Coffeehouse Contemplative

Change is happening in our lives constantly, and often there's more than one occurring at a time. How do we deal with it all? What kinds of questions could we ask to do so? Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

We may struggle with an internal voice that constantly reminds us of our mistakes, flaws, and imperfections. It can have a negative effect on how we think others see us, as well as our self-perception. What's the key to quieting this voice? NOTE: The podcast will be taking a break in December and return in 2024. Four Weeks: Reflections for Advent Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

We may sometimes become tempted to compare our experiences with someone else's. That can be problematic for us in a number of ways, chief of which is that it keeps us from recognizing the unique circumstances of our own lives. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

How do we best set up our brains for success, productivity, and engagement? This episode will explore the Ultradian Rhythm that guides our mental capacity to give our best effort. No Self No Problem by Chris Niebauer Keep Going by Austin Kleon Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The sermon that I preached at Christ UCC in Orrville, Ohio on Sunday, November 5th, 2023. Joshua 3:7-17 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Just an update on what's been happening in my life the past week. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

When something happens to us, how sure can we be that it's 100% good or bad? What benefit could it be to wait things out and see how things go? What if we held off on our tendency to construct a narrative around our experiences? We'll See - A Chinese Proverb Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

As much as we might like to believe otherwise, our minds sometimes play tricks on us. This may be in response to particular scenarios in our lives or in relation to our overall worldview. What causes it, and how might we come to a truly more rational space within ourselves? Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The story of my two ebooks becoming paperbacks, the birth of my own publishing imprint, and the creative possibility that it brings. No Perfect Time: Brief Essays on Life and Faith Four Weeks: Reflections for Advent Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon for World Communion Sunday at First Congregational Church of Akron on October 1, 2023. Philippians 2:1-13 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Sometimes we can be so focused on the achievement at the end of a process that we can miss little lessons and experiences along the way. Making a point to notice moments during the journey can help us appreciate it more. The Art of Noticing by Rob Walker Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

We may have many different reasons for not setting a good boundary when we should. A certain amount of them are rooted in satisfying our own ego at the expense of our own health and relationships. Prayer in Motion: Connecting with God in Fidgety Times Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Recounting my experience at Akron Pride at the end of August. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

I'm celebrating my 100th episode via a lot of self-admitted navel-gazing regarding what I've learned over the course of recording this podcast. Recommended favorites: Episode 4: Practice Makes Proficient Episode 10: The Call Cycle Episode 35: Ash Wednesday Episode 64: The Three (or Four) Cs Episode 80: I Don't Call It Trauma, But It's Trauma Music: "Reflections" by Wild W...

TRIGGER WARNING: domestic violence and suicide My community suffered a great tragedy this past week. This episode is my possibly ill-advised way of beginning to process it. I also reflect on ways to express grief when we can't find the words. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

We can give quite a bit of our mental and spiritual energy to worrying about things that won't happen for a while. Sometimes such worry is warranted, but often it could be redirected toward what's happening in the moment. Matthew 6:25-34 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My family and I recently had the chance to take a ghost tour of the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio. I wanted to share a little of our experience while it's still fresh in my mind, as well as talk about other potentially paranormal moments that I've had. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The concept of "leaving the nest" works just fine for birds, but it gets more complicated when we apply it to humans. This week's episode re-examines this long-used metaphor. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Certain industries warn of "pinch points" that may be present as workers perform tasks or operate tools or machines. There's a such thing as mental, emotional, and spiritual pinch points as well. This episode explores what those could be, as well as ways to watch for them. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon at Bethany UCC in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio on July 23, 2023. Genesis 28:10-19a Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The sermon I preached on Sunday, July 16th at Bethany UCC in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My first night in Indianapolis, I took a pretty extensive walk through the downtown area. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My family enjoyed our annual beach vacation in mid-June. I decided it'd be fun to gradually record something for the podcast during that week as different ideas came to me. This week's episode is the result. Coffeehouse Contemplative: Spiritual Direction for the Everyday Prayer in Motion: Connecting with God in Fidgety Times The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff Music: "Reflections" b...

Our minds have creative and amazing ways to help us make sense of the world, including how best to make decisions when faced with opportunities and problems. But as helpful as they can be, we may need more than our own cognitive devices to see what's truly happening. NOTE: the podcast will be taking a break in June and will return in early July. No Self No Problem by Chris Niebauer Music: &quo...

We may have a certain notion or preference about how life should play out, but it doesn't often match up with what actually happens. From ordering an unfamiliar dish at a restaurant to our biggest life moments, how do we reconcile the ideal vs. reality? Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder