How can we be open to what the darkness of Advent offers?In this conversation, Richard Rohr, Mike Petrow, Drew Jackson, and Paul Swanson explore the themes of Advent and Christmas, sharing personal traditions and reflections on the spiritual significance of the season. They discuss the importance of longing, waiting, and the transformative power of darkness, as well as the role of poetry in expressing these themes. The conversation culminates in poignant reading of a poem that encapsulates the essence of Advent, emphasizing the beauty found in the darkness and the anticipation of new beginnings.Hosted by CAC Staff: Mike Petrow, Paul Swanson, and Drew JacksonResources: Grab a copy of Eager to Love here. Learn more about Drew Jackson's God Speaks Through Wombs, here.

How can we stay open to ongoing learning and growth, even when we don't have all the answers?In this episode, we’re joined by CAC's Dean of Core Faculty, Brian McLaren. Together, we continue our chapter-by-chapter exploration of Eager to Love with Chapter 6: “An Alternative Orthodoxy: Paying Attention to Different Things.” In this episode, we explore the concept of "alternative orthodoxy," examining how Franciscan spirituality, Richard Rohr's personal teachings, and the Christian contemplative tradition challenge conventional religious frameworks and invite us to pay attention to different things. Before Mike and Drew begin the conversation with Brian, Mike and Paul catch up with Richard at his hermitage to hear his reflections on the sixth chapter of Eager to Love.Brian McLaren is the Dean of CAC Faculty. A former evangelical pastor, Brian D. McLaren is a champion for a more loving, inclusive and contemplative Christianity. A faculty member at the Center for Action and Contemplation, he teaches ways to reconnect with the message Jesus lived and died for—unconditional love. He is the author of Faith After Doubt, The Great Spiritual Migration, and host of CAC’s podcast Learning How to See.Hosted by CAC Staff: Mike Petrow, Paul Swanson, and Drew JacksonResources: A PDF of the transcript for this episode can be found here. Grab a copy of Eager to Love here. To learn more about Brian McLaren, visit his website here.

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.

What steps can you take to deepen your connection with the natural world?In this episode, we’re joined by CAC Affiliate Faculty member Rev. Dr. Randy Woodly. Together, we continue our chapter-by-chapter exploration of Eager to Love with Chapter 4: “Home Base: Nature and The Road.” This episode explores the wisdom of St. Francis and Jesus through the lens of Eloheh, emphasizing their connection to nature and their understanding of the kingdom of heaven as a state of harmony in the natural world. Before Mike begins the interview with Randy, Mike and Paul catch up with Richard at his hermitage to hear his reflections on the fourth chapter of Eager to Love.Rev. Dr. Randy Woodley is an activist, scholar, author, teacher, wisdom-keeper, and Cherokee descendant recognized by the Keetoowah Band who speaks on justice, faith, the earth, and Indigenous realities. He is the author of numerous books, including Becoming Rooted and Shalom and the Community of Creation. He and his wife, Edith, co-sustain Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice and Eloheh Farm & Seeds outside Portland, Oregon.Hosted by CAC Staff: Mike Petrow, Paul Swanson, and Drew JacksonResources: A PDF of the transcript for this episode can be found here. Grab a copy of Eager to Love here. To learn more about Rev. Dr. Randy Woodley, visit his website here. Check out Randy and Edith Woodley's new book, Journey to Eloheh here.

Dr. Barbara Holmes, a scholar in African American spirituality and mysticism, dives deep into the themes of simplicity and justice. She shares insights on how embracing simplicity can lead to freedom and foster community support. The concept of 'soft prophecy' as a peaceful response to suffering takes center stage, as she encourages living authentically in a complex world. Holmes also highlights the cosmological perspective that expands our understanding of race and power, inviting listeners to engage in social justice with imagination and compassion.

In this discussion, James Finley, a clinical psychologist and spiritual director, alongside Richard Rohr, a former prison chaplain, explore the profound themes of suffering as a pathway to compassion. They touch on the importance of mystical union and the healing power of recognizing our belovedness. Listeners are invited to consider how personal suffering can lead to solidarity with others. The conversation emphasizes embracing pain without becoming overwhelmed, urging a compassionate response to the world's struggles.

