Best Center for Action and Contemplation Podcasts (2024)

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Bonus: Seeing Nature as Nature With Felicia Murrell 30:11

5d ago30:11

30:11

How do you typically see your relationship with nature? In this bonus episode, Brian interviews Felicia Murrell, author of And: The Restorative Power of Love in an Either/Or World. This conversation delves into the interconnectedness of humans and nature, exploring how a shift from domination to loving interaction can lead to a deeper understanding…

1
The Restorative Power of Love With Felicia Murrell 59:04

6d ago59:04

59:04

"When I think of the tapestry of the cosmos, I see all sentient beings as threads woven together—one energy running through us all." - Felicia Murrell In today's episode, author Felicia Murrell joins the Dr. Barbara Holmes and Dr. Donny Bryant in conversation to offer a new vision of living gracefully and with connection. In this conversation, we'r…

1
David James Duncan on the Unintentional Menagerie of Sun House, Friendship, and the Beguines 1:46:49

10d ago1:46:49

1:46:49

David James Duncan is the author of the classic novels The River Why and The Brothers K, the story collection River Teeth, the nonfiction collection and National Book Award finalist, My Story as Told by Water, the best-selling collection of “churchless sermons," God Laughs & Plays. And lest we forget his latest, and what some have called his magnum…

1
Seeing Nature as a Gardener (Part 2) With Cassidy Steele Dale 32:16

12d ago32:16

32:16

By Center for Action and Contemplation

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Dialogue 6: The Prayer in Ordinary Life 1:09:15

16d ago1:09:15

1:09:15

This is the sixth dialogue session that focuses on the 19th-century mystical text, The Way of a Pilgrim, which covers sections of the first chapter. Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation. To learn more about James Finley, visit his faculty profile at the Center for Action and Contemplation here. T…

1
Harmonizing In The Empty Fullness 2:07

17d ago2:07

2:07

Season Five Trailer Contemplify.comBy Paul Swanson | Contemplative Shoveler

1
Seeing Nature as a Gardener (Part 1) With Brett McLaren and Rachel McLaren 48:10

19d ago48:10

48:10

What if the way we see nature could be the key to a more sustainable future? In this two-part series, we're turning to see nature as a gardener. In this conversation, Brian speaks with two of his children, Brett and Rachel McLaren, about their love for nature and gardening. They discuss their childhood memories of exploring and appreciating the nat…

1
The Way of a Pilgrim: Session 6 50:25

23d ago50:25

50:25

This is the sixth session that focuses on the 19th-century anonymous text, The Way of a Pilgrim. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley begins with passages from The Way of a Pilgrim, reflects on the qualitative essence of the spirit of this text, and finishes with a meditative practice. Resources: Turning to the Mystic…

1
Seeing Nature as a Seeker With James White, Tony Jones, and Wes Granberg-Michaelson 58:08

26d ago58:08

58:08

How does time in nature benefit you? In this episode, Brian is in conversation with James White, Tony Jones, and Wes Granberg-Michaelson exploring the experiences and perspectives of those who have awe-inspiring experiences with the transformative power of being in nature. Together, they reflect on the meaning of fishing and hunting, the connection…

1
Dialogue 5: The Realm of the Heart 1:06:31

1M ago1:06:31

1:06:31

This is the fifth dialogue session that focuses on the 19th-century mystical text, The Way of a Pilgrim, which covers sections of the first chapter. Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation. To learn more about James Finley, visit his faculty profile at the Center for Action and Contemplation here. T…

1
Seeing Nature as a Doctor (Part 2) With Theresa Martella 43:15

1M ago43:15

43:15

How do you feel when you witness the destruction of creation? In this episode, Brian interviews Teresa Martella, an environmental scientist and spiritual ecologist, about the interconnectedness of ecology and spirituality. Together they discuss the ecological crisis, climate change, and the deep grief that comes with witnessing the destruction of t…

1
New Problems and New Directions With Dr. Barbara Holmes and Brian McLaren 1:23:41

1M ago1:23:41

1:23:41

How has the interplay between gain and loss shaped your life's journey, and what new possibilities does this open up for you now? In this episode, we're joined by two members of the CAC faculty Dr. Barbara Holmes and Brian McLaren as we continue our chapter-by-chapter exploration of Falling Upward with Chapter 12: "New Problems and New Directions."…

1
Turn the Morning into Forever 4:44

1M ago4:44

4:44

A musing on time, eternality, and childerenBy Paul Swanson | Contemplative Shoveler

