the REALIFE Practice Podcast

What does it look like to practice retreat with other people? In this episode, we continue our discussion on the spiritual practice of retreat, specifically focusing on the concept of experiencing retreats in community. We share insights from personal experiences and provide practical tips on finding or creating community retreats. We'll highlight the importance of setting expectations, using guid...

What do you actually DO while you're on retreat? In this episode, we talk about the logistics of planning a retreat, setting intentions, balancing structured and unstructured time, and effective reentry into everyday life post-retreat. We also discuss the importance of non-judgmental awareness during retreats and offer practical tips for creating meaningful retreat experiences. You'll also learn t...

What are the practical and logistical things that need to happen to plan a retreat? In this episode, we're talking about how to actually make a retreat happen. We discuss the importance of pre-deciding to set retreat dates on your calendar and offer tips on choosing the right environment, managing distractions, and preparing for a meaningful retreat experience. We also highlight the importance of...

When we practice retreat, sometimes we need someone to give us a little guidance on how to start and what to do. In this episode, we’re joined by guests Joan Kelley and Gail Donahue as they share their experiences and insights on facilitating retreats through their ministry, Sacred, which provides guided solitude retreats. We reflect on the significance of creating intentional spaces for rest, ref...

How has the practice of retreat shown up in your own life? In this episode, we’re sharing our personal stories and experiences of spiritual retreat. We talk about youth group retreats and structured programs we’ve done as adults, plus how this has looked in different seasons of our life. We also share practical advice on integrating retreats into your life, even during busy seasons, and how struct...

What is the spiritual practice of retreat, and how can it look in your everyday life? In this episode we discuss the meaning of retreat in a spiritual sense, emphasizing the importance of creating space for connection with God. We’ll explore the different rhythms and environments for retreat, the invitation to withdraw from daily life, and the importance of intentionality. We also preview upcoming...

How can you use journaling to process your emotions? In this episode, we introduce you to the N.O.W. Process Tool, an acronym that stands for Notice, Open, and Whole-Self Response, which helps process experiences through the centers of heart, mind, and body. We’ll share exactly how to use this tool for deeper journaling, personal growth, and spiritual connection. We’ll discuss the importance of na...

How can a practice of reviewing your days help you grow spiritually? In this episode, we’re continuing our conversation about spiritual journaling with the practice of Examen. We discuss our personal experiences with journaling as a means to connect with God and reflect on everyday life. This episode highlights the importance of recognizing God's presence during the writing process and we explain...

How can journaling help you learn to listen to God? In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome special guests Rebecca and Jay Madden as they share how journaling helped them to connect to God and their life story. Jay and Rebecca, authors of the book Breathless Haste, share how journaling played a pivotal role in the writing of their book and their spiritual journeys. They offer practical tips and...

S2, Ep. 3 Journaling: Prompts to Help You Get Started Do you ever wonder what exactly you should write when you journal? In this episode, we continue our discussion about spiritual journaling and how to get started when facing a blank page. We're sharing how journaling prompts can help you overcome the challenge of knowing what to write, and we give you practical questions to help guide your journ...

Does journaling have to mean writing pages and pages of words? In this episode, we're having a conversation about the countless ways you can approach this practice, and how to make it work for you based on your personality and preferences. Whether it's making a list, using bullet points, doodling, writing by hand, or typing it out, you're sure to find an approach that works for you! Journaling doe...

How can the practice of journaling help you grow spiritually? In this season of the podcast, we’re exploring this together. Listen in as we share our own personal journeys and struggles with journaling, and talk about how we REALLY feel about it. We invite you to commit to trying this practice with us as in this season, we’ll learn how journaling helps us pay attention to God in our everyday life....

Do you set goals or resolutions for the New Year, only to forget what they were by Febuary? In this special New Year's Eve bonus episode, we’re talking about how to pursue life change that really lasts as we move into a new year. Rather than focusing on traditional goals, we’ll introduce the concept of projects, which offer more flexibility and a greater sense of progress. Drawing inspiration from...

