Contemplate This!

The Desert Fathers & Mothers of Egypt in the 4th century BCE recognized how the constant drive to always be working can be like a "demon," destroying our physical, emotional, and spiritual health and relationships. In this live talk and guided meditation we'll reflect together on their wisdom to seek balance in our fast-paced world.

Matthew Mumber, M.D., practices medicine as a board-certified radiation oncologist with the Harbin Clinic in Rome. After entering private practice, Matt attended and graduated from Dr. Andrew Weil's fellowship in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona, where he met Rachel Remen and attended trainings on facilitation of physician-patient retreat groups through Commonweal. Subsequently, Matt attended and graduated from a 2-year program on spirituality at the Living School for Action and Contemplation through the Rohr Institute, where he studied with Jim Finley. An author of academic and lay press texts on the subject of healing, Matt has edited an academic textbook entitled Integrative Oncology: Principles and Practice and also co-wrote a lay-press health and wellness book, Sustainable Wellness with Heather Reed. He has served as the president of the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology. His first book of poetry, In the Awakening Season, was published in fall 2020. Matt's poetry, which draws on his personal, professional, cultural and natural-world experiences, stems from his Lectio Divina meditation and spiritual practice. Matt has facilitated groups and retreats focused on transformation and healing for over twenty years. He lives in Georgia with his wife and three sons.

Matthew Mumber, M.D., practices medicine as a board-certified radiation oncologist with the Harbin Clinic in Rome. After entering private practice, Matt attended and graduated from Dr. Andrew Weil’s fellowship in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona, where he met Rachel Remen and attended trainings on facilitation of physician-patient retreat groups through Commonweal. Subsequently, Matt attended and graduated from a 2-year program on spirituality at the Living School for Action and Contemplation through the Rohr Institute, where he studied with Jim Finley. An author of academic and lay press texts on the subject of healing, Matt has edited an academic textbook entitled Integrative Oncology: Principles and Practice and also co-wrote a lay-press health and wellness book, Sustainable Wellness with Heather Reed. He has served as the president of the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology. His first book of poetry, In the Awakening Season, was published in fall 2020. Matt’s poetry, which draws on his personal, professional, cultural and natural-world experiences, stems from his Lectio Divina meditation and spiritual practice. Matt has facilitated groups and retreats focused on transformation and healing for over twenty years. He lives in Georgia with his wife and three sons.

Toni Stogdill is a Realtor and the Director of Communications for the Master Investor's Tribe (St. Louis, MO). She recently participated in our "Centering for Wisdom" group coaching program and shares her journey of contemplative transformation. Toni is a real-life busy, overwhelmed, stressed out professional like many of you who has integrated a daily centering practice into her life (she knew absolutely nothing about contemplative prayer before we met). That has helped her to get crystal clear about the core purpose and intention God has give her to live, and she's experienced improved her relationships with her two teenage daughters. Today she is living in alignment and congruence between her professional goals with her divinely inspired purpose and intention. I'll be peppering in some of these client journey episodes into Contemplate This! Some of you might want to explore taking that in-depth life, contemplative, life-transforming plunge for yourself so you can quickly get out of feeling constantly overwhelmed and recentered in your purpose just like Toni. If that's the case, then you can go straight to thomasjbushlack.com/apply to schedule your free Breakthrough Session. This is totally free and no-pressure call where I'll work with you to craft a step-by-step game plan to get you out of feeling constantly overwhelmed...AND how you can stay centered and aligned with your vocation for the rest of your life. The cost? Absolutely FREE!

Toni Stogdill is a Realtor and the Director of Communications for the Master Investor's Tribe (St. Louis, MO). She recently participated in our "Centering for Wisdom" group coaching program and shares her journey of contemplative transformation. Toni is a real-life busy, overwhelmed, stressed out professional like many of you who has integrated a daily centering practice into her life (she knew absolutely nothing about contemplative prayer before we met). That has helped her to get crystal clear about the core purpose and intention God has give her to live, and she's experienced improved her relationships with her two teenage daughters. Today she is living in alignment and congruence between her professional goals with her divinely inspired purpose and intention. I'll be peppering in some of these client journey episodes into Contemplate This! Some of you might want to explore taking that in-depth life, contemplative, life-transforming plunge for yourself so you can quickly get out of feeling constantly overwhelmed and recentered in your purpose just like Toni. If that's the case, then you can go straight to thomasjbushlack.com/apply to schedule your free Breakthrough Session. This is totally free and no-pressure call where I'll work with you to craft a step-by-step game plan to get you out of feeling constantly overwhelmed...AND how you can stay centered and aligned with your vocation for the rest of your life. The cost? Absolutely FREE!

Julius B. Anthony is Founder and President of St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature and The Believe Project. He has enjoyed more than 20 years as an early childhood and elementary education professional and has served as a classroom teacher, principal, director of curriculum and insruction, and adjunct professor. Throughout his career, Julius has enjoyed writing motivational poems and short stories for his students and serving as a fierce advocate of literacy-based PK-12 education. In October of 2014, he published his first children’s book entitled “Me! Ten Poetic Affirmations” which debuted at the National Black Child Development Institute’s annual conference in Detroit, Michigan. He is also the Founding Principal of City Academy, a successful independent day school located in north St. Louis City. One achievement Julius is particularly proud of is his current upstart “The Believe Project” which seeks to ensure all children are confident and competent readers by the end of third grade. On July 3, 2020, The Believe Project premiered as a literacy-based children’s show in response to the regional demands for K-3 remote learning.

Julius B. Anthony is Founder and President of St. Louis Black Authors of Children's Literature and The Believe Project. He has enjoyed more than 20 years as an early childhood and elementary education professional and has served as a classroom teacher, principal, director of curriculum and insruction, and adjunct professor. Throughout his career, Julius has enjoyed writing motivational poems and short stories for his students and serving as a fierce advocate of literacy-based PK-12 education. In October of 2014, he published his first children's book entitled “Me! Ten Poetic Affirmations” which debuted at the National Black Child Development Institute's annual conference in Detroit, Michigan. He is also the Founding Principal of City Academy, a successful independent day school located in north St. Louis City. One achievement Julius is particularly proud of is his current upstart “The Believe Project” which seeks to ensure all children are confident and competent readers by the end of third grade. On July 3, 2020, The Believe Project premiered as a literacy-based children's show in response to the regional demands for K-3 remote learning.

Ben Gioia (“joya”) is a two-time best-selling author, speaker, and creator of the Influence With A Heart® Method. If you have a BIG IDEA, Ben will teach you how to write your #1 best selling book — in 5 weeks — and position yourself for a media explosion (and more) in 3 months. Ben helped a Fortune 100 company shift culture, trained leaders at Stanford, launched the world's biggest magazine, and created video game with MIT to transform employee resilience and customer experience. Ben's signature talk, The Buddha Smile, shows people how to quit suffering. His teachings are used by 30,000+ people around the world. The foundation of Ben's work, in his own words, is “mindfulness and loving-kindness” and bringing that into the business space openly and publicly. In our interview Ben talks publicly for the first time about an experience he had with his meditation teacher that allowed him to let go of ALL the doubt and that inner critical voice that holds so many of us back. I am very inspired by the way Ben integrates his contemplative practice into his professional life as a coach, speaker, and author.

Ben Gioia (“joya”) is a two-time best-selling author, speaker, and creator of the Influence With A Heart® Method. If you have a BIG IDEA, Ben will teach you how to write your #1 best selling book — in 5 weeks — and position yourself for a media explosion (and more) in 3 months. Ben helped a Fortune 100 company shift culture, trained leaders at Stanford, launched the world's biggest magazine, and created video game with MIT to transform employee resilience and customer experience. Ben’s signature talk, The Buddha Smile, shows people how to quit suffering. His teachings are used by 30,000+ people around the world. The foundation of Ben’s work, in his own words, is “mindfulness and loving-kindness” and bringing that into the business space openly and publicly. In our interview Ben talks publicly for the first time about an experience he had with his meditation teacher that allowed him to let go of ALL the doubt and that inner critical voice that holds so many of us back. I am very inspired by the way Ben integrates his contemplative practice into his professional life as a coach, speaker, and author.

Dr. Waldinger has one of the most viewed Ted Talks of all time, with over 100 million views – it's called “What Makes for a Good Life?” Just to give you a teaser, he gives us the answer to what makes for happiness in just two words, within the first five minutes of the show! Bob Waldinger is also a clinical psychiatrist at Harvard and the current Director of the Harvard Study on Adult Development. The study began in 1938, it's now in its 83rd year, it is the longest running research study ever conducted. To top it all off, Bob is also a Zen Buddhist priest! I had the good fortune of being on a Zoom call with Bob recently, and I immediately emailed him to invite him to be a guest. Amid a very busy and stressful time, he graciously said yes, and now we all get to share in the benefits. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did conducting the interview!

Dr. Waldinger has one of the most viewed Ted Talks of all time, with over 100 million views – it’s called “What Makes for a Good Life?” Just to give you a teaser, he gives us the answer to what makes for happiness in just two words, within the first five minutes of the show! Bob Waldinger is also a clinical psychiatrist at Harvard and the current Director of the Harvard Study on Adult Development. The study began in 1938, it’s now in its 83rd year, it is the longest running research study ever conducted. To top it all off, Bob is also a Zen Buddhist priest! I had the good fortune of being on a Zoom call with Bob recently, and I immediately emailed him to invite him to be a guest. Amid a very busy and stressful time, he graciously said yes, and now we all get to share in the benefits. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did conducting the interview!

For this episode I am your co-host, along with Nick Zolfo, the host of the podcast “Catching ZZ's: A Millennial's Guide to Mindfulness.” Nick and I were introduced by a mutual colleague, and we realized that we have a very similar purpose behind our podcasts – which is to highlight the wisdom of others' spiritual practices and share it with as many people as possible. Since we are so aligned, we decided to make this a co-interview, just taking turns interviewing each other about meditation practices, podcasts, and how we apply our practice to daily life and sharing our passion with others. Nick Zolfo is a podcast host, meditation teacher, and community builder. He brings experience with 4.5 years of his own meditation practice, coursework in mindfulness, including SIYLI 2 day training, and 3 years of hosting the Catching Z's podcast. He seeks to help others explore their minds and develop their own practice. Catching Z's does this by sharing stories of people with diverse backgrounds about how they've developed a spiritual practice and how everyone has their own unique journey to discover theirs.

For this episode I am your co-host, along with Nick Zolfo, the host of the podcast “Catching ZZ’s: A Millennial’s Guide to Mindfulness.” Nick and I were introduced by a mutual colleague, and we realized that we have a very similar purpose behind our podcasts – which is to highlight the wisdom of others’ spiritual practices and share it with as many people as possible. Since we are so aligned, we decided to make this a co-interview, just taking turns interviewing each other about meditation practices, podcasts, and how we apply our practice to daily life and sharing our passion with others. Nick Zolfo is a podcast host, meditation teacher, and community builder. He brings experience with 4.5 years of his own meditation practice, coursework in mindfulness, including SIYLI 2 day training, and 3 years of hosting the Catching Z's podcast. He seeks to help others explore their minds and develop their own practice. Catching Z's does this by sharing stories of people with diverse backgrounds about how they've developed a spiritual practice and how everyone has their own unique journey to discover theirs.

