Foundry Spiritual Center

Because our offerings and ways that we're engaging in the world have shifted recently, this podcast will no longer be available come Thursday, September 22, 2022. We do hope, however, that we can continue to be a part of one another's spiritual journeys. Below are a few ways that you can be in touch with us so that we can stay connected:Website: www.foundrysc.comNewsletter: https://foundrysc.com/connect/newsletterFoundry Spiritual Center You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAV2kwc_uIpv2_lSjDD9-tAThe Contemplative Life Podcast: https://foundrysc.com/podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/foundryscInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundryspiritualcenter/We hope you'll continue to join us on your own spiritual journey.

Discussion One- What was that like for you?- What did you notice or hear?Job 12:7-8 (NIV)Discussion Two- What was that like for you?- What did you notice or hear?

Foundry Spiritual Center: A collective for spiritual growth and wellness.What is spirituality? - A belief that there is something greater than ourselves and that we are one part of the greater wholeJohn 4:15 (NIV), John 4:21-23 (NIV)Discussion One:- What do you hear that interests you?- What questions or curiosities do you have?- What fears or worries do you have? Education- Online Book Study Discussion Group- The Contemplative Life PodcastReflection- One-on-One Spiritual Direction- RetreatsPractice- Online Drop-In Contemplative Prayer- Online Spiritual Formation SeriesAlso see:- Calendar page:  https://foundrysc.com/connect/calendarDiscussion Two- Is there anything you'd like to hear more about?- What other questions do you have?- Anything you feel particularly excited about or interested in?

NON-DUALITY“Both/And” expands our awareness of God, others and the world around us.Why Non-Dualism is so helpful for us:- We develop an ability to hold things in tensionSpiritual practice: Letting goPhilippians 2:6-7 (Berean Study Bible)Discussion One:- What does it cause you to think about?- Do you have your own examples of how “clinging” has been unhelpful to you?- What has helped you in developing an ability to hold things in tension?Why Non-Dualism is so helpful for us:- Non-duality helps us accept the difficulties in lifeSpiritual Practice: RestMatthew 11:28-30 (NIV)Quote: - Wild Mercy by Mirabai Starr, p. 31, 32Discussion Two:- Do you relate to needing help to accept the difficulties of life?- How do you navigate trying to have a moment-by-moment relationship with God?- Is there anything you're wondering about?

NON-DUALITY“Both/And” expands our awareness of God, others and the world around us.Philippians 4:7 (NIV)Nondualistic thinking - Sees subtlety, exceptions, mystery, and a bigger pictureDiscussion One:- Have you heard of Non-dualism before?- Can you see how this framework of Both/And might serve you?- Do you have your own examples of how this both/and experience comes up in your life?Nondual Awareness- Another term for union with God. Luke 17:21, Mark 1:15, John 18:36, Psalm 139:1 & 11Discussion Two:- Are there ways that you sometimes become aware of God's presence? How do we experience this in our actual lives?- How do we engage in a life where the Kingdom of Heaven lives within us?- What do we wonder about?

INNER WISDOMWe engage in deep listening to discover the inner wisdom of the Spirit.Discussion One:- What are some initial thoughts that come to mind when you think about inner wisdom? - What appeals to us?   - What challenges might we encounter?Proverbs 20:5 (NIV)Acts 15:28 (NIV)Proverbs 11:14 (NLT)Discussion Two:- What are some ways you have accessed inner wisdom?  - Who are examples of people who have drawn out of you?

LIFELONG LEARNERSWe are lifelong learners committed to curiosity and growth.Proverbs 2:6, 10-11 (NIV)- Life gives us many choices.- God can teach us these things about ourselves - Living as lifelong learners can help us remember to engage with our Divine GuideDiscussion One:- What sorts of choices do you make that help you engage with learning?- Does joy as a byproduct of learning resonate with you?Mark 4:14-20 (NIV)Discussion Two:- Can you relate to the struggle of learning by way of failure?- How does Jesus' explanation of the Parable help you? - Is there anything you wonder about?

