Thank you for all the listens, encouragements, and support for the Podcast of the Urban Mystic. This is just a short year-end message to say thank you and let you know that we're taking a short break. We'll be back early in the new year.

Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, and peace to all.

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In this thought-provoking episode of The Urban Mystic, we explore the journey from a surface-level relationship with God to a profound, authentic connection characterized by honesty and self-awareness. The episode delves into the challenges of maintaining an authentic relationship with oneself, others, and God within the often performative context of religious environments.

Our host shares personal experiences of confronting the discomfort of church practices that prioritize appearances over genuine emotional expression. This leads to a deeper discussion on the importance of vulnerability, self-reflection, and the courage to break through the facade of perfectionism.

Listeners are invited to consider the impact of externalizing emotions and the potential for growth when one turns inward to understand personal anger, sadness, and the desire for authenticity. The episode also highlights the importance of acknowledging God's presence—or lack thereof—in a real and tangible way, moving beyond faith-based assertions to a more experiential understanding of spirituality.

Join us on this journey of introspection and discover how embracing vulnerability can lead to a more fulfilling spiritual life, where honesty and authenticity become the foundation of our relationships with ourselves, others, and the divine.

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Welcome to the podcast of The Urban Mystic, a show dedicated to helping individuals understand and develop a practice of the presence of God. Our mission is to shift relationships from faith and distance to deep, nurturing, and fulfilling connections characterized by mutual desire and closeness. This podcast is for anyone seeking an intimate relationship with God, whether you're a church-goer, church leader, volunteer, or someone who considers themselves spiritual but not religious.

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of creating authentic intimacy with God and ourselves. Starting with a humorous reflection on the superficiality often found in religious practices, we explore the deeper, more meaningful ways to connect. Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful dialogue, we discuss the importance of mindfulness, emotional awareness, and the willingness to face our inner selves.

We examine the challenges of recognizing God's presence, the necessity of being attuned to our own emotions, and the transformative power of genuine self-awareness. This conversation invites listeners to embrace the uncertainties of their spiritual journey, encouraging a practice of radical hospitality towards oneself and the divine.

If you enjoy this episode, we invite you to like the episode and leave a comment, to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider, and to contribute to the work of The Urban Mystic by following the link to PayPal in the show notes or the QR code on our website.

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In this episode, we delve into the intricate concept of practicing presence, particularly focusing on the presence of God. We explore the multiple dimensions of practice, including intention and awareness, and how these elements can enhance our spiritual lives.

Our conversation touches on the importance of being present to oneself, to others, and to God, drawing parallels to human relationships and the complexity involved in truly connecting. We discuss the different models of spirituality—faith, mystery, and a proposed third model that emphasizes a more intimate, relational approach.

Through personal anecdotes and reflective dialogues, we unpack the nuances of discerning God's tangible presence and the challenges that come with it. This episode encourages listeners to engage in a practice that is both deeply personal and relational, aiming to cultivate a genuine connection with the divine.

Join us as we navigate the journey of spiritual practice, balancing the simplicity and complexity of being present in our relationships with ourselves, others, and God.

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In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of spiritual practice and the pursuit of genuine relational presence with God, others, and ourselves. We explore the nuances of attending a Quaker meeting and the significance of waiting on God in silence. This leads to a broader discussion about the challenges of differentiating between authentic spiritual experiences and those shaped by expectations and social environments.

The conversation also touches on the difficulties of achieving deep relational connections in large groups versus smaller, more intimate settings. We discuss the importance of personal spiritual practices, the struggle to maintain them, and the transformative potential of truly encountering oneself and God in solitude.

Join us as we navigate the intricate landscape of spirituality, examining how our paradigms and practices shape our experiences and understanding of divine presence.

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Welcome to a milestone episode of our podcast, where we celebrate our 100th episode! Join us as we reflect on the journey we've undertaken to help listeners develop a practice of the presence of God, transforming relationships characterized by faith and distance into ones marked by deep, nurturing, and fulfilling closeness.

In this special episode, we reminisce about the genesis of the podcast, the challenges we've faced, and the personal growth we've experienced. We discuss the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and mutual respect in building not just a podcast but a deep friendship. You'll hear about our struggles, triumphs, and the invaluable lessons we've learned along the way.

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Welcome to The Urban Mystic, a podcast dedicated to helping you develop a practice of the presence of God. This episode dives deep into the journey of transitioning from a faith characterised by distance to one filled with mutual desire and closeness with God.

Join us as we explore the dynamics of experiencing God's tangible presence in public gatherings and how to carry that profound experience into your personal, one-on-one relationship with God. We'll discuss the challenges, the process of learning to trust your intuition, and the distinction between human intuition and divine communication.

Whether you're a church-goer, church leader, volunteer, or someone who considers themselves spiritual but not religious, this episode offers valuable insights into cultivating an intimate and fulfilling relationship with God.

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Rediscover the Intimacy of Faith on Urban Mystic

This week on Urban Mystic, we embark on a profound exploration: rekindling a close relationship with the divine. We'll delve into the practice of cultivating God's presence, guiding listeners from a distant faith to a connection marked by mutual desire and closeness.

Our host Steve bravely shares their personal journey, including the vulnerabilities of carving out dedicated time for connection with God. Through this raw conversation, we'll explore the intricacies of faith, the challenges of guilt, and the yearning for a deeper spiritual life.

Whether you're a churchgoer, a spiritual leader, or simply someone seeking a nurturing connection with the divine, this episode offers invaluable insights. We'll discuss the challenges and revelations of seeking God's presence in our busy modern world.

Join the Conversation!

Like this episode? Leave a comment and subscribe on your favorite platform! You can also support Urban Mystic's work by following the link in the show notes or QR code on our website.

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Dive deep into the transformative power of personal relationships with God on this episode of Urban Mystic. We'll explore the nuanced difference between personifying and anthropomorphising the divine, and how your own experiences shape your understanding of God's character.

"A deep dive into personhood and faith" unpacks the complexities of God's personhood and how our interactions with the divine influence our faith. We'll move beyond traditional religious activities to explore the power of intimate encounters with God.

Discover how firsthand experiences with the divine can transform your spiritual understanding. Learn why personal encounters are so crucial to many faith systems, and the importance of cultivating your own unique connection with God.

This episode is an invitation to embrace your personal journey. We'll encourage you to:

• Own your experiences: Recognise the value of your unique relationship with God, yourself, and others.

Join us on this contemplative exploration of the profound mystery that connects humanity to the divine. Trust your experiences, cultivate meaningful connections, and evolve your spiritual journey with Urban Mystic.

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Is God a helicopter parent? Rethinking Control in Your Faith

This episode explores the surprising link between control, faith, and healthy relationships. We challenge the idea of a controlling God and unpack the power of self-control.

You'll discover:

• How control shows up (and hides) in your spiritual life

This episode is for:

• Everyone seeking a more fulfilling faith journey

Tune in and learn how self-control can transform your relationship with God, yourself, and your community.

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