Keith Kristich lives in Buffalo, NY with his partner and wife, Colleen. He's a self-described lover of nature, good conversation, and am often found with a book, banjo, or guitar in hand. In his own words, he says “My ultimate aim is to help people slow down and reconnect with their deepest and truest self.” Two things stand out about this interview. First, Keith discovered meditation “by accident.” Of course, nothing happens by accident, but he started his journey just by being naturally drawn into silence after listening to music. Once he realized what he was doing, he started to explore Buddhist teachings, and only later did he realize this was a part of the Christian tradition and then found his way into a more formal practice like Centering Prayer. Second, he's a Millenial who is taking up the mantle of contemplative practice, and is sharing it with others through his website, retreats, in-person and online meditation groups, Enneagram coaching, and other creative pursuits. I think you'll find some good stuff in this episode slowing down and connecting.

Keith Kristich lives in Buffalo, NY with his partner and wife, Colleen. He’s a self-described lover of nature, good conversation, and am often found with a book, banjo, or guitar in hand. In his own words, he says “My ultimate aim is to help people slow down and reconnect with their deepest and truest self.” Two things stand out about this interview. First, Keith discovered meditation “by accident.” Of course, nothing happens by accident, but he started his journey just by being naturally drawn into silence after listening to music. Once he realized what he was doing, he started to explore Buddhist teachings, and only later did he realize this was a part of the Christian tradition and then found his way into a more formal practice like Centering Prayer. Second, he’s a Millenial who is taking up the mantle of contemplative practice, and is sharing it with others through his website, retreats, in-person and online meditation groups, Enneagram coaching, and other creative pursuits. I think you’ll find some good stuff in this episode slowing down and connecting.

In this special episode I want to reflect on our global connection to each other, and to invite each of you to open your heart as you engage the fears and anxieties that we're feeling right now during the coronavirus pandemic.

In this special episode I want to reflect on our global connection to each other, and to invite each of you to open your heart as you engage the fears and anxieties that we’re feeling right now during the coronavirus pandemic.

Ven. Kusala Bikshu is an American-born monk ordained in the Zen Tradition of Vietnam and head monk at the International Buddhist Meditation Center in the Korea town section of Los Angeles. Kusala is a member of the Buddhist-Roman Catholic Dialogue of Los Angeles and MID – Monastic Inter-religious Dialogue, a national organization of Buddhists and Catholics. I was introduced to Kusula through Fr. William Skudlarek, who is a Benedictine monk at St. John's Abbey and has been active in inter-monastic dialogue.

Ven. Kusala Bikshu is an American-born monk ordained in the Zen Tradition of Vietnam and head monk at the International Buddhist Meditation Center in the Korea town section of Los Angeles. Kusala is a member of the Buddhist-Roman Catholic Dialogue of Los Angeles and MID – Monastic Inter-religious Dialogue, a national organization of Buddhists and Catholics. I was introduced to Kusula through Fr. William Skudlarek, who is a Benedictine monk at St. John’s Abbey and has been active in inter-monastic dialogue.

Mag Dimond is the award-winning author of Bowing to Elephants: Tales of a Travel Junkie (which hit #1 in 5 countries on the day it launched and just won Best Indie Biographies & Memoirs from Kirkus). Her book has been compared to EAT, PRAY, LOVE in professional reviews and has received accolades from many thought leaders in the mindfulness space, including Jack Kornfield. It's full of stories of her travels around the world, self-discovery, healing, food, and so much more. Mag has been a world traveler since age 11 — living with her mother in Italy for 3 years — and has traveled the globe. Once a 10-year hospice volunteer, Mag is a practicing Buddhist and dedicated member of Spirit Rock Meditation Center north of San Francisco. Mag's essays are on Elephant Journal (being read by almost 2 million people). Much of our conversation focuses on how her early experiences with her family and traveling the world led her to discover Buddhism and to deepen her meditation practice as a way of cultivating compassion. I think you'll find a warm intimacy as she opens up about her meditation practice and its importance in her life.

Mag Dimond is the award-winning author of Bowing to Elephants: Tales of a Travel Junkie (which hit #1 in 5 countries on the day it launched and just won Best Indie Biographies & Memoirs from Kirkus). Her book has been compared to EAT, PRAY, LOVE in professional reviews and has received accolades from many thought leaders in the mindfulness space, including Jack Kornfield. It’s full of stories of her travels around the world, self-discovery, healing, food, and so much more. Mag has been a world traveler since age 11 — living with her mother in Italy for 3 years — and has traveled the globe. Once a 10-year hospice volunteer, Mag is a practicing Buddhist and dedicated member of Spirit Rock Meditation Center north of San Francisco. Mag’s essays are on Elephant Journal (being read by almost 2 million people). Much of our conversation focuses on how her early experiences with her family and traveling the world led her to discover Buddhism and to deepen her meditation practice as a way of cultivating compassion. I think you’ll find a warm intimacy as she opens up about her meditation practice and its importance in her life.

Fr. Bill dives deep into the practice of Centering Prayer right from the first question in this episode. Jim McElroy, my guest on episode 19, mentioned Fr. Bill Sheehan as a frequent retreat leader in the 12-Step Contemplative Outreach community, and he suggested inviting Bill to be a guest. This was sage advice! Fr. Bill is a priest and a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (O.M.I.), and has a Masters Degree in Formative Spirituality from Duquesne University. He has ministered to clergy as Director of Ministry to Priests, and he has broad experience in pastoral ministry as a pastor and in marriage counseling. Fr. Sheehan was present at the very first Centering Prayer retreat offered by Thomas Keating at the Lama Foundation in 1983. Since that time he has led many Centering Prayer workshops and retreats in different parts of the country.

Fr. Bill dives deep into the practice of Centering Prayer right from the first question in this episode. Jim McElroy, my guest on episode 19, mentioned Fr. Bill Sheehan as a frequent retreat leader in the 12-Step Contemplative Outreach community, and he suggested inviting Bill to be a guest. This was sage advice! Fr. Bill is a priest and a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (O.M.I.), and has a Masters Degree in Formative Spirituality from Duquesne University. He has ministered to clergy as Director of Ministry to Priests, and he has broad experience in pastoral ministry as a pastor and in marriage counseling. Fr. Sheehan was present at the very first Centering Prayer retreat offered by Thomas Keating at the Lama Foundation in 1983. Since that time he has led many Centering Prayer workshops and retreats in different parts of the country.