1
The Way of a Pilgrim: Session 5 38:09

1M ago38:09

38:09

This is the fifth session that focuses on the 19th-century anonymous text, The Way of a Pilgrim. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley begins with passages from The Way of a Pilgrim, reflects on the qualitative essence of the spirit of this text, and finishes with a meditative practice. Resources: Turning to the Mystic…

1
Seeing Nature as a Doctor (Part 1) With Debra Rienstra and Melanie Griffin 57:40

1M ago57:40

57:40

How does the connection between nature and spirituality influence your understanding of the environment and the challenges that it faces? In the next two-part series, we're exploring a new way of seeing nature, as a doctor -- but not in the traditional sense. Through conversations with academics, activists, scientists and spiritual directors, we're…

1
Mysticism, Social Action, and the Path of the Soul With Dr. Liza J. Rankow 1:03:55

1M ago1:03:55

1:03:55

How do you remind yourself that we are one—even with those we struggle to like? On this episode, Dr. Donny Bryant and Dr. Barbara Holmes are joined in conversation by Dr. Liza J. Rankow. Together they explore the concept of mysticism and its relevance to social justice and the uncertainties of our world. Dr. Rankow emphasizes the importance of dire…

1
The Shadowlands With Connie Zweig 1:31:35

1M ago1:31:35

1:31:35

What is the shadow? How do we understand it? In this episode, we're joined by Connie Zweig as we continue our chapter-by-chapter exploration of Falling Upward with Chapter 11: "The Shadowlands." In this conversation with Connie Zweig, we explore the complex relationship between spiritual communities, the unconscious aspects of ourselves, and the po…

1
Dialogue 4: The Prayer Takes Hold 48:19

1M ago48:19

48:19

This is the fourth dialogue session that focuses on the 19th-century mystical text, The Way of a Pilgrim, which covers sections of the first chapter. Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation. To learn more about James Finley, visit his faculty profile at the Center for Action and Contemplation here. …

1
Seeing Nature as a Lover (Part 2) With Miriam Smith 38:22

2M ago38:22

38:22

What shapes the connection between your inner and outer landscapes? On the second part of seeing nature like a lover, Brian interviews a non-profit leader in sustainable development, Miriam Smith. In this episode, Miriam shares her powerful story of growing up in Chad during a civil war. She discusses how these experiences shaped her perspective on…

1
A Bright Sadness With Christian Wiman 1:31:55

2M ago1:31:55

1:31:55

In our fast-paced world, how can we cultivate a sense of wonder and open ourselves to the possibility of joy, even amidst life's inevitable hardships? In this episode, we're joined by Christian Wiman as we continue our chapter-by-chapter exploration of Falling Upward with Chapter 10: "A Bright Sadness." In this conversation with Christian Wiman, we…

1
The Way of a Pilgrim: Session 4 35:12

2M ago35:12

35:12

This is the fourth session that focuses on the 19th-century anonymous text, The Way of a Pilgrim. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley begins with passages from The Way of a Pilgrim, reflects on the qualitative essence of the spirit of this text, and finishes with a meditative practice. Resources: Turning to the Mysti…

1
Seeing Nature as a Lover (Part 1) With Scott Smith 42:35

2M ago42:35

42:35

What can you do, big or small, to create a positive impact on the planet? In this episode, Brian interviews Scott Smith, a retired wildlife ecologist, about his career in conservation and the importance of protecting the natural world. Scott shares his early love for nature and how it led him to become a wildlife ecologist. He discusses the work of…

1
Sacred Activism With Alison McCrary 55:07

2M ago55:07

55:07

When was the last time you deeply listened to someone’s story? On this episode, Dr. Donny Bryant and Dr. Barbara Holmes are joined in conversation by Alison McCrary exploring the very real impact of how we listen, speak, and show up in the world. A former nun and tireless advocate, guest Alison McCrary reminds us, “We’re all called to be holy being…

1
A Second Simplicity With Carmen Acevedo Butcher 1:35:44

2M ago1:35:44

1:35:44

How can we transform our understanding of life and self to cultivate a deeper sense of acceptance, letting go, and a "Second Simplicity" in the face of life's inevitable challenges? In this episode, we're joined by Carmen Acevedo Butcher as we continue our chapter-by-chapter exploration of Falling Upward with Chapter 9: "A Second Simplicity." In th…

1
Dialogue 3: The Pilgrim Learns to Pray 1:07:11

2M ago1:07:11

1:07:11

This is the third dialogue session that focuses on the 19th-century mystical text, The Way of a Pilgrim, which covers sections of the first chapter. Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation. To learn more about James Finley, visit his faculty profile at the Center for Action and Contemplation here. T…