LIFELONG LEARNERSWe are lifelong learners committed to curiosity and growth.Childlike FaithMatthew 18:3 (NIV)Beginner's Mind: To see as though for the first timeDiscussion One:- What helps you to engage a Beginner's Mind where you can “see as if for the first time?”- Are there ways that you can identify with feeling blocked because of your own existing ideas and experiences?Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV)Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)Discussion Two: - Do you resonate with feeling like you need to have all the answers?- Does Jesus' invitation to ask and to rest feel encouraging to you in any way? Is there anything you wonder about?

Spiritual Journey: We're on a spiritual journey to uncover the emerging soul.To see the entire Kaiser's Hero's Journey Video : https://youtu.be/2-N0k540Hcw“The Special World is unpredictable and full of unknowns.”Discussion One:- Can you relate to the experience of feeling a struggle between something inside and the external world?- Has it been helpful to try to proceed with strength and courage or did you find something else helpful? Hero's Journey: Later StagesDeath: Jonah 1:17 (NIV)Transformation: Jonah 2, Jonah 3:1 (NIV), Jonah 3:10 & 4:1 (NIV)Special Knowledge: Jonah 4:11 (NIV)Reward/Elixir: - God's desire is to relate to all people with Love and CompassionDiscussion Two:- Is there anything that surprises you about Jonah's story?- What do you wonder about?- Does it inspire you towards anything?

One way we discover who we are and what we're doing:- Following the still, small voice within- 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NIV)- John 16:13a (NIV)A framework for what this can look like: - The Hero's JourneyHero's Journey Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhk4N9A0oCA Discussion One: - What do you like about the Hero's Journey framework?- Are there things you wonder about or struggle with in regards to the Hero's Journey?Companions- Galatians 6:2 (Good News)Discussion Two:- Can you identify a time in your life when you felt like you entered the special world?- What was the importance of companions in that time?- How might we experience more companionship in our lives? - Or, does anything stop us from wanting that?

Frameworks:Bounded vs. Centered SetJoseph Campbell's The Hero's JourneyScripture: John 14:1, 2, 6Discussion One:- How do you relate to this idea of journey as movement?  - What emotions emerge as you consider this frame?  - Does anything trigger you as you hear about this notion of a “way?”Discussion Two:- Can you relate to the notion of a troubled heart versus a trusting heart?- What does this framework for Journey bring up for you?

Today's Focus: Spiritual Journey: We are on a spiritual journey to uncover the emerging soul.Scripture: Mark 8:34-36, Genesis 12:1, Exodus 3:10, Luke 10:3, Luke 14:21, Acts 8:26 Discussion One:- What are ways that help you connect from a soul space?- Are there inspirations you're feeling as we talk? Discussion Two:- In what ways does the notion of a spiritual journey resonate with you?- What is your own experience of spiritual journey?

Limiting mindsets can show themselves in so many ways: The Inner Critic, Imposter Syndrome, Feeling Stuck…and they tend to show up even more profoundly when we're growing and changing. But that said, they can also occur in smaller ways, impacting our joy for entire seasons at a time. So today we talk how being aware of those mindsets, and then engaging more mindfully, can make a huge difference in how we experience our days.  Additional ResourcesPDF: Limiting Mindsets: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eSaFnaLSMleeXbebUhPbIpFv22ecZcxg/view?usp=sharing#LimitingBeliefs#Faith#Companions#RecurringThoughts For Transcript:Go to the "Transcript" Tab.If you are in a player that does not have the Transcript Tab, use the link below:https://thecontemplativelife.buzzsprout.com/1642654/10029488-ep-56-limiting-mindsets

Scriptures: John 12:3, Luke 10:25-37, John 4:20, 24Perennial Wisdom Value:  We value wisdoms that exist across faith traditionsPerennial Wisdom: Knowledge that continually recurs.Compassion: A common perennial virtueWhy do we care about perennial wisdom?  - It gives us the opportunity to learn from one another without pressure to change the other.Discussion One:- Have you ever experienced a barrier to having a mutual experience due to cultural or religious differences?- Any other thoughts, insights, or wonderings coming up for you?Why do we care about perennial wisdom? - It's meaningful to become aware of the shared human experience.Discussion Two: Has there been a time when you had a shared experience with someone from another culture or religion? Have you noticed where you have even shut down because of another person's religion or culture?

Ecumenical Engagement + Perennial Wisdom- We value the diversity of the Church and the wisdom that exists across faith traditions.Scriptures (NIV):Matthew 22:37-39, Galatians 5:14, 1 John 2:15a, 17Why is Perennial Wisdom Compelling:- Great to feel connection- New wisdoms and insightsExample: “We want to engage externally while letting go internally.” - Learn spiritual practices from other faith traditionsDiscussion One:- What experience, if any, do you have with Perennial Wisdom?- What have you found helpful about Perennial Wisdom?What are Challenges?- Walking on a slippery slope.- If I learn from other faith traditions, will I feel compelled to ignore my own tradition?- Fear of losing connection with others - Fear of the demonicDiscussion Two:- Are there fears that you're hearing named that you resonate with?- What other questions or wonderings have you had about perennial wisdom?

ECUMENICAL ENGAGEMENT + PERENNIAL WISDOM- We value the diversity of the Church and the wisdom that exists across faith traditions.Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV), Colossians 3:10 & 11b (ERV), Ephesians 6, Matthew 28:19-20Styles of Prayer- Declarative- Scripted- Petition- Without WordsDiscussion One:- Are there ways of praying that you have felt a strong connection to?- Have you noticed shifts in your prayer experiences and ways you connect to God?- Are there ideas here that surprise you or that you wonder about? Styles of Biblical Engagement:- Proclaimed- Lectionary- Bible Study- Images/MetaphorsDiscussion Two: - Can you identify quadrants that have been a part of your own story?- How does a diagram like this one help your engagement with others?- Are there things you feel curious or wonder about?

Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Colossians 1:17, Ephesians 2:15b-16 Notes:Ecumenical: The entirety of all Christian faith communitiesPerennial Wisdom: Wisdom that spans across faith traditionsOur Guiding Value: - We value the diversity of the Church and the wisdom that exists across faith traditions.To Begin: - Diversity is good. - Diversity is hard.Confirmation Bias: The human brain welcomes information that confirms what it already thinks and resists information that disturbs or contradicts what it already thinks.Complexity Bias: The human brain prefers a simple lie to a complex truth. Discussion One:- What do you welcome about ecumenical diversity?- How have you found ecumenical diversity challenging?To Continue: - Connection is good.- Connection is hard.Quote - Bishop Michael Curry: - To love does not mean we have to agree. But maybe agreeing to love is the greatest agreement. Discussion Two: - What blesses your life about connection?- In what ways do you need Christ's help with connection?

Additional Resources:The Contemplative Tree: https://www.contemplativemind.org/practices/treeScriptures: Psalm 1:3 (NIV), Psalm 84:1-2 (ERV), Psalm 63:1 (NIV)DISCUSSION ONE: What stands out to you? What do you notice?Do you find anything that piques your interest or that makes you wonder? What are some of your initial impressions?DISCUSSION TWO: How does this tree reflect the evolution of your own faith life?What sparks do you sense within you?

