Podcasts by Spark My Muse
Conversations and enriching content to set alight your inner life and our life together
Further podcasts by Lisa Colón DeLay
Podcast on the topic Spiritualität
All episodes
Tracking the new Evangelical interest in Christian Eastern Orthodox [SSL288] from 2023-12-13T07:15
Hot Lisa Colon DeLay brings you one of the most influential people to bring the gifts of Eastern Orthodox Christianity into the view of the English speaking and Evangelical world is the topic today...
ListenThe Curious Life of Benjamin Lay–The Quaker Comet [SSL 287] from 2023-12-06T07:15
Host Lisa Colon DeLay brings you lost history going 340 + years back. Find out how the tiny but mighty Quaker, Benjamin Lay, with his moral compass intact in a time of rampant suffering through int...
ListenKilling My Childhood God [SSL 286] from 2023-11-29T07:15
A reading from Eugene Peterson's potent book entitled Answering God by host Lisa Colón DeLay
ListenAccompanying Ourselves [SSL 285] from 2023-11-22T07:15
A short reflection on how we can heal from feeling abandoned from host Lisa Colon DeLay. Includes poem by Heidi Barr.
ListenSit. Feast on Your Life [SSL 284] from 2023-11-15T07:15
An invitation to feast on your life. Reflections from host Lisa Colon DeLay and a poem by Nobel Prize winner Caribbean luminary, Derek Walcott
ListenA World Without Birdsong [SSL 283] from 2023-11-08T07:15
Discovering the impossible sadness of silent forests and noisy wars and featuring a poem by Nickole Brown
ListenA Healing Presence in a Traumatized World|James Finley [SSL 282] from 2023-11-01T07:15
Reading and reflecting on the event called A Healing Presence in a Traumatized World | James Finley [SSL 282]
ListenWhat About Good Returns? [SSL 281] from 2023-10-25T07:15
Reflecting on good returns and the work of pilgrimage companion Fiona Koefoed Jaspersen (Ordinary Pilgrim)
ListenBelow Flux [SSL 280] from 2023-10-18T20:02:35
How we start sinking into the mysteries when the world is confounding
ListenVespers: The Work of God [SSL 279] from 2023-10-06T16:15
Something about Vespers from my time with the Benedictines in Ponce, PR. The House of Initia Nova
ListenA Pinch of Salt [SSL 278] from 2023-09-25T20:19:43
A Pinch of Salt [SSL 278] On sorting out the hungers and cleaning out the wounds
ListenSoft Spots and Heritage Month [SSL 277] from 2023-09-13T07:15
On commitments, celebrations, and liberations of the heart, heritage, and greater good.
ListenEps. 224 Carl’s New Big Book from 2023-09-06T07:15
Interview related to the extended new edition of McColman's popular previous work The Big Book of Christian Mysticism
ListenOrientation-Where are you? [SSL 276] from 2023-08-30T07:15
Reflections on the"who moved"myth about God plus two Book of Darkness and Light (Meister Eckhart) poems
ListenEps 223: A powerful conversation with Dr Terence Lester from 2023-08-23T07:15
Eps 223 A conversation with Dr Terence Lester - beyond reconciliation to solidarity- we are All God's Children
ListenAre You Lonely Tonight: The Missing Peace [SSL 275] from 2023-08-16T07:15
Reflections on connection, awareness, eternity, and perception (some of which were prompted by the comments of Rupert Spira)
ListenEps 222. Spiritual Practices for Soul Care — 40 Ways to Deepen Your Faith: Dr Barbara L Peacock from 2023-08-09T07:15
Spiritual Practices for Soul Care — 40 Ways to Deepen Your Faith with Dr Barbara L Peacock
ListenFree People Free People|Blaine Hogan: Exit the Cave [SSL 274] from 2023-08-02T07:15
A reading from author, artist, actor, and film director Blaine Hogan's inspiring and honest book: Exit the Cave!
ListenDo You Invert Hospitality? SSL 273 from 2023-07-26T07:15
Today thoughts (and a reading from Cindy S. Lee) about connection, hospitality, and mutuality.
ListenThresholds at Wildhouse [SSL 272] from 2023-07-12T07:15
Perspectives on resistance, grief, and noticing; plus poems of Jerome Gagnon
ListenThe Delicious Malicious SSL 271 from 2023-06-28T07:15
I'm revisiting Hanlon's razor with some new guidance on perspective.
ListenHow Dreams Wither SSL270 from 2023-06-21T07:15
Today is on how living in keeping with our authentic self helps our dreams to not wither (also information on The Spacious Path book, let It Matter podcast and more)
ListenHoward Thurman on Prayer and Suffering SSL269 from 2023-06-14T07:15
Returning to Dr Barbara Peacock and her work. This time it's on wisdom from Howard Thurman on Prayer and Suffering
ListenThe Inner Instructor; Thomas R. Kelly SSL268 from 2023-05-10T07:15
Today, is a selected excerpt from a devotional classic from Quaker Thomas R. Kelly from the section entitled the Inner Light.
ListenCoretta Scott King, Prayer and Civil Rights SSL 267 from 2023-05-03T07:15
Today I'm featuring the work of Dr Barbara L. Peacock and her essay and insights on Coretta Scott King with relationship to prayer and the struggle for civil rights.
ListenEps 221 Seasons of restlessness; Casey Tygrett from 2023-04-26T07:15
Casey Tygrett sends wisdom into the center of our funk (help for our restless seasons)
ListenOn Dignity; Dallas Willard SSL 266 from 2023-04-19T07:15
Exploring the dignity conferred on humans for which there is no substitution with a reading from Dallas Willard.
ListenRadiance; Darkness and Light: Meister Eckhart SSL 265 from 2023-04-12T07:15
Meister Eckhart on our Spark of Radiance and other poems inspired by Eckhart's sermons re-voiced and translated via mark S. Burrows
ListenEps 220 Mark S. Burrows on Hilde Domin and Meister Eckhart from 2023-04-05T07:15
host Lisa Colon DeLay has a conversation with Mark S. Burrows on Hilde Domin and Meister Eckhart
ListenThe Wayless Way; One Eye SSL 264 from 2023-03-29T07:15
A short bit on Meister Eckhart today as part of a series on the topic of"The Wayless Way"
ListenEps 219: Guest, Aundi Kolber: Strong Like Water from 2023-03-22T07:15
Trauma therapist Aundi Kolber is a guest on Spark My Muse with host Lisa Colon DeLay. With her book Strong Like Water, Kolber builds on her critically-acclaimed and much-beloved first book called T...
ListenInternal Nonviolence–SSL 263 from 2023-03-15T07:15
Lisa Colón DeLay reads from her book on the topic of spiritual formation related to how we resource mature and effective social action.
ListenListening to Ourselves SSL 262 from 2023-03-08T07:15
A reading from The Wild Land Within by Lisa Colon DeLay ln Listening (and more on the sabbatical)
ListenEps 218: Steven Garnaas Holmes, Unfolding Light from 2023-03-01T07:15
Steve Garnaas-Holmes is featured today. Originally this was recorded in 2020 for a session online called Soul School Lunch Break hosted by Lisa Colon DeLay that ran as an experiment for a few weeks.
ListenInner Authority and Presence–SSL 261 from 2023-02-22T07:15
A reading and reflection on Howard Thurman (via Lerita Coleman Brown's book) on Inner Authority and Presence byhost Lisa Colón DeLay
ListenEps 217: Touch the Earth; guest, Drew Jackson from 2023-02-15T07:15
A conversation with Drew Jackson who writes poetry at the intersection of justice, peace, and contemplation, with a passion to contribute toward a more just and whole world.
