Podcast appearances and mentions of jana spangler

Need an extra dose of powerful women sermonizing after Mother's Day talks? Maxine Hanks continues in this Afterchat to look at how women have accessed the power of God through both a scriptural and historical… The post After Mother's Day Afterchat on Women's Power with Maxine Hanks, Jana Spangler and Jody Hansen appeared first on Dialogue Journal.

Need an extra dose of powerful women sermonizing after Mother's Day talks? Maxine Hanks continues in this Afterchat to look at how women have accessed the power of God through both a scriptural and historical… The post After Mother's Day Afterchat on Women's Power with Maxine Hanks, Jana Spangler and Jody Hansen appeared first on Dialogue Journal.

In this terrific episode, Terri Petersen interviews Jana Spangler and usual LDF host Dan Wotherspoon about "mysticism." The ultimate goal of their conversation was to take this word and topic and drop it down from the clouds (how many people imagine it) and into our lives here and now.  Through great questions from Terri and sharing their personal experiences, Jana and Dan emphasize that mysticism basically means getting in touch with the Divine/God/the Universe directly. Instead of staying in the realm of talking about God with words that can't capture the depth and wideness of of the Divine, when we give ourselves permission and imagine that what underlies and gives life to all things can be accessed directly we are never again the same. When we are able to touch it, everything in the foreground changes. As the mystic and spiritual teacher James Finley says, what happens isn't that we can see more of the nature of things as much as it is we are able to see all things by utilizing more of ourselves. Mystical experience teaches us directly about our actual depths. A fun part of the discussion focuses on the question, "Can Mormons be mystics?" The answer, of course is a resounding "yes," but the perspectives everyone brings to that question reveal various layers to that answer. Listen in! You are a mystic, after all, just like everyone is, you just may just not know it yet.

This week, we're joined by Jana Spangler for a powerful and practical conversation about emotions—especially the ones we'll do just about anything to avoid feeling.Jana explains that emotions aren't our enemies; they're signals—messages from deep within us, rooted in ancient systems designed to guide and protect us. While emotions can feel overwhelming or even painful, learning to pay attention to them—rather than suppress or ignore them—helps us understand what's really going on and respond with greater clarity, wisdom, and connection.She breaks down what emotions actually are, how they begin in our bodies, and why listening to them is key to living a healthier, more wholehearted life. Jana shares practical tools for processing even the most uncomfortable emotions and teaches us how to build emotional resilience by sitting with discomfort instead of running from it. This practice, she explains, not only strengthens our ability to face life's challenges but also nourishes our relationships, our physical and mental well-being, and our communities, creating space for greater connection and healing.This episode is full of tools to help you navigate the hardest days and we hope it inspires you like it did us. With that, here's our conversation with Jana Spangler.

On this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast, Natasha is joined by other providers, Angela "Angie" Millet, MSW Intern, and Jana Spangler, IPC, to discuss current events.   You can find out more about them here: Angela "Angie" Millet, MSW Intern: https://symcounseling.com/angie-millet/ Jana Spangler, IPC: https://symcounseling.com/jana-spangler/   To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha's channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.  The information shared on this program is informational and should not be considered therapy. This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening. And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.

Many of us make temple covenants as young adults. Are we expected to have the same perspectives and priorities at 80 that we had at 18? In a church that emphasizes concepts like “staying on the covenant path” and “enduring to the end,” it can be hard to know how to navigate when our life experiences invite us to grow in new directions. In Episode 184, Jana Spangler joins Cynthia and Susan to discuss the challenges Latter-day Saints may face as they change and mature within an inflexible paradigm.

As a Women's History Month bonus for our Dialogue listeners, find more beautiful and important insights from Maxine Hanks, Jana Spangler and Jody England Hansen on 2 Nephi. The post Women's History Month Special Afterchat with Maxine Hanks, Jana Spangler and Jody Hansen appeared first on Dialogue Journal.

As a Women's History Month bonus for our Dialogue listeners, find more beautiful and important insights from Maxine Hanks, Jana Spangler and Jody England Hansen on 2 Nephi. The post Women's History Month Special Afterchat with Maxine Hanks, Jana Spangler and Jody Hansen appeared first on Dialogue Journal.

Subscriber-only episodeIn this depth-packed episode, Valerie invites guest Jana Spangler to walk us all through her learnings at the feet of Father Richard Rohr and other contemporary spiritual giants while attending The Living School sponsored by the Center for Action and Contemplation. Among other topics, Jana expands on the following: **Honoring the sacred in the profane**Non-duality **Reclaiming the shadow **How Christianity leads to social justice concerns **Transformational faith over transactional faith Don't miss this episode if you're hungry for an expansive way to experience spirituality from some of our times' greatest thinkers! ——————————————————————————————————————SUPPORT: Like what you're hearing at Latter Day Struggles Podcast? You can support Valerie's efforts by becoming a recurring donor on  https://www.patreon.com/LatterDayStruggles ——————————————————————————————————————SUPPORT GROUPS: You are invited to join one of Valerie's space-limited ⁠⁠⁠Faith Crisis and Expansion Support and Processing Groups⁠⁠⁠⁠! As a trauma therapist, she continues to help our LDS faith expansion community become psychologically healthier and spiritually well in and around the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Details about availability on ⁠⁠⁠⁠latterdaystruggles.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. These groups ALWAYS FILL UP, so jump in asap!  https://valeriehamaker.com/latter-day-struggles/support-groups/ ——————————————————————————————————————LATTER DAY SOLUTIONS ONLINE CLASSES: Now available! “⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed-Faith Parenting in the LDS Faith⁠⁠⁠⁠” parts 1-3. See what else is offered on ⁠⁠⁠latterdaystruggles.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://valerie-hamaker-s-school1.teachable.com/courses/ ——————————————————————————————————————CONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie or a member of her trained team? Time-limited packages with Valerie and extended work with her team of coaches and therapists are available! ⁠ https://valerie-hamaker-s-school1.teachable.com/p/1-1-consultations SUBSCRIBE TO FRIDAY EPISODES BETWEEN 5/31/24 and 6/27/24: Premium content episodes of Latter Day Struggles can be accessed through ⁠a paid subscription⁠. Enjoy your first month of Friday episodes at a reduced cost of $3 as a thank you for joining the Latter Day Struggles subscriber community! Sign up here!⁠ WEBINAR: “Accepting Stages of Faith Within A Marriage” Valerie will host a webinar class for individuals and couples seeking guidance on how to stay united during a faith expansion experience. Special question/answer session directly after the webinar. Wednesday July 10th 8:30 CST. Come ask Val your burning questions and be part of the conversation! ⁠ Sign up here!⁠ SUPPORT: Like what you're hearing at Latter Day Struggles Podcast? Make a one-time donation to ⁠her business Venmo account⁠ or become a recurring donor on Patreon⁠.⁠ CONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie or a member of her trained team? Time-limited packages with Valerie and extended work with her team of coaches and therapists are available ⁠...

In today's part one of this two-part series, Valerie sits down with the insightful Jana Spangler to chat about her first-hand spiritual growth as a student of Father Richard Rohr. Jana walks us through the overarching teachings of the Living School's teachers, especially what she learned personally from Father Richard Rohr and the other interdenominational leaders at his “Living School”, a program sponsored by Rohr's Center of Action and Contemplation. They dive deep into the Mormon experience also, envisioning a shift toward more meaningful, mystical connection. In Friday's episode Jana shares specifics about her depth experience at The Living School, including what she learned about finding the sacred in the profane, the importance of becoming non-dualistic, and embracing a Christianity that is embodied in advocacy and social justice. Don't miss her wisdom! It is beautiful and thought provoking! Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday's episode is directly below. See you there! —————————————————————————————————————SUBSCRIBE: All Friday episodes of Latter Day Struggles can be accessed through ⁠⁠⁠a paid subscription ($9.99/month)⁠. Thank you for supporting Valerie's professional commitment to your LDS Faith expansion journey!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://tinyurl.com/bddk8ak7 ⁠Click here for a step-by-step guide on how to support the podcast and subscribe⁠ https://valeriehamaker.com/how-to-subscribe/ ——————————————————————————————————————SUPPORT: Like what you're hearing at Latter Day Struggles Podcast? You can support Valerie's efforts by becoming a recurring donor on https://www.patreon.com/LatterDayStruggles ⁠——————————————————————————————————————SUPPORT GROUPS: You are invited to join one of Valerie's space-limited ⁠⁠⁠Faith Crisis and Expansion Support and Processing Groups⁠⁠⁠⁠! As a trauma therapist, she continues to help our LDS faith expansion community become psychologically healthier and spiritually well in and around the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Details about availability on ⁠⁠⁠⁠latterdaystruggles.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. These groups ALWAYS FILL UP, so jump in asap! https://valeriehamaker.com/latter-day-struggles/support-groups/ —————————————————————————————————————— LATTER DAY SOLUTIONS ONLINE CLASSES: Now available! “⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed-Faith Parenting in the LDS Faith⁠⁠⁠⁠” parts 1-3. See what else is offered on ⁠⁠⁠latterdaystruggles.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://valerie-hamaker-s-school1.teachable.com/courses/ ——————————————————————————————————————CONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie or a member of her trained team? Time-limited packages with Valerie and extended work with her team of coaches and therapists are available! ⁠ https://valerie-hamaker-s-school1.teachable.com/p/1-1-consultations

My friend Jana Spangler (Certified Integral Profession Coach at Symmetry Solutions, alumnus of The Living School, Latter-day Saint) joins us to talk about stages of faith using Brian McLaren's 4-stage model of simplicity, complexity, perplexity, and harmony. This is a powerful model to understand the various roads Latter-day Saints are walking. Jana—a sought-after speaker, presenter, retreat leader and podcast guest on this subject—has many years of experience in this space from both her personal journey, professional work, and academic experience to give Latter-day Saints tools and vocabulary to understand a faith transition within themselves and provide better support to others. Jana is someone I consider an expert in this field for Latter-day Saints. Her work helped me in my own journey during my faith transition as I desired to stay a committed Latter-day Saint and needed more tools, principals, and perspective. Thank you, Jana, for your wonderful/needed work in our community to bring us together, reduce tension, and help us be more united. Links: Symmetry Solutions: symmetrypath.com/ Brian McLaren Book “Faith after Doubt”: brianmclaren.net/ Jana's Faith Matter's Podcast: faithmatters.org/faith-journey-101-a-conversation-with-jana-spangler/ Jana's At She Said It Podcast: atlastshesaidit.org/episode-134-what-about-religious-trauma/ Church's New Resources on Listening: www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/helping-others-with-their-questions/03-listen-with-humility Other New Church Resource supporting those with question: www.churchofjesuschrist.org/life/church-and-gospel-questions

In mid-December 2003, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints added two new entries to the Gospel Topics section of its website. One addresses those Latter-day Saints who have questions or doubts, or who are undergoing a difficult faith journey. The other offers advice to those who love them or are someone who has been approached by these persons as they wrestle with gospel things. These are important additions to the LDS library as they represent the first genuine attempt to discuss such questioning and questioners in depth. Each of the two sections do very well in many areas, and at times fail in the way they speak on certain aspects, often because of certain blindspots apparent in the write-ups and that might exacerbate rather than aid those it hopes to assist. Two great guests, Jana Spangler and James Jones, join LDS host Dan Wotherspoon in offering perspectives on these now-official documents. This is a two-part podcast, with Episode 171 addressing the write-up on helping others with their journeys, and Episode 172 exploring the advice being given those who are actively questioning aspects of the church, gospel, and/or their place within Mormonism. Listen in! 

In mid-December 2003, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints added two new entries to the Gospel Topics section of its website. One addresses those Latter-day Saints who have questions or doubts, or who are undergoing a difficult faith journey. The other offers advice to those who love them or are someone who has been approached by these persons as they wrestle with gospel things. These are important additions to the LDS library as they represent the first genuine attempt to discuss such questioning and questioners in depth. Each of the two sections do very well in many areas, and at times fail in the way they speak on certain aspects, often because of certain blindspots apparent in the write-ups and that might exacerbate rather than aid those it hopes to assist. Two great guests, Jana Spangler and James Jones, join LDF host Dan Wotherspoon in offering perspectives on these now-official documents. This is a two-part podcast, with Episode 171 addressing the write-up on helping others with their journeys, and Episode 172 exploring the advice being given those who are actively questioning aspects of the church, gospel, and/or their place within Mormonism. Listen in! 

For the first time ever, a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints, Jana Spangler joins the show to help us discover that what we are all experiencing in this faith transition is more than just a Christian thing. Maybe we truly are all in this together!www.celticway.org

Over the years, much of the work that we've done at Faith Matters has tried to take into account much of the wisdom and research that's been done in the field of faith and adult development. It's also been important to us to share and discuss some of the existing models, including Brian McLaren's four-stage framework, and the “creation, fall, atonement” framework that our amazing friend Jared Halverson has spoken about at Restore and on this podcast.All that said, we've never done a deep dive into the model that deserves as much or more credit than any other for helping people think along these lines in the first place, and that's James Fowler's Stages of Faith. Fowler published a book by that title in 1981 that laid a real foundation for understanding faith development systematically. So we're delighted that in this episode, we finally got a chance to talk about Fowler's work specifically and in a Latter-day Saint context, and to do that, we brought on our good friend Jana Spangler.And to be super clear upfront, and this comes out in the episode — it would be a misuse of any stages model to paint a given stage as “better” or “worse,” than others — what matters is not so much the stage we're in, but how we approach the world around us as we see through the lens of that stage. As Jana says, each stage has its gifts and shortcomings. What these frameworks can do is help give each of us the humility to recognize that there is another way to see things, and to give ourselves enough grace to accept the stage we're in and confidently live through it thoroughly, and without fear.Jana Spangler is a Certified Integral Professional Coach at Symmetry Solutions, and member of the International Coaching Federation. She is an alumnus of The Living School where she studied contemplative spiritual traditions and the work of transformation under the direction of Fr. Richard Rohr. Jana's professional and personal experience combined with her training makes her an expert in the field of faith transitions. She is a sought-after podcast guest, speaker, presenter, and retreat leader. 

What's religious trauma? For some Latter-day Saint women, church may become difficult or even unsafe because of it, yet many members have probably never heard of it. In episode 135, Jana Spangler joins Cynthia and Susan for a discussion of some of the ways trauma may manifest in our church experience, and steps we can take toward healing.

Jana Spangler joins Kattie and Allan to talk about her work at Symmetry Sols, her time as a student under Richard Rohr, and so much more.  Jana's professional and personal experience combined with her training makes her an expert in the field of faith transitions. She is a sought-after podcast guest, speaker, presenter, and retreat… Read More »Marriage on a Tightrope: 133: Jana Spangler The post Marriage on a Tightrope: 133: Jana Spangler appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Jana Spangler joins Kattie and Allan to talk about her work at Symmetry Sols, her time as a student under Richard Rohr, and so much more.  Jana's professional and personal experience combined with her training makes her an expert in the field of faith transitions. She is a sought-after podcast guest, speaker, presenter, and retreat… Read More »Marriage on a Tightrope: 133: Jana Spangler The post Marriage on a Tightrope: 133: Jana Spangler appeared first on Marriage on a Tightrope.

Hartley and Reel welcome back Jana Spangler as their guest to discuss the Netflix Program “Stutz”. Stutz features Jonah Hill's conversation with his friend and therapist, Phil Stutz as they try to present Phil’s unique, visual model of therapy To come to the conversation prepared, please take the opportunity to watch Stutz on Netflix. RESOURCES:… Read More »Almost Awakened: 138: Thoughts on The Psychology Of Stutz The post Almost Awakened: 138: Thoughts on The Psychology Of Stutz appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Hartley and Reel once again invite Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller on to dive deep into the idea of Doubt. This is the Third and Final part using Brian McLaren's book “Faith After Doubt” as the framing for this conversation. And along the way they hope to address how to move away from right belief… Read More »Almost Awakened: 133: Faith After Doubt Part 3 The post Almost Awakened: 133: Faith After Doubt Part 3 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Britt & Bill once again invite Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller on to dive deep into the idea of Doubt. This is the second of three parts using Brian McLaren's book “Faith After Doubt” as the framing for this conversation. And along the way they hope to address the following. The post Almost Awakened: 129: Faith After Doubt Part 2 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Britt & Bill once again invite Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller on to dive deep into the idea of Doubt. This is the second of […]

In Part 2 of this very powerful two-part episode, Jana Spangler and Jody England Hansen join LDF host Dan Wotherspoon for a discussion of the close relationship between mental and spiritual trauma and our bodies. Much of what they offer is also true of physical trauma, but their primary focus is on how to recognize, understand, and find healing for our bodies and minds by exploring what is less obvious than specific bodily injuries.  So often, we don't even notice how mental, emotional, and spiritual trauma affects our bodies, nor understand how it is these very bodies hold wonderful keys for healing and new creation. Do we find ourselves acting and reacting in ways that don't align with our cognitive understandings? Why is this? Is it possible that our bodies have learned to become hyper-aware of potential threats to our well-being, and will therefore trigger reactions we don't understand? I've already dealt with has happened to me. Are we, perhaps, having trauma reactions that override our conscious situational awareness that tells us we are in a safe situation? Trauma causes both subtle and noticeable reactions, sometimes storing memories of bad experiences in certain areas of our bodies. And the best path to healing from these traumas and how they not only affect us but also others who can't understand what's going on with us as we react emotionally or physically in inexplainable ways. And, as we do pay attention to our bodies, we can often find clues to the originating events and fears that are manifesting in us. From there, if we are to heal, we will need to go inward, inside our life experiences, and sometimes even into the life experiences of those who have hurt us. Inner work is never easy, but it always pays off as we learn to face our pain and fears. It is from this work, that new neural pathways, and new understandings, new equanimity, and refreshed hope will spring forth. There is no way to adequately describe the insights, recognitions, and validations this discussion holds. You will definitely want to listen to this episode and share it with friends and family who may not understand you—or even themselves.  Links to things referred to in the podcast Bessel van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, (Penguin, 2015) Teresa Pasquale, Sacred Wounds: A Path to Healing from Spiritual Trauma (Chalice Press, 2015) Film: The Wisdom of Trauma, available at thewisdomoftrauma.com To learn more about the traumatic experiences that were part of the debacle of Natasha Parker's excommunication proceedings, listen to Latter-day Faith Episode 90–91, “Witnessing Even When Things Hurt so Badly”

In this very powerful two-part episode, Jana Spangler and Jody England Hansen join LDF host Dan Wotherspoon for a discussion of the close relationship between mental and spiritual trauma and our bodies. Much of what they offer is also true for physical trauma, but their primary focus is on how to recognize, understand, and find healing for our bodies and minds by exploring what is less obvious than specific bodily injuries.  So often, we don't even notice how mental, emotional, and spiritual trauma affects our bodies, and also understand how it is these very bodies hold wonderful keys for healing and new creation. Do we find ourselves acting and reacting in ways that don't align with our cognitive understandings? Why is this? Is it possible that our bodies have learned to become hyper-aware of potential threats to our well-being, and will therefore trigger reactions we don't understand? I've already dealt with has happened to me. Are we, perhaps, having trauma reactions that override our conscious situational awareness that tells us we are in a safe situation? Trauma causes both subtle and noticeable reactions, sometimes storing memories of bad experiences in certain areas of our bodies. And the best path to healing from these traumas and how they not only affect us but also others who can't understand what's going on with us as we react emotionally or physically in unexpected ways is to recognize where our bodies are hurting. And, as we do, we can often find clues to the originating events and fears that are manifesting in us. From there, if we are to heal, we will need to go inward, inside our life experiences, and sometimes even into the life experiences of those who have hurt us. Inner work is never easy, but it always pays off as we are able to face our pain and fears. It is from this work, that new pathways, new understandings, new equanimity, and hope will spring forth. There is no way to adequately describe the insights, recognitions, and validations this discussion holds. You will definitely want to listen to this two-part episode and share it with friends and family who may not understand you--or even themselves. 

Britt & Bill once again invite Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller on to dive deep into the idea of Doubt. Using Brian McLaren’s book “Faith After Doubt” as the framing for this conversation. And along the way they hope to address the following. * Doubt as Loss – How did you experience doubt as a… Read More »Almost Awakened: 125: Faith After Doubt Part 1 The post Almost Awakened: 125: Faith After Doubt Part 1 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Britt & Bill once again invite Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller on to dive deep into the idea of Doubt. Using Brian McLaren’s book “Faith […]

At the end of last week, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the long-standing right to bodily autonomy for women, including the right to medical abortion. With the end of the protections put forth in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, we are now entering a time in which each state has the right to determine when to allow abortion legally. The ruling was lauded by some, including many Latter-day Saints, and it was met with anger and devastation by many who champion reasonable access to abortion. How might we as Latter-day Saints improve our understanding of the issues and strong feelings held by proponents on both sides of the debate? What does our religion say about the reasons that we are here on earth and how God acts in the universe and with us individually? Most surveys of Latter-day Saints suggest that they are primarily pro-life, but what are some LDS principles that guide those who take a pro-choice stance? How does this position fit within their wider spirituality, as well? Does Mormonism's theology of God entail sensibilities that give more room to its adherents than what is typically entailed in the God described by wider Christianity? In this episode, LDF host Dan Wotherspoon is joined by the wonderful and powerful Jody England Hansen and Jana Spangler in the discussion outlined above. Listen in!

This episode is primarily an exploration of the concept of "intention," especially as it relates to our spiritual journeys. But in the end, it is best summed up by the question, "What Do We Really Want"? Of course, if each of us drills down to discover what we value the most, and explore the reasons for these values and how they have been present in our life paths so far, no two of us will end up with the exact same answer. Not only that, we should hold somewhat loosely to our answer because if we are engaging intentionally with our lives and spiritual journeys, we will not be the same people we were when we last visited the question. In the episode, LDF host Dan Wotherspoon is joined by two wonderful and insightful friends and fellow retreat leaders, Mark Crego and Jana Spangler, for a discussion of "intentions." Do intentions differ from goals or motivations? And if so, how? In our faith lives, we generally inherit the institutional intentions for us, which are very often aligned with what our parents or other important figures in our lives have for us. But how well has/does a church prepare us for the hard spiritual work of discovering and uncovering what drives us most deeply? Do most institutional religions even point us toward this kind of work as a thing to expect to undertake as we continue maturing? This episode features some ideas for ways to become open to this kind of work, and then to allow us to fully embrace the challenges. The panelists discuss many things that will resonate with some listeners and not with others, but they assure us that this is okay and it shouldn't be another (dang) reason to judge ourselves harshly. Each discussant comes at the nexus of what "intention" means to them, and how it plays out in their own hearts and journeys--and you will be able to recognize their differences based on their temperament, training, study, personalities, and life stories. Please listen to this episode! It's a great one!

Jana describes her church activity. Marti and Jana try to gain clarity about how each other view the way to frame and solve problems. They […]

Jana describes her church activity. Marti and Jana try to gain clarity about how each other view the way to frame and solve problems. They talk about individual responsibility and the need to update existing structures. Movie referenced by Jana: https://thewisdomoftrauma.com/ We are both trained refs for 3practices. Learn more here: https://www.3practices.com/ View part 1 […] The post Where Will You Go – 005 – Jana Spangler Interview appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

RFM and Bill Reel sit down with Kelly Whited Jones and Jana Spangler to dive into the history and current standing of Women and the Equal Rights Amendment and specifically that history within Utah and the Mormon Church. Resources: utaheracoalition.org

RFM and Bill Reel sit down with Kelly Whited Jones and Jana Spangler to dive into the history and current standing of Women and the Equal Rights Amendment and specifically that history within Utah and the Mormon Church. Resources: utaheracoalition.org Become a Premium Subscriber: Monthy:  $3 Yearly:  $25  $50  $100  $250Support the podcast by purchasing from Amazon HERE. The post Mormonism LIVE: 059: The Equal Rights Amendment and Utah appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Utah based life coach, Jana Spangler, reflects on her extensive work with Mormons who are in the thick of deconstruction and reconstruction.  She argues that being in healthy relationship with our bodies will yield precisely the wisdom we need to make critical life decisions.

We're all wired differently, and our personality has an impact on our experiences. Understanding the self we bring to church may help us better understand the experiences we have there. Identifying underlying differences can also help us manage our expectations in relationships, and can be an empathy tool for interacting with people around us. In this episode, Cynthia and Susan are joined by Jana Spangler for a talk about what makes individuals tick, and specific ways those differences may matter in our lives as Latter-day Saints.

Bill Sits down with Brittney Hartley, Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 12 and the final session of Jack Kornfield’s series in an effort to help the Almost Awakened Audience sense the great resources and tools to a life well lived by exposing you to Buddhism and its contemplative nature. We are using as a backdrop the…Read more >

Bill Sits down with Brittney Hartley, Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 12 and the final session of Jack Kornfield’s series in an effort to help the Almost Awakened Audience sense the great resources and tools to a life well lived by exposing you to Buddhism and its contemplative nature. We are […] The post Almost Awakened: 083: Buddhism For Beginners Part 12 – The Buddha’s Last Teachings appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Bill Sits down with Brittney Hartley, Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 11 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience sense the great resources and tools to a life well lived by exposing you to Buddhism and its contemplative nature. We are using as a backdrop the 12 part presentation by Jack Kornfield…Read more >

Bill Sits down with Brittney Hartley, Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 11 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience sense the great resources and tools to a life well lived by exposing you to Buddhism and its contemplative nature. We are using as a backdrop the 12 […] The post Almost Awakened: 082: Buddhism For Beginners Part 11: The Ten Perfections of the Heart appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 10 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience sense the great resources and tools to a life well lived by exposing you to Buddhism and its contemplative nature. We are using as a backdrop the 12 part presentation by Jack Kornfield titled “Buddhism…Read more >

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 10 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience sense the great resources and tools to a life well lived by exposing you to Buddhism and its contemplative nature. We are using as a backdrop the 12 part presentation […] The post Almost Awakened: 081: Buddhism For Beginners Part 10: The Four Elements appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 9 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience sense the great resources and tools to a life well lived by exposing you to Buddhism and its contemplative nature. We are using as a backdrop the 12 part presentation by Jack Kornfield titled “Buddhism…Read more >

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler, Britt Hartley, and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 8 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience sense the great resources and tools to a life well lived by exposing you to Buddhism and it contemplative nature. We are using as a backdrop the 12 […] The post Almost Awakened: 079: Buddhism For Beginners Part 8: Buddhist Psychology appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 9 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience sense the great resources and tools to a life well lived by exposing you to Buddhism and its contemplative nature. We are using as a backdrop the 12 part presentation […] The post Almost Awakened: 080: Buddhism For Beginners Part 9: The Four Abodes appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler, Britt Hartley, and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 8 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience sense the great resources and tools to a life well lived by exposing you to Buddhism and it contemplative nature. We are using as a backdrop the 12 part presentation by Jack Kornfield…Read more >

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler, and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 6 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience sense the great resources and tools to a life well lived by exposing you to Buddhism and it contemplative nature. We are using as a backdrop the 12 part presentation by Jack Kornfield titled “Buddhism…Read more >

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler, and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 6 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience sense the great resources and tools to a life well lived by exposing you to Buddhism and it contemplative nature. We are using as a backdrop the 12 part presentation […] The post Almost Awakened: 077: Buddhism For Beginners Part 6 – The Law of Karma appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler, and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 4 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience sense the great resources and tools to a life well lived by exposing you to Buddhism and it contemplative nature. We are using as a backdrop the 12 part presentation […] The post Almost Awakened: 076: Buddhism For Beginners Part 5 – Five Hindrances of Awakening appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler, and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 5 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience sense the great resources and tools to a life well lived by exposing you to Buddhism and it contemplative nature. We are using as a backdrop the 12 part presentation by Jack Kornfield titled “Buddhism…Read more >

Bill Sits down with Brittney Hartley, Jana Spangler, and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 4 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience sense the great resources and tools to a life well lived by exposing you to Buddhism and it contemplative nature. We are using as a backdrop the 12 […] The post Almost Awakened: 075: Buddhism For Beginners Part 4 – Four Fundamentals of Mindfulness appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Bill Sits down with Brittney Hartley, Jana Spangler, and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 4 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience sense the great resources and tools to a life well lived by exposing you to Buddhism and it contemplative nature. We are using as a backdrop the 12 part presentation by Jack Kornfield…Read more >

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller as they present part 2 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience sense the great resources and tools to a life well lived by exposing you to Buddhism and it contemplative nature.  We are using as a backdrop the 12 part presentation […] The post Almost Awakened: 072: Buddhism For Beginners Part 2 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller as they present part 2 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience sense the great resources and tools to a life well lived by exposing you to Buddhism and it contemplative nature.  We are using as a backdrop the 12 part presentation by Jack Kornfield titled “Buddhism for…Read more >

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler, Brittney Hartley, and Anthony Miller and they embark on a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience sense the great resources and tools to a life well lived by exposing you to Buddhism and it contemplative nature. We are using as a backdrop the 12 part presentation by Jack Kornfield titled “Buddhism…Read more >

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler, Brittney Hartley, and Anthony Miller and they embark on a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience sense the great resources and tools to a life well lived by exposing you to Buddhism and it contemplative nature. We are using as a backdrop the 12 part presentation […] The post Almost Awakened: 071: Buddhism For Beginners Part 1 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

In this episode, Christopher and Riley welcome back Jana Spangler to discuss stages of faith development as touched on in Episode 20: Navigating a Faith Crisis. For decades, theologians and philosophers like James Fowler, Brian McLaren, and Ken Wilbur have attempted to classify and put a name to the stages of the human faith journey. Jana, Riley, and Christopher discuss the value of these models in helping listeners to understand where they are on the faith development continuum so that they might take solace in knowing their oftentimes isolating faith struggles are a normal aspect of growth and discovery. Christopher, Riley, and Jana take the listener step by step through one of the models of faith development in the context of the atonement and the Perennial tradition, and encourage listeners, as Joseph Smith did, to “stretch”, “search”, “contemplate”, “expand”, and “commune with God”.

This past week, the wonderful Mormon mental, spiritual, and sex therapist Natasha Helfer Parker was scheduled to defend herself in a membership council called by the stake presidency in her former stake in Kansas (even though she had moved to Salt Lake City sixteen months earlier). Six friends, including Jana Spangler and Jody England Hansen, two of the women in this podcast episode, were also scheduled to testify on her behalf, and many more were holding a support vigil in a pavilion on the stake center's property, including our other panelist, Shandra Harris. Many things went haywire that evening--as well as in the weeks leading up to that scheduled council--and this podcast shares those stories here. Ultimately, neither Natasha, Jana, Jody, nor four others who had been approved to give testimony before the stake presidency were allowed to participate as promised. It was an emotionally and spiritually painful evening for all there as well as for many others who witnessed it vicariously. The toll from this devastatingly wrong-headed and massively mis-executed council is yet to be measured. In addition to going through the events herein, we have chosen to focus on the vital spiritual role of witnessing, even when it's witnessing the abuse of others.  Being witnessed is a big part of what allows someone to stay strong and, perhaps, eventually find comfort and peace. Witnessing involves, as Jody shares in this episode, the ability to stay in the present moment even in times of great suffering. Witnessing also extends past the event(s) as continued care for others' well being, especially as they experience the inevitable ups and downs that come with continued processing of their grief and anger.  No one wishes that any of the events that occurred around Natasha's council ever happened. It was unfair and abusive from the very beginning. But we all also know that for our own physical, mental, and spiritual well-being that we must ultimatelyfind our way to healing, for it is in these processes that we discover our own true strength, along with a new, larger, more magnificent God than our old paradigms had ever allowed us to imagine. May this discussion be a stepping stone on the healing journeys for all who choose to listen.

This past week, the wonderful Mormon mental, spiritual, and sex therapist Natasha Helfer Parker was scheduled to defend herself in a membership council called by the stake presidency in her former stake in Kansas (even though she had moved to Salt Lake City sixteen months earlier). Six friends, including Jana Spangler and Jody England Hansen, two of the women in this podcast episode, were also scheduled to testify on her behalf, and many more were holding a support vigil in a pavilion on the stake center's property, including our other panelist, Shandra Harris. Many things went haywire that evening--as well as in the weeks leading up to that scheduled council--and this podcast shares those stories here. Ultimately, neither Natasha, Jana, Jody, nor four others who had been approved to give testimony before the stake presidency were allowed to participate as promised. It was an emotionally and spiritually painful evening for all there as well as for many others who witnessed it vicariously. The toll from this devastatingly wrong-headed and massively mis-executed council is yet to be measured. In addition to going through the events herein, we have chosen to focus on the vital spiritual role of witnessing, even when it's witnessing the abuse of others.  Being witnessed is a big part of what allows someone to stay strong and, perhaps, eventually find comfort and peace. Witnessing involves, as Jody shares in this episode, the ability to stay in the present moment even in times of great suffering. Witnessing also extends past the event(s) as continued care for others' well being, especially as they experience the inevitable ups and downs that come with continued processing of their grief and anger.  No one wishes that any of the events that occurred around Natasha's council ever happened. It was unfair and abusive from the very beginning. But we all also know that for our own physical, mental, and spiritual well-being that we must ultimatelyfind our way to healing, for it is in these processes that we discover our own true strength, along with a new, larger, more magnificent God than our old paradigms had ever allowed us to imagine. May this discussion be a stepping stone on the healing journeys for all who choose to listen.

Christopher, Riley, and guest, Jana Spangler, a seasoned faith transitions coach, talk about healthy ways of dealing with doubt, difficult questions, and supporting those in a faith crisis. They talk about opening a space for those in doubt to express their doubts and be heard without judgment or attempts to fix them. If we are not to “rehearse [our] doubts with doubters,” where can we turn for validation? Jana explains the mindset of those in a faith crisis. They don’t choose their crisis and want to remain in the fold, but often feel they don’t belong. Jana helps us frame doubt and even faith crisis as necessary steps in the growth, evolution, and long-term endurance of faith. She provides a framework for mutual, relational grace to help us grow towards a healthier discovery and acceptance of our own and others’ spirituality given different types and levels of faith and approaches to seeking truth.

This is an episode we’re really excited about. When we heard Terryl’s conversation with Claudia Bushman a few weeks ago, it sparked some ideas that we thought really needed to be explored further, particularly around what Latter-day Saint women can do here and now to vitalize the feminine divine in their own lives and in the lives of their daughters.Aubrey took that idea and really ran with it. So for this episode, she brought on Carol Lynn Pearson, Jana Spangler, and Becky Edwards. They explore how the unique doctrine of a Heavenly Mother can play a foundational role in allowing women to embrace creativity when developing spiritual practices. They also get really specific on ideas for ritualizing and celebrating milestones for women throughout their lives.To give you just a brief background on each of our guests — Carol Lynn Pearson is the author of "Goodbye, I Love You", "Finding Mother God", and the primary song "I’ll Walk With You", and many other books and poems. She’s been a powerful voice in the Latter-day Saint tradition for many years.Jana Spangler is a Faith Transitions Coach at Symmetry Solutions and graduate of The Living School, a 2 year program under the direction of Fr. Richard Rohr and the Center for Action and Contemplation.Becky Edwards is a faith-based mentor, blogger, author, and speaker, who’s presented at many events including BYU Women’s Conference.

Is it possible to stay active in the LDS Church in 2021 after.... ....learning all of the problematic history... ....becoming an ally for LGBTQ Mormons... ...becoming a feminist... ...becoming an "intellectual Mormon"... and after losing one's orthodox faith? More importantly, why would anyone WANT to? In Part 1 of my two-part interview with dear friend and faith transitions coach Jana Spangler, Jana told us the story of her Mormon faith journey, which includes: Battling with perfectionism as an LDS teen and young adult. Feeling broken and inadequate as a single Mormon woman attending the University Utah, struggling to meet the church's standards of "worthiness." Being threatened with an LDS Disciplinary Council be a well-meaning Mormon bishop, and how that actually HELPED turn Jana's life around at the time. Finding and marrying Rob - who "checked all the Mormon boxes" at the time. Batting with infertility. Experiencing self-doubt and depression as a Mormon Mom. How Jana's passion for self-improvement and retreats/workshops led to a Mormon faith crisis. Jana's shifting views of Christ's atonement, which include absolute, unconditional love. Jana's courage to share her testimony struggles with her Holladay, Utah ward and stake. How untraditional Mormon podcast hosts, authors, and organizations (such as Bill Reel, Gina Colvin, Dan Wotherspoon, John Dehlin, Thomas Wirthlin McConkie, Sunstone, etc.), along with a supportive husband and understanding church leaders, helped Jana find a way to stay ACTIVE in the LDS Church. What factors led Jana to decide to stay active in the LDS Church...for now. In Part 2, Jana provides a more detailed framework for how others can find a way to remain active in the LDS Church if they so desire, inspired by the works of Richard Rohr and James Fowler (among others).

Is it possible to stay active in the LDS Church in 2021 after.... ....learning all of the problematic history... ....becoming an ally for LGBTQ Mormons... ...becoming a feminist... ...becoming an "intellectual Mormon"... and after losing one's orthodox faith? More importantly, why would anyone WANT to? In Part 1 of my two-part interview with dear friend and faith transitions coach Jana Spangler, Jana tells us the story of her Mormon faith journey, which includes: Battling with perfectionism as an LDS teen and young adult. Feeling broken and inadequate as a single Mormon woman attending the University Utah, struggling to meet the church's standards of "worthiness." Being threatened with an LDS Disciplinary Council be a well-meaning Mormon bishop, and how that actually HELPED turn Jana's life around at the time. Finding and marrying Rob - who "checked all the Mormon boxes" at the time. Batting with infertility. Experiencing self-doubt and depression as a Mormon Mom. How Jana's passion for self-improvement and retreats/workshops led to a Mormon faith crisis. Jana's shifting views of Christ's atonement, which include absolute, unconditional love. Jana's courage to share her testimony struggles with her Holladay, Utah ward and stake. How untraditional Mormon podcast hosts, authors, and organizations (such as Bill Reel, Gina Colvin, Dan Wotherspoon, John Dehlin, Thomas Wirthlin McConkie, Sunstone, etc.), along with a supportive husband and understanding church leaders, helped Jana find a way to stay ACTIVE in the LDS Church. What factors led Jana to decide to stay active in the LDS Church...for now. In Part 2, Jana provides a more detailed framework for how others can find a way to remain active in the LDS Church if they so desire, inspired by the works of Richard Rohr and James Fowler (among others).

Jana Spangler is an Integral Professional Life Coach with Symmetry Solutions who specializes in coaching individuals and couples who are experiencing shifts in their religious belief or are affected by a loved one's shifting belief. Her work centers around understanding faith and spiritual development and offering tools to manage the challenges of relationship, identity, spiritual growth, and spiritual connection that emerge during times of shifting faith. She currently serves as a Relief Society Compassionate Service Coordinator in her ward. Jana attended The Living School—a wisdom school run by the Center for Action & Contemplation under the direction of Fr. Richard Rohr. During this two-year program, she studied Contemplative Christianity and other Wisdom Traditions and how they can support the transforming work of love in ourselves, our communities, and the world. Jana is a frequent speaker at conferences, workshops, firesides, retreats, and on podcasts, and has lectured as a guest at BYU on issues of faith and development. She lives in Holladay, Utah with her husband and three teenage children. In this episode, Jana talks with Kurt about how church leaders can have solidarity with those they lead, and the importance of having solidarity—not just service—in the church. Highlights 7:15 Everyone needs to have their own faith journey 10:15 What is solidarity vs service? 11:00 We love to serve but hate to be served 12:30 When we are going through difficulties we don't want anyone to know 13:30 What is solidarity? The move of being one with another person 15:00 We do service more than we do solidarity 17:45 The hierarchy of our church is a blessing and a curse 19:00 The shame cycle with service and solidarity 21:00 Being aware of our ego needs and how it's getting in our way of journey 22:30 The bishop is not the only one who can facilitate solidarity 23:00 A barrier to solidarity is someone who shows that they have everything together 25:00 Vulnerability is not oversharing 26:30 Jana's faith struggle and how vulnerability helped her and others 29:30 Vulnerability can help solidarity 31:00 Sharing with family 32:00 Our worth is separate from worthiness 33:30 Jesus showed us how to descend into the abyss of the difficulty of humanity 34:00 Sometimes when things are new they are uncomfortable and that's ok 40:00 A key to solidarity is that we can all learn from others, even other faiths 40:30 Another pitfall is lack of mutual accountability 42:00 It's hard to feel that we are broken and those who are listening don't share their struggles with us 42:30 Give the people who are ministered-to a chance to serve their ministers 44:00 Lean more into empathy than sympathy 46:00 Getting in the hole and not fixing things for others but make others feel heard and understood 48:30 Solidarity makes others feel heard and understood 49:30 Don't judge people in their need 52:00 When you really get to know another person your esteem of them only goes up 53:30 Stop talking people out of their experiences 54:30 Imagine that people are really doing their very best 55:15 We don't want to be attached to weakness 55:30 Solidarity as it relates to sin: being one with those who are sinners 57:00 Withhold judgement of those who sin 58:15 If you have not been through something you have no standing to have an opinion on it: just listen to them 59:30 We do a lot of damage when we think we know better because it's working for us 59:45 How do we create solidarity? 1:01:00 Connecting people who have been through similar experiences 1:02:00 Start having conversations and welcome in solidarity 1:04:00 Find a way to have people share each other's stories 1:05:00 Leaders have keys and mantels but they don't have everyone's answers. We need to trust and be with them. 1:06:15 Tradition of Quakers to meet and only ask questions and not give advice. 1:07:30 Solidarity can bring Zion

Jana Spangler is an Integral Professional Life Coach with Symmetry Solutions who specializes in coaching individuals and couples who are experiencing shifts in their religious belief or are affected by a loved one’s shifting belief. Her work centers around understanding faith and spiritual development and offering tools to manage the challenges of relationship, identity, spiritual growth, and spiritual connection that emerge during times of shifting faith. She currently serves as a Relief Society Compassionate Service Coordinator in her ward. Jana attended The Living School—a wisdom school run by the Center for Action & Contemplation under the direction of Fr. Richard Rohr. During this two-year program, she studied Contemplative Christianity and other Wisdom Traditions and how they can support the transforming work of love in ourselves, our communities, and the world. Jana is a frequent speaker at conferences, workshops, firesides, retreats, and on podcasts, and has lectured as a guest at BYU on issues of faith and development. She lives in Holladay, Utah with her husband and three teenage children. In this episode, Jana talks with Kurt about how church leaders can have solidarity with those they lead, and the importance of having solidarity—not just service—in the church. Highlights 7:15 Everyone needs to have their own faith journey 10:15 What is solidarity vs service? 11:00 We love to serve but hate to be served 12:30 When we are going through difficulties we don't want anyone to know 13:30 What is solidarity? The move of being one with another person 15:00 We do service more than we do solidarity 17:45 The hierarchy of our church is a blessing and a curse 19:00 The shame cycle with service and solidarity 21:00 Being aware of our ego needs and how it's getting in our way of journey 22:30 The bishop is not the only one who can facilitate solidarity 23:00 A barrier to solidarity is someone who shows that they have everything together 25:00 Vulnerability is not oversharing 26:30 Janice's faith struggle and how vulnerability helped her and others 29:30 Vulnerability can help solidarity 31:00 Sharing with family 32:00 Our worth is separate from worthiness 33:30 Jesus showed us how to descend into the abyss of the difficulty of humanity 34:00 Sometimes when things are new they are uncomfortable and that's ok 40:00 A key to solidarity is that we can all learn from others, even other faiths 40:30 Another pitfall is lack of mutual accountability 42:00 It's hard to feel that we are broken and those who are listening don't share their struggles with us 42:30 Give the people who are ministered-to a chance to serve their ministers 44:00 Lean more into empathy than sympathy 46:00 Getting in the hole and not fixing things for others but make others feel heard and understood 48:30 Solidarity makes others feel heard and understood 49:30 Don't judge people in their need 52:00 When you really get to know another person your esteem of them only goes up 53:30 Stop talking people out of their experiences 54:30 Imagine that people are really doing their very best 55:15 We don't want to be attached to weakness 55:30 Solidarity as it relates to sin: being one with those who are sinners 57:00 Withhold judgement of those who sin 58:15 If you have not been through something you have no standing to have an opinion on it: just listen to them 59:30 We do a lot of damage when we think we know better because it's working for us 59:45 How do we create solidarity? 1:01:00 Connecting people who have been through similar experiences 1:02:00 Start having conversations and welcome in solidarity 1:04:00 Find a way to have people share each other's stories 1:05:00 Leaders have keys and mantels but they don't have everyone's answers. We need to trust and be with them. 1:06:15 Tradition of Quakers to meet and only ask questions and not give advice. 1:07:30 Solidarity can bring Zion

Join us for a review of Fiona and Terryl Givens' new book: "All Things New: Rethinking Sin, Salvation, and Everything in Between." According to Amazon: "In this book, Fiona and Terryl Givens trace the roots of our religious vocabulary, explore how a flawed inheritance compounds the wounds and challenges of a life devoted to discipleship, and suggest ways of reformulating our language in more healthy ways all in the hope that, as B. H. Roberts urged, we may all cooperate in the works of the Spirit to find a truer expression of a gospel restored." Panelists include Jana Spangler, Anthony D. Miller, and Brittney Hartley.

Today, Anthony Miller, Jana Spangler and Brittney Hartley join us to discuss the topic of navigating and enjoying Christmas after a Mormon faith crisis.

On this joint production with Symmetry Solutions, Natasha hosts a panel discussion with Jana Spangler, IPC, and Jenny Elledge, LMFT, to discuss LDS missionaries returning home due to COVID-19 and things families and individuals are needing to navigate unexpectedly. To find out more about Symmetry Solutions, please visit:  symmetrysols.com To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2020, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.

In this episode, we speak with Jana Spangler about how to live a contemplative life that's also full of compassionate action. As we've brought more contemplative practices into our own lives, we've found many benefits -- but have wanted to make sure we don't lose any of that drive for compassionate service that our faith has done such a good job teaching us.07:26 The contemplative tradition of Joseph Smith12:46 What is the ego?18:35 Working with those who question23:21 Moving beyond body and mind29:20 Serving those who are down34:57 Combining contemplation and action43:01 Christ as Healer

A common refrain we hear in Christianity today is someone claiming something like this: "There are those who think of Jesus is merely a great teacher of morals or wisdom. But we know he is actually the Son of God and Savior of the world!" It is a binary, either/or proposition intended to discourage people from exploring the deeper, wisdom teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Well, in this episode, Jana Spangler, Thomas McConkie, and LDF host Dan Wotherspoon turn their attention to those sayings and parables and types of consciousness that are, indeed, best read and understood through wisdom and contemplative lenses. Each panelist tells her or his own "Jesus story," and also talks about various scriptural passages and insights that only come truly alive when approaching Jesus in this way. It's a wonderful conversation, followed by beautiful centering exercise led by Thomas. Listen in! Be ready to re-embrace a powerful and even more compelling Jesus!

This short(ish) episode contains the announcement of a change to the upcoming Latter-day Faith retreat for October 11th to 13th. Natasha Helfer Parker cannot be part of that event, so Jana Spangler, Jody England Hansen, and LDF host Dan Wotherspoon have re-designed it to focus more on spirituality, development, possibilities for reframing what we had previously experienced only in limited ways, various spiritual practices, and more. And though the episode was launched because of the changes needed for the upcoming event, the panelists all try to make what they share here relevant for those who might not even be able to consider coming to the retreat. What are some of the larger issues at play in LDS lives and faith journeys that serve as excellent jumping off points for our own spiritual reflections?

Natasha is joined on this episode by Jenny Elledge and Jana Spangler. They talk about aspects or framings of Mormon theology that can be helpful to mental health instead of detrimental. Some of the topics they include are: agency, love as the primary commandment, faith, ongoing revelation and many more.   Jenny Elledge is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. She works with clients with mixed faith marriages & families. You can find out more about her by going here: https://www.symmetrysols.com/jennyelledge   Jana specializes in mentoring those who are going through faith transitions or wanting to work on spiritual journeys. You can find out more about Jana Spangler by going here: https://www.symmetrysols.com/jana-spangler To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.

My friend Jana Spangler, married mother of 3, talks about how to understand and minister to those in a faith transition and in a mix-faith marriage. Jana also talks about Fowler’s stages of faith a framework to help all of us better understand our differences and create common group. Jana, a Life Coach, shared these insights recently at North Star (a LDS LGBTQ support organization) and a Ward fireside. This will be a very helpful podcast for those looking for added insights and tools to minister to those in a faith crisis or transition, those in a faith transition and those who find themselves in a mixed-faith marriage. Jana can be reached at https://www.symmetrysols.com/jana-spangler Thanks for being on the podcast Jana. Your work brings more understanding and helps keeps us together. You are awesome.

As my good friend Jana Spangler and I talk in this episode about the quality of "spiritual maturity," we note the difficulty involved in a subject like this because such maturity is more of a thing that we might notice in other people and, perhaps, ourselves, yet it is hard to explain in words (and definitely not something someone should claim about themselves). But we pushed on anyway! Our approach was to discuss three qualities or hallmarks that we believe are universal across all spiritual traditions and communities. Jana leads us through a discussion of transformational vs transactional relationships with God and others. We move next to someone's ability to examine what ego needs are playing out with others and ourselves, leading us in our relationships and soul work to over-identify with these needs and trying to protect others and us from seeing them rather than coming to center in our highest selves. Our final topic is differentiation. How comfortable are we with expressions of genuine difference, whether they be in others' experiences vs ours or even another's critique? Are we able to validate the positions of and see those who differ from us as fellow travelers rather than enemies who are standing in the way of our vision becoming normative? Do we lead out always with love and compassion first? Are we comfortable enough with ourselves to be okay even in settings in which we might feel a bit like an outsider? This episode contains many terrific insights. Jana knocks everything out of the ballpark here. Prepare for a good and potentially important transformative listen! Cheers! Links to things mentioned in the episode: Mormon Matters episode on the Enneagram for Mormons" On Being episode with Alain de Botton, "The True Hard Work of Love and Relationships"  

Last week we talked about confronting our own weaknesses and imperfections. But what about those weaknesses and imperfections that we don't even know exist? Our own blind spots? How do we confront those? Enter shadow work. Jana Spangler is going to expertly walk us through some clues we have into the parts of ourselves we're not always aware of that are holding us and our marriages back. We're giving some therapy to the song "Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears as a jumping off point for our conversation. And guaranteed Rich's acapella remake will both impress you and delight you. It did for me.

As they begin to experience shifts of faith, many Latter-day Saints and others within the Christian tradition come to think of Jesus Christ differently than what they did when they were younger, and for most who undergo these shifts, the transition from one understanding to another is fraught with a great deal of angst. It takes time to "unlearn" traditional stories and to formulate new ones based upon our own experiences and encounters with Jesus over and against what we had "received" from others. It's confusing. It feels transgressive as we come to gain new sensibilities from those we see in our communities. But, even with this wrestling and searching and the disorientation of the period in which we are changing, it is vital that we take it on. Jesus and his teachings really come alive when not seen primarily through institutional lenses that often emphasize actions and beliefs that are geared toward conveying how much we "need" them in order to be saved. In this two-part episode, Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon has brought together separate recordings he made with nine different friends over a ten-day period in which they shared their journeys and the fresh views they have gained, or are now moving toward, in response to the following question: "What do you believe is the "good news" of the gospel as taught by Jesus of Nazareth?" What they shared is wonderful! Some played with similar themes ("kingdom of God within us" or "losing one's life in order to find it") but each with their own unique emphases and flavoring unique to them. We think you will very much enjoy what you find here! In Episode 532 (Part 1), you'll hear from Susan Hinckley, Barbara Roberts, Tom Roberts, Scott Turley, and JoDee Baird. In Episode 533 (Part 2), those sharing are Thomas McConkie, Cynthia Winward, Matt Jones, Jana Spangler, and Dan Wotherspoon.

As they begin to experience shifts of faith, many Latter-day Saints and others within the Christian tradition come to think of Jesus Christ differently than what they did when they were younger, and for most who undergo these shifts, the transition from one understanding to another is fraught with a great deal of angst. It takes time to "unlearn" traditional stories and to formulate new ones based upon our own experiences and encounters with Jesus over and against what we had "received" from others. It's confusing. It feels transgressive as we come to gain new sensibilities from those we see in our communities. But, even with this wrestling and searching and the disorientation of the period in which we are changing, it is vital that we take it on. Jesus and his teachings really come alive when not seen primarily through institutional lenses that often emphasize actions and beliefs that are geared toward conveying how much we "need" them in order to be saved. In this two-part episode, Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon has brought together separate recordings he made with nine different friends over a ten-day period in which they shared their journeys and the fresh views they have gained, or are now moving toward, in response to the following question: "What do you believe is the "good news" of the gospel as taught by Jesus of Nazareth?" What they shared is wonderful! Some played with similar themes ("kingdom of God within us" or "losing one's life in order to find it") but each with their own unique emphases and flavoring unique to them. We think you will very much enjoy what you find here! In Episode 532 (Part 1), you'll hear from Susan Hinckley, Barbara Roberts, Tom Roberts, Scott Turley, and JoDee Baird. In Episode 533 (Part 2), those sharing are Thomas McConkie, Cynthia Winward, Matt Jones, Jana Spangler, and Dan Wotherspoon.

This episode features reflections on a wonderful experience the two panelists and I shared this past week in Albuquerque, NM. All three of us—Jana Spangler, JoDee Baird, and I, Dan Wotherspoon—attended the August 2018 symposium of The Living School, which is sponsored and operated by the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) that Richard Rohr, a Fransiscan monk and highly regarded author, speaker, and seminar leader, founded in 1987. The Living School is a two-year “underground seminary”   in which students immerse themselves in the history and practices of the world’s great contemplative traditions, primarily Christianity, but with much crossover with Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and others. The instruction and experiences students have are not only for their own benefit, however. Both the CAC’s and Living School’s name include “action” along with “contemplation.” Students emerge with a greater depth of experience with God/Source/Animating Force of all life, and from that wellspring they work in the world in ways that try to alleviate suffering of all types—whatever they discern as the focus and work they are being called to do. Besides Richard Rohr, two other incredible teachers and practitioners of contemplation of many types, Cynthia Bourgeault and James Finley, make up the School’s “core faculty.” The rhythm of being a student in the Living School involves attending the August symposium three times, a one-week “intensive” with Richard in the winter or spring of the next year, and committing to studying each month various assigned texts and presentations of the teachings of the world’s greatest mystics and teachers, and then processing in a small group that meets online the ideas and insights that have been striking us most deeply. We on this show certainly share quite a few specifics about the Living School itself, as we know that some listeners might want to consider applying to it at some future date (in fact, the application process for an August 2019 start is currently open), but even if that doesn’t seem like something feasible for someone, we try to keep our conversation broad enough to be interesting to anyone who feels drawn to deepening their connection with God/Source, their community, and the wider world, especially in action and solidarity with those who are suffering. I believe you’ll really enjoy listening!

This very short episode features several announcements about an upcoming Mormon Matters one-day workshop that Dan Wotherspoon and Jana Spangler will be leading, as well as gives dates and information about the two MM retreats planned for this year. It also contains a reminder about the Parenting workshop in two weeks in Salt Lake City that will be led by Terri O'Fallon and Kim Barta. Before getting into all of that, however, Dan highlights and offers reminders of Mormon Matters resources related to Holy Week, Easter, and Mormonism's upcoming April General Conference.

In this episode, Jana Spangler (Salt Lake City) and Peter Bleakley (London) have a hard conversation about what is troubling the LDS Church and they seek to grapple with these questions. Is there any hope for change in the LDS Church?  Should the church change?  What could change?  Who could bring that change?  And whether or not change in the LDS Church is even worth hanging around for?

The four people on this three-part podcast episode love Richard Rohr's book, Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life. If you find yourself experiencing a faith crisis or in some way are actively feeling called to reexamine and make peace with or in some way better integrate within your heart, soul, and mind, life's deepest and most unsolvable (thankfully!) questions and your personal experiences (wonderful and tragic) in deep, soulful ways in which you can come to most meaningfully embrace your truest self and life in all its beautiful (and tragic) mystery, please listen. Please buy, borrow, rent this book. Whether in the first or second half of life, there are  wonderful insights and many potentially life-changing bits of wisdom within. Joining Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon for this rich and often very personal discussion are Jana Spangler, Jeralee Renshaw, and Scott Turley.

The four people on this three-part podcast episode love Richard Rohr's book, Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life. If you find yourself experiencing a faith crisis or in some way are actively feeling called to reexamine and make peace with or in some way better integrate within your heart, soul, and mind, life's deepest and most unsolvable (thankfully!) questions and your personal experiences (wonderful and tragic) in deep, soulful ways in which you can come to most meaningfully embrace your truest self and life in all its beautiful (and tragic) mystery, please listen. Please buy, borrow, rent this book. Whether in the first or second half of life, there are  wonderful insights and many potentially life-changing bits of wisdom within. Joining Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon for this rich and often very personal discussion are Jana Spangler, Jeralee Renshaw, and Scott Turley.

The four people on this three-part podcast episode love Richard Rohr's book, Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life. If you find yourself experiencing a faith crisis or in some way are actively feeling called to reexamine and make peace with or in some way better integrate within your heart, soul, and mind, life's deepest and most unsolvable (thankfully!) questions and your personal experiences (wonderful and tragic) in deep, soulful ways in which you can come to most meaningfully embrace your truest self and life in all its beautiful (and tragic) mystery, please listen. Please buy, borrow, rent this book. Whether in the first or second half of life, there are  wonderful insights and many potentially life-changing bits of wisdom within. Joining Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon for this rich and often very personal discussion are Jana Spangler, Jeralee Renshaw, and Scott Turley.

Mormon Mental Health Podcast will be creating a 5 to 6 part series on boundaries within Mormonism. Natasha Helfer Parker has invited the providers from Symmetry Solutions to discuss boundaries… starting with a general overview, then with children, following with teens, then as adults and other topics such as sexuality, etc. in panel format. We notice in our mental health work with primarily LDS clientele, that there are difficulties understanding what healthy boundaries are and look like… as well as how to implement them in a patriarchal and authoritative structure, where often people feel like boundaries have already been set for them by the system. Unfortunately, not having the ability to create healthy boundaries for oneself, one’s children, and one’s family… can contribute to issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, negative relational dynamics and even abuse. From simple things, like whether or not one feels personal permission to reject a calling, to more serious issues such as whether or not we should support children’s interviews behind closed doors where they are asked sensitive questions including about their sexuality…. this is a relevant topic to today’s Latter-day Saints. We hope you will join in the discussion through the comments section to share either things you want us to address, things you are concerned about, ways you disagree/agree with us, things that have helped you balance healthy boundaries, etc. In this first part Natasha is joined by Sara Hughes Zabawa and Jana Spangler for a general discussion on boundaries and some of the common issues that tend to come up within a Mormon framework. Sara received a Masters Degree in Social Work and a Graduate Certificate in Women’s Studies from the University of Michigan. She completed her Bachelors Degree in Social Work with a minor is Women’s Studies from Brigham Young University. She has extensive experience working with trauma survivors and with teens and young adults struggling with depression and anxiety. Sara helps LGBT+ individuals and their families develop advocacy skills, foster acceptance, and explore the relationship between their sexual and/or gender identity with their religious beliefs. Sara also helps clients navigate difficult life transitions, especially those related to their faith, is a skilled yoga instructor and uses mindfulness training to support clients in cultivating self-care practices. Jana Spangler, IAC is an Integral Associate Coach and dedicated student of personal growth strategies. Over the past 5 years she has continually attended seminars and retreats, participated in on-line courses, studied world thought and spiritual leaders through books and interviews, and participated in several support groups. In July 2014, after having been born and raised in the LDS faith (Mormonism), she experienced a near-complete collapse in her faith. Since that time, she has used the tools she has gained through her study to travel a path of increasingly fulfilling spirituality and has spent countless hours supporting and mentoring others who are experiencing pain in their spiritual life and relationships. Natasha Helfer Parker, LCMFT, CST runs an online practice, Symmetry Solutions, which focuses on helping families and individuals with faith concerns, sexuality and mental health. She writes at The Mormon Therapist for Patheos: Hosting the Conversation of Faith, runs Mormon Sex Info and is the current president for the Mormon Mental Health Association.

Natasha Helfer Parker, Mindy Gledhill, Jana Spangler, Andrea Radke-Moss and Rachel Hunt Steenblik discuss their experiences at the Women's March in Washington DC and New York City.  Contrary to Sister Elaine Dalton's observation each of these women found the event to be sacred, peaceful and transformative.