Additional Resources:Richard Rohr Daily Meditation, Tuesday, March 22, 2022Scriptures: John 3:17, Galatians 3:28, John 12:24, Revelation 21:5Our definition of Evolving for this series:- We, both collectively and individually, tend to move and develop from simplistic experiences and understandings of faith towards more nuanced ones.Mystery• Greater meaning - beyond understandingMystery of the Cross• Power over death • Power to make things newTo Ponder: • What if all “deaths” lead to resurrection? Spiritual Practice Reflection:• How is this true in our lives?• Where are we seeing signs of resurrection?- Lord, would you bring to mind those signs of newness in our lives.- Take a moment to pause and listen for anything else you have to say to us.- Rest for a moment in the presence of God

Notes: We (collectively) tend to move and develop from simplistic experiences and understandings of faith towards more nuanced ones.- Ever-expanding Faith-  “Both/And” - Transformation- Contemplate: Expand our gaze and awarenessScriptures: 1 Corinthians 4:15, Romans 16, Galatians 3:28, 2 Corinthians 3:18Discussion Questions Part One:- What has evolving church looked like for you?Disucssion Questions Part Two:- How have we seen this be true in our lives? - What else is coming up for you that you'd like to share?

Our collective definition of evolving throughout this series: - We are gradually developing, moving from a simplistic faith towards a nuanced faith.REFLECTIVE MOMENT ONE: - What resonates with you about Evolving Prayer?  - Did you relate to things you heard in the video or do you maybe have your own experiences?Scriptures: Matthew 6, 7-8, Genesis 4:26, Phillippians 4:6, Romans 1:20DISCUSSION MOMENT TWO:Are there ways you've seen your prayer practices change or expand over time?

Notes & Reflections:Our collective definition of evolving throughout this series: We are gradually developing, moving from a simplistic faith towards a nuanced faith.Scriptures: Psalm 40:3, Psalm 40:1-2, Psalm 40:11Discussion 1: - What do you like about communal singing?Reflection Questions after Chris talks:What song am I going to sing? What song am I going to discover or find? What does it mean for me to sing a new song? Discussion 2:What did you notice as the song played? Things that came up from the talkAdditional Resources:Song 1 - You Are My Joy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPacYSOjCbkSong 2 - Bless the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4Svh-9ohg4

Notes: - I am gradually changing, moving towards greater trust and confidence in my relationship with God. Discussion 1: Has engaging with Bible Genres ever been a consideration for you? What's been your experience of engaging with the Bible so far in your life?  Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:11, 12b Matthew 7:7 Discussion 2: Do you see evidence of your own experience evolving with the Bible? What does this discussion make you think about? #Lent 2022 #Evolving Faith#Questions about the Bible#Relational Spirituality

criptures: Luke 22:17-20, Acts 2:42 & 46, John 6:31-35Additional Resources:Greg Boyd via "The Work of the People" talks about "Covenant versus Contract:" https://www.theworkofthepeople.com/covenant-vs-contractNotes: - Do this in Remembrance of Me- Sacrament- Breaking Bread- The Individual & Communal Natures of CommunionReflection:What resonates?  What questions emerge?What comes to mind for you?What do you relate with? What do you wonder about?

Welcome to our first Sunday of Lent. Some Definitions: Evolve: To develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form. Faith: Strong belief, trust, or confidence in someone or something. Our working definition for our season of lent: Evolving Faith: I am gradually changing, moving towards greater trust and confidence in my relationship with God.  AND: We are gradually developing, moving from a simplistic faith towards a nuanced faith. Scriptures: Romans 12:2, Acts 15:1-2, 8, 19 Spiritual Reflections: Reflection One: What resonates with you about Evolving Faith? What challenges arise as we consider this? Reflection Two: Where have we been? Where are we now? Are there things that the Acts 15 passage brings up for you, causes you to think about or makes you wonder about?

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10Today we use Imaginative Prayer in order to continue our conversation on Emotions.After the video is finished, consider taking some time to process, either alone or with another what you noticed, how you might have felt, what comes up for you in the reading. Many blessings on you today!