ListenEps 216: What Makes You Come Alive (Howard Thurman); guest, Lerita Coleman Brown from 2023-02-08T07:15
With the help of Lerita Coleman Brown we are apprenticing with spiritual teacher Howard Thurman on topics of the religion of Jesus, inner authority, centering down, religious experience, social cha...
ListenEps 215: A Vision for Rest, Peace, and Love; Guest Robert J. Monson from 2023-02-01T07:15
On living with an ethic of softness in a cruel world. Guest, Robert J. Monson in conversation with host Lisa Colón DeLay.
ListenEps. 214 Collisions of Earth&Sky; guest, Heidi Barr from 2023-01-25T07:15
Poet, nature-lover, and author Heidi Barr brings us Collisions of Earth and Sky and invites us to journey deeper. Enjoy our conversation.
ListenMake it Fun–SSL 260 from 2023-01-18T07:15
Reflection on the purpose of life which is to learn to love and to make it fun. Host Lisa Colon DeLay
ListenThe Truthful Negative–SSL 259 from 2023-01-11T07:15
The vitality of contradiction and the homecoming of self-retrieval. Featuring work of John O'Donohue (Anam Cara)
ListenNew Beginnings [SSL 258] from 2023-01-04T07:15
Starting the new year with a reading from Thomas Merton and sharing 2 of my own poems (Lisa Colon DeLay, host).
ListenYear’s End [SSL 257] from 2022-12-28T07:15
Reflections on beginning a New Year from Howard Thurman and an invitation to do a personal accounting of the year past from host Lisa Colon DeLay.
ListenThe Singing of Angels [SSL 255] from 2022-12-14T07:15
Featuring readings from Howard Thurman and Campbell McGrath for reflection and solace.
ListenHoliday Thought Distortions [SSL 254] from 2022-12-07T07:15
15 common misperceptions and how you can avoid being miserable this December.
ListenEps. 213 Posture over Practices: UNforming from Cindy S. Lee from 2022-11-30T07:15
A conversation with Cindy S. Lee exploring cyclical spirituality, grief, and de-westernizing our faith
ListenThree Wise Women [SSL 253] from 2022-11-23T07:15
A journey from Advent to Epiphany with Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna
ListenAttachments: You Are What You Love via Chuck DeGroat [SSL 252] from 2022-11-16T07:15
Featuring some work by the fantastic Chuck DeGroat on attachment and how we can eventually form into people of love.
ListenDo You Chase or Do You Avoid? [SSL 251] from 2022-11-09T07:15
Today, host Lisa Colón DeLay shares material on the topic of human attachment styles. How we have learned or continue to emotionally attach or detach plays a definitive role in our most important b...
ListenShedding Burdens&Trying Softer; Aundi Kolber [SSL 250] from 2022-11-02T07:15
How obstacles to love will include other people's opinions, from host Lisa Colon DeLay
ListenThe Fear of Connection [SSL 249] from 2022-10-26T07:15
Host Lisa Colón DeLay discusses the human need to connect with others to become more ourselves. How can we begin?
ListenThe Passions and the Pain [SSL 248] from 2022-10-19T07:15
What the ancients called'the passions'cause us pain and stand as obstacles to love.
ListenThe consequences of emotionally immature parents; Dr Nicole LePera [SSL247] from 2022-10-12T07:15
With the insights of Dr Nicole LePera, host Lisa Colon DeLay explores the surprising consequences of emotionally immature parenting.
ListenConsolations: Anger and Forgiveness; David Whyte [SSL246] from 2022-10-05T07:15
Readings from David Whyte's book Consolations. Focusing on new insights on Anger and Forgiveness
ListenStorms [SSL 245] from 2022-09-28T07:15
Host Lisa Colon DeLay invites you to explore what storms invite in us and how you can help those still suffering weeks later after Hurricane Fiona.
ListenEps 212: Religious Trauma and Spiritual Abuse; KJ Ramsey from 2022-09-21T07:15
Today KJ Ramsey and I discuss Religious Trauma and Spiritual Abuse
ListenDancing Our Prayers; Contributions from Richard Twiss (Sicangu Lakota Oyate member) SSL244 from 2022-09-14T07:15
Host Lisa Colon DeLay invites you to explore the wisdom from the late Richard Twiss an American indigenous leader and professor on prayer and community.
ListenWalk Around Your Abyss; Henri Nouwen [SSL 243] from 2022-09-07T07:15
Host Lisa Colon DeLay explores the inner voice of Love and walking around the abyss with readings and reflections from Henri Nouwen. Amazon affiliate link to books by Henri Nouwen:https://amzn.t...
ListenWho inspires your dreams? [SSL 242] from 2022-08-31T07:15
Host Lisa Colon DeLay, inspired by Robert J. Monson, shares wisdom from her spiritual mentor Dr Howard Thurman on pursuing our dreams.
ListenListening to Your Life; Frederick Buechner [SSL 241] from 2022-08-24T07:15
Today, host Lisa Colón DeLay remembers Frederick Buechner the prolific American writer, novelist, poet, autobiographer, essayist, preacher, and theologian, Frederick Buechner,
ListenMary the Tower [SSL 240] from 2022-08-17T07:15
Featuring the astonishing work and findings of Elizabeth Schrader on a towering figure of the Early Christian Church.
ListenEps 211: Shaky Ground and Deconstructing; Guest, Traci Rhoades from 2022-08-10T07:15
My conversation with Traci Rhoades on her new book is perfect if you've felt like you've been on some sort of shaky ground.
ListenRebirth into Recovery|AA’s Bill Wilson influenced by Carl Jung [SSL 239] from 2022-08-03T07:15
Host Lisa Colón DeLay features the fascinating mail correspondence between Dr Carl Jung and AA's Bill Wilson that focuses on conversion for recovery.
ListenEps. 210 Faithful Faith|Guests; Ben Sternke and Matt Tebbe from 2022-07-27T07:15
Host Lisa Colón DeLay speaks with pastors and co-founders of Gravity Leadership Ben Sternke and Matt Tebbe about their spiritual formation book Having the Mind of Christ: Eight Axioms to Cultivate ...
ListenWhat Do Efforts Earn?|Gary W. Moon on Dallas Willard [SSL 238] from 2022-07-20T07:15
Featuring Dallas Willard's thoughts on transformation via excerpt of an essay by Gary W. Moon.
ListenAda Limón; Rest Stop [SSL 237] from 2022-07-13T07:15
Celebrating the work of Ada Limón, the 24th U.S. Poet Laureate.
ListenA book of longing; Yahia Lababidi [SSL 236] from 2022-07-06T07:15
Featuring"Learning to Pray: A book of Longing"by poet and aphorist, Yahia Lababidi.
ListenAll Too Familiar|Wisdom from John O’Donohue [SSL235] from 2022-06-29T07:15
In this episode, host Lisa Colon DeLay brings you wisdom from a companion of the heart and spirit, a very good friend of the soul—John O’Donohue.
ListenThou Art There|Howard Thurman [SSL 235] from 2022-06-22T07:15
Meditations from Psalm 139 from Dr Howard Thurman from For the Inward Journey
ListenSlouching Toward Radiance; Heidi Barr [SSL 234] from 2022-06-15T07:15
Slouching Toward Radiance is the luminescent book of poetry by Heidi Barr that I'll be featuring that today.
