ISH SpiritMatters

En este episodio especial, nos acompaña Dr. Luis Rodriguez, Manager del Programa de Educación Pastoral del Hospital Metodista de Houston.  Con un gran sensibilidad, Dr. Rodriguez comparte sus reflecciones sobre el tema del divorcio, y los aspectos espirituales y emocionales.  Tuvimos la gran oportunidad de pasar este tiempo con Dr. Rodriguez en 2017, y agradecemos mucho su generosidad.   

In our final episode of Season 2, Reverend Gena Davis reads from her beautiful book entitled Yoga Mass: Embodying Christ Consciousness.  In YogaMass, we create and participate in an embodied liturgy, expressed through movement and breath.  Rev. Davis bridges yogic principles and practices with Christian spirituality and worship as a path for bringing the whole body to the experience of spiritual awakening.   The Reverend Gena Davis Episcopal priest, yoga educator, and founder of YogaMass.  She serves a mission congregation in Houston, Texas, and is an active collaborator with the Institute for Spiriutality & Health. 

In Season 2, Episode 9, Andrew Miller reflects on his journey as a medical student, and the discernment around medically treating patients while also feeling called to care for individuals with a loving spirit.   Andrew is a fourth year medical student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a recent graduate of Theology, Medicine, and Culture Fellowship at Duke Divinity School.  He reads from his paper entitled: “Love’s Proper Place in the Medical Encounter,” which he first presented at the 2017 Conference on Medicine and Religion, in Houston. 

In Episode 8 of Season 2, Dr. John Graham shares his poignant story of a pivotal experience as a young surgeon, the medical emergency that brought him together with a young boy and his family, and the spiritual impact that lead to a lifelong bond.  Dr. John Graham, D.Min., is the President of the Institute for Spirituality & Health (ISH).  

Welcome to Episode 7 of Season 2.  Today's episode is shared in the spirit of the season of school graduations and the transition from spring ... onward.  Dr. Andy Achenbaum reflects on the choices brought along the life journey – roads traversed, roads left unexplored, and the differences along the way.  Dr. Andy Achenbaum is holds the Gerson and Sabina David Professorship of Global Aging at the University of Houston and is Scholar in Residence at the Institute for Spirituality & Health.

Welcome to Episode 6 of Season 2.  Today, Kathi Beasley takes us into the other-worldly realms of what is often called a near death experience, or NDE.  For Kathi, this emerged as part of a slow and debilitating health issue that was, as she says, “like watching grass grow.” She careened into a place of darkness that at first, terrified her, but in time, transitioned into something miraculous, and overwhelmingly positive: a near death experience.  Kathi reflects on the landscape of the end of life, which often stirs fear and anxiety of the unknown.  She brings her story with the hope of reassurance, sharing an encounter that brought what Kathi describes as "a soul healing that was custom made with care just for her," bringing hope and healing fro the other side of life. Kathi has spent most of her life telling other people’s stories in film and photography as a producer, editor, and writer.  She recently received numerous awards for a one woman documentary she shot on location in West Africa called “The Woe of Bo Town” which chronicles the trials of women in underdeveloped countries who have little access to healthcare during childbirth. But in this instance, she describes what compelled her to want to do outreach and mission oriented work.  This story is adapted from ISH’s Healing Stories Event held in February 2017.

Today we host a special feature, in honor of the National day of prayer.  Virgil Frye, Executive Director of LifeLine Chaplaincy, shares spiritual reflections and a prayer from his writings around home, affirmation, and resting in God. Virgil began work as a chaplain at M.D. Anderson Hospital in 1985, and since then, has engaged with thousands of patients and family members in his ministry.  He also provides professional leadership and direction for volunteer chaplains and student interns.  Virgil writes stories, poems, and is the author of two books.

Welcome to Episode 5 of Season 2.  In today’s episode, welcome Dr. Nathan Carlin as he reads from the preface of his book, “Religious Mourning: Reversals and Restorations in Psychological Portraits of Religious Leaders.”  In this reading, Dr. Carlin explores how healing experiences around the study of religion from a psychological perspective is an essential part of the personal and academic journey.  Dr. Nathan Carlin is an Associate Professor in the McGovern Center for Humanities and Ethics at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.  He also holds a faculty appointment at the Institute for Spirituality and Health.     

Welcome to Episode 4 of Season 2.  Are we willing to believe in things we cannot see, or in new things that appear to us?  What if this means moving away from our immediate perception of what is real? And how does this invite us to explore our internal life, experience, and connection with others?  In today’s episode, we welcome Dr. Jeffrey Kripal as he reads from his book The Super Natural: A New Vision of the Unexplained, co-authored with Whitley Strieber.  Dr. Kripal is a Professor of Religious Studies at Rice University, and is on ISH’s faculty.  A full audio-version of the book narrated by Stephen Bell Davies is now available through websites including Amazon.com and Audible.com.

