The Contemplative Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Send us a textToday we explore photography and how it can be a doorway into contemplative spirituality.  As we have increasing access to photos on our phones, we hope this episode inspires you to engage in new ways.Resources mentioned in this episode: The Practice of Contemplative Photography  by Andy Karr & Michael WoodsJameshazelwood.net/blogMiksang.comConnect with Ann:usheringgrace@gmail.com  https://www.mkespiritualdirectors.com/find-a-spiritual-directorhttps://www.sdicompanions.org/find-a-spiritual-director-companion/Support the show

Send us a textToday we are joined by the Creative Director of Spiritual Directors International, Matt Whitney.  We explore the intersection of art, nature, movement and spirituality.   To learn more about Matt's work and his art, connect at  matthewwhitney.com or follow on Instagram  @mattpwhitneySupport the show

Send us a textJoin us as we talk about the differences between time and energy and how to make the most of our natural energy rhythms. Support the show

Send us a textJoin us as we explore body-mind-spirit connections with licensed Physical Therapist, Shannon Kunstman.  We discuss the importance of integrative body work with spiritual guidance.  To learn more, connect with Shannon at https://www.awarenessinmotionpt.com/aboutSupport the show

Send us a textJoin us as we explore body-mind-spirit connections with Katie Anders.   Katie is a spiritual guide, a trained yoga instructor and also one who recently has entered the process of becoming a nun with a religious order.   See how she integrates these various parts of her life and spiritual practice. Connect with Katie at:ktanders1933@gmail.comSupport the show

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

Send us a textWe are continuing our series exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality.  Today is the artist Scott Erikson.  Check out his work at:https://scottericksonartshop.com/Instagram: Scott the PainterSupport the show

Send us a textWe are continuing our series exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality.  Today is the band Waterdeep with the music of Don and Lori Chaffer.We encourage you to check out some of their music at https://www.waterdeep.com/or their youtube channel.Support the show

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

Send us a textToday we kick off a new series for 2025 exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality.  We start with the Irish poet John O'Donahue.  We encourage you to check out some of his writings, particularly To Bless The Space Between Us.  Learn more at www.johnodonohue.comSupport the show

Send us a textWe close out the year sharing 3 lessons we've learned in 2024.   We hope our reflections invite you to engage in your own time of considering what 2024 offered you.Support the show

Send us a textJoin us today as we talk about the backstory of Charles Dickens and his creation of this classic.  We explore the creative process, shadow sides and more. Support the show

Send us a textWinter seasons, whether they be literal or figurative, have much to offer us.  Join us as we revisit the topic of Winter Solstice and how we are engaging this transitional time in the Northern Hemisphere. (For listeners in the Southern Hemisphere, feel free to check out episode 74 when we talk about the Summer Solstice.)Support the show

Send us a textJoin us as we talk about mastermind groups. We explore some of the key elements and benefits of these groups and hope you feel inspired to check out some of our offerings.Learn more at christina@foundrysc.comSupport the show

Send us a textToday we explore the concept of wanting for more and how desire is not necessarily selfish or greedy.  We discover ways gratitude and wanting for more co-exist.Support the show

Send us a textJoin us as we delve into the topic of limited eating and its various causes.  We explore situations like food allergies, dietary choices, religious practices, and situational constraints like travel and emotions that often follow. Support the show

Send us a textToday, we are joined by spiritual guide Betsy Gonwa to discuss the intersection of food, spirituality, and health. We hope you find inspiration from her story and the ways healthy eating impacts our daily lives.Learn more at listeningspacemke.comSupport the show

Send us a textWe are continuing our series about food, looking at 4 common ways we relate to food.  Check out Ep 198, Spirituality of Food, for the first part of the series.Support the show

Send us a text Food is something every single one of us interacts with regularly.  Join us as we take what might seem like a mundane part of life and explore some of the spiritual implications.Support the show

Send us a textAs the US is in an election week, we are reminding ourselves of some helpful spiritual practicesSupport the show

Send us a textJoin us for Part 2 where we continue the conversation from last week around common questions and ideas about spiritual direction and contemplative spirituality.  For part 1, please check out Episode 195.Support the show

Send us a textWe have collected a few common questions and ideas about spiritual direction and contemplative spirituality.  Join us as we address some myths and help expand our understanding around the benefits of spiritual guidance.  Support the show

Send us a textToday we have the honor of interviewing one of the leaders of Spiritual Directors Europe, an organization that networks and trains spiritual guides across that continent. Join us as Rafael Maria Theuvenet shares about spiritual direction in the Netherlands, as well as other parts of Western Europe.Support the show

Send us a textToday we hear from an interior designer (Carol), bus driver (Chris) and non profit worker (Abbie) about ways they are seeing God show up in their work and everyday lives.  We hope you find inspiration in your own life and work.Support the show

Send us a textToday we learn wisdom from Ancient Chinese Medicine about the shortest season and how we might engage with it.  Even though most of us follow a four- season calendar, we hope you find ways to contextualize this fifth season.Support the show

Send us a textThere is something deeply spiritual about places and our orientation to particular places.  Poets, photographers, and families remind us of their importance and meaning.   Join us as we explore our relationship with place through a contemplative lens.Support the show

Send us a text  Today non-profit community director,  Justin Markofski, shares insights on what it means to love our neighbor as ourselves.  He dives into the delight of deepening our love of God and how that overflows into the community around us.Support the show

Send us a textToday we talk about the speed of life.  Join us as we explore a topic that comes up over and over again and has relevance for our daily living.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Today we explore the idea of resource netting, a term first heard by the author Greg McKeown and then built upon by Martha Beck & poet, David Wythe.   Join us as we look at our resource rich world and the contemplative invitations for us in it.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Today we explore various times in our lives when we face interruptions, both small and large.  We discuss ways we've found helpful in reframing them.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Today we discuss some of the benefits and challenges of those who identify as Empaths.  We also note people who do not identify that way but live, work or regularly relate to those who do and how we can learn and grow together.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Join us as we reflect on the cyclical nature of life and the wisdom our seasons offer us.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Today we explore aspects of activating something new and reactivating former parts of our lives.  Discover how these 2 aspects build off each other.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Today we are joined by Linda Hershberger.  Learn how empty nesting, relocation and a cancer diagnosis led her to seeking out training as a spiritual guide for others.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Today we are joined by spiritual guide, Grace Schmelzer.  Learn how a recent graduate (less than 2 years) has started her practice and mindsets faced along the way.  Additional Resources:graceschmelzer1@gmail.comSupport the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Today we are joined by spiritual guidance trainer, Jo Giarrante.  Together we explore what Jo has learned in her decades of spiritual guidance ministry and hear wisdom as it relates to her hopes for the future of this work.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Today we are joined by spiritual guide and outward bound leader,  Becca Langhough.  Learn how she combined her love for canoeing, spiritual direction and outdoor adventure. Additional Resources:becca55nb@gmail.comSupport the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Today we explore a modern contemplative, Brother Roger.  Join us as we talk about the inspirational community in Taize, France and how it has captured the imagination of people around the world.Additional Resources:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngA8BFbjrE0Check out past episodes of exploring contemplative figures:The Contemplative LIfe, episodes 130-136Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/about/newsletterSupport the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Today we talk about the Desert Fathers and Mothers from the 3rd-5th Centuries.  Join us as we explore their values of hospitality, storytelling, and the spiritual landscape of the desert.Additional ResourcesCheck out past episodes of exploring contemplative figures:The Contemplative Life, episodes 130-136Support the Show.

Today we discuss the legacy of Clare of Assisi.    Learn how her choices as a young teen continue to inspire people today in the areas of focus, mission and care for the poor.Additional ResourcesCheck out past episodes of exploring contemplative figures:The Contemplative Life, episodes 130-136Support the Show.

There is much to learn from the lives of contemplative people in history.  Today, we explore the legacy of Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits.  Learn how his spiritual exercises continue to influence our modern lives and ways we can apply and adapt for the 21 century.Additional Resources:Pray As You Go appJesuits Guide to Almost Anything by James Martin, SJLearning to Pray by James Martin, SJSupport the Show.