Fr. Columba Stewart is kind of like a cross between a Benedictine monk and Indiana Jones! Since becoming the executive director of the Hill Monastic Manuscript Library (HMML) at St. John's Abbey in 2003, Columba has traveled extensively throughout the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and India, cultivating relationships with communities possessing manuscript collections from the early medieval to early modern periods. A graduate of Harvard, Yale, and Oxford universities, Father Columba has published extensively in his research field of early Christian monasticism and received numerous grants and fellowships in support of his scholarship. Father Columba and HMML have been featured on many international media outlets, including the CBS news program, “60 Minutes,” BBC Radio Newshour, The Atlantic, The Economist, Harvard Magazine, PBS Religion and Ethics Newsweekly, The Wall Street Journal, and The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Fr. Columba Stewart is kind of like a cross between a Benedictine monk and Indiana Jones! Since becoming the executive director of the Hill Monastic Manuscript Library (HMML) at St. John’s Abbey in 2003, Columba has traveled extensively throughout the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and India, cultivating relationships with communities possessing manuscript collections from the early medieval to early modern periods. A graduate of Harvard, Yale, and Oxford universities, Father Columba has published extensively in his research field of early Christian monasticism and received numerous grants and fellowships in support of his scholarship. Father Columba and HMML have been featured on many international media outlets, including the CBS news program, “60 Minutes,” BBC Radio Newshour, The Atlantic, The Economist, Harvard Magazine, PBS Religion and Ethics Newsweekly, The Wall Street Journal, and The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Michael Poffenberger is the Executive Director of the Center for Action & Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and he is part of a younger generation of leaders seeking to integrate contemplative practices with compassionate social action. Michael was inspired in college by spending time with Saint Mother Teresa and her sisters of charity in Kolkata, India, and then learning about the work of Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement, and the writings of Thomas Merton on contemplation and social action. Prior to arriving at the CAC as executive director, Michael helped to found the Uganda Conflict Action Network, which is now called Resolve. At Resolve, Michael led bipartisan coalitions and developed international campaigns to advance policy change for war-affected communities in Africa. He helped author and win passage of legislation focused on the prevention of violent atrocities and testified before both the US Congress and United Nations Security Council. Michael has an impressive background, and he understands how important it is to ground our work of love and justice in the world in a spiritual practice that keeps us centered and humble.

Michael Poffenberger is the Executive Director of the Center for Action & Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and he is part of a younger generation of leaders seeking to integrate contemplative practices with compassionate social action. Michael was inspired in college by spending time with Saint Mother Teresa and her sisters of charity in Kolkata, India, and then learning about the work of Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement, and the writings of Thomas Merton on contemplation and social action. Prior to arriving at the CAC as executive director, Michael helped to found the Uganda Conflict Action Network, which is now called Resolve. At Resolve, Michael led bipartisan coalitions and developed international campaigns to advance policy change for war-affected communities in Africa. He helped author and win passage of legislation focused on the prevention of violent atrocities and testified before both the US Congress and United Nations Security Council. Michael has an impressive background, and he understands how important it is to ground our work of love and justice in the world in a spiritual practice that keeps us centered and humble.

I first met Jim McElroy when he facilitated a workshop through our local St. Louis chapter of Contemplative Outreach in St. Louis. Although very soft-spoken and quite humble, Jim's presence and teaching immediately took me to a deeper place in my Centering Prayer practice. Recently I was at another workshop, and I was spellbound listening to Jim tell stories about the earliest days in the 1990's when several people from Contemplative Outreach realized that they were all also in 12-step recovery program. Over the course of several retreats they began to create what is now the Centering Prayer 12-Step international outreach program. Centering Prayer 12-Step Outreach helps people create a foundation of prayer and meditation to support sobriety and 12-step awakening. For those of you not familiar with the 12-steps, the 11th step reads: "Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out." Many people in a spiritual program of recovery from addiction find Contemplative practices like Centering Prayer and others to be a major support for sobriety and emotional stability through some pretty dark stuff. Whether or not you're in a program of spiritual recovery from addiction, the insights in this episode provide some helpful clues for dealing with the human condition. Gerald May, the author of the classic book Addiction and Grace, says that to be human is to be addicted. We all struggle with addictions, big and small. The Buddha taught that all suffering is caused by attachment and desire, so this interview will be helpful no matter who or where you are, 'cuz we're all struggling with some kind of addictions and attachments. After we recorded the show, Jim wanted me to mention a few people to whom we owe a huge debt of gratitude in building the 12-Step Outreach network. Although I have Jim's permission to use his full name, in 12-step tradition I will only use first names to give these folks credit. They include, Dave, Jenny, Joelle, Joann, Kate, Joe, Christophe, and a special thanks to Fr. Thomas Keating, Abbot Joseph Boyle, and Pat Johnson.

I first met Jim McElroy when he facilitated a workshop through our local St. Louis chapter of Contemplative Outreach in St. Louis. Although very soft-spoken and quite humble, Jim's presence and teaching immediately took me to a deeper place in my Centering Prayer practice. Recently I was at another workshop, and I was spellbound listening to Jim tell stories about the earliest days in the 1990’s when several people from Contemplative Outreach realized that they were all also in 12-step recovery program. Over the course of several retreats they began to create what is now the Centering Prayer 12-Step international outreach program. Centering Prayer 12-Step Outreach helps people create a foundation of prayer and meditation to support sobriety and 12-step awakening. For those of you not familiar with the 12-steps, the 11th step reads: "Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out." Many people in a spiritual program of recovery from addiction find Contemplative practices like Centering Prayer and others to be a major support for sobriety and emotional stability through some pretty dark stuff. Whether or not you're in a program of spiritual recovery from addiction, the insights in this episode provide some helpful clues for dealing with the human condition. Gerald May, the author of the classic book Addiction and Grace, says that to be human is to be addicted. We all struggle with addictions, big and small. The Buddha taught that all suffering is caused by attachment and desire, so this interview will be helpful no matter who or where you are, 'cuz we're all struggling with some kind of addictions and attachments. After we recorded the show, Jim wanted me to mention a few people to whom we owe a huge debt of gratitude in building the 12-Step Outreach network. Although I have Jim's permission to use his full name, in 12-step tradition I will only use first names to give these folks credit. They include, Dave, Jenny, Joelle, Joann, Kate, Joe, Christophe, and a special thanks to Fr. Thomas Keating, Abbot Joseph Boyle, and Pat Johnson.

After 10+ years practicing Internal Medicine in a busy urban hospital, Dr Jill Wener knows firsthand what severe stress and burnout feel like. In the midst of her own burnout, she was introduced to Conscious Health Meditation, and it had a profound effect on her resilience and reactivity. Like many healthcare professionals, Jill was initially skeptical of spiritual practices. However, as she learned the science behind Conscious Health Meditation, she embraced the training and marveled at the results of the practice. After 2 years of advanced coursework, Jill completed her 3-month teacher training in Rishikesh, India in April, 2016. As a Conscious Health Meditation teacher, Jill uses her medical background to help clinicians who are interested in reducing stress and living a life filled with creativity, energy and personal and professional fulfillment. In addition to teaching Conscious Health Meditation, she has presented on stress reduction at medical conferences nationwide. Jill has received tremendous personal benefits from her own meditation practice, and finds joy in sharing her passion with others. Jill is currently living and teaching in Atlanta, and she hosts meditation retreats and physician wellness programs around the country.

After 10+ years practicing Internal Medicine in a busy urban hospital, Dr Jill Wener knows firsthand what severe stress and burnout feel like. In the midst of her own burnout, she was introduced to Conscious Health Meditation, and it had a profound effect on her resilience and reactivity. Like many healthcare professionals, Jill was initially skeptical of spiritual practices. However, as she learned the science behind Conscious Health Meditation, she embraced the training and marveled at the results of the practice. After 2 years of advanced coursework, Jill completed her 3-month teacher training in Rishikesh, India in April, 2016. As a Conscious Health Meditation teacher, Jill uses her medical background to help clinicians who are interested in reducing stress and living a life filled with creativity, energy and personal and professional fulfillment. In addition to teaching Conscious Health Meditation, she has presented on stress reduction at medical conferences nationwide. Jill has received tremendous personal benefits from her own meditation practice, and finds joy in sharing her passion with others. Jill is currently living and teaching in Atlanta, and she hosts meditation retreats and physician wellness programs around the country.

There are some real delights waiting for you in this episode - especially when Sarah reflects on St. Paul's writings about no longer thinking about ourselves and our egos - I found this so liberating from the way we tend to focus on ourselves and only up making our suffering worse.  We also sort of go off script toward the end, when Sarah asks me about living in the current climate in the United States today as a committed contemplative.  I hope you'll find some encouragement in our exchange and Sarah's brilliant wisdom! Sarah is an ordained Anglican priest and retreat leader, based in Canberra, Australia. She is the founding director of Benedictus Contemplative Church and an honorary research fellow at the Australian Catholic University. She was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University where she studied theology with former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.  It's also worth noting that Sarah will be the keynote speaker at this summer's John Main Seminar in Vancouver this August, hosted annually by the World Community for Christian Meditation.

There are some real delights waiting for you in this episode - especially when Sarah reflects on St. Paul's writings about no longer thinking about ourselves and our egos - I found this so liberating from the way we tend to focus on ourselves and only up making our suffering worse.  We also sort of go off script toward the end, when Sarah asks me about living in the current climate in the United States today as a committed contemplative.  I hope you'll find some encouragement in our exchange and Sarah's brilliant wisdom! Sarah is an ordained Anglican priest and retreat leader, based in Canberra, Australia. She is the founding director of Benedictus Contemplative Church and an honorary research fellow at the Australian Catholic University. She was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University where she studied theology with former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.  It's also worth noting that Sarah will be the keynote speaker at this summer's John Main Seminar in Vancouver this August, hosted annually by the World Community for Christian Meditation.

After my interview with Fr. Laurence Freeman, OSB, (Episode 14), he immediately suggested that I get in touch with Dr. Barry White. Listeners are going to be very grateful for this connection Dr. Barry White, M.D., is hematologist and an executive board member of VHI Health and Wellbeing, a part of VHI - the largest health insurance provider in Ireland. He was a keynote speaker at the John Main Seminar in 2018, hosted by the World Community for Christian Meditation, and his talk on a contemplative approach to medicine is fascinating! Click here to view the video. Barry has an insightful, contemplative understanding of health and healthcare. It could also radically transform how we think about the practice of medicine. Whether you're a practitioner or provider of medicine, someone who works in healthcare, or you're just a patient of modern healthcare – and that's pretty much everybody - you're going to find this interview powerful and thought-provoking.

After my interview with Fr. Laurence Freeman, OSB, (Episode 14), he immediately suggested that I get in touch with Dr. Barry White. Listeners are going to be very grateful for this connection Dr. Barry White, M.D., is hematologist and an executive board member of VHI Health and Wellbeing, a part of VHI - the largest health insurance provider in Ireland. He was a keynote speaker at the John Main Seminar in 2018, hosted by the World Community for Christian Meditation, and his talk on a contemplative approach to medicine is fascinating! Click here to view the video. Barry has an insightful, contemplative understanding of health and healthcare. It could also radically transform how we think about the practice of medicine. Whether you're a practitioner or provider of medicine, someone who works in healthcare, or you’re just a patient of modern healthcare – and that’s pretty much everybody - you're going to find this interview powerful and thought-provoking.

