To Be a Mystic

As we cross the threshold of the summer solstice, this episode is an intimate invitation to slow down, breathe, and ground yourself in the living energy of the natural world. Through a series of sensory reflections, we explore what it means to be fully present to the small miracles around us—from the rhythm of an ancient oak to the quiet sigh of a resting cat. Grab a warm cup of tea, find a comfor...

In this episode, we explore what it means to step out of the frantic rush of daily life and anchor ourselves in the present moment. We dive into the profound practice of constant, minute-by-minute awareness - treating our routine tasks not as distractions, but as living invitations to connect with the universal spirit. From the simple physical surrender of our daily actions to the realization that...

In this episode, we return to a recording from 2025—a gentle Loving Kindness (Metta) meditation. At its heart, this practice is about widening our circle of compassion, starting with ourselves and extending outward to the world around us.  Whether you are seeking a moment of stillness in a busy day or looking to cultivate more empathy for those around you, this guided session offers a simple path...

"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." — Annie Dillard What happens when we realize our phone is leading our Soul? In this episode, Marcella tells the story of her "wild experiment"—a 100-day journey that started with deleting a favorite app and ended with finding a sacred frequency she didn't know she was missing. If you’ve ever felt "fractured" by the digital glow or noti...

How do we find harmony when the world feels fractured? In this "Mini-Pod," Rev. Marcella Ciccotelli shares a celebration of community milestones and a practical tool for spiritual regulation during the grey Ohio winter. In this episode: ​ The Milestone: Celebrating 1,400 downloads and the power of "finding our people." ​ The Theology: A brief introduction to the Willardian Model—how our Mind, Body...

What happens when your "star word" contradicts your fear? In this special Epiphany episode, I’m sharing a story I’ve never told in detail: my first year of seminary, hiding in my car during lunch breaks, and the moment a yellow paper star changed the trajectory of my life. We talk about: ​ The "J-Term" struggle: Surviving seminary when you feel like an outsider. ​ The Connection: Why none of us ar...

Today is the Winter Solstice—the 'Season of Stories.' It is also my podcast’s 1st anniversary and my grandfather’s birthday. In this special episode, I’m traveling back to a farm in Putnam County, Ohio, to an orange hammock stretched between two silver maples. Join me as we explore the 'cocoon' of the longest night and the farmer’s wisdom of trusting the dark. 🌲✨

Podcast Summary: The Mycelial Mystery: Connected in the Soil of God Description: In a world that prizes the "self-made" individual, what if the deepest truth of our faith is found not in our isolation, but in our radical connection? Join us this week as we delve into the Mycelial Mystery—a fascinating biological metaphor that illuminates the power of the Church community, based on the principle of...

Where is God in our wilderness moments?

After a year of praying and leaning on what is known as the Welcoming Prayer within the teachings of Thomas Keating, Pastor Marcella discusses its beauty its difficulty and its mysterious way of moving us closer to God. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ak/lost-in-thoughts License code: ENR7BYKOSDATNOCB Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey...

An abbreviated version of Blue Christmas 2024, which we had planned at The Meadow of Ottawa. This is such an important service to be present for one another. This recording won’t do it justice, yet there is much hope in hearing these readings. May you enjoy this first podcast episode.