Podcasts about right use

Talk 3 The Right Use of Interpretation of Tongues Hello again. Welcome to Talk 3 in our series on NT Guidelines for Small Group Meetings. Last time, our subject was speaking in tongues and its right use in our meetings. We saw that we should not speak in tongues loudly unless it's for interpretation and that it must only be spoken loudly if someone is there to interpret it. So today we'll be looking in more detail at the important gift of interpretation of tongues. Apart from two references in chapter 12 (v10 and v30), our main source of material for understanding this gift is found in 1 Corinthians 14, so it would be good to have your Bible open there. In this talk I will: ·      Examine the references to interpretation of tongues ·      Discuss certain practical issues that arise from this ·      Finish with a brief summary. A.     References to interpretation of tongues 1 Corinthians 12:10-11, 30 10 …and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? These verses make clear that not everybody has this gift. Each gift is given as the Holy Spirit determines. (By the way, speaking in tongues in verse 30 refers to its use in church, not to its private use as prayer with one's spirit). 1 Corinthians 14:5 The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in tongues, unless they interpret so that the church may be edified. This verse reveals the purpose of the gift – the edification of the church. As we saw in our last talk, prophesying is preferable to speaking in tongues because prophecy edifies the church whereas speaking in tongues does not, because no one can understand it (2). However, if speaking in tongues is interpreted, it can edify the church, in which case it is as valuable as prophecy. But this need not mean that it's necessarily the same as prophecy. We will discuss this in more detail in a moment. 1 Corinthians 14:13 In verse 12 Paul tells the Corinthians to try to excel in gifts that build up the church. This gives the reason for what he says in verse 13. Anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret… Why? Because the only way that speaking in tongues will edify others is if it is interpreted. Notice too that the verse does not mean that all interpretations should be given by the person who has spoken in tongues. The interpretation may very well be given by someone else. To allow someone other than the speaker in tongues to interpret means that more people are participating in the meeting, something Paul is keen to encourage, as the next passage makes clear. Verses 26-28 26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two – or at the most three – should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God. Verse 26 is the key verse upon which this series is based. It gives clear guidance on the sort of things we should expect in our meetings. Notice that tongues and interpretation are included in what Paul is recommending. But note the use of the word if in verse 27: If anyone speaks in a tongue… This shows us that Paul does not automatically assume that there will be speaking in tongues in the meeting. The things mentioned in verse 26 are not obligatory ingredients for every meeting. They are the kind of things to expect, but not necessarily in every meeting. The manifestation of spiritual gifts will vary from meeting to meeting as the Spirit leads. The main point is that whatever is taking place, everything must be done for the strengthening of the church. So, if anyone speaks in tongues, what should happen next? Paul is quite clear on this: If anyone speaks in a tongue, let it be by two or at the most three people. And let one person interpret (my translation). This doesn't refer to private use of tongues in church, which is allowed, provided it's done quietly, speaking to yourself and to God (28). It refers to the use of tongues for the purpose of interpretation, because Paul says, Let one person interpret.  So, during the course of a meeting, no more than three people should speak in tongues with a view to interpretation. Another practical issue that we will need to consider in due course is how to understand and apply the final part of verse 27, which NIV translates as, Someone must interpret, but which KJV translates this as, Let one interpret (my emphasis), which is the literal translation of the Greek word that Paul uses here. That's why, in the translation I offered earlier, I translated it as Let one person interpret. But this doesn't mean that Paul is saying that if there are two or three utterances in tongues, the same person should give the interpretation for all of them. But more on this in a moment. Finally, Paul's use of the word interpreter in verse 28 is interesting. He says: If there is no interpreter, the speaker (in tongues) should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God. The term interpreter clearly indicates that those who exercised the gift of interpretation were seen as permanently possessing the gift. If that were not so, how could the speaker in tongues know whether there was an interpreter present or not? A person who has interpreted once can be expected to do so again. So, if we want to speak in tongues publicly, we need to check that there's an interpreter present. And if there is, we are free to go ahead. Obviously that places a serious responsibility on the interpreter to be ready to interpret at any time, because we do not know when someone is going to speak in tongues. To know more about receiving spiritual gifts, you might like to visit my website (www.davidpetts.org) and listen to two short podcasts I gave in February 2019 (podcasts 018 and 019). B.     Practical issues arising from Paul's teaching         i.            The form the gift should take – prophecy or praise? There's no time to go into much detail about this now, but I have said a bit more in WYCT pp77-79 and more still in Body Builders pp141-144. However, the short answer is this. As we saw last time, tongues can take the form of prayer or praise or giving thanks. So, if the gift of interpretation enables us to understand what is being said when someone speaks in tongues, it follows that the interpretation should take the same form as the tongue, whether prayer, or praise, or thanksgiving etc. But what about 'messages' in tongues where the interpretation sounds like a prophecy? Those who take the view that interpretation should take the form of a prophecy base their argument on 14:5 where Paul says: The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in tongues, unless they interpret so that the church may be edified. The argument goes like this. Prophecy edifies the church. Interpretation edifies the church. Therefore, the interpretation of tongues equals prophecy. But there is a logical flaw in this argument. It's like saying, Tea is a drink. Coffee is a drink. Therefore, tea equals coffee! Paul says that both prophecy and interpretation edify the church, but that does not necessarily mean that they do so in the same way. If, for example, interpretation were to take the form of praise, rather than prophecy, wouldn't it edify the church? And who is not edified by the psalms of praise? I have personally been greatly edified by both forms of interpretation. However, other people insist on praise interpretations and base their argument on the NIV translation of 14:2, which reads: For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him… So, it is argued, if the tongue is to God, the interpretation must be to God, in the form of either praise or prayer. However, a more literal translation would be: For the person speaking in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him… (my translation). This makes clear that the reason for saying that speaking in tongues is to God is that no one can understand it. When the disciples spoke in tongues at Pentecost, did it not speak to men? And why was this? Because they understood what was being said. It follows, therefore, that if tongues in church can be understood through the use of the gift of interpretation, it can most certainly speak to us. So in my view both praise and prophecy style interpretations are legitimate manifestations of the gift, and we should accept and encourage both.      ii.            Two or at the most three… The meaning is clear, but what should we do if someone brings a fourth utterance in tongues? Should it be interpreted? Of course, this is unlikely to happen if the church has been taught how spiritual gifts should be operated in our meetings. However, if it does happen, what should we do? My view is that it should be interpreted because this would be more edifying for the church which is the basic principle behind Paul's teaching in this passage. For more detail on this, please see WYCT pp79-80.        iii.            'Let one person interpret' (v27) I said earlier that the Greek in verse 27 is best translated as, Let one person interpret. This in fact reflects how the Authorised Version translates it and, as a result, some churches have taught that, if there are two or three utterances in tongues, the same person should give the interpretation for all of them. This is a valid application of what Paul is saying, but I think it more likely that his intention is to say that each utterance in tongues needs only one person to interpret it. The unruly members of the Corinthian church needed to hear this. C.     Summary 1.     Everything we do in church should be edifying to others. 2.     Tongues edifies you, but it doesn't edify others, unless it's interpreted. 3.     So, the purpose of the gift of interpretation is to edify the church. 4.     Tongues may take the form of prayer or praise or prophecy, so interpretations may take any of these forms. 5.     We should not speak loudly in tongues unless there is an interpreter there. So we need to be sure there's an interpreter there before we speak out loudly in tongues. 6.     If we speak in tongues aloud in church, we should pray for the gift of interpretation, bearing in mind that it's not given to everyone. 7.     If you have the gift of interpretation, you have a responsibility to interpret. 8.     Tongues and interpretation should occur no more than two or three times in each meeting. 9.     Only one person should interpret each message, but it doesn't have to be the same person each time. 10. Since it's so important for tongues in church to be interpreted, we should all wait for the interpretation to be given before doing anything else (like leading in prayer etc.). D.    Questions for discussion 1.     Why do you think we should all wait for the interpretation to be given before doing anything else? 2.     Someone speaks out loud in tongues, but no one else interprets it. You have interpreted tongues in the past, but you don't feel you have the interpretation of this time. What should you do? Hint: See my personal testimony about this, in WYCT pp.81-83 or Body Builders, Ch. 8. 3.     Do we need to alter our group's way of doing things to make way for the operation of gifts like tongues and interpretation (and indeed other gifts of the Spirit)?

Talk 2 The Right Use of Speaking in Tongues Welcome to Talk2 in our series on NT Guidelines for Small Group Meetings. We started last time by suggesting that 1 Corinthians 14:26 should be taken as a serious indication of the sort of thing God wants to happen when we meet. Let me remind you what it says: What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. We then did a quick survey of chapters 12 and 13 to see how they might influence our understanding of this verse. Today we're going to talk about speaking in tongues which was very important in the life of the early church and is still a very valuable gift today. So we'll be talking about why it's so important both in our personal prayers at home and in our gatherings. And we'll finish by looking at 1 Corinthians 14 and seeing what Paul has to say about exactly how it should be used when we meet together. A.    The importance of tongues 1.     Its importance in the early church a.     As we all know, speaking in tongues was the first spiritual gift that the disciples were given when they were filled the Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). empowering them for service (Acts 1:8). [For more on this, please see A New Dimension – how to be filled with the Holy Spirit (details on my website – www.davidpetts.org]. b.     After Pentecost, when others received the Spirit, it was the first manifestation recorded after the Spirit came upon them (Acts 10:44-46, Acts 19:1-6). c.      This was almost certainly because speaking in tongues was to become an important part of a Christian's prayer life, enabling them to pray with their spirit (1 Corinthians 14:14), but more of that in a moment. 2.     The value of the gift today Speaking in tongues was a valuable gift in New Testament times and it's just as valuable today: a.     It can be used as a powerful sign to unbelievers as happened in Acts 2 and led to some 3000 people becoming Christians. b.     It is an important aspect in our private prayer times c.      It can be a blessing in church when it is accompanied by the gift of interpretation, which will be the subject of out next talk. So let's now turn to 1 Corinthians 14 and see what Paul has to say about the use of tongues in our private prayer times, before we turn to its use in our meetings. B.     The use of tongues in private Consider the following: 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.   4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.   14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. 16 If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.   So when we speak in tongues: ·      we don't know what we're saying (14), ·      but we're speaking to God (2) ·      which may be prayer (14-15), or praise (16), or giving thanks (16-17) to God, ·      and in doing so we're edifying ourselves (building ourselves up spiritually) (4). This is probably why in 2 Timothy 1:6-7 Paul says: 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline Every time we speak in tongues in our prayer time we are fanning into flame the gift of God that we received when God gave us the Holy Spirit. So speaking in tongues is a great thing to do in private, but what about in our meetings?     C.     The right use of tongues in our meetings 1.     Edification – the underlying principle It's clear that Paul valued very highly his ability to speak in tongues. In verse 18 he says: I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. This was because it enabled him to pray with his spirit rather than just praying with his mind. But please note what he says in verse 19: But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. So, although he spoke in tongues a great deal when he was not in church – that is, when he was in private – he did not do so in public. He  is much more guarded about the use of tongues in church. Look at verses 3-5 again: 3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. He wants everyone to be able to speak in tongues, but it has no value in church if it's not interpreted (v5). Tongues are unintelligible unless they are interpreted and without interpretation the speaker is just speaking into the air (9).  But when interpreted they can fulfil a similar function to prophecy, which also edifies the church (4) bringing strengthening, encouragement and comfort (3). We'll come back to that in our next talk when we consider Paul's teaching on the gift of interpretation of tongues, but for now it's enough to note that what's important is: whatever we do in our meetings should be for the edification, strengthening, encouragement and comfort of those present. For example, Paul is concerned about what happens if unbelievers come into our meetings.. He deals with this in verses 21-25 where it's clear that, despite the miracle that happened at Pentecost where speaking in tongues led to the conversion of some 3000 people, far from expecting unbelievers to come to faith when hearing speaking in tongues, Paul thinks it more likely that they will conclude that the Corinthians are out of their mind! Why did he think this? Perhaps because situations like the day of Pentecost are very rare. On the vast majority of occasions, it's not likely that any foreigner will recognise their language when we are speaking in tongues. So Paul advises caution. On the basis of all this, it's better, in my view, to consider the use of tongues as a sign to unbelievers as something exceptional. Having said that, verses 21-25 are extremely difficult because they contain an apparent contradiction and have long been a source of debate among scholars. We don't have time to go into them in now, but if you want to see a possible solution, please read WYCT pp. 66-68. The main point is this: Whatever we do in our meetings we should always be sensitive to the needs of others, especially if there are newcomers present. You may be worshipping well, but if others are not helped by it, you are not acting in love! (My  paraphrase of verse 17). In the context Paul is talking about tongues, but the principle surely applies to everything  we do in our meetings! 2.     Paul's teaching on how to apply this principle Despite Paul's clear teaching that prophecy is preferable to tongues (1-5), he by no means discourages the use of tongues in church. He expects speaking in tongues to be a regular part of the worship of the church (26) and it is certainly not to be forbidden (39). However, the key to its use in church is that it needs to be interpreted so that everyone may be edified. In fact, in verse 28 he tells us that If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God. This suggests that the personal use of tongues in church is not prohibited, but it must be done quietly as it will edify no one except the speaker (cf. 4). Speaking out loud in tongues, therefore, is to be strongly discouraged unless it is intended that it be interpreted, and that of course will require someone with the gift of interpretation to be present. This may, of course, be the person who has spoken in tongues, as in verses 12-13 Paul encourages those who speak in tongues to pray for the gift of interpretation: So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church. 13 For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. So, if you want to speak out loud in tongues and don't have the gift of interpretation, you  must first make sure that someone is present who does, and, if you're not sure, you must speak quietly to yourself and to God (28). There's just as much blessing in speaking in tongues quietly as in speaking loudly! However, if an interpreter is present, you may speak out loud in tongues with a view to its being interpreted for the edification of the church. But this is subject to the following conditions: If anyone speaks in a tongue, two, or at the most three, should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret (27). So please, if someone speaks out loud in tongues in a meeting, wait until it's interpreted before you say anything. D.    Summary Speaking in tongues is the ability to speak a language we have never learned. It may be expressed in a variety of ways, including, prayer, praise, thanksgiving etc. When we speak in tongues it's our spirit that is praying, not our mind. God gives us this gift to help us edify ourselves – to build ourselves up spiritually. It is also given so that when it's interpreted it will edify the church. It can also be used as a sign to unbelievers when, as at Pentecost, they understand the language that is being spoken.   We should expect this gift to be in operation in our meetings, but it should be used quietly if it is not for interpretation. It must only be spoken aloud if an interpreter is present, and it must be used only two, or at the most three, times in a meeting. We will consider this further in the next talk when we examine Paul's teaching on the gift of interpretation. For more on this, please see WYCT Ch. 5.   But there's much more that could be said, and, if you have a copy, you might like to read Chapter Eight of my book Body Builders – Gifts to make God's people grow.   E.     Questions for discussion   1.     If you do not yet speak in tongues, bearing in mind its value in prayer, do you feel you would like to? Have you ever prayed for this gift?   2.     If you do speak in tongues, how much use do you make of it in your personal prayer life?   3.     In church or in your small group, do you always consider the edification of others before you take part?   4.     How best could we make use of this wonderful gift (tongues) in our small group meetings?

NT Guidelines for Small Group Meetings       Talk 1 An Overview of 1 Corinthians 12-13 Welcome to our new series. I'm calling it New Testament Guidelines for Small Group Meetings. We'll be looking at what the New Testament has to say about what we should expect and how we should behave in our meetings. This includes what we do on Sunday mornings and in our home groups.   Our thoughts will centre on what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14:26 where he makes the following recommendation: What then shall we say brothers and sisters? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.   The churches in the New Testament would often have gathered in homes and that was almost certainly the case in Corinth. So, Paul's instructions are particularly relevant to smaller churches or home groups.   Small group meetings can take many different forms. Some meetings can be a real blessing and a source of edification to all, but sadly this is not always the case. The apostle Paul had to tell the Corinthians that their meetings were not for the better, but for the worse (1 Corinthians 11:17) because of their inconsiderate behaviour towards one another.   And that was when they were celebrating the Lord's Supper! Some were getting drunk while others were going hungry! And this selfish behaviour was not limited to food and drink. Some of them were 'hogging it' when it came to how they expressed themselves in worship – and that, as we will see, was perhaps their major problem.   Paul's teaching in the rest of chapter 11 and in those that follow was an attempt to put things right and to show what Christian gatherings should be like. And that will be the basis for our consideration of how we may make our small group meetings as beneficial as possible. We'll begin in this talk by giving a brief overview of Paul's teaching in chapters 12 and 13. This will help us to understand our key verse in the wider context.   As many of you will know, I have already written a short book on this subject entitled, When you come together – God's plans for when his people meet (WYCT). This contains much more than I have time to include in these notes, so please see me if you'd like a copy.   Before the meeting it would be really helpful if you read 1 Corinthians, chapters 12-14. And if you have a copy you might like to read WYCT chapters 1-3 if you have time.   So, as I was saying, our key verse is 1 Corinthians 14:26 and we need to begin by looking at the context in which it's set.     Setting the context – an overview of 1 Corinthians 12 to 14 There were plenty of problems with the church in Corinth. Chapters 1-10 make it clear that there were divisions, they were immature, they tolerated immorality, they were taking each other to court, and some of them lacked a basic understanding of the basic truths of the Christian faith. And on top of all that, their behaviour when they met together was at times appalling! They were thoughtless and inconsiderate.   No wonder Paul said that their meetings did more harm than good. We need to remember this as we look at what he says in chapters 12-14. The main problem he is addressing throughout is their thoughtless behaviour and attitude towards each other. It's clear from chapter 12 that some of them thought that they were superior to the others because of the spiritual gifts they possessed. And this was particularly true of speaking in tongues which was being used excessively in their meetings. So in chapter 12 he begins by giving some basic teaching on spiritual gifts.   Teaching on spiritual gifts (12:1-11) I'm hoping you've read these verses before coming to the meeting. What's clear is that the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit were a regular part of their meetings, but the Corinthians were exercising them in ignorance. Paul had to teach them that:   1.     The supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit must be distinguished from demonic manifestations by the acknowledgment that Jesus is Lord (vv1-3) 2.     Though the gifts are different they are all given by the same Spirit (vv4-10) 3.     They are given as the Holy Spirit determines (v11)   What can we learn from this? 1.     If you acknowledge Jesus as you Lord and Saviour, you need not fear that you will receive a demonic gift. Our heavenly Father doesn't give 'snakes' to his children (Luke 11:11-13). 2.     In Spiritualism, where counterfeit gifts are given by demons, different gifts are given by different spirits. 3.     Though they're different, all the gifts are important because it's the Holy Spirit who gives all of them. 4.     As the Holy Spirit is the giver, He decides who gets what.   NOTE: Paul will say much more about spiritual gifts in the next two chapters.   Every member of the body is needed (12:12-30) In this passage we learn that:   1.     The church is one body which has many different members (v14) 2.     Every member of the body is important and needed because God has put it there (vv14-27) 3.     There should be no division in the body, but all the members should have equal concern for each part of it (v25) These are all important principles to bear in mind in our group meetings. There isn't time to go into them now, but we'll pick up on some of them when we come to chapter 14.   1 Corinthians 13 We're Nothing without Love Paul's teaching on love in this chapter is valuable in every situation, but in its context Paul is still talking about what should go on in our meetings. Chapter 14 is a practical application of what he's teaching about love here in 13.   Let's divide the chapter into three sections:   1.     It's all meaningless without love (1-3) 2.     The nature of love (4-7) 3.     Recognising our limitations (8-12)   It's all meaningless without love (1-3)   If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.   What can we learn from these verses? 1.     Nothing is more important than love. Whatever gifts we may have and whatever we may do, if our motive is not love, it counts for nothing. Without love I am nothing (2) and I gain nothing (3). 2.     This principle applies to every function of the body of Christ, not just to the things mentioned in these verses, which are just illustrations of it. 3.     What he's taught about the body in chapter 12 will only be possible when we love one another. So the things he refers to in verses 1-3 are just illustrations of the great principle of the paramount importance of love.   But why does he choose these particular illustrations to make his point? Because these were the particular problems facing the church in Corinth at the time. It's evident from chapter 14 that there were problems in Corinth with their use of gifts like speaking in tongues and prophecy which are the two gifts he mentions first here.   So as we later consider Paul's encouragement in 14:26 for all to participate by bringing a contribution to our meetings, we need to remember that whatever we may bring must be brought in love.       The nature of love (4-8)   4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.   These verses have a far wider application than our understanding of chapter 14. But in the context, chapter 13 is set right in the middle of Paul's teaching in chapters 12 and 14. Notice the development of thought in these chapters:   12: The importance of the role of every Christian within the church as the body of Christ 13: The importance of LOVE 14: Specific direction on how this should work in our meetings.   Maybe we could summarise verses 4-7 as putting other people first. As we will see when we come to look at chapter 14 in more detail, this is the underlying principle of all he says which is surely the main way in which we express our love for them. Prophecy, for example, is to be desired more than tongues because it edifies others, not just ourselves (14:1-5).   Think about how we can apply putting other people first to what we say and do in our meetings.   Recognising our limitations (8-12) 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. What can we learn from this? 1.     Although there will ultimately be no need for supernatural gifts, love will remain for ever. It never fails (8). It remains (13).   2.     Wonderful though gifts like tongues and prophecy are, their operation is not infallible. We know in part and we prophesy in part. What Paul is encouraging in 14:26 must be understood in this light. God's gifts are perfect, but we are not. We do not yet see face to face. The gifts come from God, but they come through us, and we are fallible.   This must affect our understanding of all that Paul says in chapter 14, not just verse 26. As we eagerly desire spiritual gifts we are to try to excel in our use of them (12). This clearly implies that it's possible to exercise them without excelling in them.   That's why words of prophecy need to be weighed carefully (29) and why Paul found it necessary to give instruction as to how the gifts should be used. Had the operation of the gifts been infallible, such instruction would have been unnecessary.   But that's something we will consider in more detail later in the series.   Next time we'll start on Chapter 14 and will be looking at The Right Use of Speaking in Tongues.   So, that's it from me for today. Thanks for listening.   Now, some questions for discussion. Group leaders, over to you.   Questions for discussion   1.     How important are the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit in the context of our small group? Do we make room for them? Have we all received the baptism in the Spirit?   2.     What practical application does Paul's teaching that every part of the body is needed and to be valued equally make to what happens in our group and in church?   3.     How might Paul's teaching on love (especially 13:4-7) affect our attitude as individuals in our group meetings and in church? Hint: Key phrases could be: Love is patient…Love is kind… it is not rude…Love does not boast…It is not proud… It does not envy …Love is not self-seeking… Love rejoices with the truth… It always protects.  

Craig Coady | Christ Community CU

The way you relate to power is the way you relate to everything around and within you–your work, your people, your sense of what's possible. And most of us have never actually examined that relationship.And in this season we are in, when everything is changing so quickly, any unexamined beliefs we hold will quietly run the show. They will shape the risks we take, the rooms we walk into, and the moments we either step up or shrink back. If we don't have something to ground us internally to our values, our body, our nervous system, and our beliefs, we run the risk of looking to external validation and trying to control everyone and everything around us. We do damage control and play nice at the expense of real connection and progress.Which is why I am thrilled to welcome back Dr. Amanda Aguilera to talk more about the Right Use of Power framework for personal power and her new book, Shaping Power for Good: Wayfinding to Right Relationship. She reminds us that staying rooted and using our personal power for good isn't a box to be checked, but a continuous practice and commitment to ourselves and our relationships. Dr. Amanda Aguilera currently serves as the Executive Director of the Right Use of Power Institute and co-leader of Sacred Wayfinding. She has dedicated most of her career to helping people and organizations understand systems, conflict, and social power dynamics to create right relationships and a sense of belonging. She has a knack for making difficult conversations easier, complex ideas more accessible, and resistance more workable. Integrating power, contemplative practices, neurobiology, and restorative practices, she works by finding a balance of head and heart and facilitating the co-creation of strategic maps that lead us forward in a more equitable way.Listen to the full episode to hear:Defining the six core types of power through the lens of relationships to others, ourselves, and the collectiveHow four essential aspects of being in right relationship show up in us and othersWhy checking in on power and relationships starts with connecting to our bodies How committing to being in right relationship helps us overcome how we've been socialized to access power and belongingWhy right relationship fundamentally starts with ourselves, our boundaries, and our valuesHow each of us can use our power for good, conscientiously and in alignment with our valuesLearn more about Dr. Amanda Aguilera:Right Use of Power InstituteInstagram: @rightuseofpowerinstituteShaping Power for Good: Wayfinding to Right RelationshipLearn more about Rebecca:rebeccaching.comWork With RebeccaThe Unburdened Leader on SubstackSign up for the weekly Unburdened Leader EmailResources:ParenthoodEP 88: Right-Use-of-Power: Navigating Leadership Dynamics with Dr. Cedar BarstowEP 125: Power, Regulation, and Leadership: Connecting to Your Personal Power with Dr. Amanda AguileraBelonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides, Geoffrey L. CohenEP 149: Interrupting the Fawning Trauma Response: Leadership, Safety, and Self-Trust with Dr. Ingrid ClaytonMaya Angelou's 1992 Commencement Address at Spelman CollegeIn the Absence of the Ordinary Soul Work for Times of Uncertainty, Francis WellerChico Gospel - ma museHannah GadsbyChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (08:20) - Meet Dr. Aguilera (09:02) - Six Types of Power (17:25) - Rooted vs Socialized Power (23:09) - Right Relationship (27:56) - Checking in with Your Body (30:03) - Checking with your Why (35:51) - The Messy Truth of Power (38:48) - Showing up in Relationship Differently (41:08) - Up Power, Down Power (45:25) - Shaping Power For Good (49:49) - Double Loop Learning (52:10) - Quick Fire Favorites (55:49) - How To Connect (56:38) - Closing Thoughts

We are continuing in our study of 1 Corinthians, picking up in chapter 9. In a conversation about the things that have a hold on our hearts and how we can live free from them, Paul uses his own life as an example. Laying down his own life for others, Paul helps us to better understand the right use of our rights as we follow in the way of Jesus.

In this episode, Dr. Judith delves deep into the realm of soulful progress by exploring the concept of overgiving in relationships and its impact on women. Using the stories of Claire, Jasmine, Monica, and Renee, we illustrate how overgiving, often mistaken for kindness, can lead to self-abandonment and emotional exhaustion. Learn the vital difference between human love, often interwoven with fear and insecurity, and divine love, which emphasizes truth and self-respect. This episode provides practical advice on establishing healthy boundaries, ensuring mutual care, and using your precious energy wisely. If you've ever felt like you're giving too much and receiving too little, this episode is your guide to finding balance, embracing self-honor, and progressing on your spiritual path.00:00 Introduction: The Cost of Overgiving01:38 Defining Overgiving and Its Motives03:52 Human Love vs. Divine Love07:07 The Story of Jasmine: A Lesson in Self-Honor10:58 Practical Tools for Right Use of Energy16:21 Work Relationships: Setting Boundaries18:21 Conclusion: Evolving from Overgiving to Divine Love

Text me your thoughts/questionsrebrand is on its way...you are loved, enjoy the day!

What if true freedom wasn't the absence of emotion, but the moment emotion stops running your life and starts serving your soul? Join Dr. Judith in the final episode of the series, 'Hidden Emotional Alchemy: Transforming Pain into Spiritual Power.' This episode dives deep into the right use of emotional power as the key to soul progress. Discover how ancient wisdom teaches us to view emotions like fear, anger, grief, and desire not as moral failures, but as creative energies. Learn practical steps on how to pause, name your emotions, locate them in your body, and ask higher questions to transform these raw powers into spiritual growth tools. With real-world examples, such as Clara's revelation about her fear and David's journey with anger, this episode offers invaluable insights into aligning your emotional life with love and truth. Embrace the art of emotional alchemy and find out how every feeling is a power, every moment is a choice, and every choice shapes your inner world. Tune in to learn how to govern your energy wisely and make your emotional life sacred. 00:00 Introduction: Embracing Emotional Power 00:32 The Journey of Emotional Alchemy 01:47 Understanding Emotional Energy 02:16 Transforming Emotions in Daily Life 02:33 Educating Emotions: Fear, Anger, Grief, and Desire 03:50 The Role of Christ Consciousness 05:16 Practical Application: Clara's Story 10:28 Practical Application: David's Story 11:41 Integrating Emotional Mastery

Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, host Dcn. Harrison Garlick, along with guests Alec Bianco and Sean Berube, explore St. Basil the Great's letter To Young Men, on the Right Use of Greek Literature, passionately arguing that Christians—especially young men—should actively read pagan classics like Homer, Plato, and Hesiod. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.comCheck out our LIBRARY OF WRITTEN GUIDES to the great books.Drawing on personal testimonies, the trio explains how these pre-Christian texts strengthened their own faith, trained natural virtue, sharpened Scripture reading, and revealed seeds of the Logos planted by divine providence. Through vivid analogies—leaves preparing fruit, bees gathering honey, and despoiling the Egyptians—they, supported by St. Jerome's defense, contend that pagan literature is not a threat but a providential gift that grace perfects, forming the soul, evoking wonder, and equipping believers to engage the world with confidence and love.SummaryThe conversation highlights how pagan texts address universal human questions—virtue, meaning, fate, and the divine—preparing the soul for revelation, much as leaves nourish fruit on a branch or mirrors help the immature soul see itself. St. Basil's analogies are unpacked: pagan literature as a shallow pool for beginners, bees selectively gathering honey from flowers, and the need to discriminate good from harmful elements through the standard of Christ. Examples include Odysseus's restraint with Nausicaa as a model of natural virtue and Socrates's near-Christian insights on non-retaliation. The guests stress that grace perfects nature, so training in natural virtue via pagan examples elevates rather than diminishes the supernatural call, challenging modern sloth and low expectations of human potential.Providence is a recurring theme: Hebrew faith and Greek reason converged under Roman order to prepare the world for Christ; parallels in myths (floods, giants, serpents) and the Hellenization of Scripture (Septuagint, New Testament in Greek) show God working through pagan culture. References to Tolkien, Lewis, and Justin Martyr's logos spermatikos underscore that truth found anywhere belongs to Christians. Music and athletics are explored as parallels—pagan modes and contests can form the soul when approached with discernment, just as Doric tunes sobered revelers in Pythagoras's story.The discussion shifts to St. Jerome's Letter 70, defending the use of secular literature against accusations of defiling the Church. Jerome cites Moses educated in Egyptian wisdom, Paul quoting pagan poets, and analogies like despoiling the Egyptians or David wielding Goliath's sword—Christianity takes the best of pagan thought and conquers paganism with it. His provocative image of shaving the captive woman (Deuteronomy) to make secular wisdom a “matron of the true Israel” illustrates stripping away seductive errors to reveal underlying beauty and truth.Ultimately, the episode frames engagement with pagan literature as an act of love: understanding providence, nurturing what is good, evangelizing by meeting souls where they are, and ascending toward the Logos who permeates all reality. The tone is confident and joyful, rejecting both puritanical fear and uncritical consumption in favor of prudent, Christ-centered discernment.KeywordsChristians read pagans, pagan literature Christians, St Basil pagan literature, St Basil Greek literature, why Christians read Homer, why Christians read Plato, classical education Christianity, great books Christianity, and pagan classics faith. Long-tail keywords to target specific searches are should Christians read pagan literature, why young Christian men read

1. The Wrong Use of Freedom (13) 2. The Right Use of Freedom (13) 3. The Fulfillment of the Law (14) 4. The Effect of Misusing Freedom (15)

What does it mean to be good?It's a little word that carries a lot of weight for many of us. Be a good girl. Be a good friend. Be a good leader. Do good.Good can sound like praise, but become a cage of expectations and shoulds, a performance that chips away at our authenticity. Good is no longer something we are, but is how others see us. It leads us to people please and keep the peace at all costs. And that's especially true for women.All too often, when women are in leadership, their goodness is measured by how they make others feel–good, comfortable, understood. All of that matters. But when the measure of leadership becomes how comfortable other people feel around us, we lose something essential.We perform and manage emotions instead of building trust and respect. We seek to be liked and to fit in at the cost of real integrity and effectiveness. And likability is oh-so fleeting.Respect, integrity, and true belonging take time and discomfort to build, but they last.My guest today has written beautifully and bravely about the cost of being good, the truth of belonging, and the courage it takes to lead ourselves and others through discomfort.Elise Loehnen is the New York Times bestselling author of On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women Pay to be Good and the host of the podcast, Pulling the Thread, where she interviews cultural luminaries about the big questions of today, including people like Joy Harjo, John and Julie Gottman, Dr. Gabor Maté, and Esther Perel. In addition to On Our Best Behavior, she is the author of a corresponding workbook—Choosing Wholeness Over Goodness—with coach Courtney Smith (July 2025), and the co-author of True & False Magic, with legendary psychiatrist Phil Stutz. Elise lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Rob, and their sons, Max and Sam.Listen to the full episode to hear:How Elise traced the cultural roots of the “good woman” back to early Christianity and the many additions, erasures, and mistranslations of Biblical storiesWhy we need to pay attention to our envy and how it shows up in relation to other womenHow envy, pride, and greed fuel each other and the ways we stay small and tear other women downHow social media has heightened the risk of reputational damage and changed how women work and lead, for better and worseWhy we latch onto ideas of goodness and purity more deeply in times of greater uncertaintyHow current narratives about the “natural” order are ahistorical manipulations that limit what we believe is possibleLearn more about Elise Loehnen:WebsitePulling the Thread on SubstackInstagram: @eliseloehnenOn Our Best Behavior: The Price Women Pay to Be GoodChoosing Wholeness Over Goodness: A Process for Reclaiming Your Full SelfTrue and False Magic: A Tools WorkbookLearn more about Rebecca:rebeccaching.comWork With RebeccaThe Unburdened Leader on SubstackSign up for the weekly Unburdened Leader EmailResources:Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone, Brené BrownEP 123: Befriending Your Nervous System: Building Capacity for Regulation with Deb DanaThe Intrinsic Order that Emerges from Within Chaos (Elinor Dickson, PhD)Dancing in the Flames: The Dark Goddess in the Transformation of Consciousness, Elinor Dickson and Marion Woodman EP 88: Right-Use-of-Power: Navigating Leadership Dynamics with Dr. Cedar BarstowEP 125: Power, Regulation, and Leadership: Connecting to Your Personal Power with Dr. Amanda AguileraThe Reprioritization of Relationship (Lori Gottlieb)Maybe You Should Talk To Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed, Lori GottliebLessons from Hollywood's Most Powerful Woman—And How They Can Help You (with Donna Langley) | Aspire with Emma GredeAnswer to Job, Carl JungAion: Researches Into the Phenomenology of the Self, Carl JungThe Science of Magic: How the Mind Weaves the Fabric of Reality, Dean Radin PhDMistakes Were Made (but Not By Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts, Carol Tavris and Elliot AronsonSigur Rós - YouTubeJónsi - YouTubeLove IslandThe Gilded AgeMaidenStutz

Send us a textIn the 4th century AD, two Christian friends - Basil and Gregory - travelled from Cappadocia to Athens to go study Greek literature with Libanius, the leading rhetorician of the time. While there, these two young and wealthy Cappadocians befriended a fellow student named Julian, the nephew of the Emperor Constantine. There in Athens, the three young Christians mastered Greek philosophy and rhetoric at Libanius' feet. Later on, Basil went on to become the bishop of Caesarea, one of the architects of orthodoxy's victory over the Arian heresy, and was later named a "Doctor of the Church." His friend Gregory of Nazianzus rose to become one of the foremost preachers and theologians in church history. And their friend Julian became Emperor - and having repudiated the Christian faith, attempted to turn the newly Christian Roman Empire pagan again. Clearly, as the example of Julian the Apostate shows, pagan mythology and literature pose a danger to Christian faith. But can pagan learning serve Christian faith as well? Jonathan and Ryan are joined, once again, by the Rev. Calvin Goligher to discuss St. Basil of Caesarea's "Address to Young Men on the Right Use of Greek Literature," in which he answers heartily in the affirmative, and explains how to use Greek poetry, philosophy, and history for the edification of young Christian students. St. Basil's Address to Young Men on the Right Use of Greek Literature: https://www.tertullian.org/fathers/basil_litterature01.htmFrederick Morgan Padelford's Introduction to St. Basil and the Address to Young Men: https://www.tertullian.org/fathers/basil_litterature00.htmRichard M. Gamble's The Great Tradition: https://amzn.to/3Q4lRnONH episode on Justin Martyr: https://newhumanists.buzzsprout.com/1791279/episodes/10722142-justin-martyr-s-first-apology-feat-calvin-goligher-episode-xxivNH episode on Athanasius: https://newhumanists.buzzsprout.com/1791279/episodes/9827740-athanasius-on-the-incarnation-feat-calvin-goligher-episode-xvRobert Louis Wilken's The Spirit of Early Christian Thought: https://bookshop.org/a/25626/9780300105988New Humanists is brought to you by the Ancient Language Institute: https://ancientlanguage.com/Links may have referral codes, which earn us a commission at no additional cost to you. We encourage you, when possible, to use Bookshop.org for your book purchases, an online bookstore which supports local bookstores.Music: Save Us Now by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell (me!) sits down with Andy Crestodina, co-founder of Orbit Media, to explore SEO, AI, and content marketing. Andy shares his insights on how search behavior is shifting, the importance of training AI to recognize and recommend your brand.

