Finding our Rhythm: Spiritual Practices for Seekers of God.

About Finding our Rhythm: Spiritual Practices for Seekers of God.

The podcast will feature practices that will help listeners deepen their understanding of their belovedness leading them to discover the unforced rhythms of grace. Listeners will be introduced to a single spiritual practice and offered ways to practice and resources for further exploration.

Publisher

Hosts: Lisa Work & Rich Nelson

Category

religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Mar 2023

Latest episode

27 Jan 2024

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Jan 2024

   Season 2 Episode 4 - Bishop Audrey Scanlan & Discovering and Maintaining Rhythms

   In this episode, Rich and Lisa talk to The Rt. Rev. Dr. Audrey Scanlan, the current Bishop of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. Bishop Scanlan discusses her personal spiritual practices, which include hiking, cooking, and writing. She also sheds light on how she navigates the idea that spiritual practices can sometimes feel selfish. In addition, she turned the tables and asked Rich and Lisa about their views on the purpose of spiritual practices. She turned the tables and asked Rich and Lisa a question, "What is the point of Spiritual Practices?" We also talk about when our lives get out of balance and spiritual practices can help us.

2. 

   8 Jan 2024

   Season 2 Episode 3: Exploring Iconography and the Spiritual Connection with Saints

   Welcome to the latest episode of "Finding Our Rhythm," hosted by Lisa Work and Rich Nelson. In this episode, we are privileged to have Kristen Wheeler, a modern iconographer, as our guest. Kristen brings a unique and spiritual perspective to the ancient art form of iconography, which we are eager to explore. During the episode, we discuss the impact of Kristen's icons and how people react to them, particularly those who approach her at events. Her genuine intention to share rather than convert is evident, and people are drawn to her work because of it. Kristen shares her deep connection to iconography and how she has made it a daily spiritual practice. She discusses how the art form has evolved and its significance in her life. We also delve into the lives and teachings of notable saints, including Rose of Lima, Rita of Cascia, Roch, Jesus the Gardener, Pauli Murray, and Francis. Kristen's passion for sharing their stories is infectious, adding to the episode's appeal and depth. A significant aspect of Kristen's work is its ability to transcend religious boundaries. She takes pride in the fact that the saints she portrays connect with people of all beliefs, including those who identify as agnostic or atheist. She emphasizes that her focus is on sharing the authentic stories of these saints, not conversion. Finally, Kristen is committed to portraying the saints as real, flawed individuals. By acknowledging their imperfections and challenges, she makes them more relatable, offering comfort and companionship to those who seek it. This approach has resonated with many and is one of the reasons her work is so highly regarded. We hope you enjoy this episode of "Finding Our Rhythm" and gain new insights into the captivating world of iconography. Learn more about Kristen and her icons at https://moderniconographer.com/ ( https://moderniconographer.com/) Check out The Ministry of the Saints on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ministryofsaintsmoderniconography)

3. 

   6 Nov 2023

   Season 2 - Episode 2 : Asking for Help as a Spiritual Practice

   In this episode, Lisa and Rich talk about the challenges and blessings of learning to ask for help and how this can open us to deeper relationships with God, others, and our self. Help is both about being willing to ask for help when we need it and being willing to receive help when it is offered. Rich and Lisa recount times in their lives when they have both done this well and when they have struggled with the gift of help. Feelings Wheel Website: https://feelingswheel.com/ Ann Lamott’s book: Help, Thanks, Wow: Three Essential Prayers - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/313149/help-thanks-wow-by-anne-lamott/

4. 

   17 Oct 2023

   Season 2 - Episode 1 : Learning to Find Our Rhythm and the Art of Letting Go

   Join Lisa and Rich for episode 1 of season 2 of "Finding Our Rhythm: Spiritual Practices for Seekers of God." They explore the art of not "forcing the rhythm" and Lisa shares how it is like her experience learning to operate a Segway. They confront the challenges of FOMO and clarify that letting go is not about being slothful but rather trusting God. They also stress the importance of acknowledging that we don't have to know or have all the answers, which can be a liberating realization on our spiritual journey and in life. This season, we intend to incorporate a guided spiritual practice into our episodes. In this episode, you will be invited to join us for 5 minutes of silence and stillness. Mentioned in this podcast is Barbara Brown Taylor's book Holy Envy (https://a.co/d/5beGOjo) and the Tao Te Ching (https://ttc.tasuki.org/).

5. 

   15 Aug 2023

   Episode 9 - Season Finale - Noticing

   In this final episode of season one of Finding Our Rhythm, Lisa and Rich talk about the spiritual practice of “noticing” as they look back at the journey of making the first season. Often what we expect to happen simply leads us to what will actually happen, which can be better than we imagined. But the letting go of the first vision for our life can be difficult, painful even, and it takes time to become open to what might be. The key is in the noticing, both noticing new opportunities and noticing how we respond to those unforeseen “holy detours.” Some of these detours lead us up metaphorical mountains and into storms. Rich and Lisa reflect on their own mountaintop and stormy experiences and what scripture tells us about how to approach the ascent. Finally, they look ahead to season two and a whole series dedicated to engaging ancient spiritual practices in new and contemporary ways.

6. 

   3 Aug 2023

   Episode 8 - Contemplative Photography - Roger Hutchison

   In this episode of Finding Our Rhythm, we have the honor of sitting down with Roger Hutchison, an author, illustrator, educator, and director of Christian Formation and Parish Life at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston, TX. Roger is a man of many talents, with a passion for contemplative photography and its ability to transform our perception of the world around us. Join us as we delve into his journey, inspirations, and how he uses art, color, and poetic language to communicate love and promote healing and hope in today's hurting world. Roger shares how he started the practice of contemplative photography during COVID, how it has impacted his life, and the way it allows us to see the world in a new and meaningful way. The Painting Table: Roger recounts his profound experience of painting with children who witnessed the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, and how it inspired him to use his writing and art to serve those who grieve. Roger shares his ambition and mission to communicate love and promote healing in the world through his art, color choices, and poetic language. Join us in this heartwarming and inspiring conversation with Roger Hutchison as he reminds us of the importance of seeing with fresh eyes and nurturing love and hope in the face of adversity. Instagram: @rogerhutchisonbooks Twitter: @RogerHutchison Facebook: @hutchison.roger Additional Resources: https://www.rogerhutchisonbooks.com/ Roger's Books: Find Roger's books, including "The Very Best Day: The Way of Love for Children," "Sparrow's Prayer," and "The Art of Calm," on his website or at your local bookstore. We also invite you to show us how you embrace the #ArtofSeeing! 📸Share a photo you've taken when practicing contemplative photography and use the hashtag #ArtofSeeing. Let's create a community of visionaries together!

7. 

   14 Jul 2023

   Episode 7 - Stephanie Spellers: breath prayer, journaling, examen, and chant

   Recently Lisa and Rich attended the Episcopal Church's "All About Love Festival (https://www.episcopalchurch.org/its-all-about-love/)" where they were honored to interview the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers (https://www.facebook.com/sspellers/) who serves as Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Evangelism, Reconciliation, and Creation Care. She shares spiritual practices that sustain her, including breath prayer, prayer journaling, a modified Examen, the podcast Pray As You Go (https://pray-as-you-go.org/), and a beautiful song by Vietnamese Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hanh. Lisa and Rich also discuss the "following The Way Spiritual Types Inventory," which Rich developed. You can take the inventory to help you identify your primary spiritual type, and practices that might work best for you, available at www.followingtheway.me (www.followingtheway.me ) Breathing In, Breathing Out lyrics Breathing in, breathing out, Breathing in, breathing out, I am blooming as a flower, I am fresh as the dew. I am solid as a mountain, I am firm as the earth. I am free. Breathing in, breathing out. Breathing in, breathing out. I am water, reflecting. What is real, what is true. And I feel there is space Deep inside of me. I am free, I am free, I am free.

8. 

