Episodes

Send us a text Fear, whether it comes from imagined circumstances or real ones, is something we all find ourselves having to deal with. If our goal is to be able to choose action over reaction, what can help us achieve that goal? In this episode, each of us shares ways in which we’ve identified fears in our own lives and what sorts of things we’ve tried that have begun to help us peel back the layers often associated with fear. What are some of your fear responses and what have you foun...

Send us a text Today we’re talking about how the Contemplative can helps us respond to the signals coming from our bodies without all the shame. Most of us know the feeling all too well – that comment that so embarrassed us, expectations that we hold of ourselves, pressures we feel in society... The Contemplative helps us engage motivation that comes from a far more positive space, one where both God and our bodies (gently) show us the way. Join us as we talk about some of the many way...

Send us a text Today we are talking with Mary Reynolds, certified Spiritual Companion and Yoga Instructor in the Boston area. What are some of the similarities and differences between Mindfulness and Contemplative Spirituality? Why do we sometimes shy away from Spirituality that includes our bodies? Does body shame have an effect on our spiritual experience? And if so, can we do anything about that?Join us as Mary shares with us her words of wisdom and experience. Addit...

Send us a text Many of us can sense at various times in our lives that we need help – relationship – even more than that – companionship. But we also feel stuck. We don’t have anything set up and developing anything meaningful feels hard, maybe even too hard. In this episode, we find that the struggle to keep companionship alive in our days is met with creativity and diversity. Join us and add your own ideas in the comments. Additional Resources: Restaurant with a Mission: The Fe...

Send us a text In this episode, we talk about how the contemplative life informs our parenting. But! Even if we don’t have children, relationships are relationships! Each person in the world has agency – freedom of choice, freedom to think. And how our agency interacts with others can sometimes be wonderful and can sometimes be anything but. What’s more, each of us is living the context of our own set of struggles. What happens when all of that crashes into the story of everyone else we’re co...

Send us a text Today we are talking with Steve Spilde, Associate Director and Spiritual Director at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse, WI. What is it about vulnerability that is just so amazingly hard and what makes vulnerability so special anyway? No doubt, we’ve probably all been a room where we were the minority. And probably each of us would be able to articulate the differences we felt in that situation. Join us as we talk about the various influences of our day...

Send us a text What can help us when words and experiences make us feel isolated, shut down, and less than? In this episode, we contemplate the struggle that comes along with triggering words and situations. We explore the cause and effect nature of these things, visiting a number of great thinkers along the way. If you struggle with various triggers in your life, you are definitely not alone. Join us as we explore some themes that have encouraged us. And as always, you’re invited to ad...

Send us a text If church doesn’t work for us, what does it look like to grow in our spiritual awareness? Join us as we reflect on the spiritual self. Each of our lives holds meaning and purpose. But many of us struggle to unpack what that is exactly. In this episode, we consider the pathways available to us all, regardless of titles, schedules, or belief structures. Additional Resources: The Jesuits Guide to Almost Everything by James Martin Blog Post: 6 Pathways to God For Light by Joh...

Send us a text How do we go beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to faith? In this episode, we talk about the joys of discovering why we love the things we love and how we uncover the rhythms that can help us feel spiritually nourished. We also explore the benefits of stepping out of our everyday rhythms to find even more things that help us connect in real and meaningful ways with God, with ourselves, and with the world around us. We’d love to hear your experiences, too! Join us in the commen...

Send us a text Is it possible that the Shadow Side of our personalities are hijacking our spiritual life? In this episode we talk about how our personalities may be affecting our spiritual experience and how reflection about that can help us discover an evermore fulfilling spiritual experience. Join us as we explore the many ways that lead us to connect with the Divine! Additional Resources: Invitation to a Journey by Robert Mulholland Jr For more info on the Myers-Briggs Personalit...

Send us a text Can the contemplative help us with social justice? In this episode, we spend time asking where the work of justice begins and we talk about how the contemplative might help us find our way into long-lasting impact. We'd love to hear from you. Please join the conversation in the comments. Additional Resources The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, with Douglas Abrams Dave's Bread RBG Documentary #Benedictine Spirituality #JoanChittiste...