Welcome to The Contemplative Life!

Episodes

E 230 Focal Practices
Aug. 19, 2025

E 230 Focal Practices

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.
E 229 Corporate Life Meets the Contemplative with Alejandro Rodriguez
Aug. 5, 2025

E 229 Corporate Life Meets the Contemplative with Alejandro Rodriguez

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
E 228   AI and Spiritual Guidance
July 22, 2025

E 228 AI and Spiritual Guidance

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
E 227 Places That Have Impacted Us
July 8, 2025

E 227 Places That Have Impacted Us

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
E 226 Sample Spiritual Direction Session, Part 3
June 24, 2025

E 226 Sample Spiritual Direction Session, Part 3

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
E 225 Sample Spiritual Direction Session, Part 2
June 17, 2025

E 225 Sample Spiritual Direction Session, Part 2

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
E 224 Sample Spiritual Direction Session, Part 1
June 10, 2025

E 224 Sample Spiritual Direction Session, Part 1

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
E 223 Legacy Letters
May 27, 2025

E 223 Legacy Letters

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
E 222:  Spiritual Guidance in Everyday Life
May 13, 2025

E 222: Spiritual Guidance in Everyday Life

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
E 221:  Music As Prayer
April 29, 2025

E 221: Music As Prayer

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.
Ep 220:  Types of Rest
April 22, 2025

Ep 220: Types of Rest

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
E 219 Barriers to Rest and Renewal
April 15, 2025

E 219 Barriers to Rest and Renewal

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
E 218 Rest and Renewal Paradigms
April 8, 2025

E 218 Rest and Renewal Paradigms

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
E 217 Awakening our Souls through Listening
March 25, 2025

E 217 Awakening our Souls through Listening

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
E 216 Liturgy + Visual Art with Sarah Bianchi
March 18, 2025

E 216 Liturgy + Visual Art with Sarah Bianchi

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
E 215 Contemplative Photography  with Ann Kowaliczko
March 11, 2025

E 215 Contemplative Photography with Ann Kowaliczko

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.org/fin...
E 214 Art As Spiritual Practice with Matt Whitney
March 4, 2025

E 214 Art As Spiritual Practice with Matt Whitney

Send us a text Today we are joined by the Creative Director of Spiritual Directors International, Matt Whitney. We explore the intersection of art, nature, movement and spirituality. To learn more about Matt’s work and his art, connect at matthewwhitney.com or follow on Instagram @mattpwhitney Support the show
E 213 All About Energy
Feb. 25, 2025

E 213 All About Energy

Send us a text Join us as we talk about the differences between time and energy and how to make the most of our natural energy rhythms. Support the show
E 212  Body-Mind-Spirit + PT with Shannon Kunstman
Feb. 17, 2025

E 212 Body-Mind-Spirit + PT with Shannon Kunstman

Send us a text Join us as we explore body-mind-spirit connections with licensed Physical Therapist, Shannon Kunstman. We discuss the importance of integrative body work with spiritual guidance. To learn more, connect with Shannon at https://www.awarenessinmotionpt.com/about Support the show
E 211 Body-Mind-Spirit + Yoga  with Katie Anders
Feb. 11, 2025

E 211 Body-Mind-Spirit + Yoga with Katie Anders

Send us a text Join us as we explore body-mind-spirit connections with Katie Anders. Katie is a spiritual guide, a trained yoga instructor and also one who recently has entered the process of becoming a nun with a religious order. See how she integrates these various parts of her life and spiritual practice. Connect with Katie at: ktanders1933@gmail.com Support the show
E 210 Modern Contemplatives: Dave Schmelzer
Feb. 4, 2025

E 210 Modern Contemplatives: Dave Schmelzer

Send us a text We are concluding our series exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality. Today we are joined by Dave Schmelzer. Dave has been a colleague and friend for almost 2 decades and has been instrumental in helping us grow our contemplative awareness. Check out his work at: https://www.journey-on.net/ https://www.blueoceanfaith.org/ Support the show
E 209 Modern Contemplatives: Scott Erikson
Jan. 27, 2025

E 209 Modern Contemplatives: Scott Erikson

Send us a text We are continuing our series exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality. Today is the artist Scott Erikson. Check out his work at: https://scottericksonartshop.com/ Instagram: Scott the Painter Support the show
E 209 Modern Contemplatives: Waterdeep
Jan. 21, 2025

E 209 Modern Contemplatives: Waterdeep

Send us a text We are continuing our series exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality. Today is the band Waterdeep with the music of Don and Lori Chaffer. We encourage you to check out some of their music at https://www.waterdeep.com/ or their youtube channel . Support the show
E 208 Modern Contemplatives:  Barbara Brown Taylor
Jan. 14, 2025

E 208 Modern Contemplatives: Barbara Brown Taylor

Send us a text We are continuing our series exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality. Today is Barbara Brown Taylor. We encourage you to check out some of her writings. Mentioned in today’s episode were Altar in the World and Learning To Walk in Dark . Learn more at https://barbarabrowntaylor.com/ Support the show