Podcasts about spirit matters

When the world gets chaotic and uncertain, we need spiritual practice more than ever—not just to sustain our souls and restore our inner peace, but to recharge and prepare ourselves to take on challenges with effective action. A few years ago, Philip Goldberg, the author of “Spiritual Practice in Crazy Times” and host of the Spirit Matters podcast. interviewed twelve spiritual leaders to help us get through the pandemic. We're now re-releasing the interviews as an encore series, because the messages are as relevant today as when they first aired. Rabbi Rami Shapiro is a self-proclaimed “Jewish practitioner of perennial wisdom,” who was ordained by Hebrew Union College and earned a Ph.D. in religion from Union Graduate School. He writes the Roadside Assistance for the Spiritual Traveler column for Spirituality and Health magazine and has written more than thirty books, including Holy Rascals – Advice for Spiritual Revolutionaries; The Tao of Solomon: Unlocking the Perennial Wisdom of Ecclesiastes; Judaism Without Tribalism; and his latest, Zen Mind, Jewish Mind: Koan, Midrash, & The Living Word. In this interview, he shares perennial wisdom about grieving for the dead and the dying, addiction and recovery, the profound concept of being surrendered, and what it means to be a holy rascal.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the world gets chaotic and uncertain, we need spiritual practice more than ever—not just to sustain our souls and restore our inner peace, but to recharge and prepare ourselves to take on challenges with effective action. A few years ago, Philip Goldberg, the author of “Spiritual Practice in Crazy Times” and host of the Spirit Matters podcast. interviewed twelve spiritual leaders to help us get through the pandemic. We're now re-releasing the interviews as an encore series, because the messages are as relevant today as when they first aired. The late Sally Kempton was a renowned spiritual teacher and author of books such as Meditation for the Love of It and Awakening Shakti: The Transformative Power of the Goddesses of Yoga. As Swami Durgananda, she was a monastic in the Siddha Yoga tradition for 20 years, teaching, editing, and leading workshops.  After setting aside monastic life in 2002 she taught students around the world until her passing in 2023. In this interview, she shared yogic wisdom for building resilience, finding meaning in upsets, developing the inner witness, and integrating the energy centers of the mind, heart, and belly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the world gets chaotic and uncertain, we need spiritual practice more than ever—not just to sustain our souls and restore our inner peace, but to recharge and prepare ourselves to take on challenges with effective action. A few years ago, Philip Goldberg, the author of “Spiritual Practice in Crazy Times” and host of the Spirit Matters podcast. interviewed twelve spiritual leaders to help us get through the pandemic. We're now re-releasing the interviews as an encore series, because the messages are as relevant today as when they first aired. Mirabai Starr is a celebrated author and expert on mysticism who teaches and speaks in various venues on contemplative practice and inter-spiritual dialog. Her earlier books taught readers about Christian mystics such as John of the Cross, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila. Her more recent books include Wild Mercy: Living the Fierce and Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics, Caravan of No Despair: A Memoir of Loss and Transformation, and her latest, Ordinary Mysticism: Your Life as Sacred Ground. In this conversation, she shares the blessings of the Sabbath, the deep meaning of the dark night of the soul, the wisdom of the divine feminine and turning loss into transformation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the world gets chaotic and uncertain, we need spiritual practice more than ever—not just to sustain our souls and restore our inner peace, but to recharge and prepare ourselves to take on challenges with effective action. A few years ago, Philip Goldberg, the author of “Spiritual Practice in Crazy Times” and host of the Spirit Matters podcast. interviewed twelve spiritual leaders to help us get through the pandemic. We're now re-releasing the interviews as an encore series, because the messages are as relevant today as when they first aired. Swami Sarvapriyananda is a Hindu monk belonging to the Ramakrishna Order. The current resident swami and spiritual leader of the Vedanta Society of New York, he is a renowned expert on Vedanta, the culmination of the ancient Vedic tradition, whose online videos are known for making this practical wisdom easily understandable and accessible. Here he shares traditional teachings on topics such as impermanence, detachment, the true nature of the Self, and the four keys to managing life's challenges.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the world gets chaotic and uncertain, we need spiritual practice more than ever—not just to sustain our souls and restore our inner peace, but to recharge and prepare ourselves to take on challenges with effective action. A few years ago, Philip Goldberg, the author of “Spiritual Practice in Crazy Times” and host of the Spirit Matters podcast. interviewed twelve spiritual leaders to help us get through the pandemic. We're now re-releasing the interviews as an encore series, because the messages are as relevant today as when they first aired. Father Adam Bucko is an Episcopal priest, an interfaith activist, and a leading voice in the renewal of contemplative spirituality. Born and raised in Poland under a totalitarian regime, his early exposure to spiritual activism greatly influenced his life trajectory. He is actively involved in social and ecological justice efforts and is leading voice in the movement for engaged spirituality. He is the author of Occupy Spirituality: A Radical Vision for a New Generation; The New Monasticism: An Interspiritual Manifesto for Contemplative Living, and his newest book, Let Your Heartbreak be Your Guide: Lessons in Engaged Contemplation. and programs that combine contemplative practice with activism. Adam is currently the director of the Center for Spiritual Imagination, which is located at the Episcopal Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City, New York. He lives in New York with his wife, Kaira Jewel Lingo, a Buddhist teacher and former nun in the community of Thich Nhat Hanh. Together they lead The Buddhist-Christian Community for Meditation and Action. Learn more about Adam here. Get the book- Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times by Philip Goldberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the world gets chaotic and uncertain, we need spiritual practice more than ever—not just to sustain our souls and restore our inner peace, but to recharge and prepare ourselves to take on challenges with effective action. A few years ago, Philip Goldberg, the author of “Spiritual Practice in Crazy Times” and host of the Spirit Matters podcast. interviewed twelve spiritual leaders to help us get through the pandemic. We're now re-releasing the interviews as an encore series, because the messages are as relevant today as when they first aired.   Imam Jamal Rahman is the co-founder and Muslim Sufi minister at Interfaith Community Sanctuary in Seattle. He also teaches at Seattle University and Pacific Lutheran University. A popular speaker on subjects related to Islam, Sufism, and interfaith relations, he has, since 9/11, collaborated with a rabbi and a Christian minister as part of The Interfaith Amigos. The three have toured the country sharing the message of spiritual inclusivity. He is also the author of several books, including Sacred Laughter of the Sufis; Spiritual Gems of Islam: and The Fragrance of Faith: The Enlightened Heart of Islam. He is also coauthor of  Religion Gone Astray; Out of Darkness into Light; and Finding Peace Through Spiritual Practice: The Interfaith Amigos Guide to Personal, Social, and Environmental Healing. Learn more about Jamal here. Get the book Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times by Philip Goldberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the world gets chaotic and uncertain, we need spiritual practice more than ever—not just to sustain our souls and restore our inner peace, but to recharge and prepare ourselves to take on challenges with effective action. A few years ago, Philip Goldberg, the author of “Spiritual Practice in Crazy Times” and host of the Spirit Matters podcast. interviewed twelve spiritual leaders to help us get through the pandemic. We're now re-releasing the interviews as an encore series, because the messages are as relevant today as when they first aired.   James Finley is a clinical psychologist and a spiritual director, who, early in life, was a cloistered monk in a Trappist monastery and a novice under the tutelage of the renowned ystic and author Thomas Merton. After leaving the monastery, Dr. Finley became a clinical psychologist, a popular leader of retreats and workshops, and a recognized authority on contemplative Christianity and mysticism. He is currently a faculty member at the Center for Action and Contemplation and a core teacher with The Living School, both organizations founded by Father Richard Rohr. Dr. Finley is also the author of several books and audio sets, including Merton's Palace of Nowhere; The Contemplative Heart; Christian Meditation: Experiencing the Presence of God; and his latest, The Healing Path: A Memoir and an Invitation. Learn more about Jim here. Get the book Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times by Philip Goldberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the world gets chaotic and uncertain, we need spiritual practice more than ever—not just to sustain our souls and restore our inner peace, but to recharge and prepare ourselves to take on challenges with effective action. A few years ago, Philip Goldberg, the author of “Spiritual Practice in Crazy Times” and host of the Spirit Matters podcast. interviewed twelve spiritual leaders to help us get through the pandemic. We're now re-releasing the interviews as an encore series, because the messages are as relevant today as when they first aired. Michael Bernard Beckwith is the founder and spiritual director of the Agape International Spiritual Center, a trans-denominational community in Los Angeles. Founded by Rev. Beckwith in 1986 to bring a practical approach to spirituality through meditation, affirmative prayer, and Life Visioning, (his proprietary method for inner transformation and peace), Agape became a hugely popular LA spiritual destination and has since transcended its humble origins to become a global community that welcomes thousands of local members and global live streamers every Sunday. Rev. Michael is the host of the podcast Take Back Your Mind and the bestselling author of books that bridge science and spirituality. They include Life Visioning, The Answer is You, and Spiritual Liberation. He is also co-founder of the Association for Global New Thought and co-chair of the Season for Nonviolence. Learn more about Michael here. Get the book Spiritual Practice for Crazy Time by Philip Goldberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the world gets chaotic and uncertain, we need spiritual practice more than ever—not just to sustain our souls and restore our inner peace, but to recharge and prepare ourselves to take on challenges with effective action. A few years ago, Philip Goldberg, the author of “Spiritual Practice in Crazy Times” and host of the Spirit Matters podcast. interviewed twelve spiritual leaders to help us get through the pandemic. We're now re-releasing the interviews as an encore series, because the messages are as relevant today as when they first aired. The popular workshop leader, relationship expert, and author of numerous best-selling books, including The Choice for Love, Barbara De Angelis tells us why it's vital to treat difficult times as part of our “cosmic curriculum.” She counsels us to always remain authentic, and to practice “courageous compassion.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the world gets chaotic and uncertain, we need spiritual practice more than ever—not just to sustain our souls and restore our inner peace, but to recharge and prepare ourselves to take on challenges with effective action. A few years ago, Philip Goldberg, the author of “Spiritual Practice in Crazy Times” and host of the Spirit Matters podcast. interviewed twelve spiritual leaders to help us get through the pandemic. We're now re-releasing the interviews as an encore series, because the messages are as relevant today as when they first aired. In this interview Philip talks with meditation pioneer, renowned teacher and bestselling author Sharon Salzberg. She was among the first to bring Buddhist practices to mainstream American culture over fifty years ago, inspiring generations of mindfulness practitioners, spiritual teachers, and wellness influencers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the world gets chaotic and uncertain, we need spiritual practice more than ever—not just to sustain our souls and restore our inner peace, but to recharge and prepare ourselves to take on challenges with effective action. A few years ago, Philip Goldberg, the author of “Spiritual Practice in Crazy Times” and host of the Spirit Matters podcast. interviewed twelve spiritual leaders to help us get through the pandemic. We're now re-releasing the interviews as an encore series, because the messages are as relevant today as when they first aired. Renowned author and expert on the world's mystical traditions, Andrew Harvey, tells us how we can thrive spiritually while also helping birth a new humanity in this perilous time for our planet. The founder and director of The Institute of Sacred Activism, Andrew invites concerned people around the world to take up the challenge of our global crises by becoming inspired, effective, and practical agents of change in order to create peace and sustainability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the world gets chaotic and uncertain, we need spiritual practice more than ever—not just to sustain our souls and restore our inner peace, but to recharge and prepare ourselves to take on challenges with effective action. A few years ago, Philip Goldberg, the author of “Spiritual Practice in Crazy Times” and host of the Spirit Matters podcast. interviewed twelve spiritual leaders to help us get through the pandemic. We're now re-releasing the interviews as an encore series, because the messages are as relevant today as when they first aired. In this interview, the first of a 12 part series, Philip talks with poet, philosopher, and author Mark Nepo. Mark has written  23 books, including the bestseller, The Book of Awakening. He shares his hard-earned insights on  how to secure a foothold in the sanctuary that resides within us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We welcome two returning champions to Spirit Matters. James Finley is a clinical psychologist, a spiritual director and a faculty member at the Center for Action and Contemplation. Early in his life he was a monk in a Trappist monastery and a novice under the well-known mystic Thomas Merton. He is a recognized authority on contemplative Christianity and mysticism whose books include Merton's Palace of Nowhere, The Contemplative Heart, Christian Meditation, and The Healing Path. Mirabai Starr is an award-winning author of creative non-fiction and contemporary translations of sacred literature. She teaches and speaks in various venues on contemplative practice, mysticism, and inter-spiritual dialog. Her earlier books taught readers about the great Christian mystics (John of the Cross, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila). Her more recent books include Wild Mercy: Living the Fierce and Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics, Caravan of No Despair: A Memoir of Loss and Transformation, and her latest, Ordinary Mysticism: Your Life as Sacred Ground.  They are on the show together because they are teaching a workshop together this fall (November, 2024) under the auspices of Gladdening Light, in which they will draw upon the teachings of Christian and Non-Christian mystical traditions to offer "practical guidelines in the gentle art of contemplative practice."   James Finley Gladdening Light.org Find our more about Philip Goldberg Author, Speaker, Spiritual Counselor, Writing Coach Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Gary Zimak for a discussion of why the Holy Spirit matters.

Matthew Pallamary is a Multiple award winning author Matthew (Mateo) J. Pallamary's historical novel, Land Without Evil, received rave reviews along with a San Diego Book Award and was adapted into a magical stage and sky show, which was the subject of an EMMY nominated episode of a PBS series,“Arts in Context.” Matt has eighteen books in print in multiple genres and has taught a Phantastic Fiction workshop at the Southern California Writers' Conference, the Santa Barbara Writers' Conference, and numerous other venues for over 25 years. His memoir, Spirit Matters, detailing his shamanic adventures took first place in the San Diego Book Awards Spiritual Book Category.A popular returning guest on the Coast to Coast radio show and numerous other podcasts, radio, and television shows, Matt lectures about shamanism and visionary experience throughout the United States and frequently visits the jungles, mountains, and deserts of North, Central, and South America pursuing his studies of shamanism and ancient cultures.Find Matthew and his work here: https://mattpallamary.com

Dr. Alton B. Pollard III is a scholar, author, consultant, and public speaker on the subject of African American and U.S. religion and culture. He is about to join Wake Forest University as the Chair of Baptist Studies in the School of Divinity and professor of African American Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences. His prior positions include: President Emeritus of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Dean of the School of Divinity and professor at Howard University, Director of Black Church Studies at the Candler School of Theology, and Chair of American Religious Cultures at Emory University. He is the author of several books, including Mysticism and Social Change: The Social Witness of Howard Thurman, and a new edition of W.E.B. DuBois's The Negro Church. He has also written dozens of book chapters, journal articles, and op-eds. We spoke about Thurman, DuBois, and the influence of Mahatma Gandhi on the American civil rights movement.  Find our more about the host of Spirit Matters, Philip Goldberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Biography:Author, editor, and shamanic explorer Matthew J. Pallamary's latest book titled PICAFLOR is the sequel to Spirit Matters, a San Diego Book Award and a National Best Book Award winner that chronicles his adventures throughout the mountains, deserts, and jungles of North, Central, and South America pursuing his studies of shamanism and visionary experience working with plant medicines, among them ayahuasca, peyote, San Pedro cactus, and many more.He has sixteen books in print in multiple genres and has been leading a popular Phantastic Fiction workshop at the Southern California and the Santa Barbara Writers Conferences for over thirty years and frequently lectures about shamanism and writing throughout the United States.Website(s):mattpallamary.comhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Matthew-J.-Pallamary/author/B001K7YB52?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=trueBOOK A ONE ON ONE PEER TO PEER COACHING / PARANORMAL EXPERIENCER SESSION WITH ROB FROM TYPICAL SKEPTIC PODCAST:https://robertkalilcoaching.simplybook.me/v2/#booktypical skeptic podcast Merch Store:https://my-store-d53dc3.creator-spring.com

Philip Goldberg has been studying the world's spiritual traditions for more than 50 years as a practitioner, teacher, and author. An ordained Interfaith Minister, spiritual counselor, and public speaker, he has presented at major venues throughout the U.S. and has been featured in numerous publications. He has authored or co-authored more than 25 books,and his latest offering is Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times: Powerful Tools to Cultivate Clarity, Calm and Courage. Phil has taught courses on various online platforms, hosts the Spirit Matters podcast, and serves on the board of the Association for Spiritual Integrity. Recognizing the prevalence of scandals and confusion surrounding spiritual teachers, the founders of the Association for Spiritual Integrity (ASI) seek to establish standards of practice and honor codes for ethical behavior within the spiritual community. This was a fascinating discussion. Learn more about Steven Hassan and Freedom of Mind Resource Center. Visit freedomofmind.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the official podcast of the MindBodySpirit.fm podcast network. For our debut episode we will explore the concept of Gratitude as a life practice through the eyes of award-winning cinematographer and director of the documentary film Gratitude Revealed, Louie Schwartzberg. We gathered three podcasters from the network Philip Goldberg host of Spirit Matters, Cynthia Occelli host of Rewritten and Dr. Steven Farmer host of The Dr Steven Farmer Podcast-Healing for Your Soul to get their impressions of this incredible film. In a candid Q and A with Louie, each person shared their reactions and feelings about the film. Moderated by Co-Founder Diane Ray, we discover why Louie was drawn to the subject of gratitude, what his definition of gratitude is, and how we can live a more meaningful life full of gratitude. What began as a short film viewed by millions at TED in 2014 has evolved into a global effort to make this film available to all. If you would like to find out more about this extraordinary film or host your own screening of Gratitude Revealed, please visit www.gratituderevealed.com. If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to hear other podcasters views on the idea of gratitude, visit the Gratitude page https://mindbodyspirit.fm/showcase/gratitude/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the official podcast of the MindBodySpirit.fm podcast network. For our debut episode we will explore the concept of Gratitude as a life practice through the eyes of award-winning cinematographer and director of the documentary film Gratitude Revealed, Louie Schwartzberg. We gathered three podcasters from the network Philip Goldberg host of Spirit Matters, Cynthia Occelli host of Rewritten and Dr. Steven Farmer host of The Dr Steven Farmer Podcast-Healing for Your Soul to get their impressions of this incredible film. In a candid Q and A with Louie, each person shared their reactions and feelings about the film. Moderated by Co-Founder Diane Ray, we discover why Louie was drawn to the subject of gratitude, what his definition of gratitude is, and how we can live a more meaningful life full of gratitude. What began as a short film viewed by millions at TED in 2014 has evolved into a global effort to make this film available to all. If you would like to find out more about this extraordinary film or host your own screening of Gratitude Revealed, please visit www.gratituderevealed.com. If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to hear other podcasters views on the idea of gratitude, visit the Gratitude page https://mindbodyspirit.fm/showcase/gratitude/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the official podcast of the MindBodySpirit.fm podcast network. For our debut episode we will explore the concept of Gratitude as a life practice through the eyes of award-winning cinematographer and director of the documentary film Gratitude Revealed, Louie Schwartzberg. We gathered three podcasters from the network Philip Goldberg host of Spirit Matters, Cynthia Occelli host of Rewritten and Dr. Steven Farmer host of The Dr Steven Farmer Podcast-Healing for Your Soul to get their impressions of this incredible film. In a candid Q and A with Louie, each person shared their reactions and feelings about the film. Moderated by Co-Founder Diane Ray, we discover why Louie was drawn to the subject of gratitude, what his definition of gratitude is, and how we can live a more meaningful life full of gratitude. What began as a short film viewed by millions at TED in 2014 has evolved into a global effort to make this film available to all. If you would like to find out more about this extraordinary film or host your own screening of Gratitude Revealed, please visit www.gratituderevealed.com. If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to hear other podcasters views on the idea of gratitude, visit the Gratitude page https://mindbodyspirit.fm/showcase/gratitude/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's get back to the basics. Sometimes the greatest service we can do for anybody is to make sure we are anchored and nourished in our spiritual life. This creates space for Krishna to move in miraculous ways, guiding us to nourish positive motivations and to fan the divine spark of devotion in everyone's hearts.

  We are in a spiritual amnesia, clouded by a veil of forgetfulness due to our binding material activities. Our sadhana is a process of deep reminders of our spiritual essence as pure, eternal spirit souls connected to the Supreme Source. As our false ego gets cracked, our effulgent soul gets uncovered and can shine through.   

No one is ever too lost for transformation to occur. Krishna never gives up on us. When we repeatedly ask ourselves meaningful questions and create space to digest everything we are learning, we can arrive at deep answers and realizations. Our growth widens our lens to see life differently, allowing us to experience it from a place of compassion, connection, empowerment, joy, and gratitude. Once we get a taste of these nourishing qualities, we become inspired and hungry for more!   

The incomplete feeling we experience in the material world can be challenging, leading to a search to find the missing piece. The solution to the God-shaped hole in our hearts isn't material though, but this homesickness we experience can be our compass to finding where our heart truly feels at home. Our hunger for spiritual truth will guide us on a journey where we can reconnect with Divinity and our inherent wholeness.

Fr. John Ehrich, STL www.stmglendale.org

The mind is such a powerful tool, but if not properly utilized, it will use us, catapulting us into undesirable waters. When we intentionally absorb our mind and senses in ways that positively affect our consciousness, we can more closely connect ourselves to our true nature, separate from the mind and body. At every moment, we have an opportunity to try again and connect spiritually by using our gifts to honor that divine source.   

Life can get really busy, and as a result of that, we may find ourselves caught in its chaotic currents. It's a conscious effort to stay connected and disrupt the pattern of reactive responses. Before we start our activities, we can carve out intentional time to prepare for battle, making sure we have enough nourishment. Krishna is the root of all causes, so when we take the time to water the tree's roots first, everything else will fall into place.   

There can be many events in spiritual life, and as a result, we may experience fear of missing out or place pressure on ourselves to attend as many as possible. However, it's less about the quantity of attendance and more about our quality of consciousness. We don't need to go anywhere to experience Krishna's love. We have everything we need to be spiritually connected right here at this moment because Krishna is in everything and everything is in Krishna.

We all have a magical spark to offer, and the environment we surround ourselves in, both internally and externally, plays a vital role in igniting that spark. By assuming positive intent and seeking to understand where others' expressions may be coming from, we can create space to respond with more love and acceptance.

Clouds of illusion cover us when we fall into the trap of thinking we have to do it all on our own. It's no doubt that the path of spiritual realization is difficult, so we need guides, mentors, and teachers to help direct us. We shouldn't blindly follow any leader and surrender our intelligence. With our intelligence, we can check our sources before approaching a spiritual teacher with our questions and service. We are all connected to that Divine Supreme, and through our spiritual practice and inquires, we can learn to open ourselves up to see this truth in every moment.

Whether things go or don't go our way, growth is possible at any moment when we practice letting go of the things that hold us down. Sacrifice is an opportunity for us to detach from our identification with narratives, feelings, and thoughts that no longer serve us. We can uncover our true identity as eternal spirit souls when we sit in the driver seat of our mind and senses.   

Life can be really hard and overwhelming at times, but fortunately, it doesn't have the power to crush our soul. At any moment, we have the ability to write a new story of never being alone and always being loved, sheltered, and guided by Divine hands. Material miseries diminish when we let go of the idea of things belonging to us. Everything ultimately belongs to the Supreme Person and we've been entrusted with gifts for a period of time to use in service beyond ourselves.

Spirituality is an invitation to lead a thoughtful life. When we get clear on our goal and what we want our life to feel like, we start surrounding ourselves with inspired associations to mold our consciousness. Everything can become spiritual when connected to a spiritual purpose. Happiness and fulfillment are the natural byproducts of us aligning with our eternal purpose.   

Humility does not mean to think less of ourselves but to think of ourselves less. It's joyfully understanding our smallness with an attitude of gratitude, and knowing that we are inherently valuable as a spirit soul connected to the Divine. Nothing external can ever affect our eternal nature. As we use our natural position to practice Bhakti and to realize our lasting identity, Krishna reciprocates with us!

We suffer because of the false ego armor that hardens our heart. To combat our negative narratives and chip away the interference of the mind, we can bring Krishna's names into our lives. Krishna is like our Divine Janitor that cleans up our mess so we can get in touch with our soul's frequency. Chanting brings us into the light and dispels the darkness. As we hear about spiritual topics, reflect upon the lessons, and put it into practice, our knowledge can be transformed into realizations.

Self-realization is the highest priority in our life, but the greatest obstacle to obtaining it is to think that something else is more important. When we keep the goal in mind, it provides direction and allows us to refocus our energy. The environment we associate with subtly affects our values, so surround yourself with people who are aspiring for love from a higher source and inspires you to do the same. Have faith in the small steps and release the pressure for quick results. Growth occurs overtime through small, consistent steps. Krishna is on the other end!

Direct your compass towards Truth. It may not always be easy, but sometimes it's more beneficial in the long run to face an uncomfortable truth than to stay in a comfortable state of self deception. Higher Love and Truth from our Supreme Best Friend are waiting and available for us at any moment, but it's up to us to turn towards it. It's never too late spiritually! Spiritual growth skyrockets when we take personal responsibility.   

Plenty of pressure is placed on ourselves pertaining to our job positions, working ourselves to oblivion or stressing too heavily to find a purposeful career. It's an act of trusting God when we take a day off to engage with what truly nourishes us. Everything does not depend on us because we are not the controllers. Instead of making work our purpose, we can bring purpose into our work. If our goal is to develop a heart eager to serve and build our connection with Divinity, we can do that anywhere!   

Everyday can be a sacred pilgrimage if we carry the mood of spiritual consciousness. The Divine Person is benevolent and the cause of everything, and even if we can't yet see how our situations are happening for our betterment, we can trust that it is. Every moment becomes beautiful when we can see it as a gift happening for our spiritual evolution.   

No one, even the spiritually advanced teachers we look up to, is exempt from the shifting seasons or has a clean record of never stumbling on their path. Thankfully, we are beyond our material identities, and the realization of our permanent position as a spirit soul connected to a loving, divine Higher Power gives us a new perspective to tolerate our changing circumstances. As we practice making Krishna our shelter and start simply serving, we come closer to our goal of love.   

The list of responsibilities, set of rules, or prescribed regulations can get so overwhelming sometimes. The immense pressure to get everything done or to follow every guideline can bring us to a place where we should ourselves into oblivion, taking out the joy in our work and bringing in self-judgment. Replacing “I have to” with “I get to” is a mentality shift that affects our approach.  It's never about our perfect performance. It's more about our enthusiastic mood of devotion!

There's a healthy balance of accepting ourselves where we are at and pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zone. While leaning into where our heart is calling us, the check points that allow us to ask, “Do I feel better going through this? Is this moving me in the right direction?” aids us in focusing on the essence, so we don't lose the thread of connection while endeavoring. When we do experience alignment, we will feel it resonate within the cells of our body.   

While zooming out to see the bigger picture of our life, it's important that we don't forget to zoom in, so the moment-to-moment miraculous minutiae isn't missed. With the nature of inevitable changes, rewriting the script in our mind to see what went right allows us to live a grateful life. Our life experience is our responsibility. We don't need to depend on outside circumstances to fall into place to appreciate Higher Love's presence in our life.  

Periodically, we all experience tension within, a lower vibratory baseline that may initially protect us but ultimately affect the way we approach life's circumstances. Our pieces of brokenness are a natural part of being alive, so instead of rejecting them, we can learn to embrace all our parts. With the precious, gold lacquer of love and kindness, the pieces can be mended together, and through regular contact with spiritual wisdom, the gradual buildup of knots in our heart can be untangled.

Seeing the world through the eyes of gratitude is the breeding ground for spiritual life and happiness. When we pause to remember our Transcendental Bestie's gifts that are ever-present, we can be blown away and humbled by the wonderful creation. Even the most routine occurrences can truly be extraordinary! By surrounding ourselves with people who practice this mentality, we can learn the art of gratitude for Divinity's hand in our life.

As big as our problems seem right now, we will outlast them all due to our eternal connection to Divinity. We all have a serving propensity which can be directed to a focused point of shelter. By doing everything centered in pure love, we can simply do our best and leave the rest to our Supreme Best Friend.   

God's graceful hand is guiding us, but with life's current challenges, it can be very difficult to see how all the dots of our present situation link together, looking forward into the future. Even though it doesn't seem probable at times, the dots always connect because the Supreme Person has an amazing and sweet plan for us. We can align more deeply with this divine design when we check in with ourselves to ask, “what went right?” throughout our day.

This week, Chris Palmer, a New Testament Scholar who specializes in Greek studies, joins us to talk about spiritual formation, trusting God in mystery, why the marriage of Word and Spirit is so vital, and how to study the Scriptures effectively. I wanted to begin the new year by aiming our hearts toward spiritual growth, and I trust our conversation today will do that. Also of note, starting January 25 and continuing through February on the podcast, we're doing a series called "Formed," which is all on spiritual formation, featuring Richard Foster, Ruth Haley Barton, Jamie Winship, John Bevere, and more. Partner Spotlight: LMNT is an electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't. It is the perfect combination of sodium, magnesium, and potassium, three things we all need for optimal health. So, I'd love for you to try it, too. Go to DrinkLMNT.com/WINTODAY to get a free gift with your purchase. Try it totally risk-free. If you don't like it, they'll give you your money back, no questions asked. Dive Deeper: If you enjoy this episode with Chris, I'm sure you'll also enjoy the following: 318: Tyler Staton on Where Prayer Becomes Real and Reviving Prayer in a Culture Where Everyone's Just “Spiritual” 260: Self-Defeating Behavior, Living a Lie, and the Path to Inner Peace (feat. John Mark Comer) ++++++ Episode Links: Chris's Website | Instagram | Twitter | Buy Chris's newest book, on Amazon! Subscribe to #WinTodayShow on YouTube. Join the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome using #WinTodayShow. Get the "Win the Week" email newsletter here. ************************** This week's show partner: Get LMNT and a free gift here! **************************