Episodes

Today we are excited to share that Christina released a book in partnership with Spiritual Directors International called My Spiritual Journey. From the SDI Website: My Spiritual Journey cultivates the practices of deep listening, gentleness, and contemplation, allowing kids to form their own words, pictures, or quiet reflection to cultivate trust with themselves and the Divine. To order a copy for yourself or those you wish to support spiritually check out Amazon Or SDI Press Some of our sh...

Today we explore the idea of inner and outer enoughness. What defines our sense of enough? What are some practices to help us recalibrate towards a sense of enoughness? Join as we explore the importance of this practice in our daily lives. Mentioned in today’s episode: ADVENT CALENDARS Beauty Advent calendars Gemstone Advent calendars Tea Advent calendars Chocolate Advent calendars Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get...

Today we look at 8 ways spiritual direction has personally changed our lives as we’ve engaged in this practice for well over a decade. We hope it can spark something in our listeners who may be considering finding a spiritual director, getting trained in spiritual direction or to use as a resource to share with someone who may benefit from spiritual direction. Mentioned in today’s episode: Egyptian Licorice tea Mica Powder Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save yo...

Today we explore ancient wisdom around pause and the significance it has in our modern lives. As we share historical context and practical ideas, we hope you are inspired to engage new ways of pause in your own life. Mentioned in this episode: Ep 178 Contemplative Figures: Desert Fathers and Mothers Ep 133 St. Benedict: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration 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 extr...

Today we explore the backstory of Ignatius Loyola and how imagination and daydreaming helped him (and others) get in touch with the movement of the Spirit. We are joined by spiritual director, Phoebe Love, sharing her experiences facilitating groups in the Ignatian Exercises as well as her own story of being shaped by meditating on God’s love. Resources mentioned in this episode: Pray As You Go app Inner Compass by Margaret Silf The Ignatian Adventure by Kevin O’Brien SJ ignatianspirituality...

Today, we explore what discernment is and some practical ways to engage this spiritual practice. We highlight several books that have informed our thinking around this topic, as well as episodes 22 & 23, Vocational Discernment Part 1 & 2. To work with us, reach out at robertscontemplative@gmail.com Helpful books on discernment: The Great Work of Your Life by Stephen Cope Falling Upward by Richard Rohr Pursuing God’s Will Together by Ruth Haley Barton The Big Leap by Gay Hendric...

In this episode, we explore the gifts of neurodivergence within the contemplative life. Join us as we discover how ways of being such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia open fresh pathways to the Divine. Check out some resources for neurodivergence mentioned on The Contemplative Life blog. AUDIBLE LEARNERS Kindle Kindle has the ability to read books to you. This has been a game changer for those who find reading cumbersome but desire to read books or have a screen free wind down option a...

Today we discuss the value of integrating special experiences and learnings into our daily lives. We look at some examples from our own lives, as well as beginning to explore Ken Wilbur’s Integral Theory. Mentioned in this episode: What I Am Into: Backgammon

Send us a text Today we look at perspectives from philosopher, Albert Borgman and historian, Daniel Immerwahr. We see how history reveals that what was once deemed as a “threat” to flourishing is now seen as a focal practice. Join us as we wrestle with some of our thoughts and experiences around what it means to experience connection, embodiment, creativity and attention in our modern world.

Send us a text Alejandro Rodriguez joins us today to talk about discovering contemplative paths in the midst of a corporate lifestyle. We explore both the healthy and shadow sides of ambition and accomplishment. Learn more about Alejandro’s current work at yesandsc.com Mentioned in this episode What I'm Into: Pie Cookbook- 50 Pies, 50 States: An Immigrant's Love Letter to the United States. Support the show

Send us a text Join us today as we explore ways we are noticing AI coming into our contemplative spaces. What are the opportunities? What are some of the shadow sides? We look at ways we can grow in our awareness of this aspect of life that is rapidly growing. For those interested in learning more about this topic, we did a previous episode in early 2024, E 162 Thoughts on AI. Support the show

Send us a text Today we explore the topic of places and the ways that places have impacted us. We discuss 4 types of travel and the impact it makes in our lives. Support the show

Send us a text Today we are sharing some reflections from Part 1 and Part 2 of the sample spiritual direction sessions. These episodes were recorded in partnership with Spiritual Directors International. Tune in to hear some of Christina and Matt’s takeaways from the experience. Support the show

Send us a text Today we are sharing an episode that was recorded in partnership with Spiritual Directors International (SDI). In Part 1, Christina Roberts was in the role of a spiritual guide with Matt. Today Matt is the spiritual guide and Christina has given permission to share the session on the podcast as an example. Enjoy. (link) E 224 Sample Spiritual Direction Session, Part 1 sdicompanions.org Support the show

Send us a text Today we are sharing an episode that was recorded in partnership with Spiritual Directors International (SDI). In Part 1, Christina Roberts is in the role of a spiritual guide with Matt, who has given permission to share the session on the podcast as an example. Next week, the roles will switch. Enjoy. Support the show

Send us a text Legacy Letters Today we discuss Legacy Letters with spiritual director, Robin Clossman. We explore how time reviews and photos can be a gateway into sharing legacies with those we love. These ideas translate to any decade of life. Connect with Robin to learn more at: robin@wcitech.net Support the show

Send us a text Today we talk about ways that spiritual guidance shows up in our everyday lives- at home, work, with neighbors. We explore both the informal settings for deep listening and how these practices can change our daily interactions. For more information, go to thecontemplativelife.net or email robertscontemplative@gmail.com Support the show

Send us a text Today we explore how music connects us to God and the many ways music is prayer. Whether you play music or simply listen, we hope you find new ways of experiencing meaningful spiritual moments.

Send us a text Join us as we unpack various types of rest. Rest is not just taking a nap, but includes a variety of ways to find rejuvenation and restoration in our lives. Support the show

Send us a text Today we continue our conversation about rest and look at common barriers we might face. As we highlight barriers we have faced, we hope you find inspiration to identify and move towards flourishing times of renewal in your life. Support the show

Send us a text Today we discuss common paradigms and mindsets around rest and renewal. We hope this helps us become aware of how we approach rest and expand how we engage. Support the show

Send us a text Today we are exploring the idea of fixing compared to listening. To help us on this topic, we are revisiting a previous conversation with spiritual director and supervisor Marcia Bentley. Support the show

Send us a text Today we wrap up our series on art and contemplative with guest Sarah Bianchi. Join us as we talk about liturgy that first nourishes our own souls and from that deep space then sharing with others. Follow Sarah at: artbysarahkay.com IG: Artbyskay FB: SarahKay Support the show

Send us a text Today we explore photography and how it can be a doorway into contemplative spirituality. As we have increasing access to photos on our phones, we hope this episode inspires you to engage in new ways. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Practice of Contemplative Photography by Andy Karr & Michael Woods Jameshazelwood.net/blog Miksang.com Connect with Ann: usheringgrace@gmail.com https://www.mkespiritualdirectors.com/find-a-spiritual-director https://www.sdicompanions.or...