons
35:09 Integrating God into Daily Life
37:43 Expanding the Definition of Spiritual Practices
39:32 Breath Prayer and Mindfulness
46:38 Connecting Spirituality with Neuroscience
50:07 Embracing Curiosity in Spiritual Practices
RESOURCES
Now I Become Myself - Ken Shigematsu (https://a.co/d/et4LRK3)
Matthew 3:17
“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Psalm 131:2
But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.
Luke 18:38
He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
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