Welcome to Season 2 of Everything Belongs! This season, we'll be exploring Richard's book Eager to Love chapter-by-chapter, and what better way to kick off a brand new season than with our friend, Mirabai Starr. In this episode, we're covering Chapter One: "What Do We Mean by 'Mysticism'?" This episode explores the themes of mysticism, spirituality, and the sacredness of everyday life, examining the nature of mystical experiences, the importance of love, and how grief can lead to deeper spiritual understanding. Before we dive into the interview with Mirabai, Mike and Paul catch up with Richard at his hermitage to hear his reflections on the first chapter of Eager to Love.Mirabai Starr is an award-winning author of creative non-fiction and contemporary translations of sacred literature. She taught Philosophy and World Religions at the University of New Mexico-Taos for 20 years and now teaches and speaks internationally on contemplative practice and inter-spiritual dialog. A certified bereavement counselor, Mirabai helps mourners harness the transformational power of loss. Her latest book, WILD MERCY: Living the Fierce & Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics, was named one of the “Best Books of 2019”. She lives with her extended family in the mountains of northern New Mexico.Hosted by CAC Staff: Mike Petrow and Paul SwansonResources: A PDF of the transcript for this episode is available here. Grab a copy of Eager to Love here. Grab a copy of Mirabai's new book Ordinary Mysticism here. To learn more about Mirabai Starr and Wild Heart, visit her website here.

Welcome to Part 3 of our series responding to your questions. This episode continues the conversation from the previous two episodes responding to listener questions from Season 1 of Everything Belongs. Due to baby ducklings being born in the original conversation, we saved some of your questions and voicemails for Richard to be recorded at a later date. We'll see you soon for Season 2!Resources: A PDF of the transcript for this episode is available here. Grab a copy of the newly revised version of Falling Upward, with a new foreword by Brené Brown here.

Welcome to Part 2 of our episodes responding to your questions. This episode continues the conversation from the previous episode responding to listener questions from Season 1 of Everything Belongs.About the guest:Cassidy Hall (she/her/hers) (MA, MDiv, MTS) is an author, award-winning filmmaker, podcaster, ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, and leading voice in contemplative spirituality. She is the cohost of the Encountering Silence podcast and the creator of the Contemplating Now and Queering Contemplation podcasts. Her films include In Pursuit of Silence and Day of a Stranger. Her forthcoming book, Queering Contemplation, Finding Queerness in the Roots and Future of Contemplative Spirituality is set for release in May of 2024. Cassidy is widely published and currently resides in Indianapolis, where she is studying for her DMin degree.Resources: A PDF of the transcript for this episode is available here. Grab a copy of the newly revised version of Falling Upward, with a new foreword by Brené Brown here. To learn more about Cassidy Hall, visit her website here. Grab a copy of Cassidy's book, Queering Contemplation, here. Connie Zweig's book The Inner Work of Age: From Role to Soul can be found here.

In this season finale of Everything Belongs, we're diving into the final chapter of Richard Rohr's book Falling Upward and responding to as many listener questions as we could across three parts. Joining Corey, Mike, and Paul for these special episodes is our dear friend Cassidy Hall, the author of Queering Contemplation. Together, we're exploring how her work relates to the themes of Falling Upward and the paradoxical journey of spiritual growth that comes along with it. This episode was recorded during a particularly memorable moment, as a brood of ducklings hatched in Richard's front yard, creating a scene of pure joy and wonder that mirrors the themes of new beginnings and unexpected grace that ran throughout this season. We hope you enjoy it 🦆🐥About the guest:Cassidy Hall (she/her/hers) (MA, MDiv, MTS) is an author, award-winning filmmaker, podcaster, ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, and leading voice in contemplative spirituality. She is the cohost of the Encountering Silence podcast and the creator of the Contemplating Now and Queering Contemplation podcasts. Her films include In Pursuit of Silence and Day of a Stranger. Her forthcoming book, Queering Contemplation, Finding Queerness in the Roots and Future of Contemplative Spirituality is set for release in May of 2024. Cassidy is widely published and currently resides in Indianapolis, where she is studying for her DMin degree.Resources: A PDF of the transcript for this episode is available here. Grab a copy of the newly revised version of Falling Upward, with a new foreword by Brené Brown here. To learn more about Cassidy Hall, visit her website here. Grab a copy of Cassidy's book, Queering Contemplation, here.