215. Finding the Still Point in Tension — John Kesler and Thomas McConkie
May 12, 2024
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Join Thomas McConkie and his mentor John Kesler as they discuss Integral Polarity Practice, finding 'still points' in tension, and experiencing transcendent peace through navigating polarities in human development. They explore the role of struggle in belief, the richness of tradition in personal growth, and the deep nurturing depths within us. Discover how their transformative practices can lead to a source of belief and a fuller connection with spirituality.
Finding still points in tension leads to transcendent peace and relief of fundamental human developmental polarities.
Tradition provides structure for genuine development, especially during struggles and questioning beliefs, offering nurturing depth.
Transition from atheism to faith through inner resonance highlights the power of introspection and connection to higher wisdom.
Deep dives
Purpose of Restore Registration Event
The podcast discusses the official launch of Restore Registration, an event set to take place at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, Utah. The event will feature three days of incredible speakers, poets, musicians, and artists, creating a rich and fertile ground for genuine development. The organizers believe that the structured event will offer attendees a transformative experience and an opportunity to explore fundamental tensions of human development, leading to a transcendent peace.
Impact of Integral Polarity Practice (IPP)
Thomas McConkie and his mentor, John Kessler, share insights into Integral Polarity Practice (IPP), a life awareness practice that profoundly affected Thomas's life. This practice encourages individuals to find still points in seemingly opposing forces, alleviating tension and fostering spiritual growth. Both Thomas and John emphasize the benefits of tradition and the scaffolding it provides for authentic development, particularly during times of struggle and questioning beliefs.
Influences on Personal Beliefs
John Kessler reflects on his upbringing and the influence of Mormon friends on his beliefs, even as he initially identified as an atheist due to his secular background. He shares a transformative experience during his time in Germany, where he discovered a profound inner resonance and connection to a higher source, leading to a pivotal shift in his beliefs. This experience challenged his previous atheistic stance, emphasizing the significance of deep introspection and stillness in shaping one's beliefs.
Transition from Atheism to Faith
John Kessler recounts his transition from atheism to faith, sparked by a transformative inner experience in Germany. His encounter with a deep inner resonance and sense of connection to a higher wisdom led him to reevaluate his atheistic beliefs and embrace a spiritual path. Kessler's journey highlights the power of inner reflection and the discovery of a source of belief that transcends personal convictions, guiding him towards a deep sense of trust and spiritual connection.
Navigating Deconstruction in Faith
Thomas McConkie and John Kessler discuss the process of deconstruction in faith, emphasizing the importance of finding a deeper resonance beyond traditional truth claims. They encourage listeners to explore the depths of their beliefs and consider inner stillness as a pathway to uncover profound truths. By navigating tensions and embracing spiritual practices that foster trust and transcendence, individuals can move beyond rigid constructs and experience a more expansive connection to their faith.
This week we’re joined by our good friend and contributor to Faith Matters, Thomas McConkie, along with his longtime mentor and friend, John Kesler.
In many ways, Thomas and John's paths were mirror images of each other until they eventually collided. John Kesler developed an awareness and life practice called IPP or Integral Polarity Practice that has had a profound impact on Thomas's life. You're going hear a little about polarities or fundamental tensions of human development and how in finding the "still points" in these seeming opposites, we can experience a real relief of that tension and a transcendent peace.
Both Thomas and John believe that one of the gifts of our tradition is that it has the structure and scaffolding that creates rich, fertile ground for genuine development. And at the same time, they see that at different seasons of our lives we experience struggle, even struggle around belief. And yet, as John says, in those experiences, we learn that "there's something down deep that's there that can hold us and nurture us." And that these depths can bring us not beyond belief but to the source of belief.
This conversation felt so abundant. It felt like a starting place. Thomas and John will be hosting a handful of retreats and events this summer so if you are interested in learning more, you can check out all of those opportunities in the links below.