We experience all kinds of discomfort across a lifetime, but how can we know when we’re in the type of liminal space that may have the potential to lead to big growth? Can we find clues about where to go next in the messages our minds and bodies are sending us? And is it possible to ever become okay with feeling uncomfortable? Cynthia and Susan explore the idea of reframing or repurposing some discomfort to make it not only useful, but maybe even holy.
Notes:
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: ‘Acting on the Truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,’ Church News 2/11/2012
Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience, by Brene Brown
Hallelujah Anyway: Rediscovering Mercy, by Anne Lamott
Mary Magdalene Revealed: The First Apostle, Her Feminist Gospel & the Christianity We Haven’t Tried Yet, by Meggan Watterson
The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See, By Richard Rohr
The Wisdom Jesus: Transforming Heart and Mind, by Cynthia Bourgeault
Glery Becerra
Cynthia and Susan, thank you for your amazing podcast, a personal eye opener in many ways. I am a better man in part because of the things I have learned from your conversations. I’ve been an active member of the Church for 36 years, I served a regular mission, married in the temple, served in 4 bishoprics, 2 stake high councils and so on. For a long time I was trying to make sense of what I believed, just like you are. Now I don’t believe any more and suddenly everything makes sense. All my respects to you and your efforts to make sense of this. Glery
Anne Cambridge
I love the visual I see in my mind when you talk about being in the in-between and in the hallway. I feel like that so much. I never thought I would be so grateful for uncertainty. Although at times I mourn for the certainty of my youth and my church mission, I am happy that I feel such liberation and joy in my uncertainty. I really appreciate your podcast, thanks for all you do.
Deb
Thank you for talking about your experience with depression. I was a teen who thought I was evil or doing things wrong despite praying and reading scriptures regularly. These formative years contributed to general feelings of unworthiness and low self esteem. This is the first time I’ve heard someone else express a similar experience.
Thanks for your podcast and deep thinking.