Phileena is my first repeat guest - she appeared on Episode 4. Along with her husband, Chris Heuertz (guest on Episode 5), she founded Gravity, a Center for Contemplative Activism, in Omaha, Nebraska. She discovered the need to meld contemplation into an active life, after twenty years serving the poorest of the poor all over the world. People often ask me for recommendations about where to start learning about a contemplative practice. I would add Phileena's new book, Mindful Silence: The Heart of Christian Contemplation, to that list! If you're looking for an accessible, practical, yet profound introduction to Christian contemplative practices, this book is the perfect intro! Each chapter walks you into a particular theme of the contemplative life, weaves together personal stories with great teachers from the tradition, and concludes with a description to help you dive into different kinds of practice! She's also created these really cool companion videos for each chapter of the book, which you can rent or purchase through Vimeo.https://vimeo.com/ondemand/mindfulsilence/

Phileena is my first repeat guest - she appeared on Episode 4. Along with her husband, Chris Heuertz (guest on Episode 5), she founded Gravity, a Center for Contemplative Activism, in Omaha, Nebraska. She discovered the need to meld contemplation into an active life, after twenty years serving the poorest of the poor all over the world. People often ask me for recommendations about where to start learning about a contemplative practice. I would add Phileena's new book, Mindful Silence: The Heart of Christian Contemplation, to that list! If you're looking for an accessible, practical, yet profound introduction to Christian contemplative practices, this book is the perfect intro! Each chapter walks you into a particular theme of the contemplative life, weaves together personal stories with great teachers from the tradition, and concludes with a description to help you dive into different kinds of practice! She's also created these really cool companion videos for each chapter of the book, which you can rent or purchase through Vimeo.https://vimeo.com/ondemand/mindfulsilence/

I first met Fr. Laurence at the New Contemplative Exchange in Snowmass Colorado in August of 2017. He was there as one of the representatives of what we affectionately call the "Big 4" networks of Christian contemplative practice - along with Fr. Thomas Keating (Contemplative Outreach, Ltd.), Rev. Dr. Tilden Edwards (Shalem Institute), Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM (Center for Action and Contemplation). Laurence Freeman was born in England in 1951 where he was educated by the Benedictines and studied English Literature at New College, Oxford University. Before entering monastic life, he had experience with the United Nations in New York, banking and journalism. Today Fr Laurence is a Benedictine monk of the Monastery of Sta Maria di Pilastrello, Lendinara, in the Benedictine Congregation of Monte Oliveto. He is Director of The World Community for Christian Meditation. In the monastery, his spiritual teacher was John Main. He helped Fr John to establish the first Christian Meditation Centre in London. At the invitation of the Archbishop of Montreal, in 1977, he accompanied John Main to establish a Benedictine community of monks and laypeople dedicated to the practice and teaching of Christian meditation. Fr Laurence studied theology at the Universite de Montreal and at McGill University. He made his solemn monastic profession in 1979 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1980. After the death of John Main in 1982, he continued the work of teaching meditation that had already begun to develop a global community. In 1991, Fr Laurence returned to England to establish the International Centre of the newly formed World Community for Christian Meditation, now present in more than a hundred countries and which has become a 'monastery without walls', in which he travels and teaches widely.

I first met Fr. Laurence at the New Contemplative Exchange in Snowmass Colorado in August of 2017. He was there as one of the representatives of what we affectionately call the "Big 4" networks of Christian contemplative practice - along with Fr. Thomas Keating (Contemplative Outreach, Ltd.), Rev. Dr. Tilden Edwards (Shalem Institute), Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM (Center for Action and Contemplation). Laurence Freeman was born in England in 1951 where he was educated by the Benedictines and studied English Literature at New College, Oxford University. Before entering monastic life, he had experience with the United Nations in New York, banking and journalism. Today Fr Laurence is a Benedictine monk of the Monastery of Sta Maria di Pilastrello, Lendinara, in the Benedictine Congregation of Monte Oliveto. He is Director of The World Community for Christian Meditation. In the monastery, his spiritual teacher was John Main. He helped Fr John to establish the first Christian Meditation Centre in London. At the invitation of the Archbishop of Montreal, in 1977, he accompanied John Main to establish a Benedictine community of monks and laypeople dedicated to the practice and teaching of Christian meditation. Fr Laurence studied theology at the Universite de Montreal and at McGill University. He made his solemn monastic profession in 1979 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1980. After the death of John Main in 1982, he continued the work of teaching meditation that had already begun to develop a global community. In 1991, Fr Laurence returned to England to establish the International Centre of the newly formed World Community for Christian Meditation, now present in more than a hundred countries and which has become a 'monastery without walls', in which he travels and teaches widely.

Maria Gullo describes how God frees us from the "imposter self" in contemplation, and how a daily practice helps to integrate our many roles in life. Maria Gullo is a fellow teacher of Centering Prayer and on the Insight Timer app, the creator of TheDeeperConnection.org, a trained and experienced spiritual director, and a small business owner. Maria first reached out to me after we found each others' teachings on Insight Timer, and it took is over a year to finally connect. The word that stands out for me from this interview is "integration." Maria wears many hats in life, but she refuses to be divided or fragmented by different roles - it's her contemplative practice, her resting in divine stillness, that integrates her life into a coherent whole. This is both nourishing and healing for her and for those who encounter her.

Maria Gullo describes how God frees us from the "imposter self" in contemplation, and how a daily practice helps to integrate our many roles in life. Maria Gullo is a fellow teacher of Centering Prayer and on the Insight Timer app, the creator of TheDeeperConnection.org, a trained and experienced spiritual director, and a small business owner. Maria first reached out to me after we found each others' teachings on Insight Timer, and it took is over a year to finally connect. The word that stands out for me from this interview is "integration." Maria wears many hats in life, but she refuses to be divided or fragmented by different roles - it's her contemplative practice, her resting in divine stillness, that integrates her life into a coherent whole. This is both nourishing and healing for her and for those who encounter her.

John Hendrix is a New York Times Bestselling illustrator and author of many children's books including,"Drawing Is Magic: Discovering Yourself in a Sketchbook," "John Brown: His Fight for Freedom," "Miracle Man: The Story of Jesus," and "The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler." His illustrations have appeared on book jackets, newspapers and magazines all over the world. John also is an associate professor, teaching illustration in the Sam Fox School of Art as Chair of Design at Washington University in St. Louis.

John Hendrix is a New York Times Bestselling illustrator and author of many children's books including,"Drawing Is Magic: Discovering Yourself in a Sketchbook," "John Brown: His Fight for Freedom," "Miracle Man: The Story of Jesus," and "The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler." His illustrations have appeared on book jackets, newspapers and magazines all over the world. John also is an associate professor, teaching illustration in the Sam Fox School of Art as Chair of Design at Washington University in St. Louis.

Louis Komjathy 康思奇 (Ph.D., Religious Studies; Boston University) is Associate Professor of Chinese Religions and Comparative Religious Studies at the University of San Diego, and Research Fellow of the Mind & Life Institute. A leading teacher-scholar of Daoism (Taoism) and Contemplative Studies, he has particular interests in contemplative practice, embodiment, and mystical experience. He is also founding Co-chair (2004-2010) of the Daoist Studies Unit of the American Academy of Religion, founding Co-chair (2010-2016) of the Contemplative Studies Unit of the American Academy of Religion, and manager of the Contemplative Studies Website (www.sandiego.edu/cas/contemplativestudies). In addition to over thirty academic articles and book chapters, he has published nine books to date, including the recent Taming the Wild Horse: An Annotated Translation and Study of the Daoist Horse Taming Pictures (Columbia University Press, 2017) and Introducing Contemplative Studies (Wiley-Blackwell, 2018). Beyond his academic work, he is a member of the advisory board for Monastic Interreligious Dialogue and founding Co-director of the Daoist Foundation, a non-profit religious and educational organization dedicated to fostering authentic Daoist study and practice and to preserving and transmitting traditional Daoist culture. home.sandiego.edu/~komjathy daoistfoundation.org www.sandiego.edu/cas/contemplative-studies/

Louis Komjathy 康思奇 (Ph.D., Religious Studies; Boston University) is Associate Professor of Chinese Religions and Comparative Religious Studies at the University of San Diego, and Research Fellow of the Mind & Life Institute. A leading teacher-scholar of Daoism (Taoism) and Contemplative Studies, he has particular interests in contemplative practice, embodiment, and mystical experience. He is also founding Co-chair (2004-2010) of the Daoist Studies Unit of the American Academy of Religion, founding Co-chair (2010-2016) of the Contemplative Studies Unit of the American Academy of Religion, and manager of the Contemplative Studies Website (www.sandiego.edu/cas/contemplativestudies). In addition to over thirty academic articles and book chapters, he has published nine books to date, including the recent Taming the Wild Horse: An Annotated Translation and Study of the Daoist Horse Taming Pictures (Columbia University Press, 2017) and Introducing Contemplative Studies (Wiley-Blackwell, 2018). Beyond his academic work, he is a member of the advisory board for Monastic Interreligious Dialogue and founding Co-director of the Daoist Foundation, a non-profit religious and educational organization dedicated to fostering authentic Daoist study and practice and to preserving and transmitting traditional Daoist culture. home.sandiego.edu/~komjathy daoistfoundation.org www.sandiego.edu/cas/contemplative-studies/

Fr. Stuart Higginbotham, an Episcopal priest in Gainesville, GA, is another one of the thoughtful and inspiring persons I met at the New Contemplative Exchange in Snowmass, CO, last August (2017).  This interview stood out for me because of the very intentional way in which Stuart is bringing a contemplative disposition into his leadership role as pastor and priest at Grace Episcopal Church.  His approach to leadership exemplifies what happens when we work to remove our ego and self-will from daily events, and create more room for the Holy Spirit to work in and through others.  Although he's speaking about leadership as a pastor, I think there's some incredible wisdom about leadership that applies to any context - business, parenting, sports, etc. Here's how he describes this approach to "pastoral" leadership on his blog, on a Contemplative Reformation: Fr. Stuart's doctoral thesis, “The Practice of Christian Mindfulness as an Imaginative Challenge in Parish Ministry,” describes Grace's work over the past few years to reorient its practice of discipleship and ministry away from the “program-maintenance model” toward a contemplative posture of spiritual imagination, discernment, transfigured awareness, and desire. He is particularly drawn to exploring the ways the Christian contemplative tradition can shape, nurture, and challenge the institutional church. Fore more information about Stuart, check out the links below: Elements of a Contemplative Reformation blog www.contemplativereformation.com Grace Episcopal Church www.gracechurchgainesville.org Stuart mentions this video by Raimond Panikkar in our interview, so I'm sharing the link here as well... In his words, "It fits so well into the dynamic of congregational work, with a contemplative posture.  I use it a great deal here, with conversations."  It's Panikkar's "The Window" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyDZEs2qKw8

Fr. Stuart Higginbotham, an Episcopal priest in Gainesville, GA, is another one of the thoughtful and inspiring persons I met at the New Contemplative Exchange in Snowmass, CO, last August (2017).  This interview stood out for me because of the very intentional way in which Stuart is bringing a contemplative disposition into his leadership role as pastor and priest at Grace Episcopal Church.  His approach to leadership exemplifies what happens when we work to remove our ego and self-will from daily events, and create more room for the Holy Spirit to work in and through others.  Although he's speaking about leadership as a pastor, I think there's some incredible wisdom about leadership that applies to any context - business, parenting, sports, etc. Here's how he describes this approach to "pastoral" leadership on his blog, on a Contemplative Reformation: Fr. Stuart’s doctoral thesis, “The Practice of Christian Mindfulness as an Imaginative Challenge in Parish Ministry,” describes Grace’s work over the past few years to reorient its practice of discipleship and ministry away from the “program-maintenance model” toward a contemplative posture of spiritual imagination, discernment, transfigured awareness, and desire. He is particularly drawn to exploring the ways the Christian contemplative tradition can shape, nurture, and challenge the institutional church. Fore more information about Stuart, check out the links below: Elements of a Contemplative Reformation blog www.contemplativereformation.com Grace Episcopal Church www.gracechurchgainesville.org Stuart mentions this video by Raimond Panikkar in our interview, so I'm sharing the link here as well... In his words, "It fits so well into the dynamic of congregational work, with a contemplative posture.  I use it a great deal here, with conversations."  It's Panikkar's "The Window" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyDZEs2qKw8

Lerita Coleman Brown, PhD, Professor of Psychology Emerita at Agnes Scott College, is a spiritual director/companion, writer, retreat leader, and speaker. A graduate of the Spiritual Guidance Program at the Shalem Institute (founded by Tilden Edwards, Episode 3), Lerita writes about and promotes contemplative spirituality in everyday life, the life and work of Howard Thurman, and uncovering the peace and joy in one's heart. Dr. Brown was the retreat director and keynote speaker at the "Sewanee Contemplative Exchange," an event that emerged after the New Contemplative Exchange in August 2017 to address the integration between contemplative prayer and compassionate social action. I was all signed up to attend, and then we bought a house and closed the weekend of the retreat:( I missed out on her retreat, but I did not miss out on her wisdom, which comes through passionately in this interview. Her website is called PeaceforHearts.com, and that is exactly what I'm still feeling after connecting with her in this conversation. I know listeners will find #peaceforhearts in this as well.

Lerita Coleman Brown, PhD, Professor of Psychology Emerita at Agnes Scott College, is a spiritual director/companion, writer, retreat leader, and speaker. A graduate of the Spiritual Guidance Program at the Shalem Institute (founded by Tilden Edwards, Episode 3), Lerita writes about and promotes contemplative spirituality in everyday life, the life and work of Howard Thurman, and uncovering the peace and joy in one’s heart. Dr. Brown was the retreat director and keynote speaker at the "Sewanee Contemplative Exchange," an event that emerged after the New Contemplative Exchange in August 2017 to address the integration between contemplative prayer and compassionate social action. I was all signed up to attend, and then we bought a house and closed the weekend of the retreat:( I missed out on her retreat, but I did not miss out on her wisdom, which comes through passionately in this interview. Her website is called PeaceforHearts.com, and that is exactly what I'm still feeling after connecting with her in this conversation. I know listeners will find #peaceforhearts in this as well.

The Rev. Matthew Wright is an Episcopal priest, writer, and retreat leader working to renew the Christian Wisdom tradition. He serves as priest-in-charge at St. Gregory's Episcopal Church in Woodstock, NY and is a teacher for Northeast Wisdom and The Contemplative Society, non-profits rooted in the teaching lineage of Cynthia Bourgeault. Matthew lives with his wife, Yanick, alongside the brothers of Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, NY. Matthew Wright is emerging as one of the most dynamic young leaders in the world of Christian contemplative practice. I've had the honor of becoming friends with Matthew after I first met him several years ago when he was giving a retreat at the Episcopal House of Prayer, which is located in the beautiful North woods on the grounds of my alma mater of St. John's University in Collegeville, MN. We were also both present for the New Contemplative Exchange that gathered in August 2017 at St. Benedict's Monastery in Snowmass, CO. Matthew has a genuine warmth, depth, and enthusiasm that witnesses to the kind of peace that one only encounters in those who have humbly cultivated a quiet faith and trust in God. Two of the things that Matthew highlights particularly well in this interview is the focus on dwelling in the heart - a notion he picks up from his teacher, Cynthia Bourgeault - and his appreciation for being a disciple of Christ while cultivating an interspiritual connection with the contemplative dimension of Islam, which he engages in through Sufi practices. His teachings, which he shares primarily on retreats, has a way of touching people at a very deep level, and I hope you enjoy the peace and warmth of his gentle witness in this interview. To learn more about Matthew and his work, please visit any of the following resources: Matthew's blog: http://awakingheart.com/ Northeast Wisdom: http://northeastwisdom.org/ The Threshold Society: http://sufism.org/ The Contemplative Society: http://contemplative.org/

The Rev. Matthew Wright is an Episcopal priest, writer, and retreat leader working to renew the Christian Wisdom tradition. He serves as priest-in-charge at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Woodstock, NY and is a teacher for Northeast Wisdom and The Contemplative Society, non-profits rooted in the teaching lineage of Cynthia Bourgeault. Matthew lives with his wife, Yanick, alongside the brothers of Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, NY. Matthew Wright is emerging as one of the most dynamic young leaders in the world of Christian contemplative practice. I've had the honor of becoming friends with Matthew after I first met him several years ago when he was giving a retreat at the Episcopal House of Prayer, which is located in the beautiful North woods on the grounds of my alma mater of St. John's University in Collegeville, MN. We were also both present for the New Contemplative Exchange that gathered in August 2017 at St. Benedict's Monastery in Snowmass, CO. Matthew has a genuine warmth, depth, and enthusiasm that witnesses to the kind of peace that one only encounters in those who have humbly cultivated a quiet faith and trust in God. Two of the things that Matthew highlights particularly well in this interview is the focus on dwelling in the heart - a notion he picks up from his teacher, Cynthia Bourgeault - and his appreciation for being a disciple of Christ while cultivating an interspiritual connection with the contemplative dimension of Islam, which he engages in through Sufi practices. His teachings, which he shares primarily on retreats, has a way of touching people at a very deep level, and I hope you enjoy the peace and warmth of his gentle witness in this interview. To learn more about Matthew and his work, please visit any of the following resources: Matthew's blog: http://awakingheart.com/ Northeast Wisdom: http://northeastwisdom.org/ The Threshold Society: http://sufism.org/ The Contemplative Society: http://contemplative.org/