197: A Story of Humanity, Reconciliation, & Spiritual Empowerment w/ Dan Wotherspoon
Feb 5, 2024
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Beloved voice in our Latter-day Saint progressive community, Dan Wotherspoon, shares his personal journey from rebellion to spiritual awakening. They discuss the importance of individual discernment, transitioning to active engagement in faith development, and insights from Wotherspoon's experience at Richard Rohr's 'Living School'. Also explores essence of worship, expanding perspectives on God's love, and gratitude in faith expansion.
Individual discernment and active engagement are crucial in worship and connection with the divine.
Intentional small groups provide a safe space for authentic sharing of spiritual experiences and insights.
Grounding ourselves in a larger spiritual context allows for a more centered and compassionate approach to navigating challenges within our faith traditions.
Deep dives
Personal and Spiritual Transformation
Dan's faith journey has been marked by personal and spiritual growth. He experienced a belief crisis but retained a deep trust in the universe and the interconnectedness of all things. His experiences at the Living School further enriched his understanding of spirituality and the importance of intentional groups. Dan emphasizes the significance of finding a community where one can authentically share their spiritual life without judgment. His own Living School group has been a source of support and insight. Dan believes that grounding ourselves in a larger spiritual context allows us to navigate the challenges within our faith traditions and foster a more centered and compassionate approach.
The Living School and Richard Rohr's Influence
Dan's connection to the Living School, facilitated by Richard Rohr and other faculty members, has been transformative. Through the Living School, Dan was able to attend retreats, intensives, and engage in circle groups for in-depth discussions. This experience offered him a space to explore and expand his spirituality, challenging traditional beliefs and embracing a more inclusive and loving approach. The Living School provided a supportive community and teachings that awakened his consciousness and cultivated a deeper connection with the divine.
The Value of Small Groups
One of the most significant aspects of the Living School for Dan was the opportunity to be part of intentional small groups. These circles of trust became a source of deep connection, where members could share their personal journeys and insights without judgment. Dan highlights the importance of intentional groups in spiritual growth and recommends finding or creating one's own group where authentic sharing of spiritual experiences can occur. Such groups provide a safe space for exploration and support on the spiritual path.
Integration of Love and Faith
Dan's evolving faith journey has led him to integrate love and spirituality in his approach to Mormonism. He recognizes the importance of love-centered practices and teachings, grounded in an expansive understanding of God and the interconnectedness of all things. Dan emphasizes the value of addressing social issues and leadership styles that may conflict with these love-centered values, while maintaining a sense of balance and centeredness. He believes that grounding ourselves in a broader spiritual context enables us to navigate the complexities of faith and engage with our traditions in a more authentic and compassionate way.
Personal Growth and Owning Our Gifts
Dan's personal growth includes a belief in the importance of owning and sharing our unique gifts with the world. He encourages individuals to engage in deep work, explore their spirituality, and be open to spiritual transformation. Dan views the journey of faith as an ongoing process and highlights the significance of intentional groups and practices. His podcast, Latter Day Faith, serves as a platform for exploring these concepts and providing support for those navigating their own faith expansion journeys.
Series Title: Conversations with Mormon Mystics & Graduates of Fr. Richard Rohr’s ‘Living School’ [Part III of IV]
In this episode, Valerie is joined by Dan Wotherspoon, a beloved voice in our Latter-day Saint progressive community, who shares his poignant personal history, detailing a journey from early rebellion, through an LDS mission, a higher-education-induced faith crisis, and finally a profound spiritual awakening that led to his enduring realization that love is the most real force in the universe.
Both Valerie and Dan speak to the importance of individual discernment in worship and connection with the divine, the importance of transitioning from passive to active engagement in one's faith development, and Dan shares some insights from his experience as a student under Father Richard Rohr at his "Living School".
Friday's episode is a special recording where Valerie changes roles and is interviewed by Dan Wotherspoon. In this tender episode she shares some of her most poignant realizations and experiences associated to her own faith journey from orthodoxy her stepping into the role as advocate and voice for health and healing within the Latter-day Saint community.
Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below. See you there!