RIGHT USE OF FREEDOM

Message from Mark Upton on July 13, 2025

On today's show Tom, Glenn, and Chris trace the theological heritage of historic Christian and Reformed moral theology as it drew upon and developed natural law thinking as one resource for moral wisdom and engagement with culture. As we address moral challenges of our age, we have a rich heritage in our faith, from the early Church through various Protestant and Reformed lines, to draw upon as we aim to unpack biblical ethical wisdom in our time. The natural law tradition is one such line which the Reformed line classically embraced and developed in light of its core theological insights. The pugs enjoy a lively conversation around this important contribution to moral theology. The Right Use of Moral Philosophy by Pierre de La Place: https://www.amazon.com/Philosophy-Sources-Modern-Economics-Ethics/dp/1949011062 Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

On today's show Tom, Glenn, and Chris trace the theological heritage of historic Christian and Reformed moral theology as it drew upon and developed natural law thinking as one resource for moral wisdom and engagement with culture. As we address moral challenges of our age, we have a rich heritage in our faith, from the early Church through various Protestant and Reformed lines, to draw upon as we aim to unpack biblical ethical wisdom in our time. The natural law tradition is one such line which the Reformed line classically embraced and developed in light of its core theological insights. The pugs enjoy a lively conversation around this important contribution to moral theology.The Right Use of Moral Philosophy by Pierre de La Place: https://www.amazon.com/Philosophy-Sources-Modern-Economics-Ethics/dp/1949011062Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

On today's show Tom, Glenn, and Chris trace the theological heritage of historic Christian and Reformed moral theology as it drew upon and developed natural law thinking as one resource for moral wisdom and engagement with culture. As we address moral challenges of our age, we have a rich heritage in our faith, from the early Church through various Protestant and Reformed lines, to draw upon as we aim to unpack biblical ethical wisdom in our time. The natural law tradition is one such line which the Reformed line classically embraced and developed in light of its core theological insights. The pugs enjoy a lively conversation around this important contribution to moral theology. The Right Use of Moral Philosophy by Pierre de La Place: https://www.amazon.com/Philosophy-Sources-Modern-Economics-Ethics/dp/1949011062 Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

On today's show Tom, Glenn, and Chris trace the theological heritage of historic Christian and Reformed moral theology as it drew upon and developed natural law thinking as one resource for moral wisdom and engagement with culture. As we address moral challenges of our age, we have a rich heritage in our faith, from the early Church through various Protestant and Reformed lines, to draw upon as we aim to unpack biblical ethical wisdom in our time. The natural law tradition is one such line which the Reformed line classically embraced and developed in light of its core theological insights. The pugs enjoy a lively conversation around this important contribution to moral theology. The Right Use of Moral Philosophy by Pierre de La Place: https://www.amazon.com/Philosophy-Sources-Modern-Economics-Ethics/dp/1949011062 Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Connect with Vanessa Soul: https://sacredsoulenergetics.com/Power & Power Podcast All Apps: https://pod.link/1713095352 1:02 Book Introduction 4:11 What if supression is the issue? 5:44 What is Spiritual evolution is about deep emotional integration 8:15 The Concepts in the book 10:25 How have you been conditioned to supress emotions 13:25 Judgement locks emotions 15:01 When self judgment was keeping me an unhealthy habit 18:38 Judgement release & reflection questions 19:22 Judgement, Fear, & Awareness 21:26 Emotional releasing to activate your personal power 24:07 Emotional suppression consequences 26:12 Getting the right support 27:33 Extracting the awareness from the fear 28:28 Different forms of emotional releasing 30:57 Denial of emotions limits your life 33:07 3 Journaling Prompts 34:34 EFT Practice for Releasing Self Judgment & denial CONNECT W/ VANESSA SOUL https://sacredsoulenergetics.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/sacred__soul____/ Facebook link https://www.facebook.com/vanessa.spiva.9/Threads https://www.threads.net/@sacred__soul____Power & Power Podcast All Apps: https://pod.link/1713095352 Donate to the Podcast: Sacred Soul Energetics Business Venmo: https://venmo.com/code?user_id=4008578222393358557&created=1739583741.404595&printed=1

In Twelve Step programs, the first step, as I understand it, is recognizing that we are powerless to heal alone.We cannot overcome addiction, trauma, or systemic oppression through sheer willpower or individual effort. Healing, recovery, and meaningful change require connection, support, and systems that foster growth.All true! But we should not make a virtue out of being powerless.Recognizing what is beyond your ability isn't the same as accepting that you are powerless to change. Powerlessness is, in fact, a protective response that disconnects us from our personal power.When we conflate protection with powerlessness, we risk internalizing the very dynamics that keep us trapped in authoritarian systems—whether in families, partnerships, workplaces, faith communities, or governments.Power-over systems create environments where speaking up feels dangerous, where challenging authority risks humiliation or exile. But no matter the system or oppression, we always retain what Right Use of Power methodology calls our personal power. And that's precisely why authoritarian structures work so hard to make us feel otherwise.Owning your personal power in an authoritarian system requires deep, intentional work. And we cannot do it alone.My guest today will introduce you to the types of power in the Right Use of Power framework and help you reconnect with your personal power so that you can stand firm and do hard, scary, necessary things.Dr. Amanda Aguilera currently serves as the Executive Director of the Right Use of Power Institute and a Trusted Advisor at The Ally Co. She has dedicated most of her career to helping people and organizations understand systems, conflict, and social power dynamics to create right relationship and a sense of belonging. She has a knack for making difficult conversations easier, complex ideas more accessible, and resistance more workable. Integrating power, contemplative practices, neurobiology, and restorative practices, she works by finding a balance of head and heart and facilitating the co-creation of strategic maps that lead us forward in a more equitable way.Listen to the full episode to hear:How the Right Use of Power framework gave Amanda language to understand and articulate powerWhy power itself is fundamentally neutralHow Right Use of Power reframes power as a dynamic and not a possessionBreaking down the six types of power from personal to universalWhy direct challenges to status power are so often destabilizing How undeveloped personal power leads people to do harm with their role and status powerWhy we have to become aware of how power exists in our relationshipsHow developing our personal power helps us to participate in the collective power that can actually challenge systemsHow leaders can foster healthy power differential relationshipsLearn more about Dr. Amanda Aguilera:Right Use of Power InstituteInstagram: @rightuseofpowerinstituteLearn more about Rebecca:rebeccaching.comWork With RebeccaThe Unburdened Leader on SubstackSign up for the weekly Unburdened Leader EmailResources:EP 88: Right-Use-of-Power: Navigating Leadership Dynamics with Dr. Cedar BarstowEP 14: Consenting to Grief as a Leadership Practice with Dean Nelson, PhDBreathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps, Richard RohrAll About Love, bell hooksMarie BeechamAlt National Park ServiceFalling Back in Love with Being Human: Letters to Lost Souls, Kai Cheng ThomIndigo Girls - Closer to FinePoseThe Karate Kid Star Wars

Cue the klieg lights and gift bags because THIS episode marks the seventh anniversary of Conversations With A Wounded Healer! Major thanks to everyone from the OG fans to the newbies. I couldn't do it without you, which is the perfect segue to today's episode. Cara Chae, LCPC, is a psychotherapist at Inner Voice Psychotherapy, a group private practice in Chicago. She focuses on issues related to attachment (parenting, relationships, childhood wounds) and, more recently, neuroplastic symptoms. Cara also spent eight months as a member of my Authentic Leaders Group. I thought it might be interesting to explore some of her a-ha! moments and group experience on the podcast. GUEST BIO Cara Chae, LCPC, (she/her) is a psychotherapist working in a group private practice in Chicago. Her professional interests include working with issues related to Attachment (parenting, relationships, childhood wounds), and, more recently, Neuroplastic Symptoms. Cara's second full time job is parenting her two elementary school aged children while trying to simultaneously take care of herself, too. *** GET TO KNOW THE GUESTS FEATURED IN OUR ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY! Reframing and Repairing Our Relationship to Power With Amanda Aguilera, The Right Use of Power Institute Loretta Pyles - Radical Self-Care and Rewilding in Everyday Practice Shelly Tochluk – A Roadmap for White Folks to Discard Shame, Dismantle Whiteness, and Live an Anti-Racist Life Virginia Castillo - Clairvoyance, Spiritual Development and Unexpected Career Paths Mishara Winston - A Model for Communal Mental Wellness Mishara Winston - Eat Snacks / Take Naps Kira Macoun - Somatic Movement And Embodied Activism Allison Staiger - Rage And The Emotional Labor Of Parenting Annie Schuessler, Rebel Therapist - Make an Impact Beyond Traditional Private Practice The Burnt Out Practice Owner: What Do You Do When Managing Your Group Practice Starts To Feel Like A Burden? With Rebel Therapist™ Creator Annie Schuessler Authentic Leaders Group  Are you a therapist stepping into leadership for the first time? Or maybe you've been in a leadership position for a while, but are bumping up against new struggles? Our Authentic Leaders Group is here to help you become the authentic and wholehearted leader you aspire to be. And we believe this journey is best undertaken with the guidance of experienced mentors alongside fellow learners. Join Sarah in this journey of self-discovery and leadership mastery, where you'll enhance your leadership skills and forge meaningful connections with fellow therapists who are committed to their own growth and the betterment of the therapy field. Join the waitlist now to be part of the next Authentic Leaders Group! 1:1 With Sarah Wounded healers need supervision too. Sarah is passionate about fostering therapists' personal and professional growth through mentoring, supervision, and consultation. Mentoring options are available for therapists who are looking for a transformative supervision experience and practice owners who are looking for customized support. Supervision not only plays a crucial role in the professional development and ethical practice of therapists, but also provides parallel process for our own healing. In consultations, Sarah helps practice owners align their business with their lifestyle goals. Together, we'll look at both the concrete business practices as well as the emotional stuff that complicates business ownership.   Reach out to find out more and book!  SUPPORT THE SHOW Conversations With a Wounded Healer Merch Join our Patreon for gifts & perks Shop our Bookshop.org store and support local booksellers Share a rating & review of this show *** Let's be friends! You can find me in the following places… My Website: https://www.headheartbiztherapy.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeadHeartBizTherapy/ Instagram: @headheartbiztherapy      