Welcome to Episode 3 or Season 2.  In today’s episode, Karen Abercrombie reads her poignant article, titled “Out of Despair, the Gift of Life,” from the December 2016 issue of Houstonia magazine.  Karen writes about the tragic loss of her sister at the hands of a drunk driver.  For Karen, her story is also one of salvation.  Through her sister's donation of life-saving organs and tissue, over 80 lives were saved or enriched.  As part of this experience, Karen was deeply touched by the warmth and care her family received through relationship with Elena Mendoza, a Family Care Services Supervisor with LifeGift, in Houston, Texas.  Karen and Elena are photographed here, together.  We hope you enjoy.

Welcome to Episode 2 of Season 2.  In honor of this week's religious celebrations, including Passover and Holy Week, today's episode is a reflection on faith, discernment, and journey.  What are the turning points in our lives?  In today’s episode, Rev. Robert Kidd one of these transpired as a college student, as he wrestled with his spiritual belief system, and ventured into unexplored doubts and questions.  What he learned was greater than the answers themselves; he learned to listen in a way that would shape the course of his life.  Robert Kidd, MDiv, BCC, is Houston Methodist Director for Spiritual Care and Values Integration.  He engages in ISH speaking activities and conferences, and is a former ISH board member.  

Welcome to the first episode of Season 2: Readings, Stories, & Studies  Is a jigsaw puzzle just a bunch of shapes we piece together, or could it be more than that?  In today’s episode, we hear Ken Pargament’s story about how a jigsaw puzzle evolved like an orchestra of movements, bringing pieces of his own story together.  Dr. Ken Pargament is an emeritus professor of psychology at Bowling Green State University.  He works with individuals in private counseling, and is a researcher and writer.  He is also a long-time ISH friend and on ISH’s faculty.    

Today, we feature an Interim Season Edition.   We'll hear from Julia Jung, a Rice University sophomore studying Cognitive Science.  During the fall semester of 2016, Julia worked with ISH as a practica student, concentrating on the religious significance of disorders of consciousness. As Julia delved into her project, she became increasingly fascinated by the impact of religion and spirituality on patients and healthcare professionals, particularly around their perception of health. Julia explored profound questions through dialogues and interviews with scholars, religious leaders, and health professionals.  In today’s episode, Julia takes us with her on this journey.  Thanks for joining us.

Welcome to Episode 10 of Season 1.  In today’s episode, we’ll hear Dr. Louis Markos talk about what it means to be embodied, from a Christian theological perspective.  Dr. Markos talks about how the body and soul are intimately related, which has great implications for our health, as individuals, and as a society.  This is particularly true in a culture that has become increasingly dualistic, dividing the body and soul, we can sometimes forget that we are both fully physical and fully spiritual.  Dr. Markos is a professor in English and Scholar in Residence at Houston Baptist University.  He holds the Robert H. Ray Chair in Humanities, and has written several books, including: From Achilles to Christ, and On the Shoulders of Hobbits: The Road to Virtue with Tolkien and Lewis.  Dr. Markos also offers lectures throughout the country, in Houston, and for the Institute for Spirituality and Health.    

Welcome to Episode 9 of Season 1.  In today's episode, psychologist and author Dr. Jerry Ruhl shares thoughts about the gravitational force that pulls individuals together: love.  Pop culture movies, songs, and images stir notions of the ideal soul mate – a person who will fulfill all of our desires, produce happiness and harmony.  Dr. Ruhl suggests that human-sized love between mere mortals is inherently filled with trouble, which inspires us to grow and become more conscious.  Dr. Ruhl is a former trustee of the C.G. Jung Society of Colorado and served as Executive Director of the Jung Center of Houston.  He is a psychologist in private practice and office at the Institute for Spirituality & Health, and conducts dream groups, seminars, and workshops across the nation.

Welcome to Episode 8 of Season 1.  In today’s episode, Dr. Bing You talks about the different expressions of stress: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.  Through the integration of eastern religion and philosophy into western medicine, Dr You has dedicated his work as a practitioner to bring body and mind together, with acupuncture, herbal supplements, meditation, tai chi and qi gong to help patients treat the root causes of their pain. Dr. You is the Director of weMed Wellness Center of Integrated Medicine in Houston, and is an Associate Professor at Baylor college of medicine and MD Anderson Hospital.  He is also a long-time friend and adjunct faculty at the Institute for Spirituality & Health.   