ListenDesert Songs|Yahia Lababidi [SSL 233] from 2022-06-08T07:15
New work from award-winning Egyptian-American poet and aphorist Yahia Lababidi (Desert Songs)
ListenA shipwrecked world; Anthony of the Desert|Henri Nouwen [SSL 232] from 2022-06-01T07:15
Excerpts from a book by Henri Nouwen called The Way of the Heart: The Spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers.
ListenCultural Grief, Leadership, and Blame [SSL 231]|Micha Boyett and the Slow Way from 2022-05-25T07:15
Cultural Grief, Leadership, Blame, and the Slow Way work of Micha Boyett
ListenAmma Theodora, Desert Mother [SSL 230] from 2022-05-18T07:15
Today I bring you the work of Margaret Guenther and the wisdom of Amma Theodora of Alexandria.
ListenStill Life [SSL 229] from 2022-05-11T07:15
Today, I'm featuring the weekly work of curation (Still Life newsletter) by Michael Wright.
ListenBefriending Ourselves|Sacred Pulse: April Fiet [SSL 228] from 2022-05-04T07:15
Ending our self-cruelty (featuring the work of April Fiet)
ListenConscious Reality [SSL 227] from 2022-04-27T07:15
Looking deeper than our 3 dimensional reality with Donald Hoffman.
ListenFive Fifths [SSL 226] from 2022-04-20T07:15
Featuring the work of Kevin Robinson and Three Fifths Magazine
ListenThis Somewhere [SSL 225] from 2022-04-13T07:15
Bringing some things to you today to help you remember about life and hope. Thank you to author Mark S. Burrows.
ListenLove it Victorious [SSL 224] from 2022-04-06T07:15
Clean water is not common on the U.S. island of Puerto Rico. I have updates and I'm alsosharing a special prayer that speaks to love that moves us past our selfishness and ambitions toward the the ...
ListenLove is Victorious [SSL 224] from 2022-04-06T07:15
Clean water is not common on the U.S. island of Puerto Rico. I have updates and I'm alsosharing a special prayer that speaks to love that moves us past our selfishness and ambitions toward the the ...
ListenThe Prayer of Quiet in Paradise [SSL 223] from 2022-03-30T07:15
More from the islandtoday (recorded from a cabin in the rainforest of Naguabo, Puerto Rico) and a reading from my book The Wild Land Within on prayers that do not contain words.
ListenPrayers of the East [SSL 221] from 2022-03-16T07:15
A look at prayers from the earliest Christian traditions.
ListenI Eat the Stars|poet and astronomer, Rebecca Elson [SSL 220] from 2022-03-09T07:15
Reflections on awe and mortality (through the work of Rebecca Elson)
ListenWe Shiver Together|poet, Nikky Finney [SSL 219] from 2022-03-02T07:15
The work of poet, Nikky Finney.
ListenFive Decades In [SSL 218] from 2022-02-23T07:15
Birthday reflections and a word of encouragement
ListenStrength to be Free|Howard Thurman [SSL 217] from 2022-02-16T07:15
Wisdom from Dr Howard Thurman on the Strength to be free, Not giving up, and The Ministry of the Living Spirit of the Living God.
ListenWinter Sundays|Robert Hayden [SSL 216] from 2022-02-09T07:15
"In Robert Hayden's work the actualities of history and culture became the launching places for flights of imagination and intelligence. His voice characterized by musical diction and an exquisite ...
ListenSeek Room for Peace|Howard Thurman [SSL215] from 2022-02-02T07:15
Readings today come from"For the Inward Journey"by Howard Thurman and brought to you by host Lisa Colón DeLay.
ListenA Tough Mind and a Tender Heart [SSL 214] from 2022-01-26T07:15
The final installment in the January 2022 Series on"Strength to Love"by MLK Jr. - Selected readings and reflection on Chapter 1 - A Tough Mind and a Tender Heart. A collaboration of Lisa Colón DeLa...
ListenEps. 209|How Helpers can Get Care They Need: Guest, Holly Oxhandler from 2022-01-19T07:15
How to take care of the care-takers during eras of exhaustion. Seven Steps to stillness.
ListenLoving Your Enemies-MLK Jr. [SSL213] from 2022-01-12T07:15
How can we love our enemies? MLK Jr. offers us four ways in his book"Strength to Love"[January 2022 Series with Lisa Colón DeLay and Robert J. Monson]
ListenEps. 208:“The Wisdom of Your Body”Guest; Hillary McBride from 2022-01-05T07:15
Guest Hillary McBride on finding Healing, wholeness and connection through embodied living.
ListenGo, Be Free [SSL 212] from 2021-12-29T07:15
Freedom in Christ and the Kingdom of God. A reading and reflection from Beth Allison Barr's book"The Making of Biblical Womanhood".
ListenEps. 207: Biblical Womanhood; Guest, Beth Allison Barr from 2021-12-22T07:15
Host Lisa Colón DeLay welcomes guest Beth Allison Barr to speak about her book The Making of Biblical Womanhood.
ListenHonest, deep, vulnerable faith [SSL 211] from 2021-12-15T07:15
Host Lisa Colón DeLay does reading and reflection on deep, honest and vulnerable hope and faith from Danté Stewart's book"Shoutin in the Fire"
ListenEps. 206: Shoutin’in the Fire; Guest Danté Stewart from 2021-12-08T07:15
A prophetic witness, Danté Stewart ignites us to see things anew.
ListenReflections on the Prince of Peace [SSL 210] from 2021-12-01T07:15
Reflecting on the peace of Advent and the Prince of Peace.
ListenEps 205: Glory in the Margins-Sunday Poems; guest, Nikki Grimes from 2021-11-24T07:15
A conversation and selected readings with the poet laureate of Grace Brethren Church in Southern California, celebrated author, Nikki Grimes.
ListenOur Curious DNA of Desire [SSL 209] from 2021-11-17T07:15
A look into the unknown instincts that create our desires and rivalries.
ListenEps. 204: The Deeply Formed Life; Guest, Rich Villodas from 2021-11-10T07:15
Lisa Colon DeLay, host of Spark My Muse converse with Pastor Rich Villodas on the Five Values from his Book The Deeply Formed Life: Contemplative Rhythms, Racial Justice, Interior Examination, Sexu...
ListenPraying with the Gospels; Tips from Thomas Merton [SSL 208] from 2021-11-03T07:15
Tips from Thomas Merton on meditation, mental temperament, and how to use the gospel scenes to create intimacy with Jesus during prayer
ListenEps. 203: Transformational Presence; Guest, Brian Russell from 2021-10-27T07:15
How sitting still in silence can change your life.
ListenTillich on‘Dishonest Beautification’in Art and Literature [SSL 207] from 2021-10-20T07:15
An explanation of"dishonest beautification"in art and literature. (Paul Tillich - Mid 20th Century)
ListenWhat We Welcome [SSL 206] from 2021-10-13T07:15
Does the"welcoming prayer"welcome injustice or the status quo? Author Lisa DeLay responses to a reader.
ListenBreakdown of Meaning and the Courage to Despair: Insights of Paul Tillich [SSL 205] from 2021-10-06T07:15
Despair can be experienced as a universal breakdown of meaning, according to Paul Tillich. Today, I return to his work"The Courage to Be"to read and reflect on the courage to confront our anxiety a...