There's no denying that our systems and selves are at a crossroads. So, my fellow therapists, will we accept the universe's invitation to evolve, or will the profession regress beyond the point of no return?  Ki Smith believes in the potential of the collective to transform and transcend our current fractured moment. They're a psychotherapist, coach, mediator, and facilitator of power-conscious nonviolent communication and an affiliated teacher with the Right Use Of Power Institute. The two of us explore what it means to foster personal and professional relationships in which collective care is valued, communal wisdom is centered, and power to the people is reinforced. GUEST BIO Ki Smith (she/they) is an Internal Family Systems (IFS)-trained contemplative psychotherapist, coach, mediator, and facilitator of Power-Conscious Nonviolent Communication, and an affiliated teacher with the Right Use of Power Institute. Ki works with individuals, dyads, and groups to support restoration, healing, and transformation. She is passionate about co-creating beloved community where collective care is valued, collective wisdom is centered, and collective power is strengthened. Redefining the Future of Psychotherapy: From Disruption to Innovation Are you feeling the seismic shifts currently reshaping the therapy field? From AI to rising healthcare costs, our field is at a crossroads – but what if these disruptions weren't just challenges, but opportunities for transformation? I'm excited to introduce "Redefining the Future of Psychotherapy" – a groundbreaking 12-week program where I've partnered with organizational consultant Marc Mathys to help therapists navigate and thrive in these changing times. Together, we'll explore how cultural values and systemic forces are impacting mental health care. You'll learn to apply powerful frameworks like Spiral Dynamics to enhance your practice, transform challenges into opportunities, and develop practical strategies for both you and your clients. Starting February 13th, 2025, we'll meet virtually every Thursday for live, interactive sessions. You'll earn a Level 1 Certification in Spiral Dynamics, and up to 24 CEUs are available. This isn't just about surviving these tumultuous times – it's about working together to create positive change. Visit https://bit.ly/futureoftherapy to register today. Save your spot here: https://bit.ly/cwhgpfinancial Authentic Leaders Group  Are you a therapist stepping into leadership for the first time?  Or maybe you've been in a leadership position for a while, but are bumping up against new struggles? Our Authentic Leaders Group is here to help you become the authentic and wholehearted leader you aspire to be. And we believe this journey is best undertaken with the guidance of experienced mentors alongside fellow learners. Next cohort starts November 2024!  Join Sarah in this journey of self-discovery and leadership mastery, where you'll enhance your leadership skills and forge meaningful connections with fellow therapists who are committed to their own growth and the betterment of the therapy field. Register now to be part of the next Authentic Leaders Group!   SUPPORT THE SHOW Conversations With a Wounded Healer Merch Join our Patreon for gifts & perks Shop our Bookshop.org store and support local booksellers Share a rating & review of this show *** Let's be friends! You can find us in the following places… Sarah's Website: https://www.headheartbiztherapy.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeadHeartBizTherapy/ Instagram: @headheartbiztherapy Anne's Website: https://www.spareroomwellness.com Instagram: @spareroomwellness  

“What are you going through?” This was one of the central animating questions in Simone Weil's thought that pushed her beyond philosophy into action. Weil believed that genuinely asking this question of the other, particularly the afflicted other, then truly listening and prayerfully attending, would move us toward an enactment of justice and love.Simone Weil believed that any suffering that can be ameliorated, should be.In this episode, Part 2 of our short series on How to Read Simone Weil, Cynthia Wallace (Associate Professor of English at St. Thomas More College at the University of Saskatchewan), and author of The Literary Afterlives of Simone Weil: Feminism, Justice, and the Challenge of Religion and Evan Rosa discuss the risky self-giving way of Simone Weil; her incredible literary influence, particularly on late 20th century feminist writers; the possibility of redemptive suffering; the morally complicated territory of self-sacrificial care and the way that has traditionally fallen to women and minorities; what it means to make room and practicing hospitality for the afflicted other; hunger; the beauty of vulnerability; and that grounding question for Simone Weil political ethics, “What are you going through?”We're in our second episode of a short series exploring How to Read Simone Weil. She's the author of Gravity and Grace, The Need for Roots, and Waiting for God—among many other essays, letters, and notes—and a deep and lasting influence that continues today.In this series, we're exploring Simone Weil the Mystic, Simone Weil the Activist, Simone Weil the Existentialist. And what we'll see is that so much of her spiritual, political, and philosophical life, are deeply unified in her way of being and living and dying.And on that note, before we go any further, I need to issue a correction from our previous episode in which I erroneously stated that Weil died in France. And I want to thank subscriber and listener Michael for writing and correcting me.Actually she died in England in 1943, having ambivalently fled France in 1942 when it was already under Nazi occupation—first to New York, then to London to work with the Free French movement and be closer to her home.And as I went back to fix my research, I began to realize just how important her place of death was. She died in a nursing home outside London. In Kent, Ashford to be precise. She had become very sick, and in August 1943 was moved to the Grosvenor Sanitorium.The manner and location of her death matter because it's arguable that her death by heart failure was not a self-starving suicide (as the coroner reported), but rather, her inability to eat was a complication rising from tuberculosis, combined with her practice of eating no more than the meager rations her fellow Frenchmen lived on under Nazi occupation.Her biographer Richard Rees wrote: "As for her death, whatever explanation one may give of it will amount in the end to saying that she died of love.In going back over the details of her death, I found a 1977 New York Times article by Elizabeth Hardwick, and I'll quote at length, as it offers a very fitting entry into this week's episode on her life of action, solidarity, and identification with and attention to the affliction of others.“Simone Weil, one of the most brilliant, and original minds of 20th century France, died at the age of 34 in a nursing home near London. The coroner issued a verdict of suicide, due to voluntary starvation—an action undertaken at least in part out of wish not to eat more than the rations given her compatriots in France under the German occupation. The year of her death was 1943.“The willed deprivation of her last period was not new; indeed refusal seems to have been a part of her character since infancy. What sets her apart from our current ascetics with their practice of transcendental meditation, diet, vegetarianism, ashram simplicities, yoga is that with them the deprivations and rigors‐are undergone for the pay‐off—for tranquility, for thinness, for the hope of a long life—or frequently, it seems, to fill the hole of emptiness so painful to the narcissist. With Simone Well it was entirely the opposite.“It was her wish, or her need, to undergo misery, affliction and deprivation because such had been the lot of mankind throughout history. Her wish was not to feel better, but to honor the sufferings of the lowest. Thus around 1935, when she was 25 years old, this woman of transcendent intellectual gifts and the widest learning, already very frail and suffering from severe headaches, was determined to undertake a year of work in a factory. The factories, the assembly lines, were then the modem equivalent of “slavery,” and she survived in her own words as “forever a slave.” What she went through at the factory “marked me in so lasting a manner that still today when any human being, whoever he may be and in whatever circumstances, speaks to me without brutality, I cannot help having the impression teat there must be a mistake....”[Her contemporary] “Simone de Beauvoir tells of meeting her when they were preparing for examinations to enter a prestigious private school. ‘She intrigued me because of her great reputation for intelligence and her bizarre outfits. ... A great famine had broken out in China, and I was told that when she heard the news she had wept. . . . I envied her for having a heart that could beat round the world.'“In London her health vanished, even though the great amount of writing she did right up to the time she went to the hospital must have come from those energies of the dying we do not understand—the energies of certain chosen dying ones, that is. Her behavior in the hospital, her refusal and by now her Inability to eat, vexed and bewildered the staff. Her sense of personal accountability to the world's suffering had reached farther than sense could follow.”Last week, we heard from Eric Springsted, one of the co-founders of the American Weil Society and author of Simone Weil for the Twenty-First Century.Next week, we'll explore Simone Weil the Existentialist—with philosopher Deborah Casewell, author of Monotheism & Existentialism and Co-Director of the Simone Weil Research Network in the UK.But this week we're looking at Simone Weil the Activist—her perspectives on redemptive suffering, her longing for justice, and her lasting influence on feminist writers. With me is Cynthia Wallace, associate professor of English at St. Thomas More College at the University of Saskatchewan, and author of The Literary Afterlives of Simone Weil: Feminism, Justice, and the Challenge of Religion.This is unique because it's learning how to read Simone Weil from some of her closest readers and those she influenced, including poets and writers such as Adrienne Rich, Denise Levertov, and Annie Dillard.About Cynthia WallaceCynthia Wallace is Associate Professor of English at St. Thomas More College at the University of Saskatchewan, and author of The Literary Afterlives of Simone Weil: Feminism, Justice, and the Challenge of Religion, as well as **Of Women Borne: A Literary Ethics of Suffering.About Simone WeilSimone Weil (1909–1943) was a French philosopher, mystic, and political activist. She's the author of Gravity and Grace, The Need for Roots, and Waiting for God—among many other essays, letters, and notes.Show NotesCynthia Wallace (Associate Professor of English at St. Thomas More College at the University of Saskatchewan), and author of The Literary Afterlives of Simone Weil: Feminism, Justice, and the Challenge of ReligionElizabeth Hardwick, “A woman of transcendent intellect who assumed the sufferings of humanity” (New York Times, Jan 23, 1977)Of Women Borne: A Literary Ethics of SufferingThe hard work of productive tensionSimone Weil on homework: “Reflections on the Right Use of School Studies with a View to the Love of God”Open, patient, receptive waiting in school studies — same skill as prayer“What are you going through?” Then you listen.Union organizerWaiting for God and Gravity & GraceVulnerability and tendernessJustice and Feminism, and “making room for the other”Denise Levertov's  ”Mass for the Day of St. Thomas Didymus”“Levertov wrote herself into Catholic conversion”“after pages and pages of struggle, she finally says: “So be it. Come rag of pungent quiverings,  dim star, let's try  if something human still can shield you, spark of remote light.”“And so she  argues that God isn't  particularly active in the world that we have, except for when we open ourselves to these chances of divine encounter.”“ Her imagination of God is different from how I think  a lot of contemporary Western   people think about an all powerful, all knowing God. Vae thinks about God as having done exactly what she's asking us to do, which is to make room for the other to exist in a way that requires us to give up power.”Exploiting self-emptying, particularly of women“Exposing the degree to which women have been disproportionately expected to sacrifice themselves.”Disproportionate self-sacrifice of women and in particular women of colorAdrienne Rich, Of Woman Borne: ethics that care for the otherThe distinction between suffering and afflictionAdrienne Rich's poem, “Hunger”Embodiment“ You have to follow both sides to the kind of limit of their capacity for thought, and then see what you find in that untidy both-and-ness.”Annie Dillard's expansive attentivenessPilgrim at Tinker Creek and attending to the world: “ to bear witness to the world in a way that tells the truth about what is brutal in the world, while also telling the truth about what is glorious  in the world.”“She's suspicious of our imaginations because she doesn't want us to distract  ourselves from contemplating the void.”Dillard, For the Time Being (1999) on natural evil and injusticeGoing from attention to creation“Reading writers writing about writing”Joan Didion: “I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking, what I'm looking at, what I see and what it means, what I want and what I fear.”Writing as both creation and discoveryFriendship and “ we let the other person be who they are instead of trying to make them who we want them to be.”The joy of creativity—pleasure and desire“ Simone Weil argues that suffering that can be ameliorated should be.”“ What is possible through shared practices of attention?”The beauty of vulnerability and the blossoms of fruit trees“What it takes for us to be fed”Need for ourselves, each other, and the divineProduction NotesThis podcast featured Cynthia WallaceEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Emily Brookfield, Liz Vukovic, and Kacie BarrettA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give