Welcome to Episode 7 of Season 1.  In today’s episode, Dr. Bob Hesse reflects on “spiritual but not religious,” and what it means for him as a Catholic Deacon and as a Contemplative prayer leader.  Dr. Hesse’s reflection is adapted from a homily he shared at a Sunday mass at St. Michael’s church in Houston.  Dr. Hesse is an ordained Catholic permanent deacon serving the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and Co-founder and President of Contemplative Network (CN) since 2011, dedicated to interdenominational Christian contemplative prayer.  He was inspired at Gethsemani Trappist monastery, at the time home to Trappist Monk Thomas Merton, and was appointed by Trappist Monk Thomas Keating, Commissioned Presenter since 2003, Co-coordinator for Contemplative Outreach Ltd. (COL) 2004-2011, and Emissary in 2005 to the first COL dialogue with the Mind & Life (M&L) Institute for research on contemplatives, in response to an invitation by The Dalai Lama to Keating. He is also an active ISH faculty member. 

Welcome to Episode 6 of Season 1.  In today’s episode, Dr. Jon Allen talks about hope, psychotherapy, and spiritual connection.  In his work as a psychotherapist, Dr. Allen has found that restoring hope is based on re-establishing a sense of a benevolent connection and secure attachment. When healing occurs in human relationships, parallel healing occurs in the relationship with God—each reinforces the other. Psychotherapy can be helpful in repairing such ruptures, and pastoral counseling is often essential.  Dr. Allen’s reflection stems from a talk he gave at ISH’s annual November psychotherapy and faith conference.  Dr. Allen is a Senior Staff Psychologist at Menninger Clinic and Professor of Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine, and on ISH’s adjunct faculty.  Dr. Allen is also a composer, and in this episode, has shared his musical composition and performance titled “Reflection." 

Welcome to Episode 5 of Season 1.  In today’s episode, Dr. Jill Carroll reflects on religion, nature, and being human.  Religion is a place that helps us address existential questions – reflecting our deepest selves back to us.  Being part of the natural world is essential to our existence. The earth is a true home, and to love the world means to embrace it.  Dr. Carroll is a scholar, writer and consultant.  She has a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion from Rice University and formerly served as Executive Director of the Boniuk Center for Religious Tolerance at Rice University.  Dr. Carroll is the creator and founding director of the Amazing Faiths Dinner Dialogues.

Happy new year!  Welcome to Episode 4 of Season 2.  We start 2017 with a guided meditation by Lex Gillan.  Lex is the founder of The Yoga Institute in Houston, Texas, and has taught more than 25,000 yoga classes, 100 ten-day retreats, and 300 meditation workshops.  He offers a Yoga Teacher Training and National Certification Course and is a founder and Trustee of Rose Mountain Retreat Center outside Las Vegas, New Mexico.  Lex is on the Faculty of the Institute for Spirituality & Health (ISH).

Welcome to Episode 3 of Season 3.  In today’s episode, Fr. Donald Nesti talks about the transformational impact of love.  Inspired by the words of St. Paul, Fr. Nesti reflects how we are called to love one another from both a civic context and within a Christian framework.  When we learn to set the table for one another, we can find the space to be ourselves, love, and grow.  Fr. Donald Nesti teaches at the University of St. Thomas Graduate School of Theology, and is the Founder and Director of the Center for Faith and Culture.  He writes, lectures, and conducts workshops and retreats for clergy, laity and religious groups.  Fr. Nesti is also part of ISH’s Board of Trustees. 

Welcome to Episode 2 of Season 1.  What does it mean to take a risk, and how do we know when to take one?  In this week's episode, Rabbi Deborah Schloss reflects on the challenges and opportunities of taking risks, and how our faith can inform us as we do so.  Deborah Schloss is Rabbi of Temple Beth Tikvah in Clear Lake, TX, where this reflection was first shared as a sermon during the High Holidays in October 2016.  She is also a part-time Clinical Chaplain at the Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center in Houston.       

Welcome to Season 1 of the ISH Podcast.  What does it mean to be whole?  In our first episode, J. Pittman McGehee reflects on the archetype of wholeness, and the desire within each one of us to reunite the parts of ourselves that have become fragmented. J. Pittman McGehee is an Episcopal priest and Jungian analyst in private practice in Austin, Texas, a lecturer and educator in the field of psychology and religion, and a published poet and essayist.  He was the keynote speaker for ISH’s 2015 Psychotherapy & Faith Conference. 

Welcome to SpiritMatters, the Institute for Spirituality and Health (ISH) podcast, hosted by Susana McCollom.  In Seasons 1& 2, we will hear reflections, readings, and stories from leaders across fields including health, spirituality, religion, and psychology.  These are snapshots into ISH’s community, and examples of some of the topics ISH and its colleagues engage.  Through this, we hope to provide a window into ISH’s work and mission.   ISH is dedicated to increasing awareness of the role that spirituality plays in health and healing through conferences, workshops, and other programs, and by cultivating relationships through community engagement and collaboration in the community.   We invite you to visit our website at www.ish-tmc.org or follow ISH on Facebook.  Thank you for joining us.