Additional Resources: Pierre Teilhard de Chardin QuoteScriptures: John 15:11, John 11:​​3, Matthew 20:34Reflection Questions: Joy: - Is there a time that I can remember feeling like Jesus was there for me?- What did that feel like for me?- And what does it look like for me to tap into that on a more regular basis?Friendship Love (Philia): - Who is a friend that has shown up for you in a time of need?- How does viewing Jesus as a friend expand our ideas of love?Compassion: - How can stories help us “suffer together” in a way that leads to healing?- How can we lean into moments of compassion while not falling into compassion fatigue?

Quote: Pierre Teilhard de ChardinScriptures:  Mark 3:5, Matthew 8:10, John 4:6

Scripture:  Mark 7:31-35 (NIV)Notes: Anastenazo: A deep sighWays we try to "deal" with our emotions:- Try to resist them- Try to push them away- But we can also simply have them.How do we do that:- Recognize & Accept the emotion we're having- Recource: Feelings Wheel- Begin to Investigate the Emotion- Engage the practice of Non-Identification- Example: Having the feeling that I'm lonely.- Sacred PauseSpiritual Exercise:- What am I feeling in my body right now? -  What thoughts have I been having lately?-  What emotion/s might be connected to what I'm noticing? - Is there anything I feel the Spirit prompting me to do? 

Additional Resources: Joan ChittisterScriptures (NIV): Numbers 6:24-26, Isaiah 41:10, Romans 12:2b, Lamentations 3:22-24  Notes & Reflections: A Moment to Reflect: 1. What struggle exists for me right now?2. What models or wisdoms exist to help me?3. Where is God in my situation? Guided Meditation: Being Like a Tree

Additional Resources: “Eyes Wide Open” by Mariana Caplan.Scriptures: Philippians 4:6-7, 8, 11b-12 & Ephesians 4:14-16Notes & Reflections:Equanimity: The capacity to remain emotionally steady regardless of circumstancesViktor Frankl: Attitude is a choice. Thich Nhat Hanh: Calls us to the Unity of Oneness of all thingsApostle Paul: Calls us to calm our emotions by connecting to GodMariana Caplan: Calls us to train our minds through the practice of attention.Spiritual Practice (5 min)- “Content in Circumstance” or “Bring Your Peace”

Scriptures (NIV): Mark 8:18-19 Notes & Reflections:Epiphany - A parting of the veil. - A sudden “aha” awareness of our spiritual connection. The Question: Did we recognize that spiritual connection in the moment – or did it pass us by? Seven Ways to Know/Hear God- Mind – Learning, Knowledge- Behavior – Sticking with things- Heart – Emotions- Body – Senses- Art – Images- Story – Aesthetic- Spiritual Revelation – EpiphanySpiritual Exercise: Visio Divina- 4 pictures on screen- Which image stands out to you?- Why does this image stand out to you?- What message does this picture have for you? 

Additional Resources:Book: Susceptible to Light by Chelan Harken. Poem - The Flower.Scriptures (NIV): Proverbs 23:18, Luke 14:28, 34 Notes:The Celebration of the New Year is:- Spiritual- Saying Goodbye- Saying HelloIgnatian Resolutions: I resolve to:- Drop judgment- Embrace positivity- Open againSpiritual Exercise:- Face the Light  o What do you want to say goodbye to?  o What do you feel lead to say hello to?

Additional Resources: Revelations of Divine Love by Julian Norwich, Chapter 8Scriptures (NIV): 1 John 4:16, 18, Ephesians 3:17b-18 Notes:Ways that Godly Love interacts- Love creates. - Love protects. - Love sustains.Divine Love: - Love without conditions. - Love that crosses all societal boundaries – age, religion, economics…- Born of our divine nature that longs for Ultimate Truth As we Engage with Divine Love: - Fear Lessens - Hope Increases- Love ConnectsUnitive Consciousness: - Awareness that we are all one in love- Awareness that Divine Love is present in us and in everything - We act accordinglySpiritual Exercise:- Ways I show love to God- Ways I show love to the Earth- Ways I show love to myself- Ways I show love to others

Scriptures: Isaiah 54:10, Luke 2:8-10, John 15:9-11Notes:Joy: A feeling of great happiness or pleasureSmall-self living robs us of joy.Spiritual Exercise:Name 20 things that bring you joy.- What do you notice about yourself as you make your list?- What do you sense from God?- Commit to engaging daily with something from your list

Scriptures (NIV): Isaiah 54:10, John 14:27, Romans 5Additional Resources: In Search of Belief by Joan ChittisterReflection:- What image(s) of God have I been living with?- What struggle is coming to mind for me?- In light of Jesus' words that he is offering us peace, take a moment to receive Jesus as the Prince of Peace over your struggle.Taking in the final words of what we heard from Joan Chittister. She says:If my God is life and hope, I will live my life in fullness overflowing forever.- Allow those words to speak to you. What do you notice as you sit with those words?

Scriptures (NIV): Romans 5:1-5, John 8:12, Matthew 1:21-23, Isaiah 7:14Additional Resources:Light of the World by Lauren Daigle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCRun...The Larger Story:- God makes a way to be with us.Spiritual Exercise:- What Miracle are you waiting for?- What Hope does your heart long for?- What glory do you bring today?- What glory do you receive today?

Additional Resources:-  The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer- Short Story Teller: Ryunosuke Satoro Scripture (NIV):John 17:22b-23, Ephesians 4:1-6What are we gonna do when we get stuck? - Notice it- Get curious- Embrace our JourneySpirtual Exercise:-  From my “on the ground” perspective, what do I notice?-   Now – moving to maybe 5 stories in the air, what do I notice here?-  Now – going up to about 30,000 feet, what do I notice from this distance?- And now Zoom out even farther. See what is coming to mind as if you were standing on the moon. What do you notice now?- And now, having Zoomed to this very far point, return to your “on the ground” perspective. As you sit in this space once again, what do you notice now?

Additional Resoures:Rohr Daily Meditations, Friday, September 18, 2020“Everyday Zen” by Charlotte Joko Beck, p 57Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 21, 24b-26 (NIV)Lectio Divina: Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)- What word/s is resonating with me?- Why is this standing out to me?- What is my response?- Simply be.

The Danger of a Single Story: https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_...Scriptures: Matthew 16:13-17, Exodus 3:14, John 6:35, John 8:12, John 10:7,  John 10:11, John 11:25, John 14:6, John 15:1, Colossians 3:11, Psalm 139:14 Spiritual Exercise:Poem From “Earth Prayers: 365 Prayers, Poems, and Invocations from Around the World," Written by Susan Griffin- What is one story in my life? - What's another story? - What do I notice as I open to more stories?

Awe: *A universal human emotion*Fascinating, mysterious, or supernatural.*Elicits a trembling response*Overwhelmed by greatnessAwe occurs:- In nature- Spiritual Experiences- AestheticsWhy is Awe a connecting power?- It transcends our beliefs and traditionsWhat common effects do we see from awe?- The self tends to diminish (Colossians 3:11b-14)- Sense of well-being (Psalm 65:8)- Our mood improves-Tim e feels more spacious- Critical thinking increases- Materialism decreases- We feel more connectedHow can we engage and express our awe?- Spend time engaging with awe-inspiring things- Imaginative PrayerSpiritual Exercise: Imaginative Prayer - Matthew 17:1-8

Scriptures: Matthew 22:39, Romans 7:19, Galatians 5:22-23, Matthew 7:7-8Additional Resources: “The Gift of Compulsions: A Revolutionary Approach to Self-Acceptance and Healing” by Mary O'Malley. Chapter 12: The Healing Power of Questions. Questions:- What am I experiencing right now? (What is asking to be seen?) - Can I allow this to be here? (How can I give this space to be?)- Can I be compassionate towards this? (How can I be compassionate?)- What do I truly need in this moment? (What is the way through?)