   3 Jul 2023

   Episode 6 - Pilgrimage (Part 2)

   In this episode, Rich interviews Lisa after she and her husband have returned from the Camino.  She shares stories of encounters with people they met along the way. Lisa shares her physical, mental, and spiritual challenges during the journey, including fatigue, blisters, and moments of doubt. Lisa reflects on her personal growth and self-reflection, sharing anecdotes of moments of clarity, personal revelations, and instances of overcoming adversity. She explains that she and her husband walked the “Camino they needed, not the one they planned.”  Lisa also talks about how important it was to “find her rhythm” along the Camino and how that is connected to life! Check out the Friends of the Anglican Centre in Santiago https://www.anglicancentresantiago.org/worship-in-santiago-blessings-on-the-way/ (https://www.anglicancentresantiago.org/worship-in-santiago-blessings-on-the-way/)

9. 

   15 Jun 2023

   Episode 5 - Pilgrimage (part one)

   One of the most ancient of spiritual practices is going on a pilgrimage. In a pilgrimage we step aside from our usual routines and open ourselves up to new possibilities, new relationships, and new encounters with God and with our own deepest self. Often this involves a physical journey to a place of identified significance such as Jerusalem, Rome, Canterbury, etc. But pilgrimage can also be more focused on a journey of the inner self. Any journey has the possibility of being a pilgrimage if done with awareness and intention. This episode was recorded just before Lisa and her husband Mark left for a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Popularized by the movie "The Way" and countless books and documentaries, tens of thousands of people make this pilgrimage each year from various starting points, all aiming to Santiago de Compostela, the resting place of St. James. Join us as we explore Lisa's preparation for making a pilgrimage and then the follow up Episode 6 we will explore how the pilgrimage went and what we all might take away, inspiring us for our own journeys big and small. Let us know what you think by sending us an email at findingourrhythmpodcast@gmail.com

10. 

    26 May 2023

    Episode 4 - Breath Prayer

    Breath prayer is a powerful spiritual practice that has been used for centuries across various religious traditions to bring about a state of calm, mindfulness, and connection with the divine. It's a simple yet profound practice that involves combining focused breathing with a short, repetitive phrase or prayer. Breath prayer is often associated with the contemplative and mystical traditions within Christianity, but similar practices can be found in other faiths.  The beauty of breath prayer lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Anyone can practice it, regardless of their religious or spiritual background. It can be done anywhere, at any time, making it a versatile tool for finding peace and connection in our fast-paced modern lives. We hope this exploration of breath prayer has inspired you to incorporate this beautiful practice into your own life. Remember, it's not about achieving perfection or a specific outcome. It's about creating space for stillness, awareness, and the presence of the divine in our everyday lives. Lisa references the book Creating a Life With God by Daniel Wolpert,  https://upperroombooks.com/book/creating-a-life-with-god/ (https://upperroombooks.com/book/creating-a-life-with-god/) Let us know what you think by sending us an email at findingourrhythmpodcast@gmail.com (mailto:findingourrhythmpodcast@gmail.com)

11. 

    12 May 2023

    Episode 3 - Get to know the Hosts Lisa and Rich

    In this episode, Lisa introduces our new co-host, Rich Nelson. In this episode, Lisa and Rich share their journey to finding their own rhythm. We talk about why spiritual practices are so important. We discuss the many ways to find a spiritual rhythm, like through nature and prayer beads. We discuss the importance of being willing to try new practices; it may not work out the first time. Rather than feeling like the experience is a failure, we can choose to learn from it. There are many different spiritual practices out there from various traditions. We invite you to explore and try new things. Remember that there is no one right way to do this. Don't be discouraged if you don't find it right away. We hope you're enjoying our podcast so far. We'd love to hear from you. If you have a few minutes, we'd love to know more about you and your spiritual practice. What are some of your spiritual practices? What are your biggest challenges? You can share your story or ask a question by emailing us at findingourrhythmpodcast@gmail.com (findingourrhythmpodcast@gmail.com). Thanks for listening!

12. 

    1 Apr 2023

    Finding Our Rhythm - Introduction

    The podcast will introduce listeners to spiritual practices that can create a deeper connection with God and discover the unforced rhythms of grace. Who is this podcast for? People who are looking to deepen their spiritual life. People who are searching for ways to connect with God. You will experience a rhythm of learning various spiritual practices, have time to try on a new spiritual practice, and then have the opportunity to hear others process their experiences trying the practice. I hope this podcast will allow you to explore new ways to immerse yourself in God’s presence. I hope you take this opportunity to “be” with God. I invite you to Imagine what space that might open up in your own soul to truly rest and receive. I pray that it changes your inner life with God and yourself and your outer life with God and others. I hope it speaks to your mind, body, heart, and spirit.

13. 

    1 Apr 2023

    Episode 2 - We all live by rhythms.

    In this episode, Rich and Lisa discuss the rhythms of life, being a pilgrim versus being a tourist, and how they all connect to spiritual practices. A Rule of Life outlines a pattern of living that is immersed in God and invites us to shape ourselves into it. The intent is to create a guide that shapes our lives and allows us to thrive. A Rule of Life allows us to be more intentional about our lives and how we invite God to transform us. We can pray for God’s work in and through us to become more Christ-like, but this does not always happen automatically or randomly. Thinking through our life patterns adds a layer of intentionality to our desire to see our lives transformed. You may already have an informal life rhythm, or “rule” of life, without calling it patterns you have developed in your spiritual life. Or perhaps rhythm has eluded you. Here is an overview of the exercise Lisa and Rich discussed. It can be both revealing and surprising.  Choose a day (or two) to complete the activities: Take three blank pieces of paper and a pen, and write the following headings at the top of each page: Daily - Under this heading, write down anything you can think of which is part of your daily pattern of life. Most of what you write will be fairly mundane: “brush teeth,” “eat breakfast,” or “walk the dog.” No matter. Try to capture it all, and be as honest as you can. Weekly -Under that heading, add anything part of your weekly routine that has not already been captured under the “Daily” heading. Monthly - Under that heading, add anything part of your monthly routine that has not already been captured under the previous headings. Annual - Under that heading, add anything part of your annual routine that has not already been captured under the previous headings. You have now created your Rule of Life as it is right now. The Growing your Rule of Life resource from the Society of Saint John the Evangelist can be found at this link: https://www.ssje.org/growruleresources/ (https://www.ssje.org/growruleresources/) We would love to hear your feedback about this episode, or maybe you have a question for Lisa or Rich, please email us at findingourrhythmpodcast@gmail.com (mailto:findingourrhythmpodcast@gmail.com)

14. 

    26 Mar 2023

    Episode 1 - Why Spiritual Practices?

    Welcome to the first episode of Finding Our Rhythm podcast, where we explore the importance of spiritual practices in our lives. Lisa will be sharing one of the inspirations for this podcast, Matthew 11:28-30. Eugene Peterson's translation of this passage speaks to the weariness and burnout that many of us experience in our lives. It offers a powerful invitation to come and find rest in the presence of Jesus, to learn from Him and to walk with Him in the unforced rhythms of grace. In a world that is fast-paced, driven by productivity, it can be challenging to slow down and make space for spiritual practices in our lives. We will discuss why are we calling them Spiritual Practices and if they different from spiritual disciplines or spiritual exercises? Our guest, The Rev. Rich Nelson, will help us to explore these questions and to understand the importance of spiritual practices in our lives. Rich is an Episcopal Priest, spiritual director, curriculum writer, and retreat leader, and founder of Following the Way (https://www.revrichnelson.com/). He has a wealth of experience in this area and will offer practical insights on how we can incorporate spiritual practices into our daily lives. Join us as we explore the meaning of spiritual practices, their significance, and how they can help us find rest, renewal, and connection with the divine. We hope this episode will inspire you to take steps towards a more intentional spiritual life. A special thanks to Rich for creating our theme song. You can hear it at the end of the episode.

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

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