ListenGod’s Soft Spot for the Poor: Peruvian Theology of Gustavo Gutiérrez [SSL 204] from 2021-09-29T02:50:03
From his direct contact with the poor Gutierrez developed the embodied spirituality in action of liberation theology.
ListenEps. 202 Guest, Kat Armas on Abuelita Faith from 2021-09-22T07:15
Who’s voice counts? The universality of Abuelita theology
ListenA Spacious Life–Ashley Hales [SSL 203] from 2021-09-15T07:15
Who are we when we are still? We are invited to a spacious life.
ListenBeach Reflections [SSL 202] from 2021-09-08T07:15
Reflecting from Bethany Beach on integrity, humility, and"beach church"with Thomas Merton and his book New Seeds of Contemplation
ListenDivine Participation: Colette Lafia [SSL201] from 2021-09-01T07:15
Seven Ways to live in God's Love - featuring a book by Colette Lafia.
ListenThe Mind: A Factory of Fears [SSL200] from 2021-08-25T02:00
Exploring Paul Tillich's insightful and prescient work"The Courage to Be"on the topic of fear and anxiety as they relate to mortality.
ListenVainglory and Pride [SSL199] from 2021-08-18T07:15
This is the final in the series of afflicting thoughts as thought by Evagrius Ponticus. The focus is vainglory and pride explained differently than you may have previously understood them.
ListenWrath and Acedia [SSL198] from 2021-08-11T07:15
This is midway through the series on the eight afflicting thoughts as taught by Evagrius Ponticus (345-400 CE). Today the focus is on weather of wrath and acedia.
ListenAvarice and Debilitating Nostalgia [SSL197] from 2021-08-04T07:15
Identifying avarice and dejection: 2 of he 8 afflicting thoughts Evagrius teaches us about.
ListenEps 201: Keith Giles, Jesus Unforsaken from 2021-07-28T07:15
Keith Giles is my guest. We converse about the themes in his book Jesus Unforsaken: Substituting Divine Wrath with Unrelenting Love.
ListenThe Temptation of Lust and Fornication [SSL196] from 2021-07-21T07:15
Lust and Fornication - Afflicting Thoughts (insights from Evagrius Ponticus)
ListenThe Temptation of Gluttony [SSL195] from 2021-07-14T07:15
( a WEIRD detail from a larger art panel that speaks to Gluttony) • See the rest of the art panel today for free. The full art panel from the detail above and some other crazy vintage artwork depi...
ListenEps 200: Carl McColman; Eternal Heart from 2021-07-07T07:15
Carl McColman is back to speak about wisdom and heart gifts in his new book Eternal Heart: The Mystical Path to a Joyful Life.
ListenInexhaustible Sweetness [SSL194] from 2021-06-30T07:15
Soul School lesson - Featuring Andō, Thomas Merton, and Keren Dibbens-Wyatt
ListenEps 199: Terence Lester; When We Stand from 2021-06-23T07:15
Terence Lester is back to speak about his new book When We Stand and to share how he maintains hopefulness.
ListenThomas Merton’s last prayer; Roger Butts—Seeds of Devotion [SSL193] from 2021-06-16T07:15
Featuring the book of meditations (Seeds of Devotion) by Rev. Roger Butts and focusing on the last prayer of Thomas Merton that he prayed before his death.
ListenEps 198: Jesus and John Wayne|Guest, Kristin Kobes Dumez from 2021-06-09T07:15
Jesus and John Wayne: An incisive look at conservative Christianity and culture in America over the last 75 years.
ListenEps 198: Jesus and John Wayne|Guest, Kristin Kobes Dumez from 2021-06-09T07:15
Jesus and John Wayne: An incisive look at conservative Christianity and culture in America over the last 75 years.
ListenThe Prayer of Birds (poetry of Mary Oliver) [SSL192] from 2021-06-02T07:15
"Joy is not designed to be a crumb,"says the late poet, Mary Oliver.
ListenEps 197–Golden Hours: Guest, Heidi Barr from 2021-05-26T07:15
Writer, poet, and calming presence, Heidi Barr shares her story, poems, and insights from 12 Tiny Things that she co-wrote with Ellie Roscher.
ListenHow Joy Creates Strength [SSL191] from 2021-05-19T07:15
The surprising means by which joy gives us strength.
ListenFalling in Love with the Truth (Dr. Wendy Farley) [SSL190] from 2021-05-12T07:15
How demonic systems work to stay powerful and keep outsiders from getting the help and equality due to them. Article by Dr Wendy Farley.
ListenEps 196: What Does your Soul Love? Guest, Gem Fadling from 2021-04-28T07:15
Eight Questionss that reveal God’s work in you
ListenBook of Secrets [SSL188] from 2021-04-21T14:28:48
Meister Eckhart's Book of Secrets has meditative mystic poetry and wisdom that I will share with you to celebrate National Poetry Month.
ListenWild Whole [SSL186] from 2021-04-07T07:15
Featuring Sarah L. Sanderson's article from Fathom Magazine (APR 2021) called Whole Person, Whole Globe, Whole God (a book review of the Wild Land Within)
ListenEps 195: Guest, Winn Collier on his Eugene Peterson Biography from 2021-03-31T07:15
The astounding life of Eugene Peterson is now a biography - a conversion with his authorized biographer, Winn Collier.
ListenAdjacent to Power, Uncorrupted [SSL185] from 2021-03-24T07:15
How do we stay uncorrupted if we are adjacent to power?
ListenEps. 194: When Pain is in the Present; Guest, KJ Ramsey from 2021-03-17T07:15
"Any path you take will have a gift hidden in it."
ListenBringing Light to Shadow [SSL 184] from 2021-03-10T07:15
Today, I celebrate with a reading from my own book on spiritual formation,"The Wild Land Within: Cultivating Wholeness Through Spiritual Practice". You can order my book here: tiny.cc/wildland.O...
ListenEps 193: A Seeker Mentored by Thomas Merton; Guest, Sophfronia Scott from 2021-03-03T07:15
Enjoy my conversation with Sophfronia Scott today as we converse about her book"The Seeker and the Monk: Everyday Conversations with Thomas Merton". This is a enriching and down-to-earth interactio...
ListenIn conversation with Terence Lester [SSL183] from 2021-02-24T07:15:12
"Do what you are good at and make it count for someone."–Terence Lester
ListenOverpowering Racism; Dr Ibram X. Kendi [SSL182] from 2021-02-17T07:15
How to create lasting change that benefits all colors of people.
ListenIn Conversation with Dr Lerita Coleman Brown–renewal for our spirits [SSL181] from 2021-02-10T07:15
Giving our spirits some renewal
ListenIf a Clarinet Had a Soul [SSL180] from 2021-02-03T07:15
Celebrating Black Americans and finding spiritual nourishment from Dr Howard Thurman's prayer
ListenLove, Mystery [SSL179] from 2021-01-27T07:15
"Try, as best you can, not to let The wire brush of doubtScrape from your heart All sense of yourself"
ListenEps. 192: Subversive Stillness and Restorative Justice; Guest, Robert Monson from 2021-01-21T07:15
Anti Racism as a spiritual ethic
ListenEps. 191: Awakened by Death to Living; Guest, Christiana Peterson from 2021-01-19T14:15
My guest today is author and returning guest Christiana Peterson; and we are conversing about her book "Awakened by Death Life-Giving Lessons from the Mystics"
ListenA Voice of Calm [SSL178] from 2021-01-13T07:15
A old Quaker prayer hymn invites us to find the voice of calm
ListenAmazing Peace [SSL175] from 2020-12-23T07:15
Today, I'm featuring two short readings that relate to hope, comfort, peace, and Christmas. One is by Howard Thurman's book can be found and the other is by Maya Angelou.
ListenEps. 190: Medicine Man&Catechist, Nicholas Black Elk [Guest, Jon M Sweeney] from 2020-12-16T07:15
My guest today is editor and author John M Sweeney and we are conversing about his book"Nicholas Black Elk: Medicine Man, Catechist, Saint"
ListenLearning the Trees [SSL174] from 2020-12-09T07:15
How forests teach us about everlasting life.
ListenEps. 189: Loneliness and Belonging; Guest, Charlotte Donlon from 2020-11-25T07:15
What is core loneliness ?
ListenThe Spiral Staircase [SSL172] from 2020-11-18T07:15
True religion, worthy faith brings us to compassion.
ListenEps. 188: From the Mute Center; Guest, Yahia Lababidi from 2020-11-11T07:15
We are often seduced by the brevity of aphorisms, but they can change your life.
ListenEps. 187 Learning to Love; Guest, Jonathan Puddle from 2020-10-28T07:15
We can't think of love as emotional good feelings.
ListenThe Fog of Worry [SSL170] from 2020-10-21T07:15
"We are using the flotsam and jetsam of everyday worries as a proxy for an un-masterable trauma"
ListenConversation is a Living Thing [SSL169] from 2020-10-14T07:16
Answering"what makes a good conversation?"
ListenEps 186: Connection over Consumption; guest, Megan Westra from 2020-10-07T07:15
Megan Westra reminds us that the opposite of consumption is connection.
ListenPockets of the Day [SSL168] from 2020-09-30T07:15
Gorgeous, spacious, and needed gems from three poets: Steve Garnaas-Holmes, Mary Oliver, Yahia Lababidi
ListenEps 185: What’s Bugging You and Giving you Joy|Guest, Cindy Bunch from 2020-09-23T07:15
The simple and profound ways we grow into spiritual maturity—Cindy Bunch from IVP is our guest.
ListenThe Fullness of Being [SSL167] from 2020-09-16T07:15
What does embodiment do and what does it look like in ordinary life?
ListenEps. 184: The Long Night; Guest, Jessica Kantrowitz from 2020-09-09T07:15
Comfort and companionship during the difficulties of suffering and depression.
ListenFixing a Bad Mood [SSL166] from 2020-09-02T07:15
Ways to fix your bad mood (a la Derek Sivers)
ListenEps 183: Not All Who Wander (spiritually) Are Lost|Traci Rhoades from 2020-08-26T07:15
When is it time to leave a church?
ListenKeeping the World Mad [SSL165] from 2020-08-19T07:15
What is cognitive distortion and how can a whole culture participate in it?
ListenEps 182: Ed Cyzewski; Spiritual Restoration in a Digital Era from 2020-08-12T07:15
My conversation today is with Ed Cyzewski about his vital book Reconnect: Spiritual Restoration for Digital Distraction. The NOVEMBER 2020 Spark My Muse Book Club pick. A great way to say"thanks f...
ListenWhat you can’t say; and Wild Day [SSL164] from 2020-08-05T07:15
FIRST! My book is available for pre-order. yipppeee!Take a look! USA: http://tiny.cc/wildlandCANADA: http://tiny.cc/wildlandca UK: http://tiny.cc/wildlandukOn Soul School today they are some insigh...
ListenEps 181: The Way Up is Down; Guest, Marlena Graves from 2020-07-29T07:15
We do need to hear we are forgiven. (Marlena Graves)
Listen3 Paradoxes of Time That Can Change Your Life [SSL163] from 2020-07-22T07:15
How we think and feel today influences how we remember yesterday, and alters our actions that determine our future.
ListenEps 180: Jesus of the East; Guest, Phuc Luu from 2020-07-15T07:15
Jesus is the healer of the sinned against.
ListenMartin Buber and a Culture’s Influence on Time [SSL162] from 2020-07-08T07:15
TOWARD AN I-THOU ENCOUNTER WITH TIME (Megan Anna Neff)
ListenEps. 179: Signs of Life, Guest, Stephanie Lobdell from 2020-07-01T07:15
“Anger is easier to manage than grief or humiliation”
ListenFamiliarity as Facade / John O’Donohue [SSL161] from 2020-06-24T07:15
Puncturing the facade of the familiar to find the eternal that is always near. Poet John O'Donohue.
ListenInert Ways of Knowing / Parker Palmer [SSL160] from 2020-06-17T07:15
Finding other ways besides the typical inert ways of knowing.
ListenOn Earth as in Heaven [SSL150] from 2020-06-10T07:15
The language Jesus spoke had multiple meanings and layers. It wasn't Greek, Latin, or English. Let's explore the Lord's Prayer.
ListenDigital Formation and Restoration / Ed Cyzewski [SSL158] from 2020-06-03T07:15
How we are digitally formed impacts how we are spiritually formed.
ListenEps. 178|Proclaiming Salvation Oracles; Guest, Kelley Nikondeha from 2020-05-27T07:15
Kelley Nikondeha's book Defiant helps us proclaim salvation oracles.
ListenFalling Apart [SSL157] from 2020-05-20T07:15
Learning from the contemplative practices of the Black Church to lament when things are falling apart.
ListenEps 177: Henri Nouwen&The Return of the Prodigal Son; Guest, Gabrielle Earnsha from 2020-05-13T07:15
In our times, what are we squandering? We must look for ways to return.
ListenEps. 176|Unteachable Lessons; Guest, Carl McColman from 2020-04-29T07:15
"Being more generous means to be more trusting."
ListenWhere the World Ends; poet, Joy Harjo [SSL155] from 2020-04-22T07:15
reflections on three poems by U.S. poet laureate Joy Harjo of Tulsa, Oklahoma
ListenEps. 175|Mystery Doesn’t Need to be Defended; Guest, Steve Wiens from 2020-04-15T07:15
Steve Wiens is the guest. 7 Practices to rekindle your faith (and create more intimacy with God.)
ListenWords are Contagious; and wisdom from Thomas Merton on learning to be alone [SSL154] from 2020-04-08T07:15
Today, an exploration of the frameworks and cages created by the words given to us in times of crisis (pandemic, lockdown, quarantine, etc.) How must we use words that are generative, liberating, a...
ListenEps 174–Together we heal; Guest, Liz Mullinar from 2020-04-01T07:15
Liz Mullinar is one of the founders of Advocates for Survivors of Child Abuse (now Blue Knot Foundation) and is the Founder of the Heal For Life Foundation (formerly Mayumarri Healing Centre) and c...
ListenTestimony of Simplicity; from Quaker Thomas R. Kelly [SSL153] from 2020-03-25T07:15
Today, I read and reflect on an excerpt on simplicity and the presence of God from the little gem of a book called A Testament of Devotion by Thomas R. Kelly a Quaker mentored by Rufus Jones (both ...
ListenEps 173|Memories and Spiritual Formation; Guest Casey Tygrett from 2020-03-18T07:15
My guest is spiritual director, pastor/theologian in residence, and author Casey Tygrett. Our conversation includes the topics of his book: As I Recall: Discovering the Place of Memories in Our Spi...
ListenMedicine Words (poems by RS Thomas) [SSL152] from 2020-03-11T07:15
"[Prayer] is the annihilation of difference, the consciousness of myself in you,"
ListenEps. 172|What Coptic Christians can teach us; Guest, Phoebe Farag Mikhail from 2020-03-04T07:15
the (carnal) passions are joy thieves
ListenEps. 172: Wild Hope; Guest, Gayle Boss from 2020-02-19T07:15
for Lent a gorgeously-illustrated book that features 24 amazing animals of the world that are vanishing from existence
ListenEps. 171: Parable of the Brown Girl; Guest Khristi Lauren Adams from 2020-02-05T07:15
The lessons parables teach us especially from perspectives we don't posses.
ListenMadeleine L'Engle: Faith, Art, Freedom, Choice [SSL149] from 2020-01-29T07:15
Important reflections on choice, freedom, art, faith and being human.
ListenEps. 170 Grief and Community; Guest, Robert J. Monson from 2020-01-22T07:15
How the church can be ill-equipped to help us with grief and what can help
ListenHOW-TO: De-Trigger [SSL148] from 2020-01-15T07:15
“We’re weaponized ourselves against ourselves”
ListenEps. 169: A Little Spark; Guest Mark S. Burrows from 2020-01-08T07:15
The ground of each other that we connect with is the very same nature of God.
ListenMessage for the New Year [SSL147] from 2020-01-01T07:15
the prayer of the abbas and the ammas
ListenEps. 167: The Good People Effect; Guest, Michael Barticel from 2019-12-04T07:15:06
Creativity, Adventure, and Purposeful Living - with Michael Barticel
ListenEsp. 166: When Plans Go Amiss; Guest, Sheridan Voysey from 2019-11-20T07:15:05
Who can we become when life doesn't go as planned?
ListenJust This [SSL143] from 2019-11-13T07:15:27
Without careful attention we don’t see things as they are but as we are.
ListenA Life of Value [SSL142] from 2019-11-06T07:15:41
• Again! There are wonderful EXTRAS to this episode and they are FREE for everyone - just click HERE. • Tickets to Sacred Spaces are available at an EARLY BIRD price that saves you $100 (available ...
ListenEps 165.|Constant Comparisons, Guest, Richella Parham from 2019-10-23T07:15:37
Moving from comparison to contentment
ListenMy Little Pumpkin [SSL139] from 2019-10-16T07:15:31
• See my special pumpkin and my Autumn door decoration as you chip in $1 that goes to monthly media hosting for this program. Then, each week you will get extras to the episodes and open-access to...
ListenEps. 164|Caregiving as a Spiritual Practice; Guest, John Eric Baugher from 2019-10-09T07:15:15
My guest is John Eric Baugher, the author of Contemplative Caregiving: Finding Healing, Compassion, and Spiritual Growth through End-of-Life Care Listen now with the AUDIO PLAYER:• There is MO...
ListenPlace and Pilgrimage [SSL138] from 2019-10-02T07:15:14
Pilgrimage slows us down in our mind, body, and heart.
ListenEps. 163|Separated by the Boarder; Guest Gena Thomas from 2019-09-25T07:15:44
The true story of a child being separated from her mother by 3,000 miles. How it started and how it resolved.
ListenHello, Compulsion [SSL137] from 2019-09-18T07:15:03
Today on Spark My Muse I feature a short essay on Compulsion. • Look at extras for this episode and access to many other posts and resources, HERE.Listen now with the AUDIO PLAYER: Help out tod...
ListenEps. 162: The Disquieted Soul|Guest Lane Cohee from 2019-09-11T07:15:50
My guest is Lane Cohee, professor and author of The Disquieted Soul: Paths of Discovery and Deliverance. Listen now with the AUDIO PLAYER:• There is MORE for this episode. Support the program...
Listen[Western] Contemplative Life [SSL136] from 2019-09-04T07:15:36
How Western Contemplation differs from Eastern.
ListenEps. 161 Where is your poverty? Guest, Terence Lester from 2019-08-28T07:15:32
What do I believe about the poor?
ListenEps 160|Love Over Fear; Guest, Dan White Jr. from 2019-08-07T07:15:14
Jesus modeled interpersonal presence with his enemies.
ListenMusic, Mountains, and Oceans [SSL133] from 2019-07-31T07:15:08
Today on Spark My Muse I feature an excerpt from the autobiography of Dr Howard Thurman. Contribute a small amount and...• Get extras for this episode and access to over 200 posts, HERE. ...
ListenEps 159|The God Who Sees|Guest, Karen González from 2019-07-17T07:15:16
The immigrant heroes of the Bible help show off the loving-kindness of God.
ListenEps. 158: When the Heart Speaks, Listen; Guest, Dr. Lerita Coleman Brown from 2019-07-03T07:15:36
Insights from a heart that's packing its things to leave
ListenWhen to Resist and When to Welcome [SSL130] from 2019-06-26T07:15:54
How to resist without violence on to damage to ourselves
ListenEps 157|Guest, Christine Aroney-Sine: The Gift of Wonder from 2019-06-19T07:15:44
It's easier to choose joy each day when you understand that God receive joy when we do.
ListenAwareness Anxiety|notes on Cynthia Bourgeault [SSL129] from 2019-06-12T07:15:11
Finding an innate sense of belonging based on harmony
ListenHunger of the Heart, Dr Howard Thurman [SSL128] from 2019-06-05T07:15:01
Within us is an inward sea and an island with an alter guarded by an angel with a flaming sword.... (Howard Thurman)
ListenEps 156|Celtic Practices; and Poetry of Christine Valters Paintner from 2019-05-29T07:15
Galway, Ireland is a place alive with arts and culture...
ListenKindness is Potent [SSL127] from 2019-05-22T07:15:55
Healing our national and spiritual landscape through kindness, goodness, and grace
ListenEps. 155 - How to Fix A Broken Record; Guest, Amena Brown from 2019-05-15T07:15:27
Success has to do with the state of the soul, the balance of relationships and leaving things better than when when we got here...
ListenThe Lament of the Cloud of Witnesses [SSL126] from 2019-05-08T07:15:57
Bearing our grief as a cloud of witnesses...
ListenEps 154: Cassidy Hall; Tending the Fire Within from 2019-05-01T07:15:28
Silence to guard the flame within
ListenEps 153: Wildness, Wisdom, Wonder; guest Kevin Michael Johnson from 2019-04-17T07:15:25
We are unknowingly trapped in Language Zoos
ListenFinding Your Sacred"yes"or"no"[SSL 122] from 2019-03-27T07:15:20
A sacred"yes"or"no"works like the"yes"or"no"of our breath and the rhythms of nature.
ListenEps 152: Dante's Road; Guest Marc Thomas Shaw from 2019-03-20T07:15:58
What Dante's journey from Hell to Heaven can tell us about our inner quest to find our way home.
ListenLaughter and Tears; Kahlil Gibran [SSL121] from 2019-03-13T07:15:24
"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention."- Kahlil Gibran
ListenEps 151: Silence is not Phenomenal; Guest, Andō from 2019-03-06T07:15:08
"You are the silence. Listen"-Andō
ListenEps 150: Special guest; Fr. James Martin, SJ from 2019-02-27T07:15:10
Fr. Jim says,"Slow down, notice, give thanks."
ListenFinding the Deserts in the Oasis [SSL120] from 2019-02-20T07:15:02
Consenting to the will of pure Love
ListenEsp 149: Flee, Be Silent, and Pray ; Guest, Ed Cyzewski from 2019-02-13T07:15:05
We need a grounding understanding of God’s love.
