Podcast - Life in the Whirlwind

What are the so-called "optimal conditions" we tend to wait for in life before we choose to open ourselves or dare greatly in life? Sadly we often wait too long, or we hide – never to dare at all. We let our natural fear of pain, judgment, criticism, exposure, etc keep us small. But what growth and expansion of True Self is missed when we shrink, hide, or stand still? Come join the conversation as we discuss vulnerability, openness, and how & why it may lead to expansive life that holds steady in the whirlwind.

Why do we cling to what we cling to? It makes sense that we hold on, but what is actually happening? In this episode we explore these questions and more on how to release where we are being invited to release – and yes, it is absolutely excruciating to do so. Come join the conversation.

This episode serves not just as a tribute to my dear friend, Manny Ortiz, who we lost last week but as a tribute to the ways of Life in the Whirlwind that he taught me and invited everyone into with him. Come join the conversation.

Have you ever looked at something so many times that you stopped seeing it? Or have you ever been looking for your keys frantically, then suddenly you look down and they've been there the whole time? These are just simple examples of how there are different ways of seeing. In this episode we explore a lot of examples of how this might happen for you, how media and marketing appeals to certain ways of seeing, and how attachment to seeing things certain ways can deeply limit our development as people in the world. Come join the conversation, and hear a beautiful song that drives it home at the end.

This week we discuss how to be in two places at once in ways that serve us, with more than a little inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien. As we move through life, all the people, places, and things that have formed us weave an inner tapestry. Join us for part 2 of this conversation.

There are two types of being in two places at once, as I see it. One type is not enjoyable and not life-giving, and the other type is enjoyable and life-giving. Join us for this episode where we talk about the first type, how it happens, and how to put the different parts of you on the same page. Come join the conversation.

Vulnerability is a cool thing we talk about a lot. But what does it mean to live a life in which we are true? Join us for this episode where we explore what "showing up" is and isn't, what gets in the way, and some practical invitations. Come join the conversation!

In this episode my friend & colleague Phil Monroe joins me for a conversation on meeting rumination with stillness & acceptance, oh reframing mistakes, addressing shame head-on, and other things to contemplate and practice. Come join the conversation!

Join us for the exploration of looking into unexpected processes that transform us. We usually try to exert our wills to transform externals, but what might it look like to release and see internals be transformed? Come join the conversation!

How many times have labels like "good," "bad," "wrong," "stupid," etc gotten in the way of giving our experiences the space to transform and grow us? What might happen if we practiced moving away from these interpretations and labels, replacing them with questions that move us into growth? Come join us to explore how risk and struggle may be the exact forces we need to find life in the whirlwind.

Thomas Merton is one of the most well-known spiritual guides of the 20th century. His depth and wisdom have impacted many who are on similar journeys to find life in the whirlwind. His faith sprung from the ground at The Cloisters in New York City. This podcast was recorded at this very location and asks questions about spiritual practice & transformation inspired by Merton himself.

Advent offers us a concentrated dose of spaciousness. We have the freedom to do whatever we want with that space. What might it look like to let it change us in ways that keep unfolding, even after advent? Come join the conversation in this debut podcast episode.