This episode is the first of a short series exploring How to Read Simone Weil. The author of Gravity and Grace, The Need for Roots, and Waiting for God—among many other essays, letters, and notes, Weil has been an inspiration to philosophers, poets, priests, and politicians for the last century—almost all of it after her untimely death. She understood, perhaps more than many other armchair philosophers from the same period, the risk of philosophy—the demands it made on a human life.In this series, we'll feature three guests who look at this magnificent and mysterious thinker in interesting and refreshing, and theologically and morally challenging ways.We'll look at Simone Weil the Mystic, Simone Weil the Activist, Simone Weil the Existentialist.First we'll be hearing from Eric Springsted, a co-founder of the American Weil Society and its long-time president—who wrote Simone Weil: Late Philosophical Writings and Simone Weil for the Twenty-First Century.In this conversation, Eric O. Springsted and Evan Rosa discuss Simone Weil's personal biography, intellectual life, and the nature of her spiritual and religious and moral ideas; pursuing philosophy as a way of life; her encounter with Christ, affliction, and mystery; her views on attention and prayer; her concept of the void, and the call to self-emptying; and much more.About Simone WeilSimone Weil (1909–1943) was a French philosopher, mystic, and political activist. She's the author of Gravity and Grace, The Need for Roots, and Waiting for God—among many other essays, letters, and notes.About Eric O. SpringstedEric O. Springsted is the co-founder of the American Weil Society and served as its president for thirty-three years. After a career as a teacher, scholar, and pastor, he is retired and lives in Santa Fe, NM. He is the author and editor of a dozen previous books, including Simone Weil: Late Philosophical Writings and Simone Weil for the Twenty-First Century.Show NotesEric O. Springsted's Simone Weil for the Twenty-First CenturyHow to get hooked on Simone Weil“All poets are exiles.”Andre WeilEmile ChartierTaking ideas seriously enough to impact your lifeWeil's critique of Marxism: “Reflections on the Cause of Liberty and Social Oppression”:  ”an attempt to try and figure out how there can be freedom and dignity in human labor and action”“Unfortunately she found affliction.”Ludwig Wittgenstein: “Philosophy is a matter of working on yourself.”Philosophy “isn't simply objective. It's a matter of personal morality as well.””Not only is the unexamined life not worth living, but virtue and intellect go hand in hand. Yeah. You don't have one without the other.”An experiment in how work and labor is doneThe demeaning and inherently degrading nature of factory workChristianity as “the religion of slaves.”Christianity can't take away suffering; but it can take away the meaninglessness.George Herbert: “Love bade me welcome / But my soul drew back guilty of dust and sin”Weil's vision/visit of Christ during Holy Week in Solemn, France: “It was like the smile on a beloved face.”The role of mysteryWeil's definition of mystery:  ”What she felt mystery was, and she gets a definition of it, it's when two necessary lines of thought cross and are irreconcilable, yet if you suppress one of them, somehow light is lost.”Her point is that whatever good comes out of this personal contact with Christ, does not erase the evil of the suffering.What is “involvement in contradiction”“She thought contradiction was an inescapable mark of truth.”Contradictions that shed light on life.Why mysticism is important for Weil: “The universe cannot be put into a box with techniques or tricks or our own scientific methods or philosophical methods. … Mystery instills humility and it takes the question of the knowing ego out of the picture. … And it challenges modern society to resist the idea that faith could be reduced to a dogmatic system.”“Faith is not a matter of the intellect.”“Intellect is not the highest faculty. Love is.”“The Right Use of School Studies”“Muscular effort of attention”She wanted to convert her Dominican priest friend into the universality of grace—that Plato was a pre-Chrisitan.” (e.g., her essay, “ Intimations of Christianity Among the Ancient Greeks”)“Grace is universal.”How school studies contribute to the love of GodPrayer as attentionWeil on Attention: “Attention consists of suspending our thought, leaving it detached, empty, and ready to be penetrated by the object. It means holding in our minds within the reach of this thought, but on the lower level and not in contact with it. The diverse knowledge we have acquired. Which we are forced to make use of. Above all our thought should be empty waiting, not seeking anything but ready to receive in its naked truth. The object that is to penetrate it.”Not “detached,” but “available and ready for use”Making space for the afflicted other by “attending” to themLove that isn't compensatory“The void as a space where love can go”What is prayer for Simone Weil?Prayer as listening all night long“Voiding oneself of secondary desires and letting oneself be spoken to.”Is Simone Weil “ a self-abnegating, melancholy revolutionary” (Leon Trotsky)Humility in Simone Weil“The Terrible Prayer”Was Simone Weil anorexic?Refusing comfort on the grounds of solidaritySelf-emptying and graceAccepting the entire creation as God's willSimone Weil on patience and waiting“With time, attention blooms into waiting.”“She's resistant to the Church, but drawing from Christ's self-emptying.”God's withdrawal from the world (which is not deism)“A sacramental view of the world”“ The very creation of the world is by this withdrawal and simultaneous crucifixion of the sun in time and space.”(Obsessive) pursuit of purity in morals and thoughtIris Murdoch's The Nice and the Good“Nothing productive needs to come from this effort.”“ She put her finger on what's really the heart of Christian spirituality. … We live by the Word … by our being open to listening to the Word and having that transformed into God's word.”Production NotesThis podcast featured Eric O. SpringstedEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Emily Brookfield, Alexa Rollow, Zoë Halaban, & Kacie BarrettA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give

Humans tend to crave certainty. In the face of the unknown, we rely on prescriptions and narratives to help us feel better and make sense of what we can't yet see coming.For many, sitting with uncertainty like what we are facing now, post-election in the United States, is deeply unsettling and even destabilizing. They brace for what might come next, anxious and ruminating, and looking for answers. It's a natural human response, but it can also leave us stuck in a loop that offers no comfort, only more fear and anxiety.People will look to the leaders around them for comfort and for answers. And while you may not be able to provide the definitive answers anyone seeks, you can help those you lead and love feel supported and grounded as we all navigate these difficult times.Today, I'm sharing strategies, practices, and thoughts that can help us move through uncertainty, for ourselves and the ones we love and lead.Listen to the full episode to hear:How and why to establish “certainty anchors” for those you leadWhy an honest, compassionate presence is more beneficial than pretending you have all the answersWhy we need to balance courage and comfort, and the fine line between caring and caretakingWhy finding grounding routines is essential, no matter how small or scrappy or imperfectHow claiming your personal power and agency will help you feel less stuckHow we build trust and resilience in our relationships amidst uncertaintyLearn more about Rebecca:rebeccaching.comWork With RebeccaFollow the Unburdened Leader on SubstackSign up for the weekly Unburdened Leader EmailResources:Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, Brené BrownEP 114: Why Bother? Navigating Burnout and Rediscovering Purpose with Jennifer LoudenEP 88: Right-Use-of-Power: Navigating Leadership Dynamics with Dr. Cedar BarstowDiary of a Freelancer, Amanda JonesHope, Despair, and Wellbeing Intelligence - by Jen FisherEP 117: Rethinking Resilience: Moving from Bouncing Back to Relational Resilience with Soraya ChemalyEP 113:  Curiosity as a Bridge: Uncovering Fears and Building Connections with Scott Shigeoka

If you're one of the 43 million Americans currently living under the crushing weight of student loan debt, that's by design, not personal failure. Under our late-stage capitalist system, the cost of a college degree has far outpaced the wages offered to pay for it.  Tiffany Konyen, a Doctoral Candidate in the Anthropology and Social Change department at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, wants to change how America thinks about financing education for its citizens. Their research offers insight into the impacts of student loan debt on material life conditions and processes of transformation within graduate education in the US.  GUEST BIO Tiffany Konyen (she/they) is a Doctoral Candidate in the Anthropology and Social Change Department at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, CA. Their research offers insight into the impacts of student loan debt on material life conditions, as well as on processes of transformation within graduate education in the US. They are a member and organizer with the Debt Collective, the country's first Debtor's Union with the expressed purpose of collectively de-stigmatizing and leveraging experiences of indebtedness towards systemic change. Authentic Leaders Group  Are you a therapist stepping into leadership for the first time?  Or maybe you've been in a leadership position for a while, but are bumping up against new struggles? Our Authentic Leadership Group is here to help you become the authentic and wholehearted leader you aspire to be.  Next cohort starts November 2024!  Join Sarah in this journey of self-discovery and leadership mastery, where you'll enhance your leadership skills and forge meaningful connections with fellow therapists who are committed to their own growth and the betterment of the therapy field. Register now at https://bit.ly/cwhauthenticleaders Right Use of Power™ Basics Training in Chicago Right Use of Power™ is a dynamic, inspiring, and relational approach to the ethical use of power to promote well-being, the common good and right relationship. Our Basics Training is a 5-hour in-person learning experience for people who want to deepen their understanding of power and start to learn how to use power with strength and heart.  When: Friday, November 15, 2024 - 10:00am-4:00pm CST Where: Head/Heart Therapy, 4411 N. Ravenswood, Suite 250, Chicago Cost: Pay what you can $100-$225 includes 4 ethics CEs! Learn more and sign up at https://bit.ly/cwhrup Know the Numbers/Navigate the Feelings: Financial Literacy for Group Practice Owners Join Aggie Chydzinski and Sarah Buino for an engaging and interactive online workshop designed specifically for group practice owners. Gain valuable insights into financial literacy and begin to build confidence in your business management skills. This workshop will equip you with essential tools to understand the numbers and address the emotions surrounding your business finances. Designed for group practice owners of businesses large and small.  Details: 7pm CST Live on Zoom - Third Thursday of every month (starting Oct. 17, 2024) Cost: Pay what you can. Guests who pay $17 or more will receive access to the recorded webinar. Save your spot here: https://bit.ly/cwhgpfinancial The New Perimenopause: What Every Psychotherapist Should Know Perimenopause is a natural developmental stage and yet women (and folks with uteruses) are so often caught off guard by this important (albeit bumpy) rite of passage. Now more than ever before there are options to support women with both the mental and physical health vulnerabilities that can pop up during these years that lead up to menopause. Join Jessica Fruchter in partnership with Head/Heart Business Therapy Friday, December 6 to discuss all things perimenopause through the lenses of mind, body and spirit. RSVP at tinyurl.com/perimenochicago SUPPORT THE SHOW Conversations With a Wounded Healer Merch Join our Patreon for gifts & perks Shop our Bookshop.org store and support local booksellers Share a rating & review of this show *** Let's be friends! You can find us in the following places… Sarah's Website: https://www.headheartbiztherapy.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeadHeartBizTherapy/ Instagram: @headheartbiztherapy Anne's Website: https://www.spareroomwellness.com Instagram: @spareroomwellness

Independent bookshops are magical places. But building that mix of quiet corners and convivial community doesn't come without a lot of sweat equity. Indie bookshops thrive because of the booksellers behind them, real live humans who concentrate on more than just commerce.  Carolynn Bain, founder, and owner of Afrori Books in Brighton, UK, is “that” indie bookseller, an award-winning entrepreneur whose meticulously curated titles and culturally focused events define what it means to be an indispensable neighborhood resource. Since opening in October 2021, Afrori Books has become a “haven for books by Black authors” in Brighton and one of the only Black-owned, Black-focused shops in the UK. GUEST BIO Carolynn Bain is an award-winning entrepreneur, recognized as British Bookseller of the Year 2023 and Brighton Businesswoman of the Year 2023. She founded Afrori Books, a groundbreaking shop specializing in works by Black authors. Passionate about diversity and representation, Carolynn also created Brighton's Anti-Racist Kids Club (ARK), which she delivers to schools across Sussex. Carolynn's pioneering work has been highlighted on Sky, ITV, and BBC, solidifying her as a trailblazer in both business and education. Authentic Leaders Group  Are you a therapist stepping into leadership for the first time?  Or maybe you've been in a leadership position for a while, but are bumping up against new struggles? Our Authentic Leadership Group is here to help you become the authentic and wholehearted leader you aspire to be.  Next cohort starts November 2024!  Join Sarah in this journey of self-discovery and leadership mastery, where you'll enhance your leadership skills and forge meaningful connections with fellow therapists who are committed to their own growth and the betterment of the therapy field. Register now at https://bit.ly/cwhauthenticleaders Right Use of Power™ Basics Training in Chicago Right Use of Power™ is a dynamic, inspiring, and relational approach to the ethical use of power to promote well-being, the common good and right relationship. Our Basics Training is a 5-hour in-person learning experience for people who want to deepen their understanding of power and start to learn how to use power with strength and heart.  When: Friday, November 15, 2024 - 10:00am-4:00pm CST Where: Head/Heart Therapy, 4411 N. Ravenswood, Suite 250, Chicago Cost: Pay what you can $100-$225 includes 4 ethics CEs! Learn more and sign up at https://bit.ly/cwhrup Know the Numbers/Navigate the Feelings: Financial Literacy for Group Practice Owners Join Aggie Chydzinski and Sarah Buino for an engaging and interactive online workshop designed specifically for group practice owners. Gain valuable insights into financial literacy and begin to build confidence in your business management skills. This workshop will equip you with essential tools to understand the numbers and address the emotions surrounding your business finances. Designed for group practice owners of businesses large and small.  Details: 7pm CST Live on Zoom - Third Thursday of every month (starting Oct. 17, 2024) Cost: Pay what you can. Guests who pay $17 or more will receive access to the recorded webinar. Save your spot here: https://bit.ly/cwhgpfinancial The New Perimenopause: What Every Psychotherapist Should Know Perimenopause is a natural developmental stage and yet women (and folks with uteruses) are so often caught off guard by this important (albeit bumpy) rite of passage. Now more than ever before there are options to support women with both the mental and physical health vulnerabilities that can pop up during these years that lead up to menopause. Join Jessica Fruchter in partnership with Head/Heart Business Therapy Friday, December 6 to discuss all things perimenopause through the lenses of mind, body and spirit. RSVP at tinyurl.com/perimenochicago Authentic Leaders Group  Are you a therapist stepping into leadership for the first time?  Or maybe you've been in a leadership position for a while, but are bumping up against new struggles? Our Authentic Leaders Group is here to help you become the authentic and wholehearted leader you aspire to be. And we believe this journey is best undertaken with the guidance of experienced mentors alongside fellow learners. Next cohort starts November 2024!  Join Sarah in this journey of self-discovery and leadership mastery, where you'll enhance your leadership skills and forge meaningful connections with fellow therapists who are committed to their own growth and the betterment of the therapy field. Register now to be part of the next Authentic Leaders Group! SUPPORT THE SHOW Conversations With a Wounded Healer Merch Join our Patreon for gifts & perks Shop our Bookshop.org store and support local booksellers Share a rating & review of this show *** Let's be friends! You can find us in the following places… Sarah's Website: https://www.headheartbiztherapy.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeadHeartBizTherapy/ Instagram: @headheartbiztherapy Anne's Website: https://www.spareroomwellness.com Instagram: @spareroomwellness  

With the amount of time folks invest in their news feeds, social scrolls, podcasts, and hot-takes, you'd think we'd have a better grasp on “the whole picture.” But we only operate with a partial perspective regardless of the situation or issue. This universal truth pushes many of us toward the false comfort of binary thinking. Podcast host and Professor of Criminal Justice at Plymouth State University Dr. Mark Fischler says we don't have to pick sides. He believes that if we can get comfortable holding multiple truths at once, even if we don't understand them, we can solve society's most distressing problems. GUEST BIO Mark Fischler is an award-winning professor of criminal justice at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. He is a former NH Public Defender. Mark also hosts a podcast on the Integral Life website called Integral Justice Warrior. Authentic Leaders Group  Are you a therapist stepping into leadership for the first time?  Or maybe you've been in a leadership position for a while, but are bumping up against new struggles? Our Authentic Leadership Group is here to help you become the authentic and wholehearted leader you aspire to be.  Next cohort starts November 2024!  Join Sarah in this journey of self-discovery and leadership mastery, where you'll enhance your leadership skills and forge meaningful connections with fellow therapists who are committed to their own growth and the betterment of the therapy field. Register now at https://bit.ly/cwhauthenticleaders Right Use of Power™ Basics Training in Chicago Right Use of Power™ is a dynamic, inspiring, and relational approach to the ethical use of power to promote well-being, the common good and right relationship. Our Basics Training is a 5-hour in-person learning experience for people who want to deepen their understanding of power and start to learn how to use power with strength and heart.  When: Friday, November 15, 2024 - 10:00am-4:00pm CST Where: Head/Heart Therapy, 4411 N. Ravenswood, Suite 250, Chicago Cost: Pay what you can $100-$225 includes 4 ethics CEs! Learn more and sign up at https://bit.ly/cwhrup Know the Numbers/Navigate the Feelings: Financial Literacy for Group Practice Owners Join Aggie Chydzinski and Sarah Buino for an engaging and interactive online workshop designed specifically for group practice owners. Gain valuable insights into financial literacy and begin to build confidence in your business management skills. This workshop will equip you with essential tools to understand the numbers and address the emotions surrounding your business finances. Designed for group practice owners of businesses large and small.  Details: 7pm CST Live on Zoom - Third Thursday of every month (starting Oct. 17, 2024) Cost: Pay what you can. Guests who pay $17 or more will receive access to the recorded webinar. Save your spot here: https://bit.ly/cwhgpfinancial The New Perimenopause: What Every Psychotherapist Should Know Perimenopause is a natural developmental stage and yet women (and folks with uteruses) are so often caught off guard by this important (albiet bumpy) rite of passage. Now more than ever before there are options to support women with both the mental and physical health vulnerabilities that can pop up during these years that lead up to menopause. Join Jessica Fruchter in partnership with Head/Heart Business Therapy Friday, December 6 to discuss all things perimenopause through the lenses of mind, body and spirit. RSVP at tinyurl.com/perimenochicago  

In this episode, we focus on the powerful role of prayer in healing and strengthening family relationships. From coping with the loss of a parent to mending conflicts with siblings, we explore how to find peace through acceptance, even when life presents emotional challenges. We reflect on Eckhart Tolle's wisdom—"Just love and everything comes right"—as we respond to heartfelt prayer requests. Whether it's seeking peace after the passing of a loved one, praying for the recovery of a friend, or finding forgiveness in family conflicts, this episode offers spiritual insights and comfort. We also draw from Byron Katie's teachings: "If you want guilt, get the past. If you want terror, get the future." Join us as we embrace love, accept what is, and find peace in our hearts, knowing that in God, there is no death—only love and connection. Listen in for prayers of healing, family unity, and spiritual growth. Chapters: 1. The Nature of Wellness and Acceptance 2. The Power of Prayer and Community 3. Embracing the Infinite and the Present Moment 4. Choosing Love Over Fear 5. Navigating Grief and Loss 6. The Mystery of Love and Acceptance 7. Self-Soothing and Compassion 8. Living in the Mystery of Life 9. The Power of Friendship and Connection 10. Prayers for Healing and Recovery 11. The Role of Love in Healing 12. Letting Go of Anticipation 13. The Importance of Fun and Joy 14. The Journey of Forgiveness 15. The Power of Intention and Choice 16. The Right Use of Adversity 17. The Gift of Intimacy in Prayer 18. Closing Blessing and Affirmations

Julie and Scott talk about Simone Weil's astounding biography, including her experiences volunteering for the Spanish Civil War and participating in the French Resistance. We discuss her essays “The Iliad, or, The Poem of Force,”“The Need for Roots,” and “Reflections on the Right Use of School Studies with a View to the Love of God.” And we ask, how does war turn us into objects? What is the relationship between openness to God and openness to the neighbor? What might a society of “attention” look like? What are some of the complexities of pacifism and anti-statism? What might mean to create a society of attention? And finally, how does Scott read Weil as a Jewish thinker, necessary for us today?Note: For our use of the term “thingification” see Aimé Césaire's Discourse on Colonialism.Other texts and authors discussed:George Herbert, “Love III”Kathryn Lawson, Ecological Ethics and the Philosophy of Simone Weil: Decreation for the Anthropocene. Routledge, 2024.Emmanuel Levinas, “Simone Weil and the Bible” in Levinas, Difficult Freedom: Essays on Judaism, Trans. Sean Hand. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1990.Kenneth Novis.Scott B. Ritner joined the Political Science department at the University of Colorado Boulder in 2022 following appointments at SUNY Potsdam (2021-2022) and Temple University (2018-2021). He earned his PhD from The New School for Social Research in 2018. Scott's research focuses on 20th and 21st Century Critical Social Theory, Race & Ethnic Politics, and Popular Culture including literature and music. His manuscript in progress is titled Revolutionary Pessimism: The Antifascist Politics of Simone Weil. He is currently President of the American Weil Society (http://www.americanweilsociety.org). He teaches courses in Political Theory, American Politics, and Comparative Politics. When not researching or teaching, you can [try to] find him in the mountains. His work on Simone Weil can be found in Theory & Event, in various edited volumes, and at H-Net France.

As therapists, we're famous for not doing our own work, so, of course, we shy away from acknowledging that we hold any power at all. Worse, we conflate power and cruelty, an assumption that keeps us mired in fear and inaction. But now that we've identified the issue, we can transform it.  Dr. Amanda Aguilera is one of my favorite facilitators for this kind of work. She's the executive director of The Right Use Of Power Institute (RUPI), a global non-profit that helps people utilize their power with “awareness, wisdom, compassion, and skill.” I've been training with RUPI for a couple of months now and I'm thrilled to report that the entire organization is aligned with the vision set forth by its founder, Dr. Cedar Barstow, to inspire and support anyone who wants to use their power in the most ethical way possible. GUEST BIO Dr. Amanda Aguilera (she/her/ella) is a consultant and facilitator in the area of power-and-equity consciousness and conflict resolution. Driven by her core values of curiosity, courage, and connection, Amanda is adept at putting things together in new ways, creating visuals that help make learning more accessible, and communicating complex ideas in simple ways. Authentic Leaders Group  Are you a therapist stepping into leadership for the first time?  Or maybe you've been in a leadership position for a while, but are bumping up against new struggles? Our Authentic Leadership Group is here to help you become the authentic and wholehearted leader you aspire to be. And we believe this journey is best undertaken with the guidance of experienced mentors alongside fellow learners. Next cohort starts November 2024!  Join Sarah in this journey of self-discovery and leadership mastery, where you'll enhance your leadership skills and forge meaningful connections with fellow therapists who are committed to their own growth and the betterment of the therapy field. Register now at https://www.headheartbiztherapy.com/authentic-leaders-group SUPPORT THE SHOW Conversations With a Wounded Healer Merch Join our Patreon for gifts & perks Shop our Bookshop.org store and support local booksellers Share a rating & review on Apple Podcasts *** Let's be friends! You can find us in the following places… Sarah's Website: www.headheartbiztherapy.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeadHeartBizTherapy/ Instagram: @headheartbiztherapy Anne's Website: www.spareroomwellness.com Instagram: @spareroomwellness  

Sermon for the Tenth Sunday after Trinity Sunday, 4 August A+D 2024 Rev. Matthew D. Ruesch

What sparks your imagination?What shuts down your capacity to imagine?Where does your mind go when the stakes are high, and the pressure feels too great? Do you find yourself mentally preparing for the worst possible outcomes, as if you were rehearsing a play? Do you shut down or numb out to manage your fears and anxieties?Our brains naturally seek comfort in the known or fill in the unknown with potential disasters. However, it takes conscious effort and practice to build the capacity to imagine positive outcomes when things feel bleak.But we can counter overwhelm and despair by connecting with imaginative individuals who embody hope, curiosity, and possibility grounded in vision and action.These visionary leaders remind us that something different is possible and that we can choose to take deliberate action to change the prevailing tides.In this new series of Unburdened Leader conversations, I'll be in dialogue with leaders who urge us to envision a future that's not just a distant dream, but a reality we can actively shape today.Over the next few months, you will hear conversations that invite you to take meaningful action here and now that does not deplete but heals and energizes.These visionary conversations will help you connect with your desire to see a way through the noise and do something different.Listen to the full episode to hear:Why this moment feels so vital to share conversations with leaders imagining–and building–a more moral and just worldA taste of upcoming topics of conversation, from invisible disabilities to reframing resilience as a collective undertakingEssential steps for building and protecting your capacity to hope and imagine in trying timesLearn more about Rebecca:rebeccaching.comWork With RebeccaSign up for the weekly Unburdened Leader Email.Resources:EP 02: How Self-Leadership Saves You From The Relentless Drive To Succeed with Dr. Richard SchwartzEP 88: Right-Use-of-Power: Navigating Leadership Dynamics with Dr. Cedar Barstow

"... it is incumbent upon us, for the present, to trace, as it were, the silhouette of virtue in the pagan authors. For those who carefully gather the useful from each book are wont, like mighty rivers, to gain accessions on every hand." Drawing from his deep understanding of both classical Greek literature and Sacred Scripture, St. Basil the Great—a towering figure of the early Church—advocates for the proper integration of the literary treasures of ancient Greece within the broader formation of young Christian men. Basil challenges those whom he addresses to discern the morally enriching elements of Greek literature while guarding against its pitfalls, particularly its indulgence in more decadent and morally ambiguous themes. Links Address to Young Men on the Right Use of Greek Literature full text: https://www.tertullian.org/fathers/basil_litterature01.htm SUBSCRIBE to Catholic Culture Audiobooks https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-culture-audiobooks/id1482214268 SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter http://www.catholicculture.org/newsletter DONATE at http://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Theme music: "2 Part Invention", composed by Mark Christopher Brandt, performed by Thomas Mirus. ©️2019 Heart of the Lion Publishing Co./BMI. All rights reserved.

Would you call yourself a powerful person? Do you trust yourself with power? Does owning your power feel a bit like holding a hot potato?The many ways we learn about power–often by having it taken away from us, seeing it taken away from others, or seeing people go to great lengths to take and keep power, no matter the cost or casualties–understandably influence our understanding of power for the worse. We have benefitted from many pioneering scholars and social justice leaders who deeply embraced their personal power in the face of systemic abuses. These leaders saw personal power as a birthright and generative, not as something to fear.Owning your power can feel liberating. It's liberating to no longer live from a burdened sense that we are flawed for doubting ourselves or that we are in deficit because we feel shut down and stuck in our pain and the pain around us..Today's guest has a lens on power that runs contrary to what many of us have been taught about. She believes that personal power is not something to gain but something you already have and intrinsic to who you are. She sees power itself as neutral. Dr. Cedar Barstow has a long-time devotion to helping people own and use their power wisely and well.  Her book, Right Use of Power: The Heart of Ethics and engaging courses are offered through the Right Use of Power Institute.  In addition to being founder of Right Use of Power Institute, Cedar's background includes being a Hakomi Mindful Somatic Therapy trainer and therapist, and an ethics consultant.  She lives with her husband, Dr. Reynold Feldman, in Boulder, Colorado.Listen to the full episode to hear: Why leaders need understand the overlap of ethics and power Breaking down the definitions of power and ethics and how they impact our relationships Why Dr. Barstow believes we need to focus on our own personal power The potential consequences of trying too hard to flatten role power and why we need to reconsider hierarchy as a neutral tool The impacts of status, collective, and systemic power What the 150% principle teaches us about managing conflicts and grievances How the spiral down process can help us productively reflect on conflict  Learn more about Dr. Cedar Barstow: Right Use of Power Institute Right Use of Power: The Heart of Ethics: A Guide and Resource for Professional Relationships Learn more about Rebecca: rebeccaching.com Work With Rebecca Sign up for the weekly Unburdened Leader Email Resources: Confidence Culture, Shani Orgad and Rosalind Gill See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love Valarie Kaur EP 70: Getting out of Shame and Into Power with Kelly Diels The Covenant of Water, Abraham Verghese Transatlantic Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

Where does boredom come from? Have humans always experienced boredom, or has it only come on in the entertainment age, having more time than we know what to do with? Kevin Gary (Valparaiso University) is author of Why Boredom Matters: Education, Leisure, and the Quest for a Meaningful Life. He joins Drew Collins & Evan Rosa to reflect on the discontent and disconnection that boredom constantly threatens. They discuss the phenomena of boredom, the childhood experience of it, whether its good or bad, the definition of boredom, its connection to entertainment and education, and finally the role of attention and leisure in cultivating a healthy understanding and response to being totally bored out of our minds.This episode was made possible in part by the generous support of the Tyndale House Foundation. For more information, visit tyndale.foundation.About Kevin GaryKevin Gary is a Professor of Education at Valparaiso University. He has a Ph.D. in cultural and educational policy studies from Loyola University Chicago with a focus in the philosophy of education and an M.A. in systematic theology from the University of Notre Dame. His teaching experience includes 10 years of teaching theology at Loyola Academy High School in Wilmette, Illinois.; seven years as a professor of education and philosophy at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana; 8 years as a professor of education at Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana; and one year as faculty director of Goshen College's international studies program in Lima, Perú.Dr. Gary's research is primarily in philosophy of education. He recently published, Why Boredom Matters: Education and the Quest for a Meaningful Life with Cambridge University Press in 2022. K-12 educators (and parents) face bored students every day. Drawing on multiple disciplines Dr. Gary makes a case for teachers guiding students to engage with boredom constructively, steering clear of restless boredom avoidance on the one hand, or passive submission to boredom on the other.Dr. Gary has published in multiple journals, including Educational Theory, the Journal of Philosophy of Education, and Studies in Philosophy and Education.Dr. Gary is one of the founding executives of the North American Association for Philosophy and Education (NAAPE), launched in 2018. NAAPE provides an international forum for scholars working at the intersection of philosophy and educational thought, where disciplines such as ethics, political philosophy, epistemology, philosophical anthropology, history, and others meet the practical challenges of teaching and learning.Dr. Gary is passionate about liberal education, especially within the context of a Christian liberal arts university, which aims to cultivate practical wisdom, compassion, and a Renaissance spirit.Show NotesKevin Gary's Why Boredom Matters: Education and the Quest for a Meaningful LifeA quick and incomplete history of boredomThe Preacher of Ecclesiastes laments over human toil, “everything is vanity and chasing after wind” around 250 BC. “The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear with hearing.”Stoic Roman philosopher Seneca noticed a nauseating tedium in his famous letter “On Tranquility,” describing a familiar quote “vacillation of a mind that nowhere finds rest, and the sad and languid endurance of one's leisure. Thence comes mourning and melancholy and the thousand waverings of an unsettled mind, which its aspirations hold in suspense, and then disappointment renders melancholy. Thence comes that feeling which makes men loathe their own leisure and complain that they themselves have nothing to be busy with.”The ancient Christian monks of the desert struggled with the noonday demon of acedia, a spiritual boredom with their vocation of prayer and faithfulness.Aquinas and other scholastics disciplined the “roving mind.”Variants of the English “boredom”—including being bored to death!—show up in Lord Byron, Charles Dickens, and Herman Melville in the mid 19th century.Kierkegaard calls it the root of all evil.Heidegger sees it in a positive light, saying that philosophy begins in the nothingness of boredom.C.S. Lewis's Uncle Screwtape advises that “anything or nothing is sufficient to attract the wandering attention” of Jr. Demon Wormwood's human patient.The French bourgeoisie nailed it with ennui that many a suburban latchkey kid can relate to.In the King-Kubrick masterpiece, The Shining, boredom goes very dark when “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”Boredom for children: How to respond to the boredom children feelIs boredom bad or good?What's the definition of boredom?Tolstoy on boredomKierkegaard on living life to avoid boredomKierkegaard as a form of existential despair; boredom as an indicator that we're not comfortable with ourselves.Chasing novelty, looking for the new; or giving up and resigning our agencyHeidegger was influenced by Kierkegaard; and thought you must push through it to find your true, authentic self.Kierkegaard's view of the “authentic self” is the self resting in God.“Schola” (Latin): attentively receptive.Simone Weil on tedium, boredom, and attentionLiving in an “attention economy” and controlling or stewarding others' attentionAttention as an antidote to boredomSimone Weil's experience working in a car factory and losing her sense of agency and selfPhilosopher Albert Borgmann on “focal practices” and guardrails.Go chop wood for an hour, and simply do it.Go for a walk for an hour without your smartphone.Boredom and entertainment in a perverse binary orbitSimone Weil “Reflections on the Right Use of School Studies with a View to the Love of God” in Waiting for God (link to PDF)Entertainment is, therefore, not the problem.“The entertainment-boredom cycle just becomes more boring.”Leisure as antidote to boredomSabbath as oasis from work filling up our lives.Thomas Aquinas's “roving mind”Let's go birding!Liturgy as the guardrails of attentionBe an apprentice and learn to experience and perceive in a new way.Mindful in the mundaneGordon Wood's History of the American Revolution: politicians as “disinterested men of leisure”Fighting against instrumentalization.Intrinsic goods of doing the dishes.“The bored mind is missing an opportunity for leisure.”“I like to fish… and any fishing guide will tell you they call it fishing, not catching, for a reason.”“Having resources does not guarantee the experience of leisure.”Josef Pieper and Abraham Heschel and the tradition of Intellectus and WonderHow leisure as both active and contemplative, and its role in a flourishing lifeProduction NotesThis podcast featured Kevin Gary and Drew CollinsEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Macie Bridge and Logan LedmanA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/giveSpecial thanks to the Tyndale House Foundation. For more information, visit tyndale.foundation.

On The Literary Life podcast today, Cindy Rollins, Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks begin their series on The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis. Today you are going to get a crash-course in Medievalism through Lewis' story, and we hope you will enjoy this book as much as our hosts do. Angelina kicks off the discussion even while sharing her commonplace quote, sharing some information about the epigraph and front matter. She gives us some historical context, both for where this books comes in Lewis' own timeline, as well as some ideas of the journey of the soul and medieval dream literature. Thomas gives some background on Prudentius and his allegorical work The Psychomachia. Angelina goes into some comparisons between The Great Divorce and Dante's Divine Comedy. Thomas talks about Nathanial Hawthorne's short story The Celestial Railroad as a satire of Pilgrim's Progress. Also, if you haven't read and listened to E. M. Forster's Celestial Omnibus, see Episode 17. As they get into discussing the Preface, Thomas give us some information on William Blake. We will be back next week with a discussion on Chapters 2-6. Be sure to check out Thomas' upcoming mini-class on G. K. Chesterton taking place live from June 26th through July 7th. Register at HouseofHumaneLetters.com today! Commonplace Quotes: We do not obtain the most precious gifts by going in search of them but by waiting for them. Man cannot discover them by his own powers and if he sets out to seek for them he will find in their place counterfeits of which he will be unable to discern the falsity. Simone Weil, from “Reflections on the Right Use of School Studies with a View to the Love of God“ A poet is not a man who says “look at me”, but rather a man who points at something and says “look at that.” C. S. Lewis No, there is no escape. There is no heaven with a little of hell in it–no plan to retain this of that of the devil in our hearts or our pockets. Out Satan must go, every hair and feather. George MacDonald, from “Unspoken Sermons: The Last Farthing“ MCMXIV by Philip Larkin Those long uneven lines Standing as patiently As if they were stretched outside The Oval or Villa Park, The crowns of hats, the sun On moustached archaic faces Grinning as if it were all An August Bank Holiday lark; And the shut shops, the bleached Established names on the sunblinds, The farthings and sovereigns, And dark-clothed children at play Called after kings and queens, The tin advertisements For cocoa and twist, and the pubs Wide open all day– And the countryside not caring: The place names all hazed over With flowering grasses, and fields Shadowing Domesday lines Under wheat's restless silence; The differently-dressed servants With tiny rooms in huge houses, The dust behind limousines; Never such innocence, Never before or since, As changed itself to past Without a word–the men Leaving the gardens tidy, The thousands of marriages, Lasting a little while longer: Never such innocence again. Book List: The Princess and Curdie by George MacDonald The Personal Heresy by C. S. Lewis and E. M. Tillyard The Aeneid by Virgil The Divine Comedy by Dante Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan The Holy War by John Bunyan Ourselves by Charlotte Mason A Preface to Paradise Lost by C. S. Lewis The Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne Songs of Innocence and Experience by William Blake Paradise Lost by John Milton Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett That Hideous Strength by C. S. Lewis The Weight of Glory by C. S. Lewis Support The Literary Life: Become a patron of The Literary Life podcast as part of the “Friends and Fellows Community” on Patreon, and get some amazing bonus content! Thanks for your support! Connect with Us: You can find Angelina and Thomas at HouseofHumaneLetters.com, on Instagram @angelinastanford, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ANGStanford/ Find Cindy at morningtimeformoms.com, on Instagram @cindyordoamoris and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cindyrollins.net/. Check out Cindy's own Patreon page also! Follow The Literary Life on Instagram, and jump into our private Facebook group, The Literary Life Discussion Group, and let's get the book talk going! http://bit.ly/literarylifeFB

Sean Illing talks with Michael Sacasas, an author and teacher exploring the relationship between technology and society in his newsletter, The Convivial Society. This conversation is all about attention: what it exactly is, what its purpose is, and how it is under threat by the technology of modern society and its ubiquitous distractions. Michael calls upon venerated philosophers (like Simone Weil and Iris Murdoch) as well as contemporary writers (like Nicholas Carr and Jenny Odell) to make the case that figuring out how to command our attention is a matter of great moral significance, and is a crucial component of living a good life. Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), host, The Gray Area Guest: L. Michael Sacasas (@LMSacasas), author of the newsletter The Convivial Society on Substack; associate director, Christian Study Center of Gainesville References:  The Frailest Thing: Ten Years of Thinking About the Meaning of Technology by L.M. Sacasas (Gumroad; 2019) "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut (1961) "Is Google Making Us Stupid?" by Nicholas Carr (The Atlantic; July/August 2008) Understanding Media by Marshall McLuhan (1964) Blaise Pascal on Diversion, from the Pensées (1670) "Reflections on the Right Use of School Studies with a View to the Love of God" by Simone Weil (1942) "The idea of perfection" by Iris Murdoch (1964) "Against Dryness" by Iris Murdoch (1961) Simone Weil, letter to Joë Bousquet, Apr. 13, 1942: "Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity." "On Two Ways of Relating to the World" by L.M. Sacasas (The Convivial Society, Nov. 22) How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell (Melville House; 2019)   Enjoyed this episode? Rate The Gray Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear the next episode of The Gray Area. Subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Support The Gray Area by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts This episode was made by:  Producer: Erikk Geannikis Editor: Amy Drozdowska Engineer: Patrick Boyd Senior Producer: Katelyn Bogucki Editorial Director, Vox Talk: A.M. Hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices