Living Compass Spirituality & Wellness

Continuing to focus on Wonder in this season of Advent, Scott talks about the connection between stories and wonder. And, of course, he has a story to tell--one from when he was in high school that had a profound and life-changing effect on his faith.

Moments of whoa and wonder are all around us. When we have the "eyes to see," we will notice these "God moments" often. In this Advent episode, Scott talks about a few God moments he has experienced recently and invites us to name such moments when we experience them, too.  

For the season of Advent, Scott will focus on the Living Compass theme of "Practicing Wonder with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind." You can subscribe to the daily email reflection for Advent by visiting https://www.livingcompass.org/advent-signup .  In this episode, Scott talks about the connection between wonder and love.  

Scott explores the concept of something that "takes our breath away" and talks about how important it is to make time to catch our breath, especially in these difficult times.  

In this early Thanksgiving episode, Scott talks about the importance of practicing gratitude by reflecting on Anne Lamott's outstanding book "Help. Thanks. Wow."

Scott talks about seeing one of his spiritual mentors in concert last week--the one and only Bob Dylan. Bob sang one of his Christian songs called "Gotta Serve Somebody," and Scott reflects on what the song means to him and how it connects with all things Living Compass. His only regret is that, due to copyright laws, he cannot play any portion of the song on the podcast!

In honor of Halloween, Scott invites us to all pause and reflect on what is "hallowed" in our lives. He notes that the words hallow, holy, whole, and healthy all share a common etymology.  He also invites us to see our lives as a hallowed gift, definitely a treat, and not a trick.

"If we have have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."  On this episode Scott expands on this quote from Mother Teresa and also talks about how Dr. King, and other spiritual leaders, taught us that only love can cast out and heal hate and violence.  

Some of the most beautiful words ever written about love were written by Paul in the letter to the Corinthians some 2,000 years ago. In this episode, Scott discusses how those words can serve as a "true north" for us today. 

Lao Tzu said over 2,000 years ago that "If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading." And yet, who amongst us doesn't know how hard it can be to make even the smallest change in life?  In this episode, Scott gives us some motivation to proactively make the changes we need to make.     What follows is a rough, unedited transcript of the audio recording.  While it may contai...

What follows is an lightly edited transcription of this six-minute episode. The spoken word is very different that the written word, and so in order to get the full nuance and emotion of what is being said we encourage you to listen as you read.   Welcome back to the Living Compass, Spirituality and Oneness podcast. My name is Scott Stoner. I'm the creator of this podcast and on this initiative an...

Please note—this is a transcription of this podcast episode.   It may contain errors and it in no way can capture the nuances and emotions of the spoken word.   We share it with you for those who prefer to read, or want to read along as the listen to the episode.   Welcome back to the Living Cup of Spirituality on one podcast. I'm so glad you're with me again. My name is Scott Stoner. I'm the foun...

The conscious and unconscious rules that govern relational systems (families, organizations, etc.) can either enhance well-being or inhibit it.  Scott helps us to understand when it's time to examine group thinking and how it applies to our well-being.

We all know from using map applications that zooming out sometimes gives us a perspective that we could not have gotten otherwise. That expanded perspective helps us to understand better where we are.  Systemic thinking can do the same for us, as Scott explains in this episode.  

Applying systemic to relational conflict is helpful in creating a lasting resolution that will be mutually satisfying for all parties involved in the conflict. And yet, when we are in the midst of conflict, it is often difficult to access this higher-level, systemic thinking. 

Scott continues talking about a wholistic, systemic approach to wellness as he explores the Living Compass Model of Well-Being and how the 8 areas of our well-being are interconnected. 

Scott discusses how the smoke from the Canadian wildfires that is negatively affecting people in the northern US provides a helpful reminder that we are all interconnected and how well-being is not just about individual choices but about environmental factors, too. 

This last episode of a 4-part series on rest focuses on the Mind quadrant of the Living Compass Model for Well-Being. Listen to learn more about a whole-person wellness understanding of rest.  Find this episode in your podcast app, or listen at www. LivingCompass.org/podcast

In this third episode of a 4-part series on rest, Scott reminds us of things we probably already know, but often forget when it comes to taking care of the rest our bodies need.  

In part 2 of a 4 part series on the different kinds of rest we need, Scott focuses on the "Heart" quadrant of the Living Compass model for Well-Being and how important it is to create rest for our emtional well-being. 

In part 1 of a 4 part series on the different kinds of rest we need, Scott focuses on the "Soul" quadrant of the Living Compass model for Well-Being and how important it is to create rest for our souls. 

On Scott's recent walk on the Camino Inglés, one of the many ancient Camino paths to Santiago de Compostella in northwest Spain, he talked with people who describe themselves as "spiritual, but not religious." In this episode, he shares how we are all spiritual beings and the importance of watering our spiritual roots on a regular basis. 

Life is Not a Competition. Too often, we get caught up in comparing ourselves to others and measuring our worth based on how we stack up. In this episode, Scott talks about how his recent walk on the Camino de Santiago reminded him that life is best lived cooperatively, not competitively. 

"To go fast, go alone. To go far, go together" is a proverb whose truth Scott was reminded of on his recent walk on the Camino de Santiago. In this episode, he shares what he learned about the importance of community--no matter what journey we are walking in life.  

When packing to walk the Camino de Santiago, it is essential to keep one's pack as light as possible, leaving behind all things that are not necessary. In this episode, Scott reflects on how this is a great metaphor for the rest of our lives as well.