Everything Belongs: Living the Teachings of Richard Rohr Forward

Contemplation With Carmen Acevedo Butcher

Nov 5, 2024

Carmen Acevedo Butcher is an award-winning author and poet, teaching at UC Berkeley. In this engaging conversation, she explores the transformative power of contemplation, suggesting that it offers a fresh perspective on life and spirituality. Carmen discusses the fluidity of prayer and its deep roots in Eastern Orthodoxy, emphasizing the importance of relationships in personal growth. She also reflects on how contemplation can illuminate the sacred in everyday experiences, fostering a profound connection with ourselves and the world around us.

01:25:49

Episode guests

Carmen Acevedo Butcher

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Contemplation serves as a transformative framework that allows individuals to experience divine presence in everyday moments beyond mere intellectual understanding.

The teachings of Francis and Clare of Assisi illustrate how a deep connection to nature fosters a contemplative lifestyle that honors all creation.

Participative seeing encourages an awareness of interconnectedness, enabling individuals to cultivate relationships that enhance community and shared spiritual experiences.

Deep dives

The Nature of Contemplation

Contemplation is explored as a transformative way of knowing, distinct from mere intellectual understanding. It involves bearing witness to the divine presence in everyday experiences, allowing individuals to engage with the world more deeply. The episode discusses the significance of practices like meditation, prayer, and engaging with nature in cultivating a contemplative life. Through contemplation, one can perceive the divine's influence in every aspect of existence, transforming mundane moments into opportunities for spiritual connection.

Intro

2min

The Transformative Power of Contemplation

9min

The Transformative Power of Relationship and Union

2min

The Essence of Divine Goodness

17min

Exploring Contemplation: A New Perspective

2min

Embracing Franciscan Spirituality

17min

The Power of Love in Defining Identity

2min

Contemplation and Connection

16min

The Power of Contemplation

13min

10.

Introduction to Contemplative Practices and Community Support

2min

How does contemplation invite you to see the world, and yourself, differently?

In this episode, we’re joined by CAC Affiliate Faculty member Carmen Acevedo Butcher. Together, we continue our chapter-by-chapter exploration of Eager to Love with Chapter 5: “Contemplation: A New Way of Seeing.” In this conversation, we explore the meaning and practice of contemplation, how it can be practiced in various forms, and how a contemplative perspective can transform one's relationship to the world. Before Mike and Paul begin the conversation with Carmen, Mike and Paul catch up with Richard at his hermitage to hear his reflections on the fifth chapter of Eager to Love.

Carmen Acevedo Butcher, PhD, is an award-winning author, poet, and translator of spiritual texts. She teaches at UC Berkeley, focusing on language evolution and inclusive communication. Her work highlights the power of words and the connection between personal and global healing.

Hosted by CAC Staff: Mike Petrow, Paul Swanson, and Drew Jackson

Resources:

A PDF of the transcript for this episode can be found here.
Grab a copy of Eager to Love here.
To learn more about Carmen Acevedo Butcher, visit her website here.

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Everything Belongs: Living the Teachings of Richard Rohr Forward

Contemplation With Carmen Acevedo Butcher

Episode guests