The Contemplative Life

Today we welcome Terra McDaniel to the podcast.  Terra inspires us to engage kids in spiritual conversations through her stories and experiences.  She offers simple moments and invitations that feel attainable even for toddlers.  For those looking to go deeper on this topic, check out her training program and resources listed below. https://www.terramcdaniel.com/ https://www.companioningcenter.org/course/scwc-app-2026BOOKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE:Tiny Perfect ThingsWonder Walkers Noticing My Spiritual JourneyCasper mattressSome of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we have an inspiring conversation with Lacy Finn Borgo. Lacy is an author, spiritual director and teacher who shares beautiful stories of spiritual companionship with children in transitional housing.  Her work can be found at gooddirtministries.orgMentioned in today's podcast:Suno AIRiverdance Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Often with good intentions, we can easily find ourselves in fix it mode with people we care about in our lives.  Today we take a look at how to move from fixing into serving and empowering. Mentioned on today's episode:Spindrift Ginger Lime Mule Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we conclude our Blast From the Past looking at a literary arc called the Hero/Heroine Journey popularized by Joseph Campbell.  Join us as we share how this framework was a helpful part of our spiritual formation.  Mentioned in this episode:Brami pastaRao's sauceSome of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

As we celebrate the legacy of St. Patrick on March 17, we are looking through the perspective of dreams, forgiveness and spiritual innovation.   Join us as we revisit a previous episode diving into his mystical life. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

We are continuing our series called Blast from the Past where we are looking at various books, ideas, experiences that shaped our earlier years of formation.  Today we talk about Delerious?  and other bands who have influenced us.  (And we do sound a bit like hippies in the process…)MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODEEpisode 209 Modern Contemplatives: WaterdeepPrizefighter : Mumford and SonsPlease check out Christina’s Activity Prayer Book for children:My Spiritual JourneySome of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Join our series "Blast from the Past" as we look at spiritual formation ideas, books and experiences from our earlier decades that we are revisiting on the podcast.Today's "blast from the past" takes us to a book that was foundational in our early 20's called The Making of A Leader by Robert Clinton.    Clinton discusses 6 stages of leadership that correlate with decades of our life and offer some interesting perspective. Mentioned in today's episode:Liturgies of the Wild by Martin ShawPlease check out Christina’s Activity Prayer Book for children:My Spiritual JourneySome of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we explore ways we might approach looking at our spiritual health.  How do we measure that which does not have clear bio markers like we have with our physical health?  Join us as we look at some possible ways to look at ongoing spiritual health and wellness and please reach out at thecontemplativelife.net to share some of your thoughts. Please check out Christina’s Activity Prayer Book for children:My Spiritual JourneySome of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we look at 4 pieces of wisdom from Gen Z.  Let’s take a look at what’s trending and how this ancient wisdom shows up in the modern lives of teens.Mentioned in today’s episode:The Big Leap   by Gay HendricksCasper BedWhat I’m Into:Courting the Wild Twin   by Martin ShawLiturgies of the Wild   by Martin ShawZoe Health appPlease check out Christina’s Activity Prayer Book for children:My Spiritual JourneyPlease check out Christina’s Activity Prayer Book for children:My Spiritual JourneySome of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

As we start a new year, managing time is often a topic of discussion and resolution.  Today we take a look at 3 different views of time and how it weaves in with a contemplative life.Mentioned in today’s episode:Poem from the book, To Bless the Space Between UsPlease check out Christina’s Activity Prayer Book for children:My Spiritual JourneyOr at SDI Press Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we take a different approach from the popular message of living a balanced life and explore the topic of unbalance.   We hope it will inspire us to move from feeling swept away with stress and obligations to a life of intention and choice.Mentioned in today’s episode:Christina released a book in partnership with Spiritual Directors International called My Spiritual Journey.  From the SDI Website:My Spiritual Journey cultivates the practices of deep listening, gentleness, and contemplation, allowing kids to form their own words, pictures, or quiet reflection to cultivate trust with themselves and the Divine.To order a copy for yourself or those you wish to support spiritually check out:SDI Press AmazonSome of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we are excited to share that Christina released a book in partnership with Spiritual Directors International called My Spiritual Journey.  From the SDI Website:My Spiritual Journey cultivates the practices of deep listening, gentleness, and contemplation, allowing kids to form their own words, pictures, or quiet reflection to cultivate trust with themselves and the Divine.To order a copy for yourself or those you wish to support spiritually check outAmazonOrSDI Press Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we explore the idea of inner and outer enoughness.  What defines our sense of enough?  What are some practices to help us recalibrate towards a sense of enoughness?  Join as we explore the importance of this practice in our daily lives.Mentioned in today’s episode:ADVENT CALENDARSBeauty Advent calendars Gemstone Advent calendarsTea Advent calendarsChocolate Advent calendarsSome of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we look at 8 ways spiritual direction has personally changed our lives as we’ve engaged in this practice for well over a decade.   We hope it can spark something in our listeners who may be considering finding a spiritual director, getting trained in spiritual direction or to use as a resource to share with someone who may benefit from spiritual direction. Mentioned in today’s episode:Egyptian Licorice teaMica PowderSome of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we explore ancient wisdom around pause and the significance it has in our modern lives.  As we share historical context and practical ideas, we hope you are inspired to engage new ways of pause in your own life.Mentioned in this episode:Ep 178  Contemplative Figures: Desert Fathers and MothersEp 133  St. Benedict: Mystics/Contemplatives ExplorationSome of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we explore the backstory of Ignatius Loyola and how imagination and daydreaming helped him (and others) get in touch with the movement of the Spirit.  We are joined by spiritual director, Phoebe Love, sharing her experiences facilitating groups in the Ignatian Exercises as well as her own story of being shaped by meditating on God’s love.Resources mentioned in this episode:Pray As You Go appInner Compass by Margaret SilfThe Ignatian Adventure by Kevin O’Brien SJignatianspirituality.comgodinallthings.comphoebelove.orgFarmer’s AlmanacPuff’s plusSome of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today, we explore what discernment is and some practical ways to engage this spiritual practice.  We highlight several books that have informed our thinking around this topic, as well as episodes 22 & 23, Vocational Discernment Part 1 & 2.To work with us, reach out  at [email protected] books on discernment:The Great Work of Your Life   by Stephen CopeFalling Upward by Richard Rohr  Pursuing God’s Will Together by Ruth Haley BartonThe Big Leap by Gay Hendricks  The Dream Manager by Mattew Kelly & Patrick LencioniWHAT I’M INTO:Pomegranate spritzers with Spindrift Belli-noQuill pens from turkey feathersSome of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

In this episode, we explore the gifts of neurodivergence within the contemplative life.Join us as we discover how ways of being such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia open fresh pathways to the Divine.Check out some resources for neurodivergence mentioned on The Contemplative Life blog.AUDIBLE LEARNERSKindleKindle has the ability to read books to you.  This has been a game changer for those who find reading cumbersome but desire to read books or have a screen free wind down option at bed, since you are listening rather than scrolling. An audible account is also a great resource for sharing books among family members or having your own library available to you.  You have opportunities to collect points and also have many free options.Blocking soundMany learning styles and personalities find benefits from noise canceling headphones that help you lock in.   Over the ear options are great if you want to make it obvious that you are not interested in conversation or engaging at the moment.  Having some affordable in ear options can also be great to keep in backpacks, next to work out clothes, or other places.  For those who tend to lose items, these allow you to track them.  TACTILE INPUTThese nice plush blankets, as well as weighted blankets, are perfect for cozy hygge type evenings.Along with that, long hot showers are a favorite way to unwind and release all the experiences from the day.  Having a good shower head makes the difference as well as my favorite Eucalyptus scrub.We are also beginning to explore rings that we can twirl as we engage on Zoom meetings or in situations when we need to release energy.Our kids like weighted stuffed animals at bedtime.  There's many cute ones to choose from to switch it up.We are new to the world of handheld spiky textures as a way to wake up parts of the brain when we feel a bit of a slump.Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we discuss the value of integrating special experiences and learnings into our daily lives.  We look at some examples from our own lives, as well as beginning to explore Ken Wilbur’s Integral Theory.  Mentioned in this episode:What I Am Into:Backgammon Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we look at perspectives from philosopher, Albert Borgman and historian, Daniel Immerwahr.   We see how history reveals that what was once deemed as a “threat” to flourishing is now seen as a focal practice.  Join us as we wrestle with some of our thoughts and experiences around what it means to experience connection, embodiment, creativity and attention in our modern world.Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

 Alejandro Rodriguez joins us today to talk about discovering contemplative paths in the midst of a corporate lifestyle.  We explore both the healthy and shadow sides of ambition and accomplishment. Learn more about Alejandro’s current work at yesandsc.comSome of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Join us today as we explore ways we are noticing AI coming into our contemplative spaces.  What are the opportunities? What are some of the shadow sides? We look at ways we can grow in our awareness of this aspect of life that is rapidly growing. For those interested in learning more about this topic, we did a previous episode in early 2024, E 162 Thoughts on AI. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we explore the topic of places and the ways that places have impacted us.  We discuss  4 types of travel and the impact it makes in our lives.Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we are sharing some reflections from Part 1 and Part 2 of the sample spiritual direction sessions.  These episodes were recorded in partnership with Spiritual Directors International.  Tune in to hear some of Christina and Matt’s takeaways from the experience.Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we are sharing an episode that was recorded in partnership with Spiritual Directors International (SDI).   In Part 1, Christina Roberts was in the role of a spiritual guide with Matt.  Today Matt is the spiritual guide and Christina has given permission to share the session on the podcast as an example.  Enjoy.(link) E 224 Sample Spiritual Direction Session, Part 1sdicompanions.orgSome of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we are sharing an episode that was recorded in partnership with Spiritual Directors International (SDI).   In Part 1, Christina Roberts is in the role of a spiritual guide with Matt, who has given permission to share the session on the podcast as an example. Next week, the roles will switch.  Enjoy.Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Legacy LettersToday we discuss Legacy Letters with spiritual director, Robin Clossman.  We explore how time reviews and photos can be a gateway into sharing legacies with those we love.   These ideas translate to any decade of life.Connect with Robin to learn more at:[email protected] of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we talk about ways that spiritual guidance shows up in our everyday lives- at home, work, with neighbors.  We explore both the informal settings for deep listening and how these practices can change our daily interactions.For more information, go to thecontemplativelife.netor email [email protected] of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we explore how music connects us to God and the many ways music is prayer.  Whether you play music or simply listen, we hope you find new ways of experiencing meaningful spiritual moments.Mentioned in this episode:MarimbasCandle making suppliesFountain pens inkSome of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Join us as we unpack various types of rest.  Rest is not just taking a nap, but includes a variety of ways to find rejuvenation and restoration in our lives. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we continue our conversation about rest and look at common barriers we might face.  As we highlight barriers we have faced, we hope you find inspiration to identify and move towards flourishing times of renewal in your life.Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we discuss common paradigms and mindsets around rest and renewal.  We hope this helps us become aware of how we approach rest and expand how we engage.Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we are exploring the idea of fixing compared to listening.  To help us on this topic, we are revisiting a previous conversation with spiritual director and supervisor Marcia Bentley.  Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we wrap up our series on art and contemplative with guest Sarah Bianchi. Join us as we talk about liturgy that first nourishes our own souls and from that deep space then sharing with others.Follow Sarah at:artbysarahkay.comIG:  Artbyskay FB:  SarahKaySome of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we explore photography and how it can be a doorway into contemplative spirituality.  As we have increasing access to photos on our phones, we hope this episode inspires you to engage in new ways.Resources mentioned in this episode: The Practice of Contemplative Photography  by Andy Karr & Michael WoodsJameshazelwood.net/blogMiksang.comConnect with Ann:[email protected]  https://www.mkespiritualdirectors.com/find-a-spiritual-directorhttps://www.sdicompanions.org/find-a-spiritual-director-companion/Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we are joined by the Creative Director of Spiritual Directors International, Matt Whitney.  We explore the intersection of art, nature, movement and spirituality.   To learn more about Matt’s work and his art, connect at  matthewwhitney.com or follow on Instagram  @mattpwhitneySome of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Join us as we talk about the differences between time and energy and how to make the most of our natural energy rhythms. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Join us as we explore body-mind-spirit connections with licensed Physical Therapist, Shannon Kunstman.  We discuss the importance of integrative body work with spiritual guidance.  To learn more, connect with Shannon at https://www.awarenessinmotionpt.com/aboutSome of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Join us as we explore body-mind-spirit connections with Katie Anders.   Katie is a spiritual guide, a trained yoga instructor and also one who recently has entered the process of becoming a nun with a religious order.   See how she integrates these various parts of her life and spiritual practice. Connect with Katie at:[email protected] of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

We are concluding our series exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality.  Today we are joined by Dave Schmelzer.  Dave has been a colleague and friend for almost 2 decades and has been instrumental in helping us grow our contemplative awareness.    Check out his work at:https://www.journey-on.net/https://www.blueoceanfaith.org/Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

We are continuing our series exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality.  Today is the artist Scott Erikson.  Check out his work at:https://scottericksonartshop.com/Instagram: Scott the PainterSome of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

We are continuing our series exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality.  Today is the band Waterdeep with the music of Don and Lori Chaffer.We encourage you to check out some of their music at https://www.waterdeep.com/or their youtube channel.Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

We are continuing our series exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality.  Today is Barbara Brown Taylor. We encourage you to check out some of her writings.  Mentioned in today’s episode were Altar in the World and Learning To Walk in Dark. Learn more at https://barbarabrowntaylor.com/Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we kick off a new series for 2025 exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality.  We start with the Irish poet John O’Donahue.  We encourage you to check out some of his writings, particularly To Bless The Space Between Us.  Learn more at www.johnodonohue.comSome of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

We close out the year sharing 3 lessons we’ve learned in 2024.   We hope our reflections invite you to engage in your own time of considering what 2024 offered you.Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Join us today as we talk about the backstory of Charles Dickens and his creation of this classic.  We explore the creative process, shadow sides and more. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Winter seasons, whether they be literal or figurative, have much to offer us.  Join us as we revisit the topic of Winter Solstice and how we are engaging this transitional time in the Northern Hemisphere. (For listeners in the Southern Hemisphere, feel free to check out episode 74 when we talk about the Summer Solstice.)Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Join us as we talk about mastermind groups. We explore some of the key elements and benefits of these groups and hope you feel inspired to check out some of our offerings.In this episode we discuss:Balance of Spirit led + PracticalitiesWisdom SeatsCollaboration Ongoing opportunitiesWhat We Are Into:HitsterLearn more at [email protected] of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Today we explore the concept of wanting for more and how desire is not necessarily selfish or greedy.  We discover ways gratitude and wanting for more co-exist.Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.

Join us as we delve into the topic of limited eating and its various causes.  We explore situations like food allergies, dietary choices, religious practices, and situational constraints like travel and emotions that often follow. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links.    We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support.