ListenThe Verve of Silence (a reading) [SSL119] from 2019-02-06T07:15:27
"We experience what silence is by immersing [experience]."
ListenEps 148, Mindful Silence; Guest, Phileena Heuertz from 2019-01-30T07:15:38
“A life of faith is big enough to hold our doubts and our questions.”
ListenThe Uncertainty of Silence; Cassidy Hall [SSL118] from 2019-01-23T07:15:41
"Holding creates the impossibility of beholding."- Cassidy Hall
ListenEps 147: Living Deliberately; Guest, Chris Bailey from 2019-01-16T07:15:53
Experiencing the stressful downside of getting what we want and being naturally drawn to pleasures and to threats–and what to do about it.
ListenGaining Wholeness, Renewal, and Healing the World [SSL] from 2019-01-09T07:15:23
Important reflections on Karen Armstrong's essential work on Compassion and Dethroning the Self
ListenEps 146: Punk Prayers, Embodied Theology; Guest Petra Carlsson Redell from 2019-01-02T07:15:11
The unfolding of the image of God in the material world.
ListenBrotherhood of the Common Life [SSL115] from 2018-12-19T07:15:15
“I would rather feel contrition than know how to define it.” -Thomas a Kempis
ListenWaiting for God to Act; Brian Zahnd [SSL114] from 2018-12-12T07:15:54
“Before you become an activist, you must first become a contemplative.” -Brian Zahnd
ListenEps 145: Born to Wander; Guest, Michelle Van Loon from 2018-12-05T07:15:06
A spiritual pilgrim is formed by the question: “Do I trust God?"
ListenEps 144: How Place Informs Our Hungers; Guest, Ashley Hales from 2018-11-21T07:15:34
“Healing begins at the place of hunger” - Ashley Hales
ListenFix Things, Not People? [SSL112] from 2018-11-14T07:15:14
You are most beautiful and unique when lovingly mended through"divine kintsugi".
ListenEps 143: Guest, Carl McColman; an Invitation to Celtic Wisdom from 2018-11-07T07:15:29
In Irish"contemplative prayer"means"on the knife’s edge of waiting"
ListenThoughts from Eugene Peterson and Thomas Keating [SSL111] from 2018-10-31T07:15:42
Because we just lost two wisdom-filled men, Pastor Eugene Peterson and Fr. Thomas Keating, I’m sharing some of their insightful thoughts and my own reflections related to them.
Eps 142: Guest, CJ Casciotta; Finding Your Sacred Weird from 2018-10-24T07:15:18
CJ Casciotta found out that he was weird–and that weird is something sacred. All the most important movements and innovations in the world were once weird.
By embracing our ch...
Thoughts from Meister Eckhart [SSL110] from 2018-10-17T07:15:56
The sayings and sermons of Medieval Dominican Meister Eckhart (1260-1328) have a surprisingly contemporary feel to them. He speaks about consciousness and being, about the God beyond God whom we ca...
ListenEps 141: Guest Michael Jimenez - Latin American Theology / Colonialization from 2018-10-10T07:15:17
Cristobal Colon sailed the ocean blue in 1492. He is commonly known by that name in Spain–where the words like colony, colonizer, colonial, colonel, and related words come from. In the United State...
ListenReborn into Wonder [SSL109] from 2018-10-03T07:15:27
A reflection and a reading today about a stage of maturation called "Second Naivete" - were we can perhaps be reborn into wonder. This is gathered from "The Shattered Lantern by Ronald Rolheiser.
Eps: 140 | Guest, Clint Sabom: Mystical Experiences, Monastery Life, and the Stages of Contemplative Spirituality from 2018-09-26T07:15:43
A powerful and largely ineffable mystic experience happened to Clint Sabom as a young man and in the years following it, he slowly began to process and integrate it into a richer spiritual life and...
ListenWorlds Within Worlds [SSL108] from 2018-09-19T07:15:01
Only our false self has something to lose.
"Life is in a dance between our true and false selves." says Richard Rohr
Using...
Eps 141: Guest Patrice Gopo - All the Colors We Will See from 2018-09-12T07:15:41
Drawing on her experience as the child of Jamaican immigrants, born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska; traveling to and living in South Africa and meeting her Zimbabwean future husband; living in the...
ListenSomething About Icons [SSL107] from 2018-09-05T07:15:12
Can anyone be an Icon?
Can anyone make one?
We don't use the term the same way any more so...What is an Icon?
I'm taking on Iconogra...
Esp 140: Guest, Dr. Dan Siegel, MD; Science and Practice of Awareness from 2018-08-29T07:15:23
The new book by Dr. Dan Siegel MD (August 2018) called: "Aware: The Science and Practice of Presence" has been one of the most immediately helpful and useful books to me that I've read in a long ti...
ListenLeaning Into Joy [SSL106] from 2018-08-22T07:15:33
Today I discuss longing, hope, joy, and darkness.
You can find extras at patreon.com/sparkmymuse for [SSL 106] or this direct link: https://www.patreon.com/posts/20860321
...
Eps 139: The final interview of the late poet, Anya Krugovoy Silver from 2018-08-15T07:15:14
At the time of this recording, I didn't realize that Anya Krugavoy Silver had only days left in this world.
She had been fighting fiercely a battle with terminal breast cancer...
Eps 138: The Rewards of Measuring Spiritual Experience, Guest Lynn Underwood, PhD from 2018-08-08T07:15:44
Dr Lynn Underwood, PhD developed a tool that helps *quantify* spiritual experiences for people of any culture, background, religion, faith (or no religious belief). It's been used all over the worl...
Listen6 Students Reflect [SSL105] from 2018-08-01T07:15:31
Listen in as six of my graduate students from Gratz College reflect on their experiences and insights during a week of learning about and attending to the inner life and practicing mindful awarenes...
ListenLove and Heartbreak [SSL104] from 2018-07-25T07:15:14
Soul School today should be a kind of semi-sweet comfort for the bitter pill.
With the generous help of David Whyte, Kahlil Gibran, Adam Phillips, and the magnificent writing ...
Eps 137: Writing Letters to the Misfit Mystics, guest Christiana N. Peterson from 2018-07-18T07:15:08
Christiana Peterson and her husband went from knowing little about rural life to farming and living in an Intentional Community for 8 years.
In her book "Mystics and Misfits: ...
The Looking-Glass, Half Full [SSL103] from 2018-07-11T07:15:45
Who is in the mirror when you look closely? (Are you usually seeing what you see as a reversed created reflection of your appearance or does what you see cause you to imagine what others might be n...
ListenEps 136: Following Our Discomfort for Insights, guest Mark Nepo from 2018-07-04T07:15:10
Mark Nepo is a poet, philosopher, prolific writer and teacher, and the best-selling author of "The Book of Awakening". You may know him from his contributions to On Being blog, Spirituality and Hea...
ListenThomas Merton, on Meditation [SSL102] from 2018-06-27T07:15:04
One of the most thoughtful and most beloved spiritual writers of the 20th Century was Trappist monk Thomas Merton (1915-1968).
Today, I'm sharing some of his insightful and he...
Eps 135 | Generous Intention, Essential Questions, and Movies, Guest Lili Percy from 2018-06-20T07:15:28
Today is a rich and very enjoyable conversation covering the topics of Identity, latent racism, latin-American culture and its helpful purview on politics, religious doubt, asking essential questio...
ListenYou, if No One Else - [SSL-101] from 2018-06-13T14:35:19
Today I share 3 brilliant voices that speak to our the disparities of life, the roots of truth where we come from, and a blessing for us as we move toward the places we are going "beyond the face o...
ListenEps 134: Guest Omid Safi | The Same Radical Love from 2018-06-06T07:15:06
It is the same radical love that moves and teaches the wisest and most beautiful people in world and throughout human history. Today, some of this wisdom will be revealed to us through the luminesc...
ListenSoul School at 100 episodes [SSL100] from 2018-05-30T07:15:31
Double dip today!
Today I celebrate 100 Soul School Episodes! Here's the big thing I'm taking to heart as I move forward AND I share the audio from the Facebook Live event from...
Eps 133 | Guest Parker J. Palmer; Penetrating Illusions - on the Brink of Everything from 2018-05-23T07:15:07
My conversation with Parker J Palmer today is sponsored by Gratz College where I teach a course using Palmer's material to teachers getting their Masters degrees [EDU527]. To find out more about Gr...
ListenYou: Now and Not Yet [SSL99] from 2018-05-16T07:15:55
The now and the not yet are always present within our inner lives as we continue to grow as people. This tension is connected with the disappoint we feel toward others as well as the frustration we...
ListenEps 132: Thriving at the Wild Edge; Guest, Clare Mulvany from 2018-05-09T07:15:18
Signal Fires on every hill to light the way to summer and abundance!
A most radiant gem of a woman from West Cork, Ireland is my guest today. Clare Mulvany is the founder of Th...
Your Rooted-Center and Identity; wisdom via Henri Nouwen [SSL98] from 2018-05-02T07:15:40
Today, I share the backstory and some pages of wisdom from one of my favorite I use during hard times: Henri Nouwen's short work called, "The Inner Voice of Love: Through Anguish to Freedom".
...
Eps 131 | Translating Mystical Rumi Poems and Singing Medicine Songs, guest Haleh Liza Gafori from 2018-04-25T07:15:28
Today, is the gift of song and poetry and a celebration of what it means to be rooted together like mighty Redwoods that live long, grow tall and hold each other up by their rootedness.
<...
FFW-Festival Dispatch; and Where White People Come From [SSL97] from 2018-04-18T07:15:19
I'm excited to share some of what happened at the Festival of Faith in Writing–some poignant lessons underscored by that time and something powerful about prejudice that it's time I need to address...
ListenEps 130 | The Language of Birds and Ancestors: Guest, poet, Carolina Hinojosa-Cisneros from 2018-04-11T07:15:08
South Texas is alive with an amalgamation of spiritual traditions and complicated histories that fill the souls of its inhabitants like ghosts and guardian angels. This is duly captured within the ...
ListenEps 129: Calibrating Your Heart | Guest, Carl McColman from 2018-04-04T07:15:25
"It’s fascinating how silence is present in scripture but often gets lost in translation," says today's guest–the wonderful author, spiritual teacher, and Lay Cistercian, Carl McColman.
<...
Let Your Heart Speak [SSL96] from 2018-03-28T07:15:07
Today is a reading from a classic work of Parker J. Palmer "Let Your Life Speak" and a taste of some of what is to come in the May Mini Course I invite you to join me in.
Park...
Eps 128: Guest, Seth Godin is happy he's not for everyone from 2018-03-21T07:15:16
For millions around the globe, Seth Godin is well-reconnized as a marketing wizard, an early dot com aficionado, a best-selling author many times over, a sought-after speaker (including twice at TE...
ListenThe Secret Places Below Words [SSL95] from 2018-03-14T07:15:27
Some fine wisdom took center stage at The Gathering 2018 between the long-time pioneer in conflict transformation, John Paul Lederach and Padraig O Tuama, the Community Leader, of Corrymeela–Northe...
ListenEps 127: 3 Companions for the Wilderness from 2018-03-07T07:15:22
Whether you are observing Lent in some form (or you'd like to), whether you are feeling unrooted, or whether you are traversing a strange place of wilderness in life right now, this episode uncover...
ListenThe Story of Hospitable Strangers [SSL94] from 2018-02-28T07:15:55
I'm excited to finally share some stories about my trip to the West Coast, starting with my stay in San Francisco over the Chinese New Year at the Pacific Tradewinds Hostel ( http://san-francisco-...
ListenEps 126: Helping a Generation into Becoming, guest Khristi Lauren Adams from 2018-02-21T07:15:20
It's time for another Wednesday audio delivery of Spark My Muse.
Scroll down for the AUDIO PLAYER to listen.
Visit the Spark Store: <...
Calcified Opposition [SSL93] from 2018-02-14T07:15:45
Today is a reflection and an encouragement about understanding the terrain of opposition.
We forget that what we oppose changes the moment we interact with it, as do we. The pl...
Eps 125: Painting Olympia and Mysticism as Revolt, guest Petra Carlsson from 2018-02-07T07:15:55
My conversation with Swedish theologian, scholar, professor and minister, Petra Carlsson is a captivating one.
We begin by following her unique road to discover the deeper and...
In Praise of the Bunt [SSL92] from 2018-01-31T07:15:29
I found a work recently by writer (celebrated poet) David Bottoms and it reminded me of my father.
A surprise strategy in baseball, it turns out, can teach us about life–and B...
Eps 124: Challenging the Dominant Narrative, Guest LaKisha Lockhart from 2018-01-24T07:15:50
Today, my guest is the vivacious and gifted LaKisha Lockhart–scholar activist and educator.
Our conversation covers Theopoetics (She is the President of ARC [Arts Religion Cult...
12 Seconds of Held Breath [SSL91] from 2018-01-17T07:15:58
This audio is provided today to create space and respite for you. Come and listen and we will be together for this goodness.
I have three short and beautiful pieces to share w...
Eps 123: The THREE Emotions that Build Grit and Grace for Lasting Success, guest Dr David DeSteno from 2018-01-10T08:15:56
The Scientific evidence shows that willpower WILL fail us. But, Dr David DeSteno's work on moral emotions shows compelling evidence that three emotions build the grit and grace needed for lasting s...
Listen[SSL90] All That Is Unsolved In Your Heart from 2018-01-03T08:15:15
What happens when we don't expect answers to come from our questioning, but instead begin to live into the questions themselves?
Within the penetrating letters of Rilke, we are...
Eps 122: Time Travel and Holy Purposes, guest Gene Stevenson from 2017-12-27T08:15:48
Today, I round out the last episode of 2017 with my friend Gene Stevenson.
In this fun conversation we cover the awesomely nerdy job Gene has, then we get into the stuff of st...
In Darkness, All Creation Waits [SSL89] from 2017-12-20T08:15:20
It's time for another Wednesday audio delivery of Spark My Muse.
This is Soul School Lesson 89
[SSL89]
Scroll down for the AUDIO PLAYER.
Esp 121: Consciousness is Not in the Brain- Guest, Eben Alexander, MD from 2017-12-13T08:15:15
Neurosurgeon, Dr Eben Alexander was a staunch materialist until his seven day coma (with no brain activity) and a Near Death Experience (NDE). He was given only a 2% chance of survival and no seri...
ListenPreparations in the Dark [SSL88] from 2017-12-06T08:15:02
The darkest days lead to new light.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice marks the shortest time of daylight of the year, and then the sun begins to reveal more of i...