1
Seeing Nature as a Scientist (Part 2) With Susan J. Tweit 35:45

2M ago35:45

35:45

What sparks your sense of wonder in the natural world? In this episode, we're continuing our exploration of learning how to see like a scientist with botanist and author Susan Tweit. Brian McLaren and Susan Tweit explore how a hike in the Badlands sparked Susan's passion for sharing nature's wonders. In this conversation, they explore the power of …

1
Reduced to the Scale of Our Competence 4:55

2M ago4:55

4:55

A musing on limitationsBy Paul Swanson | Contemplative Shoveler

1
Amnesia and the Big Picture With Michael Battle 1:32:33

2M ago1:32:33

1:32:33

What if heaven and hell were both present—right now? In this episode, we're joined by The Very Rev. Michael Battle as we continue our chapter-by-chapter exploration of Falling Upward with Chapter 8: "Amnesia and the Big Picture." In this episode, we explore the suffering we experience when we believe we’re separated from God and how this chapter, “…

1
The Way of a Pilgrim: Session 3 43:50

2M ago43:50

43:50

This is the third session that focuses on the 19th-century anonymous text, The Way of a Pilgrim. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley begins with passages from The Way of a Pilgrim, reflects on the qualitative essence of the spirit of this text, and finishes with a meditative practice. Resources: Turning to the Mystic…

1
Consecrating Chaos With Rev. Otis Moss III 58:09

2M ago58:09

58:09

How can we cultivate resilience and hope, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges and ongoing chaos? In this episode Dr. Barbara Holmes and Dr. Donny Bryant talk with Rev. Otis Moss III about Dancing in the Darkness: Spiritual Lessons for Thriving in Turbulent Times, and how we can build resilience by consecrating chaos through pro…

1
Seeing Nature as a Scientist (Part 1) With Paul Wallace 43:13

2M ago43:13

43:13

Can we look at nature with both wonder and a scientist's eye? In this episode, we're learning how to see nature from the perspective of a scientist. In Part 1, Author and professor Paul Wallace joins Brian to explore the intersection of science and spirituality in the natural world. Together, they discuss the awe-inspiring scale of the universe, th…

1
Home and Homesickness With James Finley 1:23:36

2M ago1:23:36

1:23:36

What if we could feel at home wherever we are? In this episode, we're joined by James Finley as we continue our chapter-by-chapter exploration of Falling Upward with Chapter 7: "Home and Homesickness." In this episode, we discuss a lifelong exploration of contemplation, healing, and facing the challenges of our times through a lens of love and find…

1
Dialogue 2: The Teacher Arrives 59:39

2M ago59:39

59:39

This is the second dialogue session that focuses on the 19th-century mystical text, The Way of a Pilgrim, which covers sections of the first chapter. Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation. To learn more about James Finley, visit his faculty profile at the Center for Action and Contemplation here. …

1
Eat the Wild Thing 5:48

3M ago5:48

5:48

A musing on wild things and ingesting GodBy Paul Swanson | Contemplative Shoveler

1
Seeing Nature as a Child (Wonder) 48:59

3M ago48:59

48:59

What can children teach us about loving nature? In the first episode of season 6, three of Brian’s grandchildren — Ella, Ada, and Lucas — drop by to talk about how to take responsibility and care for the planet. In this conversation, we see the from the perspective of a child as three of Brian's grandchildren highlight the impact of climate change …

1
Introducing: Learning How to See "Nature" 6:55

3M ago6:55

6:55

Welcome to the sixth season of Learning How to See which focuses on learning how to see nature in a new way. In this season, we'll look at nature through the lens of a child, a scientist, a lover, a doctor, a seeker, and a gardener. The goal is to develop a deeper connection and appreciation for the natural world. We need to see every tree and ston…

1
Necessary Suffering With Mirabai Starr 1:26:35

3M ago1:26:35

1:26:35

What if the goal of the spiritual journey is to understand suffering? In this episode, we're joined by Mirabai Starr as we continue our chapter-by-chapter exploration of Falling Upward with Chapter 6: "Necessary Suffering." This episode explores how loss, suffering, and grief can be a transformative spiritual path, leading to deeper connection with…

1
The Way of a Pilgrim: Session 2 44:49

3M ago44:49

44:49

This is the second session that focuses on the 19th-century anonymous text, The Way of a Pilgrim. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley begins with passages from The Way of a Pilgrim, reflects on the qualitative essence of the spirit of this text, and finishes with a meditative practice. Resources: Turning to the Mysti…

1
Stumbling Over the Stumbling Stone With Paula D'Arcy 1:26:52

3M ago1:26:52

1:26:52

How do we meet life on its terms instead of ours? In this episode, we're joined by Paula D'Arcy as we continue our chapter-by-chapter exploration of Falling Upward with Chapter 5: "Stumbling Over the Stumbling Stone." We're exploring what it can look like to venture into the luminous dark to find our greatest gifts with a chapter that asks us to le…

1
Dialogue 1: The Journey Begins 52:11

3M ago52:11

52:11

This is the first dialogue session that focuses on the 19th-century mystical text, The Way of a Pilgrim, which covers sections of the first chapter. Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation. To learn more about James Finley, visit his faculty profile at the Center for Action and Contemplation here. T…

1
The Tragic Sense of Life With Kate Bowler 1:37:38

3M ago1:37:38

1:37:38

In this episode, we're joined by Kate Bowler, PhD. as we continue our chapter-by-chapter exploration of Falling Upward with Chapter 4: "The Tragic Sense of Life." Kate, along with Richard and CAC staff delve into the flaws of the prosperity gospel as well as the importance of finding meaning in suffering. We explore the ways in which love and suffe…

1
The Way of a Pilgrim: Session 1 43:54

3M ago43:54

43:54

This is the first session that focuses on the 19th-century anonymous text, The Way of a Pilgrim. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley begins with passages from The Way of a Pilgrim, reflects on the qualitative essence of the spirit of this text, and finishes with a meditative practice. Resources: Turning to the Mystic…

1
The First Half of Life With Erin Sanzero 1:26:18

3M ago1:26:18

1:26:18

"God gives us something better than answers, God gives us people." - Erin Sanzero, our guest today, on the path of falling upward during the first half of life. In this episode, we're joined by Erin Sanzero as we continue our chapter-by-chapter exploration of Falling Upward with Chapter 3: "The First Half of Life." Erin, alongside CAC staff, explor…

1
Turning to The Way of a Pilgrim 40:59

3M ago40:59

40:59

Welcome to Season 9 of Turning to the Mystics. This season we are turning toThe Way of a Pilgrim for spiritual guidance, a 19th-century account of a pilgrim's journey towards unceasing prayer through the practice of the Jesus Prayer. In this episode, James Finley and Kirsten Oates explain the significance of the anonymous author and the practice of…

1
The Hero and Heroine's Journey With Kirsten Oates and Patrick Boland 1:29:27

4M ago1:29:27

1:29:27

What if loss invited us on a voyage? In this episode, we're joined by Kirsten Oates and Patrick Boland as we continue our chapter-by-chapter exploration with Chapter 2: "The Hero and Heroine's Journey." Patrick Boland and Kirsten Oates, cohost of our sister podcast, Turning to the Mystics, join CAC staff, for a heartfelt conversation. Together, the…

1
The Two Halves of Life With Brené Brown 1:19:04

4M ago1:19:04

1:19:04

Welcome to the first episode of Everything Belongs, a new season covering the work of Richard Rohr’s newly revised version of Falling Upward. In this episode, we're joined by Brenè Brown to kick off our chapter-by-chapter exploration, starting with Chapter 1: "The Two Halves of Life." Together, with Richard Rohr and CAC Staff, they explore the conc…

1
Lo-Fi & Hushed / 2023 Winter Solstice Session / To Know the Dark 32:45

6M ago32:45

32:45

Each solstice and equinox Contemplify offers a public Lo-Fi & Hushed contemplative practice session for both free and supporting subscribers of the Non-Required Reading List. For those interested, go tell it on the mountain… The third week of Advent salted on joy. Not because of the circumstances, but despite them. The work remains to create the co…

1
Mechthild of Magdeburg: Listener Questions (Part 2) 1:02:41

7M ago1:02:41

1:02:41

Welcome to the listener questions series from our sessions on Mechthild of Magdeburg. Due to the volume of questions this season, we have decided to make two episodes dedicated to listener questions. This is the last of the two episodes on Mechthild of Magdeburg. In this episode, Jim Finley and Kirsten Oates reflect on listener questions about Mech…

1
Listen to the Rice, the Rice Will Teach You Everything with Lucien Miller 37:32

7M ago37:32

37:32

"Oshida’s life and legacy is an experience of the spiritual senses knowing the mystical voice. Biblical in sources and Buddhist in form, reading this book took me as a reader to the great pause of silence." — Sister Meg Funk, OSB Lucien Miller received his PhD in comparative literature from Berkely and taught Comparative Literature and Chinese at t…

1
Mechthild of Magdeburg: Listener Questions (Part 1) 56:55

7M ago56:55

56:55

Welcome to the listener questions series from our sessions on Mechthild of Magdeburg. Due to the volume of questions this season, we have decided to make two episodes dedicated to listener questions. This is the first of two on Mechthild of Magdeburg. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. Join us December 7 - 10, 2023 for Tu…

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