Ego: A state of mindOriginal Goodness: Genesis 1 & 2Original Sin: Genesis 3Ego State of Mind: Galatians 5:19-21Spirit State of Mind: Galatians 5:22-23Parable of the Wheat and the WeedsThe Tree of the Knowledge of Good and EvilNon-Dualistic ViewRomans 7:19Compassionate Observer: Notice, Name, Observe, Watch it fall away"To Bless the Space Between Us" by John O'Donohue. Blessing: For Freedom

Self-Compassion Exercise:- Notice it- Take a breath or two- Actually say the words: “This is difficult.”Matthew 22:39 & Galatians 5:14: Love your neighbor as yourselfRadical Self-Acceptance:- This is reality. This is what actually is.- “This is hard.”- “I'm still learning.”Loving Kindness to Self:- May I be well- May I be safe- May I be happy- May I be at ease

Scriptures: Luke 11:46, Luke 11:33-36, Luke 13:20-21Notes & Reflections:For Forms of Compassion:PresenceResilienceAwarenessJusticeWhat is needed:- Willingness to listen- Willingness to forgive ourselves when we don't want to listen.- Willingness to journey- Willingness to do good.- Willingness to drop the blame game.

Scriptures: 2 Kings 5:1-19aNotes & Reflections: - Naaman's healing was an active experience.- Naaman's healing is more than just a physical experience.- Naaman alone can decide how he will engage spiritually- Could it be that Naaman already senses what he wants to do?- Could it be that the same is true of all of us?Additional Resoucres:www.thecontemplativelife.net/podcast.Earth Prayers: 365 Prayers, Poems, and Invocations from Around the World, Edited by Elizabeth Roberts & Elisa AmidonCentering Prayers by Peter Traben HaasTo Bless the Space Between Us by John O'DonohueThe Divine Hours by Phyllis TickleLoving Kindness MeditationPsalm 46:10https://www.thecontemplativelife.net/...www.sdicompanions.orgSHOW LESS

Scriptures: James 1:19, Proverbs 18:2, 1 Kings 19Additional Resources: Margaret Wheatley, Margaret Truxaw, Mirabai Starr, "The  Wisdom of Listening" Edited by Mark BradyNotes & Reflections:“Crazy” idea:- You don't have to fix things for people. Oftentimes, being heard is enough. Being heard:- Nurtures- Heals- TransformsThe big step in getting there:- Learning to manage our reactivityTangible how-to's:- Stop talking- Focus your attention on the speakerWhat if my feelings come up?!- Notice your feelings. - Set them aside to deal with later on- Return your attention to the speaker. What else can we do to help?- Establish whether or not you're invited to ask questions.- Practice mirroring and paraphrasing.- Know that most people are more open to support & clarification than feedback- Avoid the question “why.”- Practice using open-ended questions: What & How

Scriptures: Hebrews 4:1, 7, 12, 16 (ERV); Colossians 2:16; Psalm 95:6-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:17Additional Resources: "To Bless the Space Between Us" by John O'DonohueNotes & Reflections: - Who is in your "solar system?"Intentional Resting- Do something that signifies “sacred space” to you- Open Our Awareness- Extending & Receiving LoveMoment of Rest- Prayer from W. E. B. Du Bois

Scriptures (NIV): Exodus 17:3-7, Exodus 18:14-24, John 8:6-8Notes & Reflections:When we need discernment:- Take a pause- See what comes of that pauseMoment of Reflection:- Is there anything I'm discerning now?- Take a pause

Scriptues (NIV): Romans 1:21-23, 29-32, Luke 14:33, Luke 9:23-25, Matthew 18:2-3Additional Resources: Awareness by Anthony De MelloMoment of Reflection- What are some words to describe myself?

Scriptures: Psalm 71:14, 19-20 (NIV) , Romans 5:3-5 (ERV)Moment of Reflection- What is one thing I have overcome in my life?- What is a hope I have right now?- What is a small step I can take towards my hope?