Living Out Podcast What is the Intimacy Deficit? (Exploring the Intimacy Deficit #1)
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Sep 11, 2025 
Ed Shaw, an author and speaker focused on faith and sexuality, dives into the concept of the 'intimacy deficit' and its broad implications beyond just sexual relationships. He shares insights on the four categories of intimacy: with God, self, others, and creation, and how they interconnect. Ed candidly discusses his personal struggles with intimacy and the impact of busyness. The conversation also touches on practical steps to restore intimacy and enhance spiritual connections, including the beauty of nature as a pathway to deeper prayer.
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Intimacy Extends Beyond Sex
- Intimacy is broader than sex and can be felt in friendship, nature, work, or self-understanding.
- Ed reframes intimacy as deep connection or oneness that isn't confined to the bedroom.
Four Interconnected Intimacy Domains
- Ed presents four interlinked intimacy domains: God, self, others, and creation.
- He argues that strengthening one domain often deepens the others because they mutually reinforce connection.
Dog Walks Sparked New Prayer Rhythm
- Joe shared that getting a dog led him to pray outdoors and shift from list-prayer to contemplative time with God.
- The daily walks into creation opened a fresh pathway to intimacy with God for him.
