Episode 63: Spiritual Direction, the Power of Listening, & How to Attune to Yourself and to Others

<p>Imagine if someone sat with you and listened to you attentively for as long as you needed. That’s what I experienced through a series of spiritual listening retreats. And today, I invited the Rev. Dr. Stephen Macchia and spiritual director in training, Rowena Day to talk with us about the practice of spiritual direction and deep listening as one component of your mental, emotional, and spiritual health. </p> <p>This episode is so rich, so soothing, and so deeply nourishing. As a therapist, I have found spiritual direction to be a powerful part of my own mental health practices. It’s also taught me how to become a better listener in my relationships with others. Here’s what we discuss:</p> <p>1. The deepest need we all have</p> <p>2. How to attune to your own soul </p> <p>3. The neurobiology of presence</p> <p>4. What to do if quiet is hard for you</p> <p>5. The links between spiritual and mental health</p> <p>Connect with Dr. Stephen Macchia and Spiritual Formation resources <a href="https://www.leadershiptransformations.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">here</a>.</p> <p>Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode <a href="https://wp.me/pa3WGh-1GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">here</a>.</p> <p>Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3N7QByNr1lLxXtAxPQG2DlbTQnCtLvp86RfWSxdkX-puz7Q/viewform">Leave them here</a>.</p> <p>Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email <a href="https://www.dralisoncook.com/2-e-books-and-audio-file-web/">here</a>.</p> <p>Thanks to our sponsors:</p> <p>Go to ⁠<a href="https://tinyurl.com/TBOYOrganifi" target="_blank">www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠</a> today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today. </p> <p>If you've been searching for a better alternative to traditional healthcare and want to take your health to new heights, visit <a href="http://www.wildhealth.com/Premium" target="_blank">www.WildHealth.com/Premium</a> to apply for membership.</p> <p>This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU" target="_blank">betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU</a> and get on your way to being your best self. </p> <p>Head to <a href="https://tinyurl.com/TSFNAirDoctor" target="_blank">airdoctorpro.com</a> and use promo code BESTOFYOU to receive UP TO 39%! </p> <p>Visit <a href="https://tinyurl.com/TBOYHiyaHealth" target="_blank">hiyahealth.com/BESTOFYOU</a> and get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults.</p> <p>Related Episodes:</p> <p><a href="https://www.dralisoncook.com/episode-31-peace-keeping-anger-avoidance-and-how-to-start-using-your-voice/">Episode 31</a> and <a href="https://www.dralisoncook.com/episode-44-why-its-wise-to-befriend-anger-what-happens-when-you-dont-and-how-to-create-space-for-healthy-expression-of-anger-in-your-family/">Episode 44</a> with Rowena Day</p> <p><a href="https://www.dralisoncook.com/episode-36-an-update-on-my-social-media-detox-how-to-create-boundaries-with-toxic-distractions-numbing-unhealthy-coping-tactics/">Episode 36</a>: An Update on My Social Media Detox & How to Create Boundaries With Toxic Distractions, Numbing, & Unhealthy Coping Tactics</p> <p><a href="https://www.dralisoncook.com/episode-32-productivity-and-the-never-ending-to-do-list-how-to-stop-hustling-embrace-the-joy-of-enough/">Episode 32</a>: Productivity and the Never Ending To Do List: How to Stop Hustling & Embrace the Joy of Enough</p> <p><a href="https://www.dralisoncook.com/episode-47-spiritual-bypassing-vs-embodied-faith-how-not-to-harm-those-who-are-hurting-including-yourself/">Episode 47</a>: Spiritual Bypassing vs. Embodied Faith & How Not to Harm Those Who Are Hurting, Including Yourself</p> <p>Music by Andy Luiten</p> <p>Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik</p> <p>While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.</p>

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