How can pre-deciding help us implement the practice of solitude? In this episode, we’re wrapping up our season on solitude by encouraging you to identify one next step to help you act on your desire to live out this practice. We’ll talk about the power of pre-deciding routines and rhythms to incorporate solitude successfully. This episode will encourage you to start small with manageable steps and...

If we know we need solitude and want to practice it, why do we have so much resistance to it? In this episode, we'll explore the common obstacles to solitude, such as daily distractions and the avoidance of confronting personal thoughts and emotions. We're also sharing more about the REALIFE Practice Membership launching in January, along with an invitation to join us for a free live call this wee...

What does practicing solitude look like in different seasons? Today we are thrilled to welcome special guest Sibyl Towner, spiritual director and Founding Leader of oneLife Maps. She shares her experiences and practical insights on finding quiet spaces in a busy world. Sibyl emphasizes the significance of creating environments conducive to solitude, shares her journey into practicing solitude, and...

In this special bonus episode of the podcast, you'll hear spiritual director and oneLife Maps Founding Leader Sibyl Towner share her life story. We believe each story matters, and we know you'll be inspired by Sibyl's life and journey with God. JOIN THE REALIFE PRACTICE MEMBERSHIP The REALIFE Practice Membership is designed for those who want to grow spiritually, but feel like REALIFE is getting i...

What do you actually DO in solitude? In this episode, we get really practical as we share practical tools and practices you can engage in during solitude, including various apps like Lectio 365 and Pray As You Go. We also walk you through a technique called “download” and introduce you to The Welcoming Prayer by Thomas Keating. You’ll also hear about the new REALIFE Practice Membership launching i...

Where is your sacred space for solitude? In this episode, we continue our conversation about the practice of solitude as we explore how it can transform from an obligation to an invitation to connect deeply with God. We discuss creating personal spaces—whether at home, in nature, or even in the car—for reflection and prayer, emphasizing the use of breath prayers to maintain a sense of God's presen...

Welcome to the REALIFE Practice Podcast, Season 1: Solitude. In this episode, we'll introduce the theme of solitude and explore the concept of finding quiet spaces amidst the noise of everyday life. How can we identify sources of noise that keep us from quiet, both internal and external? You'll also hear practical guidance on incorporating solitude into daily routines to foster a deeper connection...

Join hosts Teresa McCloy and Lindsay Sterchi in the premiere episode of the Real Life Practice Podcast as they reintroduce the former One Life Maps podcast under a new name. This season focuses on the practice of solitude and how to find quiet spaces in our busy lives to connect with God. The hosts share their personal experiences and insights on spiritual growth, exploring life stories, and payin...

We are excited to let you know that oneLife Maps will have a new home with the REALIFE Process® and Teresa McCloy’s stellar team. Our teams have had both personal and professional connections for years and we want to share what this move means for you, and why the REALIFE Process® is something we think you’ll be intrigued by, both for yourself and for those whom you serve. Listen in to this conver...

oneLife Maps is, at its core, interested in helping people to recognize and respond to God in their stories. There is so much to be said on the topic of life story as a spiritual practice that we recorded a second episode on the topic that moves in a different direction. I hope you enjoy this one, too. If you have engaged in 'Listen to My Life: Maps for Recognizing and Responding to God in My Stor...

Sharon Swing hosts a conversation with Jodi Niznik about the life of Moses and her new study, Choose. Jodie Niznik is Adult Ministries Pastor at Irving Bible Church in Irving, Texas. She holds a master’s degree in Christian education with an emphasis in women’s ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary and has served in various pastoral roles in the church. Jodie is the author of  Choose: A Study...

Jim Brule is a Maggid, a trainer of story-tellers from the Jewish tradition and an End-of-Life Dula. His passion is transformational storytelling -- the art of thought-provoking wisdom-sharing. Listen in as Sharon Swing talks to Jim about how stories connect, transform and heal us. You can learn more about Jim at http://www.transformationalstorytelling.org and listen to stories from many tellers o...